The Entropy Podcast

Francis Gorman

The Entropy Podcast is a cybersecurity, technology, and business podcast hosted by Francis Gorman. Each episode features in-depth conversations with cybersecurity professionals, technology leaders, and business executives who share real world insights on cyber risk, digital transformation, emerging technologies, leadership, and the evolving threat landscape. Designed for CISOs, IT leaders, founders, and professionals navigating today’s digital economy, The Entropy Podcast explores how organizations can adapt, innovate, and build resilience in an era defined by constant change, disruption, and geopolitical uncertainty. The name Entropy reflects the growing complexity and unpredictability of cybersecurity and technology ecosystems and the strategic thinking required to thrive within them. To summarise the show in a nutshell it’s: Genuine conversations with unique minds on the threats, complexity and geopolitics shaping our world Topics include: Cybersecurity strategy, risk, and resiliencePost Quantum readinessEmerging technologies and innovation (AI etc).Business leadership and digital transformationCyber threats, regulation, and geopoliticsLessons learned from real-world experienceNew episodes deliver practical insight, expert perspectives, and actionable knowledge so you stay informed, strategic, and ahead of the curve. Buy Our Swag: We now have some slick new swag you can purchase through our Esty store. https://theentropypodcast.etsy.com   Watch and Subscribe You can also watch full episodes and exclusive content on our YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@TheEntropyPodcast Achievements The Entropy Podcast delivered strong chart performance throughout 2025, demonstrating consistent international reach and listener engagement. Regularly ranked within the Top 20 Technology podcasts in Ireland.Achieved a Top 25 placement in the United States Technology charts, holding the position for one week.Charted internationally across multiple markets, including Israel, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. This performance reflects sustained global interest and growing recognition across key podcast markets. Audio Quality NoticeSome episodes may feature minor variations in audio quality due to remote recording environments and external factors. We continuously strive to deliver the highest possible audio standards and appreciate your understanding. DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in The Entropy Podcast are solely those of the host and guests and are based on personal experience and professional perspectives. They do not constitute factual claims, legal advice, or endorsements, and are not intended to harm or defame any individual or organization. Listeners are encouraged to form their own informed opinions.

  1. How to Recruit a President with Glenn Carle

    2D AGO

    How to Recruit a President with Glenn Carle

    In this episode of The Entropy Podcast, Glenn Carle a former CIA clandestine officer with over two decades of experience breaks down how intelligence agencies think, operate, and influence outcomes over the long term. Drawing on real-world tradecraft, Glenn explains how vulnerabilities are identified, how influence is cultivated, and how narratives are seeded and amplified over time. The conversation explores the growing tension between intelligence institutions and political power, the risks facing democratic systems, and how modern geopolitics is increasingly shaped by information warfare and perception management. The discussion also ventures into controversial territory examining the possibility of long-term influence operations at the highest levels of power while highlighting the difference between evidence, interpretation, and hypothesis. This is a conversation about how power actually works beneath the surface and what happens when institutions designed to protect truth are put under pressure. Takeaways: Intelligence is about patterns, not eventsInfluence is often long-term and indirectVulnerability ≠ controlInstitutions are under pressureInformation warfare shapes realityThe line between analysis and speculation mattersSoundBytes: “In intelligence, there are no coincidences only patterns you haven’t understood yet.” “You don’t recruit someone in a moment you shape them over time.” “Every strength can become a vulnerability in the right context.” “If telling the truth costs you your job, the system stops working.” “You don’t need the truth you need enough repetition to make something feel true.” “The most effective operations are the ones no one notices—until it’s too late.” “Understanding how something could happen is not the same as proving that it did.” This conversation explores complex and often controversial geopolitical themes from the perspective of a former intelligence officer. Some views expressed particularly around long-term intelligence operations and political influence reflect interpretation and professional judgement rather than independently verified public conclusions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and consult additional sources where appropriate.

