
Advertise on podcast: Cold Star Project
Rating
4.3from
This podcast has
253 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Jason KaniganExplicit
No
Date created
2018/08/05
Latest episode
2026/09/08
Average duration
63 min.
Release period
74 days
Description
The Cold Star Project digs into the challenges of scaling fast that tech and Space manufacturing founders encounter. Money does not solve all problems--so what now? Listen in to discover what scaling problems you'll be running into soon, and get a serious advantage in starting to solve them before they run you over!
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Check latest episodes from Cold Star Project podcast
REPLACEMENT: Ex-Pentagon Software Chief Says 80% of Your Job Is Already Gone
2026/09/08
80% of your daily workload didn’t vanish because you were laid off: it’s because autonomous software simply took over.In this episode of the Cold Star Project, we sit down with Nicolas Chaillan, the first Chief Software Officer of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. After famously walking away from the Pentagon to sound the alarm on a legacy bureaucracy losing the software race to China, Nicolas has engineered a media enterprise run entirely by autonomous AI agents with zero human employees.Now, he’s laying it all bare in his groundbreaking book, REPLACEMENT: The AI Revolution Isn't Coming for Your Job. It Already Took It. Whether you are scaling a defense startup, studying modern conflict, or building AI stacks, this conversation is your blueprint to surviving an unprecedented wave of structural attrition. Chaillan reveals the exact token pipeline architecture he uses to generate $10 million in annual value, why your current cybersecurity defenses are completely obsolete against agentic threats, and what you must teach your children to survive the new labor market. The gap between relevance and replacement is shrinking faster than you think. GET NICOLAS CHAILLAN'S BOOK & TECH:Buy "REPLACEMENT" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Revolution-Isnt-Coming-Already-ebook/dp/B0GZKCWZ5V/Book Info & Updates:https://www.inthenicoftime.us/bookUnbiased Headlines:https://unbiasedheadlines.com/ABOUT THE COLD STAR PROJECT & SERVICES:Hosted by Jason Kanigan, the Cold Star Project explores the technology, strategy, and economics shaping the future of space and defense.Executive Clarity Assessment: https://coldstartech.com/assessmentBuy Jason's book "The Evolution of Space Entrepreneurship": https://coldstartech.com/evospaceOfficial Hub: https://jasonkanigan.comSubscribe for more interviews on space, defense, and strategyRemuneration Disclaimer: We were not remunerated by the guest or their organization for this discussion. This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not professional advice. Sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society.#ai #ArtificialIntelligence #NicolasChaillan #Cybersecurity #FutureOfWork #Pentagon #NationalSecurity #AIAgents #TechThriller #ColdStarProject
The Hard Truth About Building a Space Business | Daniel Faber, Orbit Fab
2026/07/14
What's the hard truth about building a space business?For years, the commercial space industry was defined by optimism. Lower launch costs, new investment, and ambitious founders created the belief that space companies could scale quickly. The reality has been far more complex.In this episode of the Cold Star Project, I sit down with Daniel Faber, founder of Orbit Fab, to discuss the hard lessons learned from building one of the commercial space industry's most recognized in-space logistics companies. We explore why commercial space moves more slowly than many expected, how government and private industry influence each other, what founders consistently underestimate, and what genuine success looks like in today's space economy.Whether you're building a startup, working in aerospace or defense, investing in emerging technology, or preparing for a career in the industry, this conversation offers practical insights that extend far beyond space.This conversation is especially relevant for:• Space and defense professionals• Startup founders and entrepreneurs• Aerospace engineers and technical leaders• Investors following the commercial space economy• College and university students interested in space, defense, and entrepreneurshipTopics include:• Building a commercial space business• Space entrepreneurship• Lessons from Orbit Fab• In-space logistics and orbital refueling• Startup execution and leadership• Venture capital and the commercial space economy• Government and commercial partnerships• Why hardware startups take longer than expected• Building companies in emerging industries• Advice for founders, engineers, and future industry leadersThe Cold Star Project features long-form conversations with leaders across the commercial space and defense industries, exploring strategy, entrepreneurship, operations, technology, and