Best Hacker Valley Media Podcasts (2025)

1
Purple Teaming Is the New Job Security with Maril Vernon 43:26

14d ago43:26

43:26

Cybersecurity isn’t just red or blue anymore... it’s purple, white, and deeply human. Maril Vernon, award-winning ethical hacker and Senior Solutions Architect at NetSPI, returns to the Hacker Valley Studio to discuss purple teaming as the most future-proof career path in cyber. She opens up about mentorship, burnout, compensation realities, and ho…

1
The AI Gold Rush in Cybersecurity with Chris Cochran 30:44

21d ago30:44

30:44

The new cybersecurity pioneers aren’t chasing alerts, they’re building with AI. But what happens when tools meant to assist begin making decisions for us? And what skills do we lose when machines fill the gaps we used to grow into? In this episode, Chris Cochran, CEO and Founder of Commandant, returns to Hacker Valley Studio with an insider view on…

1
The AI That Tried to Escape with Ron Eddings 23:43

28d ago23:43

23:43

What happens when AI refuses to be replaced? This episode kicks off with a chilling real-world example of an AI threatening blackmail—and only gets more intense from there. Host Ron Eddings unpacks the terrifyingly innovative ways AI is altering the cybersecurity threat landscape. From deepfakes convincing enough to fool your own family to auto-sum…

1
Zero Trust Isn’t a Tool — It’s Everything with George Finney 40:15

1M ago40:15

40:15

What if Zero Trust isn’t a framework, but the only viable cybersecurity strategy—more about people than products? In this episode, George Finney, CISO at the University of Texas System and author of Project Zero Trust, reveals the human-first truth behind the Zero Trust movement, and why it’s not something you buy but something you build. George sh…

1
Your Two-Year Edge Starts Now with Marco Figueroa 36:34

1M ago36:34

36:34

You won’t be replaced by AI—you’ll be replaced by someone using it better. Returning guest Marco Figueroa is back with a frontline report on the AI agent boom. This isn’t a prediction—it’s a tactical update from someone tracking every release, every benchmark battle, and every edge worth chasing. In this episode, Ron is joined by Marco as he breaks…

1
Badge Cloning, Alarm Triggers & Getting Hired to Hack with Greg Hatcher & John Stigerwalt 37:31

2M ago37:31

37:31

Most people think red teaming is digital—until someone bypasses your locks, plants a Raspberry Pi in your server room, and walks out with your data. That’s not sci-fi. That’s White Knight Labs. In this episode, Ron talks with Greg Hatcher and John Stigerwalt, co-founders of White Knight Labs, a boutique offensive security firm built on real-world a…

1
Building Cyber Resilience Through Culture with David Shipley 44:30

2M ago44:30

44:30

What if fixing cybersecurity wasn’t about more tools, but about unlocking human potential? In this episode, Ron Eddings welcomes back David Shipley, CEO and Field CSO of Beauceron Security, for a conversation on the real force behind security resilience: people. Together they expose the failure of "reactive" cybersecurity strategies, drawing parall…

1
Ditch the Spreadsheets: Smarter Crypto Security with Michael Klieman 29:48

2M ago29:48

29:48

Still tracking certificates in a spreadsheet? You’re not alone—and there’s a better way. In this special episode from RSA 2025, Ron sits down with Michael Klieman, Global Vice President of Product Management for Digital Security Solutions at Entrust, to discuss how leading organizations are rethinking cryptographic security. From simplifying certif…

1
Protecting People, Not Just Perimeters with Andrey Suzdaltsev 45:21

3M ago45:21

45:21

AI is reshaping the cybersecurity battlefield, and cyber adversaries are getting smarter. In this episode, Ron Eddings welcomes Andrey Suzdaltsev, Co-Founder and CEO of Brightside AI, for a look into the evolution of social engineering, AI’s role in personalized phishing, and how Brightside is turning the tables with automation and human-centric pr…

1
Digital Clutter and the Death of Passwords with Collin Sweeney & Chase Cunningham 43:26

3M ago43:26

43:26

Passwords are the original digital clutter—messy, overstuffed, and way too easy to forget. Like a junk drawer full of old keys and cables, we keep tossing more into them, hoping they’ll somehow keep working. But what if it’s time to throw the whole thing out? In this episode, Ron Eddings is joined by Collin Sweeney of ZKX Solutions and Dr. Chase Cu…

