Cleared Hot: Episode 384 - Josh Thurman

Host: Andy Stumpf
Guest: Josh Thurman, Co-founder and COO of Angel AI
Release Date: April 28, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 384 of Cleared Hot, host Andy Stumpf welcomes Josh Thurman, a former Navy SEAL and the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Angel AI. The episode delves into Josh's remarkable journey from military service to entrepreneurship, exploring themes of leadership, resilience, and the critical issue of internet safety for children.

Josh Thurman's Journey: From Navy SEAL to Entrepreneur

Military Background and Motivation

Josh Thurman shares his extensive military background, having served over 12 years as a Navy SEAL with 11 overseas deployments supporting the global war on terror. Reflecting on his decision to join the military, Josh attributes his motivation to the events of September 11, 2001, and the subsequent Iraq War, which ignited his sense of duty and desire to protect his nation.

Josh Thurman [07:32]:
"When 9/11 happened and the Iraq war kicked off, it was like, our nation's under attack. Our freedom has been compromised. That made it hit very hard for me."

Leadership Philosophy and BUDS Experience

Discussing his time at Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUDS) training, Josh emphasizes the importance of adaptability and competence. He notes that SEALs must be multi-skilled and capable of performing various tasks at an exceptional level to maintain mission success.

Josh Thurman [20:58]:
"SEALs tend to be able to learn very quickly, and that is something that really sets our community apart from others."

Andy and Josh explore the rigorous selection and training processes in BUDS, highlighting the high attrition rates and the intense environment that cultivates both physical and mental fortitude.

Transitioning to Civilian Life and Entrepreneurship

Challenges of Leaving the Military

Josh recounts the personal challenges he faced upon leaving the Navy, including the strain on his family life due to deployments and the demanding nature of his role as a troop commander. These experiences underscored the need for a balanced life and propelled him toward entrepreneurship.

Josh Thurman [77:50]:
"I wanted to have a big family and realized that the intense operational cycle was causing conflict at home. I decided to pursue entrepreneurship to create a better balance."

First Entrepreneurial Ventures

Josh details his initial foray into the tech industry, launching startups with limited success. These ventures provided invaluable lessons in the harsh realities of the free market, including the difficulties of building a product and securing funding without the backing of large institutions.

Josh Thurman [81:36]:
"We went through two or three hard failures before landing on something that worked moderately well. It was a brutal experience, but I learned a lot in the process."

Founding Angel AI

Recognizing the dire need for online safety solutions, Josh co-founded Angel AI with the mission to protect children navigating the complex and often perilous online landscape. The company's flagship product, Angel Q, aims to create a safer internet environment for kids by acting as an AI intermediary that filters and monitors internet usage.

Josh Thurman [87:23]:
"Angel Q uses AI to make the Internet safe for kids, blocking harmful content while allowing access to educational and age-appropriate information."

The Critical Issue of Internet Safety for Children

Impact of Social Media and Screen Time

Josh and Andy delve into the alarming statistics surrounding children's internet usage, highlighting the correlation between excessive screen time and the rise in mental health issues among youth. With average screen time for teens reaching nine hours a day, the conversation underscores the urgent need for robust safety measures.

Josh Thurman [92:29]:
"The average teen now spends nine hours of screen time a day, leading to a national mental health crisis. Depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide rates have skyrocketed since 2012."

Angel Q: A Solution for Safe Internet Access

Angel Q is introduced as a pioneering solution that integrates AI to monitor and control children's online activities. The application serves as both a browser and a search engine, ensuring that all interactions are age-appropriate and safe. Additionally, it offers parents peace of mind through monitoring dashboards and customizable filters.

Josh Thurman [118:33]:
"Angel Q replaces traditional browsers like Safari or Google on your kid's phone, ensuring everything they access is safe and monitored."

Features and Parental Controls

Josh demonstrates Angel Q's features, including customizable personas for children, integration with platforms like YouTube and Netflix with strict filters, and a unique "Parent Assistant" that allows parents to control and monitor their child's device remotely.

Josh Thurman [124:51]:
"If a child asks something inappropriate, Angel Q defers to the parents with a notification, ensuring sensitive topics are handled appropriately."

Broader Implications and Future of AI in Internet Safety

The Role of AI in Combating Online Predators

The discussion expands to the role of AI in not only filtering content but also proactively identifying and mitigating threats from online predators. Josh emphasizes that AI-driven solutions like Angel Q can significantly reduce the risks children face online by intercepting harmful interactions before they escalate.

Josh Thurman [127:16]:
"With personal AI intermediaries, parents can regain control over their child's online interactions, preventing access to predatory content and situations."

Legislative and Industry Challenges

Reflecting on the challenges of implementing such technologies, Josh critiques existing legislative frameworks like Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which currently shields platforms from liability regarding user-generated content. He advocates for comprehensive legislation that holds tech companies accountable for the safety and well-being of their young users.

Josh Thurman [140:27]:
"We need legislative action to enforce age verification and accountability among social media platforms, ensuring they prioritize user safety over profits."

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Josh envisions a future where AI tools like Angel Q are standard in households, enabling a safer and more controlled online environment for children. He stresses the importance of community involvement and collective action in driving societal change to protect the youngest and most vulnerable members.

Josh Thurman [140:21]:
"The mission of Angel Q is to provide technology that supports a child's well-being, countering the exploitative nature of current internet platforms."

Conclusion

Episode 384 of Cleared Hot offers a compelling narrative of Josh Thurman's transformation from a decorated Navy SEAL to a visionary entrepreneur addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time: internet safety for children. Through the development of Angel AI and platforms like Angel Q, Josh exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated leadership and innovative technology can have on enhancing the lives of future generations.

Josh Thurman [150:27]:
"Angel Q is the middle road. It offers the critical safety measures children need online without completely isolating them from the benefits of the internet."

As the conversation concludes, both Andy and Josh reinforce the significance of proactive measures and technological solutions in safeguarding our youth from the myriad dangers lurking in the digital realm.

Notable Quotes

1. Josh Thurman [07:32]:

"When 9/11 happened and the Iraq war kicked off, it was like, our nation's under attack. Our freedom has been compromised. That made it hit very hard for me."

2. Josh Thurman [20:58]:

"SEALs tend to be able to learn very quickly, and that is something that really sets our community apart from others."

3. Josh Thurman [81:36]:

"We went through two or three hard failures before landing on something that worked moderately well. It was a brutal experience, but I learned a lot in the process."

4. Josh Thurman [87:23]:

"Angel Q uses AI to make the Internet safe for kids, blocking harmful content while allowing access to educational and age-appropriate information."

5. Josh Thurman [92:29]:

"The average teen now spends nine hours of screen time a day, leading to a national mental health crisis. Depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide rates have skyrocketed since 2012."

6. Josh Thurman [118:33]:

"Angel Q replaces traditional browsers like Safari or Google on your kid's phone, ensuring everything they access is safe and monitored."

7. Josh Thurman [124:51]:

"If a child asks something inappropriate, Angel Q defers to the parents with a notification, ensuring sensitive topics are handled appropriately."

8. Josh Thurman [127:16]:

"With personal AI intermediaries, parents can regain control over their child's online interactions, preventing access to predatory content and situations."

9. Josh Thurman [140:27]:

"We need legislative action to enforce age verification and accountability among social media platforms, ensuring they prioritize user safety over profits."

10. Josh Thurman [150:27]:

"Angel Q is the middle road. It offers the critical safety measures children need online without completely isolating them from the benefits of the internet."

Takeaways

• Leadership and Resilience: Josh's military background instilled a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and adaptability, which have been pivotal in his entrepreneurial endeavors.

• Entrepreneurial Challenges: Transitioning from a structured military environment to the unpredictable world of startups highlighted the importance of perseverance and learning from failures.

• Internet Safety for Youth: The conversation underscores a critical gap in protecting children online, advocating for sophisticated AI-driven solutions to mitigate risks associated with excessive screen time and harmful content.

• Legislative Advocacy: There's a pressing need for updated laws and regulations that hold tech companies accountable for the safety of their young users, balancing innovation with protection.

• Future of AI in Safety: Tools like Angel Q represent a promising advancement in creating safer online environments, but widespread adoption and systemic changes are necessary to fully address the evolving challenges of the digital age.

Cleared Hot Episode 384 offers listeners an insightful exploration of the intersections between military leadership, entrepreneurship, and the imperative of safeguarding children in an increasingly digital world. Josh Thurman's experiences and solutions present a blueprint for addressing some of the most significant challenges facing today's youth, emphasizing the role of technology in fostering safer online communities.