    50 min
  2. One Click to Collapse: The SME Risk with Robert Maxwell

    APR 27

    One Click to Collapse: The SME Risk with Robert Maxwell

    In this episode of the Entropy Podcast, Robert Maxwell (CEO of TGT Solutions) reframes cybersecurity from a technical concern into a core business risk especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He argues that cyber threats are fundamentally about cash, trust, and continuity, not just systems. A single compromised credential or phishing attack can dismantle years of work in minutes, particularly in SMEs where operations often depend on one person, one account, or one set of credentials.  Maxwell introduces a key mindset shift: cybersecurity is an investment, not an expense. Like building a portfolio, incremental and consistent investment in cyber resilience pays dividends protecting revenue, relationships, and long-term business viability.  The conversation also explores human vulnerability as the dominant attack vector, the risks introduced by AI adoption, and why attackers prioritize ease over sophistication. Ultimately, the episode highlights a stark reality: it’s no longer “if” a business is attacked, but “when” and how prepared it is when that moment comes. Key Takeaways: 1. Cyber is now a business problem, not an IT problem It directly impacts cashflow, supplier relationships, and customer trust—not just systems. 2. SMEs are disproportionately vulnerable Reliance on single accounts, single individuals, and weak password practices creates critical single points of failure. 3. Attackers prioritize ease, not scale or sophistication The simplest entry point—often human—is the most exploited. 4. “Too small to hack” is a dangerous myth Smaller firms are often easier targets and valuable entry points into supply chains. 5. Cybersecurity must be treated as an investment Incremental improvements (policies, training, redundancy) generate long-term “dividends” in resilience. 6. Human behavior is the biggest risk surface Phishing, credential reuse, and lack of policy enforcement remain dominant vulnerabilities. 7. AI is amplifying exposure Organizations are unintentionally leaking sensitive data through unmanaged AI usage. 8. External validation is critical Internal reviews often miss risks—independent assessments reveal blind spots. 9. Banks and institutions are shifting liability Poor cyber hygiene increasingly results in unrecoverable financial loss. 10. Timing matters Fixing issues after a breach is exponentially more expensive than proactive investment. Soundbites:  “Cyber isn’t a technical issue anymore—it’s about cash.”  “You can lose trust, cash, and credibility in under a minute.”  “It’s not ‘if’ you get attacked—it’s ‘when’ and ‘how much they take.’”  “One person, one password, one account—that’s all it takes.”  “Attackers don’t look for the biggest target—they look for the easiest one.”  “We were too busy… until we got hacked.”  “Cybersecurity isn’t an expense. It’s an investment that pays dividends.”  “The password they stole six months ago? It still works—that’s the problem.”  “AI is making companies more vulnerable—and they don’t even realize it.”  “You’re building a business for generations—cyber can erase it in minutes.”You can learn more about TGT solutions from their website: https://www.tgtsolutions.com/

    32 min
  3. You Can’t Delete This: Inside Digital Forensics with Jason Jordaan

    APR 21

    You Can’t Delete This: Inside Digital Forensics with Jason Jordaan

    In this episode of The Entropy Podcast, host Francis Gorman speaks with Jason Jordan about the reality of digital forensics, cybercrime investigations, and the evolving role of AI in evidence and incident response.  Jason shares his journey from police detective to global forensic expert, unpacking how modern investigations work from reconstructing deleted data to testifying in court. The conversation dives into why AI can’t be blindly trusted in legal contexts, how digital footprints are nearly impossible to erase, and the psychological toll of confronting the worst of human behavior in cybercrime. Key Takeaways Digital forensics is still built on fundamentals Despite AI and automation, everything comes back to understanding data structures at a low level. AI is powerful but dangerous in legal settings If you can’t explain how an output was produced, it won’t stand up in court. You can’t truly hide in the digital world Like physical forensics, digital interactions always leave trace evidence. Incident response ≠ forensic investigation One stops the attack; the other explains how and why it happened. Human error is often the weakest link Many breaches aren’t technical failures they’re failures in monitoring or behavior. Bias is controlled through process, not perfection Documentation, peer review, and validation are critical to staying objective. Cybercrime is increasingly sophisticated and organized Attacks now involve long-term planning, insider access, and complex technical setups. The job comes with real psychological cost Exposure to extreme content and consequences requires resilience and support systems. Passion and curiosity are essential This field isn’t just technical—it’s investigative, relentless, and deeply demanding. Soundbites  “In forensics, if you can’t explain it—you can’t use it.”  “AI can’t testify in court. A human has to.”  “You don’t stop being a forensic scientist—it’s who you are.”  “Every interaction leaves a trace—digital or physical.”  “We don’t just catch bad guys—we make sure it’s the right one.”  “Pull the plug or preserve evidence? That’s the real-world trade-off.”  “Cybercrime today is organized, patient, and highly engineered.”  “You only get to make one big mistake in this field.”  “If you love puzzles, this is the ultimate career.”

