Podcast appearances and mentions of Tom Izzo

Send us a textIn this heartfelt and high-impact episode recorded at Pax8 Beyond 2025, Joey Pinz sits down with Christopher Marquez of IronScales for a powerful conversation that blends vendor strategy, personal resilience, and community leadership.Christopher kicks off by sharing his goals for the week: learning from partners, improving services, and helping MSPs strengthen their security posture. He breaks down how IronScales uses adaptive AI to protect against phishing and email attacks, offering efficient deployment, automation, and education as part of their channel-first approach. MSPs benefit from tools like free email health checks, coaching support, and NFR licenses for internal use.But this episode goes beyond tech. Christopher opens up about his past struggle with alcohol abuse, the wake-up call from his doctor, and his journey to recovery and lasting wellness. He and Joey reflect on the power of discipline, coaching, and community in transforming both business and life.From pork green chili to partner enablement to self-awareness, this conversation is a rich mix of grit, gratitude, and growth — for anyone navigating the MSP space or a personal reset. 

Send us a textIn this flavorful and thoughtful conversation from Pax8 Beyond 2025, Joey Pinz sits down with Louis Bagdonas, a leader at Moovila, to explore how cooking, culture, and clarity shape both personal growth and project management in the MSP world.The episode opens with culinary banter — from turkey veal meatballs and single-source olive oil to Lithuanian heritage and the power of finishing what you start. But this isn't just about recipes — it's about how life in and out of the kitchen reveals the habits that lead to success.Louis shares Moovila's mission to help MSPs take control of project management before things go off the rails. He breaks down how MSPs can assess their internal readiness, define what a “project” really means, and avoid letting one person carry the entire load.The conversation shifts to family, discipline, and mindset — from Louis's decision to quit drinking, to making space for impact and balance. Whether you're managing projects or personal pivots, this episode is about owning your process and finding satisfaction in both the work and the results. 

Send us a textIn this high-impact conversation at Pax8 Beyond 2025, Joey Pinz sits down with Rob Rae, legendary MSP advocate and VP at Pax8, to talk about platforms, peer groups, and the pulse of the managed services community.Rob shares what sets Pax8 apart from traditional distributors — its MSP-only focus, commitment to partner success, and its evolution into a true marketplace, not just a catalog. He explains how the newly launched public storefronts allow MSPs to create digital buying experiences for end clients, and how Pax8's AI-powered recommendations are reshaping vendor discovery and security posture.The heart of the episode dives into community — from Rob's deep belief in peer groups and soft skill development, to how the post-pandemic MSP landscape has changed. He opens up about Pax8's internal billing transition and how staying responsive during disruption is an act of discipline.Rob also shares the emotional story of how a simple piece of advice transformed an MSP's business — a reminder of the long-term impact one voice can have. 

Send us a textIn this deep and forward-looking conversation, Joey Pinz sits down with Chris Day, founder of TopLeft and creator of IT Glue, to explore how technology, intention, and transparency intersect in leadership. Recorded live at Pax8 Beyond 2025, this episode is a must-listen for any MSP founder or operator navigating rapid scale, system chaos, and AI disruption.Chris shares what it was like to build IT Glue from scratch, how TopLeft was born from his own pain points in task management, and what he's learning as he transitions from building tools to building teams. He dives into the current AI landscape, unpacking what's real, what's fluff, and what MSPs actually need to be paying attention to.The conversation also turns personal: Chris discusses the pressure of past success, the challenge of staying grounded post-exit, and how transparency — in business models, client interactions, and personal growth — has become a guiding principle.Whether you're scaling a platform or scaling yourself, this episode delivers clarity, candor, and strategic foresight from one of the MSP industry's most influential builders. 

