Building the Base

Building the Base

The Building the Base Podcast is in-depth series of conversations with top entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders from tech, financial, industrial, and public sectors.
 
Our special guests provide their unique perspectives on a broad selection of topics such as: shaping our future national security industrial base, the impact of disruptive technologies, how new startups can increasingly contribute to national security, and practical tips on leadership and personal development whether in government or the private sector.
Building the Base is hosted by Lauren Bedula, is Managing Director and National Security Technology Practice Lead at Beacon Global Strategies, and the Honorable Jim "Hondo" Geurts who retired from performing the duties of the Under Secretary of the Navy and was the former Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development & Acquisition and Acquisition Executive at United States Special Operations Command.
Innovation through Incrementalism: Rep. Jim Himes, Ranking Member, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
July 01, 2025
76
00:28:3339.23 MB

Innovation through Incrementalism: Rep. Jim Himes, Ranking Member, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

In this episode of Building the Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula sit down with Ranking Member Jim Himes (D-CT), who serves on both the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Financial Services Committee. Drawing from his unique background spanning Wall Street and public s...

From Submariner to CEO: Cameron McCord's Journey Building Nominal
June 17, 2025
75
00:34:2847.38 MB

From Submariner to CEO: Cameron McCord's Journey Building Nominal

In this episode of Building the Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula reconnect with Cameron McCord, Co-Founder and CEO of Nominal, two years after his first appearance on the show (linked here ). Drawing from his unique journey from submarine officer (484 days underwater) to defense tech entrepreneu...

Financing the Fight with Chris Lay and James Parker of Leonid Capital Partners
May 27, 2025
74
00:39:2954.27 MB

Financing the Fight with Chris Lay and James Parker of Leonid Capital Partners

In this episode of Building the Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula are joined by James Parker and Chris Lay, co-founding partners of Leonid Capital Partners , a private credit fund supporting the US national security ecosystem. Drawing from their unique backgrounds in astrophysics and neuroscience...

"From Production Lines to Front Lines," with Becca Wasser and Philip Sheers of CNAS
May 13, 2025
73
00:32:1044.2 MB

"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 intervie...

"Supply Chains Win Wars": Rare Earth Magnets with John Maslin, CEO Vulcan Elements
April 29, 2025
72
00:25:2935 MB

"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 off...