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The CNL Podcast

by Cynexlink

Welcome to The CNL Podcast, hosted by Cynexlink.We are a tech-driven podcast that has a simple goal in mind; have conversations with business leaders around the world on subjects related from anything entrepreneurial to the modern techy world that we live in.If you're into hearing about cool stories and learning something new, well this is the place!

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Aug 11, 2025 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. S5 E6: Cyber Insurance Reality Check with Barbara Shelton

    In this episode, Sedric sits down with Barbara Shelton, CEO of Secure Shield Cyber Security Insurance, to cut through the hype around “shiny tool + insurance” packages. Barbara explains why many small and medium businesses think they’re protected, but when an incident happens, the fine print…

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  2. S5 E5: The Security Game Has Changed with Oscar Papel, Here’s What That Really Means

    In this episode, we break down one of the biggest mindset shifts happening in the industry: moving away from old-school, boundary-based security and stepping fully into Zero Trust. Oscar Papel explains why the “build a wall and hope for the best” approach just doesn’t work anymore. You fix one...

  3. S5 E4: ''Ransomware, Backups & Real-World Defense with Petros''

    In this episode of the CNL Podcast, Sedric sits down with Petros, Director of IT at Employees Club of California, for a real talk about ransomware, backups, and what actually works in the real world. Petros shares why paying ransoms only fuels more attacks and how having solid, offline backups…

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  4. S5 E3: From Small Businesses to Big Impact: Real-World Cyber Lessons with Zakkery Gage

    In this episode of the CNL Podcast, Sedric sits down with Zakkery Gage, Director of Cybersecurity at Inversion6, for a real and refreshing take on what it’s like to protect small and midsize businesses in today’s world. Zakkery shares how he went from troubleshooting tech problems to helping...

  5. S5 E2: From Navy Cyber Warfare to AI Overload: Lessons in Leadership with Robert Bingham

    In this episode of the CNL Podcast, Sedric sits down with Robert Bingham, VP of IT and Security at Excelsior Wellness, to talk about the challenges and realities of managing cybersecurity in the age of AI. Robert shares his journey from serving in Navy cyber warfare to leading technology and...

  6. S5 E1: From Tech Curiosity to Cyber Leadership: Lessons with Aaron Schaub

    In this episode of the CNL Podcast, Sedric sits down with Aaron Schaub, Chief Information Security Officer at United Midwest Savings Bank.Aaron shares his journey from tinkering with computers in the late ’90s to leading cybersecurity for one of the region’s top financial institutions.He talks...

  7. S4 E15: Leadership Beyond the Firewall: A Conversation with Trenton Ridgway

    On this episode of the CNL Podcast, Sedric sits down with Trenton Ridgway to explore what real leadership in cybersecurity looks like. Trenton shares why true security starts with owning risk, not just managing technology. He talks about the importance of accountability and why collaboration…

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  8. S4 E14: The Power of Patience in Tech: Chris Leslie’s Advice for Those Just Starting Their Journey

    On this episode of the CNL Podcast, Sedric sits down with Chris Leslie to talk about the realities of starting a career in technology. Chris shares why patience is the key trait every beginner needs when stepping into the fast-moving world of tech. and opens up about the overwhelming pace of…

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  9. S4 E13: From Music to Cybersecurity: Lessons in Leadership with David McHenry

    On this episode of the CNL Podcast, Sedric sits down with David McHenry, Virtual CISO, to explore his unique journey from the music industry into IT and security. David shares how creativity fueled his career shift and how mentorship shaped his leadership approach. He opens up about the…

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  10. S4 E12: Innovation Meets Security: Peter DiDonato on Building a Stronger Future

    In this episode of the CNL podcast, Peter DiDonato, Chief Innovation Officer at SC Academy, talks about the ongoing challenge of pushing new ideas forward while making sure security doesn’t fall behind. Peter highlights why it’s so important to build security into projects right from the start,...

