Podcasts about UL

Angela C. Williams is the SVP, Global Chief Information Security Officer at UL. In this episode, she joins host Heather Engel and Tia Hopkins, Chief Cyber Resilience Officer and Field CTO at eSentire, to discuss communicating with the board, including cyber resilience, related misconceptions, and more. Next Level CISO is a Cybercrime Magazine podcast brought to you by eSentire, the Authority in Managed Detection and Response. eSentire's mission is to hunt, investigate and stop cyber threats before they become business disrupting events. To learn more about our sponsor, visit https://esentire.com

Learn about adventure trekking with "Walks of the World" author and adventurer, Gail Perry! In this episode, Gail gives us insight on why these shorter treks are great - especially for those hikers who don't have 4-6 months for a full thru-hike. This is especially helpful for experienced hikers who can't get back on trail in their current phase of life (hello kids, mortgages, and jobs!). This is also great information and inspiration for hikers just getting into multi-day hikes and backpacking trips.In this episode, you'll learn about:1. What hut-to-hut or "adventure trekking" actually is & why it's great for hikers who are short on time2. The gear you'll need (hello UL!)3. Her top adventure treks around the world (and some overlap with trails you've heard of before)4. How "Rails To Trails" can come into play, & more!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you'd like to watch this video, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠apply for our Trail Family membership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and can find all of our podcast interviews in the Video Library after approval.Applicable Links:San Juan Huts (Sneffels Traverse)Arctic Adventures (Laugavegur Trail)Rails To Trails ConservancyFollow The CaminoConnect & follow along with Gail:Walks Of The World 2025 CalendarWalks Of The World 2026 CalendarGail Perry Treks Website⁠⁠⁠⁠InstagramYouTubeTikTokDid you love this episode? If so, please help fellow hikers find the show by following, rating, and reviewing the podcast on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!Connect With Us:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join The Trail Family⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠THRU-r Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠THRU-r Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠THRU-r TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠THRU-r Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠THRU-r Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠THRU-r Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cheer's YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cheer's Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode was brought to you by ToughCutie! You can enjoy a 15% off discount ⁠using this website link⁠, and using the code "THRU-r" at checkout.Episode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis

“If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you'll work until you die.” That’s a bit of advice from Warren Buffet, "The Oracle of Omaha" and perhaps the world’s most successful investor. For most, it’s a dream. But for Drake Bajat it’s a personal philosophy and throughline in his serial entrepreneurship. Today, Drake owns Restoration One, a Lafayette-based company specializing in water, mold, fire damage, and biohazard cleanup. But he’s also operated a successful tax and accounting firm, owned a paint contracting company, and spent years in the oil and gas industry as a landman. He did well enough but wanted a business of his own that would give him control over his own time and money. He bought a Restoration One franchise after doing some market research. The company has four employees and averages about five jobs each week. While Drake is focused on making money while he sleeps, Whitney Lange is busy making money where others sleep—designing bedrooms, kitchens, and entire interiors that clients dream of. Whitney is the owner of DBR Designs, a full-service interior design firm in Lafayette. Whitney grew up inspired by home décor shows on HGTV and turned that passion into a thriving career. After earning her interior design degree from UL and working in local design and staging companies, Whitney purchased DBR Designs in 2023. She also owns House Dressings, Lafayette’s only dedicated home staging company. Whitney and her team offer detailed and personalized designs, handling everything from initial consultations to the finishing touches that make spaces feel like home. Out to Lunch Acadiana was recorded live over lunch at Tsunami Sushi in downtown Lafayette. You can find photos from this show by Giada Morgan at itsacadiana.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I welcome Promod Sharma & Jeevan Sharma to the show to discuss the immediate financing arrangement (IFA).Promod (actuary) & Jeevan (CFP) specialize in helping high-net-worth individuals & tackling their unique situations beyond basic insurance coverage. Discussion Points:What is an IFA? (2:17)Whole life (WL) vs Universal life (UL) - which is more suitable for an IFA? (3:41)What is the cash surrender value (CSW)? (7:35)How can policies be structured to allow for IFAs...Important (9:30)Who could benefit from an IFA? (16:55)IFA mechanism: - policy as collateral (23:23)- how large can the loan be? (24:42)- lenders (26:32)- personal vs corporate loans (27:57)- loan rates (30:58)- guarantee fees (31:35)Does IFA impact policy growth? (33:34)Using policy as collateral vs directly borrowing from the policy (34:20)How are IFAs tax efficient? (36:34)Loophole? (42:34)Fees (44:55)Ways to pay off the loan (45:44)Permanent life & IFA checklist - Important (46:25)When not to pursue an IFA (50:56)IFA risks (53:09)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This episode features Arya EHR - https://www.aryaehr.com/**I endorse only products/services I personally use or would use. Any income generated offsets the costs of running this podcastPromod Sharma & Jeevan Sharma:https://taxevity.com/ps@taxevity.comjs@taxevity.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/promod/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeevanksharma/Yatin Chadha:Email: beyondmdpodcast@gmail.com LinkedIn: Yatin Chadha

Alfred Belding targeted his wife's family with murderous rampage, shot at his young son, and tried to claim “temporary insanity.” It didn't work ... and neither did his crackpot plan for a prison break. (Portland, Multnomah County; 1900s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1804e.UL-alfred-belding-murderer-493.html)

➡ Get full visibility, risk insights, red teaming, and governance for your AI models, AI agents, RAGs, and more—so you can securely deploy AI powered applications with ul.live/mend In this episode, I speak with Bar-El Tayouri, Head of AI Security at Mend.io, about the rapidly evolving landscape of application and AI security—especially as multi-agent systems and fuzzy interfaces redefine the attack surface. We talk about: • Modern AppSec Meets AI Agents How traditional AppSec falls short when it comes to AI-era components like agents, MCP servers, system prompts, and model artifacts—and why security now depends on mapping, monitoring, and understanding this entire stack. • Threat Discovery, Simulation, and Mitigation How Mend’s AI security suite identifies unknown AI usage across an org, simulates dynamic attacks (like prompt injection via PDFs), and provides developers with precise, in-code guidance to reduce risk without slowing innovation. • Why We’re Rethinking Identity, Risk, and GovernanceWhy securing AI systems isn’t just about new threats—it’s about re-implementing old lessons: identity access, separation of duties, and system modeling. And why every CISO needs to integrate security into the dev workflow instead of relying on blunt-force blocking. Subscribe to the newsletter at:https://danielmiessler.com/subscribe Join the UL community at:https://danielmiessler.com/upgrade Follow on X:https://x.com/danielmiessler Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmiessler Chapters: 00:00 - From Game Hacking to AI Security: Barel’s Tech Journey03:51 - Why Application Security Is Still the Most Exciting Challenge04:39 - The Real AppSec Bottleneck: Prioritization, Not Detection06:25 - Explosive Growth of AI Components Inside Applications12:48 - Why MCP Servers Are a Massive Blind Spot in AI Security15:02 - Guardrails Aren’t Keeping Up With Agent Power16:15 - Why AI Security Is Maturing Faster Than Previous Tech Waves20:59 - Traditional AppSec Tools Can’t Handle AI Risk Detection26:01 - How Mend Maps, Discovers, and Simulates AI Threats34:02 - What Ideal Customers Ask For When Securing AI38:01 - Beyond Guardrails: Mend’s Guide Rails for In-Code Mitigation41:49 - Multi-Agent Systems Are the Next Security Nightmare45:47 - Final Advice for CISOs: Enable, Don’t Disable DevelopersBecome a Member: https://danielmiessler.com/upgradeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Emergencies don't wait—neither should you.” —Dave Beagle, Ooma In a time-sensitive and information-rich conversation, Doug Green, publisher of Technology Reseller News, sat down with Dave Beagle of Ooma to discuss the urgent need for businesses to migrate away from traditional copper POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines. Beagle delivered a compelling presentation centered around Ooma's Airdial solution, which is specifically engineered to support mission-critical applications like fire and life safety systems. The discussion highlighted a ticking clock: with AT&T aiming to sunset all copper lines by 2029—and over 10 million POTS lines still active—resellers and IT advisors are faced with a once-in-a-generation opportunity. “That means replacing over 8,500 lines a day, starting now,” said Beagle. “It's time for partners to act.” Ooma Airdial stands out in the growing “POTS-in-a-box” market for several reasons: Purpose-Built for Fire Life Safety: Unlike competitors that cobble together multiple technologies, Airdial is a vertically integrated solution—built by Ooma from the ground up for environments like elevators, fire panels, and emergency call systems. MultiPath Transport (MPT): Ooma's patented, active-active voice transmission over LTE and Ethernet ensures emergency calls remain connected without failover delays. Compliance and Visibility: Airdial supports NFPA 72, UL certifications, and PCI/HIPAA regulations, with device-level management available via a robust Remote Device Manager portal. Award-Winning Technology: Airdial has earned accolades from Elevator World, Internet Telephony, FacilitiesNet, and Frost & Sullivan for innovation and reliability. Beagle also underscored how rising costs and decommissioning notices—often buried in telecom bills—are already impacting organizations. In one case, a $100 POTS line was suddenly billed at $1,000 due to a rate hike buried in the fine print. “That's $25,000 in exposure over two months—money that could've gone to laptops in a school district or medical equipment in a hospital,” said Beagle. Airdial's design reflects real-world installation challenges: from basement deployment and signal optimization to asset management and E911 location accuracy. Even the power cord has a locking mechanism to prevent accidental shutdown. “We control the hardware, the software, and the supply chain,” Beagle said. “We believe that's why so many resellers and channel partners are choosing Airdial—and why many who started with other solutions are switching to Ooma.” To learn more, visit ooma.com/airdial.

Louisville AD Josh Heird stopped by the Deener Show to discuss all things UL, Derby, and thoughts on potentially moving up the Louisville-Kentucky gameSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague welcomes back Evan Upshur from CPS America for a discussion on the latest innovations in solar inverter technology. Evan shares why CPS America continues to be a leader in the solar industry with their reliable, versatile products and exceptional customer service.Evan emphasizes the importance of versatility in their product line, particularly highlighting their 100kW 480V inverter and new 200kW model with a centralized wire box. These solutions are especially valuable for the rapidly growing community solar market, where seamless integration with utility-provided 480V transformers eliminates redundancy and simplifies installation. The conversation explores how CPS's research and development team focuses on refining proven technology while incorporating innovations that make solar systems more efficient and easier to build.Beyond just hardware, Evan discusses how CPS America's commitment to customer service, readily available UL-listed products, and efficient supply chain have contributed to their success. With expanding capabilities including AC combiners, medium voltage transformers, and energy storage solutions, CPS now offers comprehensive DC to AC conversion for both energy storage and PV applications. Whether you're a solar developer, installer, or industry professional, this episode provides valuable insights into what makes CPS America a trusted partner for solar projects of all sizes. Tune in to learn how versatility in design and application is driving the next generation of solar technology.Connect with Evan UpshurEvan UpshurCPS America Support the showConnect with Tim Clean Power Hour Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com Review Clean Power Hour on Apple PodcastsThe Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America's number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

In this episode with Karen McCreesh, we explore shoulder pain and what patients really want. We discuss:The mismatch between what patients want and what clinicians think they needRole of pain and how to explain this to patientsRole of group exercise for those not improving with individual exercisesProf McCreesh is an experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapy educator, researcher, clinician, and sonographer. She is a Professor in Physiotherapy at the School of Allied Health at the University of Limerick, Ireland. She has an extensive track record in shoulder pain research, with a multitude of peer reviewed publications in leading journals. She has been awarded over €1.7m in research funding and leads a team of 3 PhD and 2 post doctoral researchers within the Health Research Institute at UL.If you like the podcast, it would mean the world if you're happy to leave us a rating or a review. It really helps!Our host is @James_Armstrong_Physio from Physio Network

In this episode, I break down what I believe is the emerging structure of the AI-powered world we're all building—consciously or not. I call it the “Four A’s”: Assistants, APIs, Agents, and Augmented Reality. This framework helps make sense of recent developments and where it’s all headed. I talk about: 1. Digital Assistants That Understand and Optimize Your LifeYour DA (like “Kai”) will know your goals, preferences, health, schedule, and context—and proactively optimize your day, from filtering messages to planning meals or surfacing relevant information in real time. 2. APIs and the Real Internet of ThingsEverything becomes an API—from businesses to people to physical objects. Your assistant interacts with these APIs to act on your behalf, turning the world into a navigable ecosystem of services, tools, and resources. 3. Agents and AR Bringing It All TogetherAgents act autonomously to complete multi-step goals, and AR glasses will display their outputs contextually as you move through the world. These systems will collaborate, search, and act—quietly transforming how we live, work, and perceive reality. Subscribe to the newsletter at:https://danielmiessler.com/subscribe Join the UL community at:https://danielmiessler.com/upgrade Follow on X:https://x.com/danielmiessler Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmiessler See you in the next one! Chapters: 00:00 - The AI Ecosystem We’re Building Without Realizing It01:33 - Assistant: Your Most Powerful Digital Companion03:08 - APIs: How DAs Interact with the World07:54 - Agents: The Step Beyond Automation11:00 - Augmented Reality: The Interface Layer of the AI Ecosystem14:20 - Combining APIs, Agents, and UI for Real-Time Situational Awareness17:17 - Summary: A Unified Ecosystem Driven by the Four A’s23:36 - Industry Trends: How Companies Like OpenAI, Apple, and Meta Fit In25:11 - Final Thoughts on Timelines, Winners, and Interpreting AI NewsBecome a Member: https://danielmiessler.com/upgradeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I walk through a Fabric Pattern that assesses how well a given model does on a task relative to humans. This system uses your smartest AI model to evaluate the performance of other AIs—by scoring them across a range of tasks and comparing them to human intelligence levels. I talk about: 1. Using One AI to Evaluate AnotherThe core idea is simple: use your most capable model (like Claude 3 Opus or GPT-4) to judge the outputs of another model (like GPT-3.5 or Haiku) against a task and input. This gives you a way to benchmark quality without manual review. 2. A Human-Centric Grading SystemModels are scored on a human scale—from “uneducated” and “high school” up to “PhD” and “world-class human.” Stronger models consistently rate higher, while weaker ones rank lower—just as expected. 3. Custom Prompts That Push for Deeper EvaluationThe rating prompt includes instructions to emulate a 16,000+ dimensional scoring system, using expert-level heuristics and attention to nuance. The system also asks the evaluator to describe what would have been required to score higher, making this a meta-feedback loop for improving future performance. Note: This episode was recorded a few months ago, so the AI models mentioned may not be the latest—but the framework and methodology still work perfectly with current models. Subscribe to the newsletter at:https://danielmiessler.com/subscribe Join the UL community at:https://danielmiessler.com/upgrade Follow on X:https://x.com/danielmiessler Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmiessler See you in the next one!Become a Member: https://danielmiessler.com/upgradeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

➡ Secure what your business is made of with Martial Security: https://material.security/ In this episode, I speak with Patrick Duffy from Material Security about modern approaches to email and cloud workspace security—especially how to prevent and contain attacks across platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. We talk about: • Proactive Security for Email and Cloud PlatformsHow Material goes beyond traditional detection by locking down high-risk documents and inboxes preemptively—using signals like time, access patterns, content sensitivity, and anomalous user behavior. • Real-World Threats and Lateral MovementWhat the team is seeing in the wild—from phishing and brute-force attacks to internal data oversharing—and how attackers are increasingly moving laterally through cloud ecosystems using a single set of compromised credentials. • Customizable, Context-Aware Response WorkflowsHow Material helps teams right-size their responses based on risk appetite, enabling fine-grained actions like MFA prompts, access revocation, or full session shutdowns—triggered by dynamic, multi-signal rule sets. Subscribe to the newsletter at:https://danielmiessler.com/subscribe Join the UL community at:https://danielmiessler.com/upgrade Follow on X:https://x.com/danielmiessler Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmiessler Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome & High-Level Overview of Material Security02:04 - Common Threats: Phishing and Lateral Movement in Cloud Office05:30 - Access Control in Collaborative Workspaces (2FA, Just-in-Time, Aging Content)08:43 - Connecting Signals: From Login to Exfiltration via Rule Automation12:25 - Real-World Scenario: Suspicious Login and Automated Response15:08 - Rules, Templates, and Customer Customization at Onboarding18:46 - Accidental Risk: Sensitive Document Sharing and Exposure21:04 - Security Misconfigurations and Internal Abuse Cases23:43 - Full Control Points: IP, Behavior, Classification, Sharing Patterns27:50 - Integrations, Notifications, and Real-Time Security Team Coordination31:13 - Lateral Movement: How Attacks Spread Across the Workspace34:25 - Use Cases Involving Google Gemini and AI Exposure Risks36:36 - Upcoming Features: Deeper Remediation and Contextual Integration39:30 - Closing Thoughts and Where to Learn MoreBecome a Member: https://danielmiessler.com/upgradeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Obeta se vrsta sistemskih sprememb na področju vzgoje in izobraževanja, vendar del stroke opozarja, da predlagane rešitve niso sistemsko in strokovno premišljene ter nimajo širšega strokovnega konsenza. Od obveznih krajših vrtčevskih programov za romske otroke, otroke tujcev in otroke s posebno družinsko problematiko, do novega predmeta Tehnika in digitalne tehnologije v sedmem razredu osnovne šole, dodatnih pooblastil na področju varnosti in poklicne mature s tremi predmeti splošne mature. Zakaj bi morale biti spremembe na tem področju še posebej premišljene? Sogovorniki: Robi Kroflič, Filozofska fakulteta UL Ljubica Marjanovič Umek, Filozofska fakulteta UL Klara Skubic Ermenc, Filozofska fakulteta UL Damijan Štefanc, Filozofska fakulteta UL Danijela Makovec Radovan, Filozofska fakulteta UL Marina Tavčar Krajnc, predsednica državne Komisije za splošno maturo Vinko Logaj, minister za vzgojo in izobraževanje  

With the recent @QIDITech Plus 4 fire, an with one of the hosts being a 3D Printer Manufacturer, lets dive into safety and why it is so important. From the basics, to UL, to fire suppression, expect a detail heavy show! Get your snacks, I have a feeling we will have lots to say! A HUGE Thank you to the Filament Sponsor of these streams, @printedsolid ! Check them out: https://printedsolid.comWant to get some of the UK's fastest, and the first REAL Bamboo printer out there? Check out @construct3d https://b.link/Construct3D__________________________________Do you have an idea you want to get off the ground? Reach out to the Making Awesome Podcast through https://3DMusketeers.com/podcast and someone will get you set up to be a guest!

AI is changing cybersecurity at a fundamental level—but how do we decide what to build, and when? In this episode, I outline a structured way to think about AI for security: from foundational ideas to a future-proof system that can scale with emerging threats. • Rethinking Human Workflows as Intelligence PipelinesBy mapping tasks into visual workflows, we can pinpoint exactly where human intelligence is still required—and where AI agents are most likely to replace or enhance us. • Using AI to Understand and Manage Organizational StateI introduce the concept of AI state management: building systems that track your current and desired security posture in real time, and using AI to bridge the gap—automating insights, decisions, and even actions across your environment. • Building a Cyber Defense Program Inspired by Attacker PlaybooksInstead of waiting for threats, I propose a new framework based on attacker capabilities—what they wish they could do now and in the near future—and how to proactively prepare by building a continuously adapting AI-powered defense system. Subscribe to the newsletter at:https://danielmiessler.com/subscribe Join the UL community at:https://danielmiessler.com/upgrade Follow on X:https://x.com/danielmiessler Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmiessler Chapters:00:00 - Framing the Future: Two Key Questions on AI and Cybersecurity01:28 - Intelligence Pipelines: Visualizing Human Work as Replaceable Workflow06:10 - Theory of Constraints: How Attackers Are Bottlenecked by Human Labor10:42 - Defining Agents: What Makes AI Different From Traditional Automation12:08 - AI State Management: The Universal Use Case for Automated Intelligence16:53 - Real-World Demo: Unified Context AI for Security Program Management26:30 - Advanced Uses: Reassigning Projects, Updating KPIs, and Security Reports34:58 - Automating Security Questionnaires With AI Context Awareness38:43 - ACAD Framework: Predicting and Preparing for Future Attacker Capabilities47:40 - Defender Response: Building AI-Driven Red Teams and Internal UCCs52:25 - Final Answers: How Software and Security Change With AI AgentsBecome a Member: https://danielmiessler.com/upgradeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teen-Turn, a charity dedicated to empowering young women from underserved and underrepresented communities to pursue STEM careers, delivered its spring "Teen-Turn Super Session" at the University of Limerick on Saturday, April 5th. The event brought together over 60 girls from Connacht and Munster for a day of hands-on learning, mentorship, and exploration of university life. Teen-Turn Super Sessions are a key part of Teen-Turn's mission to provide the training and support necessary for girls to make informed decisions about their educational and career paths, particularly in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). With the guidance of industry professionals, university staff, and Teen-Turn alumni, participants engage in intensive, collaborative sessions, upskilling and working on their current after-school program projects and gaining invaluable insights into the world of STEM. This Super Session focused on guiding girls working in teams to code mobile apps that address real-world challenges. The girls also developed accompanying business plans, marketing strategies and pitches, which will be showcased at a Technovation Regional Pitch Event in May. Technovation activities aim to equip girls aged 10-18 with the skills to become tech entrepreneurs and leaders. "We were thrilled University of Limerick was able to host this Super Session event and to introduce the girls to the campus, explore the opportunities within the Computer Science and Immersive Software Engineering departments and meet the incredible staff and students there," said Iseut Mangan, Regional Manager for Teen-Turn. "For some of these girls, this was their first time visiting a university campus and it was an exciting moment that could shape their future educational and career choices. By familiarising themselves with the campus, they can better visualise themselves as university students. The support they receive from mentors is essential in helping them believe in themselves now so as to achieve a STEM career in the future." The Teen-Turn Super Session featured mentors specifically from the Immersive Software Engineering department at UL, who guided the girls through coding exercises, app development, and business plan creation. Additionally, some of Teen-Turn's alumnae, who participated in many Super Sessions during their journey with Teen-Turn and are now first-year students in Immersive Software Engineering at UL and Biomedical Engineering in MTU, joined the event as a peer mentors, sharing their experiences and offering advice to the girls. Teen-Turn's programmes, including after-school activities, Saturday PLUS clubs, and work placements, provide girls with the skills, confidence and resources to navigate the STEM education system and make informed decisions about Leaving Certificate subject choices and third-level course options. Teen-Turn remains with the girls throughout their journey, from Junior Cert to job, offering continued support through college years and into the workforce. By connecting participants with female role models in the industry, Teen-Turn ensures that girls from all backgrounds have access to the tools and inspiration they need to succeed. "We believe that no girl should be limited by her background, home circumstances or geography when it comes to choosing a career in STEM," said Iseult Mangan. "The programmes we offer start at second level and continue with the girls through college and into the workforce. We help break down barriers and create a supportive community where girls can thrive, explore their potential, and set their sights on a future in technology and innovation." This Super Session event underscored Teen-Turn's ongoing commitment to skilling and supporting the next generation of female leaders in STEM.

In this episode, Cyrille Michaud from MD101 will explain us how to prepare for Cybersecurity compliance for your medical device. We will review the US and EU requirements and provide you a list of legislation and standards you should look at. Cyrille will also share his experience related to the reviews done by a Notified Body and an FDA.  Who is Cyrille Michaud?  Co-founder and managing partner of MD101 Consulting. Consultant in Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs for software in medical devices and software as medical devices. Specialties: Software Processes Management. CE Mark & FDA 510k 21 CFR 820 - ISO 13485 - ISO 14971 - IEC 62304 - IEC 62366 - IEC 60601 - IEC 82304-1 - UL 2900-1 - IEC 81001-5-1 Agile Methods applied to medical device software design. Cybersecurity applied to medical devices. Who is Monir El Azzouzi?  Monir El Azzouzi is the founder and CEO of Easy Medical Device a Consulting firm that is supporting Medical Device manufacturers for any Quality and Regulatory affairs activities all over the world. Monir can help you to create your Quality Management System, Technical Documentation or he can also take care of your Clinical Evaluation, Clinical Investigation through his team or partners. Easy Medical Device can also become your Authorized Representative and Independent Importer Service provider for EU, UK and Switzerland.  Monir has around 16 years of experience within the Medical Device industry working for small businesses and also big corporate companies. He has now supported around 100 clients to remain compliant on the market. His passion to the Medical Device filed pushed him to create educative contents like, blog, podcast, YouTube videos, LinkedIn Lives where he invites guests who are sharing educative information to his audience. Visit easymedicaldevice.com to know more.  Link Cyrille Michaud LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrillemichaud/  MD101 : www.MD101.io  Trainings on Cybersecurity : https://blog.cm-dm.com/pages/Medical-Device-Software-Trainings  Blog post sur cyber et normes : https://blog.cm-dm.com/post/2023/10/06/Final-2023-FDA-Premarket-Cybersecurity-guidance-released  FDA resources on cybersecurity : https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/digital-health-center-excellence/cybersecurity IG NB checklists : https://www.ig-nb.de/veroeffentlichungen (page in German but download links in the page are in English)  Standard IEC 81001-5-1 and 81001-5-2: https://blog.cm-dm.com/post/2024/10/04/IEC-81001-5-2%3A-AAMI-SW96-cousin-and-IEC-80001-5-1-sister  Blog IEC 81001-5-1: https://blog.cm-dm.com/post/2024/02/23/IEC-81001-5-1-Right-Here-Right-Now Social Media to follow Monir El Azzouzi Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/melazzouzi Twitter: https://twitter.com/elazzouzim Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/easymedicaldevice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/easymedicaldevice

In this episode Ce Tech Tip Podcast host Brooks Whitson interviews Rectorseal's technical expert Fred Kreusch for a detailed Q & A . This podcast covers the benefits of voltage and surge protection, how surge protectors work, the importance of UL approved voltage/ surge protection equipment and much more. 

The conversation around AGI and ASI is louder than ever—but the definitions are often abstract, technical, and disconnected from what actually matters. In this episode, I break down a human-centered way of thinking about these terms, why they’re important, and a system that could help us get there. I talk about: • A Better Definition of AGI and ASIInstead of technical abstractions, AGI is defined as the ability to perform most cognitive tasks as well as a 2022 U.S.-based knowledge worker. ASI is intelligence that surpasses that level. Framing it this way helps us immediately understand why it matters—and what it threatens. • Invention as the Core Output of IntelligenceThe real value of AGI and ASI is their ability to generate novel solutions. Drawing inspiration from the Enlightenment, we explore how humans innovate—and how we can replicate that process using AI, automation, and structured experimentation. • Scaling the Scientific Method with AIBy building systems that automate idea generation, recombination, and real-world testing, we can massively scale the rate of innovation. This framework—automated scientific iteration—could be the bridge from human intelligence to AGI and beyond. Subscribe to the newsletter at:https://danielmiessler.com/subscribe Join the UL community at:https://danielmiessler.com/upgrade Follow on X:https://x.com/danielmiessler Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmiesslerChapters: 00:00 - Why AGI and ASI Definitions Should Be Human-Centric01:55 - Defining AGI as a 2022-Era US Knowledge Worker03:04 - Defining ASI and Why It’s Harder to Conceptualize04:04 - The Real Reason to Care: AGI and ASI Enable Invention05:04 - How Human Innovation Happens: Idea Collisions and Enlightenment Lessons06:56 - Building a System That Mimics Human Idea Generation at Scale09:00 - The Challenge of Testing: From A/B Tests to Biotech Labs10:52 - Creating an Automated, Scalable Scientific Method With AI12:50 - A Timeline to AGI and ASI: Predictions for 2027–2030Become a Member: https://danielmiessler.com/upgradeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

URBAN LEGEND is basically Scream. Naturally, we love it. But...is it actually kind of terrible? Are these murders actually based on "UL"s at all? [YouTube Version] [Sources & links] Get this episode AD-FREE on Patreon, along with our exclusive podcast The Netherworld Dispatch! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky. For more, cruise through our LINKS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

STANDARD EDITION: Signal OPSEC, White-box Red-teaming LLMs, Unified Company Context (UCC), New Book Recommendations, Single Apple Note Technique, and much more... You are currently listening to the Standard version of the podcast, consider upgrading and becoming a member to unlock the full version and many other exclusive benefits here: https://newsletter.danielmiessler.com/upgrade Subscribe to the newsletter at:https://danielmiessler.com/subscribe Join the UL community at:https://danielmiessler.com/upgrade Follow on X:https://x.com/danielmiessler Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmiesslerBecome a Member: https://danielmiessler.com/upgradeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wild with grief over the death of one daughter, and convinced he had seduced her other daughter, Caroline Briggs attacked schoolteacher John Dalmater in front of his class, shouting 'Shoot the son of a bitch' -- and her son, who'd accompanied her, did so. This episode is being posted a day early just in case we lose connectivity in the forecasted thunder/hailstorm later today. (Kerbyville, Josephine County; 1870s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1808b.caroline-and-david-briggs-UL-murder-508.html)

V epizodi 175 sta bila gosta dr. Alenka Žerovnik in dr. Matej Zapušek. Alenka je pedagoginja in raziskovalka na področju uvajanja sodobnih tehnologij v izobraževanje. Matej pa raziskovalec in predavatelj na Pedagoški fakulteti UL, specialist za digitalno pismenost, umetno inteligenco in inovacije v izobraževalnih sistemih. Sta soavtorja knjige "Uporaba generativne umetne inteligence v izobraževanju". V epizodi se dotakneva naslednjih tematik: Vloga umetne inteligence v izobraževanju Izzivi in priložnosti umetne inteligence v poučevanju Prihodnost personaliziranega učenja Vizija učilnic prihodnosti Etični in praktični vidiki umetne inteligence Odprti izobraževalni viri in avtorske pravice ============= Celodnevna AIDEA podkast konferenca o tehnologijah prihodnosti, AI revoluciji in podjetništvu v 21. stoletju. https://aidea.si/konferenca-2025 

This episode of the Fire Sprinkler Podcast is my conversation with Bogdan Reciega. Bogdan is a Fire Protection Engineer from Baltic Laboratory, a UL, USGC testing facility that works closely with FM as well. They perform burns daily at this facility, and looks like a lot of fun! Enjoy!

There are calls for the Government to do more to protect women on university campuses following an incident of alleged campaign of harassment against a Clare student. The Higher Education Minister says he's committed to keeping all students safe, and providing the relevant services at colleges. The issue was raised in the Dáil today, after Clarecastle native Ella Deasy posted her experience of her home on the UL campus being targeted by young men last September. Minister James Lawless, says her story is something no one should have to experience

