IT in the D
IT in the D is your insider look at the tech scene in Detroit. Started in 2007 as a meetup group in Metro Detroit for IT professionals, the IT in the D podcast was born in 2013 as an extension of those conversations. Host Bob Waltenspiel and co-host and producer Randy Walker are IT industry veterans, but IT in the D is intentionally more conversational and less instructional. Each weekly show has guests ranging from CIOs and local rock stars, to subject matter experts, local event organizers, and everyone in between. We hope you enjoy listening to us as much as we...
Thu, April 17, 2025
Ins and Outs of Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) with David Juan
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="213" height="68" src="https://itinthed.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast-badge-overcast.png" alt="Available on Overcast" class="wp-image-31408" style="width:auto;height:34px" srcset="https://itinthed.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast-badge-overcast.png 213w, https://itinthed.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast-badge-
Thu, April 10, 2025
The CIO Approach with Todd Loiselle of National Food Group
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="213" height="68" src="https://itinthed.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast-badge-overcast.png" alt="Available on Overcast" class="wp-image-31408" style="width:auto;height:34px" srcset="https://itinthed.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast-badge-overcast.p
Thu, March 27, 2025
From Corporate Life to B2B Social Media with Syya Yasotornrat
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="213" height="68" src="https://itinthed.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast-badge-overcast.png" alt="Available on Overcast" class="wp-image-31408" style="width:auto;height:34px" srcset="https://itinthed.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast-badge-overcast.p
Thu, March 20, 2025
DevOps Detroit with Umelo Onyejiaka
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="213" height="68" src="https://itinthed.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast-badge-overcast.png" alt="Available on Overcast" class="wp-image-31408" style="width:auto;height:34px" srcset="https://itinthed.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast-badge-overcast.p
Thu, March 13, 2025
DUHTROIT with Justice Oshiyoye
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="213" height="68" src="https://itinthed.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast-badge-overcast.png" alt="Available on Overcast" class="wp-image-31408" style="width:auto;height:34px" srcset="https://itinthed.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast-badge-overcast.p
Thu, March 06, 2025
Flash Gordon's Sam J. Jones
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="213" height="68" src="https://itinthed.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast-badge-overcast.png" alt="Available on Overcast" class="wp-image-31408" style="width:auto;height:34px" srcset="https://itinthed.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast-badge-overcast.p
Thu, February 27, 2025
Penguicon
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="213" height="68" src="https://itinthed.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast-badge-overcast.png" alt="Available on Overcast" class="wp-image-31408" style="width:auto;height:34px" srcset="https://itinthed.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast-badge-overcast.p
Thu, February 20, 2025
Ins and Outs of Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) with David Juan
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="213" height="68" src="https://itinthed.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast-badge-overcast.png" alt="Available on Overcast" class="wp-image-31408" style="width:auto;height:34px" srcset="https://itinthed.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast-badge-overcast.png 213w, https
Thu, February 13, 2025
The Power of Professional Networking with Steve York of 1-800-HANSONS and Matt Spivey of Renodis
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="213" height="68" src="https://itinthed.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast-badge-overcast.png" alt="Available on Overcast" class="wp-image-31408" style="width:auto;height:34px" srcset="https://itinthed.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast-badge-overcast.p
Thu, January 30, 2025
Building and Running a Data Center with Brad Mitchell of MojoHost
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="213" height="68" src="https://itinthed.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast-badge-overcast.png" alt="Available on Overcast" class="wp-image-31408" style="width:auto;height:34px" srcset="https://itinthed.com/wp-content/uploads/podcast-badge-overcast.p
Thu, January 09, 2025
Women in Tech and Kidney Donation with Melinda Ann O'Neill of Tanium
We’re back in-studio! Joining Bob & Randy this week was Melinda Ann O’Neill , Director of Sales at Tanium . She was actually on the show all the way back on episode 15 ! We talk about her journey in to IT sales, being a woman in tech, leading the Michigan Chapter for the Alliance of Channel Women , and her experience donating a kidney.
Thu, December 19, 2024
500th Episode: Reminiscing with Nuri, Jeff, and Jer
We made it to 500! In this episode, Bob and Randy reminisce with former cohosts Jeff and Nuri and regular guest Jer.
Thu, December 05, 2024
Daily Detroit with Jer Staes
Jer Staes of Daily Detroit is back! We start off talking about Thanksgiving leftovers. Then, we get into how Daily Detroit is doing--the podcast is approaching 1600 episodes! What's up in Detroit? The RenCen—at least part of it, but maybe all of it—is coming down soon. Jefferson Avenue is going to be rebuilt and the Detroit riverfront is leveling up. The Post Bar is reopening. Bob used to DJ there! Detroit needs more residents and more housing to put people in.
Thu, November 21, 2024
THIYM App with Founder R.M. Easterly
In this episode, Bob and Randy talk to RM Easterly, the founder of THYIM, an app focused on providing on-demand, everyday task services. RM shares insights on how the app fills unique market needs by offering practical services like roadside assistance, spider removal, and more, all within a user's 15-minute radius. We talk about her entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind THYIM, and the app's commitment to safety and affordability. RM also talks about her interesting dietary preferences.
Thu, October 31, 2024
Women in Tech with Mel Kolinski of Ostra
In this episode, we chat with Mel Kolinski, Director of Channel Development at Ostra and an Co-Moderator for the Minnesota Chapter of the Alliance of Channel Women (ACW). The conversation highlights the importance of networking, mentorship, and leadership development for women in tech. Mel discusses her involvement with ACW and the initiatives they offer, including mentorship circles and leadership programs. The discussion also touches upon the need for honesty and transparency in the cybersecurity industry, as endorsed by the Truth in Cyber foundation. The episode encapsulates the journey and challenges women face in the tech sector and emphasizes the role of male allyship in fostering an inclusive environment.
Thu, October 10, 2024
Exploring Creativity with Author Holly Owen
Bob and Randy welcome guest Holly Owen, a former Detroiter turned New Orleans resident and author. Holly shares her experiences moving from Detroit to Boston and eventually to New Orleans, where she found inspiration to write her book Quit Playing Yourself during the pandemic. This episode Holly's journey of transitioning from real estate to Airbnb management and interior design in New Orleans, ultimately leading to her foray into writing. Holly discusses the challenges and insights gained in publishing her book, which combines art and relationship advice through an eclectic mix of photography and quotes. The episode delves into the creative process, the difficulties faced in self-publishing, and the impact of her work on readers. Additionally, the conversation touches on various personal stories, reflections on different places, and shared interests in media and entertainment.
Thu, October 03, 2024
Data Quality and Management with Aaron Wilkerson of Carhartt
Aaron Wilkerson, data and analytics leader at Carhartt, and organizer of the Detroit Low Key Data Meetup. They discuss the challenges of data quality and the importance of clean data for AI initiatives, the complexities of managing multiple data vendors, and how businesses are navigating cloud costs and modernization. They also touch on the integration of legal and cybersecurity aspects in data management, and the growing relevance of consumer data protection. The conversation provides insights into simplifying vendor management, the role of AI in business decision-making, and fostering a connection between data work and business value.
Thu, September 26, 2024
Catching Up with Entrepreneur Tom Nardone
Entrepreneur and product developer and repeat offender Tom Nardone is back chatting about what he's done and what he's doing. 36 Ideas and a System (TEDxDetroit) Detroit Mower Gang ShopInPrivate.com, Bachelorette.com, Vibrators.com Dignity Lifts
Thu, September 19, 2024
Right to Repair with Jacki Lutz of Auto Care Association
We're joined this week by Jacki Lutz, Director of Content for the communication team at Auto Care Association and host of 'Carpool Confessions'. In this episode, we discuss the right to repair movement crucial to automotive independence and consumer choice. The conversation dives into the challenges faced by independent auto repair shops due to new vehicle technology, the data rights of vehicle owners, and the implications of wireless data transmission to automakers. Jacki also touches on personal branding, workforce development in the auto industry, and various professional development insights. If you want to tell your legislators you support Right to Repair, visit https://www.repairact.com to send them a letter.
Thu, September 12, 2024
Idle Banter with Mike Zapcic
Our friend Mike Zapcic is back to just shoot the breeze. We chat about movies, books, pop culture, and more. This was a casual chat with no agenda--just some friends catching up and geeking out.
Thu, August 29, 2024
AI's Impact on Security with Patrick Garrity of VulnCheck
Patrick Garrity, a security researcher and evangelist at VulnCheck, is back! We discuss his career evolution, vulnerability management, AI's impact on security, and the recurring nature of security incidences. He also provides insights into the Black Hat conference.
Thu, August 15, 2024
A Podcast about Families with Children with IDD with Wendy Ernzen of Let’s Plant Houses – IT in the D 490
Wendy Ernzen joins us to talk about her podcast Let's Plant Houses where she discusses the victories and successes of families whose children—young and adult—have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Whether you’re a parent on a similar journey or just seeking to expand your understanding, you should subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you are interested in learning more about or contributing to Autism Alliance of Michigan, reach out to Wendy.
Thu, August 08, 2024
Rebranding a Startup and More with Jason David of Gym Force
Jason “JD” David returns and—after some ribbing from us last time—has changed the name of his service to Gym Force, and he's doing some gret things. Hear all about how it's going in this episode.
Thu, July 25, 2024
The CrowdStrike Incident with Tom Lawrence of Lawrence Systems
This week, Bob and Randy are happy to have back Tom Lawrence (Lawrence Systems, Youtube Channel, CWNR)! It's been a year since his last visit. CrowdStrike is in the news recently due to a faulty update bringing down global infrastructure. Tom helps us understand what happened, why, and what the ramifications are.
Thu, July 18, 2024
James Parker, Author of “Get Me Through the Next Five Minutes: Odes to Being Alive”
This episode was a bit of a divergence from the regular topics we cover on IT in the D: this week we were joined by author James Parker, staff writer at The Atlantic, and author of the book Get Me Through the Next Five Minutes: Odes to Being Alive. The book delves into personal struggles, mental health, and life's daily challenges. The conversation covers Parker's unique writing style, his use of the word 'ode' in the book, and his thoughts on meditation, buzz management, and writing in the age of AI. The episode also touches on lighter topics like wrestling, food preferences, and favorite action heroes.
Thu, June 20, 2024
AI, Blockchain, and NFTs with JB Benjamin of Kryotech
This week, Bob and Randy were joined by JB Benjamin of Kryotech. We talk about his companies, and his projects, and his uninque views on the world of AI, blockchain, NFTs, and their flaws and use cases.
Thu, June 06, 2024
EV Charging Challenges with Bob Skinner of EcoG
This episode, Bob and Randy welcome Bob Skinner, longtime Detroit IT veteran and the Managing Director of North America for EcoG. They discuss various aspects of the electric vehicle (EV) industry, including challenges with charging infrastructure, technological advancements, and the future of EVs. The conversation covers issues such as the role of the government in infrastructure, sustainability concerns, and innovations like highways that charge cars as they drive. They also touch upon personal anecdotes and the excitement surrounding new EV models.
Thu, May 23, 2024
Site Reliability Engineering with Dan Salinas & Sarv of Nobl9
In this episode Bob and Randy invite Dan Salinas and Sarv Shah from Nobl9 to dive deep into the complexities of Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) and Service Level Objectives (SLOs). Discover the origins of SRE, the significance of SLOs in improving customer experience, and the impact of digital reliability on businesses today. From the challenges of maintaining microservices to the advent of cloud dependency, this episode is packed with insights on ensuring operational excellence in our digital world.
Thu, May 09, 2024
Getting Rid of VMWare with Brian Schneble
Brian Scheble is back to talk to Bob and Randy about about what's going on with VMWare. Topics include transformative changes in VMware's business strategy under Broadcom's ownership, implications for small businesses and MSPs, alternatives like Nutanix and cloud solutions, and the broader data commodification impact.
Thu, April 18, 2024
NFL Draft Hispanic Celebration with Andre Arbelaez of the Hispanic C-Suite Corporate Council
The NFL Draft 2024 is coming soon to Detroit, and with it, The Hispanic C-Suite Corporate Council (HC3) is hosting a NFL Draft Hispanic Celebration. Andre Arbelaez joins Bob and Randy to talk about this upcoming event as well as a give a refresher on the HC3.
Thu, April 11, 2024
Catching Up with Ming Chen
Ming Chen (X/Twitter, Instagram, A Shared Universe PodcaStudio) is back to catch up with Bob and Randy. There are lots of stories and reminiscing, as well as discussion of Ming's latest adventures and escapades. Ming is a long-time friend of the show and he's always a blast!
Thu, March 28, 2024
Astronomicon 7
Astronomicon is back with their seventh installment! Astronomicon is a pop culture convention with something for fans of all ages. Bob and Randy talk to Astronomicon organizer Mikey about what makes the event unique, why it's fun, and what guests will be in attendance this year. Plus, episodes like this alway devolve into fun stories of past encounters—always a good time! Astronomicon 7 is coming up April 12 – 14 at Burton Manor in Livonia.
Thu, March 21, 2024
The Journey from CISO to Consultant with John Bingham of Speak by Design
This week, Bob and Randy are joined by John Bingham, COO of Speak by Design. They discus John's journey from high-stress CISO roles at major companies to consulting, shedding light on the skills necessary to succeed in the ever-evolving cyber security landscape. The conversation takes an intriguing turn towards sales principles, relationship building, and effective communication, revealing unconventional perspectives on what it truly means to be a CISO. Additionally, John shares personal anecdotes of working alongside his wife and juggling family life.
Thu, March 07, 2024
Cybersecurity Scams with Brian Schneble of Great Security Debate
In this episode, Bob and Randy hang out with special guest Brian “Schneebs” of Great Security Debate. First, Bob provides a review of Aquaman: The Lost Kingdom. Then, the topic shifts to data security with an emphasis on some of the security scams floating around like the pig butchering scam. Later, Brian gives advice on the types of scams and how to recognize them. Finally, cryptocurrency scams are discussed, such as the Centra Tech fraud and the movie Bitconned.
Thu, February 29, 2024
Present and Future of AI, and the Dynamics of Remote Work with Matt Van Itallie of Sema
Matt Van Italie of Sema is back (last visit). The conversation delves into the challenges and advantages of remote work, the need for strategic and operational innovation, the role of human input in AI, and the significance of clear and concise communication. We also talk about the balance between structured communication and the empowerment of workers to waste less time, ultimately highlighting the value of lifelong learning in honing effective communication skills. Bob recommends the movie BlackBerry.
Thu, February 01, 2024
Social Selling with Matt Rutter of AWS – IT in the D 476
Bob and Randy this week speak to Matt Rutter, Sr. Partner Sales Manager at Amazon Web Services (AWS) about various aspects related to sales and entrepreneurial ventures. Matt shares his experiences and approaches to sales, social selling, his book From Clicks to Clients, as well as his mini property venture known as the Rockabilly Retreat in Memphis. The conversation also covers themes like artificial intelligence in sales communications, branding, use of LinkedIn, and customer centricity in sales strategies.
Thu, January 25, 2024
Exploring IT Leadership and Cybersecurity with Steve York of 1-800-HANSONS
In this episode, Bob and Randy chat with Steve York, CIO of 1-800-HANSONS. Steve shares his insightful perspectives on IT leadership, cybersecurity practices, adopting artificial technologies, and the importance of networking and mentorship in the IT industry for knowledge sharing and problem solving. Steve shares his experience with different AI applications, worries about security, and the need for solutions to solve specific business problems. The hosts and Steve further explore the significance of cybersecurity, the role of people in businesses, and the importance of a company's culture and ethos. Later in the episode, they delve into the activities of SIM Detroit and the Michigan Technology Leaders summit and their contributions to mentoring newer generations in companies and serving the community.
Thu, January 18, 2024
Security in AI with Jason Brown – IT in the D 474
In this episode of 'IT in the D', Bob and Randy chat with Jason Brown, a renowned IT security manager from the Shyft Group. They discuss the influence of AI and security in today's tech world and how it's poised to change our future. Jason also shares some insights about his book, the 'Executive Cybersecurity Handbook'. The conversation also delves into vital issues like malware, ransomware, and identity management, offering listeners an in-depth understanding of the current cybersecurity landscape.
Thu, December 21, 2023
Debating Humane AI Pin and Screen Dependence with Nuri Gocay – IT in the D 473
This week, we were joined by IT in the D Legend Nuri Gocay, Chief Solutions Officer at Local Measure and former co-host of this very show. We kicked off talking about the Humane AI Pin, a wearable cell phone. Bob and Randy were not amused, however Nuri is intrigued by the notion of getting rid of his screen. It will be interesting to follow the journey and see if this turns out to be another Google Glass. We then got into emerging tech and what is the next big thing. Lastly, Nuri goes to Burning Man every year. His stories are amazing and he really should have his own show talking about it.
Thu, November 30, 2023
AI in Event Ticketing with Alex Linebrink of Passage
This week, Alex Linebrink, CEO of Passage, is back to talk to Bob and Randy to about what's new in the ticketing space as well as some milestones and recognition Passage has received lately. Alex was last on Episode 439. They discuss how ticketing processes have evolved, the use of AI in understanding audience preferences, and their experience with selling over 8 million tickets. They also touch on the impact of service fees and issues with transparency in the ticketing industry.
Thu, November 16, 2023
Cybersecurity Realities, Insights, and Challenges with Jeff Marraccini of Altair
I'm trying something new this week: These show notes were generated by putting a transcript into ChatGPT. Feedback is appreciated! —Randy We recently heard Jeff Marraccini on a recent episode of the “This Week in Enterprise Technology (TWiET)” podcast. Jeff, the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Altair, joined us this week to share insights into his background and the challenges Altair faces in cybersecurity as a globally acquisitive company. The conversation explores Jeff's transition from a Vice President of IT to a CISO, underscoring the importance of continuous learning and formal courses from ISC2 and ISACA to adapt to the evolving cybersecurity landscape. Emphasis is placed on the complex vendor landscape in cybersecurity and the need to implement zero trust as a methodology rather than just a product. Jeff delves into Altair's approach to global operations, collaborating with teams across China, India, Europe, and the United States. Regulatory challenges, such as restrictions on hardware in China, are discussed. The podcast concludes with a discussion on the evolving cybersecurity landscape, highlighting Jeff's optimism about advancements like memory-safe languages and Microsoft's adoption of Rust. Despite existing challenges, Jeff sees promising developments and disruptive solutions in the cybersecurity space. A noteworthy segment of the discussion involves the importance of identity in cybersecurity. Jeff and Bob emphasize that identity management should be at the crux of security efforts, recognizing its role as a foundational element for effective cybersecurity measures. The conversation highlights the shift in focus from traditional security measures, like firewalls, to a more comprehensive approach centered around identity management. Furthermore, Bob and Jeff touch upon the evolution of cybersecurity news coverage. They discuss the noticeable decrease in mainstream media coverage of security breaches, speculating on whether this shift is influenced by the insurance industry advising companies to keep incidents quiet or if it reflects a change in news priorities. Jeff acknowledges the continued prevalence of security issues covered by specialized outlets like the Cyberwire podcast, CSO Online, and Dark Reading. Towards the end, the conversation pivots to the impact of Gen AI (Generative Artificial Intelligence) and digital transformation on the industry. Jeff shares insights into Altair's recent acquisition of RapidMiner, emphasizing the empowerment of individuals to leverage AI techniques for various applications, including data science and cybersecurity. The discussion underscores the potential for Gen AI to enhance efficiency and collaboration across different fields. The podcast concludes with Bob raising a concern about the younger generation's reluctance to pursue careers in IT, especially in areas like cybersecurity and data science. Jeff offers guidance, encouraging individuals to explore these fields through onlin
Thu, November 02, 2023
Resume Writing with Jason Charnas of Gesher Human Services
This week, we chatted with Jason Charnas from Gesher Human Services. They help thousands of people in areas of career development and training, and they also have a program helping those with disabilities find employment. We got into resume writing and their philosophy in helping showcase work history. The best part—they do it for free! We aren't big fans of companies that charge for this. We also got into IT training and certifications that will attract employers in this market. Jason was a great interview and we hope you enjoy the listen! (Referenced episode: Episode 443 with Paul Blatt, Gesher Human Services)
Thu, October 26, 2023
Exploring MarTech with David Juan
We always like learning about new things, so we had David Juan on the show to talk all things MarTech including UX, Enterprise SEO, A/B Testing, and how he used those skills to get equity in a local start-up, Normal Coffee. We asked: when do you know what is good? When do you know when it's done? What do you use as your barometer? And David cleared things up perfectly. David also runs the Scrum Detroit Meetup; give them a look if you are interested in Agile. It was his first time on a podcast, but David showed up like a long-time veteran—hope you enjoy the listen!
Thu, October 19, 2023
This Week in Enterprise Tech with Lou Maresca of TWiT.tv
Every so often, you get that guest that flips the script of what you thought you could accomplish doing a tech podcast. This week, we were lucky to chat to Lou Maresca of This Week in Enterprise Tech (TWiET) on TWIT.tv. Lou has been podcasting as long as us, since 2013 and has produced over 500 episodes. If you've ever listened to his show, you know he truly gets into the weeds and his knowledge of the industry shows. We started talking about the talent gap and what we can do to change it. We then went rapid-fire, talking everything from enterprise security to GenAI and even blockchain. He's truly a nerd's nerd as we ended talking Star Wars: Ahsoka and Episodes 7–9. I highly suggest subscribing to his show if you are in or around the industry. With that said, we hope you enjoy this podcast!
Thu, September 28, 2023
Deep Dive into Generative AI with Scott Smith
This week, we were joined by Scott Smith, Generative AI expert to do a deep dive into the topic: what it is, its rise to popularity, corporate governance, and ethics. We ended the show with some fun and asked ChatGPT for some date night in Detroit suggestions, and to respond as a pirate. Here's the result: Arrr, matey! If ye be lookin' fer a swashbucklin' date night in Detroit, here be some fine ideas to consider: A Stroll Along the Riverfront:Set yer sails for the Detroit RiverWalk. Take a leisurely walk hand-in-hand along the water, enjoyin' the scenic views of the river, the Renaissance Center, and the Belle Isle Bridge. Dine Like a Pirate: Find a fine establishment in Greektown, Corktown, or Midtown to savor some delectable grub. Perhaps ye fancy seafood or a juicy steak, or even some Motor City pizza – Detroit's got it all, matey! Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA):If ye be art lovers, head to the DIA, where ye can explore a treasure trove of fine art, includin' the famous Diego Rivera murals. Don't forget to raise a glass at the Kresge Court for a romantic toast! Belle Isle Adventure: For a day of exploration, sail over to Belle Isle. Visit the conservatory, take a bike ride, or simply enjoy a picnic on the lush island. Detroit Distillery Tour: If ye be enjoyin' a bit of rum or whiskey, embark on a distillery tour in Detroit. Learn about the makin' of spirits and enjoy some tastin' sessions. Night at the Theatre: Check out what be playin' at the Fox Theatre or the Detroit Opera House. Catch a show or a concert for a memorable evening. Starry Night at the Planetarium:Visit the Wayne State University Planetarium and stargaze together. It be a romantic way to explore the cosmos. Downtown Ice Skatin':In the winter months, the Campus Martius Park be a grand spot for ice skatin'. Hold hands as ye glide across the rink under the twinklin' lights. Haunted Detroit Tour: If ye both be admirers of ghostly tales and history, take a haunted tour of the city. Detroit has its fair share of spooky stories to share. Riverboat Cruise:Look into takin' a riverboat cruise on the Detroit River. Some offer dinner cruises or moonlit sails for a romantic adventure on the high seas. Remember, me heartie, the best date be one where ye both be enjoyin' each other's company. So, choose the adventure that suits yer tastes and make it a night to remember in the Motor City!
Thu, September 21, 2023
Exploring Augmented and Virtual Reality with Jacob Ennis of Center for Simulation & Innovation
In this episode, Jacob Ennis from Center for Simulation & Innovation joined us to talk about the applications of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Last time we talked about AR on the show was episode 158 with Spellbound. Plus, we find out why people confuse AR and artificial intelligence (AI) and we hear his thoughts on the Apple Vision Pro. Plus, Jacob is a hobbyist brewer and we're networking Detroit one beer at a time, so we had a few questions about his beer. (The video Jacob mentioned of robots fighting back!)
Thu, August 31, 2023
Unpacking Project Management with Katie Schulz of Slalom Consulting
*Disclaimer, I work with Katie; however, candidly, I didn't have a great grasp of project management and delivery.—Bob This week, we spoke with Katie Schulz, Director of Business Advisory Services & Strategic Delivery at Slalom Consulting. Being a sales guy my entire career, we always assume once we get the PO, the hard work is over. The team behind delivery would think otherwise and Katie spoke of the evolution of project management from being simply a reporter to taking an agile approach and storytelling business outcomes.
Thu, August 24, 2023
Making Backups Cool with Steven Panovski of UBX Cloud
This week, we got the chance to talk to Steve Panovski from UBX Cloud, probably the biggest company you may have never heard of in Metro Detroit. Steve and Bob have similar backgrounds, both growing up in the BBS world, dial-ups, and LAN parties. He has since grown to 25 data centers around the world and has won multiple partner of the year awards. Steve claimed he made storage cool again, we didn't believe him, and he proved us wrong (which wasn't hard to do).
Thu, August 17, 2023
Dealing with Vendors and Getting Ahead in Securing Your Environment with Cybersecurity Consultant Caston Thomas
This week, we were very lucky to chat with our old friend Caston Thomas. Cybersecurity consultant, security visionary, radio host, and all around great human being. Caston dropped some knowledge on getting through the vendor fog and dropped the three things you need to do to be ahead of the game in securing your environment (not click bait, #3 will not shock you, hah). We ended talking about his time on WJR Internet Advisor show and what Foster Braun had meant to him. The movie Bob mentioned: Heart of Stone (2023)
Thu, July 27, 2023
Creating a Fitness Industry Startup with Jason David of Workforce Performance Network
Workforce Performance Network is a fitness industry startup co-founded by Jason "JD" David. In this episode, we talk to him about the origin of the business, who it's for, how it works, and what's next.
Thu, July 20, 2023
Youtube Success, Business Merger, and Social Networks, and AI with Tom Lawrence of Lawrence Systems
In this episode, we were joined by Tom Lawrence of Lawrence Systems and CNWR IT Consultants. He was on the show over a year ago, and his YouTube channel has just kept growing since then. In fact, it's become so successful that he's merging his business with CNWR so he can continue to focus on the YouTube channel while CNWR manage the business projects. Recently, Meta launched Threads and Tom shared his take on the various social networks and how he uses each one. Finally, Tom talked about how he uses AI like ChatGPT to help him manage his business. Bob and Randy played around with ChatGPT and Bob got it to generate this poem: In Detroit's vibrant heart, a celebration did ignite, Randy Walker's 40th birthday, shining ever so bright. Amidst the city's rhythm, where dreams intertwine, Tocororo awaited, a venue so divine. The night air was filled with excitement and cheer, As friends and loved ones gathered, drawing near. Randy, a soul adored, a beacon of light, Guiding others with kindness, a true delight. At Tocororo's threshold, the ambiance embraced, A tapestry of laughter and joy interlaced. The melodies of Motown danced through the air, Celebrating a milestone, a life lived with flair. The walls adorned with memories of days gone by, Each photograph a testament, reaching for the sky. From humble beginnings, Randy had soared, Touching countless lives with the love he poured. In the dimly lit room, candles flickered with grace, Illuminating the journey etched on his face. Friends raised their glasses, toasts filled with cheer, Honoring Randy's presence, a treasure so dear. The aroma of delectable cuisine wafted in the breeze, Tickling taste buds with flavors that pleased. From soulful barbecue to savory delights, Every bite a testament to culinary heights. The laughter echoed, resounding like a symphony, As stories of shared adventures unfolded with glee. From youthful escapades to wisdom's embrace, Randy's path had intertwined with every trace. A live band struck up a vibrant tune, Swaying bodies beneath the luminescent moon. Feet tapped to the rhythm, hearts beating in time, Celebrating Randy, a friend so sublime. As the night waned on, memories etched in hearts, Randy's spirit shone bright, never to depart. With gratitude and love, the celebration drew near, For forty years of existence, cherished and clear. And so, in Tocororo's embrace, Detroit's soul did sing, A testament to friendship and the joy it brings. Randy Walker's 40th birthday, a moment held tight, In the tapestry of time, forever alight. Randy had ChatGPT generate a biography of Bob, and this is what it came up with. It's not very accurate. Bob Waltenspiel is a renowned podcaster and entrepreneur known for his captivating storytelling and insightful conversations. Born on April 12, 1980, in a small town in Michigan, Bob developed a passion for communication and technology from a young age. Bob's journey into podcasting began in the early 2000s when he co-founded a podcast network
Thu, July 13, 2023
Changes in Detroit with Jer Staes of Daily Detroit
Long time friend of the show, Jer Staes of Daily Detroit, is back! Jer was last on Episode 425 where he talked about being close to recording the 1000th episode of the daily podcast. Now, Daily Detroit has over 1200 episodes. First, we had a chat about a subject near and dear to our hearts: dive bars! Daily Detroit recently had an episode about them and we told stories about which we've visited. Then, we talked about changing Detroit—what we've seen happening in the city over the last couple of years and where the city is going, plus what else is happening in the region.
Thu, June 29, 2023
NOW TV, Broadband Expansion, and more with Michelle Gilbert of Comcast
This week, we talked with our friend and long-time guest Michelle Gilbert, VP at Comcast (last time was episode 428, still relevant!) and she's got plenty of news. Comcast launched NOW TV, a streaming service that includes over 40 premium channels, plus Free Ad-Supported TV (FAST), and Peacock Premium. It costs $20/month. We dove into was the $42B infrastructure bill that was recently signed to give high speed broadband access to literally everyone in the country. Michigan will be getting $1.5B of it, which will hopefully help Randy's parents in Mid-Michigan keep up with his on-goings on social media. The White House announced a $42.5 billion dollar investment package that includes broadband roll-out to previously under-served areas of the country. A new Storm-Ready WiFi product will provide about 4 hours of internet access via the cellular network with a battery backup in case of household power outages. Comcast RISE is a grant program that this year will provide money, technology, education, and publicity to 100 small businesses across Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. We re-visited into my favorite topic, Internet Essentials, which gives people at or below the poverty line high speed access at $10/mo. Please share this with your network as I feel this is a great service to the community. Lastly, we talked about shows we are watching and how Randy suckered me into subscribing to Paramount+. All in all, it was a great episode and always amazing to catch up with Michelle.
Thu, June 22, 2023
Astronomicon 6.5 Pop Culture Convention
Astronomicon—usually in February—is doing a summer “0.5” edition of their pop culture convention this weekend! Organizers Mike and Dustin joined us to talk about the convention, and also about their favorite con moments. Check out Astronomicon 6.5 at Burton Manor in Livonia this Saturday and Sunday, June 24– 25, 2023!
Thu, May 25, 2023
The IT Security Landscape with Erik Wille of AAM
This week we had a great conversation with Erik Wille, CISO at American Axle and one of the hosts of The Great Security Debate. We started by mocking “what keeps you up at night”, but in all seriousness, we got into how he views security for a global company. We then got into the giant vendor landscape, and how he made sense of this madness. Lastly, we talked about his podcast The Great Security Debate with his hosts Brian and Dan. This was a great episode, super fun to record, and we hope you enjoy it.
Thu, April 20, 2023
Digital Marketing Trends and Techniques with Steven Childs of Dorsay Creative
This week, we got to chat with Steven Childs, founder of Dorsay Creative, a digital marketing agency. Bob was excited to talk with him for a number of reasons, but mostly because we haven't spoken with anyone on SEO in probably 5–6 years and we could use a refresh. And wow, did we get into it: we wondered what Google/Bing are doing to combat ChatGPT and fake indexed pages, and how they've updated their algorithm to combat those that are trying to game the system. We also got into how people are renaming their companies to “Thai Food Near Me”, which is the AAA Plumbing of the 1980's (to be listed first in the Yellow Pages). Overall, it was an informative episode and a must-listen if you're a small business or interested in the latest digital marketing trends.
Wed, March 01, 2023
Astronomicon 6 with Ming Chen of A Shared Universe PodcaStudio
Publishing this one early so you still have time to grab tickets! Ming Chen of A Shared Universe PodcaStudio and “AMC’s Comic Book Men” will be appearing at Astronomicon 6 this weekend! We reminisce with him and he talks all about the con.
Thu, February 09, 2023
IT Security Then and Now, Securing Relationships with Wolfgang Goerlich, Cybersecurity Strategist
This week we met with Wolfgang Goerlich. Not only is he a well respected CISO, he was our guest on Episode 1 (and episode 112). We had fun catching up, talking about security then vs. now, changes in philosophy, and mocked marketing jargon for commonly used tech. We ended by talking about Securing Sexuality, his conference and podcast, prompted by his wife, who is a relationship and sexuality therapist.
Thu, February 02, 2023
Entrepreneurship and Data Security for Small Business with Eddie Eadeh of E&E Tech
This week, we chatted with Eddie Eadeh, CEO of E&E Tech. We started talking about making the jump into entrepreneurship, got into data security for small business, and the layoffs going on in big tech. We ended up talking about his podcast, the Power On Podcast and his favorite episode, "Why IT companies suck". Eddie is a natural conversationalist and it was a fun talk—enjoy the listen!
Thu, December 15, 2022
Dual CIO and CISO Roles with David Williams of Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group
This week, we were super lucky to chat with David Williams, CIO and CISO of Gold Star Mortgage Financial. Since it's end of year, we started by joking about how many sales reps are currently calling him to make their end of year numbers. We then got into what it takes to be dual role CIO and CISO, how he chooses his vendors, methodologies, and best practices. We ended by talking about how he picks his team, interview questions, and what it takes to get into his organization. Overall a great conversation, hope you enjoy the listen!
Thu, December 08, 2022
Personal Brand and Digital Neighborhoods with Hajj Flemings of Rebrand Cities
This week, we were super lucky to talk to serial entrepreneur, branding expert, and all around great guy Hajj Flemings, CEO of Rebrand Cities and founder of Modern Athlete. Hajj was one of the first people I remember talking about your "personal brand", so we dove into that, as well as what it means for smaller neighborhoods and businesses to have a digital voice. We also got into how he mentors for Tech Stars Detroit.
Thu, December 01, 2022
Change and Influence with Stefanie Krievins
This week, we got to chat with change and strategy consultant Stefanie Krievins. We immediately got into change management, and not in a software/project way, but in a human way and how it is difficult for most people. We discussed DISC methodology and how it applies on how we work with others. This led to how to lead kick ass meetings (something I think we can all improve on!)
Thu, November 10, 2022
A Career in Cloud with Troy Dieter of Slalom
This week, we chatted about all things cloud with AWS Ambassador and all around great guy Troy Dieter. Troy has an impressive list of certifications and just received the title of Cloudius Maximus for obtaining his 7th AWS cert. We got into the path on those looking to start and build their career in cloud. We also talked in length about AWS re:Invent and what it looks like having 50,000 people converge in Vegas. If you are in or around the cloud, this episode is a must listen!
Thu, October 27, 2022
Military to IT Transition with Zach Boguslawski of Slalom
This week, we talked with management consultant Zach Boguslawski about his journey from being in the military and transitioning it to working in technology in the private sector. We also got into what it means to be a "management consultant", overused terms like 'business outcomes' and 'digital transformation', and how he translates that into meaningful conversations that have actual impact. We ended with his journey in public speaking and mentoring Bob in his latest opportunity to tell his story to a group of peers.
Thu, October 20, 2022
Construction Tech with Justin Turk of Livegistics
When you think of industries embracing technology, construction just isn't one of them. Well, a long time construction worker and software developer (right?) thought that there has to be a better way. This week we talked with Justin Turk, CEO of Livegistics. We dove into the issues facing the construction industry, how Livegistics is helping automate it, and how legacy workers are embracing it.
Thu, September 22, 2022
Movies, Comics, and Pop Culture with Mike Zapcic of Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash – IT in the D 446
This week, we got to speak to the legend himself, Mike Zapcic. With the recent release of Clerks III, his appearance on AMC's Comic Book Men, or his countless other podcasts, plus working at Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash, Mike is literally a comics encyclopedia. We got into discussions about the days of past (see: going to Blockbuster on a Friday night) and then talked about all of the new content being streamed as of late including Andor, House of the Dragon, She-Hulk, and The Rings of Power.
Thu, September 15, 2022
Managing Cloud Complexity with Yan Ness of Verge.io
Yan Ness, CEO of Verge.io joins us to talk about managing the complexity of cloud infrastructure. Verge.io consolidates several tools into one platform that doesn't require a team of people to manage. Before Verge.io, Yan built OnlineTech, so he has plenty of entrepreneurship experience. He talks about starting and running companies, and what led him to start Verge.io. The conversation also covers the tech scene in Michigan and where it's going.
Thu, August 18, 2022
Sneakers with Rashone Bryant
This week, we were joined by Rashone Bryant aka Afrikan Caesar from the Sneaker Box Podcast. Most recently, Rashone was featured on the History Channel's "Fast History Of, Swoosh Dreams" that you can watch here. We've never gotten into sneaker culture on IT in the D and it was genuinely fascinating the way Nike and others have built a mega sub-culture around the trade of rare shoes.
Thu, August 11, 2022
IT Job Training for People with Disabilities, Rebranding with Paul Blatt of Gesher Human Services - IT in the D 443
[podcast-buttons] Paul Blatt was back to talk about the combining of two local non-profit organizations JVS Human Services and Kadima. The organization also has a new name: Gesher Human Services. Gesher Human Services ("gesher" means "bridge" in Hebrew) offers career counseling and job placement for job seekers with obstacles to employment, supportive housing for individuals with severe mental illness, financial education, day programs for adults living with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness, counseling for families in crisis, assistance and support coordination for adults living with mental health challenges, enrichment activities and more. Gesher provides valuable services to the Metro Detroit area, last year helping over 12,000 people.
Thu, August 04, 2022
Email Phishing and Enterprise Email Security with Brian Schneble of Abnormal Security
[podcast-buttons] This week, we had a fun chat with Brian "Schneebs" Schneble of Abnormal Security and The Great Security Debate podcast fame. Immediately, we jumped into a couple of personal stories about email phishing that made us laugh, but then things got serious as we talked about companies that have been hit with spoofed emails which cost them well into 6-figures. Brian is a wealth of knowledge in the email security space and this episode is well worth the listen—hope you enjoy it!
Thu, July 21, 2022
Fraud Detection, Distilling, and Coffee with Dennis Weiss of IPQualityScore, Weiss Distilling, and Sabbath Coffee Roasters
No lies—we love when tech entrepreneurs get into the booze business. Dennis Weiss is the CEO of IPQualityScore, owner of Weiss Distilling, and owner of Sabbath Coffee Roasters. Dennis's story was very similar to the story of Jeff Hussey, Founder of F5 Networks, where IPQS was founded out of necessity. When Dennis was working in the marketing industry and got tired of fraud, he built his own company. Pretty amazing story overall! Of course, since Dennis owns a distillery and a coffee roasters, we also talked a bit about booze and coffee roasting, and how he has integrated technology into the traditionally manual workflows.
Thu, July 07, 2022
Laptop Security with Ryan Angott of LapLok
Bob and Randy were joined this week by Ryan Angott of LapLok. LapLok is a new style of security device for laptop computers. It’s easier to use than a cable lock and works with any laptop—no security slot required. Ryan told some crazy statistics about laptop theft and security, how he got the idea for LapLok, and about crowdfunding the project on Indiegogo. Ryan has a compelling product in LapLok and we hope you learn as much about it as we did.
Thu, June 23, 2022
Alex Linebrink of Passage
This week, Alex Linebrink, CEO of Passage, joined Bob and Randy to talk about all things event ticketing. Alex told us how he got started in tech, and then how he came up with Passage (it involves one of our favorite holidays!), an online event tickets platform. Passage has grown to selling over six million tickets, and has also launched several niche ticket websites like HauntPay for haunted houses, EscapeTix for escape rooms, and SoccerStub for soccer. Alex says that support for virtual events helped Passage stay relevant when in-person events all but stopped during the pandemic. What's next up from Passage? Alex says that soon, event organizers will be able to sell NFTs, which could allow access to exclusive perks and experiences. We hope you enjoy listening to this episode and learning more about Alex and Passage.
Thu, June 09, 2022
Monica Wheat of Techstars Detroit
Bob and Randy were joined this week by Monica Wheat, Managing Director of Techstars Detroit Powered by JP Morgan. Before that, she most recently led Techstars Equitech in Baltimore. First, Bob and Monica talked about Techstars. Techstars is a global seed-stage accelerator in 40+ cities worldwide. Over 500 companies participate each year. There are over 15,000 investors, 7,000 mentors, and 3,000 alumni in the Techstars network. Techstars Detroit is a 13-week hybrid/virtual program that starts on September 12, 2022. Participating companies will have access to up to $120,000 in investment, plus support from JP Morgan, and resources and benefits to help their business grow and succeed. Two Detroit companies participated in Techstars Equitech, which was focused on diversity and equity. They are Athlytic, a marketplace that connects student athletes to endorsement opportunities and Sparen Homes, a person-to-person real estate marketplace where people can buy and sell real estate themselves without a bank or an agent. Both are currently currently raising seed rounds. Another company from Techstars Equitech is EcoMap, a company that builds platforms that digitize ecosystems. It has just closed a $3.5M seed round! Randy asked Monica about Detroit Startup Week. It is the largest entrepreneurship conference in Michigan. It's a collection of education events all about entrepreneurs and building and growing businesses. It attached to Detroit Demo Day, where companies pitch for a share of funding to help them grow. Bob and Monica also talked about what makes a company a startup, plus Bob pitched some interesting busines ideas. Techstars Detroit is open to all founders with focused recruiting on diverse founders. Extended applications are still being accepted atbit.ly/techstarsdetroitex.
Thu, May 19, 2022
Steve Marney and Jake Waggoner of DMI
This week, we got to chat with Steve Marney and Jake Waggoner from DMI. DMI is a mix of Compuware and many other acquisitions and Steve's team is focused on Auto Industry disruption. We had a great chat surrounding the recent boom in EV cars, what a software-defined vehicle is, and how security impacts the entire experience. We finished the chat talking about the talent gap, competing for IT talent, and how they home-grow and grow their technical teams. Overall this was a phenomenal listen, as Steve is an encyclopedia in this space. Hope you enjoy it!
Thu, May 05, 2022
Kevin McCarty of the McCartys
This week, we were super lucky to chat with Kevin McCarty of The McCartys. Kevin is behind the YouTube channel The McCartys that had amassed close to 3M subscribers on YouTube just this year. They also have 5.2M followers on their TikTok channel. This is a pretty amazing story considering Kevin was a high school teacher for 15 years, did some hype videos for the sports teams, and began messing around during Covid when he had downtime being home all the time. Being 100% self taught and shooting everything on a single iPhone, this entire story couldn't be more fascinating. Hope you enjoy listening!
Thu, April 28, 2022
Matt Van Itallie of Sema
Bob and Randy were joined this week by Matt Van Itallie, founder and CEO of Sema. Sema has two great tools: Code Review, a Chrome extension that makes code reviews more robust with structured feedback and easy access to best practices, and Codebase Solution that offers comprehensive reports that evaluate the quality of code, code security, and third party IP risk. Matt tells Bob and Randy the history of the company and these tools, and then explains that these tools not only strengthen product code, they also strengthen developer skills and inter-developer relationships. Sema's tools are interesting and we hope you enjoy finding out about this company as much as we did.
Thu, April 14, 2022
Andy Didorosi of The Detroit Bus Company
This week, we were joined by Andy Didorosi, owner of The Detroit Bus Company who has been up to quite a few things over the past few years. Early in the pandemic, Andy created Arsenal of Clean to get hand sanitizer to people and businesses who needed them. DBC tours and bus rentals are up and running again, and Farebox.io keeps everything organized. It was developed in-house, but now its available for other businesses who need to keep track of their assets, schedules, and customers. Andy is mentoring The Detroit Student Racing Team, which is made up of students from Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck and they build and race real cars on a real track. Finally, Andy has quite a following on TikTok. Andy is an interesting character who is always working on lots of projects, and we hope you enjoyed listening to this interview. Producer Note: If you don't hear any audio at first, delete the episode and re-download it.
Thu, April 07, 2022
Chris Gordon and Amel Mujdzic on Cloud Security
This was a great show as we chatted with Chris Gordon and Amel Mudjzic, Cloud Security Architects with Trace3. Salespeople take note: We started talking about how vendor websites, vendor webinars, and sales calls are 75% sales/25% technical, and that needs to be completely flipped around. We then got into the four pillars of cloud security, their methodology and how to best secure cloud deployments. We finished on knowledge and career deployment, how they constantly learn, and tips for padawans. Hope you enjoy it!
Thu, March 31, 2022
Sarah Leitz of SkySpecs
This week was something new for us. We chatted with Sarah Leitz, VP of Marketing for SkySpecs. What started as a college project has blossomed into one of Michigan's fastest growing companies with a global presence. SkySpecs has changed how wind turbines are managed and maintained. What took one person a day to complete, their drones can now do 25 turbines in a day. We couldn't have been less knowledgeable in this subject, but Sarah was great explaining not only what SkySpecs does, but the wind turbine industry as well. Hope you enjoy the listen!
Thu, March 24, 2022
Jim Beiermeister of RMC
Long-time meetup attendee Jim Beiermeister, who works for RMC, joined us this week. RMC is an IT consulting and placement agency, and our conversation with Jim provides his prospective on recruiting in IT. He talks about what the job market is like and provides advice for prospective IT job seekers.
Thu, March 17, 2022
Jeff Ginn and Bryce Levin of Slalom Build
This week, we got to chat with Jeff Ginn and Bryce Levin with Slalom Build. (Disclaimer: Bob works at Slalom, but in a completely different division.) We chatted about a day in the life as a developer, having empathy as a leader, building a team, and—most importantly—they are hiring. Check out the Detroit openings. Then got into some fun stuff: Jeff built a very cool virtual smart home and dabbles in 3D printing, and Bryce is continuing a 30-year NCAA basketball tradition by building a custom app just for his friend group. These guys were a great chat and we hope you enjoy listening.
Thu, March 10, 2022
Matt Turner
Matt Turner joined us to talk about recruiting, job-seeking, what to put in a resume, how often to switch jobs, and the Great Resignation.
Thu, March 03, 2022
Michelle Gilbert of Comcast
This week, we got to chat with long time offender, Michelle Gilbert, the VP of PR from Comcast. We always like talking to her about the ways Comcast is giving back to the community. One is Internet Essentials, which offers home broadband for $9.95 a month. If you don't qualify for that, the Affordable Connectivity Program might suit you, which offers $30 off your current bill. Lastly, we talked about Comcast Rise, which gave $10,000 grants to people in the community to get back on their feet after the pandemic. And of course we ended the show talking about what we are currently watching. Hope you enjoy the show!
Thu, February 24, 2022
Nick Cavuoto
This week, we were super lucky to get a chance to talk with serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker, host of the Mentoring Millions podcast, and personal brand expert Nick Cavuoto. We talked about creating personal brands, staying relevant in social media, what not to do in social media, retaining talent, and finding mavericks in your organization. The conversation with Nick could have gone on for hours as his natural speaking ability and candor are magnetic and extremely authentic. This show is for everyone, not just the super techy, so we hope you will enjoy it! You can also find Nick online at nickcavuoto.com.
Thu, February 10, 2022
Tom Lawrence of Lawrence Systems
This week, we chatted with longtime friend Tom Lawrence of Lawrence Systems. We immediately dove into how he grew his Youtube channel to over 250,000 subscribers, how he navigates their algorithm, and what happens if he doesn't post content consistently. Tom is well versed in open source tools most of us aren't familiar with. He told us how he finds new technologies to make tutorials for, and the difficulties staying away from doing sponsored content. Tom is always a great guest, and we always seem to find new things to talk about. We hope you enjoy listening!
Thu, February 03, 2022
Jer Staes of Daily Detroit
This week, we chatted with long time friend of the program, Jer Staes of Daily Detroit. Jer and his team have been recording a daily podcast for the past 3 years, and have close to 1,000 episodes. Jer is one of the most knowledgeable people I know regarding the City of Detroit, the food scene, neighborhoods, etc. Daily Detroit covers things you normally don't see in mainstream media including being a regular fixture at DCFC games. Jer is a great story teller and this episode is a great listen. Hope you enjoy it.
Thu, January 27, 2022
Billy Strawter of BLAC Magazine
On this episode, we chatted with long time friend of the program Billy Strawter, owner and publisher of BLAC Magazine. We talked about basically starting a print magazine in a digital world and how to balance all forms of media. We then got into expansion, as BLAC has now entered into 6 new markets. Lastly, we talked about Detroit, living in the city vs. 20 years ago, the vibe, and some new places that have popped up around town. All in all, Billy is family to us and we hope you enjoy listening to this episode!
Thu, January 13, 2022
Episode 423 with Travis Waye and Bailey Terrell of CallHarbor
Randy and I had a great conversation with Travis Waye and Bailey Terrell from Call Harbor. We started things off right by making fun of the acronym UCaaS but then really started getting into some interesting stuff. Most of us look at telecommunications as an afterthought in the tech stack, especially when it comes to security, but Travis was a wealth of knowledge and discussed ways to safeguard phone systems. Overall it was a great chat and is well worth a listen, hope you enjoy it!
Thu, December 23, 2021
Episode 422 with Nuri Gocay
Friend and former cohost Nuri Gocay has returned to the States after working two years in New Zealand. We catch up and Nuri tells us what life in New Zealand is like, what the biggest culture shocks were, and what he missed most from the US. This was a great, light-hearted end to 2021. It was great to have Nuri back on the show. We'll be back in 2022!
Thu, December 16, 2021
Episode 421 with David Franco of Exceptional Academy
This week's guest is David Franco, Director of Exceptional Academy, a post-secondary program that provides IT certification training with a focus in cybersecurity for Detroit-area adults with disabilities. David spoke with us first on episode 337 where he introduced the program. Now, he's giving us an update on how the program is going, what the future plans are, and what their program needs from the community. Exceptional Academy is a program of the Living and Learning Enrichment Center (a suburban Detroit nonprofit which helps teens and adults with autism and/or related challenges. They offer IT training to local adults with disabilities that will result in globally recognized technology certifications up to and including CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) with a focus in Cybersecurity. This program was the first of its kind to be offered in Michigan and only the 2nd in the entire country. If your company is interested in providing guidance, experience, hardware, volunteer hours, internships and jobs for students, or financial sponsorship, please reach out to David. Thanks for listening to this episode about this great local program.
Fri, December 10, 2021
Episode 419 with Jason Brown of The Shyft Group
This week, we had a chat with Jason Brown, currently the IT Security Manager at The Shyft Group, formerly the CISO at Merit. We immediately talked about the mindset you have to be in moving from a Service Provider model to the public and then to the private sector in terms of security and privacy. We also chatted on his definition of zero trust. We talked about a recent breach where hackers are getting smarter and finding playbooks and reading chat rooms before they strike. Lastly, we mocked Hollywood a bit, our favorite being the NCIS episode where 2 people used 1 keyboard at the same time to try to thwart an attack. Thanks for listening! (Yes, we know this episode and the previous episode are out of order—we had to do it for the gag and didn't want to delay releasing episode 420!)
Thu, December 02, 2021
Episode 420 with Tom Celani of Luna Entertainment and Rudy Patros of Securatech Solutions
Episode 420—you know what that means? We are talking all things marijuana. Mary Jane. The devil's lettuce. You get the point :) And who better to talk about it than Tom Celani, the owner, president, and CEO of Luna Entertainment, the mother company of Metro Detroit based MotorCity Harley-Davidson, MotorCity Power Sports, Freedom Hills amphitheatre, TC Vineyards Inc., and the Celani Family Vineyards in Napa Valley. Celani is also an investor in a theater chain, a land developer in Arizona and Colorado, and a casino management consultant. Tom was also a partner in Detroit’s MotorCity Casino. He also owns High Life Farms in Chesaning, Michigan and California that boasts over 250,000 square feet of grow facilities. We also had in studio Rudy Patros, President of Securatech Solutions. Rudy puts in physical security systems, cameras, access control, etc. for these grow facilities. We discussed everything from how Tom got started in this business, to the legality of it, to how they select the products that go to market and how these facilities are locked down similar to a data center. Being a complete novice to this scene, I was fascinated on how quickly it's become a norm in today's society. Lastly, we talked about Tom's family foundation and the Cars and Cigars event where they raise money for Gleaner's Food Bank and the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, two of my favorite local charities.
Thu, November 18, 2021
Episode 418 with Lisa Plaggemier of the National Cybersecurity Alliance
For this episode, we were super-lucky to be able to chat with Lisa Plaggemier, Executive Director of the National Cybersecurity Alliance. NCSA advocates for safe and secure use of all technology. They give the average user plain-spoken info on cybersecurity issues. Lisa is super passionate about cyber security awareness and we immediately chatted about awareness for the older crowd. They have a great YouTube series called Mom, Don't Click That.We then got into corporate security awareness training. Their main site, staysafeonline.org has a ton of great resources from the basics to how to report cybercrime. We had a great time, and we are sure you will enjoy the conversation and content. Find more videos on the NCSA YouTube channel. (P.S. We thought this was Episode 417, so Randy had to do some creative editing—did you notice?)
Thu, November 11, 2021
Episode 417 with Jason Bourque of C3 Technology Advisors
This week, we talked to Jason Bourque of C3 Technology Advisors about all things cybersecurity and communication. Jason just visited the Channel Partners Conference in Las Vegas, and he talked about not only emerging vendors in the space but emerging technologies as well. If you like drinking games, I highly recommend having a drink in hand for everytime Jason says an acronym. Jason is a great resource and a great conversationalist—definitely worth a listen.
Thu, November 04, 2021
Episode 416 with Bill McAllister of Podcast Nation
This week, we were lucky enough to chat with long time radio veteran and podcast professional Bill McAllister. You might remember Bill from his days on 97.1 FM with Jay Towers and Stoney, you also might hear him on the radio now with 94.7 WCSX or subbing in for Frank Beckman on WJR. Bill is currently the President of Podcast Nation. We started off arguing about Gremlins, why it's a horror movie and not a Christmas movie and how the Dad is a giant pile of trash. We discussed the growth and evolution of podcasting and finished up talking about some of the famous people he has met and interviewed. (I'll give you a hint, it rhymes with Schmom Moos).
Thu, October 28, 2021
Episode 415 with David Spiess of Rollbar
On Episode 415, we chatted with David Spiess from Rollbar. For those unaware of what Rollbar does, they are a continuous code improvement platform. Obviously, Bob had 100 questions: What happens to QA? What happens when bad code keeps coming from the same people (because this software can do that)? And much more. Dave is an old school IT pro and we also shared stories from how he got his start in IT to what took him from engineering to sales. Thanks for the listen!
Thu, October 14, 2021
Episode 414 with Mary Bobbitt of Slalom
We were lucky enough to chat this week with Mary Bobbitt from Slalom. If you work in or around software development, this is the show for you as Mary is a consultant/coach/guru/expert/you name it in agile. We talked in depth on how agile has changed during the pandemic with teams moving to a remote workforce as well as how we have adapted to different types of workers and styles but yet with a common goal. Lastly, Mary is a new professional wrestling fan and is completely wrapped up in the art. This warmed Bob's heart as he's been a lifelong fan, and it's always interesting to hear about how other people perceive it.
Thu, October 07, 2021
413 with Brian “Schneebs” Schneble of SentinelOne
Brian “Schneebs” Schneble is the Director of Enterprise Sales at SentinelOne. He joined Bob and Randy to discuss the intersection of privacy and security. Before they got started, there was a quick discussion of the TV shows everyone is watching (Brian: Goliath, Bob: Ozark & Randy: Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol). We immediately got into the huge Facebook, Whatsapp, and Instagram outage which spurred huge online conversations considering the 60 Minutes whistleblower happened just a day prior. The other big story was the hack of telecom services company Syniverse. Brian has a huge wealth of knowledge on the autonomous vehicle industry and had a huge take that the data explosion isn't happening in Silicon Valley or Austin, but right here in Detroit. We can see why Brian has his own podcast as well, as this episode could have gone for hours. Hope you enjoy it!
Thu, September 23, 2021
Episode 412 with Pierre Chammas of Steve’s Mediterranean Chef
This was a fun episode. Bob and Randy are both fans of Steve's Mediterranean Chef, so they were happy to talk to the owner and CEO, Pierre Chammas. Pierre talked to the guys about how he got started in the food industry, how he became the owner of Steve's, and how the the business has grown. He also talked about the challenges he's faced running a business during the pandemic and how technology is keeping the business safe. Grab your favorite snack from Steve's Mediterranean Chef and give this episode a listen!
Thu, September 16, 2021
Episode 411 with Maria Graham of Nuspire
Maria Graham, Director of Sales at Nuspire joins Bob and Randy to discuss the latest in managed security services. Everything is a service these days! A company in Grand Rapids jokes about Pumpkin Spice as a Service (PSaaS). Nuspire is hiring! Also, check out their latest offering myNuspire.
Mon, September 13, 2021
Episode 410 with Erick Gutierrez, Indie Comic Creator
This week's guest is Erick Gutierrez, creator of the Max The Inebriated Rabbit comic and writer of the movie Bender. Erick talks about how he got his start writing, his comic, the movie, and what's coming up in the next issues of Max. Find Erick on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Find Max The Inebriated Rabbit on Facebook and at Rocket Ink Studios. Find Bender on Amazon or MovieZyng.
loading...