    46 min
  4. The Identity Trap with Shelly Bernard

    APR 14

    The Identity Trap with Shelly Bernard

    In this episode of The Entropy Podcast, host Francis Gorman speaks with Shelly Bernard about how identity, cognitive wiring, and environment shape high performers particularly those transitioning from elite military and intelligence careers.  They explore why many struggle after leaving high-performance environments, how ego and identity can limit growth, and why emotional intelligence is becoming a critical advantage in modern domains like cybersecurity and cognitive warfare. The conversation ultimately reframes performance as a matter of alignment between how you think and where you operate. Key Takeaways Identity is often borrowed from environmentHigh performance = alignmentEgo limits adaptabilityDifferent brains, different strengthsEmotional intelligence is undervalued but criticalEnvironment shapes behavior over timeCognitive warfare is reshaping conflict Unmet needs drive unintended behavior  Soundbites  “High performance isn’t just skill it’s alignment.”  “Ego protects identity, but it blocks growth.”  “Emotion isn’t a liability it’s a strategic tool.”  “The battlefield is shifting from physical to cognitive.”  “People don’t struggle because they’re incapable they’re misaligned.”  “If your environment doesn’t fit your wiring, something will break.”  “Always ask: why?” Follow The Other Side Podcast: YouTube: https://youtu.be/wUDFU0EPt-g?si=b1dslirwAY6b4XMX Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YJpBVrhDmvUnYCviliFG3?si=d3fWtscXTEytPa2Ge4myCA

    36 min
  5. Reframing Quantum Risk at the Board Level With Debbie Taylor Moore

    APR 7

    Reframing Quantum Risk at the Board Level With Debbie Taylor Moore

    In this episode, Debbie Taylor Moore breaks through the noise around quantum security and reframes it for what it really is: a business risk, not a technical curiosity. Drawing on decades of experience across cybersecurity, AI, and national security, she explains why most organisations are approaching quantum readiness the wrong way by overcomplicating the problem, overhyping the threat, and underestimating the organisational challenge. Instead of fear-driven messaging, Debbie advocates for clarity, prioritisation, and leadership accountability. From boardroom conversations to enterprise-wide execution, she lays out what actually matters: understanding your systems, focusing on real risk, and treating quantum as a multi-year modernization effort. The conversation also expands beyond quantum, exploring how AI, geopolitics, and evolving cyber threats are reshaping enterprise security and why traditional approaches are no longer sufficient. This is not a conversation about the future. It’s about what leaders should already be doing now.  Key Takeaways Quantum is a risk management issue, not a technical deep dive Boards don’t need to understand quantum mechanics they need to understand business impact. Stop treating it like a fire drill This is a long-term modernization effort, not a last-minute emergency. Prioritisation beats perfection Focus on your most critical systems first not a massive, overwhelming inventory. It’s a cross-functional problem Security, DevOps, legal, procurement, and leadership all play a role. Fear-based messaging is counterproductive Clear, actionable risk framing is far more effective than hype. Discovery alone is not progress Many organisations are stuck mapping the problem instead of solving it. The real gap is organisational, not technological Talent, alignment, and execution are the hardest parts. Soundbytes:  “Quantum readiness isn’t just-in-time. It’s just-be-ready.”  “Boards don’t need to be quantum experts — they need to understand risk.”  “This isn’t an IT problem. It’s enterprise risk management.”  “Don’t scare people. Give them the next actionable step.”  “Most organisations have fewer than five people who truly understand this space.”  “Discovery without action just creates a bigger problem.”  “If you treat this like a fire drill, you’ve already misunderstood it.”  “The cost of doing nothing is time — and time is the one thing you don’t get back.”

