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Talking Innovation is a conversation about what comes next, hosted by Grant Asplund, a four-decade technology veteran who has spent his career arriving in categories before they had names. Each episode brings together the builders, founders, and operators shaping where technology is headed, with candid conversations about the ideas, bets, and hard-won lessons behind real innovation.
This isn't a show about hype cycles. It's about the people doing the work: how they see around corners, how they turn conviction into product, and what it actually takes to be early and right. From cybersecurity to AI to whatever category is forming next, Talking Innovation goes past the headlines to the thinking underneath.
New conversations on a regular cadence. Pull up a chair.
Episodes

May 24, 2026
May 24, 2026
56 min
Unlock how AI is revolutionizing cybersecurity...and what you must do now to stay protected. If you're a security professional, CTO, or business leader navigating a world where vulnerabilities evolve in seconds and AI accelerates both innovation and threat, this episode is your essential playbook. Venu Koyyada, CEO of Strobes Security, shares deep insights from his decade of experience in exposure management and offensive security. He reveals how the latest AI advancements...like scalable agents that automate vulnerability prioritization and validation...are transforming the security landscape. From the dramatic shifts in attack surfaces to the skyrocketing costs of AI-powered cyber threats, this conversation uncovers the urgent challenges...and opportunities...that define our digital future.You'll discover:
- The real impact of continuous threat exposure management (CTEM) and how it’s changing the way companies defend themselves
- How AI agents are automating vulnerability detection, prioritization, and even patching—cutting down weeks to hours
- The hidden risks of AI-driven tools being exploited by bad actors with minimal skills
- Why traditional security approaches are no longer enough in a hyperconnected, AI-enabled world
- The economic and environmental implications of AI-powered computing demand...and innovative solutions like ocean-based data centers
This episode is perfect for cybersecurity leaders, DevSecOps teams, and anyone serious about understanding the next frontier of digital defense. Fail to adapt, and you risk being overwhelmed by the increasing sophistication and speed of cyberattacks. Embrace these insights, and position your organization at the forefront of proactive security innovation.Venu Rao is CEO and co-founder of Strobes Security, a pioneer in AI-driven continuous exposure management. With over a decade in cybersecurity, he helps organizations stay ahead of evolving threats by harnessing AI to build smarter, more dynamic defense strategies.If you're ready to turn security from a ticking clock into a strategic advantage, this episode will boost your knowledge and ignite your action plan. Stay prepared—because in cybersecurity, the next breach may already be in progress.

May 10, 2026
May 10, 2026
46 min
Building the Future of AI and Security with David Cross
Join me in this illuminating conversation with David Cross, Chief Information Security Officer at Atlassian, as we explore the rapid evolution of AI, its implications for cybersecurity, and leadership lessons for navigating technological change.
In this episode:
- David Cross shares his journey from Navy electronic warfare to leading security for major tech platforms like Azure and Atlassian
- Insights into how AI is transforming both security and enterprise operations
- The importance of foundational knowledge versus superficial understanding of AI models
- Challenges and opportunities posed by autonomous agents and ephemeral AI transactions
- Strategies for staying ahead of technological waves and fostering continuous learning
- The role of identity, access management, and observability in the age of autonomous AI agents
- Practical advice for CISOs and tech leaders to equip their teams for AI-driven change
I hope you enjoy it!!!

Apr 26, 2026
Apr 26, 2026
39 min
Most of us are watching AI evolve at a staggering pace, but few grasp how deeply it's reshaping everything—security, education, industry, and even our social fabric. If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about the real threat and immense opportunity of AI, this episode will change your perspective.
Join me as I dive into an electrifying conversation with cybersecurity expert Chuck Brooks, one of the top minds in national security and technology innovation. Together, we reveal how AI advancements like agentic models and deepfakes are both transforming industries and empowering cybercriminals—often far ahead of defenders. You'll discover why most organizations jump into AI without strategy and how malicious actors are sharing tools and profits in a new digital underground economy.
This episode explores the startling reality of AI's dark side—cybercrime, disinformation, and manipulation—and why understanding these threats is crucial now. We break down emerging tactics like AI-driven phishing, deepfake scams, and AI’s potential to influence geopolitics and social stability. More than just tech chatter, this is a call for strategic awareness, ethical frameworks, and proactive defense in an era of unprecedented technological power.
Whether you're in cybersecurity, leadership, or simply curious about the future, you'll walk away with a clear understanding of how to adapt, defend, and leverage AI for good without letting the bad guys catch you off guard.
Chuck Brooks is a seasoned cybersecurity strategist, former government advisor, and renowned thought leader in AI and national security. With over 130K followers on LinkedIn, he's at the forefront of shaping how we respond to these radical technological shifts.Prepare for an episode that challenges your assumptions, heightens your awareness, and empowers you to think strategically about AI’s boundless potential and peril. This is essential listening for anyone who refuses to be passive in today's fast-changing digital battleground. I hope you enjoy it!

Apr 12, 2026
Apr 12, 2026
30 min
In this episode of Talking Innovation, I interview Carter Huffman, CTO and co-founder of Modulate, about cutting-edge voice AI technology. We explore how voice understanding can combat fraud, harassment, and manipulation, and discuss the broader implications for cybersecurity and customer experience. I hope you enjoy it!

Mar 29, 2026
Mar 29, 2026
51 min
Join me as I chat with Jeff Cote from Montreal about the latest in data security, AI advancements, and societal impacts of technology. This episode explores how AI is transforming industries, security challenges, and the societal shifts driven by digital innovation. I hope you enjoy it!

Mar 15, 2026
Mar 15, 2026
1 hr 5 min
Join us for an insightful conversation with cybersecurity expert Tim Reed as we explore the complexities of AI, data signals, governance, and the future of technology. Discover how to discern true signals from noise in a rapidly evolving digital landscape and the societal implications of AI advancements. I hope you enjoy it!
Be sure and check out Tim's book: Signals in the Noise: Security, Technology, and the Hidden Patterns of Modern Risk
📚 All formats: https://lnkd.in/eUe4A6GD
✍️ Signed copies: https://lnkd.in/ejB6XAz9

Mar 2, 2026
Mar 2, 2026
1 hr 13 min
The Future of Technology and Innovation with Amy Cheney
Explore the transformative trends shaping technology, from quantum computing cooling methods to the societal impacts of AI and social media. Join Grant Asplund and Amy Cheney as they dissect the wild west of innovation, security complexities, and the importance of purpose-driven tech evolution.
Join us next time on Talking Innovation as we continue to explore the cutting edge—and sometimes chaotic—world of tech evolution.

Feb 17, 2026
Feb 17, 2026
41 min
In this episode of Talking Innovation, I interview Michael Compton Jr. about the critical yet often overlooked field of sterile processing in healthcare. We discuss the revolutionary impact of AI on the industry, the importance of the decontamination process, and the challenges faced by sterile processing departments, including workforce shortages and communication failures. The conversation also touches on the potential for outsourcing sterile processing, the significance of water quality standards, and how data analysis can improve surgical outcomes. Michael emphasizes the need for greater recognition and support for sterile processing professionals, highlighting their role in infection prevention and patient safety. I hope you enjoy it!

Jan 30, 2026
Jan 30, 2026
52 min
In this first episode of Talking Innovation, I talk with Manoj Tandon and explore the transformative impact of AI on society, professions, and education. We discuss the ethical implications of AI, the need for governance, and the future of work in an AI-driven world. Our conversation also touches on the global divide in access to AI technology and its potential to enhance innovation. The episode concludes with reflections on the evolving relationship between humans and AI, emphasizing the importance of adapting education and professional practices to harness AI's capabilities effectively. I hope you enjoy it!

Jan 4, 2026
Jan 4, 2026
1 hr 2 min
