Antennas are often overlooked—until they fail. In this episode of The Antenna Podcast, host Dermot O’Shea sits down with Ben Culver, CEO of Southwest Antennas, to explore why antenna design is one of the most critical—and misunderstood—elements of any RF system.
Ben shares his journey from U.S. Navy fire control electronics to leading a $25M antenna company, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to design antennas that perform in real-world, mission-critical environments. From embedded surveillance antennas hidden in everyday objects to massive, high-performance MIMO arrays mounted on towers, this conversation highlights just how diverse—and complex—modern antenna engineering has become.
The discussion also dives into the realities of antenna simulation, why experience still matters more than software alone, and the growing challenge of finding skilled antenna engineers in today’s workforce. Whether you’re an RF engineer, system designer, or simply curious about the technology powering wireless systems, this episode delivers practical insights, war stories, and a fresh appreciation for the antenna’s role where RF and mechanics collide.
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Welcome to The Antenna Podcast with Dermot O’Shea, your go-to source for in-depth discussions, expert insights, and cutting-edge developments in the world of antennas and wireless communication.