In this powerful conversation, Chris Kaspar (Founder, Techless) breaks down how phones and platforms were engineered for addiction — and what he’s building instead: Wisephone for adults and Sage Mobile (a full iPhone experience with layered protections) for kids and teens.
We cover:
The foster-care moment that sparked Techless
Why “evil defaults” + the attention economy = anxiety, distraction, burnout
The psychology behind doom-scrolling (variable rewards, sexualised/controversial content, algorithm “dials”)
Designing minimalist tech that still works (maps, messages, curated apps, guardrails)
Kids’ digital dignity, parent playbooks, and school-wide device standards
“Life hours”: 2+ billion hours reclaimed — and the road to 100B
If you create, lead, parent or just want your focus back, this one will hit home.
🎧 Listen on YouTube/Spotify/Apple and grab the book with 150 distilled lessons from 30 top Talk4 episodes.
Guest links:
👉 Website: https://www.chriskaspar.org👉 Sage Mobile: https://www.sagemobile.com/?srsltid=AfmBOor5H3c9wN8zzr4ZRhhxnRnwq5ykeMC-J0xXTtc_EzyWLq26abBm
Follow Louis: @louisskupien • @talk4podcast
In episode 167 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien welcomes Jessica “Sting” Peterson — flight-test engineer, TPS instructor, and PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno. A former civil-service technical director and instructor at the USAF Test Pilot School, Sting worked on Auto-GCAS and air collision-avoidance systems now credited with saving over a dozen pilot lives.What did we explore in this episode?In this dynamic conversation, Sting shares how she went from a non-traditional path to her first jet flight in an F-16, the reality of pulling 9G in the centrifuge, and how her team safely tested “don’t-hit-the-ground” tech without… hitting the ground. We dig into the engineering behind Auto-GCAS, the VISTA F-16 as an AI/autonomy “sandbox,” and her current research using real-time performance modelling to help pilots make smarter engine-out decisions. We also talk STEM outreach that truly inspires the next generation — and why human pilots and AI are stronger together.Packed with behind-the-scenes flight-test insight, leadership lessons under pressure, and practical takeaways for aviators, engineers, and anyone who loves pushing the envelope.🎧 Listen now on Spotify: [add your live link]⏱️ Enhance your style with AVI-8’s aviation-inspired watches!AVI-8 is offering an exclusive 20% discount with code: LOUISSKUPIEN20. Shop here: https://www.avi-8.com/talk4💰 Thinking of starting your own business? Launch your online store today for just £1 with Shopify!Get started: https://shopify.pxf.io/TALK4🎥 FREE Content from TALK4!Download and share short clips from our podcast!Download here: [your Drive folder link]👉🏻 Who Is Jessica “Sting” Peterson?Sting is a flight-test engineer and educator completing her PhD at UNR. As a TPS instructor and former USAF technical director, she helped develop and test Auto-GCAS and air collision-avoidance capabilities for frontline fighters. She’s passionate about STEM outreach and research that makes aviation safer.⭐️ Love the Talk4 Podcast? Leave a review!👉🏻 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/talk4-podcast/id1591476875👉🏻 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5DxcH2DxGbn0MVZUBqV1Gv?si=f335eeda0b3e44f4Video Title:Jessica “Sting” Peterson | Auto-GCAS, 9G Reality & AI Flight Test (VISTA) | Talk4 EP 167This episode covers: Auto-GCAS, flight-test safety, 9G centrifuge, AI/autonomy in fighters, VISTA, engine-out performance modelling, STEM outreach, and leadership under pressure.✅ Subscribe to our channel for more inspiring content:Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg0INsEySnXei_cS3lZceqg⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Listen to the audio podcast on your favourite platform:👉 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/talk4-podcast/id1591476875👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5DxcH2DxGbn0MVZUBqV1Gv?si=f335eeda0b3e44f4✅ Stay Connected With Louis Skupien:👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisskupien/👉 Twitter: https://twitter.com/louisskupien👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louis.skupien👉 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@louisskupien👉 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/louisskupien👉 Website: https://louisskupien.com👉 Talk4 Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talk4podcast/✅ For Business Enquiries: louis@louisskupien.com==========================✅ Recommended Playlists:Explore Playlists: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLei2UnG7GRuwHK5UBos6H6asVl8G2O4VX✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching:👉 Samuel “RaZZ” Larson | F-22 Raptor Demo Team | TALK4 EP 104: https://youtu.be/ue3OdODBVF4👉 Chris “Chowdah” Hill | US Navy Captain, CO CVN-69 | EP 129: https://youtu.be/82VY1dRUHf4© Louis Skupien#AutoGCAS #FlightTest #VISTA #USAF #AviationSafety #AI #STEM #Talk4Podcast #F16 #EdwardsAFB
In EP 166, Louis sits down with Mark Lee Fox, former Space Shuttle solid rocket booster chief engineer and founder of Resona Health. Mark explains how his aerospace career shaped his approach to building the VIBE, a pocket PEMF device designed to deliver ultra-low-power energy protocols for anxiety, sleep, pain support, recovery and more—plus similar approaches for pets and horses.
