Unencrypted Chatter - ISC2 New Jersey Chapter Podcast

ISC2 NJ Chapter

Welcome to Unencrypted Chatter, the official podcast of the ISC2 NJ Chapter! Join us as we explore the unique experiences and challenges within our cybersecurity community. Each episode features in-depth interviews with members, leaders, and experts who share their stories, insights, and wisdom on a wide range of topics that matter to us. Whether you're looking to stay informed, get inspired, or simply feel connected, Unencrypted Chatter is the place to be!

  1. 1D AGO

    Episode#18: Certification, Community, and Collaboration: Our SECON conversation with Joe Nunes

    Continuing our SECON 2025 throwback series, host Joe Patti sits down with Joseph Nunes, President of the ISACA New Jersey Chapter, during the conference. With both the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter and ISACA New Jersey chapters sponsoring SECON 2025, the conversation highlights the strong connection between the two communities and the many professionals who actively participate in both. Joe reflects on his 14 years as an ISACA member, sharing insights on certifications, testing experiences, and the value of continuing education for cybersecurity and IT governance professionals. The discussion also explores the chapter’s growing focus on community outreach, educational workshops, partnerships with universities, and new initiatives engaging high school students interested in cybersecurity careers. Looking ahead, Joe shares his hopes for 2026, including expanding collaboration and partnerships between ISACA and ISC2 chapters to continue strengthening the cybersecurity community.

    30 min

  2. MAR 2

    Episode#17: Heating Things Up with Ken Fishkin! Our SECON 2025 Throwback

    Warm up from the storms with this throwback episode as we revisit the live conversations hosted in person at SECON 2025 with Ken Fishkin, President of the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter with our host, Joe Patti. Recorded during the conference itself, this discussion captures the real-time energy of SECON 2025 as it was happening. Ken shares insights on the vision behind the event, the momentum building throughout the day, and how the chapter continues to elevate professional development, collaboration, and leadership across our cybersecurity community. From the conference floor to the broader mission of the chapter, this episode highlights leadership in motion and what it looks like when a community comes together with purpose. Press play and revisit the energy of SECON 2025.

    22 min

  3. 12/02/2025

    Episode#16: CMMC 2.0: Certification Lessons for Defense Contractors and Others

    In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, hosts Richard Mendoza and Aneta Klepacka sit down with Wesley Reinhart, CMMC Program Director at Compass MSP, to break down the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC 2.0). Wes shares actionable insights for businesses preparing to meet Department of Defense (DoD) compliance standards — from scoping environments and mapping CUI data to executive buy-in, risk prioritization, and timelines. Whether you’re a small contractor or a major supplier, this discussion will help you understand the real-world impact, urgency, and steps to achieve certification.

    26 min

  4. 11/10/2025

    Episode #15: From Marine to Cyber Leader: Tom Brennan on Modern Security

    As Veterans Day approaches, we’re honored to feature a guest whose path reflects the discipline, service, and commitment that strengthen our cybersecurity community every day. In this episode, Tom Brennan shares how his early experiences in the U.S. Marine Corps shaped his attacker mindset, informed his approach to risk, and prepared him for a career focused on real-world defense and cyber resiliency. Tom also joined us this past June as one of our valuable speakers at SECON 2025, bringing practical insights to our community.

    16 min

  5. 10/28/2025

    Episode #14: Michelle Schaap on Cybersecurity and Law

    In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, host Joe Patti talks with Michelle Schaap, an attorney specializing in cybersecurity and privacy law. They discuss the evolving role of legal professionals in the cybersecurity landscape, the importance of vendor management and compliance, the challenges of data governance, and the necessity for effective communication between IT and legal teams. They also explore the nuances of privacy laws across different states and the impact of AI on legal practices.

    19 min

  6. 10/13/2025

    Episode#13:Stan Mierzwa on Building Cyber Talent

    In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, host Aaron Kraus talks with Stan Mierzwa, Director of the Center for Cybersecurity at Kean University, about how education and mentorship are shaping the next generation of cyber talent. From classroom insights to real-world crisis management, Stan shares what it takes to build skilled, resilient cybersecurity professionals.

    8 min

  7. 09/29/2025

    Episode #12: Continuous Learning and Giving Back with Michael Redmond

    In this episode, Joe Patti sits down with Michael C. Redmond, an accomplished CISO, author, and international speaker, to explore her journey in cybersecurity leadership. Michael reflects on her unique path—from theater and teaching to military service and risk management—and the mentors who shaped her commitment to giving back. She shares insights from her global speaking engagements, her published research on the evolving role of CISOs, and why continuous learning is essential for success. Michael also discusses the critical skills CISOs need today, from AI and digital transformation to business continuity planning, and emphasizes that true impact comes not from chasing titles, but from sharing knowledge and building stronger communities.

    21 min

  8. 09/08/2025

    Episode #11: Human Risk & Cyber Awareness with James McQuiggan

    In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, Aaron Kraus sits down with James McQuiggan, Security Awareness Advocate at KnowBe4 and featured speaker at SECON 2025. James shares his journey into cybersecurity, from his engineering work at Siemens to becoming a passionate educator and thought leader in human risk management. They discuss why people aren’t the “weakest link,” the need for continuous awareness programs, and how empowering users to make smarter security decisions strengthens the future of cybersecurity.

    16 min
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About

Welcome to Unencrypted Chatter, the official podcast of the ISC2 NJ Chapter! Join us as we explore the unique experiences and challenges within our cybersecurity community. Each episode features in-depth interviews with members, leaders, and experts who share their stories, insights, and wisdom on a wide range of topics that matter to us. Whether you're looking to stay informed, get inspired, or simply feel connected, Unencrypted Chatter is the place to be!

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