Fall In Vets: Recent Episodes
jameel matin
Welcome to the Veterans Hackathon Podcast, where we explore the intersection of competition, software engineering, and design--with members of the Defense and Tech community.
Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal veteran Jacqueline Blackburn shares her journey from EOD to venture capital in this insightful episode. Discover:
- Jacqueline's career evolution from Navy EOD platoon commander to JP Morgan, and her transition into the world of venture capital at Decisive Point
- Insights into Decisive Point's unique approach, combining venture capital investments, advisory services, and accelerator programs
- The day-to-day realities of working at Decisive Point, including managing accelerator programs, advising clients, and evaluating potential investments
- Advice for veterans transitioning to civilian careers, emphasizing the importance of networking, understanding your new industry, and leveraging military experience
Whether you're a transitioning service member, aspiring entrepreneur, or curious about venture capital in the defense and energy sectors, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating the intersection of military experience, technology, and investment in cutting-edge defense and energy companies.
GUEST INFO:
- Jacqueline Blackburn LinkedIn
- Decisive Point (Venture capital firm that invests in dual-use technology startups and offers government contract consulting services)
EPISODE LINKS:
- The Quest Accelerator
- National Security Innovation Network
- NSIN Propel Maritime Digital Defense
- JP Morgan's Military & Veterans Affairs
- Radiant (Building micro nuclear reactors)
- Firestorm (Developing mission-adaptable aerial vehicles)
- ChatGPT
- DALL-E
PODCAST INFO:
- Podcast website: https://www.fallintotech.com/
- Youtube
- Apple Podcast
- Spotify
- Zencastr
SOCIAL MEDIA:
- TikTok
- X
HOST INFO:
- Jameel LinkedIn
- Michael LinkedIn
Marine veteran Brian Gomez shares his journey from U.S. Marine to tech recruiting at Meta in this insightful episode. Discover:
- Brian's career evolution from the Marine Corps to Meta's recruiting team
- Insights into the tech recruiting process, including strategies for sourcing candidates and advocating for diverse talent
- How military skills like adaptability, leadership, and problem-solving translate to success in tech recruiting
- The day-to-day realities of working as a tech recruiter, including building relationships with hiring managers and candidates
- Advice for veterans transitioning to tech careers, emphasizing the importance of networking, tailoring resumes, and leveraging military experience
Whether you're a transitioning service member, aspiring tech professional, or curious about recruiting in big tech, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating the hiring process and building a successful post-military career in the tech industry.
GUEST INFO:
- Brian Gomez LinkedIn
EPISODE LINKS:
- Meta Careers
- Meta Llama AI
- Marine Innovation Unit
- Marine for Life
- LinkedIn Recruiter
- SeekOut Recruiting Tool
- Bellator Recruiting Academy
PODCAST INFO:
- Podcast website: https://www.fallintotech.com/
- Youtube
- Apple Podcast
- Spotify
- Zencastr
SOCIAL MEDIA:
- TikTok
- X
HOST INFO:
- Jameel LinkedIn
- Michael LinkedIn
Marine veteran Eric Shu shares his journey from artillery officer to venture capitalist in this insightful episode. Discover:
- Eric's career evolution from Marine Corps artillery officer to MBA graduate, and his transition into the world of venture capital
- Insights into the venture capital industry, including how VCs evaluate startups and make investment decisions
- How military skills like adaptability, leadership, and strategic thinking translate to success in the tech investment world
- The day-to-day realities of working as a VC, including sourcing deals and supporting portfolio companies
- Advice for veterans interested in tech careers or entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience and continuous learning
Whether you're a transitioning service member, aspiring entrepreneur, or curious about venture capital, this episode offers valuable insights into succeeding in the fast-paced world of tech investment and startup ecosystems.
GUEST INFO:
- Eric Shu LinkedIn
- Access Venture Partners
- Pitch and Run Colorado (Luma)
- Pitch and Run Colorado (Instagram)
EPISODE LINKS:
- The Power Law (Book about Venture Capital)
- Acquired Podcast
- Marine Innovation Unit
- Defense Innovation Unit
- Teach for America
PODCAST INFO:
- Podcast website: https://www.fallintotech.com/
- Youtube
- Apple Podcast
- Spotify
- Zencastr
SOCIAL MEDIA:
- TikTok
- X
HOST INFO:
- Jameel LinkedIn
- Michael LinkedIn
Navy veteran Tony Herrera shares his journey from corpsman to AI machine learning engineer in this fascinating episode.
