That Tech Pod

In this week's episode, Laura and Kevin sit down with Ricoh Danielson, a U.S. Army combat veteran turned digital forensics expert and entrepreneur. Ricoh shares his journey from serving in Iraq and Afghanistan to founding Fortitude Tech LLC and 1st Responder, organizations dedicated to cybersecurity and digital forensics. His military experiences instilled in him a mission-driven approach, shaping his ability to respond to cyber threats with precision and discipline. Ricoh discusses the current cybersecurity landscape, highlighting the rise of cyber threats from groups in Romania, Estonia, Ukraine, and Russia. While global adversaries like North Korea and China remain a concern, he emphasizes the evolving dangers posed by independent cybercriminals and organized crime, including Mexican cartels running multi-million dollar scam call centers. He stresses that while governments have defenses in place, individuals and businesses must take ownership of their cybersecurity.A prolific author, Ricoh has written nine books, including Battlefield Parenthood and The Rise of the Vetrepreneur, which explore the resilience of veterans in business and life. Unlike traditional technical field journals, his cybersecurity books take a coffee-table book approach, making the topic more accessible. Ricoh provides practical advice for businesses on building strong cyber defenses and navigating digital threats. He also touches on the impact of shifting political landscapes on cybersecurity and why he encourages professionals to acquire skills that allow them to operate beyond government influence. Ricoh teases future projects, including a potential movie with Laura as his star, and calls on listeners to support veteran entrepreneurship, cybersecurity awareness, and his mission of empowering businesses and individuals against digital threats. This is a must listen!Ricoh Danielson is a U.S. Army combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and a leading figure in digital forensics and cybersecurity. Founder of Fortitude Tech LLC, Ricoh turned his passion for incident response and digital forensics into a nationally recognized powerhouse while attending law school. His expertise spans high-profile cell phone forensic investigations, big data analytics, and cybersecurity innovation. He also leads 1st Responder, supporting businesses of all sizes in navigating and mitigating cyber incidents.A graduate of Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Colorado Tech University, and UCLA Anderson School of Management, Ricoh combines military-honed leadership with technical acumen. He is the author of Battlefield Parenthood and The Rise of the Vetrepreneur, which spotlight the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of veterans.

This week Laura and Kevin sit down with Suriel Arellano, author, speaker, inventor, and executive mentor, to explore the intersection of leadership, AI, and organizational transformation. Suriel shares his journey from Mexico City to Los Angeles and his passion for empowering humanity through AI. We discuss how Plato’s allegory of the cave perfectly illustrates the way organizations must embrace technological change. Suriel debunks myths about AI resistance, discusses the real fears behind automation, and explore how leaders—technical or not—can drive AI innovation. Suriel explains why AI isn’t just a technical tool but a leadership concept, offering insights from his work at IBM, HP, and beyond.We also touch on the environmental impact of AI, the need for sustainable innovation, and how AI can be leveraged to address real-world crises—including wildfires and floods. Plus, Laura shares some wild stories from Mexico City, from eating steak tartare with grasshoppers to a questionable yogurt experience at the airport—all leading back to a discussion on misconceptions about AI adoption. And of course, the big question: Is ChatGPT making us dumber? Suriel Arellano is an author, speaker, inventor, and executive mentor with over two decades of experience inspiring audiences with his deep insights into digitaltransformation and the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in empoweringhumanity. As an executive coach and organizational development consultant, Suriel combines his in-depth knowledge of leadership principles with AI expertise to help organizations navigate the complexities of digital transformation and achieve business success. Suriel’s journey has been shaped by his leadership roles at companies like IBM and HP, where he developed strong industry relationships and honed his expertise in leadership, organizational change, and culture transformation. Suriel holds a Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Management from New York University, advanced certifications from MIT in Artificial Intelligence Leadership, and Har Business School in Business Management. As a DISC Independent Consultant and Organizational Development Coach, Suriel applies his expertise in behavioral analysis to guide organizations through cultural challenges and leadership development, ensuring that teams are cohesive and aligned with the company’s goals.

