Tech'ed Up with Niki Christoff

Akoya CEO Paul LaRusso and National Bankers Association President & CEO Nicole Elam join Niki in the studio to break down the API revolution in banking. They explore why, after decades of traditional banking, there's been a growing demand for so-called “open banking,” what the CFPB's new rule means for consumers and financial institutions, and how organizations are navigating this tech transition. Plus, Niki shares why screen scraping makes her nervous, Nicole predicts that the future of banking means being both high-tech and high-touch, and Paul makes the case for consumer control of their banking data.  “As a consumer, I should be able to choose what application I want to use, what data I want to use, and with who and for how long. And we're trying to empower that consumer to do that.” -Paul LaRusso“Fintechs were thought of as disruptors and now they're not seen as disruptors. Now they're a necessary partner that you've got to have at the table to help you serve your customers.” - Nicole ElamFollow Paul LaRusso on LinkedInFollow Nicole Elam on LinkedInLearn more about AkoyaLearn more about the National Bankers Association Learn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

President of the Software Information Industry Association, Chris Mohr, joins Niki in the studio to break down two major tech cases at the Supreme Court involving Meta and NVIDIA, discuss what's next for Section 230 regulation, and share insights from his career transition from private practice to tech policy advocacy. Chris talks about how the courts are increasingly being used to shape tech policy as Congress remains gridlocked on major issues and Niki offers some free advice on deprecation policies. “...power doesn't like vacuums, right? So, where does that power go? If Congress isn't passing laws, then the courts have to interpret the old ones to new cases.” -Chris MohrFollow Chris on LinkedInLearn more about SIIAWho is Learned Hand? The Ameekus v Amikus debate Learn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, Gary Shapiro, joins Niki in the studio for an informal chat about his new book Pivot or Die. They discuss pivotal moments in his career, leading the influential trade association fighting for tech and innovation, and looking to the future of tech in America.  “We have to recognize that technology and innovation are actually our secret sauce in this country that allows us to do all these amazing things, and have a strong economy, and grow our way into the future.” -Gary ShapiroFollow Gary on XLearn more about CTAGet tickets to CESBuy Pivot or Die here Learn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Twitter's former Head of Government Affairs & Public Policy for the US and Canada, Lauren Culbertson Grieco, joins Niki in the studio to talk about her career - from tweeting for senators to navigating Elon Musk's Twitter takeover. Currently President of The Ledyard Group, she shares leadership lessons from the transition days at X, and she and Niki swaptech policy stories. They also share a prediction about what will dominate legislators' tech agenda in the next Congress. “Most of the people who worked at Twitter and some of the ones who still work there have a very strong sense of mission for what the platform means in the world.” -Lauren CulbertsonRead about lessons learned from Twitter hereLearn more about The Ledyard GroupCheck out The Blue Owl GroupFollow Lauren on LinkedIn Learn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Sr. VP of Policy at Digital Currency Group, Julie Stitzel, sits down with Niki in the D.C. studio to talk about their shared path from Midwestern upbringings to helping shape crypto policy in the nation's capital. Julie shares her admiration for Hill staffers and why she remains optimistic for the future of crypto in the U.S. They also do a little arm-chair quarterbacking on the 2024 presidential campaign. “...when I think about innovation, I think the U.S. should be the place where people come. These innovators, these builders should feel free and excited about building in the U.S. and it's been the opposite experience for builders in the digital asset space.” -Julie StitzelFollow Julie on TwitterLearn more about DCG Learn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

New York Times reporter, Sheera Frenkel, joins Niki remotely to talk about the AI 2024 campaign season that wasn't. She shares insights from her reporting on tech, shedding light on the reluctance to use AI by US campaigns compared to other countries, the rush by foreign adversaries to capitalize on AI's capability to enhance disinformation campaigns, and lays out what has led Facebook to step back from political coverage. “While our candidates are not excited about using AI…There are nation-states all over the world who are super excited about the possibilities of AI and how it lets them reach Americans in unprecedented ways.” -Sheera FrenkelRead Sheera's articles in the New York TimesCheck out 2021's  “An Ugly Truth” by Cecilia Kang and Sheera FrenkelRead Kate Conger & Ryan Mac's new book “Character Limit” Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

VP of Quantum Technology Evangelism at D-Wave, Murray Thom, joins Niki remotely to explore the basics of quantum computing and share some real-world, right-now applications of this leap in compute power. They talk AI, the impact that efficiency improvements have on daily life, and the exciting potential of quantum to facilitate breakthroughs in health care and drug discovery. “There's a really deep technical connection between quantum computing and artificial intelligence.” -Murray ThomFollow Murray on TwitterLearn more about D-WaveBuild things with D-Wave Leap  Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

President and CEO of IQT (In-Q-Tel), Steve Bowsher pulls back the curtain on this CIA-launched non-profit that's been quietly shaping national security for a quarter-century. Steve shares what he looks for in game-changing startup teams, why IQT is not your average VC, and divulges what emerging technology he's most excited about right now. “People think of us as an investment platform, but the heart of what we do is to facilitate the piloting of technology” -Steve BowsherFollow Steve on LinkedInLearn more about IQT Listen to the IQT PodcastRead The Learning Mindset  Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Punchbowl News reporter, Andrew Desiderio joins Niki in the studio to share his insider handicapping of the state of play of tech policy on the Hill. They talk KOSA/COPPA 2.0, the DEFIANCE Act, and legislative gridlock. Andrew shares why 2024 has been a good year for major tech policy legislation despite the Senate being de-incentivized to pass tech legislation, the House likely to shut down what few bills passed the Senate before August recess, and other agencies being reluctant to pick up the slack. “When we look back on 2024, in terms of major tech policy legislation, we'll have seen some pretty landmark bills…” -Andrew DesiderioFollow Andrew on LinkedInCatch up on the latest at Punchbowl Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

SVP of Political and Industry Affairs at the Consumer Technology Association, Tiffany Moore, gives a behind-the-scenes look at their popular CES tradeshow, shares why she's passionate about their $10 million venture fund focused on increasing diversity in tech, and talks about the importance of GlobalWIN in helping to mentor others.  "...whether you're a large company with a keynote that seats a thousand people, or you're a startup with a 12 foot table, there is a place for you at CES.”  -Tiffany MooreFollow Tiffany on LinkedInLearn more about CTAFind out more about GlobalWINRead the article discussed Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Adjunct Fellow at CNAS and Founder of Tech Policy Solutions, Pablo Chavez joins Niki in the studio to explain digital solidarity and digital sovereignty, swap campaign convention memories, and discuss US policy when it comes to the global internet. They talk State Dept. footnotes, the TikTok ban, and the future of the open internet. “ ...the United States, increasingly as a matter of foreign policy on digital matters is a little bit in a defensive crouch.” -Pablo ChavezConnect with Pablo on LinkedInNerd out and read the US International Cyberspace & Digital Policy StrategyLearn more about the Open Tech Fund Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Runway Strategies Co-Founder Dave Barmore joins Niki in the studio for a deep dive into the wave of tech regulations coming from the states. They talk about gridlock at the federal level and why tech needs to pay attention to the states when it comes to pending policy regulations facing AI, data privacy, and social media. Follow Dave on LinkedInLearn more about Runway StrategiesRead more about the Uniform Law Commission Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Head of Global Public Policy at Discord, Ross LaJeunesse, joins Niki in the studio to talk about how the app delivers today on the original promise of the internet - community and communication. He lays out how Discord fosters genuine servers-based connection, why it's so important to small game developers, and what regulators should consider when they try to regulate Big Tech. Plus, he reviews just how huge gaming has become globally. “Discord is one of those places. It's community, it's belonging, and it's economic opportunity. It's a platform for entrepreneurs, creative entrepreneurs, small businesses.” -Ross LaJeunesseLearn more about DiscordPlay Chef ShowdownCheck out the Operation Politics server Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Crypto Council for Innovation CEO Sheila Warren breaks down crypto, Web3, and blockchain once and for all. She and Niki discuss crypto's future on Capitol Hill and how it might impact this election season, the critical role blockchain has in making AI more transparent, and why you might already have a Web3 mindset. “Things like authenticity, tracking, accountability, I think, are becoming even more important than they ever were before.” -Sheila WarrenFollow Sheila on Twitter Learn more about CCIRead the Scientific American ArticleConnect with Sheila on LinkedIn Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

NVIDIA's Head of AI & Legal Ethics, Nikki Pope, talks about why how we talk about artificial intelligence matters and why making the tech representative of more people is important. She and Niki break down some of the myths surrounding the tech and re-examine what regulators should be focused on when they think of “existential threat” and AI. Spoiler alert - it's not what Hollywood thinks! “...democratization of AI means making sure that we don't leave cultures and languages and communities behind as we all go running breakneck into the future.” -Nikki PopeFollow Nikki Pope on LinkedInRead more about Te Hiku MediaLearn more about NVIDIA's Trustworthy AI initiative Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Archer Aviation Founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, joins Niki in the studio to talk about why, after years of flying cars being science fiction, the eVTOL industry is taking off now, how coordination with the FAA is critical to American dominance in the industry, and what the future of travel looks like. He lays out a future in which flying cars will be as accessible as automobiles. “...talent and capital are the two advantages that the US has that nowhere else in the world has.” -Adam GoldsteinFollow Adam on Twitter Check out Usher's video featuring an eVOTLLearn more about Archer Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Philanthropist and author of ‘Our Biggest Fight', Frank McCourt sits down with Niki in the studio to lay out his vision for a decentralized internet. He shares why Project Liberty is focused on personhood online instead of data privacy, why a digital bill of rights is not the answer, and shares his optimism for technologists' ability to build a better digital future.  “Let's re-decentralize the Internet so that we put people back in charge.” - Frank McCourtFollow Frank on LinkedIn Buy “Our Biggest Fight” here Learn more about Project Liberty Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Corporate Counsel at Google, Kat Mauler, sits down with Niki in the Tech'ed Up studio to talk about what's moving fast in tech news. They break down big legislative moves in Congress with the expansion of FISA Section 702 adding extra surveillance remit to the US government, the TikTok divestiture bill dominating the headlines - and why it's not a ban, and critique the moves of the new Boston Dynamics Atlas robot. “I had really thought that one of the most enduring takeaways from our last administration and the presidency would be a distrust for executive power. To see an expansion of executive power is really interesting in this moment. ” - Kat MaulerFollow Kat on LinkedIn Catch up on the Bloomberg TikTok coverageLearn more about FISA extension in the NYTWatch the new Atlas Robot debut video Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

The CEO and Founder of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, Imran Ahmed, joins Niki in the studio to talk about what his recent win against Elon Musk means for the proliferation of hate speech online. He and Niki debate who has moral responsibility for online hate but both agree the current climate is untenable.“CCDH advocates a market regulatory solution to a market regulatory failure.” -Imran AhmedFollow Imran on Twitter Learn more about the CCDH Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Corporate Counsel at Google, Kat Mauler, joins Niki for a D.C. insider take on the latest tech headlines. They talk AI's insatiable appetite for data and the landmark bipartisan data privacy bill making waves this week. Added bonus, zombie attacks in the Terms & Conditions and the sad trombone sounds of Amazon's “Just Walk Out” tech. “You always want tech to move ahead of regulators. If tech moved at the speed of government, we would be much less competitive.” - Kat MaulerFollow Kat on LinkedIn Read The Verge article on AI and copyright laws Learn more about the American Data Privacy bill in the WaPo  Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

SVP of Marketing and Public Affairs at Uber, Jill Hazelbaker, shares lessons learned from her career at the comms helm of John McCain's presidential campaign, to jumping in head-first at Google, to what keeps her engaged and energized at Uber.  “...most companies get a honeymoon period, and you would be very wise to use it to think about those arguments and think about your allies…” -Jill HazelbakerFollow Jill on LinkedInCheck out the Uber NewsroomLearn more about The Lab School Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Founder and CEO of the Chamber of Progress, Adam Kovacevich, joins Niki for a rapid-fire take on the latest tech headlines. They dive into the latest Big Tech anti-trust litigation and have a candid talk about childhood in the smartphone era. “Apple hasn't done anything in the U.S. differently than in Europe. So it's peculiarly American that we've ended up in this situation.” - Adam KovacevichLearn more about Chamber of ProgressRead the NY Times take on the Apple monopoly case Listen to The Atlantic podcast on Smartphones and Teen Mental HealthFollow Adam on LinkedIn  Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Head of Strategy at The Future US, Evan Burfield, joins Niki with an update on how hacking the regulatory environment for start-ups has changed over the last few years. They take a deep dive into minerals and bioeconomy tech, talk human brain interfaces, and how building coalitions is essential to being strategic in approaching Washington. “The Department of Defense can be an incredibly useful partner to a wide range of startups.” -Evan BurfieldFollow Evan on LinkedInLearn more about The Future USListen to Regulatory Hacking Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Founder and CEO of the Chamber of Progress, Adam Kovacevich, joins Niki for a rapid-fire take on the latest tech headlines. They talk about TikTok's headache in Washington, Europe's misguided Digital Markets Act, and the state of play in Congress. “Even if this bill founders this year, the issue doesn't go away, right? That's the thing. The issue never goes away. There's no path really for TikTok to be a successful app in this country long-term and still be owned by ByteDance.” - Adam KovacevichLearn more about Chamber of ProgressBBC article on TikTok's approach to D.C.ITIF analysis of the Digital Markets ActFollow Adam on LinkedIn Learn more at www.techedup.com Follow us on InstagramCheck out video on YoutubeFollow Niki on LinkedIn Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Puck reporter Teddy Schleifer pulls back the curtain on tech billionaires and political contributions.  He and Niki look into the money and influence wielded by Silicon Valley titans over the presidential campaign. They talk about effective altruists, the “red-pilling” of Silicon Valley, and why tech donations to third-party candidates will continue to make things interesting this election season. “We write about these donor advisors not because it's necessarily the juiciest stuff in the world, but [because] I think it tells you that this person is going to be spending 10 million plus a cycle.” -Teddy SchleiferFollow Teddy on TwitterSubscribe to PuckRead Teddy's Newsletter Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Steer PR partner Lauren Tomlinson joins Niki for the second installment of Beyond the Buzz, the bi-weekly series of Tech'ed Up that digs into the comms, tech, and DC news creating headlines. They talk “Spamoflauge”, Gemini, and Chat GPT. Subscribe to the BLUF newsletterRead the Forbes articleRead the Washington Post articleRead the NY Times articleFollow Lauren on LinkedIn  Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Head of Global Communications and Marketing at DeepMind, Dex Hunter-Torricke, joins Niki in the studio to inject some optimism and hope into the doom n' gloom AI conversations dominating the airwaves. He highlights exponentially innovative developments at the Google subsidiary like AlhpaFold, scientific discoveries of new crystals and minerals, and AI-improved weather forecasting - all of which feeds his optimism for the future of tech. “AI is just opening up such extraordinary new possibilities for us in this century. So, I think it's actually hard, once you understand where the technology is going, not to be an optimist.” -Dex Hunter-Torricke Watch Dex's TED talkFollow Dex on LinkedIn Listen to  the DeepMind Podcast Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Steer PR partner Lauren Tomlinson joins Niki for the first installment of Beyond the Buzz, the bi-weekly series of Tech'ed Up that digs into the comms, tech, and DC news creating headlines.  They swap hot takes on “jargon monoxide” when it comes to corporate layoffs, the new space race for AI-augmented satellite surveillance, and the Swifties' impact on Super Bowl advertising. “...people are talking about [faster data processing in space] in the national security community a ton because obviously, that intelligence will be invaluable, but it's just as applicable across tech.” -Lauren TomlinsonSubscribe to the BLUF newsletterFortune ArticleForeign Affairs ArticleSuperbowl Ads Follow Lauren on LinkedIn  Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Spotify's Head of Content Partnerships, Jordan Newman, joins Niki remotely to celebrate Tech'ed Up going weekly and to share podcasting tips and tricks. This episode is a great listen for anyone who has thought they might want to join the ever-growing community of podcasters. Jordan also offers his take on what he thinks the impact of AI will be on the industry.“...podcasting is one of the few mediums that we have left that is really focused on long-form versus short-form.” -Jordan NewmanFollow Jordan on LinkedInWatch the Spotify Podcasting Masterclass VideosSpotify on Instagram Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

