Elon: We started with basically nothing. Starbase started as a sandbar with nothing.
Elon: Even those little things we built. That’s the original Mad Max rocket!
[Looking at the rocket from 2019, six years ago, the camera pans around it. The sun hits the side, revealing a gorgeous, surreal piece of steel.]
Elon: You know, lighting is very important for that Mad Max rocket.
[Elon is smiling, with his hand in a determined fist. He’s not afraid of silence; this is a tribute to that incredible rocket. Many employees in the audience may not have seen it in person; it’s six years old. Some may have been in high school at the time.]
Elon: Not long ago, there was basically nothing here. In about five or six years, thanks to the incredible work of the SpaceX team, we’ve built a small city. We built two gigantic launchpads and a gigantic rocket factory for a gigantic rocket. The cool thing is, anyone watching can come visit because our entire production facility and launch site are on a public highway. Anyone in South Texas can see the rocket up close, see the factory, and anyone interested in the largest flying object on Earth can drive down the public highway and see it! Pretty cool!
Welcome to Part 3 of my series on Elon’s August 16, 2024, West Point talk, released on February 6, 2025. If you missed the earlier parts, you can catch up here: Part 1 and Part 2.
In this final installment, Brigadier General Shane Reeves explores in detail the future of warfare, the role of space, and Elon’s approach to leadership and innovation.
Drones and the Battlefield: A New Reality
Reeves asked Elon about integrating technology with human pilots and its implications for warfare. Elon responded:
“At the front of the battle line, it’s just going to be drones. Any humans caught in that crossfire are going to be killed.”
Elon elaborated, painting a vivid picture of drone warfare:
“If you’ve got drones constantly scanning—thousands of them, maybe a million, like Ukraine’s planning—you don’t want to be there trying to take out drones with an assault rifle. It’s not a good situation.”
He proposed an unexpected countermeasure:
“If you go fully analog with mechanical controls and do an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) blast, you could take out all electronics. A fully analog fighter plane could be a role—like a Tom Cruise movie where he flies an analog aircraft, and all the drones fall from the sky.”
Elon Musk inspires West Point graduates, “Try. Just try thinking of interesting ideas. Read about many fields and cross-fertilize ideas. For example, SpaceX used automotive mass-manufacturing techniques, and Tesla applied space industry materials optimization. That’s a superpower.”
Building Trust with Industry
Reeves raised concerns about industry reluctance to develop technology for the Department of Defense, emphasizing the need for trust with the industrial base and society. Elon, a solid supporter of the military, responded:
“I’m very pro-military, to be clear.” (Met with loud applause.)
He drew parallels to historical shifts:
“If there’s a significant conflict, the US industrial base will switch quickly to military production, just as it did in World War II. Will it be quick enough? I don’t know. AI and drones—that’s the future of warfare.”
Space: The Ultimate High Ground
On the role of space in warfare, Elon was emphatic:
“Space is the ultimate high ground. It’s big. Real big. Earth is like a tiny dust mote floating in space.”
He stressed the importance of space-based communications:
“Ground-based communications—fiber optics, cell towers—will be destroyed. All you’ve got are analog radios and space-based data communications. GPS is easily jammed because it’s a weak signal. A next-generation positioning system is critical.”
Elon also touched on space-based weaponry:
“You could have kinetic weapons—like tungsten cannonballs, known as rods from God—or space-based lasers. Starlink technically has lasers, but they’re low-powered… for now.” (Laughter)
Leadership: The Cavalry Captain Must Ride
Reeves connected military history to Elon’s businesses, asking about the traits he seeks in leaders. Elon emphasized technical competence:
“If someone’s leading a complex engineering project, they must be good at engineering. They don’t need to be the best, but they must be competent. It’s like a cavalry captain who can’t ride a horse—great in every way, but falls off in battle. That’s not inspiring.”