Send us a textIn this energetic and introspective episode recorded live at Pax8 Beyond 2025, Joey Pinz talks with Gene Kim, VP of Sales at Absolute, about what MSPs truly need from their security vendors — and how personal resilience echoes in business strategy.Gene opens with reflections on surfing at San Onofre State Beach, how the ocean provides a space for introspection, and how tracking progress — even in hobbies — helps him stay motivated. This passion for metrics carries into his work, where he supports MSPs navigating the challenges of brand visibility, cybersecurity threats, human capital gaps, and delivering operational excellence to SMB clients.The episode also explores Absolute's application persistence and resilience tools, which help MSPs ensure critical software stays active — even after catastrophic failures. With 600M+ devices already embedded at the BIOS level, Gene explains how Absolute provides continuity at a scale few can match.In a powerful moment, Joey shares his 120-pound weight loss journey, prompting Gene to reflect on how discipline, metrics, and mindset shape both personal and business transformations. 

Send us a textIn this thoughtful and grounded episode of Joey Pinz Discipline Conversations, Joey sits down with Ken Tripp of Netwrix to discuss the evolving challenges MSPs face — and how true partner-led collaboration can help solve them. Recorded live at Pax8 Beyond 2025, this conversation weaves cybersecurity, personal transformation, and the need for industry-wide unity.Ken explains how Netwrix helps MSPs secure and profit from Microsoft, especially in relation to Copilot rollouts, compliance obligations, and scaling client environments without adding technical overhead. He discusses the shared responsibility model and how Netwrix streamlines identity, permissions, and data classification through AI — reducing labor costs and delivering predictable value to MSPs managing dozens or hundreds of tenants.The conversation also turns personal: Ken shares his 120-pound weight loss journey following a major health scare and how discipline and routine helped him reshape his life. That same clarity, he says, is needed in the MSP space — not just from vendors, but through shared change and joint accountability across the ecosystem. 

Send us a textIn this wide-ranging episode of Joey Pinz Discipline Conversations, cybersecurity leader Joe Saunders of Check Point shares his journey—from Cuban cigars to global IT strategy. Recorded live at Pax8 Beyond 2025, this conversation blends personal passions with serious insights on cybersecurity, leadership, and AI.Joe kicks things off with a deep appreciation for cigars, explaining how a Cuban cigar gifted at a Pax8 event sparked his fascination. From flavor profiles to Connecticut Maduro wrappers, Joe uses the cigar world as a metaphor for personalization and nuance—something he also values in business relationships.The conversation shifts to Check Point's major Infinity Platform launch, a consolidated suite of AI-powered security tools designed to better serve MSPs and SMBs. Joe highlights the importance of MSP-focused features like multi-tenancy, API integrations, and compliance frameworks (SOC, ISO), all tailored for modern partner operations.He also reflects on the role of discipline and self-awareness in his own growth, echoing Joey's own health journey. Joe closes by inviting MSPs to visit the Check Point booth, try the platform with free licenses, and embrace AI-driven security innovation. 

Send us a textIn this candid and energizing conversation, Joey Pinz sits down with Ryan Ettridge, co-founder and CEO of CyberCert, for a deep dive into martial arts, cybersecurity, and the power of self-awareness. Recorded live at Pax8 Beyond 2025, the episode kicks off with a discussion on Ryan's lifelong relationship with martial arts, including earning multiple black belts, a serious neck injury, and how jiu-jitsu taught him humility, confidence, and long-term mindset.The conversation transitions to business as Ryan shares his vision for CyberCert and the global launch of the SMB 1001 certification standard. Tailored specifically for small and medium-sized businesses, this standard is designed to be MSP-led, making the managed service provider an essential part of the certification process. Cyber insurers recognize it, reducing friction and increasing trust for SMB clients.Ryan also opens up about his personal journey through burnout, executive coaching, and the realization that every leader must confront their internal fears. He's now building an AI executive coaching app to help others do the same.Whether you're an MSP, a cybersecurity pro, or someone chasing alignment in life and business — this episode is packed with strategy, storytelling, and substance. 