DC-based AI policy and governance expert, Chloe Autio, joins Niki in the studio to break down the state of play in Washington for AI regulations this year. They explore AI's PR challenge, talk about the awkward optics of recent Congressional briefings, and Chloe explains why the term “artificial intelligence” conceals more than it reveals.  “It really should be more about not whether or not AI is going to take your job, but whether or not someone who uses and knows how to use AI will replace your job.” - Chloe AutioSign up for a class with Chloe at the Future of Privacy ForumFollow Chloe on LinkedIn  Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

What's happening on the frontlines of tech? Tune in to Tech'ed Up for zippy conversations about emerging technology hosted by industry veteran Niki Christoff.From the C-Suite and Capitol Hill to AI and crypto, quantum computing to the decentralized internet, Niki breaks down the trends in tech to help savvy listeners get even smarter. Guests include experts, enthusiasts, regulators, policymakers, CEOs, and reporters. Listen here or anywhere you get your podcasts to learn more from Niki and guests like SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, SeedAI Founder & President Austin Carson, Bloomberg podcast host & NY Times best-selling author Ashlee Vance, and Stellar Foundation CEO Denelle Dixon. New episodes premiere bi-weekly on Thursdays. Subscribe for the latest episode on YouTube, follow on Instagram, or listen on your podcast app of choice.  Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Managing Director at Rock Creek Global Advisors, Matt Swinehart, joins Niki in the studio to talk fintech and the future fate of the USD. Matt previews why alternatives to the US Dollar will be a hot topic globally in 2024, how the Libra project still impacts the way regulators are thinking about crypto, and shares his take on why the EU approaches tech regulation differently than the US. Niki shares her take on Bitcoin and what might have been and Matt forecasts the state of play for regulation with AI in fintech. “There is no world, I think, in which crypto will ever be dead. Even when it comes to things like unbacked crypto, there is such momentum in the market that the goal of regulators is not to reduce that activity to zero.”  - Matt SwinehartFollow Matt on LinkedIn  Learn more about Rock Creek Global Advisors  Learn More at www.techedup.com Follow us on Instagram Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Meghan Joyce, Co-Founder and CEO of AI startup Duckbill, joins Niki in the latest installment of our Profiles in Tech Series. She shares insights from her unconventional career path from the Treasury Department to raising venture capital for an early-stage Boston tech company with stops along the way at Bain Capital, Uber, and Oscar Healthcare. Niki and Meghan share their optimism for the incredible opportunities AI offers both businesses and consumers. “What's so exciting as an entrepreneur in this space is the playing field is still wide open. It's not clear what the winning business model is going to be, where the clearest product market fit is, and that creates enormous potential. And I wouldn't be surprised if we see some many cycles of boom and bust here and a transformation of how we all think about AI.” -Meghan JoyceFollow Meghan on LinkedInLearn more about Duckbill Try out Duckbill as a friend of the pod for one month free Follow Niki on LinkedInwww.techedup.com

Bruce Mehlman, founder of Mehlman Consulting, a bi-partisan lobbying juggernaut in Washington, DC, joins Niki in the studio to share his thoughts on 2023 and tech. They have a spirited conversation about politics, progress, and the state of play for tech regulation that touches on AI, tech's impact on polling, and social media. “AI's existence doesn't mean, okay, now we're all going to settle all those old hard things…it's not endemic to some kind of Washington dysfunction that we haven't solved it. It's that hard things are hard.” -Bruce MehlmanFollow Bruce on XDive into the infographicsBruce recommends subscribing to StratecheryFollow Niki on LinkedInwww.techedup.com

Assistant Director of the CIA for the Transnational and Technology Mission Center, Sheetal Patel, joins Niki in the studio to talk about how important tech is to their mission, partnerships with the private sector, and why they are actively recruiting technologists. This episode looks back at technology that the CIA helped bring to our everyday lives and looks forward to the impact of AI.  Follow Sheetal on LinkedInCareers at the CIAFollow Niki on LinkedIn

CEO of Project Liberty, Martina Larkin, joins Niki remotely in the studio to talk about the non-profit's hope for the future of the internet. They take a deep dive into data, decentralization, and how DSNP gives power back to the user. Niki makes the case for a digital backpack or ID and Martina shares how researchers, NGOs, and tech can partner together to make the next generation of the web safer for all. Follow Martina on LinkedInLearn more about MeWeFind out more at Project LibertyFollow Niki on LinkedIn

New York Times reporter and host of the popular podcast Hard Fork, Kevin Roose, joins Niki remotely to talk all things AI and why he's a “sub-optomist” when it comes to how this latest tech revolution will impact our future. He shares some tips from his book, Futureproof, about how to be resilient in the age of AI in the workplace. Turns out being more human is the answer because you just can't out-hustle a machine. Follow Kevin on TwitterCheck out Hard ForkListen to Rabbit Hole Read Kevin's NYT articleFollow Niki on LinkedIn

Laura Dooley,  Head of Global Government Relations at StubHub, sits down with Niki in the studio to talk about the tech behind ticket pricing, why competition in the ticketing industry is so important for consumers, and highlights some smart and reasonable paths for policy solutions that will empower consumers and fans.Follow Laura on LinkedIn Careers at StubHub Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Niki is joined by Penny Lee, President & CEO of the Financial Technology Association and Amena Ross, Head of Global Policy at CashApp for a fintech coffee klatch: What's brewing in DC for fintech? They have a lively conversation about open banking, the fate of the CFPB, and data privacy. Amena explains why screen scraping is a good thing and Penny makes the case for keeping America in the lead when it comes to fintech regulation. Follow Penny on LinkedInLearn more about the FTAFollow Amena on LinkedInLearn more about BlockFollow Niki on LinkedIn

Niki looks back at the last two years of Tech'ed Up and shares some of her favorite moments from the podcast.  This episode highlights engaging clips from episodes featuring Bloomberg reporter Ashlee Vance, US presidential candidate and former Congressman Will Hurd, Washingtonian Tech Titan 2023 Amy Gilliland of GDIT, Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), Denelle Dixon, CEO of the Stellar Development Foundation, and many more.  Listen in as Niki and guests explore all things tech: covering emerging technology from AI to crypto, speculating about government regulation, and geeking out about the future of tech in general. Check out Tech'ed Up on YouTubeFollow Niki on LinkedInLearn more about where we record at Switch & Board

Senior Director of Policy at Reddit, Jessica Ashooh, joins Niki remotely to talk about her non-traditional path to Silicon Valley - from earning a Ph.D. in International relations, to working in Abu Dhabi and at think tanks. They take a quick dive into how Reddit works, why its community is so passionate about governance, and, of course, talk cat subreddit threads. Follow Jessica on LinkedInExplore just a few of the many subreddit threads about cats:https://www.reddit.com/r/blackcats/ https://www.reddit.com/r/airplaneears/https://www.reddit.com/r/CatsStandingUp/ https://www.reddit.com/r/catsofukraine/Follow Niki on LinkedIn

CEO of Biofire, Kai Kloepfer, joins Niki remotely in the studio to talk smart guns. They explore the technology that helps make these guns a safer option for home protection, the unique challenges of developing deep tech hardware, and some sobering statistics that keep Kai and his team motivated to help with one small part of a major, uniquely American, public health epidemic.Follow Kai on TwitterLearn more about BiofireFollow Niki on LinkedIn

Former U.S. Treasury spokesperson, current SVP of Public Affairs at Clyde Group, and crypto commentator John Rizzo joins Niki in the studio to talk about the state of play of crypto. Is there a future for crypto in America or will unelected bureaucrats successfully push the industry overseas? They discuss the broader regulatory climate and how other emerging technology, such as AI, could find itself in a similar deathmatch in Washington. Follow John on TwitterJohn recommends the SlowBoring SubstackLearn more about Clyde GroupRead John's Op-Eds on CoinDeskFollow Niki on LinkedIn

Axios reporter Ashley Gold joins Niki in the studio for a lighthearted conversation about what Big Tech should expect from Congress this year. They talk Federal Trade Commission dynamics, Ticketmaster drama, and foreign investments in the United States. Ashley shares her insights as the lead reporter for Axios' Pro Tech Policy newsletter: Who's interested and what's what? And Niki cracks wise about Taylor Swift, Vrbo, and TikTok (of course). Follow Ashley on TwitterLearn more about Axios ProFollow Niki on LinkedIn

Former Department of Homeland Security official, Paul Rosenzweig, joins Niki in the studio to share his thoughts on AI, hacking, and national security.  They dish some stories from the past and take a look to the future of big tech in China, talk AI hallucinations, and Paul shares his thoughts on what Congress should be doing to respond to the changing - and rapidly evolving - national security landscape.  Follow Paul on TwitterLearn more about  Red Branch ConsultingListen to Paul on The Federalist Society PodcastFollow Niki on LinkedIn

NY Times best-selling author, reporter, and host of Hello World, Ashlee Vance joins Niki to talk about the wild and wonderful characters driving the new space race. He shares stories from his new book ‘When the Heavens Went on Sale' and why he believes this new space gold rush will change life as we know it.  Follow Ashlee on TwitterCheck out Hello WorldBuy ‘When the Heavens Went on Sale' here Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Cyber defense expert, Matteo Tomasini, joins Niki on the podcast to shine a light into the deepest, darkest parts of the web. He explains the differences between the “Clearnet" aka the surface web, deep web, and the dark web. While we dive into the dangerous - and legitimate - motivations for anonymous web browsing, Matteo also provides helpful tips for protecting your own privacy online. Follow Matteo on TwitterLearn more about PrescientDiscover District4Labs Listen to the ‘Hunting Warhead' podcastFollow Niki on LinkedIn

CEO and co-founder of AudioShake, Jessica Powell, joins Niki remotely to talk AI and music. Her company created tech that has helped artists and fans alike since before we ever heard of a musical “deep fake.” In this episode, they chat karaoke, video game music, and Jessica breaks down what a stem is - as well as the creative impact AI will have on the music industry as we know it. Follow Jessica on TwitterLearn more about AudioShakeListen to this episode's playlistFollow Niki on LinkedIn

Washington-based litigator, Previn Warren, joins Niki in the studio to talk about his law firm's multi-district litigation against social media giants Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube. They discuss the growing epidemic of social media addiction among teens and tweens, and its impact on kids' mental health, their developing brains, and bodies. **This episode contains some serious subject matter including mentions of suicide, eating disorders, and violent sexual social media content.**Dove ad campaignFollow Previn on LinkedIn Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Denelle Dixon, CEO of the Stellar Foundation, joins Niki in the studio to talk about the real world, right-now positive use cases blockchain technology is having on the underbanked. They explore the work the foundation is doing with the UNHCR and IRC in Ukraine, their partnership with MoneyGram, and why you should care. Denelle shares some sage advice for the industry on how to better communicate with regulators.  Learn more about the Stellar FoundationFollow Denelle on TwitterRemittance ResearchFollow Niki on LinkedIn

Head of Public Affairs for DeepMind, Dorothy Chou, is in Washington from London and joins Niki in the Tech'ed Up Studio to talk about the massive impact AI is already having on science, work, and the future of our economy. They cover the hard questions we all should be asking as this tech develops at breakneck speed, discuss the role of government in shaping this emerging tech, and highlight the importance of wrangling all kinds of people to shape the data and norms that underpin AI. Listen to the DeepMind PodcastRead “Chat GPT is a Blurry JPEG of the Web”Learn more about The Obsidian CollectionFollow Dorothy on Twitter Follow Niki on LinkedIn