IARPA: Disbelief to Doubt - podcast cover

IARPA: Disbelief to Doubt

IARPA: Disbelief to Doubt explores the history and accomplishments of the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) through the lens of some of the most impactful current and past programs and the people who worked on them in IARPA's technical offices of Collection and Analysis. In each episode, Program Managers (PMs), technical staff, and research performers will offer candid insights into their personal journeys, what led them to IARPA, and how the unique mission of the organization enables them to be force multipliers as they tackle some of the most difficult cross-community scientific challenges.
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Episodes

Quantum Leaps: Part 2

The demand to solve increasingly complex problems is accelerating beyond the capabilities of traditional computing approaches. Quantum computing promises to revolutionize a host of industries by enabling rapid solutions to complex problems that are currently intractable for more traditional – or classical – computers. As a primary funder of quantum research since 2009, IARPA-sponsored efforts have resulted in multiple world-record demonstrations of quantum computing capabilities, including achie...

Apr 02, 202530 minEp. 4

Quantum Leaps: Part 1

The demand to solve increasingly complex problems is accelerating beyond the capabilities of traditional computing approaches. Quantum computing promises to revolutionize a host of industries by enabling rapid solutions to complex problems that are currently intractable for more traditional – or classical – computers. As a primary funder of quantum research since 2009, IARPA-sponsored efforts have resulted in multiple world-record demonstrations of quantum computing capabilities, including achie...

Mar 10, 202532 minEp. 4

Quantum Leaps (Teaser)

Enjoy this sneak peak of IARPA: Disbelief to Doubt Episode 4! In this upcoming episode of Disbelief to Doubt we speak with former Program Manager Michael DiRosa and explore how quantum computing differs from classical computing approaches, how this technology may eventually change the world, and how IARPA has been at the forefront of quantum research for nearly two decades.

Feb 24, 20251 minEp. 4

High-Risk/High-Payoff Part 2

IARPA invests in high-risk, high-payoff research with the goal of providing our nation with an overwhelming intelligence advantage. Developing scientific breakthroughs that challenge the state of the art requires IARPA Program Managers (PMs) to take ideas from a place of “disbelief to doubt” before successfully launching an IARPA program. As part of that development process, PMs must address a series of rigorous questions known as the “Heilmeier Questions” named after George Heilmeier, a pioneer...

Jan 27, 202533 minEp. 3

High-Risk/High-Payoff Part 1

IARPA invests in high-risk, high-payoff research with the goal of providing our nation with an overwhelming intelligence advantage. Developing scientific breakthroughs that challenge the state of the art requires IARPA Program Managers (PMs) to take ideas from a place of “disbelief to doubt” before successfully launching an IARPA program. As part of that development process, PMs must address a series of rigorous questions known as the “Heilmeier Questions” named after George Heilmeier, a pioneer...

Jan 13, 202531 minEp. 3

High-Risk/High-Reward Teaser

Join us for a sneak peek of IARPA: Disbelief to Doubt Episode 3! In this episode, we sit down with Former Office Director Rob Rahmer to discuss his journey from self-professed math Geek to leading the Office of Analysis to a prolific number of new programs during his tenure. Part 1 drops on January 13th, 2025 followed by Part 2 on January 27th. Learn more and listen in at IARPA.gov/podcast!

Dec 16, 202455 secEp. 3

IARPA Retrospective: Lessons Learned from 10 Years of "IARPA Hard Problems" with Former Director Dr. Jason Matheny Part 2

In this episode of Disbelief to Doubt we continue our conversation previously recorded with former IARPA Director Dr. Jason Matheny, who served as IARPA director from 2015 through 2018. In part two of this two-part interview we discuss the impact of IARPA's mission on national security and science, overcoming the challenges of technology adoption, Jason's parting wisdom on future trends and challenges in national security research, and much more.

Nov 18, 202425 minEp. 2

IARPA Retrospective: Lessons Learned from 10 Years of "IARPA Hard Problems" with Former Director Dr. Jason Matheny Part 1

In this episode of Disbelief to Doubt we turn back the clock to 2018 and sit down with former IARPA Director Dr. Jason Matheny who served as IARPA director from 2015 through 2018. In part one of this two-part interview we discuss a wide range of topics, including Jason's early career in science, how being a "force multiplier" drew him to IARPA, lessons learned from IARPA's first 10 years of tackling "IARPA hard" problems, the role of the U.S. as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) research ...

Nov 04, 202428 minEp. 2

IARPA Retrospective Teaser

Enjoy this preview of IARPA: Disbelief to Doubt Episode 2! In this retrospective episode, you'll hear former IARPA Director Dr. Jason Matheny talk about what it means to be a Force Multiplier as an IARPA Program Manager and discuss lessons learned over a decade of IARPA research breakthroughs. Part 1 drops on November 4th followed by Part 2 on November 18th. Learn more and listen in at IARPA.gov/podcast!

Oct 24, 202441 secEp. 2

Episode 1: Part 2: Force Multipliers

In Part 2 of our premiere episode of the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity's (IARPA) new podcast series, we continue our conversation with former Director Catherine Marsh to discuss IARPA's process for funding high-risk/high reward research, what differentiates IARPA's mission from that of DARPA's, how Program Managers are empowered to make a dent in the universe, and much more.

Sep 23, 202442 minEp. 1

Episode 1: Part 1: Leap Of Faith

In Part 1 of the premiere episode of the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity's (IARPA) new podcast series, we sit down with former Director Catherine Marsh to discuss IARPA's origin story and the world events that led to her joining government service and set her on a path to leading what the New York Times has heralded as "one of the government's most creative agencies."

Sep 09, 202431 minEp. 1

Leap of Faith (Teaser)

Get a sneak peek of Disbelief to Doubt Episode 1! In this episode, you'll learn IARPA's origin story and hear about former Director Dr. Catherine Marsh's "leap of faith" into government service. Full episode coming soon! Learn more and listen in at IARPA.gov/podcast!

Apr 26, 202451 secEp. 1

IARPA: Disbelief To Doubt (Trailer)

Welcome to IARPA: Disbelief to Doubt the new podcast from the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA). Disbelief to Doubt will explore our 15+ year history of pushing the boundaries of science and being at the forefront of innovation all in service to our nation. Coming Soon!

Apr 26, 20242 min
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