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From the Crows' Nest

by Association of Old Crows · English · News

Featuring interviews, analysis, and discussions covering leading issues of the day related to electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO). Topics include current events and news worldwide, US Congress and the annual defense budget, and military news from the US and allied countries. We also bring you

New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 43 min
Latest: 30 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

30 Sep 2026 · 33 min

EMSO Lessons from Iran: What Comes Next

Recent operations involving Iran have handed the US direct lessons in electromagnetic warfare, and the open question is whether the Pentagon will act on them. For today's conversation, Ken Miller sits down with John Knowles , editor-in-chief of the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED), to break down what Operation Epic Fury means for EMSO. Together, they discuss directed energy moving into production, why buying more interceptors is easier than changing organizations, and AOC's push for an EMSO combat support agency. John also argues for a dedicated DOD Commercial Solutions Opening…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

23 Sep 2026 · 43 min

Why EMSO and IO Can’t Stay in Separate Lanes

An operation planned around the electromagnetic spectrum as an afterthought works right up until the enemy adapts to it. For today's conversation, Ken Miller sits down with retired Colonel Dr. William "Dollar" Young, AOC Board Member Scott “Sherm” Oliver, and Booz Allen Director of Defense Technology Group Jarod Patton to break down what came out of INFOPAC 2026. Together, they discuss why false certainty is dangerous in AI-enabled systems and how double-loop learning helps commanders test their own assumptions before committing to a theory of victory. The conversation also gets into what…
2 Sep 2026 · 45 min

AOC Asia 2026: Closing the Gaps in Indo-Pacific EW Readiness

Without a NATO-style alliance to lean on, electromagnetic warfare readiness in the Indo-Pacific depends on regional cooperation that the industry is still building from scratch. For today's conversation, Ken Miller closes out coverage from AOC Asia 2026 in Adelaide, Australia, with three separate conversations: Jang Pyo Kim , AOC Regional Director for Asia Pacific and Chief Principal Researcher at the Agency for Defense Development, on why the region needs its own recurring forum, Hope Sneddon , an embedded software engineer at DesignWorks, on what electromagnetic warfare can borrow from…
19 Aug 2026 · 35 min

AOC Asia 2026: The Fight for Spectrum Control in the Indo-Pacific

Spectrum control now sits at the center of Indo-Pacific defense planning, and AI is changing both how allies coordinate and how China pursues electromagnetic advantage. For today's conversation, Ken Miller sits down with Dr. Nathan Johnson , president of the AOC Australia-New Zealand chapter, and Dr. Chen Yi Tu (Crystal) , a research fellow at Taiwan's Institute for National Defense and Security Research, to break down what AOC Asia 2026 revealed about the region's security outlook. Together, they discuss why AOC Asia was paired with Australia's ADSTAR event, how coalition warfare demands…
5 Aug 2026 · 46 min

Thor's Hammer 2026: What Allies Learn From Each Other

Four countries, one test range, and a shared problem: How do you stop a drone or a remote-detonated bomb before it does damage? Ken Miller is back with more on NATO's Thor's Hammer 2026 exercise, this time talking with military and industry experts from Norway, Australia, Germany, and the US. They discuss how RF signal suppression holds up in terrain that doesn't cooperate, why comparing notes matters as much as the equipment itself, and why having someone outside your own country check your results tends to catch things you'd miss on your own. We invite you to share your thoughts,…
8 Jul 2026 · 43 min

Thor's Hammer 2026: How NATO Tests for the Next Drone War

Electromagnetic warfare exercises give NATO a way to test new technology against real threats before those threats show up on a battlefield. For today's conversation, Ken Miller sits down with military and industry experts from Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands to break down NATO's Thor's Hammer 2026 exercise. The exercise tests systems built to detect and disable drones, and to find and neutralize remote-detonated bombs. With his guests, Ken discusses how the exercise runs these tests, what role lab-based simulations and simulated jamming environments play in speeding up development, and…
24 Jun 2026 · 35 min

