Tech Talks Daily

What does it take to turn ideas into impactful books, and how is technology reshaping the publishing industry? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Eric Jorgenson, CEO of Scribe Media, to explore the art and science of book creation, the future of self-publishing, and his vision for unlocking the world’s wisdom. Eric, best known as the author of The Almanack of Naval Ravikant, has sold over 1.5 million copies of his books and distributed millions more in digital formats. He shares his journey from startup enthusiast to best-selling author and how that path ultimately led him to take the helm at Scribe Media. He discusses the company’s mission to help professionals turn their expertise into books without needing to type a single word, using structured, conversation-based methods that simplify the process for busy thought leaders. We dive into the growing role of AI in book publishing, where it can enhance idea generation and content structuring but still falls short in replacing human expertise. With audiobooks now accounting for up to a third of royalties for some authors, Eric also discusses how multi-format publishing is shaping the future of the industry and what factors influence whether an author should narrate their own book. Beyond publishing, Eric shares his investment philosophy in utopian technologies—supporting “obsessive geniuses” working on transformative innovations such as micro-reactors, advanced batteries, and even asteroid mining. With publishing undergoing massive shifts and AI accelerating content creation, what does the future hold for authors, books, and knowledge-sharing? Join us as we explore the intersection of technology, storytelling, and big ideas.

How is AI transforming the way we interact with sound, voice, and digital personas? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Alex Bordanova, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Voicemod, about the company’s groundbreaking approach to AI-driven voice transformation and its expanding role beyond gaming. Originally developed to enhance voice chat experiences for gamers, Voicemod has evolved into a powerful tool for real-time voice modulation, combining traditional digital signal processing (DSP) with cutting-edge AI. Alex shares how their technology enables users to alter their voice characteristics—changing timbre, pitch, and resonance—while maintaining clarity and intelligibility. With millions of users creating custom voices every month, Voicemod is at the forefront of AI-powered audio innovation. We discuss the launch of Voicemod Key, a new hardware solution bringing voice transformation to console gaming and VR, allowing seamless integration between microphones and gaming platforms. Alex also highlights the importance of ethical AI practices, emphasizing Voicemod’s commitment to using professionally recorded and consented datasets to train its AI models responsibly. Beyond gaming, Voicemod is forging partnerships with major entertainment brands, collaborating with Warner Bros, Rovio, and other global IP holders to bring iconic voices to life. As audio technology catches up to the advancements in visual media, what does the future hold for voice augmentation in entertainment, communication, and beyond?

How is artificial intelligence redefining industries, from corporate branding to cultural institutions? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Hussein Hallak, founder and CEO of Next Decentrum, about the profound ways AI and immersive technology are shaping customer experiences, education, and cultural preservation. With over 25 years of experience spanning branding, technology, gamification, and education, Hussein is a serial entrepreneur who has launched more than 20 ventures and advised startups globally. His work at Next Decentrum focuses on using AI and immersive tech to create meaningful, lasting value—moving beyond hype to real-world applications that transform industries. We explore how AI is not just optimizing efficiency but also revolutionizing storytelling, customer engagement, and global knowledge-sharing. Hussein discusses projects such as AI-powered holograms in tourism, the role of AI in making cultural heritage more accessible, and the challenges institutions face in adopting cutting-edge technology. He also shares his thoughts on AI's impact on learning, highlighting how it enables personalized, immersive experiences that accelerate skill development. With Vancouver emerging as a unique hub for innovation across VFX, quantum computing, and fusion technology, we also examine the city’s growing tech ecosystem, its strengths, and the challenges of scaling without direct access to major funding centers. As AI continues to push the boundaries of creativity and accessibility, how can businesses and cultural institutions harness this technology to build deeper connections and unlock new opportunities? Tune in for an insightful conversation on the future of AI-powered innovation.