We cover:
What PEMF is (in plain English), why frequency matters, and where the science sits today
Lessons from NASA: decision-making, “run the experiment”, and communicating complex ideas simply
Product design trade-offs (battery, heat, simplicity) and why Mark ditched Bluetooth
The horse world’s early adoption, studies to watch, and why mainstream medicine lags
New ideas coming: vagus-nerve toning, biomarker wearables, blue-light/PEMF combos, AI-guided protocols
Links mentioned:
Resona Health VIBE: https://resona.health/vibe/
Product flyer (PDF): https://d19878z74qufsh.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Resona-Health-Flyer-59.pdf
59 Primary Protocols: https://d19878z74qufsh.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/VIBE-59-Protocols-030424.pdf
Brain Wave Expansion: https://d19878z74qufsh.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Brain-Wave-Expansion-Protocols.pdf
Research hub: https://resona.health/research/
Patrons page: https://resona.health/patrons/
Resona YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@resonahealth
In EP165, Louis sits down with Bryant Cruse, a former U.S. Navy aviator and space-systems engineer who helped apply AI to Hubble operations before founding New Sapience — a company building deterministic, knowledge-based “artificial intellects” that can’t hallucinate and are designed to help humans live better, smarter lives.
We cover:
Why knowledge (not tokens) is the missing half of AI
Lessons from flying C-130s and operating spacecraft
Building world models, common sense, and “atoms of thought”
How New Sapience’s cognitive core differs from LLMs
Human-centred AI: privacy, safety, and practical apps on-device
Funding the contrarian: why he chose angels & crowdfunding
Whether you’re an AI builder, founder, or just AI-curious, this one will make you rethink what “intelligence” actually is — and where it’s going next.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify & Apple, and see links to Bryant’s work in the show notes.
🌍 Bryant’s Links:
Website: https://newsapience.com/about/
Invest: https://investnow.newsapience.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryantcruse/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/bryantcruse
EP 164 — Maj Joseph “Paveway” Bledsoe III | F-15E Evaluator Pilot & USAFA Fellow
In this episode, Louis sits down with Maj Joseph “Paveway” Bledsoe III — an F-15E Strike Eagle evaluator pilot with 1,500+ hours (including 344 combat hours supporting Operation Inherent Resolve) and a Fellow at USAFA’s Institute for Future Conflict.
We dig into:
Agile Combat Employment (ACE) — what it is, why it matters, and how it reshapes airpower in a peer fight
Leadership the fighter-pilot way — horizontal leadership, intrusive leadership, and debrief culture
Combat lessons — acting decisively with incomplete information, empathy under stress, tech as a tool (not a crutch)
Goal-setting & accountability — turning weekly targets into after-action learning you can use on Monday
Mentorship, family-first priorities, and a life rule from the cockpit: “Knock it off” when things drift out of balance
Whether you lead a squadron, a startup, or yourself, this is a masterclass in readiness, resilience, and continuous improvement.
🎧 Listen & follow for more quick-fire conversations with elite performers.
Guest links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-paveway-bledsoe-iii
IFC Profile: https://www.ifc.usafa.edu/team/joseph-bledsoe
In episode 163 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien speaks with Dave Munson — founder of Saddleback Leather and author of They'll Fight Over It When You're Dead. From sketching a leather bag in Mexico to building a globally respected brand with a cult following, Dave’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and visionary thinking.
We discuss:
Why cheap products are killing quality
How to build a brand that outlives you
The secret to bulletproof relationships (and business)
Giving back without losing your soul
This episode dives deep into branding philosophy, leadership, personal resilience, and the unconventional path to success. It’s not just about leather—it’s about legacy.
