The Full Throttle Podcast with Louis Skupien

In episode 179 of the TALK4 Podcast, Louis Skupien welcomes back Tucker “Cinco” Hamilton — experimental fighter test pilot, bestselling author, former Chief of AI Test and Operations for the U.S. Air Force, and host of the Fighter Pilot Podcast.Since his first appearance on TALK4, Cinco has retired following more than two decades of service in the U.S. Air Force and entered a new chapter spanning AI, autonomy, national security, education and leadership. His remarkable aviation career included flying fighters, combat operations, F-35 developmental testing, commanding a major flight test organisation and helping lead the Air Force’s work in artificial intelligence.But this conversation goes beyond aviation.Following the release of his book, Unlocking the Last 20%: Rising to Greatness Through Discipline, Balance, and Resiliency, Cinco and Louis explore what it actually takes to reach your full potential.Why can getting to 80% be relatively straightforward, while the final 20% becomes so difficult? What separates elite performers from everyone else? And does reaching your potential really mean working harder — or becoming a more complete person?Cinco breaks down the importance of deliberate preparation, discipline, physical and mental performance, balance, resilience, character and purpose. He explains what fighter pilots and test pilots can teach us about performing under pressure, why failure must be debriefed rather than feared, and how the people around us influence who we ultimately become.They also discuss why blindly copying the routines of elite performers can lead to burnout, how young people can build the foundations for extraordinary careers, and why sustainable high performance must ultimately be connected to something bigger than achievement itself.🎧 Listen now for a fascinating conversation about fighter aviation, high performance, resilience and unlocking the final 20% of your potential.

In episode 178 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Chris Carter, technology entrepreneur, author, SAP expert, and leading voice in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and enterprise technology.Chris’ story begins far away from the successful companies, books, and international work that define his life today. Following the separation of his parents, Chris experienced homelessness and couch surfing as a young child, moving repeatedly between homes and schools while trying to understand how to survive and build a better future.His life began to change through education, mathematics, technology, and the support of people who believed in him. After receiving a Commodore VIC-20 in the 1980s, Chris became fascinated by computers and programming. That early passion eventually led him to Georgia Tech, enterprise technology, SAP, company building, international business, and the publication of 18 books.In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, Chris explains what SAP and enterprise resource planning actually do, how businesses can bring fragmented systems and data together, and why AI should be treated as a tool for improving human capability rather than replacing it.We also explore entrepreneurship, overcoming adversity, raising resilient children without forcing them to experience the same hardship, the importance of faith and family, and the continuous learning required to remain relevant in a rapidly changing technological world.Chris also shares practical advice for anyone beginning to use AI: start a conversation, ask better questions, challenge the answers, provide context, and use the technology to become a more informed and capable decision-maker.This is an honest, entertaining, and inspiring conversation about technology, resilience, business, parenting, faith, and building an extraordinary life from a difficult beginning.🚗 This episode is sponsored by carVertical.A used vehicle may look perfect from the outside while hiding accident damage, mileage discrepancies, theft records, or other important history. carVertical gathers vehicle information from more than 900 sources across over 30 countries, helping buyers make better-informed decisions before handing over their money.Use code LOUIS20 for a discount on your vehicle history report.👉 https://www.carvertical.com/louis20

In episode 177 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Colonel Maryann “Yeti” Karlen, Commandant of the United States Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base.The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School is one of the most legendary institutions in aviation history, but as Yeti explains in this episode, its modern mission goes far beyond simply creating test pilots. Today, TPS develops test leaders across flight, space, engineering, analysis, cyber, enlisted, and operational domains.In this fascinating conversation, Yeti shares her journey from a high-energy child inspired by the space program, to earning an aeronautical engineering degree, flying the C-17, becoming a test pilot, serving internationally, and eventually leading the world-renowned Test Pilot School.We explore the history and future of Edwards AFB, what makes a great test leader, why attitude and work ethic matter alongside intelligence, the connection between flight and space testing, the role of X-62 VISTA, autonomy, AI, leadership, risk management, and why young people should never tell themselves no.This is a brilliant episode on aviation, space, leadership, high performance, and the people helping shape the future of military technology.This episode includes a paid sponsor integration from carVertical.Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, Department of the Air Force, Edwards Air Force Base, the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, or any U.S. Government entity.

