AI, Drones, and the Future of Air Combat — A General’s Warning
In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Carl “Schaef” Schaefer to reflect on a remarkable career that spans combat missions, Pentagon leadership, and shaping the future of U.S. airpower. From the shock of having a missile locked on his aircraft, to the grind of 3 […]
Why AI Could Run Out of Power — And How Microelectronics Can Save It.
In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Tsu-Jae King Liu, President of the National Academy of Engineering and trailblazer in semiconductor research. From her unexpected career pivot away from medicine to her pivotal role in shaping the future of microelectronics, Liu shares a remarkable journey filled with breakthroughs that continue […]
From Chicago Streets to Global Defense: The John Costello Story
In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with John Costello, a seasoned executive with an incredible journey that spans from a blue-collar upbringing in Chicago to leading global aerospace and defense initiatives at Microchip Technology. John’s life reads like a movie script—navigating family ties to organized crime, writing a memoir titled […]
The Future of Space Force: Partnerships, Technology, and Global Strategy with Dr. Stacie Williams
In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Dr. Stacie Williams, Chief Science Officer for the U.S. Space Force. Dr. Williams shares her remarkable path from studying chemistry in Arkansas to leading science and technology initiatives that shape America’s role in space. Her journey spans academia, startups, national labs, and high-level […]
Major General Arnold Punaro on Vietnam, Capitol Hill, and the Future of Defense
In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Major General Arnold Punaro to explore his extraordinary career spanning the U.S. Marine Corps, Capitol Hill, and the private sector. From his service as a young platoon commander in Vietnam to leading reform efforts in Washington, Punaro shares candid stories of leadership, sacrifice, […]
Ahead of the Curve: Dr. Jennifer Buss on Science, Policy, and the Future of Technology
In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo welcomes Dr. Jennifer Buss, CEO of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies. Dr. Buss shares her journey from earning a PhD in biochemistry to leading one of Washington D.C.’s most respected science and technology policy think tanks. Along the way, she highlights how the Institute bridges […]
Inside Penguin Solutions: Building the Future of AI Infrastructure
In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Mark Adams, President and CEO of Penguin Solutions (formerly Smart Global Holdings), to explore his incredible trajectory—from college football at Boston College to the upper echelons of the tech industry. Mark shares his transition from sales leadership to executive roles at Lexar, Micron, […]
How Trusted Strategic Solutions Is Redefining Microelectronics, Defense, and Strategy
In this episode of Micro Journeys, Victoria turns the mic on host Daniel Marrujo for an in-depth conversation about his remarkable career path—from an early fascination with engineering to becoming the founder of Trusted Strategic Solutions (TSS). Daniel shares how his background in microelectronics and defense has shaped his approach to bridging gaps between government, […]
Inside the Cockpit and the War Room with Dave “Trashman” Hicks
From a small-town kid in Paris, Tennessee, to a decorated Brigadier General in the United States Air Force, Dave “Trashman” Hicks has led an extraordinary life. In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Dave to explore his path—from his time at the Air Force Academy and flying the legendary A-10 […]
The Art of Lithography: Precision, Security, and the Future of Chips
In this episode of Micro Journeys, Daniel Marrujo sits down with Chris Progler, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Photronics, for an in-depth conversation on the evolving role of photomasks in the global semiconductor ecosystem. From his early fascination with optics to his journey through IBM, Texas Instruments, and ultimately Photronics, Chris shares […]