Podcasts¶

I began appreciating the power of podcasts in 2006, starting with the Security Now! Podcast, my first and still one of my favourites. Since then, I’ve explored many others. Below, I’ve compiled a list of podcasts I recommend for learning about cybersecurity, IT, business, or simply for enjoyment.

Security Podcasts¶

Security Now!¶

The Security Now! has been the longest security podcast out there. The weekly show on the Twit network features Steve Gibson and Leo Laporte.

Steve is an exceptional communicator when it comes to information technology and cybersecurity. Typically, he covers the latest developments in cybersecurity as well as technological advancements. Notably, he played a pivotal role in raising awareness of Yubico's YubiKeys. For anyone working in the cybersecurity field, I consider this podcast essential listening.

Some episodes particularly stand out as in-depth explorations of topics such as TCP/IP, computer architecture, blockchain, mesh networks, and more. These are listed in the Links section below.

Links:

The show page maintained by Steve Gibson; also includes transcripts and show notes: https://www.grc.com/securitynow.htm
The YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@securitynow
The show page on the Twit Network: https://twit.tv/shows/security-now
Stand out deep-dive episodes:
- Computer architecture:
  - Episode #233 – Let’s Design A Computer
  - Episode #235 – Machine Language
  - Episode #237 – Indirection: The Power of Pointers
  - Episode #239 – Stacks, Registers, and Recursion
  - Episode #241 – Hardware Interrupts
  - Episode #247 – The “Multi”-verse
  - Episode #250 – Operating Systems
  - Episode #254 – What We’ll Do for Speed
- Networking:
  - Episode #317 – TCP/IP Part 1
  - Episode #323 – TCP Part 2: Attacking TCP/IP
  - Episode #325 – TCP Part 3: Necessary Refinements
- Episode #287 – Bitcoin CryptoCurrency
- Episode #990 - Is Telegram an Encrypted App?

CISO Perspective (formerly CSO Perspective)¶

This podcast started in April 2021 under the name CSO Perspectives with its original host, Rick Howard, the CyberWire’s Chief Analyst and Senior Fellow. Now rebranded as CISO Perspective, the show continues to offer deep, strategic insights into the role of the Chief Information Security Officer. It discusses topics such as risk management frameworks, zero trust, cloud security, and infosec leadership strategies.

Links:

Main page on the N2k Network: https://thecyberwire.com/podcasts/cso-perspectives
Rick's First Principles website: https://cybersecurityfirstprinciples.com/

Cyberwire Daily¶

I try to listen to these short episodes daily. The show delivers cybersecurity news and analysis industry leaders depend on. Published each weekday, the program also included interviews with a wide spectrum of experts from industry, academia, and research organisations all over the world.

Links:

Main page on the N2k Network: https://thecyberwire.com/podcasts/cyberwire-daily

Darknet Diaries¶

Everyone enjoys a good story, and Jack Rhysider, the show's host, has a remarkable talent for telling them. His engaging interviews and narrative style bring real-world cybersecurity incidents to life in a way that’s both compelling and educational. I value this podcast so highly that I subscribe to support it and gain access to bonus content.

Links:

The show main page: https://darknetdiaries.com/

Hacking Humans¶

We all talk about the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain: people. In this weekly podcast show the hosts - Dave Bittner, Joe Carrigan and Maria Varmazis - discuss the latest scams that criminals use.

Links:

The show main page: https://thecyberwire.com/podcasts/hacking-humans

Smashing Security¶

An amazingly entertaining weekly podcast show by the mains hosts Graham Cluley and Carole Theriault. Winner of the best and most entertaining cybersecurity podcast awards in 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024, Smashing Security has had over ten million downloads. Past guests include Garry Kasparov, Mikko Hyppönen, and Rory Cellan-Jones. I certainly enjoy their "pick of the week" which "better not be" security related.

Links:

The show main page: https://www.smashingsecurity.com/

Technology & AI Podcasts¶

AI Applied¶

AI Applied is a podcast that explores the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence through a practical, real-world lens. Hosted by Jaeden Schafer and Conor Grennan, the show is designed to keep listeners informed about the latest developments in AI, while also helping them understand how these innovations impact their daily lives, businesses, and society.

The podcast appeals to me as I want to stay ahead in a time of rapid technological change.

Links:

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ai-applied-covering-ai-news-interviews-and-tools/id1669799110
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AI-Applied-Podcast

Vergecast¶

I really enjoy the banter and humour. Vergecast is the flagship technology podcast from The Verge, where hosts Nilay Patel, David Pierce, and Alex Cranz discuss the intersection of tech, gadgets, policy, and culture. Known for its sharp commentary, deep dives, and timely analysis, the show covers everything from new product launches and consumer tech trends to broader issues like AI regulation, antitrust lawsuits, and the future of the internet. It's informal, yet informative tone makes it an engaging listen for both tech professionals and casual enthusiasts alike.

Links:

The show main page: https://www.theverge.com/the-vergecast

Entra.Chat¶

I appreciate the Entra.Chat podcast for its practical and insightful approach to Microsoft identity and security. Hosted by Merill Fernando, the show features in-depth conversations with seasoned Entra practitioners and Microsoft team members, offering real-world deployment experiences and best practices. Episodes delve into topics like QR code authentication, conditional access, and cross-tenant collaboration, providing actionable takeaways for IT professionals. The podcast’s focus on real-world scenarios and expert insights makes it an invaluable resource for anyone working with Microsoft Entra, Azure, or Microsoft 365 environments.

Links:

Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lJSWBTmMWWn4f9u75JvHY
Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/entra-chat/id1801200012

Intelligent Machines¶

This podcast hits the sweet spot for me—Intelligent Machines delivers smart, current discussions on everything from AI breakthroughs to ethical dilemmas. It’s got that trademark TWiT (This Week in Tech) network polish, but it’s also full of substance. Whether they’re discussing ChatGPT or autonomous vehicles, I always come away having learned something genuinely useful.

Links:

The show main page: https://twit.tv/shows/intelligent-machines

Personal Development¶

The Public Speaker¶

While no longer an active podcast show, the host Lisa B Marshal really helped me back in the 2000s to get confident in public speaking.

Links:

The show main page: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/the-public-speaker/