PODCAST · business
AZ TechCast
by Arizona Technology Council
Welcome to AZ TechCast, brought to you by the Arizona Technology Council and sponsored by PADT. With your Hosts, Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller. AZ TechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and Beyond. We invite leading experts to have real conversations about what is happening in the tech sector across Arizona. From innovative startups to regional news, companies, and emerging technologies, AZ TechCast covers the critical issues and economic trends propelling the state’s growing tech ecosystem.
Episodes
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Building Arizona’s Tech Talent Pipeline: Higher Education’s Role in the Innovation Economy - EP67
Arizona’s continued growth as a technology and innovation hub depends not only on attracting new companies and investment, but also on developing the skilled workforce needed to support them. From artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing to engineering, semiconductors and the skilled...
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The New Aerospace Economy: Why Arizona Is Taking Off - EP66
The New Aerospace Economy: Why Arizona Is Taking Off Guests: Jonathan Roll - Program Manager, Biz Dev, & Research Analyst ASU NewSpace (also on Arizona Aerospace Summit planning committee) https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanproll/ https://newspace.asu.edu/ Toni Drummond - Founder & Managing...
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Bending Light, Shaping the Future: Inside Arizona's Optics Ecosystem - EP65
Optics and photonics may not always be visible, but they are foundational to the technologies shaping our daily lives, from high-speed data centers and AI to healthcare breakthroughs, space exploration and national defense. In this episode of AZ TechCast, host Eric Miller is joined by three…
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Execution Matters: Aligning Teams to Drive Real Growth - EP64
In this episode of AZ TechCast, Arizona-based business leaders and experts come together to explore how organizations across the state can strengthen sales performance, refine marketing strategy and drive growth, even in a challenging economic climate. Featuring insights from Mark Sutter…
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From Desert to Digital: Arizona’s Data Center Story
Arizona has quickly become one of the nation’s most important hubs for data center development. However, what does that growth really mean for our state, our communities and our future? In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller dive into the evolving role of data centers...
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Connecting Arizona’s STEM Ecosystem: Inside the Work of SciTech Institute
Connecting Arizona’s STEM Ecosystem: Inside the Work of SciTech Institute Guests: Yvonnda Shelton, Workforce Development Specialist, SciTech Institute David Felix, Senior Representative, SRP & SciTech Institute Board Member Guest/co-host: Steve Zylstra, President & CEO, Arizona Technology Council…
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Future Innovators: Shaping Arizona's STEM Legacy EP61
In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller sit down with some remarkable students recently named winners and honorable mentions in the Council’s 2025 Future Innovators of the Year awards. These students will be honored at the Council’s upcoming Governor’s Celebration of...
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The Semiconductor Shift: All Eyes Are on Arizona EP60
Arizona is emerging as the U.S. headquarters for the semiconductor industry, and this October, Phoenix will host SEMICON West for the very first time. As the largest semiconductor event in North America, SEMICON West will bring together global leaders, innovators and policymakers to tackle the...
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Developing Arizona's Aerospace, Aviation, Space, & Defense Future EP59
In our July 2025 episode, we are joined by three outstanding guests who will share more about themselves shortly: Kate Lemke from Pipeline AZ, Jonathan Roll from ASU (and co-chair of the Council's Aerospace, Aviation, Space and Defense Committee), and Tom Wilson from SciTech Institute. Together,...
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Unlocking Innovation: AI + Machine Learning in Business Applications EP58
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic buzzword, it’s a game-changer across nearly every industry. In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steve Zylstra of the Arizona Technology Council and Eric Miller of PADT, Inc. sit down with Karuana Gatimu (Microsoft), Minky Kernacs (Mercurio...
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Staying Resilient: How to Protect Your Business from Disruptions EP57
In an unpredictable world, businesses must prepare for disruptions, whether from cyberattacks, natural disasters or unexpected outages. But what’s the difference between disaster recovery and business continuity? In this episode of AZ TechCast, we’ll discuss the critical strategies that ensure...