  11. S4 E11: Cybersecurity Myths, AI Threats, and Lessons from Gary Kern

    In this episode, CIO Gary Kern called out one of the biggest myths in cybersecurity, the idea that a system can ever be 100% secure. Instead of chasing perfection, he said companies should focus on being prepared, because a breach isn’t a matter of if, it’s when. For Gary, the most important...

  12. S4 E10: Building Trust, Collaboration, & Sustainable Careers in Cybersecurity: Insights from Timothy Hoffard

    In this Episode with Sedric, Timothy Hoffard, Senior Manager of IT Security and Governance at Padagis, made it clear that integrity and due diligence aren’t optional in cybersecurity. He pointed out that it’s better to admit when you don’t know something than to pretend you do. Timothy and Sedric...

  13. S4 E9: Elliott Franklin on Thriving in Cybersecurity’s Ever-Changing Landscape

    In this episode, host Sedric and CISO Elliott Franklin discuss the realities of professional growth in cybersecurity. They highlight that degrees and certifications are valuable, but not the ultimate indicators of success. Elliott stresses the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, and…

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  14. S4 E8: Bridging Psychology, Technology, and Leadership: An IT Journey with Melina Taylor

    In this episode of the CNL Podcast, host Sedric speaks with Melina Taylor, Director of IT at Hope Lab, about her unconventional journey from psychology to IT leadership. Inspired by early gaming on the SNES and N64, Melina discovered her passion for technology in college and turned it into a...

  15. S4 E7: ''From Wrenches to Firewalls: John Buhagiar's Unconventional IT Journey''

    On this episode of the CNL podcast, host Sedric chats with Jon Buhagiar, Director of IT Services at RareMed. Jon’s path into technology wasn’t a straight line, it started back in the mid-1980s with an Apple IIe and a fascination for 8-bit computing. After spending five years as a mechanic, a…

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  16. S4 E6: Leading Through Change: Richard Nolan on IT and SMB Security

    On the CNL Podcast, Sedric speaks with Richard Nolan, Director of IT at Stable Dry, about his two-decade journey in tech, starting at Dell in 2000. Richard emphasizes the value of building deep expertise early on and understanding how foundational IT knowledge impacts business and security...

  17. S4 E5: Beyond the Firewall: Joe Orlando on Building a Culture of Cybersecurity Excellence

    In this episode of the CNL podcast, Joe Orlando Director of IT and Cybersecurity at Kern Health Systems opens up about what it really takes to succeed in cybersecurity today, and how he leads with clarity, curiosity, and collaboration. Joe talks about the importance of stepping back from narrow...

  18. S4 E4: Facing Cybersecurity Realities: Insights from CISO Charles Payne on Risk, Resilience, and Leadership

    In this insightful episode of the CNL podcast, host Sedric sits down with Charles Payne, CISO and CTO at Neptune Media, who brings over 25 years of hands-on experience in cybersecurity. Charles shares his journey into the field, beginning with network security, a foundation he still recommends…

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  19. S4 E3: Leading with Empathy and Impact in Tech: A Candid Conversation with CIO Briana Brown

    In this inspiring episode of the CNL Podcast, host Sedric sits down with Briana Brown, Chief Information Officer at Denova Collaborative Health. Briana shares her unique journey from healthcare operations to the IT leadership seat, driven by a mission to improve lives through technology. She…

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  20. S4 E2: ''From Photojournalist to Cyber Defender: Andrew List Talks Phishing, AI Threats & Lessons Learned''

    In this episode of the CNL Podcast, host Sedric sits down with Andrew List, Director of Cybersecurity at OTC Industrial Technologies, to explore his unique path from photojournalism to cybersecurity. Andrew opens up about how his early days as a SOC analyst shaped his perspective and walks us...

