The Pair Program

hatch I.T.
  • 4.9 (33)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED DAILY

Welcome to the Pair Program from hatchpad, the podcast that gives you a front-row seat to candid conversations with tech leaders from the startup world. Join host Tim Winkler alongside co-host Mike Gruen as they bring together two guests to dissect topics at the intersection of technology, startups, and career growth.  Tim Winkler is a serial Entrepreneur and is the CEO of hatch I.T. a Software Recruiting Company focusing on newly emerging Startup companies. Mike Gruen is a Technologist & Engineering Leader with decades of experience in the field. He is currently the Director of Engineering at Cherre, the leader in real estate data and insight. Get Answers to your most pressing startup questions: 💡 Do I need a college degree to work as a Software Engineer? 💡 Should we build or buy software? 💡 How do startups get funded? 💡 How do I get into Product Management? All these questions and more will be answered for you by our experienced hosts and industry-leading guests. Make sure to catch each episode every other week and follow us on Social to stay up to date with hatchpad. 🐣 What is hatchpad? 🐣 Hatchpad is the community for startup technologists. Our members include Software Engineers, Product Managers, Data Scientists, and Tech Executives; all connected through their passion for startups and desire to create innovative technology. Every week we chat with startup technologists to provide you behind-the-scenes insights on technical skills, career advice, and industry trends. This community is for you if you want to learn from and grow alongside a curated group of startup technical professionals.   🚀 Sign-Up for Weekly hatchpad Newsletter: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/  🤖 Check Out the hatchpad: http://myhatchpad.com/  Follow us on Social Media!! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hatchpadcommunity/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/my_hatchpad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBy9WYJlx31R3QmbSlR85Dg

  1. 5D AGO

    Sea Change: How Autonomy and Acquisition Will Shape the Future Fleet | The Pair Program Ep78

    Sea Change: How Autonomy and Acquisition Will Shape the Future Fleet | The Pair Program Ep78 In this episode, hosts Tim Winkler and guest co-host Sean Leahy dive into the intersection of autonomy, AI, and defense acquisition with Austin Gray, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer at Bluewater Autonomy, and Alex Campbell, former Chief of Staff at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). Together, they explore how startups, private capital, and the Pentagon’s acquisition system collide in the race to modernize maritime operations. What you’ll hear in this episode: How Bluewater Autonomy is designing mass-producible unmanned ships for the U.S. NavyThe friction between defense acquisition culture and startup speedWhy trust is the key to bridging government–industry collaborationThe growing role of private capital in scaling defense innovationHow new legislation like the Speed and Forge Acts could reshape acquisition About Austin Gray: Austin is Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Blue Water Autonomy, a VC-backed company building autonomous ships. Austin started his career in the U.S. Navy as an intelligence officer, worked in a drone factory in Ukraine, and holds degrees from Davidson, Harvard, and MIT. About Alex Campbell: Alex is an engineer at Applied Intuition and former Chief of Staff at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). At DIU, he led efforts to accelerate commercial technology into Navy and Marine Corps programs, including initiatives focused on autonomy and maritime innovation. A former U.S. Navy officer, Alex has extensive experience in defense acquisition and emerging tech integration. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

    1h 10m

  2. OCT 28

    The Future of Autonomous Electronic Warfare in Multi-Domain Operations | The Pair Program Ep77

    The Future of Autonomous Electronic Warfare in Multi-Domain Operations | The Pair Program Ep77 In this episode of The Pair Program, hosts Tim Winkler and Mike Gruen are joined by Nathan Mintz, Co-founder & CEO of CX2, and Dr. William “Dollar” Young, Jr., Former U.S. Air Force Colonel & Spectrum Warfare Expert, for a deep dive into the future of electronic warfare. Together, they unpack how autonomy, distributed systems, and AI are reshaping the electromagnetic battlespace. In this episode: How AI-enabled drones and sensor networks are transforming military operationsIntegrating autonomy across air, land, sea, and cyber domainsBalancing risk, ethics, and trust in autonomous decision-makingLessons from Ukraine’s “drone crucible” and real-world spectrum warfareWhat true multi-domain integration could look like in the next five years About Nathan Mintz: Nathan Mintz is a serial entrepreneur in sensors and electronic warfare and was founding CEO of three deep tech start ups: Epirus (EMP to kill drones), Spartan Radar (automotive radar) and now CX2. He has over 20 years experience in aerospace & defense and started his career at Raytheon and Boeing as a Radar and Electronic Warfare Systems Engineer. He has 9 US Patents in various electronics technologies. About Dr. William “Dollar” Young, Jr.: retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and founder of the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing. He created the STPA-Sec and FMA-C cybersecurity frameworks used across the DoD. A PhD graduate from MIT, he’s now an Associate Research Professor at Syracuse University. In 2023, he received the Association of Old Crows Gold Medal, the top global award in Electronic Warfare. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

    52 min

  3. OCT 21

    Securing the Industrial Frontier with Frenos | The Pair Program Ep76

    Securing the Industrial Frontier with Frenos | The Pair Program Ep76 In this episode, hosts Tim Winkler and Mike Gruen chat with Harry Thomas, CTO of Frenos, and Colin Murphy, Chief Hacking Officer at Frenos, two cybersecurity experts redefining how we protect critical infrastructure. They unpack what it takes to defend operational technology (OT) environments that keep power grids, water systems, and manufacturing lines running safely. We dive into: The origin of Frenos and its AI-powered “digital twin” for OT defenseBridging IT and OT security mindsetsHow their new tool, Optica, boosts visibility and resilienceThe rise of OT security posture managementBalancing commercial growth with national-security applications About Harry Thomas: Harry is an expert offensive penetration tester specializing in industrial and healthcare cybersecurity, with over a decade of experience. As CTO of Frenos, he leads innovation in protecting critical infrastructures. He has taught “Hacking PLCs” at DefCon and BSIDES Orlando, spoken at BSIDES NH, and been featured on the Secure Insights Podcast. Previously, he directed Product R&D at Dragos and led AI/ML-driven UBA development at AWS. About Colin Murphy: Colin is a technology innovator and security practitioner with a passion for building and breaking systems to drive meaningful change. As a former CIO and ethical hacker, he focuses on offensive security and digital strategy to stay ahead in an evolving threat landscape. His mission: help organizations simulate and stop cyberattacks before they happen. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

    46 min

  4. OCT 14

    Generals in the Startup Trenches: Leading Defense Tech from Frontlines to Frontiers | The Pair Program Ep75

    Generals in the Startup Trenches: Leading Defense Tech from Frontlines to Frontiers | The Pair Program Ep75 In this episode of The Pair Program, hosts Tim Winkler and Mike Gruen sit down with two retired Army generals turned tech executives, LTG Eric Wesley, former CEO of Parasanti Inc, and LTG Ross Coffman, President of Forward Edge AI. They discuss how military leadership translates into startup success, what it takes to build culture from scratch, and how dual-use innovation can strengthen both national defense and commercial sectors. Key Topics Covered: Leading teams through transition and uncertaintyBuilding culture in early-stage startupsThe realities of defense-tech bureaucracyHow military experience informs innovation About LTG Eric Wesley (USA, Ret): Eric is the former CEO of Parasanti Inc, an edge compute company serving the Department of Defense. He previously served as Deputy Commander of Army Futures Command and led the development of the Army’s Multi-Domain Operations concept. About LTG Ross Coffman (USA, Ret): Ross is the President of Forward Edge AI and a Board Member of The Federal Savings Bank. He served over 35 years in the U.S. Army, culminating as Deputy Commander of Army Futures Command, and now advises multiple companies on innovation and leadership. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

    1 hr

  5. OCT 7

    Critical Tech, Critical Time | The Pair Program Ep74

    Critical Tech, Critical Time | The Pair Program Ep74 In this episode, hosts Tim Winkler and Mike Gruen explore how startups and strategic investors are strengthening America’s innovation infrastructure. Nicholas Myers of Phoenix Tailings and Dr. Yan Zheng of In-Q-Tel discuss the urgency of building resilient supply chains and re-imagining manufacturing for a new era of national security. They dive into: How Phoenix Tailings turns toxic mining waste into rare-earth metalsWhy critical materials are the “new oil” of the modern economyIn-Q-Tel’s model for aligning startups and national prioritiesLessons on dual-use innovation and public-private collaboration About Nicholas Myers: Nicholas is the CEO and Co-Founder of Phoenix Tailings. Before co-founding the company, he held executive roles at a genomics firm and an EV charging startup. He holds a B.S. in Physics from Saint Michael’s College and an MBA from Northeastern University. About Dr. Yan Zheng: Dr. Yan is Chief of Staff at In-Q-Tel, where he aligns leadership priorities and oversees strategic investments in microelectronics, semiconductors, and quantum tech. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

    52 min

  6. SEP 30

    How We Hatched: Nick Skytland, Director of Gloo Developer

    How We Hatched: Nick Skytland, Director of Gloo Developer In this How We Hatched episode, we sit down with Nick Skytland, Director of Gloo Developer, to explore how values-aligned AI can shape a future where technology drives human flourishing. Drawing from his career at NASA and his leadership at Gloo, Nick shares insights on building open, transparent AI systems and the importance of grounding innovation in shared human values. From defining human flourishing to reimagining the role of hackathons, Nick offers a forward-looking perspective on how technologists can build with purpose. Inside This Episode: Defining “human flourishing” in the age of AIThe Flourishing AI Benchmark and why it mattersBuilding values-aligned, open-source AI toolsThe role of trust, transparency, and shared values in techHow hackathons fuel innovation and community About Nick Skytland: Nick is Director of Gloo Developer, leading initiatives to shape open, values-aligned AI that supports human flourishing. Before joining Gloo, he spent over two decades at NASA as Chief Technologist, advancing early-stage technologies and building some of the largest open innovation communities in history. He is also co-author of What Comes Next? Shaping the Future in an Ever-Changing World. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