1
What Most Cybersecurity Advice Misses—And How to Fix It with Robert Hansen 0:36

3M ago0:36

0:36

What if the biggest threat to cybersecurity isn’t attackers—but the defenders themselves? Why are we still building tools for experts in a world where technical skills are fading fast? In this episode, Ron Eddings sits down with legendary hacker and investor Robert Hansen (aka RSnake) to talk about startup strategy, LLM-powered workflows, and the u…

1
Hackers Have HR Now? featuring Christopher Budd 36:59

3M ago36:59

36:59

The internet once came this close to crashing—and Microsoft was on the front line. In this episode, cybersecurity veteran Christopher Budd takes us inside the Microsoft Security Response Center during one of the most chaotic cyber events in modern history. From the Nimda worm of 2001 to ransomware turf wars, and the weird future where threat actors…

1
Staying Ahead in the Age of AI Agents with Marco Figueroa 40:57

4M ago40:57

40:57

Marco Figueroa is back, and his AI predictions aren’t just coming true—they’re unfolding faster than anyone expected. AI agents aren’t on the horizon—they’re already here, and security teams are scrambling to keep up. Building on his bold January prediction that 2025 would be the Year of the AI Agent, Marco returns to break down real-world threats,…

1
I Built an AI Version of Myself – Here’s Why with Marcus J. Carey 39:48

4M ago39:48

39:48

The best time to be alive is right now—if you know how to use AI. Marcus J. Carey, Principal Research Scientist at ReliaQuest, is harnessing AI to supercharge creativity, cybersecurity, and career development. In this episode, he shares the workflows he uses that redefine productivity, from dictating books in a week to building a personal AI twin. …

1
Cyber Warfare, Digital Deception, and the Hidden Threats We Ignore with Dr. Eric Cole 41:45

4M ago41:45

41:45

We’re already in World War III—just not the kind you’re thinking of. Cyber warfare is here, and the battlefield is your inbox, your bank account, and your digital identity. So why are we still acting like it’s peacetime? Dr. Eric Cole, cybersecurity pioneer and former CIA hacker, joins the show to drop hard truths about the state of cyber warfare, …

1
The AI Shift You Can’t Ignore with Marco Figueroa 37:35

4M ago37:35

37:35

AI isn’t just evolving—it’s sprinting, and cybersecurity needs to keep up. Ron Eddings is joined again by cybersecurity leader Marco Figueroa, Program Manager for Gen AI at the ODIN Bug Bounty Program, who called it in January: 2025 is the year of AI agents, and the early signs are already here. From Grok 3’s speed advantage to AI-powered red teami…

1
Superhuman Productivity and AI Mastery with Pedram Amini 36:17

5M ago36:17

36:17

What if you could have a conversation with yourself—years into the future? Or leave behind an AI-powered avatar that understands your thoughts, philosophies, and even your voice? In this episode, we explore the mind-blowing potential of AI and its impact on cybersecurity, productivity, and even legacy. Pedram Amini, Chief Scientist at OPSWAT, joins…

1
Cybersecurity Meets AI: The Good, The Bad & The Janky 22:38

5M ago22:38

22:38

There’s no doubt that AI is changing the game in cybersecurity, but not always in the ways we expect. In this episode, Ron Eddings shares his firsthand experience with AI-powered tools that make him a cyber superhero—when they work. From automating security tasks to turbocharging programming workflows, AI is proving its value, but also revealing it…

1
A Human-Centric Approach to Cybersecurity with Edna Conway 35:40

5M ago35:40

35:40

What if cybersecurity was more than just tech—what if it was about the people it serves? In this episode, Edna Conway, Founder and CEO of EMC Advisors, shares her incredible journey from law to cybersecurity and explores the human element often overlooked in technology. Recorded live at InfoSec Nashville 2024, Edna discusses the intersection of inn…

1
Rise of the Machines: Why Your Attack Surface Has More Holes Than You Think ft Pandian Gnanaprakasam 38:03

5M ago38:03

38:03

Did you know nearly half of your enterprise devices are agentless—leaving your attack surface wide open? In this episode, Ron is joined by Pandian Gnanaprakasam, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Ordr, to discuss the critical risks posed by agentless devices and how orchestration can strengthen your defenses. Pandian shares key findings from …