Discover:
- Tony's career evolution from Navy corpsman to coding bootcamp graduate, and his rapid progression to AI engineering roles
- Insights into the challenges and rewards of transitioning from front-end development to machine learning and cognitive AI technologies
- How military skills like adaptability, leadership, and tenacity translate to success in the tech industry, especially in cutting-edge fields
- The day-to-day realities of working on large-scale AI projects
- Tony's advice for aspiring tech professionals, emphasizing the importance of understanding fundamental concepts and continuous learning
Whether you're a transitioning service member or curious about AI and machine learning, this episode offers valuable insights into succeeding in the cutting-edge world of cognitive technologies and software development.
GUEST INFO:
- Tony Herrera LinkedIn
EPISODE LINKS:
- Skill Distillery Coding Bootcamp
- Coursera
- Operation Code
- Meta Llama AI Model
- TensorFlow
- PyTorch
- Jax
- GI Bill
- Navy Enterprise Service Desk
PODCAST INFO:
- Podcast website: https://www.fallintotech.com/
- Youtube
- Apple Podcast
- Spotify
- Zencastr
SOCIAL MEDIA:
- TikTok
- X
HOST INFO:
- Jameel LinkedIn
- Michael LinkedIn
Former Army infantry soldier Alex Peterec shares his journey from military service to software engineering at Wells Fargo. Discover:
- Alex's transition from airborne infantry to coding bootcamp and then software engineering
- Insights into the Galvanize coding bootcamp experience and its role in his career shift
- The importance of networking and mentorship in breaking into the tech industry
- How to leverage military skills like teamwork and attention to detail in software development roles
- The day-to-day life of a junior software engineer and performance evaluation in tech
- Challenges of imposter syndrome and adapting to a new tech stack as a beginner
Whether you're a transitioning service member or curious about software engineering, this episode offers valuable insights into succeeding in the technical world of coding and development.
GUEST INFO:
- Alex Peterec LinkedIn
- Alex Peterec Blog
EPISODE LINKS:
- Galvanize Coding Bootcamp
- Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA)
- Amazon Apprenticeship Program
- Pluralsight
- A Cloud Guru
- Udemy
- DOD SkillBridge
PODCAST INFO:
- Podcast website: https://www.fallintotech.com/
- Youtube
- Apple Podcast
- Spotify
- Zencastr
SOCIAL MEDIA:
- TikTok
- X
HOST INFO:
- Jameel LinkedIn
- Michael LinkedIn
Former Marine Charnice Tatum shares her journey from military service to compliance engineering in the tech industry. Discover:
- Charnice's transition from the Marines to IT help desk and then compliance engineering
- Insights into cybersecurity certifications and their value in the tech industry
- The importance of self-awareness in choosing a tech career path
- How to leverage military experience in compliance and cybersecurity roles
- The potential of blockchain technology and its applications
Whether you're a transitioning service member or curious about cybersecurity and compliance, this episode offers valuable insights into succeeding in the technical side of IT.
GUEST INFO:
- Charnice Tatum LinkedIn
EPISODE LINKS:
- Security+ Certification
- Network+ Certification
- A+ Certification
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- CYSA+ Certification
- CISSP Certification
- Intellectual Point
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework
- CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification)
- IAM (Identity and Access Management) certifications
- CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
- VR&E (Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) program for veterans
- CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) certification
PODCAST INFO:
- Podcast website: https://www.fallintotech.com/
- Youtube
- Apple Podcast
- Spotify
- Zencastr
SOCIAL MEDIA:
- TikTok
- X
HOST INFO:
- Jameel LinkedIn
- Michael LinkedIn
Former Marine infantry officer Keith Pickering shares his journey from military service to enterprise sales in the tech industry. Discover:
- Keith's transition from the Marines to becoming an enterprise account executive
- Insights into the world of B2B and enterprise sales in tech
- The value of networking and "1000 cups of coffee" in career transitions
- How to leverage military experience in strategic sales roles
Whether you're a transitioning service member or curious about tech sales, this episode offers valuable insights into succeeding in the business side of tech.