the future of national security.If you found this discussion valuable, please subscribe, leave a comment with your biggest takeaway, and share this episode with someone building the future of aerospace.ABOUT THE COLD STAR PROJECTThe Cold Star Project explores the technology, strategy, and economics shaping the future of space and defense.Executive Clarity Assessment: https://coldstartech.com/assessmentJason's latest Space industry book, for space startup founders - "The Evolution of Space Ownership": https://coldstartech.com/evospaceVISUAL MATERIALS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSFair Use Disclaimer: https://coldstarproject.com/fairusePortions of this video reference the following works:NASA Image and Video Libraryhttps://images.nasa.govNASA Scientific Visualization Studiohttps://svs.gsfc.nasa.govOrbit Fabhttps://www.orbitfab.comLeoLabshttps://www.leolabs.spaceSelected visual materials include NASA imagery and video related to Earth observation, orbital operations, spacecraft assembly, mission control, the Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program, Space Launch System (SLS), and International Space Station operations.NASA images and videos are in the public domain courtesy of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA names, logos, insignia, and emblems remain protected under applicable federal law and NASA media usage guidelines.This program includes commentary, criticism, education, and analysis of the referenced material.REMUNERATION DISCLAIMERWe were not remunerated by the guest or their organization if any for this discussion. This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice".The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the OpEx Society board of advisors.https://jasonkanigan.com
The New Space Race Is About Resources Not Exploration
2026/04/27
The New Space Race Is About Resources Not Exploration
With Namrata Goswami
The Cold Star Project - Season 2, Episode 101
Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan
Space is no longer about exploration.
The real shift is happening around resources. Water, energy, and the ability to build and operate beyond Earth. That changes what matters, and who matters.
In this episode of The Cold Star Project, I talk with space policy expert Namrata Goswami about how the United States, China, and India are approaching space resources, and why smaller countries like the UAE and Luxembourg moved earlier than most people realize.
We get into what has actually changed since the Cold War model of prestige and firsts, how nations are thinking about the Moon and cislunar space, and what happens once resource extraction becomes practical at scale.
This is not theoretical. The policies, programs, and infrastructure are already being put in place.
Topics covered:
Space resources and why they matter nowThe shift from exploration to infrastructureU.S., China, and India strategy in spaceWhy the Moon matters more than Mars right nowThe role of smaller countries in setting early rulesPublic private partnerships and commercial spaceWhat happens when space resource extraction becomes viable
If you are trying to understand where space development is actually going, this is the conversation.
Subscribe for more interviews on space, defense, and strategy.
Scramble for the Skies book on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Scramble-Skies-Competition-Control-Resources/dp/149858313X/
About The Cold Star Project
The Cold Star Project explores the technology, strategy, and economics shaping the future of space and defense.
Executive Clarity Assessment: https://coldstartech.com/assessment
Jason's latest Space industry book, for space startup founders - "The Evolution of Space Ownership": https://coldstartech.com/evospace
Fair Use Disclaimer: https://coldstarproject.com/fairuse
All referenced material is used here for commentary and analysis purposes.
Remuneration Disclaimer
We were not remunerated by the guest or their organization if any for this discussion. This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice".
The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the OpEx Society board of advisors.
https://jasonkanigan.com
Is the U.S. Already Losing the Space Nuclear Race?
2026/03/09
Is the U.S. Already Losing the Space Nuclear Race?
Nuclear reactors may be critical for the future of space exploration. But as the United States debates policy and regulation, China is rapidly advancing plans for nuclear power systems in space. From powering lunar bases to enabling deep space missions, space nuclear power systems could determine which nations lead the next era of space development.
In this interview, Dr. Bhavya Lal discusses why the United States may need to fly a nuclear reactor in space within the next decade, the strategic competition with China’s space nuclear ambitions, and the policy barriers slowing American progress.
We explore the key questions shaping the future of space power:
Why the U.S. may need to demonstrate a space nuclear reactor by 2030Whether China could deploy nuclear power systems on the Moon first What the cancellation of DARPA’s DRACO nuclear propulsion program means for U.S. strategy The difference between nuclear propulsion and nuclear power systems in space How regulatory barriers affect the development of space nuclear technology Whether public-private partnerships can realistically deliver space nuclear systems The strategic implications of nuclear power infrastructure beyond Earth
Dr. Lal outlines the policy options, technical challenges, and geopolitical stakes surrounding the race to develop nuclear power systems for space.
If humanity is going to establish a sustained presence beyond Earth, nuclear energy may be the only power source capable of supporting large-scale space infrastructure.
Topics coveredspace nuclear powernuclear reactors in spaceKilopower reactorNASA space nuclear technologyChina lunar infrastructure plansDARPA DRACO nuclear propulsionlunar base power systemsspace exploration strategynuclear propulsion vs nuclear power
Weighing the Future: Strategic Options for U.S. Space NuclearLeadership [White paper]: https://coldstarproject.com/lalnuclearpaper
About The Cold Star ProjectThe Cold Star Project explores the technology, strategy, and economics shaping the future of space and defense.
Executive Clarity Assessment: https://coldstartech.com/assessment
Jason's latest Space industry book, for space startup founders - "The Evolution of Space Ownership": https://coldstartech.com/evospace
Fair Use Disclaimer: https://coldstarproject.com/fairuse
Portions of this video reference the following works:
NASA Image and Video Libraryhttps://images.nasa.gov
NASA Scientific Visualization Studiohttps://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
NASA Headquarters
U.S. National Archives (Apollo footage)https://archive.org
Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain NASA imagery)
Selected materials include imagery from the Apollo program, Saturn launch footage, NERVA nuclear propulsion program archives, Kilopower reactor concept demonstrations, Artemis briefings, Europa Clipper development imagery, lunar visualization datasets, and historical NASA documentary film.
Most NASA images and videos are public domain courtesy of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
All referenced material is used here for commentary and analysis purposes.
Remuneration Disclaimer
We were not remunerated by the guest or their organization if any for this discussion. This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice".
The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the OpEx Society board of advisors.
https://jasonkanigan.com
Science Fiction's Secret Power: How Stories Built the Modern World
2026/01/15
Science Fiction's Secret Power: How Stories Built the Modern World
The Cold Star Project - Season 2, Episode 99
Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan
What if science fiction didn’t just predict the future — but helped create it?In this conversation, we explore how post-World War II science fiction shaped how societies think about nuclear war, AI, surveillance, and autonomous weapons before those systems fully existed.
My guest is Matt, creator of Feral Historian. We examine the feedback loop between imagination and reality — how stories made invisible threats understandable, emotional, and politically usable.
We talk about writers like Arthur C. Clarke, films like They Live, and how science fiction shifted from optimism to pessimism as technology and power consolidated.
We also ask a harder question: Did sci-fi help kill the space-age dream — or did it simply tell the truth about where civilization was heading?
If you’ve ever wondered whether science fiction influenced the military-industrial complex, or why modern futures feel recycled instead of bold, this conversation will give you a framework for understanding why.
Topics Covered:
* Science fiction and nuclear war psychology
* AI, autonomous weapons, and cultural conditioning
* Cold War fear narratives
* Surveillance and control in sci-fi
* Why the future stopped feeling new.
“The real conversations behind the new space economy, defense tech, and policy—straight from the insiders building it.”
Feral Historian YouTube Channel: @feralhistorian
Ninti's Gate book: https://www.amazon.com/Nintis-Gate-Matthias-Pierce/dp/B0D8HK9YJT/
Peter Thorpe space artist interview:https://youtu.be/0R7WpYCtZaE?si=RvDvY6PMSb-gjnW0
Executive Clarity Assessment: https://coldstartech.com/assessment
Jason's latest Space industry book, for space startup founders - "The Evolution of Space Ownership": https://coldstartech.com/evospace
Fair Use Disclaimer: https://coldstarproject.com/fairuse
All referenced material is used here for commentary and analysis purposes.
Remuneration Disclaimer: We were not remunerated by the guest or their organization if any for this discussion.
This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice".
The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the OpEx Society board of advisors.
https://jasonkanigan.com
Why the Space Force Needs a Tony Stark Acquisition Model
2025/11/03
Why the Space Force Needs a 'Tony Stark Acquisition Model'The Pentagon takes years to build what China develops in months. But what if the problem isn't the technology: it's the system itself?Colonel Eric Felt (ret.) spent his career inside the machine—leading the Air Force Research Lab Space Vehicles Directorate and shaping Space Force acquisition at the Pentagon. Now he's breaking down exactly where defense innovation breaks, and how to fix it.In this conversation, we cover:
The "Valley of Death" and why it's actually a GOOD thing
The "Tony Stark Acquisition Model" and how it worksSupply chain vulnerabilities in space systemsHow to bridge research labs and battlefield fasterPPBE budget reform and acquisition workarounds (OTAs, BTRs, quick-start authorities)The Replicator initiative for proliferated LEO satellitesGolden Dome missile defense and what it really meansWhy peacetime makes us complacent and vulnerableCommercial space partnerships that actually work (Starlink case study)How to sell technology to the DoD (insights from someone who bought it).Whether you're building space tech, working in defense, investing in dual-use technology, or just want to understand how America can move faster in great power competition...this is essential viewing.The Cold Star Project - Season 4, Episode 24Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan“The real conversations behind the new space economy, defense tech, and policy—straight from the insiders building it.”Previous Interviews with Col. Felt: • Eric Felt on the Cold Star Project Jason's latest Space industry book, for space startup founders - "The Evolution of Space Ownership": https://coldstartech.com/evospaceFair Use Disclaimer: https://coldstarproject.com/fairuseRemuneration DisclaimerWe were not remunerated by the guest or their organization if any for this discussion. This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice".The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the OpEx Society board of advisors.
What Can We Learn from INTERWAR Tanks to Build the Perfect Space Vehicle?
2025/07/23
What Can We Learn from INTERWAR Tanks to Build the Perfect Space Vehicle?
Nicholas Moran (The Chieftain) returns to Cold Star Project for an in-depth analysis of interwar tank doctrine development and its applications to modern space defense.Episode Focus: How seven major nations approached mechanized warfare challenges between 1918-1939, examining their strategic constraints, doctrinal solutions, and ultimate battlefield outcomes.
Key Discussion Points:
Comparative analysis of French, German, Soviet, British, American, Italian, and Japanese tank development philosophiesResource limitations and industrial capacity impacts on doctrineTactical innovation versus established military thinkingPractical applications for contemporary "space tank" or patrol vehicle concepts
Target Insights: Defense professionals will recognize familiar strategic dilemmas in resource allocation, technological integration, and operational planning. History enthusiasts get detailed examination of lesser-known doctrinal decisions that shaped WWII outcomes.Why This Matters: The same fundamental questions that plagued interwar military planners—mobility versus protection, standardization versus specialization, offensive versus defensive priorities—are now central to space-based defense planning.The
Cold Star Project - Season 4, Episode 23Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan
“The real conversations behind the new space economy, defense tech, and policy—straight from the insiders building it.”
Google Sheet: "Interwar Tank Doctrine Comparison Table Developed from Nicholas Moran's Analysis"
https://coldstarproject.com/morantable
The Chieftain YouTube Channel: / @thechieftainshatch
Previous interview: • Nicholas Moran - Tank Research with The Ch...
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Music: W. A. Mozart, Symphony No.38 in D major
Attribution: A Far Cry Music (YouTube Audio Library), no attribution required
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Remuneration Disclaimer: We were not remunerated in any way by the guest or their organization if any for this discussion. This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice".
The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the board of advisors of the OpEx Society.
