Building The Base
The ultimate podcast at the nexus of entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, and our National Security

Start Listening Today
Latest Episodes
"From Production Lines to Front Lines," with Becca Wasser and Philip Sheers of CNAS
In this episode of Building the Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula are joined by Becca Wasser and Philip Sheers from the Center for New American Security (CNAS) to discuss their recent report, "From Production Lines to Front Lines." Drawing from extensive industry research and stakeholder intervi...
"Supply Chains Win Wars": Rare Earth Magnets with John Maslin, CEO Vulcan Elements
In this episode of Building the Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula sit down with John Maslin, Co-founder and CEO of Vulcan Elements , for an insightful conversation about the critical importance of rare earth magnets to U.S. national security. Drawing from his background as a Navy Supply Corps of...
Founders in Focus Part 2: Tyler Sweatt, Josh Lospinoso + Troy Demmer (Recorded @ Manifest: Demo Day)
Today's episode of Building the Base is part two of our "Founders in Focus" series, recorded at Manifest: Demo Day where 34 companies from across the defense industrial base demoed their disruptive tech. Hosts Hondo and Lauren caught up with some of the most dynamic founders: Tyler Sweatt from Seco...
The Top Episodes
Featured Episodes

"From Production Lines to Front Lines," with Becca Wasser and Philip Sheers of CNAS









We Love Your Reviews
What People Are Saying
One of a kind!
An amazing dialogue with some of the most interesting guests in technology and national security. A must listen for entrepreneurs, innovators, government leaders, and anyone who wants to learn more about how technology will impact our future security and prosperity
Best Podcast re: NatSec / Defense tech innovation
Lauren & Hondo co-host the best Podcast that I’ve been exposed to re: National Security & Defense technology innovation (and Gov / Defense acquisition reform). Well done Lauren, Hondo, all the Podcast guests, and Business Executives for National Security (BENS) for producing this valuable series.
More discussion of this topic needed
The hosts do a excellent job of bringing important topics in national security and technology to the forefront, in both an interesting and informative way. Keep it coming.
The one podcast that brings together the tech, financial, entrepeneur, and national security communities
Become part of the Building the Base network to get info about upcoming episodes and much more.
- Upcoming Events
- Printed Show Notes
- Key take-aways from each episode
