Best GovTech Podcasts (2025)

1
Li Hongyi: Google PM to GovTech Leader, Scaling Digital Infrastructure & Fighting Scams with Systems - E559 41:22

24d ago41:22

41:22

Jeremy Au sits down with Li Hongyi, director of Open Government Products, to explore his journey from aspiring physicist to building digital tools for public service. They discuss agency, leadership, and the realities of driving change in government—from the impact of a Google internship to lessons in management and building systems that protect ag…

1
Ep. 171 The Truth About Cyber Security Careers: Bootcamps, AI, and GRC 1:41:59

9h ago1:41:59

1:41:59

Check out our Sponsor SNHU to learn more about their cybersecurity degree program https://snhu.edu/techtual Welcome to episode 171 of The TechTual Talk! In this electrifying crossover, hosts HD and Cybershortieee link up with Daniel and Victoria from HackerProofHQ Podcast for an episode packed with deep insights and lively banter about breaking int…

1
VC Fundamentals: Blue vs Red Oceans, Power Law Returns & Fund Structures – E569 18:40

22h ago18:40

18:40

Jeremy Au shares how venture capital evaluates startups, using examples from crypto confusion, post-WWII VC history, and power law returns. He explains why founders often misunderstand their market type, how tech repeats old cycles, and how VCs structure investments. Speaking practically, he highlights why founders must communicate clearly and how …

1
Jed Ng: Angel Syndicate Strategy, Venture Winter Advantage & Fixing Angel Education - E568 40:24

3d ago40:24

40:24

Jeremy Au chats with Jed Ng, founder of AngelSchool.vc, about why he chose angel syndicates over VC funds as a faster, more flexible path to financial freedom. They discuss the current venture downturn as a rare opportunity, the gaps in angel education, and how Jed scaled his 1,400-member syndicate globally. Jed also shares how he evaluates founder…

1
Rachel Wong: eFishery Fraud Founder Confession, Self-Justification vs. Excuses, & Civil vs. Criminal Startup Ecosystem Consequences – E567 42:36

5d ago42:36

42:36

Jeremy Au and Rachel Wong unpack eFishery's founder’s public confession to systematic fraud. They dive into how cultural pressures, ecosystem gaps, and misplaced investor trust contributed to the fallout. They discuss the challenges of cross-border enforcement, the limits of traditional due diligence, and the real-world consequences for Southeast A…

1
Ep.170 The Ai Copyright Problem 1:18:16

8d ago1:18:16

1:18:16

Go to our sponsor https://aura.com/techtualchatter to get a 14- day FREE trial and see if your personal information has been leaked online Welcome to another episode of The TechTual Talk podcast! This time, hosts HD and Cybershortieee are joined by the brilliant Ms. Kalimah Sims—IP attorney, former patent examiner, and physics enthusiast—for a must…

1
Raising Capital: Team, Product, Economics Filters & Investor Psychology - E566 12:24

8d ago12:24

12:24

Jeremy Au shares insights into how venture capitalists evaluate early-stage startups in Southeast Asia. Speaking directly to aspiring founders, he breaks down how investors assess potential through three core lenses: exponential growth, clarity of thinking, and personal trust. Drawing on personal stories, failed bets, and breakout wins, he explains…

1
Milan Reinartz: Founder to Platform Builder, Community-Led Angel Investing & Scaling Private Access – E565 29:49

10d ago29:49

29:49

Jeremy Au reconnects with Milan Reinartz to explore how angel investing evolved into a community-led platform, why Southeast Asia’s VC math doesn’t work, and how late-stage private markets offer new opportunities for retail millionaires. They talk through founder quality, opaque incentives, and the need for real diligence in a fragmented region. It…

1
Urban Pulse: Tracking the Health of Cities from the Sky 23:08

11d ago23:08

23:08

Imagine a city map that doesn’t just display streets and landmarks—but reveals where environmental risks are greatest, from scorching heat islands to flood-prone neighborhoods. This kind of map becomes more than just a planning tool; it’s a survival guide, directing cities on where to plant trees, cool communities, and safeguard vulnerable populati…

1
Anthea Ong: Saying No to Nominated Member of Parliament (At First), NMP Scheme Reforms & Majoritarian vs. Nonpartisanship - E564 55:20

12d ago55:20

55:20

Jeremy Au reconnects with Anthea Ong for a candid conversation on what it means to lead with integrity, empathy, and independence. They trace her journey from corporate leadership into the social sector and eventually into Parliament as a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP). Anthea shares how she first declined the NMP role, then later accepted it…