Elon critiqued leadership mismatches:
“Take Boeing’s CEO—he’s got a degree in accounting. If you’re running an airplane company, you should know how airplanes work, how they’re designed. That’s vital.”
Fostering Innovation
Reeves asked how Elon cultivates innovative intuition. Elon suggested:
“Try. Just try thinking of interesting ideas. Read about many fields and cross-fertilize ideas. For example, SpaceX used automotive mass-manufacturing techniques, and Tesla applied space industry materials optimization. That’s a superpower.”
On balancing caution and risk, Elon said:
“If you’re not failing sometimes, you’re not trying hard enough. Nobody bats 1000, but you can’t bat zero either.”
Elon’s First-Principles Algorithm
Elon shared a practical framework for problem-solving:
“1. Make the requirements less dumb. Even if they come from the smartest person, they’re still dumb. Military procurement often starts with excessive requirements. 2. Delete parts or process steps. If you’re not adding back 10% of what you deleted, you haven’t deleted enough. 3. Optimize what remains. 4. Go faster. 5. Automate—only after the above steps.”
He cautioned against common pitfalls:
“Smart engineers often optimize things that shouldn’t exist—like perfecting a cloth biplane when we need jet airplanes.”
Elon gives great advice on fostering learning: “Curiosity. Read as much as possible, learn across fields, and apply critical thinking to everything you’re told.”
Curiosity: The Key Attribute
As the interview closed, Reeves asked Elon for the one attribute critical for future officers. Elon’s answer was succinct:
“Curiosity. Read as much as possible, learn across fields, and apply critical thinking to everything you’re told.”
Elon concluded with a powerful metaphor:
“America is like Atlas holding up the free world, and you—the graduating class—are the arms of Atlas.”
Applause erupts.
My Thoughts
Elon’s West Point talk was a masterclass in his visionary thinking, he made sense of the reality of modern warfare and combines it with practical leadership expectations.
IMPORTANT: Elon’s emphasis on drones and space as the future of conflict is a wake-up call for military strategists.
NOTE: Elon’s insistence on curiosity and first-principles problem-solving resonates most. Our world is rapidly changing, and Elon’s call for leaders who are technically competent and relentlessly curious is a blueprint for success—not just in warfare, but in any field.
As you reflect on his words, perhaps you will be struck by the urgency of adapting to this new era while staying grounded in critical thinking and innovation.
Austin, Texas. On Episode 119 of Gail’s TESLA Podcast on 𝕏: FSD tackles a tricky lot (supervised), and we look at some of Elon Musk’s quotes from tonight’s Austin all-hands meeting & I demo FSD basics!
Watch here:
Ep 119 of Gail’s TESLA Podcast on 𝕏: FSD tackles a tricky lot (supervised), Elon Musk’s quotes from tonight’s Austin all-hands, & I demo FSD basics! pic.twitter.com/9RiXeyayAP
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
Whether I am at headed to work, doing errands, or heading out to see a friend, I’m using Tesla FSD for every mile driven. In this video podcast episode, you’ll join me as we go to a classic Estate Sale in Austin, Texas.
We will start Tesla FSD from the moment we are parked. So, from PARK to arrival, the while drive is fully autonomous.
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
For this for this podcast, I’m introducing you to Massey’s Gun range which is near the SpaceX Starship launch site. A great place to go have fun if you’re waiting around for a launch to happen.
If you’re interested, and you have the time, here’s the info for taking lessons at Massey’s Gun Range and getting certified. See you at the next Starship launch!
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
Kerri Gray experienced Tesla FSD for the first time in Saphire Model Y in Austin, Texas! Join us for a heartfelt discussion.
In this Part One episode, Kerri and I explore the world of autonomous vehicles as we discuss her firsthand experience riding in a Tesla with Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities.
In Part Two, Kerri talks about Elon Musk, SpaceX, and humanity’s great future!
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
Last week, I had the privilege of visiting Starbase and sitting down with Carlos Nunez (
@cnunezimages), a photographer whose work with Starship is truly capturing history in the making. Carlos isn’t just a photographer; he’s an inspiration who blends his passion for surfing with his love for space exploration.
Thank you, X Podcast 107 X, for bringing us this unique conversation!
Here’s what we discussed:
00:00 – Intro: A brief introduction to Carlos and the excitement of being at Starbase.
00:32 – Growing Up Surfing at Boca Chica: Carlos shares his story of growing up in the area, surfing the waves of Boca Chica, and how this local environment influenced his journey into photography.
01:05 – Behind the Scenes and Advice for Aspiring Photographers: We got an exclusive look behind the scenes of what it takes to capture those iconic Starship moments. Carlos also gives some invaluable advice for those looking to break into photography.
03:06 – When Elon Musk First Came to the Brownsville Area: A fascinating recount of the early days when Elon Musk’s vision began to take shape in Brownsville, seen through Carlos’s lens.
04:02 – Real Life/Work: Balancing real life with the demands of being a photographer at such a pivotal point in space history. Carlos shares how he manages this unique lifestyle.
04:49 – Creativity with Captions: Photography is not just about the image but also how you tell the story through captions. Carlos discusses his creative process in captioning his work.
05:50 – Family Support: A heartfelt segment where Carlos talks about how his family supports his passion and how integral they are to his journey.
07:12 – Final Words and How You Can Support Carlos’ Amazing Work: Carlos wraps up with some final thoughts and shares how listeners can support his work, which is not just about capturing images but about inspiring a new generation of dreamers and photographers.
Thank you, Carlos, for sharing your story, your passion, and your incredible work with us. Your photographs are not just images; they’re pieces of history, capturing the spirit of innovation and exploration at Starbase.
Keep surfing through the stars, Carlos, and thank you for this enlightening conversation!
Stay inspired, Gail Alfar
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
Part 2: A Deep Dive into Personal Influences with Arthur Macwaters of Legion Health
Welcome back for another engaging episode, this time for Part 2 of our conversation with Arthur Macwaters, co-founder of Legion Health, all while experiencing the seamless drive of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) v13. Yes, the ride was as perfect as the conversation.
Thank you, X Podcast 106 X, for being part of this journey!
Here’s what we covered in this episode:
00:33 – Childhood and Technology Influence: Arthur reminisces about how his early years were shaped by technology, offering insights into how those formative experiences fueled his passion for tech and health solutions.
02:21 – How Grandparents Shaped Life: We explored the profound impact of Arthur’s grandparents on his life philosophy, values, and even his approach to business. It’s heartwarming to see how deep family roots can influence professional paths.
06:35 – Parents’ Advice on Entrepreneurship: Arthur shares some invaluable advice from his parents on navigating the challenging waters of entrepreneurship. Their wisdom clearly played a role in his journey with Legion Health.
09:47 – How Family Travels Shaped World View: Travel, as Arthur describes, wasn’t just about seeing new places but about understanding different cultures, which significantly shaped his global perspective on health, technology, and business. (Grenoble, France, Barcelona, Germany, Holland)
14:14 – Heritage Reflected in Family Recipes: Our conversation took a delightful turn when Arthur spoke about how heritage and family recipes have influenced his life and business practices. It’s a beautiful reminder of how personal heritage can inspire innovation (Pâté en croûte and Kugel)
This part of our conversation with Arthur was not just about business or technology but about the human elements that drive innovation. From childhood influences to the wisdom of grandparents and the global perspective gained through travel, every aspect has contributed to making Legion Health what it is today.
Thanks for joining us on this insightful journey through the life and mind of an innovator, all while enjoying the cutting-edge technology of Tesla’s FSD v13. Keep your seatbelts on for more stories that drive us forward, both technologically and personally.
