Unencrypted Chatter - ISC2 New Jersey Chapter Podcast
by ISC2 NJ Chapter
Welcome to Unencrypted Chatter, the official podcast of the ISC2 NJ Chapter! Join us as we explore the unique experiences and challenges within our cybersecurity community. Each episode features in-depth interviews with members, leaders, and experts who share their stories, insights, and wisdom on a wide range of topics that matter to us. Whether you're looking to stay informed, get inspired, or simply feel connected, Unencrypted Chatter is the place to be!
Episodes
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Episode 27: CISSP Meets GTM with Debra Price
On this stop of the Unencrypted Chatter Roadshow, host Joe Patti catches up with NJ SECON speaker Debra Price ahead of her talk to explore what happens when cybersecurity meets Go-to-Market strategy. Debra breaks down GTM and why building a great product is only part of the equation. With 42% of...
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Episode#26: Fighting AI with AI with Dr. Erdal Ozkaya
AI is making us faster and smarter, but it is doing the same for the adversary. Recorded live at NJ SECON 2026, closing keynote speaker Dr. Erdal Ozkaya joins hosts Joe Patti and Rich Mendoza to explore the new rules of enterprise security in an age where AI is both a powerful defender and an...
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Episode#25: Inside Agentic AI with Alissa Knight
Recorded live at NJ SECON 2026, Alissa Knight joins Joe Patti and Richard Mendoza immediately following her keynote for a conversation on the future of agentic AI. Alissa explains what an AI harness is and why it's becoming the missing piece between large language models and autonomous AI agents....
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Episode#24: Defending NJ with Michael Geraghty
Recorded live at NJSECON 2026 as part of the Unencrypted Chatter Live Podcast Roadshow, hosts Joe Patti and Rich Mendoza sit down with Michael Geraghty for a conversation on cybersecurity, public service, and protecting New Jersey's digital future. Drawing from his extensive experience in...
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Episode#23: Security in Full Color with Rainbow Secure
In this episode, as part of our countdown to NJSECON 2026, we're revisiting memorable conversations from NJSECON 2025. Recorded live at NJ SECON 2025, host Joe Patti sits down with the team from Rainbow Secure to explore the meaning behind their unique approach to cybersecurity and their…
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Episode#22: Protecting the Protector with Yolanda
As part of our countdown to NJ SECON 2026, we're revisiting memorable conversations from NJSECON 2025. In this episode, recorded live at NJ SECON 2025, host Alex Velez sits down with Yolanda Baker, a cybersecurity veteran with more than 20 years of experience, to discuss the importance of…
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Episode#21: Behind the mic with Claudia
As part of our countdown to NJ SECON 2026, we're revisiting memorable conversations from NJSECON 2025. In this episode, host Joe Patti sits down with Podcast Committee member Claudia Hernandez to discuss their experiences with the Unencrypted Chatter podcast project, various volunteer initiatives...
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Episode#20: Hacking Human with Dr. Ozkaya
As we make our way towards NJSECON 2026, we're revisiting some of the memorable conversations from last year's conference. At Throwback Stop #1, host Joe Patti sits down with Dr. Erdal Ozkaya to discuss his NJSECON 2025 presentation, Hacking Humans. From the psychology behind cyber threats to...
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Episode#19: Developing a Scalable Information Security Program Strategy
Building an effective Information Security program requires more than a collection of tools, policies, and controls. It requires a clear strategy, strong governance, executive alignment, and a foundation that can scale as the business evolves.In this session, we are fortunate to be joined by two...
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Episode#18: Certification, Community, and Collaboration: Our SECON conversation with Joe Nunes
Continuing our SECON 2025 throwback series, host Joe Patti sits down with Joseph Nunes, President of the ISACA New Jersey Chapter, during the conference. With both the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter and ISACA New Jersey chapters sponsoring SECON 2025, the conversation highlights the strong connection...
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Episode#17: Heating Things Up with Ken Fishkin! Our SECON 2025 Throwback
Warm up from the storms with this throwback episode as we revisit the live conversations hosted in person at SECON 2025 with Ken Fishkin, President of the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter with our host, Joe Patti. Recorded during the conference itself, this discussion captures the real-time energy of…
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Episode#16: CMMC 2.0: Certification Lessons for Defense Contractors and Others
In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, hosts Richard Mendoza and Aneta Klepacka sit down with Wesley Reinhart, CMMC Program Director at Compass MSP, to break down the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC 2.0). Wes shares actionable insights for businesses preparing to meet Department...
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Episode #15: From Marine to Cyber Leader: Tom Brennan on Modern Security
As Veterans Day approaches, we’re honored to feature a guest whose path reflects the discipline, service, and commitment that strengthen our cybersecurity community every day. In this episode, Tom Brennan shares how his early experiences in the U.S. Marine Corps shaped his attacker mindset,...
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Episode #14: Michelle Schaap on Cybersecurity and Law
In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, host Joe Patti talks with Michelle Schaap, an attorney specializing in cybersecurity and privacy law. They discuss the evolving role of legal professionals in the cybersecurity landscape, the importance of vendor management and compliance, the challenges of...
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Episode#13:Stan Mierzwa on Building Cyber Talent
In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, host Aaron Kraus talks with Stan Mierzwa, Director of the Center for Cybersecurity at Kean University, about how education and mentorship are shaping the next generation of cyber talent. From classroom insights to real-world crisis management, Stan shares...
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Episode #12: Continuous Learning and Giving Back with Michael Redmond
In this episode, Joe Patti sits down with Michael C. Redmond, an accomplished CISO, author, and international speaker, to explore her journey in cybersecurity leadership. Michael reflects on her unique path—from theater and teaching to military service and risk management—and the mentors who…
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Episode #11: Human Risk & Cyber Awareness with James McQuiggan
In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, Aaron Kraus sits down with James McQuiggan, Security Awareness Advocate at KnowBe4 and featured speaker at SECON 2025. James shares his journey into cybersecurity, from his engineering work at Siemens to becoming a passionate educator and thought leader in...
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Episode #10: Inside the Mind of a Cyber Entrepreneur with Cheri Hotman
In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, cybersecurity entrepreneur Cheri Hotman shares her journey from corporate burnout to founding The Hotman Group, a cybersecurity consulting firm. After leaving a toxic work environment that affected her well-being, she pursued her passion for cybersecurity,...
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Episode #9: Real Talk with Grace Chi
In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, host Lindsay Pierre and co-host Joe Patti engage with Grace Chi, co-founder and CEO of Pulse Dive, to explore the multifaceted world of threat intelligence. Grace shares her insights on the importance of community engagement in cybersecurity, the...
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Volunteer Chatter#4 Anicee Monfleury
🎙️ Volunteer Chatter | Episode: Spotlight on Anicee Monfleury In this special International Women’s Day episode, Alex Velez sits down with Anicee Monfleury—Volunteer of the Year and a powerhouse in the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter. Anicee shares her journey, the impact of mentorship, and her…
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Episode#8: Pradeep Nerupati
In this episode, Ken Fishkin, President of ISC2 NJ Chapter, chats with Pradeep Nerupati, a dedicated volunteer and cybersecurity professional. Pradeep shares his journey from India to the U.S., how networking helped him build a strong cybersecurity community before arriving, and his transition…
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Episode #7: Certifications & Test Prep
In this episode, hosts Aaron Kraus and Reggie Alford sit down with ISC2 New Jersey chapter members Alex Velez and Lindsay Pierre to explore how the chapter empowers its members preparing for the pivotal ISC2 CISSP exam. Discover practical study tips, essential exam prep materials, and proven...
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Episode #6: Prabha Jha
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Prabha Jha, a passionate Business Information Security Officer (BISO) dedicated to empowering women in cybersecurity and prioritizing health and wellbeing. Prabha shares the pivotal moments that sparked her interest in cybersecurity, including key…
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Episode#5 : Live from Security Congress! - May Brooks Kempler
Join us for this very special episode recorded live at ISC 2 Security Congress 2024 in Las Vegas! We talk with May Brooks, ISC2 Board Member and speaker at the Congress. Her career has spanned from game hacker to GRC consultant, pen tester to security architect, and she shares insights from her...
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Volunteer Chatter #3: Jay Ferron
Episode 3 of Volunteer Chatter is a very special episode! We recorded live at ISC2 Security Congress 2024 in Las Vegas, where we were lucky enough to get some time with super NJ Chapter volunteer and 2024 ISC2 Volunteer Service Award recipient Jay Ferron. This conversation covered the evolution…
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Episode #4: Jersey Girls in Cyber - Sofia Kokolis
In this episode, we talk with Sophia Kokolis about how regulatory changes in financial services led her into a career in cybersecurity. She shares insights about how to adapt to changing regulatory requirements and evolving cyber risks, how her experience as a woman in IT informs her approach to...
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Volunteer Chatter #2: Claudia Hernandez and Sammy Cordero
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Episode 2 of Volunteer Chatter features a conversation with Claudia Hernandez and Sammy Cordero from the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter. Guided by this year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping Our Future Together,” Claudia and Sammy share how their Hispanic roots...
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Episode #3: Jersey Girls In Cyber - Debbie Christofferson
This segment explores Debbie's journey in cybersecurity, covering her inspiration for entering the field, the challenges she faced as a woman, and the essential skills for success. She also offers recommendations to make the industry more inclusive and shares a story demonstrating the impact of...
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Volunteer Chatter #1 - Alex Velez
Introducing Volunteer Chatter: A New Mini-Series! Join us as we dive into the stories of the incredible volunteers from the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter. In this episode, we hear from Podcast Committee members Marie Wang and Alex Velez, sharing their experiences at the NY Metro Joint Cyber Security...
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Episode #2: Jersey Girls In Cyber - Michael C Redmond
This segment focuses on Michael's leadership journey in cybersecurity. It covers her evolving perspective on leadership, a pivotal career moment that ignited her passion, and her approach to mentorship and empowerment. Additionally, she highlights the importance of a strong governance framework,...
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Episode #1: Intro to Our Podcast!
Ken Fishkin, President of ISC2 NJ Chapter interviews Marie Wang, Claudia Hernandez and Aneta Klepacka, who will be the future hosts of our first podcast series "Jersey Girls in Cyber".
About this show
Welcome to Unencrypted Chatter, the official podcast of the ISC2 NJ Chapter! Join us as we explore the unique experiences and challenges within our cybersecurity community. Each episode features in-depth interviews with members, leaders, and experts who share their stories, insights, and wisdom on a wide range of topics that matter to us. Whether you're looking to stay informed, get inspired, or simply feel connected, Unencrypted Chatter is the place to be!
Hosted by
ISC2 NJ Chapter
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