1
Ep. 169 HR Expert Reveals Shocking truth about Corporate America 1:44:50

14d ago1:44:50

1:44:50

Check out our Sponsor SNHU to learn more about their cybersecurity degree program https://snhu.edu/techtual Welcome to this episode of The TechTual Talk Podcast, where host HD sits down with powerhouse HR strategist Natalie Parker ( Owner of Natalie Parker Enterprises) for an energetic deep dive into what human resources really does—and why it matt…

1
Valerie Vu: Vietnam’s 46% Tariff Shock, US Trade Fallout & Multipolar Diplomacy Moves – E563 25:30

15d ago25:30

25:30

Jeremy Au speaks with Valerie Vu about Vietnam’s sudden shock from the 46% US tariff under Trump. What started as optimism turned into panic factories collapsed, partners pulled out, and even personal tragedies occurred. The government acted fast, but trust with the US was damaged. Vietnam is now shifting toward multipolar trade, owning more of its…

1
Jeffrey Lonsdale: US Tariffs as Policy, Taiwan Risk Calculus & Southeast Asia’s Supply Chain Opportunity - E562 26:56

17d ago26:56

26:56

Jeremy Au sits down with Jeffrey Lonsdale to unpack the US-China trade standoff, the Taiwan flashpoint, and how Southeast Asia is adapting to global shifts. They explore how tariffs are reshaping supply chains, the risk of trade wars escalating, and the difficult position countries like Vietnam and Singapore now find themselves in. The conversation…

1
Engineering Empathy: On Purpose and Progress in Tech 28:13

19d ago28:13

28:13

What does it mean to belong in complex and cutting-edge tech fields? In this episode, we sit down with Juliette De La Rie, CEO of Colorful Matter, to explore how identity, intuition, and inclusion shape the future of deep tech. Juliette shares her personal journey from feeling like an outsider in tech to becoming a powerful advocate for culture-dri…

1
Ep. 168 How to get into IT without ANY EXPERIENCE 1:31:02

21d ago1:31:02

1:31:02

Check out our Sponsor SNHU to learn more about their cybersecurity degree program https://snhu.edu/techtual Welcome to episode 168 of The TechTual Talk, where we dive deep into the tech world and the journeys it takes to get there. In this episode, How to get into IT without ANY EXPERIENCE we've got a compelling conversation between our host, HD, a…

1
BetterHelp Controversy: Therapist Burnout, AI Substitution & Financial Red Flags – E560 8:59

22d ago8:59

8:59

Blue Orca Capital’s allegations against BetterHelp and highlights growing tensions in tech-enabled labor platforms. BetterHelp is accused of using AI to replace human therapists, driven by cost pressures and incentive structures. The case reflects broader risks as AI begins to reshape trust, quality, and business models in two-sided marketplaces. T…

1
Human Rights, Social Equity, and the Future of Immigration Policy w/ Pierre Berastaín 40:35

22d ago40:35

40:35

In this episode, Dr. Pierre Berastaín, the Centre for Public Impact's Regional Director for North America, talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about his journey from Peru and his extensive work in addressing systemic challenges like immigration, gender-based violence prevention, and restorative justice. About Pierre Be…

1
Fusion Energy: The Next Frontier in Clean Power 15:00

23d ago15:00

15:00

We’ve spoken about the energy industry a few times in this podcast, most recently about innovation in our current nuclear energy power plants. These are the fission based plants. Today, we’re going to learn about the future of nuclear, that is the fusion based nuclear power plants. My guest is Laura Thomas, Chief Strategy Officer at Fuse, a fusion …

1
Jordan Dea-Mattson: Indeed Singapore Product Center Rise, Navigating Tech Layoffs & Healing Career Trauma – E558 50:52

26d ago50:52

50:52

Jordan Dea-Mattson, a veteran tech leader, and Jeremy Au discussed how Jordan built developer tools at Apple and went on to lead engineering teams at Adobe and Indeed. They explored how he witnessed Apple’s transformation under Steve Jobs, the often unseen dynamics behind major tech layoffs, and what it takes to grow and scale high-performing teams…

1
Ep. 167 What is RPA (Robotic Process Automation) ? 1:47:40

27d ago1:47:40

1:47:40

Check out our sponsor RPA University here and learn more about their program: https://techtualchatter.therpaguy.net/ In episode 167 of The TechTual Talk host HD welcomes a unique guest, Argustic Dunbar, also known as the RPA guy,. Together, they explore the fascinating world of Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Argustic shares his journey from a tr…

