Reviews
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“Former USN and been in semiconductor industry since. Beyond the cool technology, there are great discussions about innovation and the bureaucracy that prevents it. Definitely applicable to all industries.”
a1kx67 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/19/24
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“I am fascinated by the content that is provided by Paco and his crew. It’s been quite an education on our defense industrial complex and frankly it scares the &$?! out of me. Thanks for all you do fellas”
Kivorka via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/14/24
“Remains THE podcast to understand the issues confronting national defense. I’m totally hooked.”
36TFS Houdini via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
07/14/24
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“Really appreciate the coverage Pako provides each week. The newsletter is easy to digest and always a quick and easy read to keep me updated! Keep it up”
-Nutz- via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/14/24
“So glad I found this podcast. Mike “Pako” Benitez has found the way to package DoD related news into an entertaining and informative podcast….a great addition to his newsletter. The show makes me think of sitting in a booth in a bar behind a bunch of smart, witty, in-the-know friends hanging out...”Read full review »
NoSweat88 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/14/24
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“Very good coverage of the military industrial complex.”
xMCgrunt via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/14/24
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“Always on point; pithy; clear & concise; with cutting-edge relevance: a recipe for satiating busy readers in demanding times.”
Rumbo Thos via Apple Podcasts ·
Norway ·
07/14/24
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“If you are into military aircraft/technology checkout this podcast, you won’t regret it.”
@d_hanson via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
07/14/24
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“I never miss The Merge podcast or the newsletter. Mike Benitez has one of the best defense podcasts going. He always drives right into the heart of a topic — exploring the intersection of technology and operational concepts. — John Knowles”
)(*&^%$##!! via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/28/24
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“As always, great, pertinent information delivered in a straightforward timely manor!
Thank you…”
Top notch app… via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/20/24
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“Pack is a great dude and borderline genius. The podcast always has interesting and relevant info that keeps even those in the fast jet community informed of what the commercial sector is up to.”
mask, the original via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/18/24
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“Love this podcast! Highly recommended and very informative!”
JMike50 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/17/24
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“I have followed several podcasts where Mike Benitez has been interviewed where he has shared the depth of his experience as a war fighter and technology ace. On the Merge, Mike is leveraging those skills in his current product development role to bring remarkable, insightful, and helpful...”Read full review »
mcmonte via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/16/24
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“Great balance of technology, politics and best of all simplification of complicated matters. Thanks for this!”
RMTApple1 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/16/24
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“Through unique interviews and impeccable research, the Merge delivers in depth knowledge of the intersection between the DoD and the politics/businesses that drive it, helping you to navigate the daily news headlines with deeper insight, resulting in a deeper sense of the role of the United...”Read full review »
Jzxzz via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/16/24
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“These guys are the best. Wish they could run DoD!”
Juicy Boy F16 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/16/24
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“I really do enjoy this podcast as well as the emails. It gives a good take on things that are not /not much in the news.”
Ghost Gumbo via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/16/24
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“Highly recommended if you want to know about Defence acquisition, technology or developments in some challenging times.”
mr dawesy via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
06/16/24
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“Perhaps a tad esoteric to the defense industry. But this is a good show on the subject. Audio quality is superb, guests are interesting and the information provided is top notch.”
Hesprus. via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/03/24
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“Provides a big picture view whilst remaining entertaining. A good listen”
asac01 via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
03/25/24
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“Pako is is great. Enjoy listening to him on bro chats and more recently combat stories. Super funny and super smart. Great dude.”
riegywood via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/23/24
“The pace is perfect. Good mix of deep learning on a topic and fun personal stories”
Viperfixer96 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/11/24
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“Top of my shortlist for podcasts.”
SemperCogito via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/07/24
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“Very interesting behind the scenes! Also Love your Newsletter , please keep it up 🙌🇩🇪🇺🇸”
B.P Germany🤙 via Apple Podcasts ·
Germany ·
01/28/24
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“Better than the Army, Navy and Air Force Times. A one stop shop for US Military news.”
Mac43 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/28/24
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“A great show with the right balance between levity and seriousness.
The host and the guests are the best in their respective fields.
I look forward to every episode.”
Daniel R Parry via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
01/25/24
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“Great show that gets into the details and really make a difference on how to look at an issue.”
PC1636 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/24/24
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“The best show for tracking military tech and trends.!”
MarcusQ1000859 via Apple Podcasts ·
New Zealand ·
01/23/24
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“Excellent job by Mike to break things down and get great interviews.”
Raygun15E via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/22/24
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“Interesting and topical. Hosts has great relaxed manner of dealing while making complex concepts digestible.”
Br05if via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
01/22/24
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“If you are interested in Aerospace, Aviation”
ironUkraine via Apple Podcasts ·
Ukraine ·
01/21/24
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“I really like the new audio rundown of their newsletter!”
Xprtmarksman2 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/16/24
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“Great insight into not only the tech and strategy but opportunities and consequences, and his laugh is contagious.”
Apple makes this too hard via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
11/26/23
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“The Merge is a spectacular download of intel and information on all things military. Easy listen, straightforward explanations, and no irrelevant chatter. Thanks for the excellent work and keep it up! The Merge Newsletter is just as good!”
Buzzman1238 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/21/23
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“I am not aware of anywhere else where a person can learn so much detail of all things defense in a manner that is easy to digest. The wide range of topics and guests make each episode so captivating.”
Brianrmc via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/04/23
“As a flyer and a technology nerd I looks forward to every episode of the most mediocre and informational podcast the world has seen. Fly. Fight. Win.”
alxjmrk via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/15/23
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“Do you drug test guests? I can’t listen to this…you are better than this? Every silly jingoistic management term spewed out at 500mph..sorry maté unfollowing your show”
Barks787 via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
08/13/23
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“Loving the content and insight from you guys and gals.”
nerdly12445 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/11/23
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“There isn’t much content out there focused on defense innovation and navigating the business ecosystem around the Pentagon. This delivers it in an entertaining, super interesting format.”
Mike McDefense via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/11/23
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“Did not think it was possible for a single podcast to clarify the full chain of defense innovation from congress to the war fighter. Great Job!”
Gpranker via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/06/23
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“Love this podcast.”
Bushee01 via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
07/27/23
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“Great show. Looks at the needed details with a practical take on the topic”
Elroy99799 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/23/23
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“Awesome podcast for all defence related topics. I also love the newsletter! Keep it up!”
Wolfram Weichert via Apple Podcasts ·
Germany ·
07/17/23
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“I found this podcast through Ward Carroll on YouTube (tell Ward to publish his audio as a podcast!). This podcast is the most approachable way to keep up with US defense trends and learn a little recent history. It is also a great way to keep up with general technology trends with more...”Read full review »
Hugh Chisholm via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/09/23
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“I work in defense contracting and this show has helped me get up to date on some bigger-picture issues in the DoD and tech space. Love the deep dive format! I would enjoy a bit more of an introduction on the hosts/guests backgrounds and bios at the beginning of each episode.”
Aaron Weidman via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/02/23
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