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
I had an incredible opportunity to sit down with Arthur Macwaters, the co-founder of Legion Health, right here in Austin. The conversation was not only insightful but also took place with the backdrop of a flawless Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) experience throughout our entire drive.
Thank you, X Podcast 105 X, for making this possible!
Here’s a brief rundown of our discussion:
01:02 – Securing Funding from YC to Start Legion Health: Arthur shared the journey of securing funding from Y Combinator, highlighting what led to Legion Health’s inception. It’s a testament to the power of a solid vision and the right partnerships.
03:52 – Challenges in Technology with Data Security and Privacy: We discussed one of the most pressing issues in the tech world today – how Legion Health navigates the complex landscape of data security and privacy. Arthur’s perspective on balancing innovation with responsibility was enlightening.
05:35 – Figuring Out Regional Approaches to Business: Understanding that one size does not fit all in business, especially in health tech, Arthur discussed the strategies behind tailoring Legion Health’s services to different regions, adapting to local cultures and regulations.
07:03 – Role in Policy Making: Arthur’s insights into how Legion Health actively participates in shaping health tech policies are interesting.
09:05 – Ensuring Legal Compliance with Data Protection: With data being the new energy, ensuring compliance with data protection laws wasn’t just a checkbox for Legion Health but a core part of their operational ethos.
09:59 – We Saw a Cybertruck 🙂 – The highlight of our drive was undoubtedly spotting a Tesla Cybertruck. It was a perfect moment to reflect on how technology, innovation, and everyday life intersect so seamlessly.
This conversation was not just about the business of health tech but also about the broader implications of technology in our lives. Arthur’s journey with Legion Health is a beacon for entrepreneurs in the tech space, especially those focused on making a difference in healthcare.
Thanks for joining me on this ride, both literally and metaphorically. Keep an eye out for more such engaging discussions, and here’s to technology that not only drives us but also heals us.
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
This special podcast episode brings together an array of voices and experiences from the Tesla and SpaceX communities, reflecting on an incredible year:
00:29 – Starting off at Starbase, we hear from K10, sharing insights on the latest developments.
01:10 – John from TOSV gives us his thoughts right before the Tesla shareholder meeting, setting the stage for what was to come.
03:06 – We catch up with John again in November, for his updated perspective on Tesla’s progress.
03:40 – The “Lil Humans” segment captures the excitement of the younger generation about Tesla’s innovations.
04:11 – Captain Arve from Norway shares his experience with the Cybertruck, blending Norwegian culture with future mobility.
04:35 – The “Boring Dad” and his family discuss their adventures in the Cybertruck, showcasing family fun and technology.
06:41 – Johnna Crider’s conversation during an alligator swamp tour adds a unique twist to our Tesla talk.
07:25 – Jack Beyer from NSF discusses the latest at Starbase, giving listeners a deep dive into SpaceX’s activities.
08:00 – Julia Love (RIP) shares her thoughts on the transformative projects at Starbase.
09:02 – Jessica Tetreau talks about the broader implications of SpaceX’s endeavors for the community and beyond.
10:25 – Zachary Sisson, alongside Danny Gong, discusses Tesla’s influence in Austin, Texas.
12:09 – The episode concludes with an electric Navier boat ride, reflecting on how electric technology is expanding into new domains.
This podcast episode not only celebrates a remarkable year for Tesla and SpaceX but also highlights the community’s passion, insights, and forward-looking spirit. Here’s to an even more exciting 2025!
Jack Beyer from NSF discusses the latest at Starbase, giving listeners a deep dive into SpaceX’s activities.
John from TOSV provides his insights right before the Tesla shareholder meeting, setting the stage for what was to come. We catch up with him again in November at 03:06 to hear his updated perspective on Tesla’s progress throughout the year.
The “Boring Dad” and his family discuss their adventures in the Cybertruck, showcasing family fun and technology.
Zachary Sisson, alongside Danny Gong, discusses Tesla’s influence in Austin, Texas.
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
whatsuptesla.com 