How can the tech industry close the widening skills gap while creating meaningful career opportunities for diverse talent? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with John Akkara, CEO and co-founder of Smoothstack, a company on a mission to bridge the gap between IT education and real-world industry needs. John shares his inspiring journey—from an immigrant student on a tennis scholarship to a leader reshaping how tech talent is identified, trained, and deployed. His experiences with mentorship and career-defining opportunities now fuel his commitment to providing others with a clear pathway into technology careers. We discuss how Smoothstack’s Hire-Train-Deploy model is different from traditional education and bootcamps, simulating real-world project environments where trainees work in agile teams, participate in peer code reviews, and gain hands-on experience tailored to employer needs. John highlights the severity of the IT skills gap—where demand far outpaces supply—and explains how industries like cybersecurity and software development are being affected. Diversity and inclusion are core to Smoothstack’s approach, with a strong emphasis on increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech. John discusses the company’s efforts to boost participation among women and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as future plans to leverage remote work to expand access to tech careers in economically distressed areas. What will it take to build a more inclusive and sustainable tech workforce? Tune in to learn how Smoothstack is making a real impact, and share your thoughts on how businesses can rethink talent development in the digital age.

How is the future of payments evolving, and what role does technology play in shaping seamless, secure, and scalable financial transactions? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I explore these questions with Niv Liran, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Unzer, a company redefining payments across Europe by integrating cloud technology, AI, and security-driven innovations. Unzer has undergone a major transformation, unifying multiple acquired companies into a single, scalable platform, Unzer-1. Niv shares insights into this journey, explaining how consolidating payments infrastructure in the cloud has enabled greater agility, improved security, and ensured compliance in an increasingly regulated fintech landscape. He also highlights how Unzer’s approach to unified commerce is streamlining transactions for merchants, seamlessly bridging in-store, online, and mobile payments. We discuss how AI is playing a crucial role in fraud detection and payment security, helping businesses monitor user behavior, detect anomalies, and prevent cyber threats while minimizing friction for customers. As Europe accelerates toward a cashless economy, Niv provides perspectives on how evolving consumer habits, the rise of digital wallets, and innovations like SoftPOS are reshaping the industry. With a focus on localized payment solutions and deep regulatory expertise, Unzer is setting new standards in fintech. But as digital payments continue to evolve, how can businesses ensure they stay ahead of security challenges while providing seamless experiences for customers? Join us as we explore the technology behind modern payments and the future of commerce.

How can quantum computing move beyond theory and become a practical tool for businesses and researchers? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I explore this question with Michael Gleaves, a UK-based AI and quantum expert at Eviden, the Atos Group business specializing in advanced computing. Eviden has been at the forefront of quantum innovation, launching Qaptiva™, a quantum computing ecosystem designed to integrate real-world applications with classical high-performance computing. The company recently announced its first hosted quantum computer, offering both physical and remote access to organizations looking to experiment and develop quantum-powered solutions. Michael shares insights into the company’s partnership with IQM Quantum Computers and how this collaboration is helping to improve qubit stability, enhance optimization models, and make quantum computing more accessible across industries. We discuss real-world use cases where quantum computing is already showing promise, from optimizing logistics and financial modeling to accelerating materials science and chemical simulations. Michael also unpacks the challenges that businesses face in adopting quantum technologies, including the complexities of integrating quantum with existing HPC and AI workflows, translating real-world problems into quantum-compatible formats, and overcoming hardware limitations in the noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) era. As quantum computing transitions from research labs to operational environments, how can businesses gain a competitive edge by engaging with these emerging technologies today? Join us for this deep dive into the state of quantum computing, its near-term applications, and what the future holds for industries looking to harness its power.

