Future Tech And Foresight

Marc Verbenkov
  • 4.8 (5)
  • Technology
  • Updated Biweekly

Emerging and future technologies and the trends that they are linked to will be covered on this podcast. From the more obvious tech like: AI, Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles, and The Metaverse. To less well known disruptors like: Brain-Machine Interfaces, CBDC’s, Internet of Bodies, Smart Dust, Animal Human Chimeras, 4D Printing, Under The Skin Surveillance, Bio Computers and much more. A vision of what the future may hold will be painted to alleviate some of our collective Future Shock so we can make better decisions for tomorrow. Website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

  1. The Evolution of Cybercrime in the AI Age (With Jeremy Snyder) - Ep #236

    2d ago

    The Evolution of Cybercrime in the AI Age (With Jeremy Snyder) - Ep #236

    Marc and Jeremy explore the 30-year evolution of cybersecurity, discussing how AI is democratizing hacking and what small businesses must do to protect their digital infrastructure. About the Episode Over the past three decades, the cybersecurity landscape has transformed drastically from simple virus nuisances to highly sophisticated, billion-dollar criminal enterprises. Today, artificial intelligence has fundamentally altered the threat environment by democratizing hacking and drastically lowering the barrier to entry for cybercriminals. Attackers now operate like digital unicorns, leveraging AI to deploy automated phishing campaigns, negotiate ransoms with flawless language generation, and scale their operations far faster than traditional defenses can manage. This rapid escalation highlights exactly why small and medium-sized businesses are more vulnerable than ever. A single compromised email from an external partner can quickly lead to devastating financial losses, demonstrating that legacy protections like SMS-based two-factor authentication are no longer sufficient. To truly secure modern infrastructure, organizations must move toward hardware-based access controls, continuous system patching, and comprehensive AI observability platforms that monitor automated interactions and agents across the entire network. While the sheer volume and sophistication of these AI-driven threats are expected to worsen in the near term, there is a clear path forward. By adopting secure-by-design tools and establishing relentless patching routines, businesses can begin to stem the tide. Ultimately, mastering how to safely secure our AI integrations today will determine our resilience in the complex, automated digital economy of tomorrow. About the Guest Jeremy is the Founder and CEO of FireTail.io, and thrives on interesting challenges in the cloud, cybersecurity, data and robotics domain spaces, with the potential to have a positive impact. He tends to go towards entrepreneurial environments where people are highly motivated moving at a fast pace, and where he can contribute more to their success. Snyder's specialties are cloud, cloud security, cybersecurity, M&A, international business, business development, strategy and operations. He is fluent in 5 languages and has a strong ability to analyze new industries rapidly, recognize key patterns, and design business models. That has allowed him to help rapidly-growing companies go after new markets. This knowledgeable guest is making a lot of noise in the digital security sector, and will inspire CISOs, VP engineers, DevSecOps leaders, IT directors, cloud architects, and investors among your audience. Book him now to connect with Jeremy and continue educating listeners on different, effective approaches to API security. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremysnyder     Website: https://www.firetail.ai/ Timestamps:00:01:20 - Episode Commences00:03:33 - Cybersecurity Career Journey Discussion 00:09:50 - Cybersecurity Evolution Over 25 Years 00:12:47 - AI-Driven Cyber Criminal Evolution00:18:23 - Ransom Negotiation and Cyber Security 00:22:15 - Two-Factor Authentication and Security Practices00:31:47 - AI Adoption and Security Challenges 00:48:46 - Episode Concludes Additional Notes: For more check out the website: ⁠⁠https://futuretechandforesight.com/⁠⁠ Or connect with me on – Twitter: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

    51 min
  2. The Rise of Small Language Models in Enterprise AI (With Calvin Cooper of Neurometric AI) - Ep #235

    Jun 23

    The Rise of Small Language Models in Enterprise AI (With Calvin Cooper of Neurometric AI) - Ep #235

