In this episode of Tipping Spears with Hannah Becker, I sit down with Dr. Kyleanne Hunter - CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). A former Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra attack pilot with multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Dr. Hunter has dedicated her career to service, leadership, and advancing policies that strengthen the post-9/11 veteran community. In this episode, Dr. Hunter shares her personal journey of military service, the challenges and triumphs of advocacy, and her insights on the future of our veteran community. We discuss misconceptions about post-9/11 veterans, the top issues facing Global War on Terror veterans, and IAVA’s legislative priorities shaping policies.

In this episode of Tipping Spears with Hannah Becker, I sit down with James Schmeling, President and CEO of the National Defense University Foundation and U.S. Air Force veteran. With more than 25 years of leadership in nonprofits and higher education, James shares his journey from military service to leading one of the nation’s premier defense education foundations. We discuss the mission and impact of the NDU Foundation, how philanthropy strengthens national security education, and the trends shaping today’s defense environment. James also offers insights on the transformative role of nonprofits in supporting veterans, the importance of cross-sector partnerships, and why he’s optimistic about the next generation of leaders.

In this episode of Tipping Spears with Hannah Becker, I sit down with Ben Connable, PhD—Executive Director of the Battle Research Group, adjunct professor at Georgetown, retired U.S. Marine Corps intelligence officer, and former RAND senior political scientist. Drawing on decades of experience in combat operations, strategy, and research, Ben unpacks lessons from his book Ground Combat: Puncturing the Myths of Modern War, the founding of the Battle Research Group, and the role of counter-UAS technologies on today’s battlefield. He shares candid insights on defense innovation, the importance of field research, and how future national security leaders can cultivate the critical thinking skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern warfare.

In this episode of Tipping Spears with Hannah Becker, COL Chip Bircher, USA (Ret.)—Chief Technology Officer and Acting Head of Sales at SOFTwarfare®—joins me to discuss his journey from ROTC to 28 years of Army service and into the cybersecurity sector. As a former senior leader in strategic communication, information operations, and electronic warfare, Chip shares insights on the rise of cognitive warfare, lessons from commanding information campaigns in Afghanistan, and how technology is reshaping both national security and business. He also offers perspective on today’s most pressing cyber threats, emerging innovations, and the skills future leaders need to succeed in the evolving landscape of defense and cybersecurity.

In this gripping episode of Tipping Spears, Tanner Yackley—a former MQ-9 Reaper Sensor Operator turned mental health advocate—opens up about the invisible wounds of drone warfare. From flying combat missions in the Global War on Terror to pioneering trauma resources through his Remote Warrior initiative, Tanner shares his deeply personal and professionally informed insights on Complex PTSD, moral injury, and what we must do to support a generation of digital-era veterans.

In this episode of Tipping Spears, Brig. Gen. Chad Raduege, USAF (Ret.) unpacks nearly three decades of frontline leadership in cyber and national security. From responding to the Oklahoma City bombing to leading global communications for the U.S. European Command, he offers hard-won lessons on resilience, innovation, and trust. Whether you're defending networks or shaping policy, Chad’s insights will challenge how you think about leadership in the digital age.

In this powerful episode of Tipping Spears, LTC (Ret.) Scott Mann—Green Beret, storyteller, and author of Nobody is Coming to Save You—opens up about leadership, the emotional toll of Afghanistan’s withdrawal, and the power of storytelling in a divided world. An authentic, timely conversation about service, purpose, and human connection.

In this episode of Tipping Spears, Dr. Ben Zweibelson—Army veteran, military strategist, and author of Reconceptualizing War—joins Hannah Becker for a deep dive into modern warfare, paradigm shifts, and why defense innovation requires more than just new tech. A must-listen for leaders navigating the evolving security landscape.

