Rick and Mike dive into Axon's most chaotic chapter yet — the post-IPO rocket ride that nearly blew the company up. Think Lamborghinis, soaring stock prices, and then... crash. A failed TASER test with Marine legend Hans Marrero sparks a last-minute overhaul of the X26 just six weeks before launch. Then a bold pricing move doubles revenue—and unknowingly funds Axon’s survival through an onslaught of lawsuits and media firestorms. From near collapse to becoming the fastest-growing stock on Wall Street, this is the real origin story of the X26 and the grit that built a juggernaut.

What do you get when you mix startup grit, a $500K lifeline, and one wild pitch tour? Rick and Mike unpack Axon’s bumpy, brilliant path to going public — including DIY due diligence, a pivotal banker, and a global roadshow that pulled out all the stops. This one’s a crash course in bold moves and high-stakes moments.

Hans Marrero once beat the Air TASER in a public demo—now he’s Axon’s Chief Instructor, reshaping how officers prepare for real-world encounters. In this episode, Hans joins Rick and Mike to talk combat mindset, tech-driven readiness, and why challenging the status quo is the first step to saving lives.

This one’s a rollercoaster.

Rick, Mike, and returning guest Steve Tuttle take us deep into one of Axon's most chaotic chapters: the Auto Taser saga. From volcanic vibes to nearly bankrupting the company (and their families), this episode unpacks wild demos, near arrests, manufacturing nightmares, a full-on marketing blitz dubbed “Project Godzilla”… and the startup grit that somehow pulled them through. It’s a masterclass in surviving failure, complete with rogue steering wheel locks, a desert seizure scare, and the accidental meeting of Rick’s future wife. Don’t miss this epic lesson in resilience—and why nobody wanted the year-end bonus.

In this exciting episode, we’re joined by special guest Steve Tuttle to uncover the inspiring story behind Axon’s rise. Steve shares firsthand experiences of how bold innovation reshaped law enforcement training, sparking hope and driving meaningful change in communities everywhere. Tune in for a powerful conversation about courage, transformation, and the passion behind building a safer future.

Rick, Mike, and Abi Stock break down the boldest highlights from Axon Week 2025. From AI-powered tools and breakthrough tech to drone shows and donuts, it’s a fast-paced look at innovation, impact, and unforgettable stories.

In episode two of Boldly Go, co-hosts Rick Smith and Mike Wagers welcome their first guest: Espen , a real-life Viking and Norway’s head of TASER training. From MMA knockouts to jiu-jitsu takedowns, Espen brings brutal honesty, scientific rigor, and Norse-level intensity to a conversation about how cutting-edge training and next-gen TASER tech are reshaping law enforcement from the ground up.
BOLDLY GO is the podcast where big ideas meet the future of public safety. Hosted by Axon Founder and CEO Rick Smith and former Seattle PD COO Mike Wagers, each episode explores the transformative tech, visionary leaders, and pioneering ventures shaping tomorrow. Hear unfiltered conversations with the innovators redefining what’s possible—because the future doesn’t wait.
Learn more at ⁠axon.com⁠
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LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/company/axon-protect-life⁠
Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/boldlygopodcast⁠
X: ⁠x.com/boldlygopodcast⁠

In the inaugural episode of Boldly Go, co-hosts Rick Smith and Mike Wagers dive into the origins of TASER technology—from how the device got its name to the (many) failures that preceded Rick’s eventual success scaling a TASER energy weapon business in the late 1990s.
BOLDLY GO is the podcast where big ideas meet the future of public safety. Hosted by Axon Founder and CEO Rick Smith and former Seattle PD COO Mike Wagers, each episode explores the transformative tech, visionary leaders, and pioneering ventures shaping tomorrow. Hear unfiltered conversations with the innovators redefining what’s possible—because the future doesn’t wait.

Learn more at axon.com

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/axon-protect-life
Instagram: instagram.com/boldlygopodcast
X: x.com/boldlygopodcast