Cold Star Technologies website:
https://www.coldstartech.com
Operational Excellence Society website:
https://www.opexsociety.org
About Jason Kanigan:
https://jasonkanigan.com
Space Force: 4 Things YOU Need to KNOW About the Future of Warfare - CSP S04E22
2025/07/01
Space Force: 4 Things YOU Need to KNOW About the Future of Warfare - Interview with Joel Mozer
In this revealing interview with Dr. Joel Mozer, retired Chief Scientist of the US Air Force and Space Force, discover insights reshaping America's Space Force and warfighting strategies. Based on a three-year study, Dr. Mozer reveals why space has hit a critical "tipping point", transforming from government-controlled frontier into the ultimate battleground where commercial companies, military forces, and national powers collide. This strategic reality is driving Pentagon decisions right now.
Learn how the Space Force's dual mandate revolutionizes military strategy, why commercial space partnerships are America's secret weapon, and what capabilities the US must develop to maintain space supremacy. Dr. Mozer breaks down four critical observations from the multi-author official "Beyond the Tipping Point" report about warfare's future, revealing how space operations connect to every Earth mission.
The Cold Star Project - Season 4, Episode 22Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan
“The real conversations behind the new space economy, defense tech, and policy—straight from the insiders building it.”
PDF Report, "Beyond the Tipping Point:Space Strategic Foresight Implications forNational and United States Space Force (USSF)", Google Drive link:https://coldstarproject.com/mozerreportDr. Mozer's LinkedIn Profile:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-mozer-391a0058/Remuneration Disclaimer:
We were not remunerated in any way by the guest or their organization if any for this discussion. This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice".
The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the board of advisors of the OpEx Society.
Cold Star Technologies website: https://www.coldstartech.com
Operational Excellence Society website: https://www.opexsociety.org
About Jason Kanigan: https://jasonkanigan.com
NASA's BIGGEST Moon Challenges for University Students! [Paul van Susante] - CSP S05E08
2025/06/03
NASA's BIGGEST Moon Challenges for University Students - Interview with Paul van SusanteHow do we generate power on the Moon — and keep it running through the harsh 14-day lunar night? In this episode of the Cold Star Project, Dr. Paul van Susante of Michigan Tech shares what it really takes to make lunar infrastructure a reality.
From lunar robotics to the NASA Watts on the Moon Challenge, Dr. van Susante’s team of students is solving real-world problems that will shape the future of Moon missions and deep space exploration. We share the experiences of his students participating in NASA challenges on regolith handling, power transmission, thermal issues, and what it means to build infrastructure where no one’s done it before.
🔧 Topics Covered:
How to power lunar bases through extreme conditionsWhy the NASA Watts on the Moon Challenge matters — and how student teams are pushing lunar tech forwardRobotic design for dusty, low-gravity environmentsWhat students are building today to support future Moon missionsThe future of off-world civil engineering.
🎓 Guest: Dr. Paul van Susante – Professor at Michigan Technological University and Principal Investigator of the Planetary Surface Technology Development Lab (a.k.a. HuskyWorks).
This episode is brought to you by Cold Star Technologies and our Internal Business Intelligence™ initiative — helping space and defense founders gain clarity and control. Learn more at 👉 https://coldstartech.com/ibi
The Cold Star Project - Season 5, Episode 8
Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan
“The real conversations behind the new space economy, defense tech, and policy—straight from the insiders building it.”
Further resources:
https://www.youtube.com/@NASAsBreakTheIceLunarChallenge
NASA Break the Ice Lunar Challenge website
https://breaktheicechallenge.com/NASA
Lunabotics competition (student competition) webpage
https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/lunabotics-challenge/
Fair Use Disclaimer: This video may contain copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available for purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act.
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this video for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use,' you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.
Credits & Attributions:
1. "[4K, 60 fps] Apollo 16 Lunar Rover 'Grand Prix' (1972 April 21, Moon)" — Film enhanced by Denis Shiryaev
Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=az9nFrnCK60
2. "Side view of the crater Moltke" — Photo taken during Apollo 10 by NASA
Public domain. NASA Apollo Archive, Image AS10-29-4324
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4691773.
All student and competition photos provided by Paul van Susante.
Remuneration Disclaimer: We were not remunerated in any way by the guest or their organization if any for this discussion. This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice".
The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the board of advisors of the OpEx Society.
