#282 Nik Seetharaman - Former SpaceX's Head of Cybersecurity Critical Warning on AI Swarms

Nik Seetharaman is a special operations–trained cyber leader turned founder, known for bringing an operator’s mindset to some of the most sensitive security programs in American industry. A former JSOC advance‑force operator attached to an East Coast Naval Special Warfare squadron, he ran advanced cyber warfare and close‑range reconnaissance missions before crossing over into the world of high‑stakes defense technology and enterprise security. In industry, Nik helped build and lead security at three of the most influential defense‑tech companies of the last decade. He served as head of cybersecurity operations at SpaceX and later led international cyber defense programs at Palantir, giving him a front‑row seat to how software, data, and security shape modern national power. He then became CIO and CISO at Anduril Industries, where he built the company’s cybersecurity and weapons‑system security programs from the ground up while Anduril was racing to field autonomous systems for the Pentagon. Today, Nik is the founder and CEO of Wraithwatch, a cyber defense company born from his frustration that defenders are almost always forced to react second. At Wraithwatch, he is focused on “weaponizing” AI for defense at scale—using advanced models to help blue teams pre‑empt and out-iterate attackers instead of learning only from breaches and red‑team reports. Across each chapter of his career, he has carried forward the same core idea: apply special operations discipline, speed, and clarity of mission to how software, security teams, and AI‑driven defenses are built and run. Join the Waitlist - https://theglacierapp.com/waitlist Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Get started with Claude today at https://Claude.ai/srs Visit https://mauinuivenison.com/srs for a special deal for listeners of this show only. Go to https://helixsleep.com/SRS for 27% Off Sitewide. Go to https://shopbeam.com/SRS and use code SRS to get up to 50% off Beam Dream Nighttime Cocoa—grab it for just $32.50 and improve your sleep today. Try Rho Nutrition today and experience the difference of Liposomal Technology. Use code SRS for 20% OFF everything at https://www.rhonutrition.com/discount/SRS Nik Seetharaman Links: LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikseetharaman Wraithwatch - https://www.wraithwatch.com X - https://x.com/nikseeth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeremy Ryan Slate is the CEO and co-founder of Command Your Brand, a leading podcast PR agency that helps entrepreneurs, authors, and thought leaders build authority and grow influence through top‑tier podcast appearances. He is also the host of The Jeremy Ryan Slate Show, where he explores how power truly operates—through history, empires, and modern influence networks. A bestselling author, global speaker, and authority strategist, he equips founders and executives to turn their stories into credibility through precise messaging and strategic media placement. He holds both a BA and an MA from Seton Hall University, where he studied Catholic theology and World Religions. He also studied literature at Oxford University. From newspaper routes and gym management to teaching and entrepreneurship, he built his career from the ground up, launching his breakout podcast in 2015 and his successful agency a year later. Today, he continues to empower creators, leaders, and visionaries to command their brand and shape the modern narrative. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Put your money to work with Stash—visit get.stash.com/SRS to receive $25 towards your first stock purchase and view important disclosures. Upgrade your wallet today! Get 10% Off @Ridge with code SRS at https://www.Ridge.com/srs #Ridgepod Go right now to http://hillsdale.edu/SRS to enroll. There’s no cost, and it’s easy to get started. Receive 30% off your first subscription order at https://armra.com/SRS or enter code SRS at checkout. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://shopify.com/srs Jeremy Slate Links: X - https://www.x.com/JeremyRyanSlate FB - https://www.facebook.com/Jeremyryanslate IG - https://www.instagram.com/jeremyryanslate LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-ryan-slate-bb7b284a Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For years, Sarah Adams has worked where threat warnings begin, not where they end. She is a targeting officer and global threat advisor with deep expertise in counterterrorism, threat network analysis, and overseas intelligence operations. Sarah served in the Central Intelligence Agency’s Counterterrorism Center, as well as in the Near East and Iran Operations Divisions, working complex operations against both state and non-state adversaries. Her deployed field work spans Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Across those theaters, her focus has remained consistent: identifying, assessing, and disrupting terrorist networks, hostile state activity, and emerging threats to United States and allied interests. After leaving the CIA, Sarah served as a Senior Advisor to the United States House of Representatives following an executive appointment from the Agency, applying operational experience directly to national security policy, oversight, and accountability. She later led research and development initiatives for the Department of Defense, advancing innovation, tradecraft modernization, and intelligence capabilities with enterprise-level impact. She was deployed to Libya in 2012 and is the co-author of Benghazi: Know Thy Enemy, a cold-case, open-source investigation that identified the al-Qaeda operatives responsible for the attack on the U.S. Mission Compound and CIA Annex in Benghazi. Today, Sarah is the host of The Watch Floor at Vigilance Elite, a podcast focused on emerging threats, global affairs, and homeland security risks for everyday audiences. The Watch Floor delivers need-to-know insights, explaining what matters, why it matters, and what comes next. Shawn and Sarah answer the question - Will Khamenei be ousted as Supreme Leader of Iran by March 31? Follow the market here - https://polymarket.com/event/khamenei-out-as-supreme-leader-of-iran-by-march-31 Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Go right now to https://sundaysfordogs.com/SRS50 and get 50% off your first order. Join thousands of parents who trust Fabric to help protect their family—apply today in just minutes at https://meetfabric.com/SHAWN Get firearm security redesigned and save 10% off at StopBoxUSA with code SRS at https://www.stopboxusa.com/SRS #stopboxpod Head to https://factormeals.com/srs50off and use code srs50off to get 50% off your first Factor box plus free breakfast for 1 year (new customers only, with qualifying subscription purchase). Head to https://Superpower.com and use code SRS at checkout for $20 off your membership. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod https://drinkmindfulbev.com Sarah Adams Links: YT - https://www.youtube.com/@thewatchfloor IG - https://www.instagram.com/thewatchfloor X - https://x.com/The_Watch_Floor FB - https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Watch-Floor/61586054787023 TT - https://www.tiktok.com/@thewatchfloor Rumble - https://rumble.com/user/thewatchfloor Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/VigilanceElite Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5how8FZvVZvlhnv58antdG LinkTree - https://tr.ee/qFdF2gcFD_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wes Huff is a Canadian Christian apologist, theologian, and public speaker specializing in the reliability of ancient biblical manuscripts and the defense of the Christian worldview. Born in Multan, Pakistan, to missionary parents, he spent his early childhood in the Middle East before returning to Canada, growing up in a diverse environment exposed to various worldviews. At age 11, Huff was diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis, a rare neurological condition that paralyzed him from the waist down for about a month, followed by a full recovery that doctors described as medically inexplicable. An aspiring athlete and former student participant in track and field, he is married to Melissa and father to four children. Huff holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from York University, a Master of Theological Studies from Tyndale University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in New Testament studies at the University of Toronto’s Wycliffe College, with a primary focus on the history of ancient biblical manuscripts, textual transmission, and the development of the biblical canon. As Vice President for Apologetics Canada, Huff speaks regularly at churches, universities, conferences, and interfaith events across North America, addressing topics such as the historical reliability of the New Testament, the formation of the biblical canon, and responses to skeptical objections. Huff also runs an active YouTube channel under his own name, producing debates, lectures, and short videos on apologetics and biblical history, which has grown rapidly to approach hundreds of thousands of subscribers. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: If you’re serious about selling to the Department of War, go to https://SBIRAdvisors.com and mention Shawn Ryan for your first month free. Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code SRS at shopmando.com! #mandopod Go to https://calderalab.com/SRS. Use code SRS for 20% off your first order. Ready to upgrade your eyewear? Check them out at https://roka.com and use code SRS for 20% off sitewide. Wes Huff Links: YT - https://www.youtube.com/@WesHuff IG - https://www.instagram.com/wesley_huff WEB - https://www.wesleyhuff.com APC - https://apologeticscanada.com In March Wes will be giving a Can I Trust The Bible tour at The Museum of the Bible, go to https://www.museumofthebible.org and use code SHAWN25 for a special discount. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ro Khanna is the U.S. Representative for California's 17th Congressional District (Silicon Valley) since 2017, serving his fifth term as a Democrat. In this episode, Shawn and Ro discuss the recent drop of the Epstein Files and the two tier system of justice in America. Follow the market here - https://polymarket.com/event/will-anyone-be-jailed-over-epstein-disclosures Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Go to helixsleep.com/SRS for 27% Off Sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! New customers can save 35% on your first month of subscription by going to https://dosedaily.co/SRS or entering SRS at checkout. Learn a new language and get up to 55% off your subscription at https://babbel.com/SRS Rules and restrictions may apply. If you’re ready to upgrade your daily routine with BUBS MCT Creamer and Collagen, head to https://bubsnaturals.com/SRS and use code SHAWN for 20% off your order. Ro Khanna Links: Website - https://khanna.house.gov Campaign Site - https://www.rokhanna.com X - https://x.com/RoKhanna FB - https://www.facebook.com/RepRoKhanna IG - https://www.instagram.com/rokhannausa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael T. Lester, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former Marine Corps combat pilot who served in Asia and the Middle East, initially believed deeply in American ideals. Over time, he experienced growing disillusionment as U.S. actions abroad often contradicted official narratives and failed to align with stated goals of promoting democracy and freedom. His book provides a non-partisan analysis, arguing that repeated harmful outcomes across administrations are systemic features driven by incentives, not mere mistakes. It outlines an imperial playbook involving regime change, sanctions, proxy wars, and economic control, while linking foreign policy to domestic narrative management that manufactures consent. Lester applies this framework to current events like Ukraine, Gaza, and Venezuela, noting increasing global skepticism toward U.S. explanations. The provocative title refers to outcomes; from a global viewpoint, the U.S. often appears as the antagonist, emphasizing that denial hinders self-correction. Motivated by the view that silence enables complicity, Lester wrote this book to encourage honest reckoning in a multipolar world. Try Mindful Sparkling Water - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FPT6YPXX?maas=maas_adg_1C797BA219D5E6EE94343185A49EE100_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Try Rho Nutrition today and experience the difference of Liposomal Technology. Use code SRS for 20% OFF everything at https://www.rhonutrition.com/discount/SRS Sign up at https://BetterHelp.com/srs to get 10% off. #ad Our listeners get the Harry’s Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.Harrys.com/SRS #Harryspod Go to https://DRINKAG1.com/SRS for a free AG1 Flavor Sampler, AGZ Sampler, free Vitamin D3+K2, and AG1 Welcome Kit with your first subscription order, plus a 90-day money-back guarantee (limited time, while supplies last). Michael Lester Links: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtlester Books - https://michaeltlester.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Please watch the full video to hear my defense’s response to Camp Kanakuk’s attorneys’ demand letter requesting the removal of parts of my interview with Ro Khanna. If you would like to read both letters yourself, you can do so here: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1-anLwZmDRG6Y7dor8pKldmiIlIiouSC5 Watch the FULL episode with Elizabeth Phillips: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5O8WBQW4lwRpYkS3iR20u8?si=p30yIWWyREmCdQ1m3amrkQ&t=5&pi=3u6d1eGZTLGSX Watch the FULL episode with Ro Khanna: https://open.spotify.com/episode/159J2mL0PJcpzZlCgaxJYZ?si=QT5A713ZQy-hRdi1aw27FQ&t=5&pi=yxt1U4nJTkeIN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nick Brokhausen is a highly decorated U.S. Army Special Forces veteran who served in the secretive Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG) from 1970 to 1971, conducting high-risk reconnaissance missions deep behind enemy lines in Vietnam and Laos. On his second tour in Vietnam, he joined Recon Team Habu in Command and Control North (CCN), participating in some of the most dangerous operations of the war. With a 15-year career in the Regiment, Brokhausen undertook classified missions across the globe. He is the author of "We Few: U.S. Special Forces in Vietnam" (2018) and "Whispers in the Tall Grass: Back Behind Enemy Lines with MACV-SOG" (2019), offering firsthand accounts of SOG's covert operations and the camaraderie among elite warriors. He advocates for preserving the history of special operations and honoring the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Drink Mindful. Be Mindful. - https://drinkmindfulbev.com Get 30% off your first subscription order at ARMRA by going to https://ARMRA.com/srs or entering code SRS at checkout. Go to https://shopbeam.com/SRS and use code SRS to get up to 50% off Beam Dream Nighttime Cocoa—grab it for just $32.50 and improve your sleep today. Join thousands of parents who trust Fabric to help protect their family—apply today in just minutes at https://meetfabric.com/SHAWN Try ZipRecruiter for free at https://ziprecruiter.com/SRS. Nick Brokhausen Links: Amazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07CKVZHTP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jay Yu is a prominent DeepTech and NuclearTech entrepreneur with a Wall Street capital markets background. Driven by a vision to make energy more accessible, affordable, and sustainable worldwide, he currently serves as Executive Chairman & CEO of LIS Technologies Inc. (LIST) and Founder & Chairman of NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE). LIS Technologies is the only U.S.-origin and patented laser uranium enrichment technology company, delivering a revolutionary, energy- and cost-efficient approach that is set to redefine nuclear fuel industry standards while also producing medical and stable isotopes; including silicon-28 critical for AI and quantum computing. NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NNE) is the first publicly listed, vertically integrated advanced nuclear micro modular reactor company in the United States. Under Jay Yu’s leadership, NNE acquired one of the highest Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and patented microreactor designs in development, achieved a market capitalization exceeding $3 billion, raised over $600 million in just a year and a half, and earned the title of Wall Street’s Cinderella story of 2024 as the #1 Top IPO Performer. Leading a world-class team of nuclear engineers, former national leaders in military and policy, U.S. Department of Energy experts, national laboratory veterans, and regulatory specialists, Jay is developing smaller, simpler, and safer advanced nuclear microreactors. He brings deep expertise in corporate structuring, capital fundraising, and recruiting top-tier talent while passionately building strategic relationships and creating lasting value for partners and stakeholders. In 2021, Jay Yu was honored as one of The Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business; the highest recognition in the U.S. AAPI community. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Check out Maui Nui for wild Axis deer venison, harvested and shipped from Maui under USDA inspection—visit https://mauinuivenison.com/srs If you’re serious about selling to the Department of War, go to https://SBIRAdvisors.com and mention Shawn Ryan for your first month free. Head to https://Superpower.com and use code SRS at checkout for $20 off your membership. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod Get firearm security redesigned and save 10% off @StopBoxUSA with code SRS at https://stopboxusa.com/srs #stopboxpod Jay Yu Links: X - https://x.com/nano_nuclear IG - https://www.instagram.com/nanonuclear YT - https://www.youtube.com/@nanonuclearenergy NANO Nuclear - https://nanonuclearenergy.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tim Ferriss is the author of five #1 New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers, including The 4-Hour Workweek, The 4-Hour Body, and The 4-Hour Chef. His podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show, has surpassed one billion downloads and is widely regarded as the “Oprah of audio.” Named as one of Fortune’s “40 Under 40,” Tim is an early-stage technology investor/advisor (Uber, Facebook, Shopify, Duolingo, Alibaba, and 50+ others) and was ranked among the “Top 20 Angel Investors” by Forbes. A Princeton University graduate (BA 2000, East Asian Studies), Tim is a polyglot who speaks five languages to different degrees, a national Chinese kickboxing champion, the first American in history to hold a Guinness World Record in tango spins, and a practiced horseback archer (yabusame) in Japan. His business ventures include bootstrapping a nootropics company (BrainQUICKEN) to millions in revenue before selling it in 2010, launching the audiobook imprint Tim Ferriss Publishing with Amazon Audible (responsible for modern classics like Ego Is the Enemy and The Obstacle Is the Way), and co-creating the hit card game COYOTE (2025) with Exploding Kittens creator Elan Lee—now sold in over 8,000 stores worldwide including Target, Walmart, and Amazon. Known for normalizing vulnerability while achieving massive success, Tim pioneered the remote-work and lifestyle-design movements pre-pandemic, popularized biohacking, and has served as an advisor at Singularity University and a 2009 Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Upgrade your wallet today and get 10% off at Ridge with code SRS at https://www.Ridge.com/SRS #Ridgepod Go to https://shopbeam.com/SRS and use code SRS to get up to 50% off Beam Dream Nighttime Cocoa—grab it for just $32.50 and improve your sleep today. Sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today at https://shopify.com/srs Tim Ferriss Links: The No Book free chapters - https://tim.blog/nobook Everything Tim – https://tim.blog Podcast – https://tim.blog/podcast X – https://x.com/tferriss Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/timferriss YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/timferriss COYOTE Game – https://www.explodingkittens.com/products/coyote Books - https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001ILKBW2/allbooks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices