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 Moments

00:00 - Introduction

01:15 - AI is the tool, not the toolbox

03:00 - A grocery store scam that taught a life lesson

06:00 - The irreplaceable role of human judgment

07:30 - First cybersecurity job at Booz Allen Hamilton

09:00 - How AI boosts productivity with meeting transcription

12:00 - Creative shortcuts with AI in image and video editing

15:00 - Vibe coding and generative red teaming

17:30 - AI-powered phishing and scam emails

18:50 - Testing a deepfake voice on Ron’s mom

21:30 - Why curiosity and skepticism beat AI deception

22:30 - Final challenge: don’t serve AI—make AI serve you

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