Welcome to the Aphasia Access Conversations Podcast. I'm Jerry Hoepner. I'm a professor at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and co-facilitator of the Chippewa Valley Aphasia Camp, Blugold Brain Injury Group, Mayo Brain Injury Group, Young Person's Brain Injury Group, and Thursday Night Poets.  I'm also a member of the Aphasia Access Podcast Working Group. Aphasia Access strives to provide members with information, inspiration, and ideas that support their aphasia care through a variety of educational materials and resources. I'm today's host for an episode that will feature my friend and colleague, Dr. Warren Brown. I've been fortunate to work with Dr. Brown for the past two years and I'm excited to share the work he's been doing in service of the LPAA. Warren C. Brown, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communicative Disorders at Jackson State University. His research explores the intersections of traumatic brain injury (TBI), aphasia, and healthcare disparities, with a focus on cultural and linguistic diversity in clinical care. He serves as a facilitator for the Black Aphasia Group at the Aphasia Center of Acadiana and has published on topics related to brain injury, intersectionality, and patient-provider communication. Dr. Brown is an active member of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA), National Black Association for speech Language Pathology (NBASLH), the Academy of Neurogenic Communication Disorders and Sciences (ANCDS), and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Take Aways: Learn about health disparities faced by Black Americans. Learn about the perceptions of Black Americans towards their healthcare providers. Dr. Brown will continue to facilitate the Black Aphasia Group affiliated with the Aphasia Center of Acadiana. Dr. Brown and his team to are hoping to publish an anthology project featuring entries from Black Americans with aphasia by fall of next year. Dr. Brown plans to organize a symposium on aphasia at Jackson State University with a focus on diversity. Dr. Brown plans to present a poster on the anthology project at the upcoming Aphasia Access Conference.   Interview Transcript:   Jerry Hoepner: Alright. Well, Warren, it's good to see you today. I'm fortunate to see you on a regular basis. So, I think this is the second time we've connected today. For different reasons. But I'm glad to have you here as a part of the Aphasia Access Conversations Podcast. I'm hoping you can share a little bit about yourself. I know that some aphasia access affiliates will know you and know a little bit about your work. But I'd like others to get to know you and your work as well, so can you share a little bit about yourself?   Warren Brown: Yes, sir. Well, thanks for having me. For sure, this is an honor. I'm a recent graduate from the University of Louisiana and Lafayette. With my PhD. I studied under multiple folks. There. I studied under Anthony Salvatore, Dr. Judith Oxley, and Dr. Jamie Azios. My main areas of interest are traumatic brain injury, aphasia, and all neurogenic disorders related to marginalized populations. Prior to my doc program, I was a practicing clinician for 11 years or so I practiced in mainly acute care hospitals long term, acute care, hospitals, home health, and predominantly in Southern Louisiana. So, and I did a little bit of private practice. I did everything but child language disorders. So I prided myself when I started my doc program as being a clinician first, and thinking about clinical issues, first, because I was gracious enough to get a lot of great experience in my timeframe, so I kind of had a better idea about, you know the areas that I was most mostly interested in prior to going into my doc program. So, I'm married. I have 3 kids Wes, Evie, and Wells, which is my newborn and a lovely wife, Tatiana. I'm a new faculty member at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, and I love my job, and I love my students, and I love my research endeavors that I've done thus far. So, you know I'm fortunate enough to work with you, Dr. Hepner, Dr. Louise Keegan, Dr. Jamie Azios Dr. Judith Oxley. Still Dr. Anthony Salvatory. Still Theresa Gray, a few other folks. I'm just happy that Dr. Brandy Newkirk-Turner as well at Jackson State. I'm happy that I have a great group of mentors to ask questions to and bother from time to time. So, I'm just grateful. So yes, sir.   Jerry Hoepner: Well, yeah, it's been really fun working with you and getting to know you. And certainly, that really strong, diverse group of mentors is something to build upon for sure. That's a great group of people. So privileged to be a part of that a couple of things that we were going to talk about today. I want to get to your work with the black Americans with aphasia group, and I want to get to some of the new work that you've been doing on an anthology. I'll kind of leave it at that, for now you were gracious enough to share a manuscript. That you and Dr. Azios have under review right now. I know it's not quite published, but I'm wondering if you're willing to give us just a little bit of a preview of that work, and I have a few things that I just think were really powerful from reading that manuscript, and I'm interested in your thoughts on it. So, do you want to tell us a little bit about, like the general context of that manuscript?   Warren Brown: Yes, sir, so this was. This was actually a part of my dissertation. My dissertation was a mixed methods. Research project on healthcare encounters of African Americans with aphasia and without aphasia. But I was lucky enough to capture 8 interviews from a qualitative standpoint for that dissertation from African Americans with aphasia from across the United States. Different age ranges different levels of severity and obviously different etiologies from which caused them to acquire aphasia. The paper really came about, because, again, clinically, you know, I always realized that individuals who had aphasia who were black, had a lot of different experiences when it came to healthcare providers and practitioners. And oftentimes, when I would go into a home or see them in a hospital, they would be surprised that I was the individual to see them right. They would think I was a dietary staff member. They would think I was DNA. They would think I was a nurse, everything but a speech pathologist. So, when I had the opportunity to lead or facilitate a group which was the California the conversational group with Dr. Teresa Gray. You know I love to hear the different experiences that those individuals were having, as well coinciding with what I knew what was going on in the field. So that's what spawned this idea about understanding the dynamics of what you know. These encounters were from a deeper perspective. So originally it was going to be just a regular project with Dr. Azios and I, but we felt it'd be better if we made it a larger scale project and added to a portion of my dissertation. So, we did so. We really look to understand those lived experiences of those individuals, how those healthcare encounters went for them before and after they acquired aphasia, and trying to understand, like different strategies and challenges, that you know they may have had to use to overcome some of those issues, and how, you know we could take what they were saying, and make that accessible to practicing clinicians to understand how to work with diverse populations a bit more you know. Yes, sir, so.   Jerry Hoepner: Yeah, I mean, I found a couple of points that well, actually, several within the background. And literature review that really struck me. There's several of these statistics, but a couple that really stood out to me were the percent of deaths among black Americans during the Covid pandemic. And just you know the marked difference between the amount of actual African Americans in those communities and the numbers that died. Which were that was just really striking to me. And then the other one. The other context that you wrote about was the study of 85 black Americans. That were a part of a VA. Study, a veterans affairs study and really just talked about their, you know, their feelings of being stereotyped by the professionals that we're dealing with them, treated and labeled as if they were uneducated, and addicts and angry and poor, and those really set the context for the study. Wondering if you can just kind of weigh in on those and other kinds of striking background pieces of information.   Warren Brown: Yes, sir, so you know, it's known that you know there is racial bias when it comes to African Americans in general, just because of how society is. But you know oftentimes in neurogenic disorders it's unstudied, right? You don't look at race and ethnicity as factors as being contributing factors to some of the issues that the populations that we service are dealing with, you know, looking at Covid alone. You know, we added, that I added that statistic because you know it just kind of highlighted how much racial disparities really are prevalent right and not just individuals with aphasia, but individuals who have a multitude of you call it metabolic issues, right or just issues in general when it comes to healthcare, and how sometimes these issues go unserviced or underserviced, or these individuals are not educated about what they need to do or what they need to accomplish, from a healthcare practitioner which ultimately leads to poorer outcomes across that population. You know. One of the things that we listed in that paper was also about just black women in general, right? Black women are twice as likely to have low birth weights of infants when compared to white women, and they also face lower rates of prenatal care right? Although that doesn't have much to do with aphasia. I think that that speaks to a larger picture than that.   Jerry Hoepner: Yeah.   Warren Brown: You know. Sometimes African Americans are looked down upon the most across our society. And why? That is, you know, it's a multitude of reasons, right? There is no one pinpointed answer for that, and it just kind of paints to the goes to the bigger picture of racial bias, and how patient and provider communication is just poor across the board, and you know, and it could be because of communication styles are different, right? It could be because of the practitioners. You know the old mindset was that the practitioner is always right, so they should. You know the patient should listen to what they're saying, and it's not. It wasn't necessarily a patient center or person-centered approach like it is nowadays. And some practitioners, especially in the South. They still are under that mind, right? Not necessarily in the South, probably across the board in the United States. Right? So, I think that you know those biases, and some of that lack of communication or poor communication it just contributes to the poor perceptions and stereotypes that are out there in African Americans and black people you know, because regardless. When a black person gets sick, you know, they may be scared to go and talk to a practitioner because of where they live. That might be the only practitioner or specialist that they can see, and they are a family member, or a friend might have had a bad experience. Therefore, they're hesitant to go to that person, and they'll just deal with the issue themselves. And that's where you know. I think a lot of the differences are when it comes to African Americans and healthcare providers. And I've seen that as well with individuals who have acquired language disorders. Right? I've had patients particularly. Tell me when I was practicing that. You know, Warren, we want you to come back, but we don't want the other girl to come back, right? Because you're listening to what I'm saying. You actually are educating us about what's going on more so than just what the language issue is right. And I think that points to the picture of just them feeling comfortable with me, because I'm most of the time with the same ethnicity, right? Same race. And I'm genuine, right? I do the same with any patient that I encounter. But obviously, sometimes, when it's African Americans, and I know what the assumption is, and I understand some of those experiences are, you know I try to go a little bit more. I try to. I try to go the extra mile for them. So, this.   Jerry Hoepner: And I think there's it's interesting. And throughout the paper there's parallels to some of the work that you and I and Dr. Keegan have done on healthcare perceptions in traumatic brain injury. That you know you mentioned that idea of providers still following it, falling into that provider centered care rather than person centered care. And I think that's a problem across the board for some providers, because that's evident in our research. But we don't have you know, we're not even representing the black Americans within that group. And I know that the problem is more pervasive when it comes to services for black Americans and other colored people as well. You know the one number that really struck me from the study in Chicago, 70% of.   Warren Brown: 70%.   Jerry Hoepner: From Covid.   Warren Brown: Yeah.   Jerry Hoepner: Were black Americans in Chicago, and only 30% of their populations or population was black Americans. That's just. You can't help but be startled by those kind of disparities, because clearly there's something.   Warren Brown: Up in there.   Jerry Hoepner: Something that.   Warren Brown: And these are these are fairly new studies. Right? I mean, the stat for Louisiana was 70 70.5% of this, and they only represent 33% of the State's population. Right? We're African American people. So that. That's you know. My personally, my dad didn't leave his house for a year and a half during Covid he would not go to church. He didn't leave right, and he was terrified. Terrified. You know. I know he had at least 4 or 5 people that died that he knew. You know. So, I mean, it's daunting right especially if you're not educated, or you're not understanding. I had a great relationship with a practitioner that could educate you on, you know the do's and the don'ts of what you should or shouldn't be doing so. Yes, sir.   Jerry Hoepner: Yeah, absolutely. I kind of broke down the article into 3, like major areas of interest and topics. And I'll just kind of lay out the 1st one being those challenges with healthcare providers. I couldn't help but put down. This one quote was like being put in a damn box, and we had a little conversation about that earlier, but We also talked about this like this lack of knowledge about stroke and that healthcare literacy creating this fear like. And you even mentioned that with your dad, right? This fear that I don't even want to go into that healthcare context. But then this like laundry list of things that we hear in a lot of studies about healthcare perceptions, healthcare providers are dismissive, dismissive, and you feel vulnerable in that context, you don't have control or agency. Those kinds of things that we don't hear in in those other studies about healthcare perceptions are things like. There was a clear. There was a clear prejudice against me. Right? There was this neglect by providers. One lady I had to write this down, wrote. I don't talk to my dog like that, you know, like.   Warren Brown: That's right.   Jerry Hoepner: So.   Warren Brown: That's right.   Jerry Hoepner: And then, you know, just a lack of inclusion in decisions in in the whole entire process. And just feeling that sense of people looking down on you, and that you know that this is kind of the expectation. So I'm really interested to get your thoughts about. You know that that issue of those challenges in terms of working with healthcare providers. How many of those are communication based? And what's kind of bias and kind of sorting some of that out, because we know some happens a little bit to everyone in that context. But certainly, this is different.   Warren Brown: Yeah, I think that you know we all have personal biases that, you know are inherently that we are. You know that we're introduced to that from an environmental standpoint. But you know, one would assume that when you become a healthcare practitioner provider, you know you have to be open-minded because, you understand, you're going to be dealing with so many different types of people from all walks of life. And unfortunately you know, these disparities still are there, and this particular study showed that they're still there, right one of the examples you just gave about the young lady that said, you know I wouldn't let my dog talk to me like that right? I remember in in her Transcript she also stated that you know, in multiple visits that she went to her physician would talk through her or over her, where she just totally felt dismissed, or one interaction she had. She had a friend who was white that brought her to the doctor, and they felt as if the friend was the patient, and she was the patient caregiver right? And I think that really broke her down. She literally stayed out of therapy or avoided therapy for a long time because of that. And obviously that affected her outcomes right. But I think the bigger picture is that it's a little bit of both, Dr. Hoepner. I think it's a lot of bias, and it's also poor communication. You know, I think, and some of that's not on the physicians themselves. Some of them, I'm sure, are compassionate. I think some of that is on the larger system systemic issues that are out there. Right? You know you have. They have insurance deadlines; they have time frames. They have. Probably some of them are overwhelmed with patient care in general. But I still think that you know to be truly compassionate, you know you need to understand what you're getting into as a practitioner, and still with individuals that you know may not understand some of the dynamics of some of the diseases or illnesses that they have. You have to find a way to provide them services that they need. Right? I think the communication is key, because it always goes back to communication. Right individuals who are educated, which a lot of these folks are. Some of these folks in the study. I had PhD. Some of them were medical doctors, right? Some of them have master's degrees. A lot of them still stated that their health literacy was poor when it came to symptomology, of strokes, symptomology of not just strokes, but them acquiring aphasia what that truly meant, and how that might affect their daily lives. Right. One of the individuals she stated that she didn't realize that you know aphasia was a thing until she had it. She didn't realize that she was having multiple strokes right until it happened, and she just felt like she would bounce back and go back to her daily life and be fine and go about her normal business. But you know it's hard to pinpoint exactly how to fix it. But this study is, I guess, one step towards trying to understand the different dynamics from multiple perspectives. And I think what makes it super unique is this qualitative study is really, really, it's very in depth. That's why it's so long right? It's a long paper. But we felt it necessary to put these quotes in, because these individuals, these interviews long and you can't help but be compassionate and understand each individual's perspective on what their experiences were right. You know, because this dynamic, this really changed their lives. And I know aphasia changed the lives of a lot of different people and caregivers right. Anytime you have a failure or even a brain injury. Right? It changes we know that. But I think compounded with the racial and ethnic tension or societal views that these individuals suffered with prior to having those injuries. This acquiring aphasia only makes whatever was going on a bit worse, because the inability to communicate or even comprehend what's going on around you, right being overstimulated, not necessarily being able to do on your own, or do for yourself, especially with a practitioner on something that's unknown to you is again. That's a daunting thing like you really don't know what to do, and if you feel dismissed, or if you feel as if a practitioner is talking down to you, what would make you, as an individual, want to go back? You know the a good example, I can say, is customer service right? If you go to a restaurant and you receive poor customer service from a from a waitress, will you give them a tip probably, maybe, or you might give them a less amount of tip that you would have gave given to a person who gave you better customer service right? This is a good example of what a physician interaction and communication is with a patient right. Sometimes these individuals just won't go back right or might not go back to any practitioner one of the individuals in the interviews. He literally said that you know he had a few poor encounters, so he switches doctors regularly because a lot of them don't understand him and won't try to understand him. So, you know, it's problematic. It's definitely problematic.   Jerry Hoepner: And you hit the customer service thing right on the head, because one of the things that I was struck by, and I've done work kind of parallel to this. And brain injury is that relationship and the importance of starting to build an authentic relationship in terms of mitigating some of the other communication problems, right? Like, if you invest a little bit in like getting to know that human being. You start to humanize them, and you start to, you know, want to have good outcomes for them, and that results in in better care. And it comes right down to that. That patient centered versus provider centered communication. Right? If you open up the door on the front end to investing a little bit in a relationship building, it seems like the goodness follows right like you're saying earlier, like, these physicians aren't bad people right? It's just, you know, they're in a system that says, Go, go. And then they have these biases that they might not even be aware of. And the next thing you know, they're out, you know, on the way out the door, and care hasn't happened in the way that it should. But I'm just struck by the fact that that was like a mitigating factor for people like just a little investment get to know that person. And then everything changes so.   Warren Brown: That's right. I think I think that's what you know. Someone asked me a while back. Why, like our Black aphasia group. Why is it so successful? Right? It's because it's not if I don't. The way that I approached it. I didn't approach it as me, Warren brown as an SLP. Right? I approached it, me, Warren Brown is trying to understand these people's stories and get to know them, and fully. How can I, as an SLP, help you right? And I think that's why our group is so successful, right? And why people keep coming back. Because if they didn't feel like it was a genuine interaction, I can assure you they wouldn't come back. Because I genuinely look forward to the group like the group members do, because I love talking to these folks. These are folks of my family, right? And that's the type of community that you know. Practitioners can make it like that right?   Jerry Hoepner: Okay.   Warren Brown: You know, in certain rehabs. That's what it is. It's a familiar environment. At certain places. I know some of the ones that I used to work at. So, you know, but I definitely understand the dynamics of health care have changed right as time has progressed, and that's due to a multitude of reasons. But care doesn't have to change. Right practitioners can change for the better. If you fully try to understand and invest time and energy and being genuine into the folks that you're seeing right. I truly believe that so.   Jerry Hoepner: Agreed, you know, and when I kind of listed a bunch of priorities, or what black people with aphasia want this? Isn't it an outlandish list by any means like, I've got this big, long list of things that are problems. And then they say they just want to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. They want.   Warren Brown: Right.   Jerry Hoepner: Heard, and they want to be treated like human beings. That's not unreasonable. So, it's not like they've got this big, long list of you got to do this. This I just think that's pretty interesting in light of all of the struggles that they're facing like. If you could give us these 4 or 5 things we could. We could work with.   Warren Brown: Yes, sir, and I. And I think even with that the you know, interpretation of respect is different from everyone. But I think ultimately, no matter what race, no matter what ethnicity, what creed you are. Respect is respect, you know, treating people the way you want to be treated right. I mean, that's what it is. And you know, talking to people the way that you want to be spoken to. Right? That's what it is. And I think, like you said, it's so simplistic it should be natural. But obviously it's not for some people right?   Jerry Hoepner: Okay.   Warren Brown: And that's and that's problematic. But hopefully, it's hopefully, we're trying to change that. So you know.   Jerry Hoepner: Yep. yeah. Finding a way to make those priorities on the front end. I think that really makes sense. The other thing I wanted to talk to you about kind of get your take on. This is along with the challenges and along with kind of these desires. What people with aphasia want? I just noticed a lot of strengths that I'm not seeing in some of the other research that's out there from the perspective of survivors of brain injury and so forth. Things that I just saw flowing through like this idea of self-reliance like I learned, I gotta rely on myself, I rely on my faith and my religious beliefs. And then this really struck me, this, this cultural community, where one of the one of the participants said something to the extent of, We always stay in each in each other's business, kind of like, whether we want it or not, whether they want it or not, and that allows them to help each other. I'd just like to get your thoughts on that, because that seems like such a strength of this community.   Warren Brown: Yes, sir, that's a that's a loaded question, but I can definitely break it down. So, I love that question, though I think that you know, from perspective of self-reliance. That's definitely a cultural thing, right? Because, you know, personally, I'm 38. So, I was raised to not be dependent on someone else, because you really can't depend on what someone else can do for you outside of what you can do for yourself. That is something that is instilled at a young age and I went to Southern for my master's right Southern university in Baton Rouge, which is a historically black college or whatnot. And you know, at Southern they taught us the same thing, because, you know, as you know, our field is predominantly white women, right? Less than 5% African Americans, even less percent African American men. And at Southern they always said, You have to work twice as hard in order to be in this field and be successful. And they instilled that in us so much right. Because you really have to understand that you know society has painted this picture that things are against you and these individuals, with aphasia in their own careers, have had this same type of battle and everything that they've gone through. So, they've always had to prevail. And some of these individuals in this group. They went through the Jim Crow South right they went through struggles of individuals, fully talking down to them, having separate everything, having to deal with parents and grandparents that, you know, had to bow down to certain people because of the societal norms at the time, so that self-reliance, you know, always was there, because they always had to work harder in order to achieve what even was fair or normal for other people right? And that paints it to a bigger picture, even goes back to the level of respect. Right? If you work twice if you feel like you working harder than someone else for a job. And you know you're more qualified. Right? That's something that that you feel you're owed. But to some black people you understand that I'm not old. Anything right? That's just how society paints it. It is what it is, and I think that goes back to that point. And I'm sorry. What was the other question? I was trying to.   Jerry Hoepner: So, I think just that that cultural community.   Warren Brown: The cultural. Yes, sir.   Jerry Hoepner: Others, business and.   Warren Brown: So that kind of touched on it, like I think from a cultural standpoint, you know I am my brother's keeper. Right. You may or may not know this, but I'm in a I'm in a predominantly African American fraternity. Right? We're the oldest fraternity, and that's something that we learned right. You. You never go anyplace by yourself. You always have your brother with you. I always have you know I am my brother's keeper, and that goes from, you know, not just African American males, but African American females, and vice versa, because that sense of community, you know. Again, we talked about it earlier with the Speech acts is unspoken, things that we understand inherently, that as an African American or a black person, you're going to endure in life, and you have to just suck it up and swallow your pride and deal with it. But we all are going through that struggle right, and I think some demographic groups can relate to that. But obviously some groups can't as much right. It's harder to you can empathize. But you may not fully understand, just because the dynamics are different, right? And I'm not saying that all black people have that experience. I'm not saying that. But I'm saying that a lot of black people feel like that. And that was inherent in the interviews as well. Because this group, you know, they, we talk about community. We talk about personal experiences and regardless. If some of them had a PhD., a MD a Ms., a BA right behind their names. All of them had the same experiences. Right? I have to highlight one of the folks in the group. He went to Harvard. He was the second African American person to graduate with a PhD. From the State of Mississippi. Right, you could. I could only imagine. And he did this in the seventies. I could only imagine the struggle that he had to go through right to attain a degree like that from a school like that coming from where he came from. So you know something that you know other people's family members may have done, you know, is probably much more meaningful to him because of the struggle he had to go through, and I think that is where the community comes in because African Americans acknowledge that right? I was always told. Like, you know, school is important. Education is important, you know, education to get you a lot further in life than sports and all these other things, because, you know, it was always instilled that in education, you know, knowledge is power and you know these older folks. I call them older folks. No offense, right? No ageism here. But you know the 70 plus right. Those individuals who have doctorates and really are fully educated. Their battle and struggle was much harder than mine coming through school right? And I. And that's a level of respect, a level of community that we all know how to respect. And I think you know, when it comes to community, that's something that we all can recognize as a culture. And with this particular group, that's something that's respected across the board because, regardless of the level of severity of aphasia, they have every individual in that group respects one another. They check on one another. They listen to stories about one another. They know about each other's family right? Milestones. It's phenomenal, right. When I got my doctorate. They were the 1st people to congratulate me right. When someone had another struggle in the group. We were the 1st to say a prayer for them and why? That is cultural. It's a traditional thing. I mean, it probably ties back to slavery before the great migration, right? And folks moved up and all around from the south to different parts of the North. Right? That's something that is always probably going to be there. And that's a cultural thing that you know, is really unspoken a lot of times. So.   Jerry Hoepner: Yeah. You know, you talked about the people in the study, the people with PhDs and master's degrees and physicians. One of the stories I kind of connected with was Ann Story. She was a physician prior to her stroke, and had acknowledged that she had colleagues that she would refer black Americans to, and colleagues she wouldn't and then she had the stroke, and she had this very personal, insider experience. I don't know if you want to just say a couple of things about that.   Warren Brown: Yes, sir, she actually, I'm glad you said that she actually definitely said that she referred people to certain practitioners because she knew certain physicians with had more empathy than others. Right now, her experience was a little bit different, right? She didn't really have any negative experiences with practitioners, but also all of them knew she was a medical doctor, right? And I think that you know that level of information is different, because had they not known who knows what her story would have been right as opposed to the individual with the PhD. They didn't know he had a PhD. Because at the time of his stroke he couldn't talk, so it wasn't until his wife came and alerted them as to who he was and where he worked, that some of that stuff shifted, and obviously it shifted when he went to different facilities as well. But Ann's experience was very, very different than some of the other individuals, but I think that even with that she was much more conscious about her experiences as well, because she kind of had a better anticipation about what she was supposed to receive and how services were supposed to go for her right. And that goes back to the bigger picture of healthcare literacy right? Obviously, her literacy and understanding of how healthcare works was a bit better because she was a medical doctor, and I think even just. Her journey with aphasia was a bit better in a lot of different ways as well. Yes, sir.   Jerry Hoepner: Yeah, that's really important to have that that perspective and that kind of juxtaposition. Well, I do want to make sure we have some time to talk a little bit about your role in running the Black aphasia group, and how that's changed your clinical perspective, your research perspectives kind of what you've learned in that. In that context.   Warren Brown: Absolutely so. Originally, I was gung ho! About brain injury. Only, right? I didn't really necessarily want to go into aphasia as much as I am, because my premise for going to get the PhD. Or really one of the main reasons why was I wanted to study sports, related concussions mostly. But once I got into the program and I learned about some of the different, the different profs, some of their interests, you know. I couldn't help myself, but dip into it some, and I got an opportunity at the last Aphasia conference to meet Teresa Gray and she allowed me to facilitate her group out in California, and then we started our own group through the aphasia center of Acadiana with Dr. Azios and Miss Rose Shelf. So, you know, I still run that group. It's still affiliated with the aphasia center of Acadiana. Although I'm in Jackson State. I asked Dr. Azios if we could continue to do that because I think that that connection to an aphasia center is integral. Because I think that you know with the group, that's what we're known for. And that's what we're going to stay as long as they'll have me. So. You know, with that group I've learned so much more than what I knew before, as far as compassion, as far as empathy. As far as, although you might be the expert or the practitioner, you still need to understand the dynamics of the individuals that you're seeing just hearing some of their stories, and even personally, as a practitioner, some of the things that I used to do right, which were probably wrong, because that's how I was trained originally in the beginning, you know, and I shifted throughout my career as well, because I understood a lot more, but I think even more so now, I really fully understand. And that's kind of what I teach a lot of the students that I have right how to understand the dynamics of people that you're working with and the students at Jackson State. They have an opportunity now where they actually come on with the group, and I allow them to have somewhat of a conversational type of discourse with the members, so they can understand those dynamics, for whenever they get out in the field to understand how to work with diverse people with aphasia. So, one of the things that you know, we were able to start with the group members. And this was all the group members. They wanted to create an anthology, right? Because they stated that they wanted to document right their journeys and journeys for other people who are African Americans or of color to understand. You know what you may or may not go through right that you are not alone, that you aren't in a damn box by yourself. Right? They wanted to understand that also for caregivers what to do, because all of these individuals literally stated, they all were oblivious to aphasia prior to this, prior to acquiring it. So this anthology is serving, as you know, just a guide or tool to use for individuals and for other individuals with aphasia who may or may not be of color to relate with right and for individuals to understand like, Hey, you know, this is what I went through. You know I am black with aphasia. This is also to get other people who are black with aphasia in their caregivers to understand that. Hey? We have a group for us out there that you may or may not want to be a part of and last week we actually added a new member. So that was wonderful. But so far, we have multiple different entries. The group participants have entered essays. They've entered poetry. Some have done checklists, some have done prayers some have even one. We have one from a caregiver. Her husband has aphasia. She comes to the group as well. We love her. She's actually a compound pharmacist. She wrote about her perspective as a caregiver in the anthology as well. So.   Jerry Hoepner: Cool.   Warren Brown: Me. Being in Jackson state. I got lucky enough to talk with Dr. Brandon Newkirk Turner, and Dr. Morris is that the University of Saint Augustine. They connected me with Dr. Mcdaniels, who's over the Humanity Society in Mississippi, and she's gonna help us to get it out there. So.   Jerry Hoepner: Awesome.   Warren Brown: And recently we started a collaboration with one of the art, the Black art History professors at Jackson State, Dr. Brittany, Meinberg. We're actually going to make it aphasia friendly. So, whereas we're gonna have mirrored pictures of the entries and the pictures of those entries from an abstract standpoint for individuals who have aphasia so they can read it and be aphasia friendly as well. So yes, sir, that's the idea, and hopefully we'll have something by the fall of next year. So.   Jerry Hoepner: Because.   Warren Brown: At JSU, we're going to be doing a symposium on aphasia. And obviously, since it's an HBCU we're gonna have some focus on diversity with that as well. So yes, sir.   Jerry Hoepner: Well, I'm excited to see that anthology come to fruition and look forward to kind of keeping an eye out for that and everyone out there who's listening. Keep an eye out for that as well. Just a handful. 2 or 3 more questions I want to ask. Just find out a little bit more about your experience. I know that you've had opportunities to work alongside of some great researchers and clinicians. I want to get your perspectives on that. And yeah, share a little bit about that, and how that's prepared you to be like a brand new professor this year. So.   Warren Brown: Yes, yes, sir, absolutely you know. I can honestly say it's truly been a blessing since I started at UL, and I'm done now to be able to encounter all the folks that I have. You know, from Dr. Salvatore to Dr. Michael Canito to you. Right, Dr. Hoepner to Dr. Louise Keegan, Dr. Azios, Oxley Ryan, Nelson. You know the list goes on right. Everybody that I've worked with and spoken to all have different perspectives of our research, you know, and I and I take pieces from everyone that I've worked with to understand how I want to approach things right, because my love is always going to be diversity right in whatever area that I'm in. And you know, I think that's what makes me a little bit unique, right? Because my perspective is always looking at the population that I mainly care the most about right. And you know understanding the different dynamics about how you all have what you all have done. And from reading, all of you guys work, I call it borderline stalking. You guys work right? I remember the 1st time I met you, Dr. Hoepner, I was terrified to talk to you, man I really was, and then, when you introduce yourself to me, I was quiet, and I was like, he's normal. He's not like, I thought he was. So, I was like, Okay, this, this is cool. So, and Dr. Jamie said, just go talk to him. He's cool. Go talk to him. I was like Okay, but I use it as an example, because, you know we're all human, and I think that you know sometimes, you know, as a new researcher, as a novice researcher, as a student, you know, you get overwhelmed with the people that you're reading about, the books that you're using or books that you're reading. These are the folks that are writing it. And hopefully, one day you can get to that level to impact students like myself, like I was, or students that are out there, up and coming students. So, you know, I think, that all the work that everyone is that I've learned under and still learning under, you know, it's important, because this is all. This is all, how we all are contributing to the field and how we're making the field better. Right? I think that's the ultimate goal ultimately is to serve the population of individuals that we're treating. It's never about me, right? It's never about you. It's never about any of this is about the work that we're doing to improve outcomes, to improve the populations that we serve. And you know, clinically, I've worked with some phenomenal clinicians. When I was a clinic, when I was a clinician when I was a full-time clinician and you know I've had great clinicians that I've worked under and with, and horrible at the same time. I think we all have, and you know, when I was in administration I would fire and hire people left and right. I would let people know if they were horrible, and I would just go on and keep moving. But I think you know now that I've shifted to research and understanding how clinicians think to a certain degree. You know, I can understand why some clinicians practice the way they do or did, because they were ignorant to what's out there, you know. Earlier on in my career I was oblivious to aphasia. I heard nothing about it. I work in acute care hospitals, major acute hospitals because they weren't that popular in the South, right? It wasn't really until I got to Southern, and I taught undergrad for a while. And you know in some of the text that I was reading. I read about it, and I was like, Oh, I never knew that was a thing right, because they weren't offered. We had Parkinson's groups. But we never had aphasia group, right? And I think that you know, and TBI groups that we have that as well. But I think these groups are much more impactful because they do serve as a sense of community for a multitude of people. And these groups are places where individuals can go when they plateau out of therapy. And I want to say something on that, too. That's actually one of the topics we wrote about in the anthology. What does it feel like to be plateaued or told you plateaued in therapy? Right? And it's just amazing how you know as a clinician, you say that to someone right? Or you meet, you met Max level of potential. You say that to someone, but you don't fully understand the mental or the impact that you have on an individual when you say that right? And that was something we talked about. And now they're writing about it. And I'm like man. I never thought about that as a clinician. So I say that to say even I'm still learning right. That's something we should know. But you don't think about it from a clinical standpoint, because that's a standardized thing. But to an individual who's suffering from or had to endure what you're saying to them, it's a totally different perspective. Right? So, you know, I'm learning that. And I'm learning how to be more compassionate, too. So yes, sir, I'm learning a lot. I love it. I love it so.   Jerry Hoepner: We are well on your way, and you will make that impact on a lot of students. I'm sure you already have. Well, just to kind of bring things to a close. I want to end with a lighter note hopefully, a lighter note. What brings you peace in the midst of this sometimes crazy world that we're living in.   Warren Brown: Oh, man, I love! I love my kids and my wife. I love my kids and my wife. They bring me peace. I'm a I'm a classic car collector. I love my classics, too. I have them. Can I share about that?   Jerry Hoepner: Absolutely.   Warren Brown: So, I have a 1969, a 396 Chevelle that I bought years ago. And we're restoring that we're almost done with that. I just have to get it painted. And recently I bought a 1985 K. 5 Chevy Blazer that we started to restore as well. It's a smaller engine. It's a 305, but that's something that brings me peace as well. You know my dad was a jack of all trades. So, I learned at a young age how to construct houses, how to do plumbing electrical fix cars. That's why I went to college, so I didn't want to do that full time. So, but one thing about it is that you know, I learned how to do all those things, so I can teach that to my kids. And hopefully, that's our family time. You know that we do these things together. That's what truly brings me peace, my family, and a lot of my friends. So, for sure. Yes, sir.   Jerry Hoepner: Well, that's fantastic. And obviously you and I could talk all day. We need to wrap things up. Hopefully. We'll get to see you at the Aphasia Access Leadership Summit and connect there.   Warren Brown: I'll be there. Yes, sir.   01:05:02.260 --> 01:05:11.929 Jerry Hoepner: Connect with a whole bunch of new people. That you haven't met yet, too. So, thank you so much. Warren and I look forward to talking to you again soon.   Warren Brown: Thanks, Dr. Hoepner. Thanks for having me. I appreciate it.   Jerry Hoepner: You're so welcome. On behalf of Aphasia Access, thank you for listening to this episode of the Aphasia Access Conversations Podcast. For more information on Aphasia Access and to access our growing library of materials go to www.aphasiaaccess.org. If you have an idea for a future podcast series or topic, email us at info@aphasiaaccess.org. Thanks again for your ongoing support of Aphasia Access.

"Państwo nie może sobie na to pozwolić, przedsiębiorców bieda nie dotknęła. Obniżenie składki zdrowotnej jest nieuzasadnione. Ulżyjmy tylko bardzo wąskiej grupie przedsiębiorców, np. fryzjerkom" - powiedział dr hab. Marcin Piątkowski w Popołudniowej rozmowie w RMF FM. Gość Grzegorza Sroczyńskiego dodał, że największym problemem polskiej gospodarki jest zbyt niski poziom inwestycji. "Popieram deregulację, to nam nie zaszkodzi, ale to nie zmieni mocno naszej gospodarki"- podkreślał.

The 16:9 PODCAST IS SPONSORED BY SCREENFEED – DIGITAL SIGNAGE CONTENT All kinds of people in this industry are very aware that while there is lot of dodgy stuff, there is also lots of well made display technology available from Chinese manufacturers who have zero brand recognition outside of that country. Buy potential buyers don't tend to have the time or resources to make the big flights over the Pacific to visit China and directly source reliable manufacturing partners. And they really - if they're smart - don't want to just order stuff, and then cross their fingers and toes hoping the stuff shows up, lines up with what was ordered, works, and then meets necessary certifications. Jacob Horwitz saw an opportunity to create a new company that functions as something as a boutique digital signage distribution company that sources, curates and markets display and related technologies that its resellers can then take to market. Horwitz will be familiar to a lot of industry people for a pair of installation companies he started and ran the U.S. - IST and later Zutek. In both cases, he sold the companies, and he could have just retired ... but he didn't want to retire. Nor did his wife, because a Jacob with too much time on his hands would make her crazy. So he started Illuminology with a longtime industry friend and business partner Stephen Gottlich, who for many years ran the digital file for Gable. I caught up with Horwitz to talk about the origins and rationale for Illuminology, which is just spinning up but has some big plans. Subscribe from wherever you pick up new podcasts. TRANSCRIPT Jacob, it was nice speaking with you. You have started a company called Illuminology, which sounds like you started a cult, but I think that's not what it is.  Jacob Horwitz: Not yet, no, We hope it will be at some point, a good following, but first off, Dave, thanks for having me. It's been nine years since you and I first chatted on a podcast. I don't know if you realize that. It was December of 2016, and we had just finished, I think maybe the nationwide rollout of Burger King, you and I had a chat about that, and it's hard to believe nine years have gone by.  This was when you had IST?  Jacob Horwitz: Installation Service Technologies was a nationwide installation and service company, that was sold in 2018 and then a year later, I restarted a company called Zootech, and I was approached by a customer who was looking to be entrepreneurial and that company is now owned by Karen Salmon. It's a woman-owned business mow, and her father was the founder of Powerpoint of Sale. I took a couple of years off. I have a person that I have worked with for 30 years, my business partner, Stephen Gottlich. I think you've met Stephen, and he has been working with Gable Signs for the last 17 years and I think what Illuminology is now is a culmination of really two parallel journeys. Stephen took a traditional sign company 17 years ago down a path of innovation, and Gable went from a bending metal traditional sign company to a visual solutions company my background, which has been installation and service for the last 20 years, brings together two people who are a little bit older than when you and I first talked nine years ago.  It was probably 60 pounds ago when I talked to you for the first time. I'm a little gray or a little wiser and a little bit older. So the two of us come from really parallel journeys in different areas of digital signage, and we wanted to create something a little different in the United States. We'd seen some business models and other parts of the world that seem to be working. So we wanted to create a marketplace that would expand digital signage to companies interested in expanding their scope of business. So we focus a lot on traditional sign companies other technology-type companies, and installation companies. They all have some type of footprint in the verticals with technology but they're not carrying digital signage.  So we thought, how do we expand digital signage to reach a lot more people? And we've come up with this business model.  So for people who are completely unfamiliar with it, how do you describe it in your elevator pitch? Jacob Horwitz: The easiest way to describe it is to think of us as a traditional distributor of digital signage to authorized resellers. Much like a Blue Star, B&H, except that we're very boutique, and we're very focused, and we're very passionate. Stephen and I are not, we've been fortunate in business. I'm 65, Stephen is 70-ish, so we know we don't have a lot of time to build something that's going to take years and years, but we wanted to build something special.  So you would be like, an Almo or those kinds of companies, but much more focused specifically on digital signage?  Jacob Horwitz: … And being able to support them differently. So take a digital traditional sign company, next month, we'll be at the International Sign Show in Las Vegas, the USA, and a lot of those people are digital, but it's amazing how many fast signs, and banners to go, those types of places that are selling digital signage today and have no idea what digital is. They're very old and traditional.  I think of it if you sold typewriters or telephones a couple of decades ago and you didn't evolve in the IP phones and computers, you're probably not in business anymore. So we're taking a lot of those types of sign companies. We have a course called Illuminology University. We take them through an 8 to 10-week course. These are live training classes and curricula we put together to train them about what is a sign in digital singage, what's LED, what's LCD, what is GOB versus COB, just really teaching them about the industry and they have a lot of reach in the verticals that traditional people selling digital signage today don't have. The other thing that makes us unique. When you go to traditional companies like Blue Stars, you don't have everything available under one distributor. We have an experience center that's opening next week in Kansas City. It's a supermarket of visual solutions, so you'll be able to see not just LED or LCD, but you're also going to see light boxes, you're going to see different kiosks, you're going to see where AI comes into play with digital signage, you're going to have a good understanding in our experience center of the programmatic side of how things can be monetized with a digital retail network. I think that because of the 30 years that Steven and I have been involved in technology and in the last twenty in digital signage, we can be much more of a boutique to help people with a wider range of solutions, not just a traditional 55-inch monitor, but LED posters, you had on your blog a few weeks ago that digital desk, which is part of our showroom, so I think it's about innovation. I think it's about a wider range of solutions, and it's hopefully in our last chapters of life, having a lot of fun with our partners.  So I assume if I call or contact one of the larger distributors who do unified communications, do all kinds of different things, and I start asking them about it, I'm a POS company, I have a customer who's asking me about menu boards and things like that. I don't know where to start.  If you talk to a larger distribution company, they have a sheet or a system that lists all the stuff they have and they can rattle off, here's what we have, what do you want, whereas you're saying because you're much more focused on this area and you have an experience center, people could come in and you can try to find something that's tailored to their needs as opposed to what we have.  Jacob Horwitz: Yeah, I think that all those traditional distribution models are very good at taking orders and taking money. A couple of them even have some departments where they're trying to help you with that consultive part of the business but I think at the end of the day, from my installation side, conservatively, we installed well over 400,000 displays in every kind of vertical you could imagine when I owned IST.  We did the new SoFi Stadium. We did all of their point of sale. Arlington Stadium, we did all of their digital assets when Daktronics had contracted us. And Stephen has done every kind of hardware installs you could think of when he was with Gable. So I think that being able to work with a company and be there to hold their hand too, we've already gotten on a plane and gone to sales calls with our partners. You're not going to get that from a traditional distributor. We work and do the RFPs with them. We work with them on pricing and quotes. So it's a little bit different than just trying to take an order so I think that's what makes us unique and the education and our school of hard knocks, you know, god knows, we've made an awful lot of mistakes in 20 years So I think we're gotten pretty good at what we do.  So are you selling strictly third-party stuff, or are there products that fall under the Illuminology brand or a related brand?  Jacob Horwitz: We've been going back and forth for a decade now to China. Stephen and I's first project together, was Simon Properties, 250 malls, and one of the largest media networks for digital out-of-home in the country, we designed the kiosk 10 years ago that they were still using and running in their malls, and that was a factory direct where we worked directly with the factories, built a kiosk, and were able to give Simon an amazing solution, especially where technology was 10 years ago.  So through that experience and over the last decade, we've met absolutely the best factories in China. There are a lot of stereotypes of what a Chinese factory could look like, and until you go and you see the automation and the technology there, God knows you've done it. You've been all over the world. It's not what a lot of people think. So we work directly with factories. We are creating two brands. There are more later on in the year, we are white labeling or branding our product. There'll be a line of displays called LightScapes, and then there'll be a line of kiosks called EasyOSK. So these are part of our longer-term business plan to have a brand. So you're not just saying, well, we bought these from some factories in Taiwan Korea Vietnam and China. We work very closely with the factories. We work very closely with people like AUO who are on the display side, and the panel side, and we will have some things that are unique within that brand. It will not just be the same product that everybody can buy. But because we're doing factory direct because we've got ten-year relationships with these factories, and they know Stephen and me well. We've been going except during COVID several times a year to China. I think that we're able to buy from them at incredibly good pricing and pass those savings on to our resellers. So what if you had a Chinese manufacturer that's strong domestically in that country and has a lot of them trying to come to the U.S. or over to Europe and say, here we are, and not get anywhere, would you sell their product under their brand or would it have to fall under one of your brands? Jacob Horwitz: No, we sell generic products as well. So for example, that desk that you talk about, I was in that factory last month. The person who owns that factory is a very small equity owner within Illuminology because we've known her for ten years and anything that comes from any factory out of China, she will go do that quality check before it ever hits the container to get over here. So she's a very instrumental part of our business over there, but we sell some of the stuff out of her factory as a generic product. It's not necessarily branded with LightScapes. It might be branded with Illuminology, but when you go look at the certification tags and serial numbers, it's still her company name on it, whereas LightScapes and EasyOSK are true white-labeled products that are going to be unique to us. Does that get around any regulatory issues in terms of what can come over from China if it's coming through you?  Jacob Horwitz: The regulations that are driving everybody in our industry crazy right now are the tariffs. But, to us, I think some of the big things that you don't see out of Chinese companies are the right approvals. We're very focused right now on our products being a UL or UL equivalent. There are five or six laboratories that are like MET. That is exactly like UL. It's UL-approved. We had a very large factory send us apart to test and they looked at it yesterday and we already rejected it because the power supply was not a UL-approved power supply. We said, we're not even going to test it.  So I think that those are things that are not regulatory from the U.S., but they're important to us, from a safety side, especially when you're working with enterprise tier one customers, they, have to have the right certifications, but I think the only thing that's causing us headaches is not the regulatory side, but, trying to figure out the right pricing with tariffs and how we handle that. Cause it's changing by the day.  Jacob Horwitz: Every time I look up, I'm afraid to look at the TV to see if it's higher or whatnot, but all of our pricing that we post to our dealers today is a landed cost from Kansas City. So it's including if we had inbound shipping or we had tariffs, we don't want our resellers to have to worry about that and they know that this is the pricing and if the tariffs go away, then we can lower that price. But if it goes crazy, they need to be prepared. We're working closely with some factories right now in Taiwan, Korea, and others in Vietnam so that we have a backup solution because right now the lion's share is coming from China.  If it's touched in Taiwan or touched in Vietnam, but with Chinese components, does that make a difference? Jacob Horwitz: Yeah, we just had that problem. We had ordered some stuff that came in from Canada, and this was before the Canadian tariff of 25%. This was two-three weeks before that, and we got a bill for tariffs, and we were talking with the U.S. Customs and the experts at DHL and UPS, and it turns out, if you're buying something from, for example, the great area of Canada, where you're sitting at home, but the company we bought it from manufactured their part in China when they ship it to us and their commercial invoice to U.S. Customs asks the company in Canada, where the country of origin it was manufactured and even though I bought it from Canada, had no idea that the part I ordered was not manufactured in Canada, we got hit with that 20 percent tariff on that product, and that surprised us. We didn't think it through or understand and the hard part is even when you talk to the absolute top people at U.S. Customs at the borders that are doing this, they're not even sure hour by hour what the rules are. So it's been hard.  We had another container come in and we had, I think, a $7k or $8k tariff. This is when it was 10%, but it landed in the U.S. before the tariff started and they still would not release it without us paying the tariff. Two days ago, we got that money back from U.S. customs. They realized they shouldn't have even charged it. It was before the date the tariff started. But unfortunately, by the time we released it, they held it hostage for a bit. So it's a hard situation, but we're going to work with other countries and I think that everybody's in the same boat, and I think in terms of pricing, our distribution model is much like the traditional guys. It's on a very low margin. So we have to have a lot of resellers that are looking to expand their business. So I'm curious about markets like Vietnam and India, which I keep hearing about, having gotten into electronics and being alternatives to Korea, Taiwan, particularly China, is that industry, particularly on the display side, mature enough now to buy products from there?  Jacob Horwitz: Since September, I've visited sixteen different countries across the world, I think on three or four continents and getting ready for the right factories and the right things and just enjoying travel at the same time, and the one thing that surprised me is how far behind the U.S. is compared to a lot of parts of the world and how much digital signage you see. Also, when you talk to these people what they're paying for digital signage throughout other parts of the world is far less money than the U.S. customers paying us companies for digital signage. The margins in Asia and Europe are much thinner than the traditional margins that resellers have been getting in the U.S.  Our motto, and you see it across our website, is “The Best for Less”, and we have tried to find the best factories in the world and be able to give it at a price that is not greedy. That's a win for us, for our resellers, and most importantly for the companies that are trying to buy and put that digital signage into their business so they can inspire and tell a story to their customer. And I think that even in the smallest towns of Vietnam, you still see digital outdoor LEDs on the sides of buildings and you go into the shopping malls and it's far more digital than you see here. So that was interesting to me as I've got to travel the world in the last four months. Is it a function of cost or awareness?  Jacob Horwitz: I'm not sure, but I'm assuming first it's a function of cost because where they're working on margins that are so much less, it allows that to get into people's businesses, and when you're charging $1k for a 55-inch commercial grade LCD, 500 nit monitor, it's a barrier to entry. So we're trying to brand something and bring something to the market where we can be 20% less to the end user than a lot of the traditional things, and we think we've accomplished that. The tariffs hurt us a little bit, but they hurt everybody by and large. So I think that's really why the U.S. is slower. I don't want to use the word greed. I own businesses, but people have tried to get margins that I don't think you can get anymore, and I think that you're going to have to find other ways to monetize your business through the installation side, through the content side, and I think that it's also helping companies. It's a big part of what we do. I think of Chris at Stratacash, he has a whole area where he helps monetize their solutions and it's helped, and we're looking at that closely. We're working with three or four companies right now where we can have our resellers work directly with them and educate their end users on how they can monetize the solution, through advertising in certain verticals. Not all verticals are conducive to digital out-of-home, but most are.  So that's an important part of how we're going to help move products into places that normally maybe couldn't afford to put the right solutions in. I assume that there are all kinds of people in North America, the U.S. in particular, who are aware that they can buy stuff via AliExpress or whatever. But they've heard enough to know, yes, you can pay substantially less, but you have to cross your fingers when it shows up.  Is Illuminology positioned as a safe harbor way to do it? Like we're doing the sourcing, we've figured that part out so we could pass on those savings without all the worry. Jacob Horwitz: Look to me, those sites are a lot like a box of chocolates. You never really know what you're going to get when that product shows up. As I said, even with the sample we got from somebody yesterday not being the right display, UL, and approvals, we're not going to be a website where you can buy whatever you want. It's going to be very focused on innovation. It's going to be the same factories. As I'm sure you've seen I get if I get one I get at least three emails every day from some Chinese factory trying to sell you whatever and everyone is a nickel cheaper than the other and I think that's just Pennywise and quality foolish.  So we're not going to be that it's going to be the best for less, and if we can create this supermarket of visual solutions, and it's a great product and the pricing can hit the street to an end user, double-digit, less expensive, and we are distributing through companies that have reached where the traditional resellers aren't touching, then we think that will help expand digital signage across the U.S.  So these would be reached to like the sign companies you mentioned, maybe the point of sale technology companies, those kinds of companies?  Jacob Horwitz: I have a guy I talked to a couple of days ago who sells medical devices. Nothing to do with digital signage. He's out there every day selling blood pressure machines or whatever medical devices he's selling and in the last few days, I've probably talked three times to him now about the opportunity he has to do stuff in the medical world because he's already out there calling on places to put in screens and some LED posters. And, so I think it's all kinds of places that maybe haven't even thought about incorporating digital signage into their end-user business, and these people are now educating why being able to tell a story through digital is so much better than a static sign.  So yeah, it's been enlightening to see all the different verticals you can all of a sudden make inroads that you never thought about. Yeah. So many companies are just going down the same familiar path of chasing QSRs, chasing retail, and I've always advised people to look at those other kinds of companies that already have established trust with your target vertical who supply other things to them and partner with them. Jacob Horwitz: Yeah, it's been interesting. When I was doing the installation side, we did a lot of QSR, McDonald's, Burger King, Sonic, Del Taco, that type of stuff, and a lot of them have seen a few of the first initial posts we've done and they're calling and asking more of what we can do and I'm excited just about window technology whether that be an LED, a double-sided LCD hanging in the window of a fast food restaurant is so much more effective than printing two breakfast sandwiches for $5 and shipping it out to the store, hoping the manager puts it in the window during the promotional time. Half the time, three weeks after the motions are over, they still have that digital thing in there saying breakfast sandwiches or the static poster thing, and then at 10:30 when breakfast is over, they're still talking about breakfast sandwiches instead of talking about Value meals or other desserts or other things they could be buying during dinner. So it makes nothing but sense to have those assets in there.  But the people who are buying their outdoor digital menu board don't even offer that product. So we feel that a supermarket with a full set of solutions, in a C-store to be able to do a stretch screen and a gondola and still do their monitors over their register and doing their digital menu board and having things that inspire people to walk in from the pump into the C-store, we have that full range of product where a lot of people just don't have a full range of offerings to that.  When you say a full range of products, is it purely display technology, or does your supermarket have other things?  Jacob Horwitz: We do light boxes, which are just an aluminum extruded frame that hangs on a wall with backlit LED, but it's a fabric, you see them in every airport. So we do a lot of light boxes, and that's a very affordable and very effective solution. It's a static display, but it pops.  We are doing music. We have partnered with CloudCover. CloudCover is owned by SiriusXM, I believe, and Pandora, because we think that it's part of the whole experience, it's touching all the senses of when you go into that business, we think music is a really important part of branding your business. So there are several out there that are there. We've hitched our ride there on the software side. Because we have to support the dealers, we have, we offer two software platforms, and it's because of relationship and stability and they're the best. There's a saying, if you're the smartest guy in the room, you're in the wrong room and so we've partnered with people that make me where I am not even close to the smartest guy in the room. We love working with Navori. We think Jeffrey Weitzman is amazing. So we offer to our partners and we've worked aggressively to have a good distribution model in Navori to our partners and potential end users. So if I'm sitting in a room with Jeff Hastings, I'm not the smartest guy in the room anymore. So we offer BrightSign, and BrightAuthor, and the players we go with are either the Navori or the BrightSign players, and we offer that CMS. They're not. The cheapest CMS, you had a great interview with Alistair and what they're doing and I listened to you last night. So there are a lot of options, but we have to support the dealer network. So to be able to have a dealer that wants to go off and do a different CMS, we support that. They can send us software and we'll test it to make sure, particularly if it's going to be SOC, that what they're using is going to run properly on that version of Android. So we'll support them that way or just before we order the product, we'll go into our lab and throw that on, but we can't support that dealer network on how to use the CMS. We have BrightAuthor and Novori, and we're good, and then we have two full-time people thatwho NOVA certified. So on the LED side, we're no, we have NOVA-certified experts, so we can help them with Novastar. So we can support that, but we can't support every CMS. So we encourage them, especially if they need a 4-a-month CMS, then I think that Alistair is a great solution, and there are a lot of those types of companies out there. But that won't be us. We'll have a couple of CMS, we'll have the music solution and we hope we can create a visual experience and a sensory experience that when they walk into an end user that's bought a product through one of our resellers, that product's inspiring consumers to spend more money. You and Stephen are hands-on with this, but how many other people do you have working with you?  Jacob Horwitz: Oh gosh, I've tapped into a lot of my old employees in a lot of years, so Stephen and I have known each other for 30 years. For us, it's more passionate at this age. It's certainly not about really the money. This is because your wife said you need to do something.  Jacob Horwitz: After years of being in the house and driving her crazy every 10 minutes, she made it clear I will either go find a job, or I'll have to support her next husband. So that had a little bit to do with it. But Stephen and I are wired the same way. It's about quality. It's about good solutions. It's never been about trying to make money on this. I think it's helping people. The people that I've brought in, I have a Project Manager who worked for me starting 15 years ago, and now she's ahead of our marketing, Becca, and she's been with me for a decade and a half. The girl in my accounting department has been with me for over 15 years. I have a fragment in the house Legal who is my full-time in my old business and they've all been around at least 10 or 15 years. My CIO has been with me since 1999. So he was in college when he started. So we've got a good, like Stephen and I, that these are not newbies to this industry. One of my Project Managers started with me when we first talked nine years ago when she was a Senior Project Manager for Burger King. So, everybody that I've surrounded myself with so far, there's been at least a decade of hitting the shows, doing the installs, and that school of hard knocks. So have you got 20 people, 40 people? Jacob Horwitz: Right now, we're a team of maybe ten or eleven people. I have three people coming in next week for interviews after the experience center is open that are all industry veteran types and we're just getting started. The idea started in September. I went to Infocomm and then maybe I saw you and just started feeling the waters. We were going to launch in early January or February. We're a month old. The container of our showroom sat in Long Beach for six weeks before it got. It took longer to get from Long Beach to our offices than it did from China to Long Beach. So we're just getting started. But we're going to stay in a boutique. We don't want to be all things to all people.  Right, and they can find you online at Illuminology.com?  Jacob Horwitz: Illuminology.com and there's an online brochure of the product and we thank you. And Dave, I said this to you the other day, but I want to say it again. I need to thank you because, for everybody I've ever hired for the last decade, the first thing we have them do is go through your podcast and your blogs and learn about the industry, and what you do for us is so valuable and I mean that with all sincerity.  Thank you.  Jacob Horwitz: We hired a new sales guy and he started a month ago. He called me yesterday and said, Do you know this Dave Haynes guy? He didn't know, he did not know I had a podcast today. He goes, I am learning so much from him. And, I go, yeah, I'm chatting with him tomorrow. So thank you for what you do as well.  Thank you. That's very kind.  Jacob Horwitz: Very well deserved. So thank you for the opportunity to share our story and we look forward to working with the people in the industry, to help and expand digital signage into places that can be more like your Europe where it's everywhere. All right. Thank you!

In this episode,We look into the emotional side of investing, how to stay disciplined, manage FOMO, and stick to a rules-based approach for long-term success. We also break down Nvidia's game-changing AI innovations, Nike's earnings struggles, and the latest dividend hikes across major companies. Plus, they tackle listener questions on tax efficiency, portfolio performance, and more!

On this week's Atlantic Tales, Pat Flynn visits the Glucksman Library at the University of Limerick, home to a large amount of historic material related to Co Clare. It houses The West Clare Brigade Papers and the extensive Shannon Development Archive donated to UL in 2014.

W tym odcinku gościmy twórczynie podcastu Vingardium grubiosa oraz autorki prześwietnej książki "Grubancypacja" (wyd. W.A.B). Z Natalią i Ulą rozmawiamy o tym, dlaczego grubość to nie tylko kwestia wyglądu, ale także opresyjnego systemu, który kształtuje nasze ciała, relacje i tożsamość.

Disputes were common and informants often disagreed when the townlands we're familiar with today were created. By Catherine Porter, UL and Keith Lilley, QUB.

STANDARD EDITION: 28 Open Cyber Jobs, Real-world AI Propaganda Poisoning, MCP Explained, Cline vs. Windsurf, and more... You are currently listening to the Standard version of the podcast, consider upgrading and becoming a member for the full version and many other exclusive benefits here: https://newsletter.danielmiessler.com/upgrade Subscribe to the newsletter at:https://danielmiessler.com/subscribe Join the UL community at:https://danielmiessler.com/upgrade Follow on X:https://x.com/danielmiessler Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmiessleBecome a Member: https://danielmiessler.com/upgradeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new study by researchers at the University of Limerick has revealed an extraordinarily high burden of kidney disease in older individuals in Ireland that suffer from common chronic conditions. We hear from Professor Austin Stack, Senior Author on the study and Consultant Nephrologist at UL.

The boys are back to talk Softball as Louisiana faces LSU Tuesday night in the Battle of the Bayou. We welcome in LSU Head Softball Coach Beth Torina to preview the matchup, and even have a SPECIAL GUEST that will excite both LSU and UL fans. You won't want to miss this special episode!

STANDARD EDITION: Cyber Standing Down, China's Innovation Burst, PC vs. NPC, Why AI Can't Understand, and more... You are currently listening to the Standard version of the podcast, consider upgrading and becoming a member for the full version and many other exclusive benefits here: https://newsletter.danielmiessler.com/upgrade Subscribe to the newsletter at:https://danielmiessler.com/subscribe Join the UL community at:https://danielmiessler.com/upgrade Follow on X:https://x.com/danielmiessler Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmiesslerBecome a Member: https://danielmiessler.com/upgradeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this engaging episode of the HVAC School Podcast, host Bryan sits down with Jesse from NAVAC to dive deep into the evolving landscape of refrigeration technology, focusing primarily on the transition to A2L refrigerants. The conversation offers a refreshingly pragmatic approach to addressing industry concerns about these new, mildly flammable refrigerants, dispelling myths and providing practical insights for HVAC technicians. The discussion begins by addressing the most pressing question for many technicians: Do you need to buy all new tools to work with A2L refrigerants? Jesse from NAVAC provides a nuanced response, emphasizing that while there are currently no regulations mandating new equipment, the company has proactively developed tools that are safety-certified and compatible with the new refrigerant types. They explore the intricacies of safety certifications like UL and CSA, explaining the differences between UL Listed and UL Verified, and highlighting the importance of intrinsically safe equipment, especially for tools like vacuum pumps and recovery machines. NAVAC's approach goes beyond mere product promotion, with Jesse positioning himself as an educator first. The podcast delves into the technical details of A2L refrigerants, challenging common misconceptions and providing context about their flammability. Bryan and Jesse draw parallels with previous refrigerant transitions, noting how technicians were initially skeptical about R-410A but eventually adapted. They emphasize the importance of best practices, proper training, and understanding the actual risks associated with these new refrigerants, rather than succumbing to fear-based narratives. The episode also showcases NAVAC's latest technological innovations, including smart probes, a Bluetooth scale, a smart valve for charging and recovery, and an advanced vacuum pump with a one-touch oil testing feature. These tools represent the company's commitment to improving technician efficiency and safety, with features that address real-world challenges faced by HVAC professionals. Key Topics Covered: A2L Refrigerants Myths and misconceptions about flammability Comparison with previous refrigerant transitions Safety considerations and best practices Safety Certifications Differences between UL Listed and UL Verified Importance of intrinsically safe equipment CSA and ETL certifications NAVAC's New Tools Smart probes with Bluetooth connectivity Advanced vacuum pump with automatic oil testing Flex manifold with digital accuracy and analog feel Battery-operated pumps with improved run times Industry Trends Preparation for A2L and future refrigerant transitions Regulatory changes and efficiency standards Importance of technician education and adaptation Additional Insights: No current regulations require new tools for A2L refrigerants Proper training and best practices are crucial Technicians should focus on understanding new technologies Safety is about awareness and proper procedures, not fear   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android

Jenny sits down with Michelle Mc Mahon, Digital Marketing and Content Officer at the University of Limerick (UL), to discuss how her team has mastered authentic social media storytelling. Michelle shares her journey from PR to higher ed marketing, the strategy behind UL's student-driven content, and how her team collaborates across departments to create compelling campaigns. If you're looking for fresh strategies to elevate your university's social media presence, this episode is packed with insights.‍Key TakeawaysAuthenticity is about people-first storytelling. Instead of pushing institutional messaging, UL prioritizes real stories from students.Social media content should be channel-specific. What works on TikTok won't necessarily perform on LinkedIn or Instagram.Students are the best brand ambassadors. They bring credibility, relatability, and an authentic voice that resonates with prospective students.Recruitment is only half the battle—retention matters too. A well-structured, engaging student content creator program keeps students involved and invested.Collaboration between departments strengthens marketing efforts. Working with research and athletics teams helps UL showcase its strengths in a meaningful way.Fun should not be overlooked in university marketing. Content that entertains is more likely to engage and build affinity with the audience.G‍uest Name: Michelle McMahon, Digital Marketing and Content Officer, University of LimerickGuest Social: LinkedInGuest Bio: Michelle Mc Mahon joined University of Limerick as Digital Marketing Officer in 2021 – moving home to the west of Ireland after ten years in Dublin. Her prior roles include Head of Social & Innovation at FleishmanHillard Ireland, and founding editor of digital publication Her.ie; where she managed a team that grew an audience from 0 to one million unique monthly visitors in two years. Prior to this, Michelle presented and produced a daily mid-morning radio show on BAUER media's SPIN South West. As part of her role in the small but mighty Central Marketing Unit at UL, Michelle works on impactful, storytelling-led campaigns, and shapes the strategic approach to key channels including Instagram and TikTok. Michelle also manages the award-winning student social media officer programme at University of Limerick, bringing authentic student-led content to the university's social channels.How Michelle Mc Mahon Transitioned from PR to Higher Ed MarketingMichelle's journey into higher education marketing began when she left the fast-paced world of PR in Dublin to move back home to western Ireland. She had always been intrigued by the idea of working in higher ed, and when a digital marketing role at UL opened up, she jumped at the chance. For her, the appeal was clear—education is something truly meaningful to promote. Unlike PR, where she sometimes had to market things she wasn't passionate about, higher ed offered a mission she could fully get behind.At UL, Michelle found herself part of a small but dynamic central marketing team. She quickly realized that while working in university marketing may not be as romantic as she once imagined, it is both challenging and rewarding. With a strong passion for storytelling and an interest in student engagement, she has helped shape a social media strategy that prioritizes real voices and human connection.‍What Does Authenticity in Higher Ed Social Media Actually Look Like?"Authenticity" has been a buzzword in higher ed marketing for years, but what does it actually mean? For Michelle and her team, authenticity is about putting people first. Instead of flooding feeds with institutional messaging, they focus on individual stories that resonate with their audience.One of the key questions they ask before creating content is, "Who cares?" They've found that people care about people—not about lists of faculty credentials or course attributes. Real student experiences always perform better than polished marketing copy. That's why Michelle emphasizes the importance of listening to students and allowing them to tell their stories in their own voice.Additionally, she acknowledges that as marketers, it's easy to assume we know what students want based on our own college experiences. But times have changed. The way students communicate is different, their needs are different, and their expectations of digital content are different. The key to staying relevant is simple: Listen first. Create second.‍Why Content Should Be Tailored to Each PlatformMichelle is a firm believer that content should be channel-specific. With so many platforms to manage and limited resources, the temptation is often to use a "Create Once, Publish Everywhere" (COPE) strategy. However, UL takes a more tailored approach.For example, while their postgraduate recruitment campaign featured beautifully produced videos, those same polished assets didn't belong on TikTok. Instead of forcing them onto the platform, UL's team had one of their student ambassadors, Joseph, create a reaction video showing his surprise at seeing himself on billboards and buses. This lo-fi, personal approach performed significantly better than a direct upload of the campaign video ever would have.Michelle's philosophy? Give people what they want, where they want to see it. Less, but more tailored, content is often more effective than trying to be everywhere at once.How UL Successfully Recruits and Retains Student CreatorsRecruiting student content creators is one thing—keeping them engaged is another. UL has built a robust student social media officer program that balances freedom and structure.The recruitment process starts with an annual push in September, but applications remain open year-round. Michelle and her team don't just wait for students to apply; they proactively scout for talent by reaching out to students who tag UL on social media. They also visit classrooms—especially within journalism and media programs—to directly invite students to apply.Once students join the team, they're encouraged to pitch ideas freely. However, Michelle also recognizes that some students excel with assigned tasks rather than open-ended brainstorming. To keep students engaged, UL fosters a supportive community, offers regular meet-ups, and ensures contributors feel valued. The success of the program is evident: some students have stayed on for multiple years, and many use their experience as a stepping stone to career opportunities post-graduation.How UL Collaborates Across Departments for Stronger ContentOne of UL's biggest social media wins has been breaking down silos and collaborating across departments. Their recent partnership with the research team is a prime example.Research plays a huge role at UL, but translating complex scientific work into engaging content is a challenge. Rather than sticking to traditional academic messaging, UL's marketing team worked closely with researchers to create a compelling video series. These videos showcase both high-profile experts and up-and-coming scholars, presenting research in a way that resonates with a broad audience.Another exciting collaboration is with the athletics department. UL is known as "Ireland's sporting campus," and the team has been working on better integrating sports content into the central social media channels. What started as a student-generated idea—a weekly sports roundup—has now grown into a full-fledged initiative, with additional student social media officers dedicated specifically to sports content.By building trust with other university departments, Michelle's team has expanded UL's digital presence in meaningful ways—without overstretching their own limited resources.Michelle's Confession: She listens to everything—podcasts, audiobooks, e-learning courses—on double speed. Her husband jokes that he wishes he could speed up conversations with her in real life!Final ThoughtsMichelle Mc Mahon's approach to social media at the University of Limerick is a masterclass in authentic, student-driven marketing. From prioritizing real voices over polished institutional messaging to tailoring content for each platform and fostering collaborations across campus, her strategies offer valuable lessons for any higher ed marketer. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jenny Li Fowlerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/https://twitter.com/TheJennyLiAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you'll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

STANDARD EDITION: Attacking Signal, Blogging Getting MORE Important, AI's Final Form, Claude 3.7 vs. World, Censorship as a Service, and more... ➡ Protect Against Bots, Fraud, and Abuse. Check out WorkOS Radar at: workos.com/radarYou are currently listening to the Standard version of the podcast, consider upgrading and becoming a member for the full version and many other exclusive benefits here: https://newsletter.danielmiessler.com/upgrade Subscribe to the newsletter at:https://danielmiessler.com/subscribe Join the UL community at:https://danielmiessler.com/upgrade Follow on X:https://x.com/danielmiessler Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmiesslerBecome a Member: https://danielmiessler.com/upgradeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:00:23 Who was the better CrossFitter? Bryan or Aaron? 00:01:47 What are the prime muscle-building years, and how precipitous is the drop off as you age? 00:05:12 What's your average maintenance diet look like?  Can you walk through a typical grocery haul for a week.00:11:32 What do you think about RFK? 00:16:23 Do you think whey protein powders have merit? Do you think you can build muscle in a low-carb state if you're eating a ton of protein?00:18:26 Aaron mentioned using the RP hypertrophy app. Any update? 00:20:42 What are differences between Paragon 5D physique and how a pro bodybuilder would train? No desire to stand on stage, but wanna optimize muscle mass.00:26:12 Is behind the back cable lateral raise more anterior delt and the Y-Raise is more rear delt?00:28:11 When training 4x/week, would you expect a difference in results from an UL split (each muscle 2x/week) versus a rotating PPL split if weekly volumes are equated?00:32:37 I've been listening to your pod for awhile, and finally starting my first official bulk in 10 years lifting at the same BW. Four months in, and I got stretch marks on my chest.00:33:29 Opinion on Rucking for Zone 2 if an outdoor activity is desired but I don't want to run?00:34:52 What are your thoughts on flywheel training for hypertrophy? 00:36:09 What are some good general fitness milestones to test progress?00:39:40 For Aaron. Give us a FULL update on your training and how you're feeling and growing. You wanting more? Have your goals/dreams changed? YOU LITERALLY LOOK LIKE AN ACTION FIGURE! 00:46:26 I'm lifting 5x per week and running 3x per week preparing for this half marathon. Do you think it's possible to gain muscle during this period?00:49:24 If you wanted to have higher calories on training days, how low would you go on the low days?00:52:51 What is the most common question that you find yourself answering with clients?00:54:43 Should natty lifters train differently than enhanced?00:56:59 For building muscle do you think it's as optimal training in the mornings as in the afternoon or evening?00:58:54 When lifting is your grip meant to be comfortable or as hard as possible?01:00:24 Minimum recommendations for fruits/vegetables per meal/day if trying to reduce food volume?01:02:57 How to design a chest specialization phase?01:04:07 Potential reasons for high SHBG?01:06:48 Cardio and lifting. Can they be done on the same day?01:09:07 If Bryan was training for max hypertrophy, could he get better results in a commercial gym? 01:10:30 In a deficit, if you are not expecting to gain muscle and the goal is to maintain, should you modify training to be lower volume and/or lower frequency? Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️https://paragontrainingmethods.comFollow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️https://evolvedtrainingsystems.comFind Us on Social Media ⬇️IG | @Eat.Train.ProsperIG | @bryanboorsteinIG | @aaron_strakerYT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

In this episode, Sean White interviews Jordan Harris, CEO of Yotta Energy, at the Inter Solar conference in San Diego. They discuss Yotta  Energy's innovative energy storage systems, their thermal management, UL certification process, and the benefits of integrating storage seamlessly with solar installations. Listen in for insights into future-proofing solar storage solutions and the fascinating origin story of Yotta Energy.   Topics covered: Intersolar Yotta Energy Battery ESS = Energy Storage System Yotta = 10^24 Yotta Block Ballast Battery LFP = Lithium Iron Phosphate Ballasted System Inverters Sean's Red Neck Shaman? (Stay tuned!) Yotta's Battery Thermal Management Lead Acid Battery   Reach out Jordan Harris here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-harris Yotta Energy Website: www.yottaenergy.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

When Battalion Chief Rick Grassel first saw six Teslas charging at a station, one thought hit him—what would I do if those were on fire? And the answer? He didn't know. That realization launched a deep dive into electric vehicle (EV) fire response, battery dangers, and the evolving challenges firefighters face on the frontline.In this episode, Matt, Doug, Brian, and Unkie sit down with Chief Grassel to break down:⚡ The real problem – It's not just EVs, it's batteries everywhere!

Also: A new threat modeling framework for AI, an API security report, and being paralyzed by crisis Subscribe to the newsletter at:https://danielmiessler.com/subscribe Join the UL community at:https://danielmiessler.com/upgrade Follow on X:https://x.com/danielmiessler Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmiesslerBecome a Member: https://danielmiessler.com/upgradeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's edition of The Hurling Pod, Paul Murphy, James Skehill, and Will O'Callaghan were joined by former Galway defender and now performance coach Tony Óg Regan.Tony opened up on the pain of being dropped from the panel twice, his anxiety around big games as a player, and working with top teams like Limerick and Ballygunner in recent seasons.The lads also chat about Laois's vital win at Westmemath in Division One B, UL continuing their recent dominance of the Fitzgibbon Cup, and your feedback from last week...

This week, we dive into the latest European earnings season, exciting dividend hikes, and what they mean for investors! From Siemens, British American Tobacco, Ahold Delhaize, Agree Realty, and Unilever. We break down The biggest dividend hikes and what they signal.Tickers mentioned: META, NSRGY, BTI, BATS, AD.AS, ADC, UL, CSCO, TMUS, RELX, ORKLY, DNB, ENX, HEIA, MAND, STO, DBS, ROCK-B, QSR, BAM, TROW, NVO, SHEL, MSFT

Ryan Pécot, proprietor of Adopted Dog Brewing, is a successful commercial realtor with Sterling Properties as well as a force in changing the food and entertainment landscape in Lafayette. Adopted Dog Brewing offers a family friendly place to bring your kids and your dogs. Located at 329 Dulles Drive, it celebrated its second anniversary on February 1, 2025. A public celebration will be held on February 22 , 2025, where The Good Dudes will be playing. "They're at the brew house right now brewing a beer with my brew master called the Good Brew 2, a Mexican cerveza with lime that we will release on our birthday party weekend," Ryan says. Ironically, Ryan didn't drink beer much in his college days. And he recounted that when he and his younger brother would travel to sporting events, his brother would always sample local craft beers, while Ryan would choose generic alcoholic beverages. "Ultimately I got jealous of him. And being jealous of your younger brother is not that cool. I realized he was getting more out of our trips than I was because he was getting a local flair whereas I was just getting the regular thing. I made a New Year's resolution to learn how to drink beer. And on January 1st, I drank a beer and it was awful. And I drank another one. I couldn't figure it out. I just didn't like it. And then I got to a spot where I did. On one of those trips, I said if I ever learn how to drink beer and if I ever open a brewery, this is some of the things I'd like to do. Our flagship beer, which is aptly named 337, is a Blueberry Blonde inspired by a place called Boston BeerWorks across from Fenway Park. We walked in there and saw a bunch of ladies drinking beer, which was not normal. They all had blueberries in their beer. How are all these chicks drinking beer? Like, what is going on? And then I realized, that if I ever open a brewery, I'm going to offer a blueberry lager, because clearly this works." A few years back, Ryan wasn't planning to open a brewery, but was inspired to open Adopted Dog by synchronistic events. One day, he and a friend were driving around the industrial area near Dulles Drive looking for a site to store their UL tailgating trailer and assorted gear, while waiting to have a B. F. Goodrich tire changed on Ryan's truck. They happened to pass by 329 Dulles, the site of the former Cafe 329 which was owned and developed by Peter Martin. "We went through that cul de sac by SLCC. I didn't even know that road existed. We came across the real estate, and I asked my buddy James to pull in, and I peered through the windows and I'm like, it's awesome. I'm opening a brewery. James said 'What?' I said I'm opening a brewery here. I'm telling you, as a real estate guy, when you see it, you know it. If I was going to open a brewery in Lafayette, this is the physical spot. You're five minutes to everything, but you're kind of in a donut hole of nothing else offering all that land. You sit there and you feel like you're not in Lafayette for an hour." "I look for the little things. As soon as I saw the building, I realized that the patio on the back deck faced the southeast. That means you're going to get shaded the quickest in our hot, long summers. If we were going to ever eventually build a deck and a stage that would be positioned correctly, the wind cut through the way the heat felt. The building with the high ceilings has pros and cons, but generally, it worked and checked all the boxes." The site is also located in mid-city Lafayette, which was important to Ryan in his quest to develop establishments in the heart of our city, just as he has enjoyed when traveling across the country and getting to know the heart of local communities. While the land and building were perfect, opening a brewing company in Lafayette was a challenge. Ryan says, "Without my background as a commercial broker, I'm not sure I would have been successful in opening Adopted Dog Brewing.

Plus: DeepSeek's open database, Using o3 with Fabric, Chinese backdoors in health monitors, and much more... Subscribe to the newsletter at:https://danielmiessler.com/subscribe Join the UL community at:https://danielmiessler.com/upgrade Follow on X: https://x.com/danielmiessler Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmiesslerBecome a Member: https://danielmiessler.com/upgradeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I want to explore how AI can assist in fiction writing, especially using open-source models that allow for greater control, creativity, and long-form storytelling. With tools like LM Studio and Hugging Face, we can download powerful AI models capable of maintaining story coherence, helping authors generate complex narratives, and even unlocking new storytelling possibilities. So, the idea is to create a structured approach to fiction writing with AI. By organizing story elements—characters, setting, mystery, and plot—into a detailed text file ("Telus file"), we can guide AI models to produce high-quality, structured narratives. The goal is not to replace authors but to empower them with AI-assisted storytelling. Who wants to experiment with this approach? Or does anyone know of better AI tools for fiction writing? With larger context models and improving AI capabilities, we might be close to AI-assisted novels that rival human-written stories! Subscribe to the newsletter at:https://danielmiessler.com/subscribe Join the UL community at:https://danielmiessler.com/upgrade Follow on X: https://x.com/danielmiessler Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmiessler Become a Member: https://danielmiessler.com/upgradeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus: The AI Vulnerability Glut, Remotely Hacking Subarus, Criticism of CVSS, the United Breach, and much more... ➡ Protect Against Bots, Fraud, and Abuse. Check out WorkOS Radar at workos.com/radar Subscribe to the newsletter at: https://danielmiessler.com/subscribe Join the UL community at:https://danielmiessler.com/upgrade Follow on X:https://twitter.com/danielmiessler Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmiessler See you in the next one!Become a Member: https://danielmiessler.com/upgradeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.