  21. S4 E1: "Guardians of Power: Kaber Esplin on Cybersecurity, Innovation, and the Power Industry’s Future"

    The idea of someone gaining unauthorized access to protected devices within our power grid is more than just a concern—it’s a true "nightmare scenario" that keeps IT and cybersecurity professionals awake at night. In this episode of the CNL Podcast, we speak with Kaber Esplin, IT Manager at…

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  22. S3 E20: "Deepfakes, Cyber Scams, and $20 Million Gone: A Conversation with Mike Lowrey"

    In this episode of the CNL Podcast, host Sedric chats with Mike Lowrey, Director of IT at Preston Adventures, about his journey through the tech world and the challenges of today’s cybersecurity landscape. Mike shares how he got started building computers back in the ‘90s, what it was like…

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  23. S3 E19: The Evolving Role of the CIO: Leadership, Ethics, and Private Equity Strategies with Thomas Sweet!

    In this episode of the CNL podcast, host Sedric chats with Thomas Sweet, CIO at Industrial Refrigeration Pros, about what it really takes to lead in today’s tech landscape. From ethical dilemmas to private equity strategy, it’s a wide-ranging and honest conversation. They kick off with a powerful...

  24. S3 E18: From Home Labs to Leadership: The Curious Path of Brent Brown!

    In this episode of the CNL Podcast, Brent Brown, IT Manager at Highland, sits down with Sedric for a real convo about growing in tech from setting up sketchy home labs on junky hardware to running serious IT systems at scale.! Brent breaks down why understanding the why behind your work matters,...

  25. S3 E17: How a Crisis Shaped a Cybersecurity Career | Ryan Yanez on Leadership & OT Security!

    In this episode, Ryan shares the pivotal moment that shaped his career: a major Active Directory lockout early on that tested his resilience and defined his path in the industry. him and Sedric explore how high-pressure incidents can become powerful learning experiences, the importance of…

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  26. S3 E16: The IT Leadership Puzzle: Emily Warren on Career Growth, Automation, and the Human Side of Tech

    Emily Warren took an unexpected path to IT leadership—starting in psychology and landing as an IT Operations Manager. In this episode, she shares her journey with host Sedric, opening up about how her understanding of human behavior and knack for problem-solving helped her thrive in a tech-driven...

  27. S3 E15: Ransomware’s Real Impact & Cyber Resilience with Michael Maitner

    Cedric sits down with Michael Maitner to explore the true cost of ransomware—beyond dollars to reputation and trust. Michael shares insights from his role at Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing, highlighting the power of human awareness. Learn how to build a security-conscious culture and navigate...

  28. S3 E14: Why Phishing Emails Are Still the #1 Cybersecurity Threat | CNL Podcast ft. Patricia Stern

    Phishing emails are still the number one threat facing organizations today — especially in healthcare. In this episode of the CNL Podcast, host Cedric welcomes Patricia Stern, Compliance Officer at UPMC, to share her 20+ years of experience. They discuss why phishing is so effective, how…

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  29. S3 E13: From Law Enforcement to Cybersecurity: A CISO’s Journey Through Tech’s Frontlines with Michael Reese

    In this episode of the CNL Podcast, Sedric Louissaint sits down with Michael Reese, CIO at Charge EPC, to unpack his remarkable transition from law enforcement to cybersecurity leadership. With 30 years in IT and a background in high-stakes investigations.... from homicides to corporate…

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  30. S3 E12: The Human Factor: Why People Are the Biggest Cybersecurity Risk with Alfred Saylor

    In this episode of the CNL Podcast, Sedric Louissaint chats with Alfred "AJ" Saylor, an IT director at a medical center, about one of the biggest challenges in cybersecurity: people. AJ shares how human behavior, from falling for phishing emails to navigating AI driven threats, can be a bigger…

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  31. S3 E11: AI, Cyber Threats & Shadow IT: A CISO’s Battle in the Digital Age with Peter Eichelberg

    In this episode of the CNL Podcast, we get real about today’s cybersecurity challenges. Sedric Louissant chats with Peter Eichelberg, Director of Technology at Altamont Capital Partners, about how the threat landscape is changing, from AI powered attacks to the growing risks of shadow IT. Peter...

  32. S3 E10: Cyber Threats in the Age of AI: Murthy Mantha’s Battle Against Ransomware and IoT Risks

    In this episode of the CNL Podcast, Murthy Mantha, CTO of Sentient Solution, breaks down the growing complexity of cyber threats.... from ransomware to AI powered attacks. He shares real lessons learned from dealing with an actual ransomware incident, talks about the tough decision of whether or...

  33. S3 E9: Nelson F. Wenner on Collaborative Cybersecurity: AI Threats and Cloud Risks

    In this episode of the Cynexlink Podcast, Adam teams up with cybersecurity leader Nelson F. Wenner to discuss AI driven phishing, cloud vulnerabilities and supply chain risks. Learn the tips in thie episode on how to turn every employee into a security ally, spot risky vendors and balance…

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  34. S3 E8: From NASCAR to IT Director: Security & Politics in Government Tech with Steven Pollard

    In this episode of the Cynexlink Podcast, Steven Pollard, IT Director of Marlboro County, shares his unique journey, from working on NASCAR pit crews to managing technology for government officials. Steven talks about the challenges of keeping cybersecurity tight in a world of political egos,...

  35. S3 E7: Deepfake Danger: AI’s Cyber Warfare & Saving Your Business with Subha Dhar

    In this episode, cybersecurity veteran Subha Dhar exposes the serious reality of AI-driven threats reshaping global industries. With over 20 years of experience in highly regulated sectors like pharmaceuticals, banking, and tech, Subha unpacks how deepfake technology is used as weapon to...

  36. S3 E6: AI Secrets, Cybersecurity Wars & Future Tech with CTO Jason Wilcox

    In this episode, Jason Wilcox, a CTO of Source Advisors uncovers the truth about privacy in the age of AI. His take? “Too late… they already know everything about you.” We’ll discuss with Jason about how remote teams are fighting back against cyber threats, think social engineering scams, AI…

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  37. S3 E5: Cyber Defense in Healthcare: Battling Hackers & Protecting Lives | Bob Berbeco, CIO

    Join us today in Cynexlink podcast as Bob Berbeco, CIO at Mahaska Health and 27-year healthcare tech veteran, reveals the frontline battles against social engineering, phishing, and ransomware. Discover why hospitals are prime targets, the layers of security protecting patients, and LIVE breach...

  38. S3 E4: Cybersecurity Unlocked: From Y2K to AI with Jon Densmore

    In this episode of the Cynexlink Podcast, We dive into the world of cybersecurity with Jon Densmore, a seasoned expert who’s been in the IT game since 1999! From his humble beginnings baking cookies before landing his first IT job to navigating the evolving threats of AI and remote work. John...

  39. S3 E3: Cyber Security Unlocked: AI, IoT & Future-Proofing Tech with CTO Harshit Shah

    In this episode, Harshit shares insights on tackling data breaches, managing AI risks, and addressing IoT vulnerabilities. He explains why healthcare’s growing data, the challenges of IoT, and the risks of generative AI require a security-first mindset.With over 25 years of experience at top...

  40. S3 E2: Code, Hack, Adapt: AI’s Revolution in Software Dev & Cybersecurity Secrets with John Crighton

    Dive into the future of tech with John Crighton, CTO of Capital Add-Ons, as we unravel how AI is turbocharging software development while battling evolving cyberthreats. From securing proprietary data against rogue AI leaks to automating code reviews with tools like Amazon Q, John shares insider...

  41. S3 E1: Cybersecurity in a Niche Industry: Protecting Electrical Connectors & Beyond with Terry Caleb

    In this episode of the Cynexlink Podcast, We dive with Terry Caleb into the importance of networking for cybersecurity professionals, the surprising prevalence of cyberattacks in this sector, and the critical role of employee training. Terry shares insights on balancing security with convenience,...