In episode 176 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Lieutenant Colonel Charles “Maddog” Brantigan, Commander of the 416th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base.🚗 Check your next car with carVertical!Use my link and code for a discount:👉 https://www.carvertical.com/louis20Code: LOUIS20The 416th is one of the most exciting squadrons in modern military aviation, flying and testing the F-16 Viper, supporting the T-7 program, contributing to B-21 test operations, and leading work across emerging technologies, autonomy, counter-drone systems, and advanced warfighter capability.In this episode, Maddog explains what flight test really is, why Edwards Air Force Base remains the centre of aerospace testing, and how the 416th balances innovation, risk, secrecy, safety, and operational urgency. We also dive into his own journey from loving jets and rockets as a child, to the Air Force Academy, F-16 operations, Test Pilot School, and command of the 416th Flight Test Squadron.This is a brilliant conversation about aviation, leadership, risk management, the future of air power, and the people behind some of the most important military test programs in the world.This episode includes a paid sponsor integration from carVertical.Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are those of the speakers and do not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, Department of the Air Force, Edwards Air Force Base, or any U.S. Government entity.

In episode 175 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Joshua Gould, CEO of thebigword, a global language technology company operating across more than 250 languages and over 80 countries.Joshua shares his incredible journey from leaving university after just two weeks, learning sales from the ground up, and working his way through the business world to leading one of the most important language access companies globally.In this episode, Joshua breaks down how thebigword supports critical environments including hospitals, courts, prisons, government departments and conflict zones, where language access can make a life-changing difference. He also explains how AI, automation and human expertise are transforming the future of translation, interpreting and communication.This conversation dives into sales, rejection, entrepreneurship, education, AI, leadership, building a business moat, and why access to market may now be more valuable than ever.🎧 Listen now for a powerful conversation on business, AI, communication and the future of work.

In Episode 174 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Nissim Titan, CEO and Founder of 4Cast — an AI-powered Decision Intelligence company helping leaders make smarter, faster decisions in complex, high-stakes environments. 4Cast positions itself as a platform built to support better strategic, operational, and tactical decision-making across industries including defence, critical infrastructure, enterprise, and government.  In this fascinating conversation, Nissim breaks down what decision intelligence actually means, why raw data alone is not enough, and how AI can be used to support leaders when the stakes are highest. He shares how 4Cast has been applied in areas like emergency management, infrastructure resilience, military planning, and business continuity, and explains why preparation, scenario modelling, and clear recommendations matter more than ever.Louis and Nissim also explore the rise of generative AI, how user behaviour has changed because of tools like ChatGPT, the importance of trustworthy data, and what the future of AI agents may look like in the real world. Alongside the technology, Nissim also opens up about the entrepreneurial journey of building 4Cast from a tiny team into an international company working with major partners.  If you’re interested in AI, leadership, defence, crisis management, entrepreneurship, or the future of intelligent systems, this is an episode you do not want to miss.🎧 Listen now and discover how better decisions can change everything.

In Episode 173 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Ben Tasker, an AI education and workforce transformation leader helping organisations scale AI adoption in practical, responsible ways.Ben explains why AI is less about “tech implementation” and more about change management — training people, redesigning workflows, building accountability, and reducing risk. We discuss the “AI between times,” where deepfakes, rapid tool releases, and rushed adoption are creating real-world consequences for companies and individuals.Ben also breaks down what Responsible AI actually means (in plain English), the basic safety checklist everyone should use before entering sensitive information into AI tools, and why the future of education must shift from time-based degrees to skills-based learning. Finally, we look ahead to what the next decade could bring — from AI agents in workplaces to emerging forms of physical and explainable AI — and what young people should start learning now to stay competitive.If you want a clear, realistic view of where AI is going — and how to thrive alongside it — this one’s for you.🎧 Listen now on Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube#Talk4Podcast #AI #FutureOfWork #ResponsibleAI #Leadership #ChangeManagement