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Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women for the Future of Work EP56
In this inspiring and first 2025 episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Eric Miller and Steve Zylstra welcome Kim McWaters, president & CEO of Fresh Start Women's Foundation, Abdu Dahr, vice president of strategic partnerships for Fresh Start Women’s Foundation and seasoned HR executive, Scott Holman of…
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Arizona’s Space Odyssey: Leading the Final Frontier EP55
Arizona is not just gazing at the stars—it’s building the future of space exploration. In this episode of AZ TechCast, industry trailblazers Jim Cantrell, founder of Phantom Space and a SpaceX founding team member, and Michael Mackowski, retired spacecraft engineer and space advocate, join us to...
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Future Innovators: Shaping Arizona's STEM Legacy E54
In this October episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller sit down with three remarkable students recently named winners of the Council’s 2024 Future Innovators of the Year awards. These students will be honored at the Council’s upcoming Governor’s Celebration of Innovation in...
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Tech-Driven Retirement: The Benefits of 401(k) MEP Programs for Employers and Employees E53
In this episode of AZ TechCast, we’re joined as always by Arizona Technology Council President and CEO Steve Zylstra. Our guests today are Tom Tenney from Legacy Wealth Management and Sheila Kloefkorn from KEO Marketing. Together, we’re going to explore the Arizona Technology Council's 401(k)...
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Connecting Communities: The Impact of BEAD Funding on Internet Access E52
Connecting Communities: The Impact of BEAD Funding on Internet Access E52 In the latest episode of AZ Tech Cast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Karen Nowicki discuss the impact of BEAD funding on internet access in Arizona with experts Sandip Bhowmick, Ben Elkins, and Kelly LeBlanc. Steve and Karen...
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Cybersecurity: Its Importance & the Impact of AI E51
Cybersecurity: Its Importance & the Impact of AI E51 This episode of AZ TechCast explores cybersecurity's pivotal role and AI's transformative impact, hosted by Steve Zylstra and Karen Nowicki. Guests Mark Dallmeier, JR Garcia, and Helen Patton emphasize proactive cybersecurity strategies and the...
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Tech & Government: Behind the Scenes with Local Business Leaders E50
Tech & Government: Behind the Scenes with Local Business Leaders E50 In the 50th episode of Az TechCast, Karen Nowicki and Paisley Coxsey host a discussion on government contracting with Lisa Rehurek, Jenny Servo, and Sonia Vohnout, highlighting the nuances of state and local contracts, SBIR, and...
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Empowering Tomorrow: Green Banks, Resiliency and the Energy Transition E49
Empowering Tomorrow: Green Banks, Resiliency and the Energy Transition E49 In this episode of AZ TechCast, Karen Nowicki and Steve Zylstra explore Arizona's energy landscape with Earl Collins, Dre Thompson, and Maren Mahoney, highlighting collaborations between public and private sectors and…
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Workforce Development: From Education to International Innovation E48
Workforce Development: From Education to International Innovation E48 In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Karen Nowicki and Leslie Marquez engage in a dynamic conversation with a panel of experts representing organizations like the PMI Phoenix Chapter, Proctorio Inc., Digitanity, and Pipeline…
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AI-Powered Marketing: Ethics, Efficiency, and Innovation E47
AI-Powered Marketing: Ethics, Efficiency, and Innovation E47 The latest episode of AZ TechCast hosted by Steve Zylstra and Karen Nowicki, explores AI's impact on marketing with guests Stephen Carradini from ASU, Renee Yeager from Yeager Marketing, and Spencer Lee from Intero Digital, emphasizing...
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Navigating Leadership: Insights from Industry Pros E46
Navigating Leadership: Insights from Industry Pros E46 This dynamic podcast interview, hosted by Karen Nowicki and Steven Zylstra, featured esteemed guests Victor Assad from Strategic HR Consulting; Carol Stewart from Tech Parks Arizona and Art Taylor from PayPal. These leaders engaged in a...
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Bytes and Borders: Navigating AI, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing & Global Trade E45
Bytes and Borders: Navigating AI, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing & Global Trade E45 In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Karen Nowicki and Steve Zylstra lead a dynamic discussion with guests Mayor Ciprian Ciucu of Bucharest, Cristian Bacanu from the Romanian Parliament, and Representative…
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Shining Bright in the Desert: Solar Energy in Arizona E44
Shining Bright in the Desert: Solar Energy in Arizona E44 With over 300 sunny days per year, it's no secret that Arizona has plenty of sunshine. Overall, Arizona ranks second in the nation in solar energy potential and ranks among the top five states in the nation in total solar-powered…
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Connecting Worlds: Bridging the Digital Divide with Broadband E43
Connecting Worlds: Bridging the Digital Divide with Broadband E43 Arizona's Rural Broadband Initiative endeavors to expand broadband services in underserved rural areas across the state. The initiative envisions a future where every Arizonan, regardless of their location, is empowered by…
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Arizona: A Growing Leader in International Trade E42
Arizona: A Growing Leader in International Trade E42 No longer just a flyover state, Arizona is rapidly gaining more and more attention globally for its business-friendly environment and interest in international trade opportunities. The September 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's...
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How to Level Up Your Digital Marketing Strategy E41
How to Level Up Your Digital Marketing Strategy E41 From SEO to paid media to website design, refining your company's digital marketing strategy can be overwhelming. But if created intentionally, it can be a critical step towards meeting key business goals. The August 2023 episode of the Arizona...
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A Closer Look at Arizona’s Shifting IT Industry E40
A Closer Look at Arizona's Shifting IT Industry E40 Should we build out our internal IT department or work with a managed service provider? Should we onshore or offshore IT support? How can we attract qualified IT talent? The July 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast…
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Ensuring Data Privacy When Using Generative AI E39
Ensuring Data Privacy When Using Generative AI E39 What should executives keep in mind when considering the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure their organization's data privacy? The June 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast podcast featured experts...
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Microelectronics: Tiny Technology With a Massive Impact E38
Microelectronics: Tiny Technology With a Massive Impact While small in size, microelectronic components are an increasingly important part of many industries, ranging from transportation to healthcare to aerospace and defense. The May 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council's AZTechCast...
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Developing a Future-Proof Arizona Workforce E37
Developing a Future-Proof Arizona Workforce E37 From Flagstaff to Yuma, Arizona is home to numerous educational institutions that are evolving rapidly to keep pace with the state's tremendous economic growth. Every day, they are rolling out new programs, adding new classes and upskilling their...
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Optics Valley: The State of Arizona’s Optics Industry E36
Optics Valley: The State of Arizona's Optics Industry E36 Arizona is home to a global hub of world-class companies and institutions with decades of innovation and leadership in optics, photonics and astronomy. From medical imaging to remote sensing, semiconductors to astronomy and mobile phones…
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How Public-Private Partnerships Foster Innovation E35
How Public-Private Partnerships Foster Innovation E35 Public-private partnerships play a pivotal role in Arizona's economic development and positioning the state as an attractive place for technology companies to do business. So, what are some of the partnerships contributing to Arizona's…
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Mission Critical: Closing the Cybersecurity Workforce Gap E34
Mission Critical: Closing the Cybersecurity Workforce Gap E34 Did you know that the global cybersecurity workforce gap is roughly 3.4 million people? This means that the supply of skilled cybersecurity workers needed to protect businesses from cyber threats has struggled to keep up with growing...
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The Key to Improving Tech Outcomes: Project Management E33
The Key to Improving Tech Outcomes: Project Management E33 From managing budgets to meeting deliverables in a timely manner, project managers play a critical role in helping organizations improve outcomes and maintain successful partnerships. So, how can tech companies leverage project management...
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Successfully Doing Business with the Public Sector E32
Successfully Doing Business with the Public Sector E32 If you've ever considered doing business with state or federal government entities, you know that the procurement and government sales process can feel like a maze of rules and regulations. So, how can your company stand out from competitors...
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Historic Firsts: Arizona and the James Webb Telescope E31
Historic Firsts: Arizona and the James Webb Telescope E31 On December 25, 2021, NASA launched the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the largest and most complex space telescope ever built. Four days later, Webb's massive sunshield deployed and within weeks, its primary mirror started unfurling.…
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Strategic Analysis: Using Technology to Stay Adaptable E30
Strategic Analysis: Using Technology to Stay Adaptable E30 In a constantly changing world, businesses must stay adaptable by performing periodic strategic analyses. Through this process, company leaders can review historical data to not only inform their long-term strategy but identify the...
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Building the Pipeline of STEM Talent for Tomorrow’s Workforce Needs E29
Building the Pipeline of STEM Talent for Tomorrow's Workforce Needs E29 It's no secret that Arizona is an attractive place for technology companies to call home. But with more technology companies being founded locally and relocating to Arizona from out-of-state, how can we ensure we have enough...