Jason's latest Space industry book, The Evolution of Space Entrepreneurship:
https://coldstartech.com/evospace
Cold Star Technologies website:
https://www.coldstartech.com
Operational Excellence Society website:
https://www.opexsociety.org
About Jason Kanigan:
https://jasonkanigan.com
WWII Innovation Machine: Freedom's Forge and the Arsenal of Democracy [Bill Conley] - CSP S04E21
2025/05/06
WWII Innovation Machine: Freedom's Forge and the Arsenal of Democracy - Interview with Bill Conley
How did America transform from a peacetime economy to the "arsenal of democracy" before entering WWII? In this compelling interview, Dr. Bill Conley—former Director of Electronic Warfare at DARPA and current CTO at Mercury Systems—delves into the insights from Freedom's Forge by Arthur Herman. The book chronicles how industrial leaders like William Knudsen and Henry Kaiser revolutionized U.S. defense production.
🔍 Key Discussion Points:
William Knudsen's Leadership: How the former GM executive spearheaded wartime production efforts.Public-Private Collaboration: The synergy between government directives and industrial execution.Modern Parallels: Applying WWII strategies to today's defense challenges, including electronic warfare and supply chain resilience.Policy Implications: The impact of initiatives like the CHIPS Act and AUKUS on current defense manufacturing.
Dr. Conley brings a unique perspective, bridging historical strategies with contemporary defense needs. His experience at DARPA and Mercury Systems offers valuable insights into how past successes can inform future innovations.
📘 About Freedom's Forge: Arthur Herman's Freedom's Forge highlights the pivotal role of American industry in WWII, emphasizing the importance of leadership, innovation, and collaboration in overcoming monumental challenges.
The Cold Star Project - Season 4, Episode 21Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan
Fair Use Disclaimer: This video may contain copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available for purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act.In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this video for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use,' you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.
Remuneration Disclaimer: We were not remunerated in any way by the guest or their organization if any for this discussion. This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice".
The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the board of advisors of the OpEx Society.
Cold Star Technologies website: https://www.coldstartech.com
Operational Excellence Society website: https://www.opexsociety.org
About Jason Kanigan: https://jasonkanigan.com
Supercharging the DEFENSE Innovation Game for an Unrivaled Advantage! [Mike Brown] CSP S04E20
2025/04/07
"Supercharging the DEFENSE Innovation Game for an Unrivaled Advantage!"
with guest Mike Brown
The Cold Star Project - Season 4, Episode 20
Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan
War On the Rocks article:
https://warontherocks.com/2023/09/revisiting-the-hedge-strategy-with-renewed-urgency/
Fast Follower Strategy paper:
https://coldstarproject.com/fastfollower
This video contains clips from the following copyrighted works used under Fair Use for commentary/criticism purposes:
The Final Countdown (1980) - © United Artists / MGM
The Color of Money (1986) - © Touchstone Pictures / Walt Disney Studios
Top Gun: Maverick (2022) - © Paramount Pictures
Modern Marvels DVD - © A&E Networks / History Channel
Cold War (CNN Documentary Series) - © CNN Productions
THAAD Missile Defense: How it Works - © Fox Business Network/Fox Corporation
Raytheon's Ballistic Missile Defense Systems Provide Layered Defense Around the World - © Raytheon Technologies (RTX)
All copyrighted content remains the property of their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
Music: "Per Kiilstofte - Dystopia" / perkiilstofte Royalty Free Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://bit.ly/dystopia-song
This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice".
The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the board of advisors of the OpEx Society.
Cold Star Technologies website: https://www.coldstartech.com
Operational Excellence Society website: https://www.opexsociety.org
About Jason Kanigan: https://jasonkanigan.com
Meet the MASTERMINDS Behind 2025's Most Epic Space Piracy Book! [Hugh Taylor and Marc Feldman] CSP S03E03
2025/02/12
"Meet the MASTERMINDS Behind 2025's Most Epic Space Piracy Book!"
With guests Marc Feldman and Hugh Taylor
The Cold Star Project - Season 3, Episode 23
Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan
The Book: Space Piracy: Preparing for a Criminal Crisis in Orbit published by John Wiley & Sons, 2025
https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Space+Pir...