    Marc and Cooper explore how enterprises are breaking free from big-tech vendor lock-in by using task-specific small language models to slash costs and boost accuracy. About the Episode      The corporate AI landscape is shifting away from single-vendor dependence on tech giants. While mainstream narratives remain obsessed with massive general-purpose models, scaling enterprises are hitting walls with soaring token costs and security risks. This episode explores how forward-thinking organizations are adopting specialized, task-specific Small Language Models (SLMs) and model ensembles to achieve redundancy and absolute cost control. We unpack the impressive economics of AI inference, showcasing real-world case studies where businesses cut monthly compute bills from tens of thousands of dollars to just a few hundred. Far from losing capability, these fine-tuned architectures actually drive task accuracy up from 75% to over 95% compared to legacy setups, proving that smaller models can dramatically outperform generalized LLMs for specific business applications. Looking ahead, we discuss how AI agents will eventually mature into ubiquitous, invisible infrastructure—much like the internet or modern operating systems. From evolving job descriptions to the rising energy demands of data centers, this conversation maps out how to strategically position your operations for a decentralized, multi-provider AI future. About the Guest Calvin is the Co-Founder and COO of Neurometric AI, a pioneering company that helps organizations improve performance and cost efficiency by intelligently orchestrating inference-time compute for multi-model AI systems. Beyond his work at Neurometric, Calvin leads AI automation strategy across the industrial and infrastructure sectors as an Advisor to Pilot Wave Holdings. He also serves as an Advisor at the Milken Institute, conducting research on capital markets and private capital formation policy. Previously, he co-founded and served as CEO of Rhove, a fintech company that democratized real estate investing and went public via a NASDAQ direct listing. His work has been featured by the White House, Fast Company, and he co-hosts the podcast Inference Time Tactics. Through his work, Calvin continues to explore how intelligence, capital, and policy intersect to shape the next era of innovation. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coopernyc   Website: https://www.neurometric.ai/ Timestamps00:01:12 - Episode Commences 00:03:14 - Cooper's AI and Fintech Journey    00:06:58 -Small Language Model Inference Discussion   00:10:35 - AI Market Evolution Discussion    00:14:59 - AI Vendor Dependency Risks   00:18:40 - Small Language Models Implementation Update   00:23:08 - Large Language Model Market Trends    00:29:09 - AI Evolution and Applications 00:33:56 - AI Integration in Business Operations  00:37:03 - AI and Robotics Transformation Discussion   00:49:10 - Episode Concludes Additional Notes: For more check out the website: ⁠⁠https://futuretechandforesight.com/⁠⁠ Or connect with me on – Twitter: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

    43 min
  3. The Freedom First Business Mindset (With Steve Rolle) - Ep #234

    Jun 16

    The Freedom First Business Mindset (With Steve Rolle) - Ep #234

    Marc and Steve explore the reality of entrepreneurship, discussing why mastering human systems and the "Freedom First" mindset must happen before you can successfully automate with AI. About the Episode The journey from a traditional 9-to-5 job to running a successful enterprise requires a profound mindset shift and a rejection of the "shiny new object syndrome." True security doesn't come from a day job, but from building a business with reliable margins, solid distribution channels, and profitable customer acquisition. Yet, the execution phase is where most entrepreneurs struggle, often jumping straight to advanced tools to try and solve foundational problems. This conversation breaks down the concept of building a "Freedom First" business, emphasizing that strong, human-driven standard operating procedures must be established before introducing artificial intelligence. While it is tempting to use AI agents to skip the hard work of scaling, businesses must first rely on proven methods, effective delegation, and learning through failure. Only after establishing a solid foundation and a capable team can automation truly enhance human capabilities rather than create more chaos. Looking ahead, the most resilient companies won't be those that adopt AI the fastest, but those that integrate it into well-oiled systems where humans still make the critical decisions. Listeners will walk away with a clear blueprint for taking control of their future, delegating the tasks they despise, and building an enterprise that can thrive independently for decades. About the Guest Steve Rolle is an investor, entrepreneur, and host of the Rolle With Steve Podcast. Rising from a low-income childhood in Washington D.C. to serving as a U.S. Army engineer, he began building side businesses while working full-time. Over the past two decades, Steve has launched and scaled multiple companies, generating over $100 million in combined sales across e-commerce, manufacturing, and distribution. As an expert in delegation and operational design, he specializes in building self-sustaining systems that allow businesses to thrive without the founder's day-to-day involvement. Through his upcoming book, The Future You Choose, his speaking, and his writing, Steve shares practical, battle-tested lessons on overcoming failure, spotting overlooked industries, and designing businesses that deliver true financial and time freedom. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steverolle/Website: https://steverolle.com/ Timestamps:00:01:18 - Episode Commences00:03:34 - Entrepreneurial Journey Interview Discussion00:07:12 -Business Security and Entrepreneurship Strategy00:12:17 - Business Success and Scalability Systems00:19;10 - Entrepreneur Delegation and Business Growth00:21:01 - Business Growth and AI Implementation00:27:14 - AI Implementation Best Practices00:29:41 - Building Business Foundations with AI00:49:10 - Episode Concludes Additional Notes: For more check out the website: ⁠⁠https://futuretechandforesight.com/⁠⁠ Or connect with me on – Twitter: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

    51 min
  4. The Future of Coding in the Age of AI (With Matt Stripplehoff of Red Hawk Technologies) - Ep 233.

    Jun 9

    The Future of Coding in the Age of AI (With Matt Stripplehoff of Red Hawk Technologies) - Ep 233.

    Marc and Matt break down how generative AI tools are shifting software development into a modular assembly model, exposing critical pitfalls in licensing, code quality, and senior engineer oversight. About the Episode Software development has radically evolved from the foundational days of manual hard-coding to an ecosystem built on sophisticated frameworks and modular "LEGO blocks." This episode explores how generative AI and specialized developer agents are accelerating this evolution, drastically lowering barriers to entry for smaller enterprises and enabling the creation of bespoke tools. We dive into the profound operational shifts taking place, including how automation is turning tedious maintenance tasks—like security patching and vulnerability remediation—into background processes, effectively fundamentally altering agency billing models. However, moving past high-fidelity prototypes to a truly production-ready application reveals complex hurdles. We address the hidden legal and technical minefields of AI-assisted coding, particularly the massive intellectual property risks surrounding open-source licensing. If an AI unknowingly integrates code with strict copyleft dependencies, an enterprise could face devastating compliance issues that prevent their software from ever being sold commercially. Crucially, this conversation highlights why human expertise is more critical than ever to bridge the "last mile" of development. We look at the future of tech talent and engineering education, highlighting why junior developers must remain grounded in fundamental architectural concepts rather than relying entirely on large language models. To succeed, leadership must build structured corporate environments that foster psychological safety, giving engineering teams the confidence to innovate with AI without fearing displacement. About the Guest Matt Strippelhoff has curated an extensive portfolio in traditional and interactive media. Leading the development of web applications, mobile applications, e-commerce websites and specialized interactive marketing programs, he shapes Red Hawk’s technological landscape. In 2022, The Circuit awarded Matt the Visionary Leader Award for his groundbreaking approach to software development. Recognized for reimagining the process, Matt's bold leadership catalyzes growth and success. His visionary business model bundles software development and technical support services for a fixed monthly fee, offering financial predictability and operational stability for their mid-market clientele. Matt earned a BFA in communication design from the Art Academy of Cincinnati in 1993. Timestamps: 00:01:05 - Episode Commences00:03:27 - Evolution of Web Development Technologies00:06:29 -AI Tools and Licensing Challenges00:10:25 - AI Challenges in Software Development00:12:38 - AI's Impact on Software Development00:17:40 - AI Adoption and Implementation Challenges00:21:33 - Large Language Models and Development00:26:11 - AI Automation in Software Engineering00:30:11 - AI Adoption in Software Development00:47:43 - Episode Concludes Additional Notes: For more check out the website: ⁠⁠https://futuretechandforesight.com/⁠⁠ Or connect with me on – Twitter: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

    48 min
  5. The AI Scam Epidemic and the Battle for Real-Time Trust (With Al Pascual of Scamnetic) - Ep #232

    Jun 2

    The AI Scam Epidemic and the Battle for Real-Time Trust (With Al Pascual of Scamnetic) - Ep #232

    Marc and Al expose how criminal syndicates leverage AI deepfakes and automated call centers to execute highly sophisticated scams, and why current banking regulations leave victims entirely unprotected. About the Episode The digital fraud landscape has shifted from clumsy phishing emails to industrialized, AI-powered operations. In this episode, we dive deep into the rapid evolution of modern scams, driven by the explosive growth of instant digital payments and highly specialized criminal networks. We explore how bad actors deploy generative AI and deepfakes to scale romance and investment scams, building complex, fake relationships that blur the line between human and machine interaction. We also break down a critical loophole in consumer finance: the massive legal distinction between authorized and unauthorized transactions. Under current regulations like Regulation E, financial institutions are legally required to cover losses from identity theft, but they hold zero liability when a victim is manipulated into authorizing a payment themselves. This regulatory gap has left a massive opening for criminals, making real-time, AI-based interception and identity verification tools absolutely vital. Finally, the conversation challenges the common stereotype of the typical scam victim. While older generations suffer the heaviest financial losses, data reveals that younger, tech-savvy demographics are actually falling for modern digital scams at a higher rate. This episode serves as an urgent wake-up call and a blueprint for navigating a world where seeing and hearing is no longer believing. About the Guest Al is a cybersecurity and fraud prevention expert with a unique background rooted in investigative work, inspired by his parents' careers as detectives. After leading fraud detection initiatives across the financial and banking sectors, his pioneering startup focusing on account takeovers and security signal interpretation was successfully acquired by TransUnion. He now leads an advanced real-time scam detection platform designed to intercept fraudulent communications and verify identities across marketplaces and dating applications. Through his work, Al continues to develop custom machine learning architectures to protect consumers from highly automated, next-generation digital threats. Timestamps: 00:01:03 - Episode Commences00:03:13 - Cybersecurity and Fraud Detection Background00:05:30 - Increase in Digital Scams Factors00:10:23 - AI-Enhanced Scam Operations00:14:23 - AI in Cyber Scams Discussion00:17:46 - Generative AI in Cybersecurity00:21:22 - AI Scam Prevention Service Discussion00:26:34 - Current Scam Landscape Discussion00:47:43 - Episode Concludes Additional Notes: For more check out the website: ⁠⁠https://futuretechandforesight.com/⁠⁠ Or connect with me on – Twitter: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

    45 min
  6. Why Most Organizational Change Fails (With Richard Carson of Carson & Associates) - Ep #231

    May 26

    Why Most Organizational Change Fails (With Richard Carson of Carson & Associates) - Ep #231

    Marc and Richard discuss a robust, 10-step diagnostic framework for change management that moves beyond shallow models to address leadership resistance and integrate AI-driven efficiency. About the Episode Change is often treated as a buzzword, yet many initiatives fail because organizations lack a rigorous way to identify what is actually broken. This episode explores a systematic approach to change management inspired by medical diagnostic models, shifting the focus from simply implementing new tech to deeply understanding organizational health. We examine why the phrase "we've always done it this way" is a red flag for leadership and how active listening at every level—from front-line staff to vendors—is the key to unlocking true operational potential. The conversation also ventures into the future of methodology, discussing how complex, multi-step frameworks can be integrated into AI systems. By removing technical jargon and utilizing "Plain Talk," organizations can create scalable strategies that hold teams accountable. We look at how AI might eventually outperform human intuition in organizational diagnosis by processing information systematically, without the interference of human bias or forgetfulness. About the Guest Richard is a veteran manager and organizational psychologist with over 30 years of experience in performance audits and change management. After noticing a lack of depth in traditional post-WWII change models, he conducted academic research to develop a more robust, 39-action framework for organizational adaptation. He is a proponent of "Plain Talk" in government and business, aiming to make complex management theories accessible and actionable for any scale of organization. Through his work, Richard continues to empower leaders to move past routine-based resistance and embrace diagnostic-driven growth. Timestamps: 00:01:09 - Episode Commences 00:03:00 - Systematic Approach to Change Management 00:06:19 - Change Management Diagnostic Approach 00:09:41 - Scalable Change Management Approaches 00:12:25 - Organizational Change and Resistance Challenges 00:15:55 - Change Management Role Implementation 00:18:32 - Change Management Strategy Discussion 00:21:53 - Three-Phase Work Methodology Discussion 00:24:10 - AI Integration in Organizational Change 00:29:20 - Current State of AI Implementation 00:34:04 - Technology's Impact on Employment 00:47:43 - Episode Concludes Additional Notes: For more check out the website: ⁠⁠https://futuretechandforesight.com/⁠⁠ Or connect with me on – Twitter: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

    47 min
  7. The Future of Local AI and the End of Data Centralization (With Jonathan Schaeffer) - Ep #230

    May 19

    The Future of Local AI and the End of Data Centralization (With Jonathan Schaeffer) - Ep #230

    Marc and Jonathan explore the shift from resource-heavy cloud models to localized AI solutions, discussing the security, privacy, and environmental benefits of keeping your data on your own machine. About the Episode The AI revolution has largely been a story of the "cloud"—massive data centers consuming vast amounts of energy to process our personal information. However, this conversation shifts the focus toward the growing movement of decentralized, local AI. We delve into how the trade-offs between computational power and data privacy are reaching a breaking point, and why the next phase of innovation might not happen in a server farm, but on your personal desktop. The discussion also tackles the environmental and technical sustainability of current Large Language Models (LLMs). With data centers proliferating at an alarming rate, we examine the potential for a "hybrid" future—one where personal, trusted AI systems handle the majority of our sensitive tasks locally, only reaching out to the cloud for highly specialized, state-of-the-art functions. This episode is a must-watch for anyone concerned about data sovereignty and the long-term efficiency of AI. About the Guest Jonathan Schaeffer is the inventor of Kind and has been at the forefront of artificial intelligence for more than 40 years. Alongside his work as an AI researcher, he has been an entrepreneur and inventor focused on building practical, trustworthy AI systems that solve real problems. Jonathan's career includes leading or contributing to AI systems that mastered checkers and competed against world-class poker players—both achievements recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. He co-founded his first AI software company, BioTools, in 1995, was a co-founder of the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii), and a founding partner at Onlea, now a global leader in online learning. Kind was first conceived in 2017 and took shape while Jonathan was teaching full-time and responding to hundreds of student emails. He created an AI system that interacted only with documents he explicitly provided, ensuring accuracy, explainability, and trust. After years of personal use and refinement, Kind evolved into a downloadable desktop application that allows users to curate their own data, interact with it in depth, and gain insights—without sacrificing privacy. Timestamps: 00:01:15 - Episode Commences 00:02:58 - AI's Game-Changing Beginnings 00:07:06 - Cloud vs. Local AI Trade-offs 00:17:31 - Cloud vs. Offline AI Chatbots 00:23:38 - LLMs' Efficiency and Environmental Impact 00:32:11 - Hybrid AI: Local and Cloud 00:35:16 - Local AI Data Processing Tool 00:47:43 - Episode Concludes Additional Notes: For more check out the website: ⁠https://futuretechandforesight.com/⁠ Or connect with me on – Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

    50 min
  8. AI’s Evolution and Human Collaboration (With Stephen DeWitt of MindBridge) - Ep #229

    May 14

    AI’s Evolution and Human Collaboration (With Stephen DeWitt of MindBridge) - Ep #229

    Marc and Stephen explore how AI is reshaping human collaboration, financial auditing, and business operations, while examining the challenges of trust, governance, and future workforce transformation. About the Episode: Artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool — it’s becoming a collaborator. In this episode, we explore how advancements in data science, compute power, and autonomous systems are driving a new era where humans and AI work side by side. From coding and design to decision-making processes, AI is rapidly enhancing what individuals and organizations can achieve. The conversation dives into real-world applications, particularly in financial auditing, where AI is transforming how data is analyzed — shifting from sample-based reviews to continuous, full-scale insights. This evolution is not just about efficiency, but about uncovering patterns and risks that were previously invisible, fundamentally changing how industries operate. Looking ahead, the discussion explores the balance between innovation and responsibility. As AI adoption accelerates across enterprises and small businesses alike, questions around trust, cybersecurity, and governance become critical. The episode challenges listeners to think about how they can adapt, upskill, and actively participate in shaping a future where AI augments human potential rather than replaces it. About the Guest: Stephen De Witt is the CEO of MindBridge, the world's leading provider of AI based financial analysis. From guiding Cobalt Networks through IPO and Sun acquisition to leading WorkMarket's exit to ADP, then steering Azul Systems and CloudBees as CEO, how does Stephen De Witt repeat startup success? Now CEO of MindBridge, he draws from C-suite roles at HP (SVP Enterprise Marketing, WebOS GBU), Cisco (VP/GM Enterprise), Symantec (VP Worldwide Marketing), and Automation Anywhere (CTO) to share leadership tactics for navigating pivots, global scale, and enterprise sales. Website: https://www.mindbridge.ai/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephendewitt/ Timestamps: 00:01:17 - Episode Commences 00:03:12 - AI's Evolution and Human Collaboration 00:08:20 - AI Adoption in Financial Auditing 00:21:24 - AI Adoption for Small Businesses 00:30:35 - AI Development and Governance 00:44:12 - Episode Concludes Additional Notes: For more check out the website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/ Or connect with me on – Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

    46 min
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4.8
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Emerging and future technologies and the trends that they are linked to will be covered on this podcast. From the more obvious tech like: AI, Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles, and The Metaverse. To less well known disruptors like: Brain-Machine Interfaces, CBDC’s, Internet of Bodies, Smart Dust, Animal Human Chimeras, 4D Printing, Under The Skin Surveillance, Bio Computers and much more. A vision of what the future may hold will be painted to alleviate some of our collective Future Shock so we can make better decisions for tomorrow. Website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Marc Verbenkov
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    236
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Marc Verbenkov
  • Show Website
    Future Tech And Foresight

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