Boldly Go Podcast

In this lively episode of Boldly Go, former Axon president Luke Larson and current president Josh Isner join for a candid, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation about Axon’s evolution, culture, and leadership lessons learned along the way. From stuffed-animal giveaways that turned into marketing gold, to the origins of the Axon watermark, to stories of mentorship, risk-taking, and rewarding employees in memorable ways, this episode captures the bold spirit that built a true mission-driven company. Listen in for takes on authenticity, fun at work, and what it takes to keep innovating while staying true to Axon’s fearless values.

In this laugh-out-loud episode of Boldy Go, Rick Smith, Mike Wagers, and special guests Luke Larson and Josh Isner swap stories about Axon’s scrappy early days, leadership lessons, and the missteps that built the company’s culture. From a rejected job candidate who became president, to fake-blood office pranks and bold bets that paid off, this conversation is packed with humor, humility, and heart. The team reflects on the power of resilience, creative risk-taking, and shared ownership — and why sometimes the best leadership advice really is, “Never buy a private jet.”

In Episode 17 of Boldly Go, Rick Smith and Mike Wagers dive deep into artificial intelligence, exponential technological change, and the bold future ahead. From Ray Kurzweil’s predictions to real-world applications of ChatGPT, MidJourney, and Grok, they explore how AI is reshaping everything—from public safety to personal health and even human relationships. With humor, candor, and a few unforgettable stories, this episode tackles the promise and peril of a rapidly accelerating digital age.

In Episode 16 of Boldly Go, Rick Smith continues his conversation with former Axon President Luke Larson, diving into the pivotal years that transformed Taser into Axon. Luke shares stories of bold marketing stunts, the turning point after Ferguson, and how Axon’s culture of creativity and values like “Expect Candor” and “Boldly Go” shaped its rise. From stuffed dinosaurs to company costume parties, to the life-changing impact of mission-driven work, this episode highlights how Axon not only met the moment—but built a legacy of purpose, innovation, and love.

When a stolen prototype disappears and an unexpected guest breaks in, the Boldly Go crew must decode what’s real, what’s planted, and who’s playing who. Secrets unravel—and so does trust.

Rick Smith and Mike Wagers recount Axon’s 2004-05 crucible—media hit-jobs, short-seller assaults and a hidden mole—and the audacious Axon Flex pivot that resurrected the company and ignited modern body-camera tech.

Rick and Mike rewind to 2005, the year Axon (formerly TASER International) faced its toughest battles yet—SEC investigations, internal betrayal, patent controversies, and relentless media scrutiny. Recorded from picturesque locations in Maui and North Carolina, this episode dives deep into the resilience and grit that kept the company alive amidst chaos, highlighting crucial leadership lessons from one of Axon's most turbulent chapters.

Episode 12 of the Boldly Go podcast continues the deep dive into addressing and rebutting claims made in a John Oliver segment criticizing Axon and the use of tasers. Rick Smith and Mike Wagers methodically challenge the narrative presented on the show, particularly around the topic of "excited delirium," the role of tasers in in-custody deaths, and the portrayal of Axon's practices.
This episode reaffirms Axon's mission to save lives through effective, less-lethal technology and sheds light on the broader public misconceptions around taser safety, law enforcement training, and the media's influence on public perception.

Join Rick and Mike in Episode 11 of the Boldly Go Podcast as they unpack a lively and insightful response to comedian John Oliver's controversial take on Axon and TASER technology. Mixing humor with serious myth-busting, the hosts set the record straight on misinformation, delve into the rigorous science and safety testing behind TASER devices, and share candid stories behind some headline-grabbing moments. Expect an engaging conversation that balances laughs with a thoughtful look at the life-and-death business of law enforcement tech.

In Episode 10, join renowned medical expert Dr. Jeffrey Ho as he takes us into the lab to scientifically explore how TASER devices affect the human body. Through carefully controlled experiments and detailed medical analysis, Dr. Ho provides insights into stress physiology, debunks common misconceptions, and shares key findings from decades of rigorous testing—revealing how science is making policing safer for everyone.