Welcome back… to the show! Hacker Valley Studio podcast features Host Ron Eddings, as he explores the world of cybersecurity through the eyes of professionals in the industry. We cover everything from inspirational real-life stories in tech, to highlighting influential cybersecurity companies, and we do so in a fun and enthusiastic way. We’re making cybersecurity accessible, creating a whole new form of entertainment: cybertainment.
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Welcome back… to the show! Hacker Valley Studio podcast features Host Ron Eddings, as he explores the world of cybersecurity through the eyes of professionals in the industry. We cover everything from inspirational real-life stories in tech, to highlighting influential cybersecurity companies, and we do so in a fun and enthusiastic way. We’re making cybersecurity accessible, creating a whole new form of entertainment: cybertainment.
AI is neither friend nor foe, it’s both. The way we choose to use it determines whether it helps or harms.
In this solo episode, Ron Eddings shares lessons from his first job at a grocery store, his early days in cybersecurity, and today’s AI-driven landscape. From productivity hacks like meeting transcription, to creative tools like content-aware editing, to the dark side of phishing and deepfakes, Ron shows why human judgment remains the ultimate defense. This is a passionate reminder that the real power isn’t in the tools, it’s in us.
Impactful Moments00:00 - Introduction01:15 - AI is the tool, not the toolbox03:00 - A grocery store scam that taught a life lesson06:00 - The irreplaceable role of human judgment07:30 - First cybersecurity job at Booz Allen Hamilton09:00 - How AI boosts productivity with meeting transcription12:00 - Creative shortcuts with AI in image and video editing15:00 - Vibe coding and generative red teaming17:30 - AI-powered phishing and scam emails18:50 - Testing a deepfake voice on Ron’s mom21:30 - Why curiosity and skepticism beat AI deception22:30 - Final challenge: don’t serve AI—make AI serve you
Links:Connect with our Ron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldeddings/
Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreamsJoin our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional:https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudioLove Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.comContinue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discordBecome a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/
Hacker Valley Studio
Welcome back… to the show! Hacker Valley Studio podcast features Host Ron Eddings, as he explores the world of cybersecurity through the eyes of professionals in the industry. We cover everything from inspirational real-life stories in tech, to highlighting influential cybersecurity companies, and we do so in a fun and enthusiastic way. We’re making cybersecurity accessible, creating a whole new form of entertainment: cybertainment.
