Info

Drone Radio Show

The Drone Radio Show is a weekly podcast about drones and the people who use them for business, fun and research. Our guests share how they’re using drones to make a positive impact, build a business, lessons they’ve learned and insights that you can use to take YOUR interest in drones to the next level.
RSS Feed
Drone Radio Show
2024
March
February


2023
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2022
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2021
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2020
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2019
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2018
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2017
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2016
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2015
December
November
October
September
August
July


Categories

All Episodes
Archives
Categories
Now displaying: 2015
Dec 29, 2015

Do you need drone insurance?

We explore this question on this episode of the Drone Radio Show with Grant Goldsmith president of Overwatch a division of Avalon Risk Management Company.  Overwatch specializes in high risk insurance for the U.S. government, United Nations, NATO and international commercial contractors working globally.  The company also provides insurance for the commercial drone industry.  Grant has more than 20 years of insurance and transportation experience.  He talks about the benefits of drone insurance and why commercial operators might want to think about adding coverage to protect their business.

Dec 22, 2015

With an expected 750,000 (or more) drones being purchased for this Christmas season, there is sure to be a large number of people wondering where they can fly their drone and what they need to know if they’re starting a drone based business. 

Tom McMahon is the Vice President of Advocacy and Public Affairs for the Association of Unmanned Vehicles Systems International. AUVSI is the world’s largest non-profit organization devoted exclusively to advancing the unmanned systems and robotics community.  In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Tom talks about what commercial drone operators need to know before they fly a commercial drone.  If you recently purchased or received a drone and you’re thinking about starting a drone based business, then what Tom has to say is critical to ensure your business operates safely and within the guidelines of the FAA.

Dec 15, 2015

Can drones provide the framework for an effective STEM Education Program?

We explore this question on this edition of the Drone Radio Show with Anne Lopez, a teacher at Eastside Middle School in Mt. Washington, Kentucky.  Anne teaches STEM education, and in 2015, she introduced a class to middle schoolers on the history, use and operation of drones.  The curriculum quickly gained praise from the drone industry and from education professionals for its innovative approach and hands-on learning. Anne's talks about the curriculum, the lessons learned and the place that drones play in STEM education. If you’re a STEM educator, then you’re especially going to enjoy this interview.

Dec 8, 2015

What does the future hold for Drone Racing as a n entertainment sport and business?  Find out in this episode of the Drone Radio Show.

Scot Refslan is the Founder and CEO of Flying Grounds, a new company focused on the intersection of Drone Sport and STEM Education.  He is the founder of the Berkeley FPV Explorers and Racers meetup group with over 500 active pilots.  Scot has a PhD in Virtual Reality from Gifu University, Japan with an undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California. Dr. Refsland’s focus is to help accelerate STEM education in order to prepare the US's next generation workforce for a multi-disciplined sUAV industry. In 2015, his company organized the U.S. National Drone Racing Chapionships a the California State Fair and in 2016, he will present the first international drone competition, the Drone Worlds.

In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Scot talks about the business of drone racing, the challenges of growing a new sport, the role of FPV racing in STEM education and the plans for the 2016 Drone Worlds competition.  If you’re interested in FPV racing as a sport, entertainment or as a learning support tool, then you’re going to love this interview.

Dec 1, 2015

With all of the changing technology and rules and regulations in the drone industry, don’t you sometimes wish there was a friendly place you could go to get the answers you need?

Alan Perlman is a drone hobbyist and marketing consultant who runs UAV Coach, a website that helps to push the drone community forward with educational and inspirational content and training. If you’re struggling with choosing a drone, learning how to fly or building a drone based business, then maybe the UAV Coach can help. In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Alan talks about his products and services, the UAV Coach community and how the UAV Coach helps people reach their goals and develop more confidence with drones.

Nov 24, 2015

Some studies say that the best way to learn something is to put it to music or to make it funny.  Today's guest on the Drone Radio Show would go one step further and say do both.  Victor Villegas is a technologist at heart who enjoys helping people learn how to use technology to improve work and better their lives.  He bridges techies and users and has a knack for explaining technology in simple and easy to understand terms.  When not working for the Oregon State University Extension Computing Technology Unit, Victor is combining his love of drones, education and music to produce song parodies that promote the message of flying safe.  He's the Drone Singer and he's here to share some of his songs and talk about the inspiration and message behind his passion. 

Nov 17, 2015

Wondering what the next innovation might be in drone design & technology? Today’s guest on the Drone Radio Show podcast just might have the answer.

JD Claridge is the CEO and founder of XCraft, a new company that builds small powerful flying machines. He’s the visionary and inventor of the x PlusOne design, which as we will hear, is a innovative design in drone technology. JD started his career at Volant Technica as an aerospace engineer and later served several years as the lead electrical engineer at Quest Aircraft. For the past few years, prior to launching XCraft, JD ran his own aerospace design firm. On this episode of the Drone Radio Show podcast, JD talks about xCraft, their revolutionary products and his appearance on the popular TV show Shark Tank. 

Nov 10, 2015

It was just a matter of time before a movie would be made featuring a drone, but who would have thought that the drone would co-star as a friend and protector.

Rotor DR1 is a story about a 16-year old boy who becomes separated from his father during a worldwide viral outbreak and finds a drone that he believes can help him reunite. The movie is the brainchild of Chad Kapper, a director and producer known for Sarah’s Choice, Without Warning, the highly successful YouTube FliteTest channel, and now, Rotor DR1. On this episode of the Drone Radio Show podcast, Chad talks about the making of the movie, drones and his quest to make the first movie ever using an online community to help decide what happens.

 

Nov 3, 2015

If Horace Greeley was alive today, he would no longer be pointing us westward to the land of opportunity. Instead, he’d send us north to the grand state of North Dakota, the new hotbed of drone activity in the country. Today’s guest on the Drone Radio Show is Brian Opp, the UAS and Aerospace Business Development Manager for the North Dakota Department of Commerce. Among his many responsibilities is leading North Dakota’s efforts to attract, develop and expand the state’s fast growing drone industry. Sounding a little like Horace Greely himself, in this interview, Brian discusses how North Dakota has become THE place for drone businesses, enthusiasts and business opportunity.

 

Oct 27, 2015

Looking for a way to maximize the capabilities of your drone systems while maintaining a high degree of operational safety? Then you’re going to want to hear what today’s guest on the Drone Radio Show has to say.

Shawn Muehler is the COO of Botlink, a company specializing in UAV software and hardware that allows users to control their drones and process data over the cellular network. Shawn, an officer in the U.S. Air Force has been serving our country and flying both manned and unmanned aircraft for over decade. His love of flying model aircraft and Cessnas in his youth transpired into flying Learjets and military drones as a profession. Shawn’s extensive aviation and technology background is the inspiration for Botlink. In this podcase, Shawn talks about Botlink, how their products can make you a better drone pilot and improve your company’s productivity, and he shares his experience of creating a dynamic new company in North Dakota’s emerging drone industry.

Oct 20, 2015

What would it be like to take a selfie with a drone? If you asked today’s guest on the Drone Radio Show, she would most likely say, “Epic”.

Renee Lusano is a freelance illustrator and designer from San Francisco who now lives in Los Angeles. She was recently featured in an article as the girl who travels the world snapping up breathtaking selfies with a drone. She’s here to share her passion for travel, photography and, of course, her quest to create epic drone selfies.

Oct 13, 2015

Are you interested in aerial photography? Then you’re going to want to listen to today’s guest on the Drone Radio Show.

Laurie Rubin is an international award-winning photographer specializing in nature and aerial photography. Her passion for photography includes a career working for software companies such as Nik Software, Google+ Photos and Macphun Software. She is currently the Head of Education for ViewBug and is also one of the Inception Masters for Trey Ratcliff's Arcanum. Laurie won 1st place in the Windland Smith Rice International Awards with her image displayed at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. Currently, one of her aerial images is being displayed for DJI's SkyPixel Perspectives Worldwide Gallery. She’s here to talk about her experience and insights into aerial and traditional photography.