In Episode 162 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien welcomes Dr Robb Kelly — a recovered alcoholic, Oxford‑educated neuroscientist, and founder of the Robb Kelly Recovery Group. From the streets of Manchester to becoming a trailblazer in addiction recovery, Dr Kelly shares his journey of hitting rock bottom, where a moment of clarity sparked a mission to save lives.
He reveals why addiction is ultimately a problem of thinking, not substances, and how his methods—combining neuroplasticity, brain‑spotting, 9D subliminal work, and breath techniques—achieve an extraordinary 98% success rate. We also dive into generational trauma, the true impact of processed food and pharmaceuticals, and how anyone can harness the brain’s capacity to transform. If you’re seeking radical healing or simply curious about mastering the mind, this conversation is your roadmap out of darkness.
In this explosive episode, Louis Skupien is joined by Brig Barker — former FBI Supervisory Special Agent and Army veteran with the 82nd Airborne — who’s spent over three decades tackling violent crime, terrorism, and transnational threats across the globe.
Brig dives deep into the psychology of terrorism, how groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS operate, and how AI is now reshaping the threat landscape. He also breaks down his unique approach to interrogation, how he flipped extremists into informants, and the critical role of leadership in both fighting evil and building trust.
From battlefield stories to advanced intelligence insights, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical strategies for everyone — from security professionals to entrepreneurs seeking to understand human behaviour.
🎧 Tune in now and get briefed.
In Episode 160 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien welcomes Anagha Deshmukh, founder of The Power Scripts and a leadership transformation specialist who uses the science of handwriting to help CEOs and boards resolve friction and accelerate execution.
After a 23-year career in engineering and marketing, Anagha pivoted to pursue her passion: helping leaders get boardroom breakthroughs by diagnosing their thinking patterns and personality traits through handwriting. Her unique approach reveals invisible misalignments that slow down decision-making and undermine strategy.
Tune in as Anagha explains how she rewires leadership teams, aligns executive boards, and helps clients move faster with deeper clarity. Plus, find out how you can get a free signature analysis at the link below!
🎯 Guest Link: https://anaghadeshmukh.com/optin-podcast
In episode 159 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien welcomes Russ “Puck” Quinn — former USAF Thunderbird solo pilot, F-16 Weapons School graduate, and now Chief Growth Officer at Top Aces, the world’s only commercial operator of the F-16 fighter jet.From flying inches apart at Mach speeds to leading a fleet of privately operated fighter jets training next-gen F-35 and F-22 pilots — Russ shares one of the most unique careers in military and aviation history.⸻🚀 What did we explore in this episode?In this high-impact conversation, Russ reflects on his 30-year Air Force journey — from flying the Viper in combat and test, to performing worldwide with the Thunderbirds, and finally pivoting to the private sector.We break down:• The mental and physical demands of being a Thunderbird solo pilot• His leadership lessons from weapons school, command, and combat• How Top Aces is using AI-controlled wingmen and F-16s to train the world’s most elite pilots• What it takes to build trust with the U.S. government and fly military-grade jets commercially• How to recruit, lead, and retain top talent in high-stakes environments• The future of air combat training and adversary air as 6th-gen jets come online🎧 A masterclass in leadership, trust, aviation innovation, and flying on the razor’s edge — from one of the greats.⸻⏱️ Enhance Your Style with AVI-8’s Aviation-Inspired Watches!AVI-8 is offering a 20% discount with code: LOUISSKUPIEN20🔗 Shop here: https://www.avi-8.com/talk4💰 Launch Your Business for Just £1 with Shopify!Build your online store today with this exclusive offer.🔗 Get started: https://shopify.pxf.io/TALK4🎥 FREE Content from TALK4!Collaborate or share clips from this episode using our creator-friendly packs.🔗 Download here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1o6sjJuP9Qn7la5y8LQ2pWvKGPnskopOT?usp=drive_link⸻👉🏻 Who Is Russ “Puck” Quinn?A 30-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Russ Quinn served as a solo demonstration pilot for the Thunderbirds, graduated from the F-16 Weapons School, and commanded test and combat aviation units. Today, he’s Chief Growth Officer at Top Aces, overseeing their U.S. operations, innovation, and training missions using privately operated F-16s to prepare elite military pilots around the world.⸻⭐️ Love the Talk4 Podcast? Leave a Review!