1
Behind the VC Pitch: Signal vs Substance, Support in Downturns - E557 17:00

29d ago17:00

17:00

Jeremy Au breaks down what founders should really look for in a VC—beyond branding. He shares a practical framework for value-add, highlights how VCs behave in failure, and urges founders to dig deeper than surface signals. The conversation also looks at why older founders often perform better, even if they raise less, and the dynamics of VC incent…

1
Startup False Starts, Founder vs. VC Perspectives & Scaling Challenges - E556 18:19

1M ago18:19

18:19

Jeremy Au unpacked why most startups fail and how failure is often misunderstood especially in Southeast Asia’s tech landscape. He pointed out that failure isn’t just about poor execution or bad luck. It’s often structural, recurring across funding stages, and rooted in deeper issues like team mismatches, market timing, or scaling too fast. He also…

1
Ep. 166 From $12 an Hour to Tech Millionaire feat Troy Buckholdt 1:00:19

1M ago1:00:19

1:00:19

Check out our sponsor Course Careers to learn more about their courses here: https://account.coursecareers.com/ref/50932/ & use my code Techtual50 to get $50 off your purchase In this episode of The TechTual Talk, we're joined by Troy, the founder of Course Careers, who shares his inspiring journey from an aspiring entrepreneur at the young age of …

1
Gita Sjahrir: Market Crash Fallout, Government Communication Breakdown & Investor Uncertainty – E555 29:16

1M ago29:16

29:16

Jeremy Au talks with Gita Sjahrir, an Indonesian economist and entrepreneur, in a deep dive on Indonesia’s current macroeconomic conditions and policy landscape. They analyze how inconsistent government communication, executional shortcomings, and short-term policymaking have contributed to uncertainty among investors and the public. The discussion…

1
Startup Fundraising: Crafting the Pitch, Building Trust & Ownership Auction – E554 16:39

1M ago16:39

16:39

Jeremy Au discussed how pitching, trust, and fundraising work. He explained that pitching is about expressing a future others can believe in, not just raising money. He shared how traction builds trust, why capital must be chosen carefully, and how great founders turn investor interest into leverage. Drawing on examples like Rewind.ai and BenchSci,…

1
Vikram Bharati: Draper Startup House Expansion, Global Team Building Challenges & Startup Ecosystem Design - E553 38:39

1M ago38:39

38:39

Vikram Bharati, founder of Draper Startup House, and Jeremy Au talked about how the startup world has shifted since their last conversation. They explored how Draper Startup House has expanded across continents while wrestling with the challenge of scaling both physical spaces and community-driven programming. They discussed how remote and hybrid w…

1
Ep. 165 Google Buys Wiz for $32 Billion in EPIC deal 2:35:20

1M ago2:35:20

2:35:20

Check out our Sponsor SNHU to learn more about their cybersecurity degree program https://snhu.edu/techtual Google has acquired Wiz the Cloud Security platform in a blockbuster deal for $32 Billion after Wiz previously turned them down last year. WhatsApp had a zero day exploited in Paragon software A Federal Judge has blocked DOGE’s access to Soci…

1
Singapore: AI Job Disruption, Hiring Shift & Youth Unemployment with Shiyan Koh - E552 33:34

1M ago33:34

33:34

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au explored the growing challenges of youth unemployment in Singapore and how AI is fundamentally changing the job market. They discussed how the rise of automation is making entry-level roles less necessary, leading companies to prioritize experienced hires who can work with AI rather than tr…

1
VC Decision Making: Growth Expectations, Biases & Fast Deals – E551 15:19

1M ago15:19

15:19

Jeremy Au talked about how venture capitalists assess startups based on their ability to scale rapidly, led by strong founders with a clear strategy and market fit. However, their decisions are shaped by heuristics, biases, and time constraints. The best founders move fast, refine their pitches, and demonstrate exponential growth potential. He also…

1
Ep. 164 The HONEST TRUTH about being a SOC Analyst 53:11

1M ago53:11

53:11

Check out our Sponsor SNHU to learn more about their cybersecurity degree program https://snhu.edu/techtual Welcome back to another episode of The TechTual Talk! In today's discussion, we're diving into the world of cybersecurity with an unfiltered look at what it's really like working in a Security Operations Center (SOC). Our host, Henri, sits do…