GUEST INFO:
- Keith Pickering LinkedIn
- Keith Pickering Veterati
EPISODE LINKS:
- Commit Foundation
- Breakline
- Claude AI
- PMP Certification
- Salesforce
PODCAST INFO:
- Podcast website: https://www.fallintotech.com/
- Youtube
- Apple Podcast
- Spotify
- Zencastr
SOCIAL MEDIA:
- TikTok
- X
HOST INFO:
- Jameel LinkedIn
- Michael LinkedIn
Marine veteran Jeff Otano shares his journey from infantry to senior software engineer in this inspiring episode. Discover:
- Jeff’s transition from the Marines to Microsoft and startups
- The pros and cons of big tech vs. startup life
- Tips for breaking into tech as a veteran
- How to leverage military leadership skills in the tech world
- Insights on building your own tech projects and startups
Whether you’re a transitioning service member or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable advice for succeeding in tech.
GUEST INFO:
- Jeff Otano LinkedIn
- Skiva.app (Elevate Your Pickleball Game)
EPISODE LINKS:
- Microsoft Software & Systems Academy
- DOD SkillBridge
- GI Bill Veteran Benefits
- Free Code Camp
- Treehouse
- Wellfound
- Udemy
- Coursera
- Convex
PODCAST INFO:
- Podcast website: https://www.fallintotech.com/
- Youtube
- Apple Podcast
- Spotify
- Zencastr
SOCIAL MEDIA:
- TikTok
- X
HOST INFO:
- Jameel LinkedIn
- Michael LinkedIn
In this episode of Fall Into Tech, hosts Jameel Matin and Michael Rodriguez chat with John Kennealy, an Army veteran turned software engineer. John shares his journey from military service to the tech industry, offering valuable insights on:
- Transitioning from the military to a tech career
- Choosing between college and coding bootcamps
- Preparing for tech interviews and job searches
- Overcoming imposter syndrome in a new field
- The pros and cons of working in tech
- Adapting to large codebases and new programming languages
- The importance of soft skills in tech careers
- Perspectives on AI and its impact on the industry
Whether you're a veteran considering a move into tech or already in the field, John's practical advice and candid experiences offer a roadmap for success in the ever-evolving world of technology.
GUEST INFO:
John Kennealy LinkedIn
EPISODE LINKS:
- GI Bill Veteran Benefits
- Western Illinois University
- YouTube (Free Code Camp)
- Pluralsight
- Coursera
- GitHub
- ChatGPT
- Code Platoon
PODCAST INFO:
- Podcast website: https://www.fallintotech.com/
- Youtube
- Apple Podcast
- Spotify
- Zencastr
SOCIAL MEDIA:
- TikTok
- X
HOST INFO:
- Jameel LinkedIn
- Michael LinkedIn
Join Marine veterans Jameel Matin and Michael Rodriguez as they kick off the Fall Into Tech podcast. Discover their journey from military service to thriving tech careers, packed with practical advice and inspiring stories. Learn about coding bootcamps, overcoming imposter syndrome, and leveraging AI in tech. Perfect for veterans considering a tech career or anyone curious about the industry's opportunities and challenges. Tune in for weekly interviews with tech professionals and fellow vets making waves in the digital world.
EPISODE LINKS:
- Fall In Hackathon
- Code Platoon
- Operation Code
- Y Combinator Startup School
- Chat GPT
- Claude AI
- Github Copilot
- Edabit
- Leetcode
PODCAST INFO:
- Podcast website: https://www.fallintotech.com/
- Youtube
- Apple Podcast
- Spotify
- Zencastr
SOCIAL:
- X (Twitter)
- TikTok
HOST INFO:
- Jameel LinkedIn
- Michael LinkedIn
Join Gladys Chiang and Adrian Garcia as they discuss their innovative hackathon project, Cosmic Chatter, which harnesses the power of citizen science to analyze radio signals from space. Discover how this platform could accelerate the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and explore its potential impact on space exploration and defense.
Links:
https://github.com/Team-Juliet
https://github.com/Muffy239
https://www.linkedin.com/company/woodpecker-ai
Join us for an exciting Fall In Vets hackathon podcast episode as we explore the groundbreaking world of space agriculture with Team Interstellar Greenhouse. Neka, the team leader, shares her inspiring journey from the military and nursing to tech, and delves into the creative process behind their innovative app designed to optimize plant growth in space. Discover the cutting-edge research and technology that went into developing this award-winning project, and learn about its potential to revolutionize food production for future space missions and colonies. Don't miss this fascinating discussion at the intersection of technology, agriculture, and space exploration!
In this podcast, we sit down with Team Lima, the winners of Fall In's space-themed hackathon. Led by Dan "The Man," the team discusses their innovative asteroid collision education project, which aims to raise public awareness about the dangers of potential asteroid impacts.
Discover the fascinating journey behind their award-winning solution, from ideation to execution, and learn about the technologies they used to bring their project to life. The team also shares their hackathon experience and offers advice for future participants.
Don't miss this opportunity to hear from the brilliant minds behind Team Lima's project. Tune in now and learn how they're making a difference in educating the public about the importance of asteroid collision awareness.
GitHub repo: https://github.com/Team-Deep-Impact/Deep-Impact
USAF vet Angie Parker, SWE Becky Richardson & USMC vet Blaise Pascual built Spaceify, an AI-powered LETF-optimization tool to cut launch delays & costs in commercial space. Digitalizing the complex paper process, Spaceify's MVP saves aerospace companies time & money.
With space industry family ties, Angie shares customer insights that shaped the lean team's focus. Becky discusses tech challenges, quick collaboration & an ambitious roadmap to grow with the booming industry.
Tune in for Team Kilo's journey, space passion & veterans advice for the Fall In hackathon!
https://spacify.org/
Github: https://github.com/AGI-CEO/team-kilo
US Army veteran Giselle Ross and future MD Jeffrey Fung discuss their beginner-friendly space exploration planning app, built with a diverse team at the Fall In Vets Hackathon. Leveraging APIs, "Hello World But In Space" aggregates key info on satellites, planets & more to help enthusiasts of all levels plan stargazing sessions. Learn how this one-stop-shop tool was developed in a weekend to grow interest in space.
GitHub Repo: https://github.com/DAJCOCHRAN/HelloWorldButInSpace
Presentation
Join us in this riveting episode as we converse with veteran trailblazers who clinched 2nd place in a metaverse hackathon, leveraging emotional tracking AI for mental health solutions. Discover how these Veterans adeptly merged AI innovation with their unique experiences to address critical mental health challenges. A must-listen for those passionate about the intersection of AI, emotional well-being, and veteran resilience. Dive in and be inspired!
Project repo: https://github.com/CStewCodes/LifeLine-Journal---Veterans-Mental-Health-Journal
Winners site: https://www.fallin.today/winners
Dive into the minds of the champions from the recent Mental Health Vets Hackathon. In this episode of "Fall In Vets Hackathon Podcast," we converse with winners Michael Sigg and Gladys Chiang. Uncover their innovative solutions, the role of tech in veterans' mental health, and the transformative power of collaborative action. Join us as we celebrate innovation, resilience, and the future of tech in veteran mental health. #fallin #veterans #mentalhealth #VetsTech #MentalHealthHackathon
Link to project repo: https://github.com/istoga/Team-Alpha-Vets-Hackathon
Winners site:
https://www.fallin.today/winners
Dive into the depths of information resilience in today's digital age with military intelligence expert, Brian. In this episode, unpack the intricacies of verifying information amidst misinformation, the dynamics of social media influence, and the power of emotion in shaping public perception. Recorded live at the Fall In Vets Hackathon, this conversation sheds light on the 2016 elections, strategies for countering biased information, and the critical importance of media literacy. Essential listening for anyone navigating the treacherous waters of online information. #VetsHackathon #InformationResilience #MediaLiteracy
Fall In with Dain Miller, former Principal Dev at Google and Presidential Innovation Fellow, as he shares invaluable insights tailored for military veterans transitioning into the tech industry. Dain Miller emphasizes the importance of understanding opportunity costs, leveraging personal stories in interviews, and being proactive in the job hunt. As the 'Fall In Vets Hackathon' nears, learn why veterans should 'fall in' and seize the moment. A must-listen for those eager to make their mark in tech!
Dive into an enlightening conversation with Marine Veteran, Greg Petropoulos, the dynamic team leader behind the victorious ensemble at the Fall In Vets Hackathon. From the trenches of coding challenges to the thrilling moment of clinching the win, Greg offers a unique perspective on leadership, tech, and the drive it takes to come out on top in a high-pressure environment. Whether you're an aspiring coder, a hackathon enthusiast, or just someone intrigued by the spirit of competition and camaraderie, this episode promises a blend of tech insights and the raw passion that defines a champion. Get a glimpse into the world of hackathons, the determination of an Infantry Marine turned tech leader, and the strategy that led his team to glory. Join us as we decode success, one line of code at a time.