👉🏻 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/talk4-podcast/id1591476875👉🏻 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5DxcH2DxGbn0MVZUBqV1Gv🎥 Watch More Elite Aviation & Leadership Episodes on TALK4:✅ Col “Phantom” Merrell | MQ-9 Reaper Global Ops | EP 153🎥 https://youtu.be/[INSERT]✅ Gen Bussiere | Global Strike Commander | EP 151🎥 https://youtu.be/979F4oP7Vmo✅ Col Beaker Wickert | USAF Test Wing Commander | EP 147🎥 https://youtu.be/P4UBzD458FA✅ Col Nathan “Sheik” Malafa | USAF Thunderbirds | EP 150🎥 https://youtu.be/fVNl5xcKhxo⸻✅ Subscribe for elite aviation and leadership content:🔗 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg0INsEySnXei_cS3lZceqg⸻✅ Stay Connected With Louis Skupien:👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisskupien👉 Twitter: https://twitter.com/louisskupien👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louis.skupien👉 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@louisskupien👉 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/louisskupien👉 Website: https://louisskupien.com👉 Talk4 Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/talk4podcast✅ Business Enquiries: louis@louisskupien.com⸻🔥 This episode covers topics such as:• Flying with the USAF Thunderbirds• Training F-35/F-22 pilots with private F-16s• Leadership in combat, test, and commercial aviation• AI and the future of adversary air• Building high-trust teams in high-risk environments• The future of aerial warfare & 6th-gen fighter training#Talk4Podcast #RussQuinn #TopAces #Thunderbirds #F16Viper #FighterPilot #AIaviation #MilitaryLeadership #AdversaryAir #LeadershipUnderPressure #TacticalTraining #USAirForce #Podcast
In Episode 158 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Rick Walker — a serial entrepreneur, leadership strategist, and author of "Nine Steps to Build a Life of Meaning."
In this captivating conversation, Rick shares how he scaled multiple businesses across 50+ countries, battled through personal and health crises, and developed a deep appreciation for ancient philosophy, service, and personal discipline. Rick discusses how to cultivate competence and integrity, why suffering can be a blessing, and what wisdom from the ancients still holds up today. From brain surgery to building nonprofits and crafting his life’s work, this episode is a masterclass in mindset, leadership, and meaning.
Tune in for a transformative talk on growth, responsibility, and becoming the kind of leader the world truly needs.
In episode 157 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien welcomes Retired Brigadier General Max Stitzer, a veteran U.S. Air Force leader with over 30 years of service spanning combat deployments, Pentagon leadership, and cutting-edge defense innovation.
In this episode, Max shares his unlikely journey from enlisting with only a high school diploma to becoming a general officer. He discusses the challenges of military bureaucracy, the role of leadership in building effective teams, and how the U.S. can strengthen its defense industrial base by collaborating more efficiently with the private sector.
Listeners will hear Max’s insights on innovation, integrity, mentorship, and the power of saying yes to difficult tasks. This conversation is packed with wisdom for current and aspiring leaders in military, business, or public service.
In episode 156 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Colonel Jason Herring, outgoing Wing Commander of the 621st Contingency Response Wing — the U.S. Air Force’s only wing solely focused on rapidly deploying teams to open airbases and respond to global crises.
With 26 years of service, Jason’s career has spanned from combat operations as a C-130 pilot to strategic leadership in irregular warfare at the Pentagon, culminating in command of one of the Air Force’s most agile and operationally critical units.
In this fascinating episode, Jason breaks down the mission of the 621st, the unique mindset needed for contingency response operations, and how his diverse leadership experiences have shaped his command philosophy. We explore the critical role of teamwork, trust, adaptability, and how to develop future leaders in an ever-changing world.
Packed with real-world lessons, inspiring stories, and practical takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in high-performance leadership, rapid mobility operations, and building resilient teams.
🎧 Listen now to discover how Colonel Herring’s approach to leadership and mission success can inspire you — whether you’re in the military, business, or facing life’s toughest challenges.
In episode 155 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Dr. Luis Luarca—an organizational psychologist, leadership expert, and former CFO with over 25 years of experience transforming businesses.
Luis blends his unique background in finance, human behaviour, and leadership psychology to reveal how ego, poor communication, and ignoring employees often hold businesses back. He shares actionable lessons from his consulting work with companies ranging from $5 million startups to $300 million giants, showing how empowering teams, listening to staff, and breaking outdated leadership mindsets lead to real results.
We dive into the modern leadership crisis, the misunderstood role of AI, why so many employees hate Mondays, and how to build resilient, high-performing organizations. Whether you’re a business owner, aspiring leader, or someone trying to improve workplace culture, this episode is packed with eye-opening takeaways you can apply today.