How can data and artificial intelligence reshape healthcare to create better patient outcomes? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Dr. Mitesh Rao, founder and CEO of OMNY Health, about his mission to build a more connected and collaborative healthcare system. With a background in emergency medicine and hospital leadership, he launched OMNY Health out of frustration with the siloed nature of healthcare data, which limits innovation and patient care. OMNY Health now represents data from nearly 80 million patients across the U.S., serving as a bridge between healthcare providers, researchers, and life sciences companies. Dr. Rao explains how his company is tackling some of the biggest challenges in healthcare—unifying fragmented data, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations, and providing a secure foundation for AI-driven advancements in medicine. We explore how this data network is enabling breakthroughs in precision medicine, pharmacovigilance, and clinical research, ensuring that new treatments are developed based on real-world evidence. Dr. Rao also shares insights on the role of AI in healthcare, the importance of diverse and representative data in training AI models, and how secure, compliant data-sharing can support the next wave of medical innovation. With plans to expand OMNY Health's network to 150 million patients, what does the future hold for healthcare data and AI-driven medicine? Join the conversation to find out, and share your thoughts on the role of data in transforming patient care.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m joined by Eric Ormson and Chris Rakel from AEG, an organization redefining how companies approach recruitment and workforce development. With years of experience in staffing specialized sectors like IT and engineering, Eric and Chris offer a fresh perspective on tackling the unique challenges of recruiting and retaining top technical talent in today’s competitive market. We discuss how the recruitment landscape has evolved into a global competition for talent, where remote work and changing employee expectations are reshaping how companies attract and retain their workforce. Eric and Chris highlight why outdated recruiting methods, like relying solely on passive job postings, are no longer effective and how companies must focus on authenticity, transparency, and alignment with personal values to win over high-demand candidates. For startups and companies in growth mode, we explore practical strategies to compete for technical talent in a crowded market. From budgeting 20% more for labor costs to adopting contract-to-hire and fractional employee models, Eric and Chris emphasize the importance of flexibility and a clear vision. They also discuss how AEG has successfully tripled its size since 2019 by emphasizing long-term value, meaningful connections, and a consultative approach in staffing. As the conversation unfolds, we examine how company culture plays a critical role in attracting and retaining talent. With employees seeking more than just compensation, the focus has shifted toward fostering alignment with organizational goals and delivering on cultural promises. We also dive into how AI and automation are reshaping recruitment processes, balancing the efficiency of technology with the irreplaceable value of the human touch. How can companies navigate the future of recruitment while staying authentic, adaptable, and people-focused? Tune in to discover actionable insights and strategies to help your organization thrive in the evolving world of workforce development.

In a compelling discussion, Chad Fowler, a mission-critical business leader at HED, shares his vision for sustainable data centers. He addresses the environmental challenges posed by the industry's energy consumption, especially with AI's growing demand. Chad discusses innovative solutions, like low-carbon materials and advanced cooling technologies, that enhance efficiency and profitability. He also emphasizes the importance of community engagement, tackling NIMBY opposition through education and aesthetically pleasing designs, turning resistance into collaboration.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I examine the transformative rise of agentic AI and its profound impact on the Gaming and tech industries in 2025. Joining me is Richard Dennys the CEO of Game Lounge, a company driving innovation in iGaming and achieving remarkable growth, including a 30% increase in net profit. With a global reach across more than 130 SEO-driven websites in 60 countries, Game Lounge is shaping the future of the industry through its GLX startup incubator, designed to harness the power of agentic AI. We discuss how agentic AI is revolutionizing efficiency and personalization while presenting significant challenges. As gambling regulations become stricter, agentic AI also introduces risks by enabling sophisticated black-market operations and illegal transactions. Could these regulatory pressures inadvertently drive users toward unregulated markets? Beyond regulation, we explore how agentic AI is set to transform the workforce. By 2025, remote service roles may face disruption, but opportunities will emerge for those who transition into AI training and optimization roles. The conversation highlights how individuals can build skills in strategic decision-making and AI collaboration to thrive in this evolving landscape. How will agentic AI reshape industries, challenge regulations, and transform careers in the coming years? Tune in to uncover these insights and more.