1
Benjamin Loh: Polarizing Thought Leadership, Social Media Hard Truths & Family Commitment Learnings - E550 40:11

1M ago40:11

40:11

Benjamin Loh, Certified Speaking Professional and Jeremy Au discussed public speaking, thought leadership, and leadership growth. They reflected on Benjamin’s journey from public speaking to training financial advisors and running a thought leadership agency. They explored how social media amplifies voices, how leaders can shape industry narratives…

1
US-Vietnam Trade Risks, Chinese Factory Relocation & Government Reforms with Valerie Vu - E549 30:07

2M ago30:07

30:07

Jeremy Au and Valerie Vu discussed Vietnam’s evolving role in global trade, the impact of US-China tensions, and the country’s sweeping internal reforms. They explore how foreign investments are reshaping Vietnam’s industries, how the government is navigating trade uncertainties, and how local businesses are adapting to increased competition. They …

1
Ep. 163 Tech Job Market Struggles, AI Recruiting Interviews, T-Mobile $25k Payout 1:40:23

2M ago1:40:23

1:40:23

Check out our Sponsor SNHU to learn more about their cybersecurity degree program https://snhu.edu/techtual In this episode, we dive into the complex landscape of today's tech job market, tackling everything from the growing demand for cybersecurity skills to the innovative yet controversial role of AI in recruitment interviews. Join hosts @Cybersh…

1
Startup Economics: Blitzscaling Pitfalls, Market Strategy & Funding vs. Execution - E548 12:44

2M ago12:44

12:44

Jeremy Au breaks down the fundamentals of unit economics, customer acquisition, and blitzscaling in startups. Using real-world examples, he explains how different business models—like SaaS versus consumer goods—affect profitability and marketing strategies. The conversation explores the challenges of scaling aggressively, the importance of timing i…

1
Sadaf Sultan: eFishery Scandal Breakdown, Startup Financial Shenanigans & VC Fraud Detection - E547 51:47

2M ago51:47

51:47

Sadaf Sultan, Founder of Finprojections, and Jeremy Au analyzed the eFishery financial scandal and discuss broader issues of financial fraud in startups. They talked about why eFishery was appealing to investors and how the fraud unfolded and shared their insights into detecting fraud effectively. They explore the challenges faced during investor d…

1
Tech, Talent and Tolerance: How U.S. Companies Can Tap into Global Expertise 27:39

2M ago27:39

27:39

In his book The Rise of the Creative Class, Richard Florida argues that creativity is the nourishment of new economic growth, and introduces the three T's; Technology as a platform, talent to do the creative process, and tolerance from the surrounding society to allow this talent to shine. My guest Ceridwen 'Ceri' Koski, Partner at Denver, CO based…

1
$12B Pertamina Corruption Case, Public Crisis & Government Policy Risks & Energy Market Reform with Gita Sjahrir - E546 36:37

2M ago36:37

36:37

Gita Sjahrir, Senior Advisor at TBS Energi Utama, and Jeremy Au talked about the complexities of corporate governance and accountability within emerging markets. They discussed the eFishery scandal, the Pertamina corruption case, and the broader implications for economic growth and investor trust. 1. Investor Due Diligence: Gita and Jeremy highligh…

1
Episode 162. | From Dental Assistant to Cloud Engineer ft. ShaeInTheCloud 59:09

2M ago59:09

59:09

Check out our Sponsor SNHU to learn more about their cybersecurity degree program https://snhu.edu/techtual Welcome back to another episode of The TechTual Talk In today's episode titled "From Dental Assistant to Cloud Engineer," we dive deep into a fascinating journey with our special guest Shae, affectionately known as ShaeintheCloud. Hosted by H…

1
Introduction to Season 5 7:36

2M ago7:36

7:36

It's March 2025. The U.S. administration is turning on its allies south, north and east, the EU is amplifying its defense capabilities, Ukraine is being let down, science is under attack, and tech bros keep demand more and more. I'm taking Deep Pockets closer to policy, as now is not the time to be silent. Season 5 will discuss innovation policy in…

1
Why Startups Fail: Common Mistakes, VC Perspective & Founder Comeback - E545 25:52

2M ago25:52

25:52

Jeremy Au discussed common startup failure patterns, and emphasized that failure is frequent and often inevitable even for companies that make it to later funding stages. Many startups fail to deliver financial returns for investors, regardless of how innovative or pioneering they might be. He also talked about various reasons for failure, from tea…

