From Hacking to Cthulhu: The Life of Tod Beardsley

In episode 3, we’re looking at one of the coolest careers in cyber. Tod Beardsley, VP of Threat Research at runZero and former cyber sleuth at CISA joins us to get into the truth about AI’s recent breakthroughs in discovering zero-day vulnerabilities and why it’s both a game-changer and a cause for concern. Plus a look-in at Tod’s side hustles which range from Lovecraftian podcasts and AI-driven horror fiction.

Russian Horse Videos and North Korea’s Animation Side Hustle

Your favourite cartoons might have more to do with North Korea’s weapons program than you think. In this episode, cybersecurity experts Nick Roy and ‘Barni’ delve into North Korea’s cyber operations, exploring their tactics, funding, and the unique hybrid criminal-nation state ecosystem. Discover how these activities impact global security and what organizations can do to defend against them.

Resilience in Cyber: Humans Are the New Critical Infrastructure

Jothi “JoJo D” Dugar and Ty Hughes join Tom and Maulik to discuss cyber-wellness and why human resilience has become the critical infrastructure in cybersecurity. Drawing on their experience across government and federal cyber defense, they explore how organizations can better support the people protecting their most important systems.

Readiness Lessons From CIA’s First Chief Wellbeing Officer

Jennifer Posa, Former Chief Wellbeing Officer, CIA

Former CIA Chief Wellbeing Officer Jennifer Posa discussed why workforce wellbeing is a strategic driver of mission success.

She drew on her experience building the CIA’s first agency-wide wellbeing strategy to explain why leaders should focus on creating “readiness,” not just resilience, to help employees perform in high-pressure, unpredictable environments.

Wellness Tips for Cyber Leaders at Home

Avni Desai, Director, CGI

Avni Desai is a dedicated professional at CGI, where she brings a thoughtful blend of leadership, strategic insight and a people‑centered approach to her work.

Desai shared her journey from clinical practice to technology and discussed how she tackles challenges after work, such as the emotional impact of “mom guilt” and the importance of setting positive examples for children. As a mother to two young children, she discussed balancing her professional commitments with a nurturing, intentional approach to family life.

How to Thrive in Cybersecurity Without Burning Out

Taylor Kelley, Business Development Director, GDIT

JoJo D, The Chaos Guru, in conversation with Taylor Kelley, business development director at GDIT, discussed what it really takes to stay grounded in the high-pressure world of cybersecurity and tech.

Kelley shares her path as a young professional in a male-dominated field, opening up about imposter syndrome, earning credibility and learning to use her voice. The discussion goes beyond career growth, digging into the realities of balancing demanding roles with personal life, including her experience as a working parent.

Humanizing Cybersecurity Through a ‘Safer Shift’

Tiziana Barrow, Founder, Safer Shift

Tiziana Barrow has built a career around cybersecurity and human risk, leading product marketing across some of the industry’s most specialized domains like threat intelligence, OT/ICS security, risk quantification and supply chain risk.

She’s now channeling that experience into Safer Shift, a personal endeavor to build stories that bridge the physical and digital world with a bias toward changing behavior.

The Value of ‘Pause, Breathe, Summarize’ in Cyber Leadership

JoJo D, The Chaos Guru

Guest Ty Hughes is a longtime cybersecurity and technology leader in the public sector that champions cyber wellness. He discussed the concept of “AI alchemy” and a “pause, breathe, summarize” framework to help leaders improving clarity under pressure.

He framed cybersecurity not as a technical challenge, but rather as a human system under constant cognitive and emotional load.