In Episode 172 of the TALK4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Michael “Mike” Durant — retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer, elite Black Hawk pilot, and one of the central figures in the true story behind Black Hawk Down.Mike takes us inside October 3rd, 1993 — the Battle of Mogadishu. From the mission build-up, to the moment his MH-60’s tail rotor was hit, to the crash, the firefight, and the unimaginable reality of being captured and held for 11 dayswhile severely injured.But this episode goes deeper than the story. Mike shares the mindset tools that kept him moving forward: preparation, breaking chaos into manageable steps, decision-making under pressure, and how elite units build a culture where everyone rows in the same direction.We also talk about what makes the Black Hawk such a legendary platform — and why special operations teams consistently perform at the highest level.🎧 Listen now — and if you enjoy the episode, please follow, rate, and share TALK4. It helps more than you know.

In episode 171 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Brigadier General Charles “Charlie” Duke — Apollo 16 Moonwalker, former CAPCOM for Apollo 11, and one of the last surviving astronauts to have walked on the Moon.Charlie became the 10th person and the youngest at the time to step onto the lunar surface in 1972. In this extraordinary conversation, he takes us through an aviation and spaceflight career that places him at the very centre of human history — from Air Force fighter aviation and test pilot school at Edwards Air Force Base, to Mission Control during Apollo 11, and finally living and working on the Moon itself.Charlie recounts the full Apollo 16 story in his own words: the Saturn V launch, the engine issue that nearly cancelled the landing, the descent to the lunar surface, three days operating on the Moon, deploying the lunar rover, collecting Moon rocks, and the moment he truly realised — “I’m really on the Moon.”We also explore what the Moon actually looks and feels like, seeing Earthrise suspended in space, why the Moon landings were impossible to fake, and Charlie’s most important advice for young people who want to aim higher, take responsibility, and live with purpose.This episode is a rare, first-hand account of courage, preparation, leadership under pressure, and perspective — from a man who stood on another world.This episode is proudly sponsored by Saddleback Leather — makers of some of the toughest, longest-lasting leather goods in the world. Built with old-school craftsmanship and backed by a 100-year warranty, Saddleback Leather is about gear that lasts a lifetime and tells a story.👉 Explore Saddleback Leather:https://saddlebackleather.com🎧 Listen now and experience one of the greatest exploration stories ever told — directly from the man who lived it.⏱️ Official Sponsor — Saddleback Leather

In episode 170 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Dr Tony Dice — former firefighter, paramedic, U.S. Navy SEAL, addict in recovery, therapist, and author of After the Trident: A Navy SEAL’s Battle with Secrets, Addiction and Shame.Tony’s story is as extreme as it gets. From chasing chaos as a first responder and SEAL, to becoming physically and spiritually broken by alcohol and crystal meth, he reached a point where he couldn’t even pick up his own son from daycare. That moment — and the spiral that followed — pushed him to call a treatment centre, sell his car to pay for rehab, and go all-in on recovery.In this raw and honest conversation, Tony shares: • How his thrill-seeking, rule-bending nature fuelled both excellence and self-destruction • The moment he realised addiction was going to destroy not just him, but his son’s future • Why “willpower” works against you in addiction • How 12-step recovery actually works beneath the surface (and why it sticks) • His Holistic Change Model for lasting transformation • Why our “nation’s heroes” often suffer in silence — and how Bishop & Dice Defense is changing that • The power of “swim buddies” / battle buddies and why no one can do life aloneWhether you’re military, a first responder, high performer, or someone quietly struggling with addiction or burnout, this episode offers hope, perspective, and a clear path to meaningful change.🎧 Listen now to hear how Dr Tony Dice turned the worst moments of his life into a mission to pull others out of the fire.