Tesseract Podcast

In Episode 4 of the 2A Career Field Strategy Podcast Series, the team takes listeners inside the strategic summit, a major milestone that transformed the Career Field Strategy from concept to construct. This episode provides the first detailed look at the future of the 2A Career Field Strategy, including the Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) phase, the newly defined specialty phase, and the ev...

In Episode 3 of the 2A Career Field Strategy Podcast Series, we hit the ground running with updates from Kickoff 2.0, proving that "the working groups are where the action is at." Have questions, concerns, or feedback you want addressed in future episodes? Share your input here: https://tesseractaf.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/1/create/157 This episode highlights the massive momentum...

In this episode of the Tesseract Podcast, host TSgt Dan Kosty introduces listeners to the podcast’s newest co-host, SSgt Ian “Speed” Pierce, and the perspective he brings to the conversation. Ian reflects on his journey from aircraft maintenance and high-tempo operations at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to deep testing at Edwards Air Force Base and squadron-level innovation efforts. He shares ho...

In Episode 2 of the 2A Career Field Strategy Podcast Series, we dive into how the strategy is being built—and who is shaping it. Have questions, concerns, or feedback you want addressed in future episodes? Share your input here: https://tesseractaf.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/1/create/157 This episode pulls back the curtain on the work happening behind the scenes, including the use o...

This episode kicks off the 2A Career Field Strategy Podcast Series, a dedicated series on the Tesseract Podcast focused on the future of Air Force maintenance. Have input, questions, or concerns? Share them here: https://tesseractaf.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/1/create/157 In Episode 1, we explore why change is necessary, what is driving the 2A Career Field Strategy, and why this mom...

In this episode of the Tesseract Podcast, we sit down with Major General Edward Vaughan, Executive Director of the Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell (JRAC), to explore the critical role rapid acquisition plays in supporting warfighters at the speed of relevance.  Drawing on decades of experience in uniform and at the highest level of the Department of Defense, Maj Gen. Vaughan unpacks what it means to...

In this episode of the Tesseract Podcast, we sat down with Major General Jeffrey R. King, Director of Logistic for the U.S. Air Force, as he reflect on 32 years of service, this journey took him from the flight line to the pentagon, serving and leading at all sort of positions. Maj. Gen King shares his early roots as an aircraft maintenance, his passion for innovation, and why he believe logistics...

In this episode of Tesseract Podcast, we sit down with Ms. Kim Brown, Deputy Director of Logistics and Chief of staff for Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection at Headquarters U.S. Air Force. With nearly four decades of service, Ms. Brown shares her journey from payroll clerk at Fort Bragg to shaping policy and strategy for over 200,000 logisticians across the Air Force. We dicuss her leade...

In this episode, we sit down with CMSgt Robert Berrier, the Senior Enlisted Leader for HAF/A4 Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection. During this episode, we discussed his career journey, his current role at the Pentagon, and the key milestones that shaped his leadership. This episode explores how innovations across A4 drive a culture of change and the potential consol...

In this episode, we have the honor of speaking with Mr. Roberto Guerrero, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Operational Energy. With over three decades of experience in both military and civil service, Mr. Guerrero is at the forefront of efforts to optimize how the Air Force uses energy to power its global operations. From his beginnings inspired by his father's love for aviation...

We’re back after a short seasonal break, and we are kicking things off with an exciting conversation! This episode features host Master Sergeant Dakota Belcher, AFWERX Western Region Spark Cell Coordinator, and Tesseract LNO, sitting down with Maintenance Commander Major Sean Freitag. We talk about Major Freitag’s background, and his passion for innovation in the Air Force, and dive into the healt...

Join us as we chat with Master Sergeant Michael Moore from Honolulu, Hawaii. Michael recounts his path from joining the Air Force in 2010 as a Security Forces member to becoming the Commandant at the Pitsenbarger Airman Leadership School in Spangdahlem, Germany. Michael shares stories from his career across bases like Osan, Kadena, and Spangdahlem, focusing on his efforts to drive innovation throu...

Our host Nate had an insightful chat with Chris Anderson, the European Spark Sale Coordinator. Here are the highlights: Chris shared his journey from aircraft maintenance to innovation leader. He discussed the challenges and successes in continuous process improvement (CPI). We learned about his impactful projects, like the bone conduction initiative. Chris’s story is a true eye-opening episode of...

Join us for another episode of the LNO Fireside Chat, featuring Lt Col Kevin Walton from the 52nd Maintenance Squadron. Stationed in the scenic Eifel region of Germany, Kevin discusses his role as a leader and his efforts to enhance the capabilities of the Air Force while improving the quality of life and effectiveness of our airmen. From his early days working on F-16s to leading strategic innova...

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Tesseract Podcast, where host Dan learns the story of Tyler Jones, an airman who championed innovation against all odds. Faced with the 'frozen middle,' Tyler's relentless pursuit to implement significant policy changes exemplifies the spirit of determination. Discover how his collaboration with the Tesseract team finally brought his visionary policy change...

In this episode of the Tesseract Podcast, Dan interviewed Mr. Dean Blake, technical director of the Headquarters Air Force A4L Directorate of Logistics. Mr. Blake brings a wealth of knowledge to the table with a 21-year career as an aircraft maintenance officer and significant experience in logistics information technology. He shared insights into his journey through the Air Force, emphasizing the...

In this episode of the Tesseract Podcast, Retired General Larry Spencer shares his journey from a young man, uncertain about an Air Force career, to becoming the vice chief of staff of the United States Air Force. His story begins in Washington D.C., where a chance encounter with an Air Force recruiter dramatically changed the trajectory of his life. Spencer recounts how he transitioned from playi...

Join us on the latest LNO Fireside Chat as we dive into the world of innovation with our special guest, Matthew D Connelly! In this episode, we cover everything from the importance of clear and respectful communication to overcoming technical hiccups. Matthew, a part-time innovator in PACAF and a full-time munitions specialist, shares insights from his rich experience in innovation and continuous...

In the recent LNO fireside chat hosted by Amanda and Jackson, the discussion centered on the innovative strategies and challenges faced by the military in adapting to the changing strategic landscape. Mary Lou Moore, from the AFMC CDX office, shared insights into her work, emphasizing a human-centered approach to implementing change. During this episode, she highlighted the importance of continuou...

In this fresh installment of our Fireside Chat series, we sit down with MSgt Heikell Perez, Supply troop from Biddle Air National Guard Base, who brings a unique perspective to the innovation ecosystem. Hosted by Nate, this episode dives into MSgt Perez's journey, capturing his innate drive to push boundaries, innovate, and streamline processes. With a career marked by a relentless pursuit of impr...

Welcome to the new season of the Tesseract Podcast. This year, we're thrilled to introduce our new hosts, Chloe and Dan. To kick off this exciting new season, Chloe sits down with two remarkable guests: MSgt Benjamin Johnis and Retired MSgt Bon Strout, both SERE specialists in the US Air Force. Join us for an inspiring journey as MSgt Johnis shares his story, from his work as a Ph. D. graduate stu...

During this episode of the LNO Fireside Chat, we spoke with Dakota Belcher and Joshua Nash, distinguished innovators and driving forces behind the AFWERX programs and PACAF SPARK cells, respectively. Through their perspectives, we explored the transformative impact of Tesseract on their initiatives, shedding light on the ways it has supported and refined their innovative efforts. Throughout our di...

This is the last fireside chat episode of the seven Aether Sprint semi-finalists! Project R2JP (Rays to Jet Power) introduces a decentralized, green, and sustainable energy source! This system is not only environmentally friendly but also operationally efficient, offering significant savings in fuel consumption and logistics. By replacing traditional generators, R2JP halves pallet requirements and...

In this gripping Fireside Chat, Ryan Amador kicks things off by sharing the origin of their idea and the trials encountered when building the initial prototype of his team project. From bureaucratic roadblocks to the intricate web of vendor interactions, they reveal the untold story behind their relentless pursuit of innovation. Tune in and discover the project's ultimate mission: streamlining equ...

In this episode of LNO Fireside Chat, host Amanda Dennis delves into an engaging conversation with the innovative minds behind CLAWS - the Compact Loading Adapter Winch System designed for C-130 aircraft. Joshua Rogers, Taylor Mogford, and their team, currently semi-finalists in the Aether Sprint competition, share insights into their groundbreaking project aimed at enhancing loading efficiency an...