Send us a textIn this laid-back yet deeply insightful conversation recorded live at Pax8 Beyond 2025, Joey Pinz sits down with Charlie Tomeo, CRO of Rewst, to talk automation, community, and catching kingfish.Charlie shares how his love for fishing helps him reset from the startup grind, offering a rare glimpse into the human side of high-stakes leadership. But the conversation quickly dives into strategy as he explains how Rewstempowers MSPs to automate both the obvious (onboarding, offboarding, password resets) and the often-overlooked “high-hanging fruit” — tasks MSPs haven't automated because they've never done them at all.Rewst isn't just saving time — it's transforming automation into a revenue source and making MSPs indispensable to their clients. Charlie explains how their open canvas approach lets both beginners and tech artists build powerful, customized workflows.We also dig into how leadership is evolving, especially for younger tech teams. Charlie discusses mentorship, motivation, and the value of listening — whether on a Rewst open mic call or in the field with a fishing rod. 

Send us a textIn this energizing episode of Joey Pinz Discipline Conversations, Damo Vasudevan of SuperOps joins us from Pax8 Beyond 2025 to talk about AI, mindset, and meatless gains. From Mark Wahlberg-inspired fitness routines to building next-gen PSA/RMM tools, Damo reveals how discipline drives transformation — in both body and business.Damo shares his journey of sticking to a vegetarian diet while maintaining strength and balance, comparing it to the deliberate, incremental innovation behind SuperOps. With over 2,500 features shipped and a channel-focused roadmap, SuperOps is helping MSPs modernize operations, automate intelligently, and scale with confidence.The conversation dives deep into Pathfinder AI, SuperOps' AI engine that analyzes client data, identifies bottlenecks, and offers strategic recommendations to help MSPs grow. Damo also tackles MSP skepticism around AI, encouraging partners to embrace augmentation over replacement.If you're an MSP leader thinking about future-proofing your stack — and your habits — this episode delivers a motivating blend of technology and personal mastery. 

Send us a textIn this flavorful and focused episode of Joey Pinz Discipline Conversations, Tanya Alfonso — chef-trained tech executive and cybersecurity leader at Vicarious — joins us from Pax8 Beyond 2025 to talk about precision, process, and performance in the kitchen and in business.From her IBM days to knife skills in culinary school, Tanya shares how her love for cooking fuels her leadership style. Organization, attention to detail, and routine aren't just part of her home kitchen — they're baked into her approach to cybersecurity, MSP partnership, and life.At Vicarious, Tanya helps Managed Service Providers streamline vulnerability remediation, not just detection. She explains how Vicarious goes beyond patching to include patchless protection and scripting — essential in a landscape where 50% of threats won't have a patch available.We also dive into Tanya's take on discipline, mental focus, and personal joy. From 5:30 a.m. workouts to weekly fridge cleans, she shares how consistency fuels both her work-life balance and professional growth. 

Send us a textIn this dynamic episode from Pax8 Beyond 2025, Joey Pinz sits down with Pinar Ormeci, CEO of Timus Networks, for a refreshingly personal and strategic conversation about the future of MSP security—and the mindset shifts that fuel real change.From her love of Legos and pickleball to her experience shedding 120 pounds and redefining identity, Pinar shares how life outside of work deeply informs her leadership inside it. She opens up about her journey from enterprise sales to leading a fast-growth cybersecurity startup committed to replacing outdated VPNs with always-on encrypted access.Pinar explains how Timus Networks empowers MSPs by giving them back control of the network stack, improving client intimacy, and transforming security from a cost center into a growth enabler. She emphasizes the importance of listening to partners, iterating based on feedback, and showing up as a vendor that truly cares.This episode weaves together cybersecurity, mental clarity, and personal evolution—with humor, grit, and actionable insight. Whether you're building your business or building a 5,000-piece Lego set, Pinar shows why focus and flexibility are everything. 