The Congressional Path to EMSO Capability

The defense budget process plays a critical role in shaping military priorities, technology investments, and the future of electromagnetic warfare. For today’s conversation, Ken Miller sits down with Katy Nazaretova of Forza DC to break down how authorization and appropriations legislation moves through Congress. Together, they discuss the policymaking process, advocacy strategies on Capitol Hill, and how election-year dynamics can influence congressional decisions affecting electromagnetic spectrum operations. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future…
10 Jun 2026 · 34 min

Collaboration as a Competitive Edge

Joint ventures and teaming arrangements can be your fastest path to a defense contract win – or your most expensive lesson. Knowing which to use and how makes all the difference. Ken Miller sits down with government contract advisor Jenna Girompini to break down the legal and strategic distinctions between the two. Together, they explore how top contractors build alliances and examine how rising defense budgets and an increasingly global market are reshaping the rules of collaboration. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken…
28 May 2026 · 46 min

Smart Kill: Rewriting the Rules of Electromagnetic Warfare

Winning in the electromagnetic spectrum requires two things: the right strategy and the technology to back it up. This episode tackles both. Ken Miller is joined by Dr. Thomas Withington of Armada International and Alasdair Gilchrist of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) to examine what achieving spectrum superiority actually demands today, why European defense strategies are under pressure, and what the concept of “smart kill” reveals about where modern electromagnetic warfare is heading. Then, Ken sits down with Gabby Bailado of Keysight Technologies to explore how…
13 May 2026 · 45 min

Is NATO Falling Behind in the Spectrum Fight?

Electromagnetic spectrum dominance used to be a tactical edge; now it’s a strategic requirement, especially in Europe. But is NATO keeping up? In this episode, Ken Miller is joined by John Knowles, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED), to break down the state of EMSO across Europe and the alliance. Drawing on lessons from Ukraine, Canada, and the UK, they explain why speed, integration, and early development are no longer optional, they’re essential. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at…
29 Apr 2026 · 30 min

What Does it Mean to be a Crow? (Part 2)

In the second installment of our series, host Ken Miller builds on our previous episode’s exploration of the “crow” identity and what it represents within the electromagnetic warfare (EW) and spectrum operations community. In this episode, Ken is joined by Sergeant Brandon Smith to dive deeper into the connection between crow behavior and modern electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO). They explore how traits commonly associated with crows, like intelligence, adaptability, and collaboration, mirror the skills required of today’s EMSO warfighters. Ken and Brandon break down the realities…
15 Apr 2026 · 43 min

Adaptation as Advantage in Modern Warfare

What really separates winning militaries from losing ones? It may come down to something far less tangible than weapons or technology. In today’s episode, host Ken Miller sits down with Brian Clark, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, to explore a critical – and often overlooked – factor shaping modern warfare: adaptation. Drawing on insights from recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, the conversation examines how the ability to adjust in real time can determine success on the battlefield. Together, they unpack how rapidly evolving technologies, shifting tactics, and…
1 Apr 2026 · 43 min

What Happens When GPS Goes Dark?

GPS and GNSS systems quietly power nearly every aspect of modern life, from financial transactions and power grids to aviation and emergency response. But what happens when they’re disrupted? In this episode, host Ken Miller speaks with Dana Goward, President of the Resilient Navigation and Timing Foundation, about the growing threats to GPS and GNSS infrastructure. They break down how jamming and spoofing work, why these attacks are becoming more accessible, and how real-world incidents have exposed critical vulnerabilities. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions…
18 Mar 2026 · 35 min

Unlocking Spectrum Dominance With AI and Cognitive EW

This week, host Ken Miller sits down with Dr. Karen Haigh to explore the rapidly evolving world of cognitive electromagnetic warfare and its implications for the future of modern military operations. Dr. Haigh shares her insights on how AI and cognitive systems are transforming military EW capabilities and the challenges that lie ahead. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org or by visiting us on our Instagram @fromthecrowsnestpodcast. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on…
4 Mar 2026 · 1 hr

Global Tensions from Tehran to Beijing

Host Ken Miller is first joined by USAF Col. (Ret.) Jeffrey Fischer, author and now CEO of Fischer Aerospace , to discuss the breaking news of the US and Israel's attack on Iran and what it could mean for the region. Then, Ken sits down with Dean Cheng, a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies and Non-Resident Fellow at the George Washington University Space Policy Institute. They take a deep dive into the modernization of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the evolving security dynamics across the Indo-Pacific, with a focus on China's pursuit of…
19 Feb 2026 · 44 min