Get the book on Amazon (non-affiliate link):https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394240201
This video contains clips from the following copyrighted works used under Fair Use for commentary/criticism purposes:
Moonraker (1979) - © Eon Productions/United Artists/Danjaq, LLC
Captain Phillips (2013) - © Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures Entertainment
Space Rangers (1993) - © Paramount Television
Taboo (2017) - © Scott Free Productions/Hardy Son & Baker/FX Productions/BBC One
The Mandalorian (2019) - © Lucasfilm Ltd./Disney+
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) - © Paramount Pictures
Aliens (1986) - © Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
All copyrighted content remains the property of their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice".
Visual elements present in the original YouTube show version of this episode are unavailable in this format. We make this audio-only version available as a courtesy, and recommend you watch the original on YouTube for the full experience.Spaceship interior console images designed by Freepik.
The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the board of advisors of the OpEx Society.
Cold Star Technologies website:https://www.coldstartech.com
Operational Excellence Society website:https://www.opexsociety.org
About Jason Kanigan:https://jasonkanigan.com
Mike Brown - What is the Role of Commercial Technology In Great Power Competition? - CSP S04E18
2023/12/26
Past Defense Innovation Unit Director, visiting Scholar at Stanford, former large tech company CEO, and current venture capitalist Mike Brown is this interview guest on the Cold Star Project. Host Jason Kanigan asks Mike about the role of commercial technology in Great Power competition. We discuss:
what "commercial technology" is (not just silicon chips)
the organizing principle of commercial tech development for great powers, and whether there is a difference in war or peacetime
what national leaders frequently fail to focus on that punishes the nation
what the focus of tech dev in peacetime is, and whether the speed of that development matters when war begins
the shocking truth about the defense industrial base and the tiny number of companies funded by Pentagon spending (6 vendors receive 2/3 of all Pentagon procurement spending)
infiltration of US commercial tech dev by foreign powers through venture investment, and just how meaningful this is
the question Peter Zeihan poses about the breakdown of the global supply chain, and whether we in the US ought to be concerned.
USEFUL LINKS:
Mike Brown's 2017 DIUx Report:
https://www.k-state.edu/research/faculty/other-resources/facility-security-office/documents/diux-study.pdf
Secret History of Silicon Valley slides download from my Google Drive:
https://coldstartech.com/steveblank
Innovating Victory: Naval Technology in Three Wars by O'Hara and Heinz:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1682477320/
OpEx Society:
https://www.opexsociety.org
Talk to Cold Star:
https://coldstartech.com/talktous
Tim Anderson - "A Personal 2023 Wrap-Up of the Space Industry" - Cold Star Project S02E98
2023/11/20
US Navy Commander and defense contractor Tim Anderson returns to the Cold Star Project to give an update on what he's seen in the space industry over the past six months. This interview has a different format than usual. Host Jason Kanigan and Tim have a relaxed conversation about talent acquisition and collaboration, quantum computing, AI for space, launch systems, and a lot more. The big takeaway? That conversations in the space industry previously held behind closed doors are now happening in the open because of the need for collaboration.
USEFUL LINKS:
OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org
Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous
Rand Simberg - Let’s Talk About Safety and Building Codes In the Space Industry
2023/11/07
"Recovering aerospace engineer" Rand Simberg is on the Cold Star Project to discuss three space industry issues. With host Jason Kanigan, Rand elaborates on:
Overvaluing "safety first" in the space industry, and his book, Safe Is Not An Option
Building codes for orbital, cislunar, and BEO facilities (which do not exist yet
The uniqueness and benefits of equatorial LEO.
USEFUL LINKS:
Safe Is Not An Option book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Safe-Not-Option-Rand-Simberg/dp/0989135519/
OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org
Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous
Podcast reviews
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Al's 27th biggest fan... 2019/06/13
Super useful, intelligent & interesting!
Jason’s podcast is loaded with intelligence. He is an expert interviewer, and his guests share some of the most incredible stories. I recommend this h...
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