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Digital Transformation of Operational Workflows E28
Digital Transformation of Operational Workflows E28 In an increasingly digital world, it's critical for business leaders to explore digital transformation, or the creation and modification of business processes, culture and customer experiences, to meet changing business and market demands. But...
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Exploring Arizona’s Entrepreneurial Support Hubs E26
Exploring Arizona's Entrepreneurial Support Hubs E26 For years now, Arizona has caught the nation's attention as the "Silicon Desert", a major hot spot for technology companies and budding startups. Between the state's lower business costs, more affordable standard of living and growing talent...
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Proptech’s Role in Innovating AZ’s Real Estate Market E26
Proptech's Role in Innovating AZ's Real Estate Market E26 Arizona's business-friendly environment, weather and affordability have made it a hot spot for tourism and inbound migration for decades. But in a post-pandemic world where an estimated 269 people are moving to Arizona each day, the real...
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How to Hire Technology Talent More Inclusively E25
How to Hire Technology Talent More Inclusively E25 Arizona's technology ecosystem can only become more vibrant by attracting and retaining diverse technology talent. In fact, by emphasizing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) throughout their hiring process, Arizona businesses can solidify...
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Using E-Commerce to Expand Your Online Presence E24
Using E-Commerce to Expand Your Online Presence E24 The global e-commerce market is expected to total $5.55 trillion in 2022. Between the pandemic, the transition to remote work and increased digitization, e-commerce is expected to continue growing, reaching approximately 24.5% of sales by 2025....
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Using Public Safety Tech to Improve Community Relations E23
Using Public Safety Tech to Improve Community Relations E23 What technologies are law enforcement agencies and private-sector businesses adopting to protect public safety through a more informed lens? How can these entities implement these technologies effectively to produce more equitable...
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Blockchain: The Key to Accelerating Technological Workflows E22
Blockchain: The Key to Accelerating Technological Workflows E22 As a digital public record used for recording transactions or tracking assets, blockchain technology is poised to rapidly reshape a range of industries in the years to come. Blockchain eliminates middlemen and increases trust by...
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2021 – A Whirlwind Year of Growth in Review E21
2021 – A Whirlwind Year of Growth in Review E21 Over the past year, Arizona has gained global recognition for its thriving technology ecosystem. Despite being on the tail end of a pandemic and facing supply chain challenges, Arizona has rapidly become an epicenter for electric vehicles,...
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How Arizona Became the U.S.’s New Semiconductor Central E20
How Arizona Became the U.S.'s New Semiconductor Central E20 Semiconductors are the nation's fifth-largest export, accounting for $49 billion in 2020. As the U.S. looks to increase chip production and fulfill its semiconductor needs on its own, Arizona is quickly emerging as a base for the...
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Made in AZ: The Rise of Arizona’s Manufacturing Sector E19
Made in AZ: The Rise of Arizona's Manufacturing Sector E19 Made in Arizona. It's a phrase that is becoming more familiar as the state's manufacturing sector continues to grow and add a rapidly increasing number of manufacturing jobs. Between the development of technologies improving efficiency…
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Transformative BioScience Innovations Shaping Southern Arizona E18
Transformative BioScience Innovations Shaping Southern Arizona E18 In this episode of AZTechCast, the official podcast of the Arizona Technology Council, accomplished bioscience leaders from the BIO5 Institute at The University of Arizona, Souvie BioDelivery and Critical Path Institute joined...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to AZ TechCast, brought to you by the Arizona Technology Council and sponsored by PADT. With your Hosts, Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller. AZ TechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and Beyond. We invite leading experts to have real conversations about what is happening in the tech sector across Arizona. From innovative startups to regional news, companies, and emerging technologies, AZ TechCast covers the critical issues and economic trends propelling the state’s growing tech ecosystem.
HOSTED BY
Arizona Technology Council
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does AZ TechCast have?
AZ TechCast currently has 67 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is AZ TechCast about?
Welcome to AZ TechCast, brought to you by the Arizona Technology Council and sponsored by PADT. With your Hosts, Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller. AZ TechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and Beyond. We invite leading experts to have real conversations about what is...
How often does AZ TechCast release new episodes?
AZ TechCast has 67 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to AZ TechCast?
You can listen to AZ TechCast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts AZ TechCast?
AZ TechCast is created and hosted by Arizona Technology Council.
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