Jim Hake, founder and CEO of Spirit of America, recently appeared on The Burn Bag podcast to discuss the vital role of civilians in US national security — and how Spirit of America is bridging critical gaps that government efforts alone can’t fill.

A Silicon Valley entrepreneur turned national security innovator, Jim launched Spirit of America after 9/11 to bring a whole-of-society approach to advancing US missions overseas. In this conversation, he explains why he believes the US has been “fighting with one hand tied behind its back,” what it means to be not neutral in global competition, and how Spirit of America became the only nonprofit with an official partnership with the Department of Defense.

The episode explores how Spirit of America operates alongside US troops and diplomats in places like Ukraine and Taiwan — strengthening trust, building resilience, and shaping outcomes in the gray zone. Jim also shares his perspective on the future of civilian support in an era of strategic competition — and what that means for America’s ability to lead without relying solely on military force.