Inside the Secret Lab That Recreates the Sun — LBNL 88″ Cyclotron with Larry Phair
In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Dan Marrujo takes listeners deep inside one of the most secure and mysterious facilities in the United States — a Department of Energy lab where scientists are literally recreating the power of the sun. Joined by Larry Phair, veteran staff scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the […]
Building the Brains of Defense: How Northrop Grumman Is Powering America’s Microelectronics Comeback
In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Dave Shahin of Northrop Grumman to explore the cutting-edge world of microelectronics and advanced packaging. From his early fascination with building things to his current leadership role at Northrop Grumman’s Microelectronics Center, Dave shares a journey that spans from ceramic engineering to semiconductor […]
Admiral James Bynum: From Fighter Pilot to the Future of AI Warfare
Admiral James Bynum joins host Daniel Marrujo for an extraordinary deep dive into a life defined by service, leadership, and transformation. From his early fascination with aviation to commanding F/A-18 squadrons, serving on Capitol Hill with Senator John McCain, and working within the White House Military Office, Admiral Bynum’s journey charts how purpose and adaptability […]
The Secrets Behind Las Vegas’ Business Growth and Diversification
Danielle Casey, newly appointed President and CEO of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA), joins Daniel Marrujo on this episode of Micro Journeys to share her journey across economic development in Albuquerque, Sacramento, Scottsdale, and now Las Vegas. Danielle discusses her experiences with military innovation hubs, federal funding ecosystems, and regional economic strategies that […]
Breaking Silos: How the DREAMS Hub and MOSIS 2.0 Powers National Collaboration
In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Steve Crago, Director of the California DREAMS Hub, to discuss his remarkable career journey spanning marathons, microelectronics, and national defense innovation. From qualifying for the Boston Marathon to advancing computing architectures at USC’s Information Sciences Institute, Steve’s path reveals how personal discipline and […]
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, […]