Lock and load for this podcast episode as three U.S. Vets — Jack, Billy, and Jameel — break it down bar-talk style. Jack dives into his past Tech Startup, Relobase, and shares life as a Marine Officer, laying out solid respect for the enlisted and military spouses. Billy dives deep into his intense Iraq tour, bringing the heat and the heart of combat life. And Jameel? Well, he's here keeping things real, cutting through the chatter with his drunken interruptions. Expect no-BS talks on leadership, unwavering camaraderie, and the gritty realities these warriors faced. Tune in to feel the brotherhood, the humor, and the honor. No fluff, all real.
Join us as we sit down with the first place winners of Fall In's Veterans Hackathon, where the theme was helping homeless veterans. They've created a revolutionary solution, "Samaritan," that's like TaskRabbit and DoorDash for homeless veterans' daily needs, including food security. In this episode, you'll hear how their team is making charitable food choices better informed for veterans with diabetes, while elevating opportunities for improving food security for those who need it most: homeless veterans with diabetes or other dietary needs, and those in their support network. This is a powerful and emotional journey that you won't want to miss.
Making charitable food choices better informed for veterans with diabetes while elevating opportunities for improving food security.
Thanks to our sponsors: https://www.codeplatoon.org/
Making charitable food choices better informed for veterans with diabetes while elevating opportunities for improving food security.
Thanks to our sponsors: https://www.codeplatoon.org/
Gregory offers insight into problem domain areas for veterans to work off of for the November Vets Hackathon
Gregory offers insight into problem domair areas for veterans to work off of for the November Vets Hackathon
Listen to Bryan Cantrill talk with veterans in the metaverse during the Ukraine benefit hackathon.
Team HasDidis helping non-tech creators publicize their personal DID to all NFT marketplaces - built using Chia blockchain technology.
Thoughtful Librarians is a platform for stories + ways to facilitate circles for organizing around common causes/experts/trusted members, and a cadence for folks convening on relevant issues to help parse and manage all the news and updates associated with complex crisis.
This app works by organizing people through their close contacts, and anyone who shares common interest via the metadata tags of the content they bookmark.
TEAMMATES: DJ, Zane, Jonathan, Stedman, EZ, Ernest
TEAM LEADER: Zane
TAGLINE: Vome Alone
IDEA: Geolocating Vet homeless population and relaying them to resources nearby
PROBLEM THAT YOUR TEAM IS SOLVING: Matching resources with vets in need of help
FOR WHOM ARE YOU SOLVING THE PROBLEM: Vets who are in need of help, caregivers looking for opportunities to help
TEAMMATES: Umar Ahmed Badami, Adam McDonald, Brian Slusher, Tynan Kavanaugh, Matthew Robinson, Morgan Morris
TEAM LEADER: Morgan Morris
TAGLINE: Securely bringing help to those who need it most.
IDEA: Secure and verified messaging portal connecting aid organizations to at-risk individuals in humanitarian crises.
PROBLEM THAT YOUR TEAM IS SOLVING: In a humanitarian crisis, trusting the wrong email or text could have deadly consequences. Our project provides users with an ability to freely communicate with verified aid organizations while located in dangerous situations.
FOR WHOM ARE YOU SOLVING THE PROBLEM: Primarily for supporting those currently involved with the Afghanistan refugee crisis, but the app can be practically used in an assortment of arenas.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the need for a simple, secure way to communicate with friends and family. Safety Pin(g) aims to solve this issue by providing a way for users to check in with their loved ones and ensure they are safe. Users are able to check in with their personal network at customizable intervals. Users can also see time- and location-stamped check-ins from members within their network and receive notifications if someone has missed a check-in. Users can log in with their email and add their connections to groups so they can check in with multiple people at the same time.
The US military community admires the strength and resiliency of the Ukrainian people. 🇺🇦
DropShop is a crowd-sourced fundraising platform that provides humanitarian donation items for individuals in crisis situations and or disaster / war zones. We're going to talk about what it's like to be a part of this movement, why it matters, and how you can get involved.
Edit: Sorry for the audio issues. User error on my end.
When crisis strikes, A door to Sanctuary Opens. The idea is to create a web app (desktop and mobile) that will allow fleeing Ukrainians to find a safe haven. It will be similar to Airbnb but instead of charging Ukrainians, it helps to link them to housing from a volunteer family who is willing to take them in. This could be from NATO countries or far away from where the fighting is actually happening. The volunteer family would create an account and list the amenities that the fleeing Ukrainians will have access to. The Ukrainians will then be able to create an account and view all the possible safe havens that are available and they sign up for how many days that is needed.