    38 min

  7. SEP 23

    Capital Region Catalysts: How Synergos is Powering Deep-Tech in the DMV and Backing a Nuclear Pioneer | The Pair Program Ep73

    Capital Region Catalysts: How Synergos is Powering Deep-Tech in the DMV and Backing a Nuclear Pioneer | The Pair Program Ep73 On this episode of The Pair Program, hosts Tim Winkler and Mike Gruen sit down with Michelle Urben, Managing & General Partner at Synergos, and Edward McGinnis, CEO of Curio, to explore how deep tech innovation is reshaping energy and resilience. From the DMV to global markets, they discuss what it takes to build solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges. In this episode, you’ll learn: How local capital in the DMV is fueling global deep tech impactReinventing nuclear through recycling and new reactor designThe role of policy and perception in scaling nuclear innovationInvesting in durable, mission-driven companies tackling energy, food, and health About Michelle Urben: Michelle Urben is Managing and General Partner at the Synergos Fund, investing in transformative companies addressing critical challenges in energy, food, and health. Based in Washington D.C., she brings decades of experience as a founder, investor, and advisor, while also serving on boards that champion innovation and community development. About Edward McGinnis: Ed McGinnis is CEO of Curio and a former senior U.S. government executive with 30+ years in nuclear energy, security, and policy. He previously led nuclear energy programs at the Department of Energy and the White House before taking on the challenge of reinventing nuclear innovation in the private sector. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

    1h 1m

  8. SEP 16

    Mission Critical: Building a Startup for America’s Next Fight | The Pair Program Ep72

    Mission Critical: Building a Startup for America’s Next Fight | The Pair Program Ep72 In this episode of The Pair Program, host Tim Winkler is joined by co-host Sean Leahy for a conversation with Andy Yakulis, CEO & Co-founder of Vector, and Larsen Jensen, Founder & General Partner at Harpoon Ventures and Co-Founder of Vector. Together, they dive into what it means to build mission-driven startups at the intersection of defense, technology, and national security. They dive into: The founding story of Vector and its “modern warfare as a service” modelBuilding a warfighter-led company culture in Utah’s Silicon SlopesBalancing special operations DNA with tech innovation and venture capitalCore values: Relentless, Ethical, Professional, that shape the teamWhy timing and geopolitics matter in defense innovation About Andy Yakulis: Andy Yakulis is the CEO and Co-founder of Vector, a modern warfare-as-a-service company. With 18 years of experience as an Army Officer and Special Operations Commander, he brings deep expertise at the intersection of defense, technology, and innovation, building solutions that serve U.S. national security. About Larsen Jensen: Larsen Jensen is Founder & Managing General Partner at Harpoon Ventures, a $300M venture capital firm backing early-stage technology companies. He is also Co-Founder of defense-tech company Vector, focused on modern warfare-as-a-service solutions. A former U.S. Navy SEAL and two-time Olympic medalist, Larsen brings leadership, resilience, and mission-driven focus to his work with founders. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/

    1h 7m
See All (131)

4.9
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Pair Program from hatchpad, the podcast that gives you a front-row seat to candid conversations with tech leaders from the startup world. Join host Tim Winkler alongside co-host Mike Gruen as they bring together two guests to dissect topics at the intersection of technology, startups, and career growth.  Tim Winkler is a serial Entrepreneur and is the CEO of hatch I.T. a Software Recruiting Company focusing on newly emerging Startup companies. Mike Gruen is a Technologist & Engineering Leader with decades of experience in the field. He is currently the Director of Engineering at Cherre, the leader in real estate data and insight. Get Answers to your most pressing startup questions: 💡 Do I need a college degree to work as a Software Engineer? 💡 Should we build or buy software? 💡 How do startups get funded? 💡 How do I get into Product Management? All these questions and more will be answered for you by our experienced hosts and industry-leading guests. Make sure to catch each episode every other week and follow us on Social to stay up to date with hatchpad. 🐣 What is hatchpad? 🐣 Hatchpad is the community for startup technologists. Our members include Software Engineers, Product Managers, Data Scientists, and Tech Executives; all connected through their passion for startups and desire to create innovative technology. Every week we chat with startup technologists to provide you behind-the-scenes insights on technical skills, career advice, and industry trends. This community is for you if you want to learn from and grow alongside a curated group of startup technical professionals.   🚀 Sign-Up for Weekly hatchpad Newsletter: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/  🤖 Check Out the hatchpad: http://myhatchpad.com/  Follow us on Social Media!! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hatchpadcommunity/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/my_hatchpad YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBy9WYJlx31R3QmbSlR85Dg

Information

  • Creator
    hatch I.T.
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    131
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Pair Program

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