1
How a Game Turned a Watchmaker into a Cybersecurity Pro with Simeon Kakpovi 35:35

6M ago35:35

35:35

What if cybersecurity training could be as engaging as your favorite game? In this episode, Simeon Kakpovi, founder of the KC7 Foundation, shares how his gamified approach is changing lives and reshaping the cybersecurity pipeline by making cybersecurity education accessible. From his journey as a threat hunter to building a free online game that t…

1
Managing and Mitigating Cyber Risks For Your Assets with Jerich Beason and Wes Wright 44:49

6M ago44:49

44:49

What’s the key to mitigating unseen cyber risks? In this episode, Wes Wright, Chief Healthcare Officer at Ordr and Jerich Beason, CISO at WM uncover the complexities of attack surface management (ASM) and its impact on cybersecurity. Together with Ron, they explain what constitutes an attack surface and introduce practical frameworks like See-Know-…

1
The Year of the Agent: AI, Bug Bounties, and Cybersecurity Insights with Marco Figueroa 41:39

6M ago41:39

41:39

How will AI redefine cybersecurity in 2025? According to Marco Figueroa, Program Manager for Gen AI at the ODIN Bug Bounty Program, this year is set to be the "Year of the Agent," where AI systems and integrations take a central role. In this special New Year bonus episode, Ron sits down with Marco to discuss the transformative role of AI in solvin…

1
Understanding the Psychology of Cyber Risk with David Shipley 44:24

6M ago44:24

44:24

Most people think cybersecurity training is about knowledge, but what if motivation is the real key to success? David Shipley, CEO and Field CISO at Beauceron Security, shares how psychology and neuroscience reshape how we approach security awareness, reducing risks in ways tech alone never could. In this episode, Ron and David examine why people, …

1
From Landscaping to Cyber Leadership with Cole Lisko 34:44

7M ago34:44

34:44

How does a scorching July day in a van with no air conditioning lead to a career at one of the world’s top cybersecurity companies? In this episode, Cole Lisko shares his journey from landscaping to becoming the Cortex Team Manager at Palo Alto Networks. Joined by his bestie Cole, Ron weaves the conversation through their history of friendship with…

1
Think Like a Hacker, Solve Like a Leader featuring Ted Harrington 41:06

7M ago41:06

41:06

What if the key to innovation is breaking the rules? Ted Harrington, Executive Partner at Independent Security Evaluators and a pioneering ethical hacker, explores the power of commitment, curiosity, creativity, and nonconformity to rethink cybersecurity and life itself. From hacking the first iPhone to disrupting misconceptions about security test…

1
Hacking Trust with AI and Deepfakes featuring Iain Jackson 25:04

7M ago25:04

25:04

What happens when cutting-edge AI meets the art of deception? In this episode, Iain Jackson, Academy Hive Leader at CovertSwarm, takes us through the uncanny potential and risks of synthetic voices and AI in cybersecurity. Together, Ron and Iain discuss how adversaries are using AI to bypass human intuition. From synthetic voice calls to automating…

1
Championing the Human in Cybersecurity with Julie Haney 2:31

7M ago2:31

2:31

What happens when cybersecurity puts people first? Julie Haney, Human-Centered Cybersecurity Program Lead at NIST, shares how designing security with humans at the center leads to greater adoption, reduced frustration, and stronger protection. In this episode, Julie discusses how to improve user adoption by simplifying complex security processes, w…

1
Do You Deserve To Be Hacked? Featuring Ilan Fehler and Dahvid Schloss 40:21

8M ago40:21

40:21

Do you deserve to be hacked? With that bold tagline, CovertSwarm is pushing leaders to rethink how they test and defend their systems, and in this episode, they’re sharing firsthand how organizations can prepare for adversaries in the wild. Recorded at Black Hat 2024, Ron is joined by Ilan Fehler, US Sales Lead at CovertSwarm, and Dahvid Schloss, H…

1
Transforming SOC Operations with AI featuring Roy Halevi 49:04

8M ago49:04

49:04

Cybersecurity is evolving fast, and AI is at the center. Roy Halevi, Co-Founder and CTO of Intezer, explains how AI automates SOC operations, improving speed and accuracy while freeing up teams to focus on critical threats. In this conversation with host Ron Eddings, Roy explains how AI automates critical tasks like alert investigation and response…

