Goat Rodeo #6 - Simon’s Fake News, Taliban ATC, DARPA Survival Marketing

This episode: Markets are bouncing, Bagram is trending (but not really), and defense venture funding is heating up—so what does it all actually mean? Simon was right about Bagram being fake news—but wrong about the tariffs. Classic. Garrett, Simon, and Dave unpack the recent surge in investor interest, why we haven’t seen big exits yet, and whether venture is really the right model for defense startups. They also break down the implications of a trillion-dollar defense budget: from aligning with modernization priorities to whether it finally makes shipbuilding realistic for small players. Plus, a look at DARPA’s shift in posture, bougie barracks, and whether engaging with the innovation community is a survival strategy or just lip service. Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.