Why EMSO Needs a Seat at the Table

Host Ken Miller sits down with Katy Nazaretova of Forza DC to talk about the growing push for a Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Combat Support Agency, and why the timing matters. Together, they explore the gaps that still exist in military policy, explain how the legislative process actually works behind the scenes, and share what it takes to build support on Capitol Hill. They highlight why advocacy, education, and engagement with the United States Congress are so important and how a more coordinated approach to spectrum operations could strengthen military readiness and overall…
4 Feb 2026 · 50 min

Is It Time for an EMSO Force?

In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, we go back to AOC 2025, where Ken Miller hosted a live panel with Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Kevin Kennedy, Vice President for Defense Strategy & Warfighting Integration at Mantech. Col. (Ret.) Jeffrey Fischer; and Eric Bamford, Branch Chief EW for the Norwegian Armed Forces and AOC Board Member. Ken poses the question, “Is it time to establish a dedicated EMSO force?” The panelists discuss the value of international and coalition perspectives, debate whether the electromagnetic spectrum should be treated as its own domain, and explore the industry’s role in…
21 Jan 2026 · 42 min

The Success of EMSO in Venezuela

In this episode, host Ken Miller takes a closer look at a recent US military operation targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro as a case study in how electromagnetic warfare (EW) and directed energy are shaping modern conflict. Journalist Mike Fabey joins the discussion to share insights from his reporting, including the US military’s ability to execute complex missions without losses to friendly forces and the broader strategic message sent to global competitors like China. Ken then speaks with Dr. David Stoudt, Executive Director of the Directed Energy Professional Society, about the…
7 Jan 2026 · 42 min

What Does it Mean to be a Crow? (Part 1)

In the first of a two-part series, host Ken Miller brings the podcast back to basics and answers key questions newer listeners may not have thought about: Why are members of the electromagnetic warfare and spectrum operations community called crows? Why is the moniker so key to understanding our mission and identity? In today’s episode, Ken is joined by John Mazluff , Professor of Wildlife Science at the University of Washington and author of “ Gifts of the Crow ” and “ In the Company of Crows and Ravens .” Together, they unpack what makes these birds so remarkable and what EMSO warfighters…
17 Dec 2025 · 39 min

Disruptive EMSO: A Key to Mission Success

In discussions of electromagnetic warfare, experts and enthusiasts often discuss the lethal and destructive capabilities of the technology. But effective disruption is a key element to mission success, and today’s guest is at the forefront of conversations on agility and cost effectiveness in the EW space. But first, host Ken Miller welcomes John Knowles, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED), AOC’s official monthly publication. Ken and John wrap up AOC 2025 by sharing highlights of the week’s keynote speakers and sessions. Then, Ken speaks with Disruptive EW…
11 Dec 2025 · 30 min

AOC 2025 Daily Podcast, Day 3

In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by Kevin Finch, AOC Board of Director and chair of this year’s symposium. Ken and Kevin tie together the major themes shared during this week’s presentations. Later, Ken is joined by the awardees of this year’s AOC Future Five . Each year, the AOC Foundation recognizes five young professionals as the Future 5, showcasing those who actively innovate and strive for excellence as they build their careers in electromagnetic warfare, electromagnetic spectrum operation, and information operations. Congratulations to this year's…
10 Dec 2025 · 27 min

AOC 2025 Continues on Day 2

In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by Day 2 Keynote Speaker Congressman Don Bacon. Congressman Bacon is Chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, IT and Innovation, US House of Representatives. Prior to his time in Congress, Congressman Bacon served 29 years in the US Air Force before retiring as a Brigidier General. They cover a range of topics including the congressional defense budget, the new National Security Strategy, and acquisition reform. Next, Ken is joined once again by John Knowles, Editor-in-Chief of the AOC’s Journal of…
9 Dec 2025 · 33 min

AOC 2025 Begins, Daily Episode 1

In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, Ken Miller is joined by opening keynote Speaker Laurie Buckhout. Laurie is the former Assistant National Cyber Director for Policy at the White House. Together, they discuss the challenge of strengthening leadership for EMSO across the Department of War and the military service. Later, Ken is joined by John Knowles, the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED). John shares his thoughts on the message that attendees will hear throughout the week as they discuss charting a path for EMSO over the next decade. We invite you to…
3 Dec 2025 · 45 min

Why America is in a Fourth Intelligence Revolution

Since the founding of America’s first centralized modern intelligence agency during World War II, today’s guest Anthony Vinci says that current agencies have undergone several revolutions in how espionage was done. But Vinci says we’re in the midst of a fourth revolution, changing the rules of espionage for nations and non-state actors alike. In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by Vinci, a former intelligence officer and author of “ The Fourth Intelligence Revolution: The Future of Espionage and the Battle to Save America .” Vinci says new asymmetric approaches…
26 Nov 2025 · 46 min

How NATO Defends Against Emerging EMSO Threats

In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, Ken Miller is joined by Mike Alperi, Deputy Program Manager of PMS 408 Expeditionary Missions Program Office at the Naval Sea Systems Command, to talk about his involvement in NATO Subgroup One and its cross-country collaborative Thor’s Hammer exercise — an initiative that allows systems from different nations to be tested side-by-side against cutting edge UAS and IED threats. Alperi says the annual four-week program has greatly expanded over the last decade, growing from five participating nations in 2015 to 14 countries last year. Crucially, he says…
19 Nov 2025 · 1 hr 3 min

Q&A: How Will the Government Shutdown Impact EMSO?

As the holidays approach, From the Crows’ Nest host Ken Miller takes a step back from regularly scheduled programming and is joined once again by producer Laura Krebs to answer more listener questions. The pair unpack the recent government shutdown and how it affected America’s defense sector, as well as how EMSO dominance factors into potential conflicts with Iran and China. Ken also explains how Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s recent acquisition reform strategy may impact EMSO and defense operations. Then, he gives a sneak peek into an episode set to release in January. To learn more about…
12 Nov 2025 · 45 min

Winning the Next War: How the U.S. Can Achieve Dominance Across All Warfighting Domains

Between the Russo-Ukrainian War and the looming threat of China invading Taiwan, the landscape of global conflict has changed… and today’s guest says the strategies for U.S. dominance have to change along with it. In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller joins retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General David Deptula, current Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Power Studies to examine what America is doing right and wrong in efforts to meet new threats worldwide. Deptula said that while the United States has built a spectrum of systems that give the nation and its…
6 Nov 2025 · 31 min

Educating Congress: AOC's Week on the Hill

Host Ken Miller welcomes Scott "Sherm" Oliver, AOC Board Member and expert on Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO), for a conversation during a busy week of meetings on the Hill. Together, they discuss AOC’s ongoing advocacy for the Congressional Electronic Warfare Working Group, share impressions from their meetings with lawmakers, and reflect on the growing recognition of EMSO’s importance. They discuss the need for strong leadership and education within both Congress and the Department of War, the urgency of taking bold action to maintain US advantage in the spectrum, and the…
29 Oct 2025 · 36 min

Charting a Path to 2035

In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller sits down with retired US Army Col. Kevin Finch, who now serves as a member of the Association of Old Crows Board of Directors. Col. Finch is the Symposium Committee Chair for the upcoming AOC 2025 in December. Together, they discuss navigating the future of electromagnetic spectrum operation (EMSO) and the evolving landscape of electromagnetic warfare (EW) amidst political, strategic, economic, and technological changes. Shifts in geopolitics have altered the focus and strategic objectives of all members of the international…
22 Oct 2025 · 43 min

Young Innovators Give a Glimpse Into EMSO’s Future

In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller sits down with the heads of two startups in the military space to get a glimpse at the cutting edge of military, warfare and EMSO operations. Ethan Thornton of Mach Industries and Rob Sladen of Zulu Pods are both young innovators in the military space, with Mach Industries focusing on pioneering unmanned systems and Zulu Pods aiming to improve fluid delivery systems in assets that support expendable assets like drones and missiles. Both entrepreneurs say their technologies can be key to bridging the gaps between how technology is…

About From the Crows' Nest

From the Crows' Nest is a English news podcast from Association of Old Crows. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Association of Old Crows
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 43 min
Latest episode: 30 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1561252894

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