Send us a textIn this soul-rich episode recorded live at Pax8 Beyond 2025, Joey Pinz welcomes Darrin Swan — a cybersecurity strategist, vinyl collector, and espresso aficionado — to explore the habits and mindsets that drive both personal clarity and professional performance.Darrin opens up about his nightly ritual of selecting vinyl records to guide his mindset the next morning, the art of mastering an Italian espresso machine, and how these moments of intentionality ripple into his leadership at Total Helps. He shares how setting the tone for the day—creatively and energetically—has shaped his approach to solving problems and leading high-performing teams.On the business side, the conversation gets tactical as Darrin lays out the MSP challenges he's tackling: client security, talent retention, and the need to move from reactive to proactive cybersecurity strategies. He also highlights how mid-market acceptance of MSPs is growing—and how partner trust, cultural transparency, and gamification are key to success in this next phase of growth.It's a unique blend of music, mindset, and cybersecurity that delivers both strategic insight and personal inspiration. 

Send us a textIn this candid and energizing episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Tom Harshbarger, cybersecurity leader at Red Sift, who shares how everything from Metallica concerts to chronic illness in his family has shaped his approach to leadership, health, and vendor strategy.Recorded live at Pax8 Beyond 2025, Tom reflects on cycling for mental clarity, building trust with MSPs, and the mission behind Red Sift — a company founded by the creators of Shazam to deliver misconfiguration remediation at scale. Their platform empowers MSPs to secure the attack surface while freeing up senior engineers — all while staying invisible to the end customer.Tom also discusses his own health and mindset journey, navigating caregiving for loved ones with POTS, and the mental reprogramming it took to prioritize self-care, sustainable work habits, and meaningful partnerships.From stories of seismic concerts to seismic shifts in MSP cybersecurity, this episode is both vulnerable and visionary — a must-listen for anyone working to scale without burning out. 

Send us a textIn this refreshingly candid episode of Joey Pinz Discipline Conversations, Joey sits down with Drew Schlussel, Director of Technical Product Marketing at Wasabi Technologies, to talk about simplifying cloud storage and scaling the right way. Recorded live at Pax8 Beyond 2025, this episode cuts through the jargon and gets to the core of what partners truly want: predictability, transparency, and performance that actually delivers.Drew breaks down Wasabi's flat-fee storage model, its refusal to charge for egress or API calls, and why they've ditched tiered pricing entirely. It's not just a technical decision — it's a cultural one. He dives into the psychology behind data usage, vendor relationships, and what it means to truly earn the trust of MSPs.The conversation also covers why Wasabi is doubling down on channel-only sales, how the company avoids fear-based marketing, and Drew's personal perspective on building tech brands that scale without selling out.If you're in the MSP space and tired of the nickel-and-dime model from traditional hyperscalers, this episode will feel like a much-needed reality check. 

Send us a textIn this candid and compelling episode from Pax8 Beyond 2025, Joey Pinz sits down with Rex Frank, VP of Academy at Pax8 and founder of C-Level. From classic Mustangs to modern AI strategies, Rex shares what it really takes to lead MSPs through their next transformation.Rex explains how agentic AI marks a turning point — as disruptive as the cloud, managed services, or the PC. He urges MSPs to stop waiting and start leading by becoming “customer zero” and mandating AI training within their orgs. But this episode isn't just about technology. It's about structure, mindset, and motion.Drawing on decades of coaching experience, Rex breaks down the “rule of 7,” the hidden costs of undertraining, and why scaling requires letting go of what once worked. He also shares his personal weight loss journey tied to climbing Mount Rainier — and why public goals, peer groups, and urgency drive real change.If you're leading an MSP and wrestling with growth, people, or purpose, this episode delivers rare insight and actionable guidance. 

Send us a textIn this inspiring episode recorded at Pax8 Beyond 2025, Joey Pinz sits down with Marco La Vecchia, a tech leader, cancer survivor, and co-founder of Produce 8 — the only digital work analytics platform purpose-built for MSPs. Marco shares how personal transformation and business evolution are deeply connected.Produce 8 offers something rare: easy-to-understand, aggregated data reports that allow MSPs to guide strategic client conversations. From unused licenses to AI impact metrics, their platform arms providers with the insights needed to go beyond break/fix and become true business partners.Marco also opens up about his health journey, the importance of mental clarity, and why driving his kids to school every day defines success more than any revenue goal. Whether he's DJing in his basement, building recurring revenue models, or helping MSPs scale, Marco shows what it means to lead with purpose and clarity. 

Send us a textIn this high-gear episode from Pax8 Beyond 2025, Joey Pinz speaks with Colin Britton, COO of Devicie, about everything from Formula One engineering to Microsoft Intune optimization for MSPs. Colin brings decades of experience scaling tech firms across the globe, and he breaks down how Devicie is helping MSPs finally extract full value from Microsoft 365 — especially Intune.Colin explains why MSPs face friction using Microsoft-native tools at scale and how Devicie's automation layer bridges the operational gaps Microsoft leaves open. If you're an MSP tired of jumping between tenants, manually configuring endpoints, or underutilizing Business Premium, this episode hits home.They also explore how AI is rapidly reshaping SMB agility, why consumption-based pricing could shake up business models, and how personal data (from Whoop bands to GitHub Copilot) is becoming a decision-making edge. 

Send us a textIn this deeply reflective episode recorded at Pax8 Beyond 2025, Joey Pinz chats with legal-tech leader, artist, and founder of Cloud Contracts 365, Kim Simmonds. From songwriting at the piano to transforming legal AI for MSPs, Kim opens up about the intersections of creativity, leadership, and transformation.The conversation begins in melody and moves into mission — how Kim's self-taught songwriting parallels her bold move to launch an AI-powered legal tool designed just for MSPs. She shares her views on the ethical risks of careless AI use (including lawyers being debarred for citing fake case law), and how her platform avoids hallucinations by not relying on LLMs.They explore differences between US and UK work culture, the undervaluation of MSP services in England, and why shifting from revenue-chasing to meaningful service is the ultimate mindset upgrade. 

Send us a textIn this episode recorded live at Pax8 Beyond 2025, Joey Pinz speaks with Shlomi Gian, a tech veteran driving the next chapter of email security with Inky. From anti-phishing to international expansion, Shlomi offers candid insight into how Inky is reshaping the MSP channel with a channel-only model and a coaching-first security approach.We cover Inky's evolution from an enterprise solution to a platform built exclusively for MSPs, leveraging AI, QR-code detection, and banner-based user feedback to block threats and educate users in real-time. Shlomi unpacks the “block and coach” model, Inky's proprietary LLM deployment, and why they run GenAI in-house for both privacy and cost control.He also shares his view on pricing transparency, vendor consolidation, and why MSPs should stop buying “50-cent security.” It's a conversation packed with real value for tech leaders navigating modern threats. 

Send us a textIn this action-packed episode, Joey Pinz sits down with cybersecurity executive and youth baseball coach Aaron Peterik, recorded live at Pax8 Beyond 2025. From the dugout to the datacenter, Aaron shares what coaching six-year-olds taught him about communication, patience — and how those same lessons apply to securing networks and running channel programs.The conversation kicks off with rule changes in Major League Baseball ⚾ and transitions to the state of youth sports today, emphasizing how multi-sport participation builds better athletes — and people. Aaron also shares sharp takes on parenting in youth leagues and how modern coaching is often hijacked by commercialization.But it doesn't stop there — we dive deep into Aaron's work at Zero Networks, a startup redefining MSP security with agentless micro-segmentation and MFA at the port level

Send us a textKathleen Lord shares a rare blend of personal grit and professional insight in this dynamic episode recorded live at Pax8 Beyond 2025. From her early passion for equestrian sports to her executive leadership at Zensai, we explore how personal connection, smart systems, and human-centric tech drive real change.Kathleen dives into the realities of horse training, animal instincts, and performance ethics before pivoting into Zensai's mission: helping MSPs deliver post-sale value with ease. Her team's LMS, deeply integrated with Microsoft Teams, offers an elegant solution to a messy problem — keeping end-users engaged and trained without draining MSP resources.We also unpack how AI is reshaping sales funnels and why human connection still matters most — whether in the saddle or the boardroom. 

Send us a textIn this thoughtful and grounded conversation recorded at Pax8 Beyond 2025, Joey Pinz sits down with Chance Weaver, a seasoned MSP veteran and executive at High Wire Networks, to unpack the intersection of growth, wellness, and sustainable leadership in tech.Chance shares his personal journey through multiple acquisitions, the burnout that followed, and how introspection and intentionality helped him realign with what really matters. They talk openly about the toll that tech leadership can take — especially in the fast-paced world of MSPs — and how High Wire's growth strategy aims to be bold without breaking people.This episode also explores the High Wire partner model, how they scale complex cybersecurity services like SOC-as-a-Service, and the importance of enabling MSPs to lead with their brand, not the vendor's. Chance emphasizes that the secret isn't more tools — it's more clarity.If you're running an MSP or leading a tech team, this episode will resonate. It's about listening to yourself, empowering your partners, and knowing when it's time to let go — or gear up again. 

Today on the show, we're talking about the Detroit Tigers, Michigan and Michigan State Athletics, Detroit Lions, and more as we were joined by some of our great guests. We kicked off the show talking about the Tigers as we were joined by Dan Hasty, who is the voice of the West Michigan Whitecaps. They talked about Clark, McGonigle, and Briceno being called up to AA Erie, talked about what this Tigers team is doing right, gave their thought's on if the Tigers can get to the World Series, and more. Jim Comparoni from SpartanMag.com then joined us to update us on MSU Athletics. He talked about some of the recruits that Jonathan Smith has brought it, talked about what J Batt has been doing since he started, and more. In our second hour, we were joined by Clayton Sayfie from theWolverine.com so he could update us on Michigan Athletics. He told us about what Sherrone Moore has been doing on the recruiting trail, talked about stand-outs on the team, updated us on what Dusty May has been doing in the off-season, and more. We were then joined by Tim Staudt from Staudt on Sports in Lansing. He gave us his thought's on how Jonathan Smith has been handling the off-season, he and Huge gave their thought's on who could replace Tom Izzo when the time comes, and more. In our final hour, we were joined by Nate Wangler who is one of the voices of the West Michigan Whitecaps. He and Huge talked about all of the movement happening in the Minor Leagues, talked about how great the development of players at the Major League level is, talked about the turnaround for this team, and much more. We were then joined by Jeremy Reisman from Pride of Detroit so he and Huge could look ahead to Spring Training for the Lions. They talked about what their expectations are for the Lions in the Hall of Fame game, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We were joined by Tim Staudt from Staudt on Sports in Lansing. He gave us his thought's on how Jonathan Smith has been handling the off-season, he and Huge gave their thought's on who could replace Tom Izzo when the time comes, and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our second hour, we were joined by Clayton Sayfie from theWolverine.com so he could update us on Michigan Athletics. He told us about what Sherrone Moore has been doing on the recruiting trail, talked about stand-outs on the team, updated us on what Dusty May has been doing in the off-season, and more. We were then joined by Tim Staudt from Staudt on Sports in Lansing. He gave us his thought's on how Jonathan Smith has been handling the off-season, he and Huge gave their thought's on who could replace Tom Izzo when the time comes, and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour three on this Monday of Hall of Fame Week has a nice little one-two punch. HC of The Michigan State Spartans, Tom Izzo joins first. Then, Smarty Jones, the Hall of Fame thoroughbred, wasn't available for interview so we go the next best thing! His trainer John Servis joins! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hall of Fame Week presented by Kentuckiana Friends of V and 5Iron Golf welcomes HOF Head Coach of The Spartans, Tom Izzo. Coach Izzo talks about the current state of college hoops, what he looks for in recruiting, a Jimmy V story, and more. Tune in! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textThis heartfelt and high-energy episode from Pax8 Beyond 2025, Joey Pinz speaks with Lorna Burman, a global MSP leader at YouSecure and proud horse owner of Malibu. From riding trails in the UK to leading compliance innovation across EMEA and APAC, Lorna blends courage, confidence, and care into everything she does.Lorna shares her journey of taking up horseback riding at age 42 — and how the adrenaline and peace of the trail helped fuel her leadership style. She opens up about managing remote teams, gathering real-time MSP feedback, and simplifying security and compliance through automation.This episode also explores the mental health benefits of being around animals, the importance of trust in business, and how her team's culture of honesty and rapid response has earned global respect. Whether it's avoiding complex pricing models or making clients feel heard, Lorna explains how empathy scales.If you care about people, process, and purpose — this conversation delivers both inspiration and actionable insight. 

Send us a textSmall businesses are under cyber siege—yet few are fully protected. In this compelling conversation from IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz sits down with Sarvesh Rao, the founder of Marma Security, to explore a massive untapped opportunity for Managed Service Providers (MSPs).

Send us a textHow do you lead 950 engineers and still make time for mechanical watches, family, and learning? In this thoughtful and energizing episode from IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz interviews David Raissipour, Chief Technology & Product Officer at ConnectWise.

Send us a textFrom the IDF to international MSP defense, David Chernitzky lives cybersecurity like it's a martial art.

Send us a textAre you chasing every alert but missing the point? In this dynamic episode from IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz interviews Mark Balovnev, CEO of Serisma, to explore the evolving cybersecurity challenges facing MSPs—and how to approach them with focus and clarity.

Send us a textFrom typewriters to cyber defense, Mike Estep has seen it all.

Send us a textFrom pulling network cables to helping MSPs plan their exits—Rayanne Buchianico's journey is one of purpose, perseverance, and transformation. In this inspiring episode from IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz speaks with Rayanne and fellow trailblazer Rhea about their paths into the MSP world and how they're driving change through specialized services and support.

Send us a textWhat do rock climbing and cybersecurity have in common? For Matthew Panizari, both demand strategy, grit, and constant reevaluation. In this powerful episode recorded at IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz explores Matthew's frontline experience in digital forensics and incident response.

Send us a textWhy fear compliance when it can fuel your growth? In this rich and revealing episode from IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz sits down with Ozzie Saeed, founder of IntelliGRC, to unpack why MSPs should stop dreading cybersecurity frameworks like CMMC—and start seeing them as strategic advantages.

Send us a textIs your cybersecurity vendor helping—or just selling? In this insightful conversation from IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz chats with Paul Lupo of Bitdefender about what it really takes to support Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in today's evolving threat landscape.

Send us a textCan cold plunges and clear values make you a better cybersecurity leader? In this introspective and energetic episode from IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz speaks with Joel Cahill—Wall Street veteran, father, and founder of Infima—to explore personal growth, MSP success, and how simplicity and service win in cybersecurity.

Send us a textWhat happens when you combine a cybersecurity expert with a volunteer fire chief? You get Tim Weber.

Send us a textRowing champion turned MSP payment expert? Meet Tanner Cookson.

Send us a textWhen a cybersecurity CEO says, “Get used to discomfort,” you listen. In this action-packed episode from IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz welcomes Matt Holland—founder and CEO of FieldEffect—to talk strategy, growth, fitness, and the future of MSP security partnerships.

Send us a textWould you board a flight if the pilot landed safely only 99.5% of the time? Ricardo Villadiego wouldn't—and he applies that same mindset to cybersecurity. In this high-impact episode from IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz talks with Ricardo, founder of Lumu, about precision, preparation, and protecting MSPs from EDR evasion and network breaches.✈️ Drawing parallels between aviation and cybersecurity, Ricardo shares how checklists, training, and feedback loops apply to both flying planes and defending networks. He recalls lessons from the Miracle on the Hudson and explains why being “left of boom” isn't optional—it's essential.

Send us a textDo MSPs hire salespeople too early? Jamie Williams thinks so—and in this engaging and energizing episode from IT Nation Secure 2025, Joey Pinz and Jamie break down the true difference between sales and marketing, the evolving MSP landscape, and the power of routine in life and business.