In this episode of Tipping Spears, Hannah Becker speaks with Brian Russell—a career warfighter turned thought leader in cyber and information warfare. With 27 years of distinguished service in the United States Marine Corps, including multiple combat deployments and commands, Brian brings hard-won insight to the rapidly evolving landscape of digital conflict and national security. Brian's journey reflects the transformation of warfare itself—from kinetic to cognitive. He offers experienced insights on how leaders should adapt to complex threats and what it takes to stay ahead in the Information Age.

In this episode of Tipping Spears, Hannah Becker speaks with Dr. Melissa Graves—Associate Professor and Department Chair of Intelligence and Security Studies at The Citadel—about the evolving landscape of intelligence and national security. From Watergate fascination to shaping the next generation of intelligence professionals, Dr. Graves shares her unique journey and interdisciplinary perspective. With insights on ethics, artificial intelligence, and the future of the intelligence community, she challenges us to think critically about power, transparency, and technology. Whether you're a student of history or a national security professional, this episode delivers thought-provoking commentary and practical wisdom.

In this episode of Tipping Spears, Hannah Becker sits down with Marcus “Marc” Sachs—retired U.S. Army officer, cybersecurity pioneer, and Chief Engineer at the Center for Internet Security. From ham radio to the White House, Marc shares how his military roots and technical passion shaped a groundbreaking career in cyber defense. He reflects on major cyber incidents, lessons learned, and the future of cyber-informed engineering for national security. This conversation offers rare insight from one of the architects of modern cybersecurity—don’t miss it.

In this episode of Tipping Spears with Hannah Becker, retired Green Beret Michael “Rod” Rodriguez shares his journey from Special Forces sniper instructor to President & CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. With ten combat deployments and decades of service, Rod reflects on leadership, sacrifice, and honoring America’s longest war. He offers powerful insight into veteran resilience, national remembrance, and finding purpose after service. A must-listen for anyone connected to the post-9/11 military experience.

In this episode, Dr. Daniel “Rags” Ragsdale shares insights from 40+ years in national defense, exploring AI’s role in cybersecurity, military leadership, and workforce development. From the US Army, West Point, DARPA, and the White House, his experience offers a grounded, strategic take on tech’s impact on our security and future.

Explore the frontlines of cognitive warfare in this thought-provoking episode featuring Dr. Sean Guillory. Dive into the intersection of neuroscience, social engineering, and defense strategy. Whether you're in defense, tech, or just curious about the science shaping modern conflict, this episode offers powerful insights for navigating today’s digital battlespace.

Explore AI, ethics, and modern warfare with Bishop Garrison—West Point grad, combat vet, and VP at INSA—on Tipping Spears with Hannah Becker. From Iraq to AI policy, Bishop shares insights on leadership, tech, and the future of national security. A must-listen for anyone navigating defense, innovation, or global uncertainty.

In this episode of Tipping Spears, we interview Justin Brown—U.S. Navy veteran, HillVets founder, and CEO of The Nimitz Group—who shares his journey from military service to veteran advocacy and entrepreneurship. Hear insights on leadership, mentorship, and empowering veterans, military spouses, and surviving spouses to lead and serve beyond the uniform.

In this episode of Tipping Spears, we sit down with John Bicknell—USMC veteran, cognitive security expert, and founder of More Cowbell Unlimited—to explore the future of information warfare, national security, and veteran-led innovation. From the battlefield to boardrooms, John shares insights on leadership, technology, and defending the information domain.

In Episode 9 of Tipping Spears with Hannah Becker, we sit down with Ally Armeson—Executive Director of FightCybercrime and a U.S. Army veteran—to explore how she’s helping individuals and families recognize, report, and recover from cybercrimes. From romance scams to military-targeted fraud, Ally shares her journey from military service to cybersecurity leadership, offering powerful insights into digital resilience, trauma-informed recovery, and how to protect yourself and others online. Whether you're a veteran, military spouse, or simply want to be safer in today’s digital world, this episode is packed with actionable guidance and hope for healing.