The Unmanned Podcast

This episode represents our Season One Finale with USI Alum and Prime Air Flight Monitor Damarius Maxwell! This episode is loaded with real-world insights for anyone exploring a drone career path, the growing UAS industry, or how Part 107 certification can unlock major aviation opportunities. What we cover: Transitioning from the military to a civilian drone career Why safety is crucial in both ma...

In this episode of The Unmanned Podcast, we sit down with Adrian O’Dell, Owner/Operator of ARO Aerial Inc. and graduate of the USI drone program. Adrian shares how his Air Force experience shaped his approach to drone operations—and why drones are far more than just “flying cameras.”We dive into the real skills, tools, and planning required to operate drones professionally and safely. Whether you&...

In this episode of The Unmanned Podcast , we go behind the scenes of the Oregon UAS Accelerator with its President and Executive Director, Joseph Wyno. Discover how this innovative program is launching drone startups, accelerating national defense applications, and even tackling unexpected challenges like prison contraband. We explore: What makes Oregon a powerhouse for UAS testing and workforce i...

Can drones help us save all of the space trash??? In this episode of The Unmanned Podcast, Peter Kalaitzidis, Senior Robotics Program Manager at the New York Power Authority, goes through all of the various use cases he and his team use for drones and the future of these jobs. We also discuss: The road from the Air Force to utilities The future of automated flights No More Pilots and the goal of A...

How can drones save companies millions of dollars? In this episode of The Unmanned Podcast, Scott Lashmit, UAS Aviation Manager at Cyber Hawk, reveals how his team used drones to detect a critical issue early — saving $10 million in potential losses. With over 500,000 inspections across 40 countries, Cyber Hawk is a global leader in industrial drone inspections, transforming the way utilities and...

Drones are transforming how utilities protect communities and critical infrastructure. From wildfire prevention to safer inspections, drone technology is reshaping safety standards across the industry. In this episode of The Unmanned Podcast, we explore: How drones help detect risks before they spark wildfires The role of aerial inspections in preventing costly disasters How drones improve safety,...

How are drones shaping the future of education and careers? In this episode of The Unmanned Podcast, we sit down with Tonie Smith, educator and drone program leader, to explore how drones are opening new career pathways, transforming classrooms, and supporting real-world applications like the Drone as First Responder (DFR) program with the Chula Vista Police Department. Tonie shares her journey in...

In this episode of The Unmanned Podcast, we explore how unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are reshaping the future of law enforcement and public safety — from rapid response and search-and-rescue missions to accident reconstruction and tactical operations. Former State Trooper and aviation pioneer Ron Leach shares his journey from piloting helicopters to launching one of the first comprehensive dron...

In this episode of The Unmanned Podcast, host Matt Hernandez sits down with Ray Adams, President of Airde Elevated Thinking, to explore the innovation and impact behind the Cape-Atlantic UAS Test Range in Cape May County, New Jersey. With a 60-by-60-mile test area reaching up to 7,000 feet, the Cape-Atlantic UAS Test Range is designed for advanced drone operations, offering a unique space for larg...

In a special episode of The Unmanned Podcast, we're coming to you live from the Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas, where we’re joined by leaders from Cargill, Quanta Aviation Services, and Censys Technologies for a roundtable on the current and future state of drone operations. From asset inspections and vegetation management to the impact of Part 108 and public perception, we cover it all. What’s...

In Episode Ten of The Unmanned Podcast , host Matt Hernandez sits down with Isaac Piche, UAS Standards and Operations Manager at Quanta Aviation, to explore why drones are now being treated with the same rigor and safety standards as helicopters. From utility inspections to large-scale construction projects, Quanta Aviation operates across some of the most complex environments in the world. Isaac...

In Episode 9 of The Unmanned Podcast , host Matt Hernandez sits down with Lisa Swartzwelder and Nikki Stancampiano from the PAST Foundation (Partnering Anthropology with Science and Technology). From their innovative lab space in Columbus, Ohio, PAST is reimagining how we prepare students and teachers for the future of STEM and aviation. Their Power Up Your Potential program connects students to h...

The FAA’s new Part 108 proposal could change BVLOS drone operations forever. In this special episode of The Unmanned Podcast , industry leaders from USI and Censys Technologies break down what’s in the NPRM, how it compares to Part 107, and what it could mean for operators, educators, and tech providers. Podcast Guests: Josh Olds, CEO of USI, Alex Mirot, VP of Product Development at USI, and Rob K...

In Episode Seven of The Unmanned Podcast , host Matt Hernandez speaks with Chris Strasbaugh, Director of Learning Technologies at The Ohio State University, about how drone education is evolving in Higher Ed - and why autonomy is the future of the industry. Chris shares his unconventional journey from photography and archiving to leading one of the most forward-thinking UAS education initiatives i...

In Episode Six of The Unmanned Podcast, host Matt Hernandez talks with Alice Griffith, Senior Director of State and Commercial Aviation at Crown Innovations (formerly Crown Consulting). Alice shares her unexpected journey into the drone industry—from a background in ground logistics to becoming a leader in unmanned systems strategy and policy. Together, they dive into how state-level aviation init...

In Episode Five of The Unmanned Podcast , Matt Hernandez sits down with Andrew Karas - airline transport pilot, certified flight instructor, and UAS professional - to discuss the critical role of standards and safety in the evolving world of drone operations. As Director of the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO), Andrew shares how lessons from crewed aviation are shap...

In Episode Four of The Unmanned Podcast , Matt Hernandez interviews Kyle Miller, Director of Sales at Censys Technologies, to explore the next frontier in drone operations—BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight)—and the technologies making it safer and more scalable. Topics Covered: What is BVLOS and why it matters Upcoming FAA Part 108 rule and its implications Censys’ Sentaero Six drone with optical...

In Episode Three of The Unmanned Podcast , Matt Hernandez interviews Calvin Rieb, Global ROS Leader at Cargill, to explore how one of the world’s largest agricultural companies uses drones to enhance safety, efficiency, and innovation on a global scale. Topics Covered: How Cargill built its drone program from the ground up The role of drones in inspecting grain bins and industrial assets Achieving...

In Episode Two of The Unmanned Podcast , host Matt Hernandez welcomes Dave Haynes, Managing Partner of Haynes & Associates, to explore the vital role of drones in building smarter, safer communities through public safety operations, digital infrastructure, and next-gen data systems. Topics Covered: Drones in public safety and emergency response Using drones to support infrastructure and inspec...

In Episode One of The Unmanned Podcast , host Matt Hernandez interviews Josh Olds, President & CEO of the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI), a national leader in drone safety training and workforce development. Topics covered: The origins and mission of USI Skill-based training beyond FAA Part 107 Standardization, safety, and professional development in drone operations The future of AI, automat...