1
Episode 161. Get into GovTech: Become an ISSO with NIST RMF 1:15:48

2M ago1:15:48

1:15:48

Check out our Sponsor SNHU to learn more about their cybersecurity degree program https://snhu.edu/techtual In this episode of The TechTual Talk, host HD welcomes Chris Okpala, the host of the @realtechwoke podcast, for an in-depth discussion on navigating the tech space. Chris, a cyber security specialist with a background in the government sector…

1
Kwok Jiachuan: COVID-19’s Impact on Nonprofits, Conjunct’s Shift in Business Model & The Role of Capacity Builders - E544 37:45

2M ago37:45

37:45

Jeremy Au reconnects with Kwok Jiachuan, his first-ever podcast guest, to reflect on their journey from school friends to army roommates to co-founders of Conjunct Consulting. They talked about the challenges of starting and scaling a social impact consultancy, from early skepticism to securing funding and navigating the evolving nonprofit landscap…

1
How Immersive Digital Twins Are Transforming Urban Innovation 20:19

2M ago20:19

20:19

Imagine standing in the middle of a critical decision-making moment—one where the wrong move could cost millions or even put lives at risk. Now imagine that you don’t have the tools or resources to see the full picture, to understand the consequences of your options in real time. This is the reality for countless organizations today. From emergency…

1
Navigating Government Tensions in Crisis Communication: A COVID-19 Case Study w/ Deb Aikat & Host Lloyd Levine 1:13:39

2M ago1:13:39

1:13:39

In this episode, Deb Aikat, University of North Carolina Professor of Journalism and Media, talks with the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about how technology impacts government processes and media communication. They discuss the media's crucial role during the pandemic and emphasize the importance of providing balanced news to support a heal…

1
Mike Michalec: $1B+ Edtech Investments, Market Due Diligence Failures & Real-World Education Gaps - E543 26:38

2M ago26:38

26:38

Mike Michalec shares his journey from molecular research to outdoor adventure guiding and eventually into education consulting in Southeast Asia. He discusses the region’s diverse education landscape, the challenges of scaling edtech businesses, and the impact of China’s regulatory crackdown on the sector. He explains why many education startups fa…

1
VC Decision Making: Sequential Bets, Navigating Market Exits & Addressing Regulatory Challenges - E542 16:52

2M ago16:52

16:52

Jeremy Au discussed key aspects of venture capital decision-making and tech regulation including how VCs make sequential investment choices, navigate acquisition offers and public listing routes, and address regulatory challenges. He also examined how customer advocacy and jurisdictional differences shape tech policy, while debating the trade-offs …

1
Yuying Deng: Esevel's Product Iteration Strategy, Mastering Delegation & Parent Founder Learnings - E541 38:46

2M ago38:46

38:46

Yuying Deng, CEO of Esevel, and Jeremy Au talked about Esevel’s IT service business evolution over the past few years. They trace the journey from handling simple device procurement in Southeast Asia (with a focus on Singapore, India, and Indonesia) to offering full IT life cycle management and cybersecurity support. They also discussed how custome…

1
Ep. 160 | How to Get into Cybersecurity with ZERO Experience 1:22:41

2M ago1:22:41

1:22:41

Check out our Sponsor SNHU to learn more about their cybersecurity degree program https://snhu.edu/techtual Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Techtual Talk, where we dive deep into the realms of technology and careers. In today's episode titled "How to Get into Cybersecurity with ZERO Experience" our host Henri sits down with the vibr…

1
Southeast Asia Startup Evolution, eFishery’s $100M Capital Burn Lessons & Private Equity Style VC Insights with Mohan Belani - E540 59:08

2M ago59:08

59:08

Mohan Belani, CEO and Cofounder of e27, and Jeremy Au talked about how the Southeast Asia startup scene has transformed over the past decade, including the shift from early-stage exuberance to a more cautious, capital-efficient mindset, and citing specific cases like eFishery and Carousell. They touched on regional challenges, with markets as diffe…

1
Blitzscaling: Uber vs. Lyft, First-Mover Traps & VC Power Laws - E539 26:55

2M ago26:55

26:55

Jeremy Au explored the strategic dynamics of venture capital, network effects, and first-mover risks in technology markets. He illustrated how Uber outmaneuvered Lyft by aggressively raising capital to fuel network effects, while Airbnb achieved superior capital efficiency through globally pooled inventory. Using the case of Henn Tan, the Singapore…

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