Disruption Now

On this episode 191 of the Disruption Now podcast:What happens when an algorithm knows more about your health than your doctor ever will? When AI can process threats faster than any human operator? When China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are probing our systems 24/7?Dr. Richard Harknett has spent 30+ years answering these questions at the highest levels. As the first Scholar-in-Residence at US Cyber Command and NSA, a key architect of the US Cybersecurity Strategy 2023, and Fulbright Professor in Cyber Studies at Oxford, he's one of the few people who's seen how cyber threats actually unfold—and what we're doing (or not doing) about them.In this conversation, Richard breaks down:🔹 Why the way we thought about security for 70 years "doesn't map" to a networked world🔹 The critical difference between being "in the loop," "on the loop," and "out of the loop" with AI🔹 What China's cyber capabilities mean for everyday Americans (and why it should keep you up at night)🔹 How AI could cut 47,000 annual car accident deaths in half—if we figure out the policy🔹 Why education needs to shift from rote learning to adaptive thinking🔹 The one thing citizens must do to keep technology accountable: "We have to assert ourselves"Richard's unique background—a social scientist who started in nuclear deterrence before becoming one of the world's leading cyber strategists—gives him a perspective you won't hear anywhere else. This isn't fear-mongering. It's a framework for staying relevant in a world where algorithms are making more decisions every day.Whether you're a cybersecurity professional, business leader, policymaker, or citizen who cares about the future, this episode gives you the language and models to participate in the most important conversations of our time.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction — Why cybersecurity should keep you up at night01:02 Richard's journey: From nuclear weapons to cybersecurity05:15 The moment he realized traditional security thinking was broken10:30 China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea: The real threat landscape18:45 Election security and what's actually at stake25:00 "In the loop" vs "on the loop" — where humans fit with AI32:15 The doctor and the diagnostic pill: AI as expert assistant38:00 Why universities still operate like it's 131842:30 47,000 deaths per year: The case for autonomous vehicles45:00 "We have to assert ourselves" — a civic call to action👤 ABOUT THE GUEST:Dr. Richard Harknett is Professor and Director of the Center for Cyber Strategy and Policy and Co-Director of the Ohio Cyber Range Institute at the University of Cincinnati. He served as the inaugural Scholar-in-Residence at US Cyber Command and NSA, and was Fulbright Professor in Cyber Studies at Oxford University. He has briefed the White House, Pentagon, State Department, and No. 10 Downing Street on cybersecurity strategy.🔗 Connect with Richard:University of Cincinnati: https://researchdirectory.uc.edu/p/harknerjOhio Cyber Range Institute: https://ohiocyberrangeinstitute.org🎧 Subscribe to Disruption Now:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4dvmVthUDvScARfMQj1i4AApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-now/id1450562450YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCWDYBJSzBoqgCd1ADPVttSw/#Cybersecurity #AIPolicy #NationalSecurity🎧 About This ChannelDisruption Now makes technology accessible and human-centric. Our mission is to demystify complex systems and open conversations across domains that are often hard to grasp — from politics to emerging tech, ethics, civic systems, and more — so every viewer can engage thoughtfully and confidently. We disrupt the status quo.🔗 Follow & Connect👤 Rob RichardsonFounder, Strategist, CuratorX (Twitter): https://x.com/RobforOhioInstagram: https://instagram.com/RobforOhioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robforohio/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robrichardsonjr🌐 Disruption NowHuman-centric tech, culture & conversationYouTube (Core Channel): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWDYBJSzBoqgCd1ADPVttSwTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@disruptionnowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/disrupt.art/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/DisruptionNowClubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/@disruptionnow📅 MidwestCon WeekThe Midwest’s human-centered tech & innovation week — Sept 8–11, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio 🌆MidwestCon Week brings together builders, policymakers, creators, and learners for multi-sector conversations on technology, policy, and inclusive innovation.Official Website: https://midwestcon.live/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midwestcon_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midwestcon🔔 Subscribe forDeep, human-centric tech explorationConversations breaking down barriers to understandingEvent updates, including MidwestCon WeekCulture, policy, and innovation insights#DisruptionNow #TechForAll #MidwestConWeek

Dr. Kelly Cohen is a Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Cincinnati and a leading authority in explainable, certifiable AI systems. With more than 31 years of experience in artificial intelligence, his research focuses on fuzzy logic, safety-critical systems, and responsible AI deployment in aerospace and autonomous environments. His lab’s work has received international recognition, with students earning top global research awards and building real-world AI products used in industry.In this episode 190 of the Disruption Now Podcast, 👩‍🔬 Dr. Cohen explains:What explainable AI really means for cliniciansHow transparent models improve patient safetyStrategies to reduce algorithmic bias in healthcare systemsReal examples of XAI in diagnostics & treatmentThis video is essential for tech leaders, AI researchers, data scientists, clinicians, and anyone interested in ethical, trustworthy AI in medicine.📅 CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction — Why XAI in Healthcare02:15 Kelly Cohen Bio & Expertise05:40 What Explainable AI Actually Is11:20 Challenges in Medical AI Adoption16:50 Case Study: XAI in Diagnostics22:10 Reducing Bias in ML Models28:35 Regulatory & Ethical Standards33:50 Future of Explainability in Medicine39:25 Audience Q&A Highlights44:55 Final Thoughts & Next Steps💡 Q&A SNIPPETQ: What is explainable AI?A: Explainable AI refers to systems where decisions can be understood, traced, and validated — critical for safety-critical applications like aerospace, healthcare, and autonomous vehicles.Q: Why is black-box AI dangerous?A: Without transparency, errors cannot be audited, responsibility is unclear, and humans become unknowing test subjects.Q: What is insurable AI?A: Insurable AI is AI that has been tested, quantified for risk, and certified to the point where insurers are willing to underwrite it — creating real accountability.🔗 RESOURCES & HANDLESDr. Kelly Cohen LinkedIn:🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-cohen-phdMentioned Concepts:✔ Explainable AI (XAI)✔ Model interpretability✔ Algorithmic bias & fairness🎧 About This ChannelDisruption Now makes technology accessible and human-centric. Our mission is to demystify complex systems and open conversations across domains that are often hard to grasp — from politics to emerging tech, ethics, civic systems, and more — so every viewer can engage thoughtfully and confidently. We disrupt the status quo.🔗 Follow & Connect👤 Rob RichardsonFounder, Strategist, CuratorX (Twitter): https://x.com/RobforOhioInstagram: https://instagram.com/RobforOhioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robforohio/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robrichardsonjr🌐 Disruption NowHuman-centric tech, culture & conversationYouTube (Core Channel): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWDYBJSzBoqgCd1ADPVttSwTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@disruptionnowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/disrupt.art/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/DisruptionNowClubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/@disruptionnow📅 MidwestCon WeekThe Midwest’s human-centered tech & innovation week — Sept 8–11, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio 🌆MidwestCon Week brings together builders, policymakers, creators, and learners for multi-sector conversations on technology, policy, and inclusive innovation.Official Website: https://midwestcon.live/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midwestcon_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midwestcon🔔 Subscribe forDeep, human-centric tech explorationConversations breaking down barriers to understandingEvent updates including MidwestCon WeekCulture, policy, and innovation insights#DisruptionNow #TechForAll #MidwestConWeekMusic Credit: Lofi Music HipHop Chill 2 - DELOSound

Bitcoin and blockchain are reshaping money, trust, and the future of AI. In Episode 189 of the Disruption Now Podcast, Rob Richardson sits down with Andrew Burchwell, Executive Director of the Ohio Blockchain Council, to break down why blockchain matters more than ever—and why understanding it now is critical for anyone navigating the next decade of technology.This conversation dives into Bitcoin’s core value as a trust engine, why blockchain is essential for the AI era, how decentralized systems empower individuals and communities, and the massive economic transformation coming to states like Ohio. Andrew shares the personal story behind his leap from a secure energy-tech career into full-time blockchain advocacy, why his faith guided the transition, and how local policy can unlock global innovation.We unpack the realities behind Bitcoin’s volatility, long-term value, inflation, the S-curve of exponential tech adoption, and why blockchain should be seen as a utility—not a gamble. You’ll learn how agentic AI will depend on blockchain rails for payments, how on-chain verification combats deepfakes, and why crypto is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for regions left behind by globalization.Andrew also shares why privacy matters, what people misunderstand about crypto, where regulation should (and shouldn’t) go, and why the next five years will be the fastest technological pivot in human history.If you’ve been curious, skeptical, or overwhelmed by crypto, this is the conversation that makes it all click.What You’ll Learn:Why Bitcoin is “better, faster, more secure money”How blockchain + AI together solve trust, speed, and verification gapsWhy inflation quietly erodes wealth and how Bitcoin counters itThe real difference between gambling memes vs. real digital assetsHow agentic AI will need blockchain for payments and micro-transactionsWhy Ohio is emerging as a national leader in blockchain policyHow decentralized tech can help rebuild forgotten communitiesWhere privacy, transparency, and security intersect in Web3Chapters:00:00 Welcome & Andrew’s story03:15 Why he left a secure career for blockchain09:45 The meaning of Bitcoin as sound money14:20 Inflation, trust, and why blockchain matters19:30 Blockchain + AI: the critical connection26:40 Privacy, regulation & misuse: what’s real33:10 Meme coins vs. real utility38:20 The next 5 years: “The Pivot”42:15 What’s ahead for Ohio & cryptoQuick Q&A:Q: Why does Bitcoin matter today?A: It creates trust, speed, and financial sovereignty in a system where inflation and centralization reduce purchasing power.Q: How do AI and blockchain work together?A: AI creates speed; blockchain creates trust and verification. Together they enable secure agentic automation.Q: What do people misunderstand most about crypto?A: They confuse speculation with utility. Blockchain’s long-term value is in its function, not its hype.Connect with Andrew Burchwell:Website / Organization: https://ohioblockchain.org/X (Twitter): https://x.com/AndrewBurchwellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-burchwell-a7284994/Ohio Blockchain Council (organization page): https://ohioblockchain.org/Be a guest on the podcast or Subscribe to our newsletterAll our links  - https://linktr.ee/disruptionnow#Blockchain #Bitcoin #Web3 #aiagents Music credit:calm before storm - moñoñaband

