The Brave Technologist

Angel Menendez, Staff Developer Advocate at n8n, discusses how AI is revolutionizing automation within enterprises, especially in the cybersecurity sector. He also shares the significance of self-hosting solutions like n8n for maintaining data privacy, lowering costs, and reducing operational noise. Key Takeaways:  How AI is reshaping enterprise-level automation and tackling cybersecurity threats Ways that AI can empower creative right-brain thinkers Practical implications of new AI technologies in enhancing enterprise workflows while maintaining data security The evolving landscape of threat intelligence and importance of standards in automation Guest Bio: Angel Menendez is a cybersecurity and AI automation expert—currently at n8n—helping enterprises scale their AI-driven workflows and integrate intelligent automation into traditionally manual processes. With a deep background in threat intelligence, digital privacy, and process orchestration, he brings a unique perspective on the evolving intersection of cybersecurity, automation, and responsible AI adoption. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

Jonathan Mann, aka the Song a Day Guy, is a songwriter and Internet icon who has been writing and sharing an original song every day since 2009. We discuss his artistic journey, his experiences with NFTs, and the future of digital art and music on blockchain. He also opens up about his legal battle with the SEC, and the challenges he has faced in the crypto space. Key Takeaways:  His transition from an unemployed, aspiring artist to a full-time musician who leverages Web3 and creates digital collectibles The impact of AI on music creation, and advice for aspiring creators working at the intersection of music and cryptocurrency The freedom and empowerment he feels from being able to mint a song a day to his community through NFTs without being restricted by any other party His experience suing the SEC and what he was fighting for Guest Bio:  Jonathan Mann is a songwriter, performer, and Internet icon best known for writing and sharing an original song every single day for the last 17 years—a streak that has earned him millions of views and a devoted following. As The Conference Troubadour, he creates custom songs live at events for companies like Apple, TEDMED, and Novartis. His work sits at the intersection of creativity, technology, and culture—and he's now exploring how crypto and AI are reshaping the future of artistic expression. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte

Jared Phillips, CEO of GolfN, discusses the intersection of golf and technology, focusing on how AI and crypto are transforming the golfing experience. He emphasizes a user-centric approach, making technology accessible without overwhelming users with crypto complexities. Key Takeaways:  How they’re designing GolfN to appeal to traditional golfers who aren’t yet crypto savvy (growing the Web3 community with Web2 audiences) The evolution of golf apps and GolfN’s early success in acquiring users, including $200k in paid memberships in their first month How they balance social, convenience, and privacy when designing for users Guest Bio: Jared Phillips is the CEO and co-founder of GolfN, a platform redefining how golfers engage with the game through rewards, technology, and community. With a background in executive leadership across both traditional industries and Web3, Jared brings a unique blend of operational expertise and startup vision. Before launching GolfN, he led sales and M&A initiatives in the insurance sector, and has since helped scale GolfN through early product success, strategic partnerships, and a growing global user base. A lifelong golfer, Jared is driven by the belief that the game should be more accessible, connected, and rewarding for everyone who plays it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

Luke Mulks, Vice President of Business Operations at Brave Software, discusses the tokenization of finance, exploring how cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology are reshaping the financial landscape. He also discusses the significance of stablecoins and their growing adoption in emerging markets. Key Takeaways:  The basics of stablecoins and their role in bringing stability to crypto markets How tokenized equities are removing barriers to global investment access The potential of blockchain to empower emerging markets and under-banked populations Key regulatory advancements shaping the adoption of stablecoins in the U.S. Guest Bio: Luke Mulks is the Vice President of Business Operations at Brave Software, where he helps lead the company’s privacy-focused advertising and Web3 initiatives. Since joining in 2016, he’s played a key role in launching Brave Ads and expanding the Basic Attention Token (BAT) ecosystem. A former ad tech executive and media producer, Luke also hosts The Brave Technologist podcast, which helps make emerging tech like AI and blockchain more accessible for all. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

Diego Pareschi, Global Product Line Manager for EV chargers at ABB, discusses the rapidly evolving field of EV charging technology, focusing on the intersection of user experience, data analytics, and AI. He highlights the role of AI and machine learning in enhancing charging solutions, and the importance of collaboration with local governments to facilitate infrastructure development. Key Takeaways:  The current challenges of EV adoption and the need for accessibility and standardization Insights from his work developing the racing technology used by all teams in the Formula E racing series Bold predictions for the future of seamless, intelligent charging solutions Guest Bio: Diego Preschi is the Global Product Line Manager for EV fast chargers at ABB eMobility. With a background in automation and control engineering—what we might now call industrial AI—Diego has spent the last 15 years designing cutting-edge products for the energy and e-mobility sector. He’s passionate about accelerating EV adoption through innovative, user-centered charging solutions, powered by data and AI insights. One of his standout creations, the Terra 360, was named one of TIME magazine’s Best Automotive Technologies of 2022. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte

Scott Mann, Ret. U.S. Army Green Beret and Founder of Task Force Pineapple, shares his journey from a Special Forces soldier to a storyteller and actor. He detailed his time as a Green Beret who helped form Task Force Pineapple,  a group of veterans who used technology to coordinate the evacuation of Afghan allies during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. Key Takeaways:  The role of biometric data collection in US Army missions and the Global War on Terror How their unprecedented use of the consumer app, Signal, became a go-to resource for natural disaster management and special operations The critical role of technology and veteran networks in crisis situations His new creative venture: Last Out - an award winning play his touring on stages across the country to provide healing to Veterans and their Families Guest Bio: Scott Mann is a former U.S. Army Green Beret with tours in Colombia, Peru, and Afghanistan. He’s the founder of Task Force Pineapple, a 501(c)(3) supporting Veterans and Afghan Allies, and the author of Operation Pineapple Express, a New York Times Best Seller. Scott also wrote Nobody is Coming to Save You, a guide to building trust and human connection in divided times. He also hosts The Scott Mann Podcast and is the playwright and star of Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret, an award-winning play honoring the sacrifices of our military community. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

John Kiriakou, former CIA officer and whistleblower against the agency’s  torture program, discusses his extensive background in intelligence, the evolving role of technology and AI in intelligence operations, and the balance between privacy and national security. John details his experience with the CIA’s torture program post-9/11, and the consequences he’s faced for exposing these practices. Key Takeaways: How targeted intelligence can succeed without mass surveillance, and how national security doesn’t need to mean sacrificing individual privacy The evolution of drone warfare in military options, and how its crossed moral lines The dangers posed by AI in intelligence, and the need for ethical considerations in the application of AI The current state of the US Patriot Act, and the implications of technology in media Guest Bio: John Kiriakou is a former CIA officer, former senior investigator for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and former counterterrorism consultant for ABC News. He was responsible for the capture in Pakistan in 2002 of Abu Zubaydah, believed to be the third-ranking official in al-Qaeda. In 2007, Kiriakou exposed the CIA’s torture program, saying that the CIA tortured prisoners, had become official U.S. government policy, and that this policy had been approved by then-President George W. Bush. He became the sixth whistleblower indicted by the Obama administration under the Espionage Act—a law designed to punish spies—and served 23 months in prison as a result. Kiriakou is the author of eight books, including The Reluctant Spy: My Secret Life in the CIA’s War on Terror; Doing Time Like a Spy: How the CIA Taught Me to Survive and Thrive in Prison; and The Convenient Terrorist: Abu Zubaydah and the Weird Wonderland of America’s Secret Wars. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte

Sandy Carter, COO and Head of GTM at Unstoppable Domains, discusses the potential of on-chain and digitized identities, including real-world examples that highlight shortcomings of current systems. She also reveals details of the new .BRAVE domain and its significance for the Brave community. Key Takeaways:  How Unstoppable domains allows users to store verified digital identity information securely The convergence of AI and blockchain technology, including the potential of AI agents within crypto wallets The launch of the new.BRAVE domain and why this is such an exciting announcement for the Brave community Guest Bio: Sandy Carter is a globally recognized expert and innovator in AI and blockchain, having led groundbreaking advancements in AI and blockchain. Currently, as COO of Unstoppable Domains—a leading digital identity platform—she is revolutionizing how users manage and own their online identities. Formerly COO, CPO, and CSO at AWS and IBM, Sandy has successfully driven billions in revenue growth and spearheaded transformative technology adoption at scale. Sandy is author of the bestselling book “AI First, Human Always”, and has been recognized as a Microsoft MSN Top 10 AI Entrepreneur. She has been featured in Adweek’s AI Power 100, and honored by Constellation Research as a Top AI Business Leader. She has delivered keynote addresses at global forums such as CES, SXSW, Davos, and more, and has been consistently rated among the top speakers. An accomplished global speaker, she has captivated audiences of up to 50,000 attendees in over 89 countries (and has proudly sampled McDonald’s in each one). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