Today Laura and Kevin are joined by Matthew Rasmussen, founder of ModeOne, a trailblazer in the legal tech and eDiscovery space, to explore how his innovative solutions are reshaping digital forensics. Matt shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities in mobile data collection and forensic investigations. We talk about the genesis of ModeOne and how its remote smartphone collection solution disrupts traditional forensic practices, offering a scalable, targeted, and cost-effective approach. Matt explains how innovations like these are leveling the playing field in a sector traditionally dominated by giants like Cellebrite. We discuss the balance between privacy rights and forensic needs in the age of remote work and encrypted communications and the future of forensic investigations with emerging technologies like IoT devices, wearables, autonomous vehicles, and drones. We also cover the challenges of detecting manipulated digital evidence and how forensic tools are evolving to address these issues and the pivotal role of platforms like Signal and WhatsApp in secure communications, contrasted with the vulnerabilities of less secure options. Matt also offers his perspective on high-profile cases like the Blake Lively/Justin Baldoni case and the Alex Jones trial, shedding light on how digital evidence plays a crucial role in litigation today. Finally, Matt shares advice for aspiring innovators in the legal tech space, predictions for the next decade in eDiscovery, and why he believes the best is yet to come for the industry.Matthew is a seasoned leader with over two decades of eDiscovery experience transforming how Fortune 500 companies, AmLaw 200 law firms, and litigation service providers approach complex, high-stakes legal matters. He has held key roles at prestigious organizations like O’Melveny & Myers and Bingham McCutchen, building a reputation for innovation in eDiscovery lifecycle management and legal technology.As the founder of ModeOne, Matthew pioneered the first remote smartphone collection solution designed for targeted, cost-effective data extraction, revolutionizing modern evidence management. Known for his collaborative approach and passion for solving industry challenges, he thrives on delivering new technology to the market that redefine what’s possible in the legal tech space.

Today Laura and Kevin dive into a fascinating discussion on the world of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) with Nick Foy, the Founder and CEO of Silverdale Technology who shares his unique perspective on making ERP solutions accessible for businesses of all sizes.First though Laura and Kevin kick things off with a lighthearted chat about Laura's new Walk Car. Then, Nick explains why ERP systems, often overlooked until they’re slow or malfunctioning, are critical for businesses. He emphasizes their power in providing quick access to financial and operational insights, enabling better decision-making. For small-to-medium-sized businesses, he advocates for leveraging out-of-the-box ERP solutions and partnering with experienced implementation experts to avoid common pitfalls like over-customization and poor setup. The conversation shifts to leadership, where Nick reflects on how his time at Amazon shaped his philosophy. He shares his approach to creating scalable, tenant-based processes inspired by the tech giant. On a lighter note, Nick, a whisky enthusiast, draws parallels between crafting fine whisky and great ERP solutions, both requiring a long-term vision. He reveals his favorite whisky—Glenmorangie—and touches on his roots in Scotland and journey to the U.S., where he’s continued to innovate and inspire in the tech and business space. Give this a listen! You will leave with actionable insights into ERP implementation, process optimization, and leadership, as well as a deeper understanding of Nick’s passion for democratizing technology.Nick Foy is the Founder, CEO, and Chief Evangelist of Silverdale Technology, which provides access to world-class processes, systems, and change management methods regardless of their size or budget. Going against the grain of the ERP industry, Nick and his team are 'democratizing ERP' with their unique perspectives, such as their standard business process library, fixed price implementation and money-back guarantees.Nick is well placed to do so, with over 30-years of experience in business and technology consulting and leadership positions, particularly in logistics and supply chain, at Amazon, Capgemini Consulting, ModusLink Corporation, 3663 First for Foodservice, and The Glenmorangie Distillery Company. Born in Scotland and currently living in rural Washington, USA, Nick is a frequent traveler, having made it all around the US, Europe, and Asia for work. Still, he also spares time for his interests, such as being an aspiring guitar player, whisky sampling as a hobby, and being an early adopter and owner of a large tech graveyard of discarded first editions.

Today Kevin and Laura chat with John Martin, CEO of RedFile Technologies, and Chris LaCour, founder of Ingenious Dataworks about the fascinating intersection of eDiscovery, AI, and cybersecurity. Starting with their unique backgrounds, we explore eDiscovery’s obsession with AI and uncover where the industry may have gone astray.John argues that the problem lies in the “A” of AI—highlighting the limitations of artificial intelligence and its inability to fully understand context. He explains RedFile’s game-changing 3DI approach, developed over 17 years, which combines graphical, content, and attribute analysis with emotional tone detection to provide a more nuanced and accurate picture. Chris critiques the industry's reliance on buzzwords and inefficient human-in-the-loop processes while advocating for practical solutions like 3DI that are cost-effective and CPU-driven. The discussion shifts to cybersecurity, with a thought-provoking analysis of why the industry focuses on tracking people ("the who") rather than protecting data ("the what"). John and Chris reveal how disorganized data can lead to massive vulnerabilities, and argue for better data classification and privacy-first strategies to address these issues. We discuss whether the eDiscovery and cybersecurity industries can level the playing field for smaller companies or if a divide between the "CPU vs. GPU" approaches will leave less-resourced organizations behind. With sharp insights, humorous anecdotes, and practical advice, this episode offers a fresh perspective on innovation, the pitfalls of AI hype, and how businesses can chart a better path forward in a data-driven world.John Martin, CEO of RedFile Technologies, Inc., and a U.S. Army veteran, brings over three decades of experience in data science and technological innovation to his leadership role. His extensive expertise in developing advanced data processing technologies has been pivotal in the creation and continuous refinement of the innovative 3DI platform. Under his visionary leadership, RedFile is not merely navigating but actively shaping the future of document processing and data analysis. Guided by John's direction, RedFile has revolutionized document and image processing with its state- of-the-art 3-Dimensional Inference (3DI) technology. This breakthrough replaces the traditional, labor- intensive "stare and compare" methods with automated, headless systems that significantly enhance efficiency and accuracy across various industries. A committed advocate for innovation, John also places a strong emphasis on customer success and regulatory compliance. His leadership ensures that RedFile not only leads in technology but also empowers businesses to harness data-driven insights for informed decision-making, fundamentally transforming their operational and strategic landscapes. Chris LaCour is a serial entrepreneur with a proven track record of founding and scaling multiple successful businesses across diverse industries. Renowned for a sharp ability to spot market opportunities, drive innovation, and accelerate growth, Chris has consistently built companies that make a lasting impact.Most recently, Chris launched Ingenious Dataworks, a company dedicated to solving critical data management challenges for businesses. With a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding data in today’s digital landscape, Chris’ latest venture leverages cutting-edge 3DI technology to streamline data operations, improve accessibility, and enable organizations to make more informed, data-driven decisions. Passionate about delivering tangible value through innovative solutions, Chris is committed to helping businesses unlock the full potential of their data, empowering them to remain competitive and agile in an increasingly data-centric world.

In this bonus episode of That Tech Pod, Laura and Kevin dig into the high-stakes controversy surrounding TikTok, the immensely popular short-form video app owned by ByteDance. With over 170 million users in the U.S. and significant cultural and economic influence, TikTok now faces an uncertain future due to national security and data privacy concerns. As the Supreme Court debates whether to uphold a law requiring ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations or face a nationwide ban, this episode unpacks the legal, political, and social implications of the decision. We explore the critical arguments both for and against a TikTok ban, from potential risks of data misuse and propaganda to concerns about free speech, economic disruption, and setting a global precedent for censorship. The episode also highlights the app’s impact on small businesses, creators, and the U.S. economy, contributing billions annually and supporting millions of jobs.For a unique perspective from an actual TikTok user, Kevin's 12-year-old daughter Evelyn joins as a guest, offering insight into why TikTok resonates with Gen Alpha. Evelyn discusses her experiences with the platform, how it shapes her creativity and social connections, and what a potential ban might mean for teens like her. The conversation sheds light on generational differences in attitudes toward technology, privacy, and digital culture. Laura also loops in her niece to get the 14 year old’s perspective. As the Supreme Court’s decision looms and Donald Trump prepares to take office, Laura and Kevin discuss the possible outcomes, including a TikTok divestment, acquisition by figures like Elon Musk, or a complete ban. They also explore how these developments could reshape the digital landscape in the U.S., including the rise of alternative platforms like RedNote and the broader implications for tech sovereignty, mental health, and teen culture. Tune in to this bonus episode to understand the stakes of TikTok’s trial and its ripple effects across technology, society, and politics.