Most people run from government bureaucracy. Pavan Parikh ran toward it—and decided to rewrite the system from the inside.He believes public service should move like a startup: fast, transparent, and built around people, not process.But when tradition, power, and red tape pushed back, he didn’t fold—he went to the statehouse to fight for reform.So how do you disrupt a 200-year-old system that was never built for speed or equity?In Episode 188 of the Disruption Now Podcast, Pavan breaks down how he’s modernizing Hamilton County’s court systems, digitizing paper-heavy workflows, and using AI and automation to reduce barriers to justice rather than create new ones. Whether you work in government, policy, law, or tech, you’ll see how startup tools and mindsets can create real impact, not just buzzwords.Pavan Parikh is the elected Hamilton County Clerk of Courts in Ohio, focused on increasing access to justice, improving customer service, and modernizing one of the county’s most important institutions. In this episode, we talk about what happens when a startup mindset collides with decades-old court processes, why culture eats technology for breakfast, and how AI can help everyday people navigate civil cases, evictions, and protection orders more effectively.You’ll also hear Pavan’s personal journey—from planning a career in medicine to 9/11 shifting him toward law and public service to ultimately leading one of the most prominent offices in Hamilton County. We get into fear of AI, job-loss anxiety within government, and how he’s reframing AI as a teammate that frees staff for higher-value work rather than replacing them.If you’ve ever looked at the justice system and thought “there has to be a better way,” this deep dive into startup thinking for government will show you what that better way can look like—and what it takes to build it from the inside.What you’ll learn in this episode:How startup thinking for government can reduce friction and errors in court processesWhy is Pavan obsessed with access to justice and end-user experience for everyday residents?How Hamilton County is digitizing records, streamlining evictions, and modernizing civil protection order filingWhere AI and automation can safely support court staff and help-center attorneysWhy change management is the real challenge—not the technologyHow local government can be a faster “lab” for responsible AI than federal agenciesWhat it really looks like to design systems around people, not paperworkChapters:00:00 Why the government needs startup thinking03:15 Pavan’s path from medicine to law and 9/11’s impact10:45 Modernizing Hamilton County courts and killing paper workflows22:10 AI, access to justice, and reimagining the Help Center35:30 Careers, values, and becoming a disruptor in public serviceQuick Q&A (for searchers):Q: What does “startup thinking for government” mean in this episode?A: Treating residents as end users, iterating on systems, and using tech and AI to automate low-value tasks so staff can focus on service and justice outcomes.Q: How is Hamilton County using technology to improve access to justice?A: By digitizing records, expanding the Help Center, improving online access to cases, limiting or removing outdated eviction records, and building easier online processes for civil protection orders.Q: Will AI replace court jobs?A: Pavan argues AI should handle repetitive questions and data lookups so humans can spend more time problem-solving, doing quality control, and helping people with complex issues.Connect with Pavan Parikh (verified/public handles):Website: PavanParikh.comX (Twitter): @KeepPavanClerkFacebook: Pavan Parikh for Clerk of Courts / @KeepPavanClerkInstagram: @KeepPavanClerkOffice channel: Hamilton County Clerk of Courts – @HamCoClerk on YouTubeDisruption Now resources:Subscribe to YouTube for more conversations at the intersection of AI, policy, government, and impact.Join the newsletter for weekly trends in AI and emerging tech for people who want to change systems, not just complain about them. bit.ly/newsletterDN#StartupThinking #GovTech #AccessToJusticeDisruption Now: Disrupting the status quo, making emerging tech human-centric and Accessible to all. Website https://disruptionnow.com/podcast Apply to get on the Podcast https://form.typeform.com/to/Ir6Agmzr?typeform-source=disruptionnow.comMusic credit:Embrace - Evgeny Bardyuzha

In this episode 187 of the Disruption Now Podcast, we sit down with Benjamin Ko, the CEO of Kaleidoscope Innovation, a firm leading the way in human-centered design and engineering — especially in healthcare. From developing wearable technologies for spinal cord injury patients to crafting surgical tools built around human ergonomics, Ben and his team are proving that empathy is a competitive advantage in the age of AI.We dive into the central question: If AI can optimize everything, where do we still matter? Ben argues that empathy isn’t just a soft skill — it’s a design superpower. He discusses how Kaleidoscope’s cross-functional teams of designers, engineers, and researchers bridge the gap between physical and digital worlds, why 95% of AI projects fail due to lack of human context, and how clarity of thought and ethical design can shape a better, more responsible tech future.If you’re a founder, product designer, healthcare innovator, engineer, or policymaker interested in building smarter systems with deeper purpose — this episode is for you.🎧 Watch, Listen & Subscribe:👉 YouTube: @DisruptionNow👉 Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Amazon📍 Recorded live at MidwestCon, hosted by the University of Cincinnati (UC) and the 1819 Innovation Hub.Special thanks to Ben Ko, UC, and the 1819 Innovation Hub for supporting innovation and human-centric AI.🔗 Connect with Benjamin Ko & Kaleidoscope Innovation:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminleeko/Credit music:Cookie Fox - AlexGuz

What does it take to lead digital transformation when fear, culture, and AI disruption collide? 🎓In this deep-dive, Bharath Prabhakaran — award-winning VP & Chief Digital Officer at the University of Cincinnati — shares how he’s driving innovation with empathy, influence, and UC’s groundbreaking Bearcat GPT.👉 You’ll learn:-Why every AI solution must be 10x better to overcome resistance-How empathy & influence drive true leadership-What “AI literacy” means for the future workforce-UC's blueprint for balancing security, ethics, and speed in adoptionBharath’s journey from Oracle to higher ed shows why education must evolve fast — and how leaders can design organizations to thrive in the AI era.🔗 Connect with Bharath:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bharathprab🙏 Special thanks to Bharath Prabhakaran, the University of Cincinnati, and the 1819 Innovation Hub at UC for hosting MidwestCon, where this episode was recorded.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on technology, leadership & disruption.Music credit: Funky Day - Aleksandr Krivtsun#AI #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfWork

Most artists get left behind in tech—but not Kaila Love.Once a homeless teen sleeping in her car, Kaila became a UC Berkeley grad, hip-hop artist, and founder of KailaLove.ai—a pioneering AI education company blending music, automation, and empowerment. Known as The AI Homegirl, she teaches creatives how to protect their IP, grow fanbases with AI, and own their digital destiny.Timestamps:00:00 – From Homeless to Berkeley05:00 – Sync Deals & Music Wins10:00 – Building with AI17:00 – Bootleg Brain & IP25:00 – Responsible Tech32:00 – Future Vision35:45 – Final Message🎤 Her track landed on NBA2K.📚 She authored Bootleg Brain, a radical AI manual for artists.🧠 She runs “Prompt Parties™” that turn AI theory into actionable career fuel.On this episode 185 of the Disruption Now podcast you’ll Learn:– How to use AI to scale your creative work– Why sync licensing = your power move– Why “build your digital real estate” is her #1 rule– The mindset that turns invisible labor into leverage💡 If you’re a creator, rebel, or disruptor—this is your blueprint.👉 More from Kaila:• Website: https://www.kailalove.ai/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kailalove.ai/• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kailalove.ai• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kailalovemusic/• Book: Bootleg Brain (linked in description)#AIforArtists #MusicTech #DigitalOwnershipDisruption Now: Disrupting the status quo, making emerging tech human-centric and Accessible to all. Website https://disruptionnow.com/Apply to get on the Podcast https://form.typeform.com/to/Ir6Agmzr?typeform-source=disruptionnow.com

She’s not waiting for permission.Flavilla Fongang went from the ghettos of Paris to building Black Rise—one of the UK’s boldest tech tribes. She’s mixing identity, data, and storytelling to scale Black power through business.In this episode:-Why storytelling beats pitching in tech-How she turned oil & gas into a launchpad-Her strategy for building community-first platforms-Why AI is non-negotiable for Black excellence-The real ROI of diverse ecosystemsTimestamps:00:00 Intro — Paris to Power01:42 Childhood in the Paris ghettos03:55 Moving to London & early struggles06:18 From oil & gas to fashion to tech09:44 Founding 3 Colours Rule12:30 How storytelling became her weapon15:02 Why she built GTA Black Women in Tech17:50 Launching Black Rise — the AI-powered tribe21:33 Scaling community and credibility25:01 Diversity with data, not feelings28:40 What leadership looks like in 202531:09 Her advice to future founders34:00 Closing thoughts + how to connectAbout Flavilla Fongang:Multi-award-winning entrepreneur. Founder of 3 Colours Rule, GTA Black Women in Tech, and now Black Rise. Former oil & gas exec turned tech community builder. UN Brand Partner. Named UK’s Most Influential Woman in Tech (Computer Weekly), Global Top 100 MIPAD Innovator, and Entrepreneur of the Year (BTA 2023). She also serves as an entrepreneurship expert at Oxford University Saïd Business School.Watch this if you lead with identity and build with vision.—Follow Flavilla Fongang:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flavillafongangTwitter (X): https://x.com/FlavillaFongangInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/flavillafongangTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flavillafWebsite: https://www.flavillafongang.comBlack Rise: https://www.theblackrise.comGTA Black Women in Tech: https://theblackwomenintech.com3 Colours Rule: https://www.3coloursrule.com#blackfounder #techstorytelling #communitytechDisruption Now: Disrupting the status quo, making emerging tech human-centric and Accessible to all. Website https://disruptionnow.com/Apply to get on the Podcast https://form.typeform.com/to/Ir6Agmzr?typeform-source=disruptionnow.comMusic: Powerful Beat - Oleksandr Stepanov

She was told she wasn't tall enough, thin enough, pretty enough.Now she’s rewriting the rules of beauty for everyone else.In this episode 183 of the Disruption Now Podcast, Sian Bitner-Kearney, founder of Rock Your Beauty, reveals how perfectionism, filters, and social media lies damage self-worth—and what it takes to break free. Her nonprofit is helping women embrace their authentic selves, one fashion show and workshop at a time.🎙 Learn how Rock Your Beauty evolved from a charity event into a bold movement helping women and girls reclaim confidence, self-love, and sanity in the algorithm age.💬 If you've ever doubted your worth, this conversation is for you.🔗 Follow Sian & Rock Your Beauty:Website: https://www.rockyourbeauty.orgInstagram (Sian): https://www.instagram.com/sianbkInstagram (Rock Your Beauty): https://www.instagram.com/rockyourbeauty_cincinnatiPodcast: https://www.rockyourbeauty.org (see "Podcast" tab)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rock-Your-Beauty/61559182740239LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sianbitnerTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/sianbk👁️‍🗨️ If you're building confidence, battling self-doubt, or raising strong girls, watch this.#realbeauty #womensconfidence #mentalhealthDisruption Now: Disrupting the status quo, making emerging tech human-centric and Accessible to all. Website https://disruptionnow.com/Apply to get on the Podcast https://form.typeform.com/to/Ir6Agmzr?typeform-source=disruptionnow.com

Laid off or lost in the noise? You’re not alone.Episode 182: Nicole Dunbar—Cornell-trained strategist and viral LinkedIn voice—joins Disruption Now to dissect the “white collar recession.” From AI displacement to hiring freezes, she breaks down how even top-tier pros are invisible in today’s job market. Learn:6 proven job search strategies (only 1 involves job boards)-Why resumes alone fail—and what recruiters actually trust-The mindset shift every mid-career pro must make now-How to “network” without small talk or selling out-The emotional trap that sabotages high performers-The hiring game changed. Here’s how to stay in it.🎧 Listen, subscribe, and rewire your search.#jobsearchstrategy #futureofwork #whitecollarrecessionDisruption Now: Disrupting the status quo, making emerging tech human-centric and Accessible to all. Website https://disruptionnow.com/Apply to get on the Podcast https://form.typeform.com/to/Ir6Agmzr?typeform-source=disruptionnow.com