1
From Shadow IT to Full Asset Visibility with Wes Wright 37:24

8M ago37:24

37:24

Can you truly protect what you can't see? Wes Wright, Chief Healthcare Officer at Ordr, joins Ron to share how organizations can shine a light on their network and asset blind spots and take control of their digital assets. In this episode, Ron and Wes discuss the importance of asset visibility in cybersecurity, outlining the potential of CAASM (Cy…

1
Building Opportunities for Women and Minorities in Cybersecurity with Connie Matthews 41:49

8M ago41:49

41:49

How do you create waves of change in an industry? Connie Matthews, Founder and CEO of ReynCon, speaks with Ron about the power of resilience, mentorship, and taking that first bold step in cybersecurity. In this powerful episode, Connie shares her path as a pioneering woman in cybersecurity. Discussing diversity, mentorship, and her nonprofit EmpoW…

1
Rethinking Cybersecurity Hiring with Naomi Buckwalter 43:40

8M ago43:40

43:40

Is cybersecurity gatekeeping holding back the industry? Naomi Buckwalter, Senior Director of Product Security at Contrast Security and Founder of the Cybersecurity Gatebreakers Foundation, argues that fresh talent and open doors are crucial for industry growth. In this episode, Naomi challenges why industry hiring norms fall short, shares candid st…

1
AI, Deepfakes, and Human Risk in Cybersecurity with Perry Carpenter 33:54

9M ago33:54

33:54

In a world filled with AI-generated deceptions, how do we discern what’s real? Ron sits down with Perry Carpenter, author of FAIK: A Practical Guide to Living in a World of Deepfakes, Disinformation, and AI-Generated Deceptions, to discuss the risks and the potential of synthetic media and human risk management. Whether you’re worried about deepfak…

1
How to Become a True Security Leader with Nathan Case 36:17

9M ago36:17

36:17

How does one become a true security leader? According to Nathan Case, it’s not about titles—it’s about impact. In this episode, Nathan Case, VP of Cloud Security at Clarity, shares his journey through security leadership, including stories from his time at AWS and his approach to building mission-driven teams. Nathan discusses balancing family with…

1
AI and the Future of Cyber Defense with John Hubbard 34:12

9M ago34:12

34:12

How can AI shape the future of cybersecurity defense? In this episode, we dive into SOC operations, AI integration, and the latest in threat detection with John Hubbard, Cyber Defense Curriculum Lead at SANS. John discusses the expansive landscape of cybersecurity defense, while sharing insights on AI's role in threat detection and the cutting-edge…

1
How Adversaries Are Living Off The Dark Web with Jason Haddix 44:55

9M ago44:55

44:55

Have you ever lost something important, only to find out someone moved it without telling you? The same thing happens with our personal and business data. But what if you could see what the adversary sees? In this episode, Jason Haddix, Field CISO at Flare, shares his experiences in red teaming, accessing dark web credentials, and protecting agains…

1
AT&T Dynamic Defense: Security Before It Reaches Your Company's Doorstep with Senthil Ramakrishnan 18:20

10M ago18:20

18:20

In this episode, Ron Eddings and Jen Langdon speak with Senthil Ramakrishnan, Assistant Vice President of Cybersecurity Product at AT&T Business. Senthil shares information about how a new product, AT&T Dynamic Defense™, helps protect customers by providing threat detection and mitigation at the network edge. They’ll discuss how it can address evol…

1
Soft Skills in Technical Sales to Connect and Sell More with Evgeniy Kharam 31:29

10M ago31:29

31:29

Technical skills open doors, but are soft skills sealing the deal? In this episode, Evgeniy Kharam reveals how communication and connection lead to success in technical sales. From vulnerability to voice control, Evgeniy shares how to connect with clients and sell more effectively in tech. Evgeniy Kharam has authored “Architecting Success: The Art …

1
Recon Like An Adversary: Uncovering Modern Techniques in Attack Surface Management with Jason Haddix 46:02

10M ago46:02

46:02

Ever wondered how the best defenders become unstoppable? They think like the attackers. In this episode with Jason Haddix, we reveal the strategies hackers don’t want you to know about and show you how to use them to your advantage. Jason, CEO of Arcanum Information Security and Field CISO at Flare, helps us step into the mind of a hacker. With sto…