Debbie Reynolds, Chief Data Privacy Officer and host of “The Data Diva Talks Privacy” podcast, discusses the challenges parents face in protecting their children online, and simple habits users can adopt to take back control of their privacy. She also discusses the growing recognition among companies that excessive data collection poses significant risks. Key Takeaways:  How consumer expectations for data are privacy changing The asymmetrical relationship between consumers and companies regarding data privacy How companies can scale a human‑centric approach to privacy The importance of decentralization in future data management Guest Bio: Debbie Reynolds—aka “The Data Diva”—is a globally recognized technologist, thought leader, and advisor in data privacy and emerging technology. With over 20 years of experience, she has delivered keynote talks for major organizations like Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, PayPal, TikTok, and Uber. Her insights have been featured in leading media outlets, including The New York Times, Forbes, Bloomberg, and Wired. Debbie hosts the #1 global award-winning podcast, “The Data Diva Talks Privacy,” which reaches listeners in over 120 countries. Identity Review has named her one of the Global Top Eight Privacy Experts, and the European Risk Policy Institute has named her a Top 30 CyberRisk Communicator. She also chairs the IEEE Cyber Security Committee for the Next Generation Connectivity Systems Privacy Labeling Project. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte

Rob Viglione, Co-Founder and CEO of Horizen Labs and zkVerify, shares his transition from military intelligence in Afghanistan to co-founding a blockchain company. He discusses the role of zero-knowledge (ZK) technology in enabling private transactions, the need for integration of crypto with traditional finance, and the vision to bring off-chain information on chain. Key Takeaways: Zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs): what they are, and why they’re so important in today’s digital landscape The utility of cryptocurrencies for individuals in poorly governed jurisdictions The convergence of AI and blockchain, and how ZKPs can verify AI outputs without compromising privacy The real-world applications of ZK technology, such as private transactions, digital identity verification, and connecting traditional finance with blockchain Guest Bio: Rob Viglione is the co-founder and CEO of Horizen Labs, the development studio behind several leading Web3 projects, including zkVerify and Horizen. Rob served in the U.S. Air Force and was deployed to Afghanistan, where he supported Special Operations Task Force intelligence efforts. During this time, he developed an early interest in Bitcoin, recognizing its potential benefits for countries with unstable economies. Today, Rob’s work focuses on Web3 scalability, blockchain efficiency, and zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs). With the growing convergence of AI and blockchain, Horizen Labs is also exploring how ZKPs can be used to help verify AI model outputs without compromising privacy. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

Shafik Quoraishee, Senior Mobile/AI Game Developer at the New York Times, discusses the development process behind popular New York Times games such as Crosswords and Connections, along with what they learned about consumer behavior from the highly addictive and viral success of Wordle. Key Takeaways:  How to balance innovation with the legacy of traditional games The importance of user engagement and testing in game development The future potential of AI in creating immersive gaming experiences Guest Bio: Shafik Quoraishee who is a Senior Mobile/AI Game Developer at the New York Times. He works on popular games such as The New York Times Crosswords, Connections, Strands, and Wordle, and is deeply interested in the intersection of AI and accessibility. Previously Shafik was a Senior Android Engineer for the National Basketball Association, and a Senior Data Engineer at Business Insider. Connect with Shafik: Website: https://www.shafikquoraishee.com   YouTube: https://youtube.com/@squoraishee   Medium: https://squoraishee.medium.com/   X: https://x.com/SQuoraishee ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

Luke Mulks, Vice President of Business Operations at Brave Software, discusses how AI and crypto regulations have evolved in 2025, including new opportunities and regulatory reversals. He also shares updates about Brave's achievements and the movement towards a private world. Key Takeaways:  Brave's growth in user privacy and engagement The impact of user feedback and community involvement for Brave Ongoing developments with the Basic Attention Token (BAT), and new initiatives like the Rewards Partner Program How shifting to a “user first” podcast theme has impacted the success of the show Guest Bio: Luke Mulks is the Vice President of Business Operations at Brave Software, where he helps lead the company’s privacy-focused advertising and Web3 initiatives. Since joining in 2016, he’s played a key role in launching Brave Ads and expanding the Basic Attention Token (BAT) ecosystem. A former ad tech executive and media producer, Luke also hosts The Brave Technologist podcast, making emerging tech like AI and blockchain more accessible. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte