In this episode of Free Form AI, we go behind the scenes with co-host Ben Wilson to explore how his early experiences in the Navy shaped his approach to engineering, risk, and creativity.

From high-stakes problem solving to the importance of failure-friendly environments, Ben and Michael unpack what it takes to build resilient systems and resilient people. Along the way, they discuss why fundamentals matter, how psychology plays into technical decisions, and why hobbies might be the most underrated engineering tool.

Tune in to Episode 17 for a wide-ranging conversation about:
• How high-pressure environments foster innovation
• Why testing and validation are non-negotiables in good engineering
• How hobbies support creative problem-solving
• Why failure (with forgiveness) can unlock new approaches

More than a career story, this episode is a deep dive into how experience shapes intuition. The best engineers don’t just know what works. They know why it works.