Today Laura and Kevin sit down with Mike Bowers an expert in IIoT platforms, and legacy system modernization. Mike shares invaluable insights on how to innovate in manufacturing and bridge the gap between technology and leadership. We explore Mike’s personal and professional journey into software development and architecture and then deep dive into the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), explaining its role in transforming industries such as automotive, water treatment, and smart city development. Mike highlights how smart factories are revolutionizing manufacturing by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impacts—illustrating concepts with real-world examples like Amazon's use of graph databases to optimize delivery logistics. Mike explains the technologies driving Industry 4.0, including the MQTT protocol, the importance of mastering JSON, and the critical role of AI and machine learning in enhancing IIoT capabilities. Mike also addresses practical advice for aspiring professionals: prioritize hands-on experience by working directly in modern factory environments to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. Mike also tackles key issues such as cybersecurity risks of legacy connected devices and the skills gap in the workforce. Along the way, he touches on futuristic topics like Elon Musk's AI innovations and the impact of robotics on improving worker conditions—, even addressing whether Amazon workers might finally avoid "bottle-breaks." Whether you’re a technologist or simply curious about how factories are evolving beyond the 1980s, this episode offers a fascinating look at the technologies shaping modern industry and the professionals driving these changes.Mike Bowers is the Chief Architect at FairCom Corporation. Mike brings decades of experience in software development and architecture, and specializes in high-performance NoSQL/SQL databases, IIoT platforms, and legacy system modernization solutions. His insights will help CEOs, IT Managers, software architects/engineers, and control engineers to reduce cost in manufacturing, deliver agility by adopting Industry 4.0, and bridge between technologists and executives, to mention a few. 

Some people call him the Space Lawyer, some call him an entrepreneur... in today’s episode, Kevin and Laura dive into the laws of the cosmos with Christopher Hearsey, an accomplished space executive, lawyer, and entrepreneur with nearly two decades of leadership in the space industry. With expertise spanning space law, mission management, and strategy, Chris provides unique insights into the challenges and opportunities in the growing space economy. We kick off by answering a fundamental question: what does a space lawyer do? Chris explains the origins of space law, the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, and how these foundational principles apply to today’s technological advancements like reusable rockets and private moon missions. He details key topics such as Moore’s Law in space, the role of space in telecommunications technology, and the regulatory complexities of landing commercial habitats on the moon. Chris explains how space governance works, who gets to send missions to space, own property, and govern activities in space. We also cover space piracy, interplanetary lawsuits, and the cultural significance of space exploration. Chris also shares his thoughts on ethical considerations in space exploration, the challenges of colonizing Mars, and what it will take for commercial moon flights to become a reality. Plus, we get his take on important pop culture questions like Mulder or Scully? and hear about Kevin’s "all-expenses-paid" space travel deal—with a twist. Tune in for a mix of deep space insights, practical advice for aspiring space entrepreneurs, and a little humor as we explore humanity’s legal path to the stars.Christopher Hearsey is an experienced space executive, space lawyer, and entrepreneur with almost two decades of leadership in the space industry. Since 2018, Chris has been the Founder and CEO of OSA Consulting, a strategic advisory and management consulting firm specializing in supporting early-stage tech and space startups. Through OSA Consulting, he has guided emerging companies in navigating challenges and achieving growth in competitive markets, working to send people and things to space. Previously, Chris served as Chief Strategy Officer at Rogue Space Systems, where he drove strategic initiatives and expanded the company’s influence in the space sector leading efforts to launch the company's first satellite Barry-1 in 2023. As CEO of Exolaunch US, he established and managed the North American operations of the German-based launch reservation and mission management provider, overseeing business development, customer relations, and market expansion. His earlier roles include Corporate Counsel and Director of DC Operations & Legislative Affairs at Bigelow Aerospace, where he helped deploy the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) to the International Space Station in 2015.Chris holds a bachelor's degree in Mathematical Physics and Economics and advanced degrees in law and space studies, including a Juris Doctor in Air and Space Law (Honors). He is also Cofounder, Chairman, and Treasurer of the Space Court Foundation, a multinational nonprofit dedicated to the promotion of space law education and the rule of law offering global internship and research opportunities. Chris lives with his family in Maryland where he ran for office in Maryland’s 6th Congressional District in 2018.

Today Laura and Kevin chat with Matt Strippelhoff, the leader behind Red Hawk, to explore the evolving world of software development and the role innovation plays in shaping the industry. Matt shares his excitement about current trends in software development and explains how these advancements are influencing Red Hawk’s approach to building applications. Matt explains how Red Hawk leverages AI tools like code copilots to streamline the development process, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining a "human in the loop" approach. He also addresses the concerns surrounding AI replacing jobs, asserting that AI should enhance, not diminish, the role of development teams. However, he stresses that companies should only invest in AI if they can clearly articulate its value to their business. The discussion takes a lively turn as the group delves into the topic of AI chatbot companions. Laura sparks a spirited debate by asking whether chatting with an AI bot could be considered cheating. Kevin and Matt argue that it is, while Laura counters with a humorous take, adding that falling in love with an AI companion might make someone a “loser.” The conversation also touches on the challenges of using AI in recruitment, with Laura recounting a bizarre hiring experience involving a candidate who turned out to be a group of people. Matt offers valuable advice for non-technical founders looking to build software companies, outlining common mistakes they make and providing practical tips to avoid them. He also looks ahead to Red Hawk’s future, discussing the company’s innovative model of bundling software development and engineering into managed services. Matt also shares stories from his 15 years with his rock band, Grace in Gravity, including the time they opened for Sarah McLachlan. Laura playfully suggests starting a new band called “The Tripods,” but Matt remains focused on his commitment to Red Hawk, which he describes as his all-in plan with no backup. There is also a discussion on the pros and cons of remote work versus in-office teams, sparking a debate on building a workforce for the future. With a mix of expert insights, practical advice, and entertaining anecdotes, this episode offers something for everyone—from tech enthusiasts and business leaders to those curious about the intersection of AI and human creativity.During his career, Matt Strippelhoff has curated an extensive portfolio in traditional and interactive media. Leading the development of web applications, mobile applications, e-commerce websites and specialized interactive marketing programs, he shapes Red Hawk’s technological landscape.In 2022, The Circuit awarded Matt the Visionary Leader Award for his groundbreaking approach to software development. Recognized for reimagining the process, Matt's bold leadership catalyzes growth and success. His visionary business model bundles software development and technical support services for a fixed monthly fee, offering financial predictability and operational stability for their mid-market clientele.At Red Hawk, Matt’s vision, disrupting traditional models, has led to explosive growth, multi-year recurring revenue contracts and greater than 95% customer retention. Matt earned a BFA in communication design from the Art Academy of Cincinnati in 1993.The majority of Red Hawk's work today falls into three categories: workflow automation, sales enablement and systems integration. Red Hawk also serves as the outsourced innovation team for several clients, collaborating closely with client IT and marketing teams. From feasibility studies to fully featured applications, Red Hawk focuses on delivering measurable value with every initiative.

Today we fulfill Laura's Christmas wish and transform the pod into That Murder Pod™ as Laura and Kevin dive into the fascinating intersection of true crime and technology with guest and good sport, Paul Ruppert. Together, they explore how advancements in tech might have helped solve or even prevent some infamous murder cases. Laura walks Kevin and Paul through three chilling real-life cases: the tragic Brenda Spencer school shooting that inspired The Boomtown Rats' hit song "I Don't Like Mondays", the horrifying family murders involving Jasmine Richardson and her boyfriend, and the mysterious disappearance and murder of Girly Chew Hossencofft. As we examine each case, we discuss the roles that tech, from early internet monitoring to forensic advancements and surveillance, could play in uncovering clues and preventing such crimes. Whether you're a true crime enthusiast or a tech aficionado, this episode is sure to get you thinking about the powerful role technology can play in solving crimes.Paul Ruppert, the CEO of Global Point View is a veteran CPaaS and mobile services executive, strategy consultant and holder of 2 tech patents enabling global text messaging, with career experience in both the private and public sectors applying a range of multidisciplinary skills exercised at the highest levels of both arenas–from corporate boardrooms to the White House. He has generated over $400M in direct sales, is a skilled cross border negotiator, technology innovator and strategic partnership driver with two decades leading global commercial, product, marketing teams and M&A deals in B2B SaaS sales. Prior to entering the private sector, with a Harvard masters graduate degree Paulserved over a decade in policy and political roles as an legislative assistant to a USSenator, economic development advisor to a cabinet Secretary, a technologyindustry lobbyist and White House staffer. His private sector achievements are exceptional including scaling startups from $0 to $Billion valuations, forging global strategic partnerships, doing business in 80 countries, working with private equity and $B enterprises managing $130M business P&Ls, and managing cross border, cross cultural teams of teams having lived in the US, France and China. Paul leads Global Point View Ltd, a strategy consulting firm providing insights to technology companies seeking guidance on focus, strategies and plans via scaling, partnerships and acquisitions. His international clients have included Facebook, MasterCard, Western Union, Liveperson, Infobip, private equity and venture firms looking to leverage mobile services in their digital plans for conversational commerce. This episode contains discussions about murder, suicide, and violent crimes that may be distressing to some listeners. Please listen with care and prioritize your well-being.