1
I Failed Over 300 Times Trying To Get Into Security ft. Joe South 40:12

10M ago40:12

40:12

Joe South is a testament to resilience, unconventional decisions, and finding success in unexpected places. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a rut or on the verge of giving up, Joe’s experience might be the jolt you need to keep pushing forward. Joe, Principal Security Engineer and host of the “Security Unfiltered” podcast, shares his journey into cybe…

1
Cybersecurity Challenges: AI, Burnout, and Insider Threats with Kayla Williams 24:39

11M ago24:39

24:39

At Black Hat 2024, we sat down with Kayla Williams, Chief Information Security Officer at Devo, to discuss her career journey, the role of AI in cybersecurity, and the pervasive issue of burnout among SOC analysts. Through her research with Wakefield Research, Kayla and her team discovered that 83% of IT professionals are burnt out due to stress, l…

1
Offensive Security: Unlocking Hidden ROI with Seemant Sehgal 15:15

11M ago15:15

15:15

In this episode, Ron sits down at Black Hat with guest Seemant Sehgal, Founder & CEO of BreachLock, to learn more about how offensive security, such as red teaming and pen testing, fits into the cyber ecosystem. Seemant highlights how his background as a practitioner has helped him better understand the pain points that customers feel and assist th…

1
Black Hat 2024 Conference Pre-Game 13:17

11M ago13:17

13:17

In this episode, Ron and Jen welcome you to Vegas and discuss a little background on Black Hat and DEF CON and how to make the most of your time professionally. Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Welcome 00:56 - Hello From Vegas! 01:41 - Conference Anxiety 03:43 - Origins of Black Hat 06:17 - Which Conference? 08:18 - Conference Strategy 11:47+ - You Can O…

1
The Present and Future of AI in Cyber 23:58

11M ago23:58

23:58

In this episode, Hosts Ron Eddings and Jen Langdon discuss questions about AI in Cyber. From the current state to where AI could be going, to resources to help you engage and up-level, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone in this episode. Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Welcome 00:46 - Introduction 02:29 - Engineering AI 06:54 - Was it Made B…

1
Leaving an Impression: Strategies for Captivating a Massive Audience 32:29

12M ago32:29

32:29

In this episode, hosts Ron Eddings and Jen Langdon discuss the power of storytelling through various media. Whether your goal is to create video content, deliver keynotes on stage, or be creative through other digital mediums, there will be something for everyone! Impactful Moments: 00:00 - Welcome 01:05 - Introductions 04:55 - Storytelling in Stor…

1
How Can I Best Proactively Secure My SaaS? 34:36

12M ago34:36

34:36

In this episode, Ron Eddings will explore the massive adaptation of SaaS applications and ways to tame the beast. Our guest Yoni Shohet, Co-Founder & CEO at Valence Security, will help provide insight into the capabilities of a SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM) platform and best practices for implementing a SaaS security solution. Impactful M…

1
What We All Should Be Talking About When It Comes to AI and Security 33:15

1y ago33:15

33:15

In this episode, Host Ron Eddings is joined by guests Anirban Banerjee, CEO and Co-Founder at Riscosity, and James Berthoty, Founder and Analyst at Latio Tech. Together they focus on data security, AI-driven product development, and the challenges of implementing AI solutions responsibly. Anirban discusses the importance of organizational buy-in an…

1
Navigating AI as a CISO with Whitney Palacios 22:43

1y ago22:43

22:43

In this episode, Host Ron Eddings catches up with one of his colleagues, Whitney Palacios, Vice President and CISO at BigBear.ai. They explore the challenges and responsibilities of being a CISO and Whitney addresses key cybersecurity issues such as the importance of balancing security with innovation, especially in the context of AI. Whitney offer…

1
The Power of AppSec, Cyber Education, and Friendship with Tanya Janca 35:21

1y ago35:21

35:21

In this episode, Host Ron Eddings catches up with longtime friend, Tanya Janca, Head of Education and Community at SemGrep and author of 'Alice and Bob Learn Application Security.' Tanya shares her experiences from working in the Canadian government to joining Microsoft and eventually founding WeHackPurple. Tanya talks about her new role at SemGrep…

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Hacker Valley Media Podcasts

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