Send us a textIn this lively and eye-opening episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Jordan Trowbridge—an avid reptile rescuer and passionate wildlife advocate—to explore the urgent environmental challenges facing Florida. From invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades to the unintended damage caused by domestic cats and manicured lawns, Jordan dives deep into what's hurting Florida's biodiversity—and how everyday people can help.The conversation spans topics like responsible pet ownership, the power of native plants, and why zoos still matter for global conservation awareness. Jordan shares personal stories of rescuing snakes, keeping exotic lizards, and growing up catching frogs and turtles in Florida creeks.He also offers practical advice on vetting reptile care, coexisting safely with alligators, and reducing the impact of chemicals on pollinators. With humor, knowledge, and a clear love for the natural world, Jordan makes a compelling case that the path to a better planet starts with individual action. ✅ Top 3 Highlights:

Send us a textIn this deeply moving episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Ray Bezarez, a Navy veteran, former associate pastor, and passionate people-helper, to explore a life marked by faith, hardship, healing, and hope. From scrubbing urinals in the Navy to building churches and comforting widows, Ray's journey is a masterclass in humility and leadership.Ray shares the impact of grief after losing his wife—the love of his life—and how years of pain eventually gave way to healing through scripture and service. His reflections on pastoral leadership are powerful, revealing what true spiritual guidance looks like. He also opens up about his own struggles with weight and smoking, and how he's working toward renewed health and purpose.But this episode isn't all serious. Ray—aka "Old Wolf"—also shares how playing Call of Duty connects him to younger generations and keeps his reflexes sharp. It's an honest, inspiring, and often humorous look at what it means to keep growing, no matter your age or past. ✅ Top 3 Highlights:

Send us a textIn this impactful conversation recorded live at the Winthrop Market, Joey Pinz interviews Charles Jacobs—a 70-year-old veteran, mentor, and creator of a system he calls the “Line of Transition.” Developed during his military years and refined through mentorship with local youth, this framework helps guide people through key life stages—from finishing high school to choosing college, Job Corps, military service, or independence.Charles shares how this life-mapping strategy has helped countless teens and young adults navigate complex decisions, especially those without mentorship at home. He recounts how he distributed hand-drawn GPA and goal charts to groups of kids in Brandon and how decades later, some still knock on his door asking for them.With sharp insights on responsibility, social structure, and staying active in aging, Charles speaks to the power of purpose. His personal battles—including surviving cancer—add emotional weight to his belief that independence, positivity, and self-discipline are key ingredients for long-term success. ✅ Top 3 Highlights:

Send us a textIn this enriching episode, Joey Pinz meets Russell Graham, a 76-year-old fragrance entrepreneur and teacher of self-discipline. Their conversation, held at the Winthrop Market, dives into more than just scent—it explores the power of mindset, personal growth, and community upliftment.Russell traces his aromatic journey back to the incense-rich days of the 1960s, sharing how smell became both his business and his method for connecting with people. He believes the right fragrance can change how others see you—and more importantly, how you see yourself.But there's more to Russell's story. He's also an educator who teaches classes on self-discipline and anger management, especially for those within the prison industrial complex. With a master's degree earned at age 60 (summa cum laude), Russell proves that personal reinvention has no age limit. His motivation? Life—and his 19 grandchildren.Whether it's how to choose the right scent or how to stay out of trouble, Russell brings wisdom, humility, and focus to every topic. ✅ Top 3 Highlights:

Send us a textStruggling to sell while managing tech? You're not alone. In this episode of Joey Pinz Conversations, we talk with startup founder and product visionary Jean Templin live from ConnectWise IT Nation Secure 2025. Jean dives into the very real sales challenges faced by MSPs and how AI-driven real-time coaching is transforming the conversation—literally.

Send us a textWhat if the future of storytelling wasn't passive—but fully immersive, interactive, and built by communities? In this mind-expanding episode, Joey Pinz dives deep into the metaverse with Athena Demos—co-founder and CEO of Big Rock Creative (BRC), the award-winning XR company behind BRCvr, Breonna's Garden, and the groundbreaking new BurnerSphere platform.Athena shares how immersive XR is reshaping art, activism, therapy, and human connection—from military haptics and PTSD healing to 360º Burning Man experiences that blend digital with dust.