 

Oct 6, 2015

Interested in autonomous flight capabilities?  Well, before you invest in this new technology, you might want to hear what today’s guest on the Drone Radio Show has to say.

Alexander Stimpson is a postdoctoral associate at Duke University working in the Humans and Autonomy Lab, or HAL for short. HAL focuses on the multifaceted interactions of human and computer decision-making in systems with embedded autonomy. Alex has a Ph.D Degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT. His dissertation work focused on the application of machine learning models to inform training assessment and intervention. His current research interests include human supervisory control, decision support systems, artificial intelligence and data mining. He’s here to talk about the challenges and opportunities that arise when trying to transition humans from the role of direct manual control to supervisors and collaborators with technology.

 

Sep 29, 2015

Are you trying to get an objective, thorough assessment of the key issues facing the drone industry? Then you’ll be interested in hearing what this week's guest on the Drone Radio Show has to say.

Dan Gettinger is the founder and co-Director of the Center for the Study of the Drone. The Center was created in 2012 at Bard College as an interdisciplinary research, education and art community working to understand unmanned and autonomous vehicles. It encourages thinking which isn’t limited by departmental lines or political views and is open to all visions of the drone.  Dan is here to talk about the Center and some of the research that may affect the future of the commercial drone industry.

Sep 22, 2015

With so many companies planning to offer drone services, how do you know if your business is on the right path to becoming an industry leader?

Today’s guest on the Drone Radio Show is Brian Jorvig, Marketing Director for Launchboxx, the first full-service advertising and marketing team specializing in the drone industry. Brian is here to talk about Launchboxx and the services it provides to drone start-up companies as well as established companies seeking to add drone based services. If you’re serious about rising above the competition, then you’ll want to hear how Launchboxx might be able to help.

Sep 15, 2015

Gravity tells us that what goes up must come down.  And for drone pilots, sometimes, things come down hard.  When that happens (and it will), you’re going to want to know someone like today’s guest to get it flying again quickly.

Today’s guest on the Drone Radio Show is Bill Vergonet, owner of Drone Medix, a drone repair company.  Bill is a qualified airplane mechanic, pilot and drone operator and builder.  What sets Drone Medix apart from other drone repair businesses is their use of Skype video to troubleshoot problems with users in real time.  So rather than waiting to take your bird into the shop or sending it off for a diagnostic, you can Skype Bill in to coach you through the repair so you can be up and flying once again.

Sep 8, 2015

Is there a need for safety standards in the manufacturing of drones? 

Some say, it's past time.  Today's guest on the Drone Radio Show is Tim McGuinness, CEO of Drone Cyclone, a national on-line retailer of drones, robotics and 3-d printers has been advocating standards in drone design to improve and promote safe operations. He’s here to discuss a concept of a Drone Safety Council and standards to ensure safe operation of drones in the civilian air space.

 

Sep 1, 2015

While much of the major news centers on the commercial use of drones, there are some exciting personal drone stories that show us we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible with this technology.  Today’s guest on the Drone Radio Show is Faine Greenwood, an analyst with New America, a Washington based think tank dedicated to the renewal of American politics, prosperity and purpose in the digital age.  Faine recently participated in a research project documenting the use of drones in helping to preserve property rights.  She’s an avid drone pilot, with a passion for journalism,  photography, food and travel, with a special affinity for Southeast Asia.  She shares her drone story – a story of person pursuing their passions with the help of a drone.

Aug 25, 2015

Do the FAA requirements for Section 333 exemptions confuse you?  Well, you’re not alone.  Today’s guest on the Drone Radio Show is Jonathan Rupprecht, an attorney specializing in drone law.  Jonathan obtained a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Magna Cum Laude, and a Juris Doctor from Florida International University School of Law.   He has conducted extensive research on the integration of unmanned aircraft into the Japanese airspace compared to the integration in the United States' airspace. From that research, Jonathan authored a book on the law in the United States pertaining to unmanned aircraft called “Drones: Their Many Civilian Uses and the U.S. Laws Surrounding Them”.  He’s here to talk about the FAA requirements for commercial drone operations and some of the challenges that exist in today’s environment.   

Aug 18, 2015

Today we’re talking about ROI – Return on Investment – that measure that tells us when a decision will make financial sense.  We hear it all the time, that drones will improve efficiency, cut costs and make our lives better.  But as with so many different drone solutions out there, how do we know which drone, application or service will provide the best financial advantage.  

Fortunately, there’s a company that approaches drone service delivery from a value standpoint.  The company is called, Measure, and it has developed a ROI tool that enables users to assess a drone’s return on investment.  Measure is striving to be the first national drone service operator and is targeting the fortune 1000 companies.

Today's guests are Jesse Stepler, Director at Measure and Dave Bowen, Senior Analyst also of Measure.  They’re here to talk about Measure and how its helping to generate positive ROI for their clients.  

 

Aug 11, 2015

Today on the Drone Radio Show, we're talking about a new company that is meeting the need for drone services, while providing a place for people to earn an income with their drones. The name of the company is Fly4Me.  My guest is Adam Kersnowski, co-founder and CEO of Fly4Me.  Adam along with partner Dmitry Sharshunskiy came up with the idea of creating a drone for hire concept when they began using drones in their respective construction and energy companies.  Drones worked so well for their needs, that they saw the opportunity to create a business, which may set a high bar for drone-for-hire service companies.  Adam is here to talk about Fly4Me and how customers can tap into the services and how drone pilots can earn an income.

Aug 4, 2015

Is the time right for the drone industry to adopt standardized procedures for training and operation?  Today’s guest on the Drone Radio Show podcast is Nicholas Damron, an Army qualified Instructor for Unmanned Aircraft Systems with over 8 years of flight training and operational experience. His new book, “Read Before Flight”, is a guide on how to standardize unmanned aircraft training and operations. The book is intended to stimulate an industry wide discussion on how best to apply these standards to the growing commercial drone market. Since releasing the book in early 2015, Nicholas has been dedicated to developing a consensus among industry stakeholders on training and operating standards that will promote safety and commercial growth of the drone industry.

Jul 28, 2015

Today's guest on the Drone Radio Show is Sally French, a southern-California native and Social Media Editor at MarketWatch.  She’s a graduate of the University of Missouri, Columbia and has two degrees -- a Bachelor of Arts in German and a Bachelors of Journalism in International and Investigative Photojournalism.  She’s a drone enthusiast and has been covering the drone industry for the past couple of years, through her highly successful blog, “The Drone Girl”.  Sally is a strong advocate for gender equality in the drone industry and in July 2015, Fortune Magazine recognized her as one of the four top women shaping the future of the drone industry.  

Jul 23, 2015

Can a drone be used to make a better glass of wine?  Today’s guest on the Drone Radio Show is Ryan Kunde, owner of DRNK Wine in the Russian River Valley area of northern California.  DRNK Wines produces wines sourced from the best vineyards throughout the North Coast and using the latest winemaking techniques (including drones) to create elegantly crafted and balanced wines.  In this podcast, Ryan describes how are drones are used to survey the vineyards and used as a decision making tool in the winemaking process.

Jul 11, 2015

Are you thinking about a career in the drone industry and wondering how to get started? Today’s guest on the Drone Radio Show Podcast is Tariq Rashid who works with Skyward (Seattle), an information management company for today’s UAV networks. In this episode Tariq describes how transitioned from the U.S. Navy as a helicopter pilot to a position with Skyward. His story provides lessons for others seeking a rewarding career in the drone industry.

1 2 Next »