Episode synopsis

Rick Smith, Mike Wagers 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.