🎧 Listen now for a raw, practical guide to becoming a better leader—and building an organization your people actually want to work for.
In Episode 154 of the Talk4 Podcast, host Louis Skupien is joined by Christian Bruhn, a former Army Ranger and intelligence analyst who now runs "The Art of Time," a business focused on luxury watch trading and collection management.
Christian takes us through his transformation—from driving a Budweiser keg truck in Louisiana to deploying with the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, then diving into entrepreneurship and building a trusted name in the luxury watch market.
We cover:
His military background and lessons learned
How he transitioned into entrepreneurship
Watch industry tips, red flags, and best investments
Brand-building advice
The future of luxury watches in an AI-driven world
A powerful blend of military grit and business savvy, this episode is full of practical advice, motivation, and insights into what it takes to lead in high-pressure environments.
🎧 Listen now and discover why time is your most valuable asset.
In episode 153 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien is joined by Commander Trevor "Phantom" Merrell, Commander of the 25th Attack Group at Shaw AFB. With over 2,900 flight hours across platforms like the F-16 and MQ-9 Reaper, Phantom shares his extraordinary path through U.S. Air Force aviation and command.
From surviving a catastrophic F-16 ejection to developing ISR strategy in the Pentagon and commanding global RPA operations, Phantom offers a unique lens on modern warfare. He also dives deep into leadership, the importance of autonomy and purpose, and mentoring the next generation of warfighters.
Whether you're interested in Air Force careers, leadership development, ISR, or future combat tech, this is a must-listen.
In episode 152 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien welcomes astronaut and former Navy test pilot Susan Kilrain — one of only three women in history to pilot the Space Shuttle.
From flying F-14 Tomcats and serving as a Navy test pilot to conducting two missions aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, Susan’s journey is filled with grit, leadership, and determination. She opens up about breaking barriers in military aviation, the psychological impact of space travel, and her post-NASA mission to inspire others through public speaking, writing, and STEM outreach.
Susan also shares key leadership lessons learned in flight and space, discusses how to lead in crisis, and offers powerful advice on overcoming fear and self-doubt.
🎧 This episode is a must-listen for aviation lovers, aspiring astronauts, leaders, and anyone chasing ambitious dreams.
In Episode 151 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien is joined by General Thomas A. Bussiere, Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. With 40 years of distinguished service, Gen. Bussiere is responsible for overseeing the U.S. strategic bomber fleet and ICBMs, forming two-thirds of America’s nuclear triad.
In this powerful conversation, Gen. Bussiere shares his journey from fighter pilot to becoming one of the most pivotal leaders in U.S. military strategy. He breaks down the role of strategic deterrence, modernization of legacy systems like the B-52 and Minuteman III, and how new platforms like the B-21 and MH-139 Grey Wolf will shape the future. We explore the balance of readiness and innovation, leadership philosophies, global security threats, and the role of AI in 21st-century defense.
🎧 Don’t miss this rare and insightful look behind the scenes of America’s most critical defense command.
Episode 150 of the Talk4 Podcast features Colonel Nathan "Sheik" Malafa, Thunderbird #1 and the Commander of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. With over 3,500 fighter hours and nearly 850 in combat, Col Malafa brings unmatched experience, vision, and leadership.
In this extraordinary conversation, Col Malafa shares how an F-15 demo changed his life, how he rose through the ranks to fly the F-15E and F-35, and what it takes to lead the Thunderbirds through one of the most demanding flying missions in the world. Louis and Col Malafa explore lessons from combat, leadership in elite teams, the secret behind ultra-close formation flying, and how the Thunderbirds inspire the next generation of Airmen.
🎧 Don’t miss this epic milestone episode packed with real stories, hard-won lessons, and elite-level motivation.
In this powerful episode, Louis Skupien sits down with Rear Admiral Mark Sucato — a veteran strike fighter pilot, Top Gun graduate, and now the Commander of Navy Region Northwest. With over 30 years of service, he leads the Navy’s critical shore infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest, manages emerging technology integration, and mentors thousands across the fleet.
Mark discusses his childhood dream to fly, his path through the U.S. Naval Academy and Top Gun, and the leadership mindset that shaped his career. He shares battle-tested strategies for building high-performing teams, empowering junior innovators, and balancing new tech with mission success. A must-listen for anyone in leadership, tech, military, or mentorship.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify