Explain to Shane

As the domain name system expands, how can the industry ensure that this growth supports a multilingual and inclusive internet? What responsibilities come with managing such a critical layer of the internet’s infrastructure in an era of rapid digital transformation?Shane Tews is joined by Ram Mohan, Chief Strategy Officer of Identity Digital, on the latest episode of Explain to Shane. They discuss how internationalized domain names and comprehensive policies can help create a more accessible web for users around the world. They also explore how the domain name system’s evolution intersects with broader Internet governance challenges—and what it means for the future of global connectivity.

Spectrum is a vital asset to America’s digital infrastructure, but who decides how this resource is distributed? As wireless demand accelerates, what is causing the United States to lag in spectrum policy and oversight? With the recent change in the Big Beautiful Bill to renew auction authority, how can we ensure that spectrum doesn’t become a roadblock to future innovation?In this episode, Shane is joined by Harold Furchtgott-Roth, former commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission and currently a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. They examine the historical reasons behind America's rise—and subsequent decline—in spectrum innovation and discuss the policy reforms necessary to restore American leadership in this vital area.

What does the rise of generative AI mean for how we educate, train, and prepare for the future of work? And despite AI’s growing capabilities, why have institutions been so slow to respond to these changes and what will help them catch up with the growth of AI in new industries and educational forums?On this episode of Explain to Shane, Shane Tews and AEI Senior Fellow Brent Orrell interview Bojan Tunguz, founder and CEO of TabulAI. They discuss why AI should be central to modern education and workforce development—and what needs to change to make that vision a reality.

AI is reshaping our world as profoundly as past technological revolutions: the printing press, the Industrial Age, and the Digital Revolution. Its rapid advancement presents both extraordinary opportunities and significant risks. How will AI affect industries, national economies, and global governance? How can businesses and policymakers ensure AI remains a tool for human progress rather than unchecked disruption or vice?Join Shane Tews and Father Paolo Benanti, a theologian and ethicist for the Vatican on AI, for a thought-provoking interactive discussion that transcends traditional debates on values and policy to examine AI's broader psychological, philosophical, and even theological implications. This discussion will offer a unique perspective on balancing innovation and opportunities with ethical responsibility, ensuring AI remains human-centered.

Space-based satellite networks are transforming global connectivity, extending access to even the most remote corners of the planet. The rules that govern these networks have never been more critical. How does satellite spectrum actually function? Why is there an increasing need to revise the regulations that oversee it? And what are the key components of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) proposed reforms?In this episode, Shane Tews is joined by Jay Schwarz, chief of the Federal Communications Commission’s space bureau. Together, they unpack the FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and solicit comments regarding updates to satellite spectrum–sharing rules. The FCC will assess how these changes could affect competition between geostationary and nongeostationary satellite providers and examine the technical and policy challenges of implementing potential new regulations.

Rob Sherman, Vice President and Deputy Chief Privacy Officer for Policy at Meta, shares his insights on the intersection of personalization and privacy. He explains how social media platforms tailor content and ads to enhance user experience while facing privacy challenges. The discussion explores the evolution of user control over data and the importance of transparency in algorithms. Additionally, they touch on wearable tech like smart glasses and the implications of AI in regulation, emphasizing a balance between innovation and safeguarding user privacy.

Amid debates over spectrum allocation, critical questions about national security, communication infrastructure, and connectivity continue to take center stage. What does spectrum sharing involve? How does spectrum sharing enhance the efficiency of limited spectrum resources? And what impact does it have on deploying emerging technologies like 5G and AI-driven networks?In this episode, Shane Tews and Peter Rysavy explore spectrum management challenges, sharing opportunities, and technological impacts on 5G networks, emphasizing regulatory frameworks and innovation for optimal spectrum usage. Peter is a wireless technology expert and the President of Rysavy Research, a technology consulting firm. He is also the executive director of the Wireless Technology Association, an organization that evaluates wireless technologies.

Web browsers are built for convenience—prioritizing speed, compatibility, and ease of use. But what happens when a browser isn’t for just an individual user but for an entire enterprise? In today’s cybersecurity landscape, where threats are constant and data breaches can be catastrophic, organizations need more than just a traditional browser. They need a secure enterprise browser designed to protect corporate data, enforce security policies, and seamlessly integrate with existing IT frameworks without compromising user experience.In this episode, Shane Tews sits down with Scott “Monty” Montgomery, vice president at Island.io, to explore how enterprise browsers redefine security in the digital workspace. They discuss the critical differences between consumer and enterprise browsers, why identity-aware security is essential, and how businesses can fortify their operations against evolving cyber threats.

Digital solutions for vehicle titling and registration are transforming how DMVs operate, replacing slow bureaucratic processes with efficient blockchain-based systems. Through successful partnerships with state governments, companies offering these digital services have demonstrated significant time and cost savings in vehicle-related transactions. This proven track record in modernizing DMV operations creates opportunities to expand similar technological solutions across other government functions, streamlining services beyond the transportation sector.In today’s episode of Explain to Shane, Shane interviews Shane Bigelow, CEO of Champ Titles, a company that specializes in digitizing government and business processes. Under Bigelow‘s leadership, Champ Titles has focused on transforming traditional vehicle titling systems with blockchain technology, aiming to reduce costs and improve efficiency in government operations. Before founding Champ Titles, Bigelow gained valuable insights into blockchain’s potential for societal impact while serving as senior vice president and managing director at AllianceBernstein.

The United States faces a critical drug shortage crisis every day that jeopardizes patient care across medical specialties. The problem is staggering: 83 percent of oncologists cannot prescribe their preferred chemotherapy treatments, and a shocking 96 percent of these drug shortages stem from human manufacturing issues. In 2023, drug shortages reached a 10-year high, with 309 critical medications in short supply.These shortages have profound real-world consequences, affecting thousands of patients annually. For Laura Bray, the issue became intensely personal when her nine-year-old daughter was unable to receive her doctor’s recommended medicine after being diagnosed with leukemia. Drawing on her personal experience and business management background, Laura was motivated to take action. She founded and is the chief changemaker at Angels for Change, a nonprofit organization committed to ensuring access to lifesaving medications by ending drug shortages. Laura is also an adjunct business professor at Hillsborough Community College. Before academia, Laura worked in marketing strategy and small-business management and consulting.