  42. S2 E20: Cybersecurity Collaboration in the Age of AI: Insights with Matthew Ireland

    In this episode of the Cynexlink Podcast, we sit down with Matthew Ireland, founder of Mipi Support and IT expert for emergency responders. We explore the biggest challenges in cybersecurity, from nation-state threats to the need for collaboration among professionals. Matthew shares his journey...

  43. S2 E19: Cybersecurity Insights with Kul Bhushan: AI, Risk Management & Leadership

    In this episode of the Cynexlink Podcast, we sit down with Kul Bhushan, Director of Security Compliance and seasoned cybersecurity expert with over 15 years of experience. Kul dives into the challenges of securing infrastructure, managing third-party risks, and fostering a culture of security...

  44. S2 E18: Inside the Mind of IT Leader Mike Bilderback

    In this episode, Mike, an IT professional with over 20 years of experience discusses his career journey, the challenges of working in IT and the importance of continuous learning. Mike shares his insights on navigating the ever-changing IT landscape, emphasizing the importance of specialization…

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  45. S2 E17: Cybersecurity, AI, and Leadership in Healthcare with Shane Pilcher

    In this episode, we explore the world of cybersecurity and AI in healthcare with seasoned CIO Shane Pilcher. Watch to know strategies to tackle phishing threats, unlock AI’s transformative potential in patient care, and stay ahead in the ever evolving tech landscape. Shane shares actionable…

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  46. S2 E16: From the Trenches: Real-World Experience in Cybersecurity with Scott Checkoway

    In this episode, we sit down with CIO Scott Checkoway, to explore the critical importance of on ground experience in the cybersecurity landscape. From working on ransomware recoveries to building a "village" of experts, Scott shares his journey, personal advice to IT professionals, and a...

  47. S2 E15: Leadership and Growth in IT & Cybersecurity with Henric Andersson

    In this episode, Henric Andersson dives into the world of IT and cybersecurity, sharing his transition from engineering to leadership. He talks about the challenges of communicating security policies effectively, especially when technical teams don’t understand the “why” behind decisions. Henric...

  48. S2 E14: Cybersecurity Insights with Mike Wade: Protecting Your Data in a Digital World

    Join us for an engaging episode from The CNL Podcast as we sit down with cybersecurity expert Mike Wade! With over 30 years in IT, Mike shares his journey from coding on a Commodore PET to becoming a CISO in the banking industry. Discover with Mike the top security threats facing businesses…

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  49. S2 E13: Cybersecurity Unplugged: Insights from the Frontlines with Peter Ramadan

    In this thrilling episode, cybersecurity guru Peter Ramadan, Director of Information Security at Continuum Clinical, shares his journey through the complex world of cyber threats, including the rise of triple extortion ransomware. Peter discusses crucial insights on misconceptions within…

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  50. S2 E12: Cybersecurity Insights: Protecting Data in the Digital Age with Christopher Berdan

    In this episode, Christopher Berdan, a seasoned IT professional with nearly two decades of experience in fintech shares his journey from building PCs to leading IT at a credit union. Dive deep with us into the critical importance of cybersecurity, especially in financial institutions. Chris also...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Welcome to The CNL Podcast, hosted by Cynexlink.We are a tech-driven podcast that has a simple goal in mind; have conversations with business leaders around the world on subjects related from anything entrepreneurial to the modern techy world that we live in.If you're into hearing about cool stories and learning something new, well this is the place!

HOSTED BY

Cynexlink

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The CNL Podcast have?

The CNL Podcast currently has 59 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The CNL Podcast about?

Welcome to The CNL Podcast, hosted by Cynexlink.We are a tech-driven podcast that has a simple goal in mind; have conversations with business leaders around the world on subjects related from anything entrepreneurial to the modern techy world that we live in.If you're into hearing about cool...

How often does The CNL Podcast release new episodes?

The CNL Podcast has 59 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The CNL Podcast?

You can listen to The CNL Podcast 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 The CNL Podcast?

The CNL Podcast is created and hosted by Cynexlink.
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