About Us

Rebelliously Curious in Exploring Frontier Science and Innovative Technology.

The Debrief is an independent science and technology news platform dedicated to investigating the breakthroughs that are shaping the world of tomorrow. We specialize in original reporting at the intersection of space, frontier science, defense, energy, the environment, and emerging technologies.

Who we are

Our Story

The Debrief was born out of the rebelliously curious minds of Micah Hanks, Tim McMillan, and MJ Banias—three longtime journalists and researchers united by a deep curiosity about the unexplored edges of science, technology, and human understanding. We launched The Debrief to provide a platform for rigorous and thoughtful reporting on the rapidly evolving fields of advanced aerospace, theoretical physics, space and astronomy, artificial intelligence, climate science, national security innovation, and other areas that play a crucial role in humanity’s progress.

From day one, our vision has been clear: to provide a public venue for bold, evidence-based journalism that respects complexity, values transparency, and welcomes paradigm-challenging ideas—so long as they are explored with scientific literacy and journalistic integrity.

OUR MISSION

The Debrief was established to pursue reporting where the boundaries of science, engineering, and innovation are being tested. Our editorial focus includes:

• Space science and astronomy
• Theoretical and frontier physics
• Defense and aerospace innovation
• Advanced propulsion systems
• Artificial intelligence and computer science
• Engineering, robotics, and breakthrough tech
• Environmental and climate science
• Scientific studies of unexplained phenomena

We believe the outer edges of scientific inquiry are often where the next great leaps in human progress are likely to emerge. In that spirit, we are committed to reporting that is intellectually honest; skeptical, but open-minded when evidence of new scientific possibilities exists; and grounded in evidence.

Where phenomena lie at the edges of accepted scientific paradigms, we believe they must still be investigated skeptically, and rigorously—not dismissed prematurely. This is how progress is made.

Transparency

The Debrief is entirely independent. At launch, we were self-funded and home-built—formed without corporate ownership or outside investors. To this day, The Debrief, LLC remains solely owned and operated by its founding members. Our reporting is shaped by editorial values, not commercial interests.

Transparency is a core tenet of our mission—whether we are investigating government programs, covering breakthrough research, or holding institutions accountable.

For general inquiries, contact us at: tips [at] thedebrief.org

Direction

We believe the most consequential discoveries of the 21st century will arise from fields that challenge conventional thinking. Whether it’s testing the limits of general relativity near a black hole or uncovering game-changing developments in clean energy or quantum computing, we seek out the stories that matter for the long term.

Our goal is not just to inform—but to inspire, provoke thought, and drive critical conversations about where we’re headed as a species.

Mission Statement

Our complete Mission Statement, which covers many of our goals and interests, can be read online here.

CONTACT

If you would like to reach out to us or inquire about advertising, please visit our contact page.

Pitches

Want to pitch a story or collaborate with us? For information about how to pitch articles and other editorial considerations, please see our page How to Pitch to the Debrief.

Masthead 

OPERATIONS / Editorial

Executive Director: Tim McMillian 

Director of Operations / Editor in Chief: Micah Hanks

Media Director: Chrissy Newton

IT Director: Steve McDaniel

Content Director: MJ Banias

Senior Science Writer: Christopher Plain

 

Contributors

Avi Loeb

Ryan Whalen

Kenna Hughes-Castleberry

Stephanie Gerk

For press inquiries, contact Chrissy Newton at chrissy [@] thedebrief.org. 

 

Updated: August 8, 2025.