In this thrilling episode of Tech Transforms, host Carolyn Ford welcomes author, former Special Forces operator, and intelligence professional Steve Stratton to discuss Operation Skipjack—a useful fiction thriller that feels ripped straight from today’s headlines. This isn’t just a story; it’s a wake-up call.

Set in one of the world's most volatile geopolitical hotspots, Operation Skipjack explores a high-stakes cyber warfare scenario where adversaries leverage stealth technology, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing to disrupt global military operations. While the narrative is fictional, the threats, technologies, and strategic maneuvers are real—many of them already in development or active use.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🚀 The Real-World Tech Behind the Fiction: Every piece of technology in Operation Skipjack—from quantum radar to cross-domain security solutions—is either operational, in prototype, or on the near horizon. Learn how emerging innovations are shaping modern defense strategies.

🕵️ Why “Useful Fiction” Is More Than Just a Story: Unlike traditional fiction, useful fiction blends real-world intelligence, defense strategies, and cutting-edge tech into an engaging narrative. Find out how military leaders and decision-makers use fictionalized scenarios to prepare for real threats.

🌍 The Cyber War That’s Already Happening: Steve Stratton reveals why cyber warfare isn’t a future possibility—it’s a daily battle being fought in the shadows. From state-sponsored hacking to AI-powered cyber attacks, the game has changed, and national security is on the line.

🔒 The Role of Cross-Domain Solutions in Defense: Discover how Owl Cyber Defense’s technology is ensuring secure, real-time data transfers in high-risk military environments—and why this matters in a world of increasing cyber threats.

🎥 If Operation Skipjack Became a Movie: Who would play Admiral Nikki Fury? Steve and Carolyn share their dream cast picks for a blockbuster adaptation of this intense cyber thriller.

Exclusive Access to Operation Skipjack
Operation Skipjack will be officially unveiled at Distributech on March 24, 2025, but you don’t have to wait.

🔗 Get exclusive early access to the full chapter! Sign up at owlcyberdefense.com/operationskipjack/ to receive your copy as soon as it’s released.

📢 Stay Connected:

Follow Owl Cyber Defense on LinkedIn for updates.
Connect with Steve Stratton at [stevenstrattonusa.com](stevestrattonusa.com)

Final Thought:
This episode isn’t just about a book—it’s about the future of warfare, technology, and national security. Are we ready for what’s coming?

🎧 Listen now and stay ahead of the cyber threats shaping tomorrow’s battles.

In this episode, Carolyn Ford welcomes Don Spies, CEO of Outrider Analytics, to unravel the complexities of blockchain intelligence. They discuss how digital assets are transforming crime fighting and how law enforcement agencies use blockchain analysis to track illicit activity—from fraud and ransomware to cyber warfare and terrorist financing.

Pop culture meets cybersecurity as Don speculates how blockchain could change classic crime stories like Ocean’s 11 and shares his vision for a blockchain-themed thriller (Encrypted Justice, anyone?).

Key Topics Covered:
✔️ Blockchain 101 – Explained like you’re in eighth grade
✔️ How criminals leverage digital assets & how investigators track them
✔️ Real-world cases of financial crime solved through blockchain
✔️ Common misconceptions about cryptocurrency & security risks
✔️ The role of government regulation in shaping the future of digital assets

Listen now to discover how blockchain is reshaping global security!

🔗 Learn more about Don Spies and Outrider Analytics