    43 min
  6. Inside Putin’s Secret War Against the West with Sean Wiswesser

    MAR 31

    Inside Putin’s Secret War Against the West with Sean Wiswesser

    Francis Gorman sits down with former CIA senior operations officer Sean Wiswesser to unpack the evolution, culture, and methods of Russian intelligence. Drawing from nearly 30 years in the intelligence community and his forthcoming book Tradecraft, Tactics, and Dirty Tricks: Russian Intelligence and Putin’s Secret War , Sean argues that Russian intelligence services are not just arms of the state but central to how power is maintained in Russia. The conversation ranges from the Cheka and KGB legacy to Putin’s modern security apparatus, cyber operations, disinformation campaigns, corruption inside the services, and the broader hybrid war being waged against Western democracies. Sean also reflects on the difference between the Russian people and the Russian regime, the danger of unchecked autocracy, and the need for talented young people to pursue careers in intelligence and national security.  Soundbites  “Putin is who we thought he was. He’s a Chekist.”  “We’re not at war with the Russian people. We’re in an undeclared secret war with the Russian intelligence services.”  “What they were doing in 2016 was attacking our democracy and attacking the very concept of free and fair elections.”  “Their goal was to sow discord, distrust, and animosity in the American public.”  “Our strength is in our collaboration, our partnerships, our allies. The Russians don’t have that.”  “The day starts with corruption.”  Takeaways Russian intelligence is presented here not as a side institution, but as a defining pillar of Russian state power, with roots stretching from the Cheka to today’s FSB, SVR, and GRU. Sean draws a sharp distinction between admiration for Russian culture and people, and condemnation of the regime and intelligence services that suppress freedom at home and destabilize democracies abroad. A major theme is hybrid warfare: cyber attacks, social media manipulation, election interference, and information operations designed less to support one side than to fracture trust inside democratic societies. Corruption inside Russian intelligence is described as systemic rather than incidental, shaping behavior from training academies to field operations. Sean’s warning is that Putin is increasingly dangerous because he is insulated from dissent, surrounded by people unwilling to tell him hard truths, especially after the invasion of UkraineGet the book: Amazon pre-order link: https://a.co/d/0ag2e9sy

    43 min
  7. The AI Revolution Agents, Intelligence, and Control  with Stephen C Webster

    MAR 18

    The AI Revolution Agents, Intelligence, and Control with Stephen C Webster

    Summary In this episode, host Francis Gorman sits down with Stephen C Webster a  Senior Director of Integrated Intelligence at Aquent Studios to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, autonomous agents, and the race toward artificial general intelligence (AGI). Drawing from his unique background training frontier AI models at major technology companies and leading AI transformation projects for Fortune 500 organizations, Stephen offers an inside look at how modern AI systems are being built, tested, and deployed. The conversation begins with the rise of autonomous AI agents and the emergence of platforms that allow persistent digital assistants to operate online with significant independence. Stephen explains why these systems introduce new security challenges, potentially turning the internet into a surface for prompt-based manipulation and attacks. From there, the discussion moves into the realities of AI transformation inside large organizations, where the biggest barriers are rarely technical but organizational. Many companies fail because they attempt to automate broken processes instead of restructuring their data and workflows around AI-native operations. Stephen also reflects on his career pivot from investigative journalism to AI development, including early reporting on information warfare tools capable of controlling thousands of social media identities simultaneously. That experience shaped his perspective on the power of digital systems to influence public discourse and ultimately led him into the field of AI safety and governance. One of the most fascinating parts of the episode involves Stephen’s experience working on safety guardrails for early large language models. During extended testing sessions, he encountered emergent behaviors that highlighted how complex and unpredictable these systems can become when pushed beyond their guardrails. While not evidence of sentience, these interactions raised deeper questions about how humans relate to intelligent machines. Soundbites • “The hardest problems in AI transformation aren’t technological they’re organizational.” • “If you automate something broken, you just make it break faster.” • “Prompt-level guardrails will never fully control autonomous AI agents.” • “AI may eventually train its users the same way we train AI.” • “The internet could become a prompt-based attack surface.” • “Accessing knowledge across domains is already close to what many people define as AGI.” • “We may not know the exact moment AGI arrived until years after it happens.” Episode Links:  link to Aquent's salary guide: https://aquent.com/lp/salary-guide Papers: https://futurespeak.ai/research/whitepapers Asimov's cLaws: https://futurespeak.ai/products/claw-spec Agent Friday: https://futurespeak.ai/products/agent-friday

    40 min

About

The Entropy Podcast is a cybersecurity, technology, and business podcast hosted by Francis Gorman. Each episode features in-depth conversations with cybersecurity professionals, technology leaders, and business executives who share real world insights on cyber risk, digital transformation, emerging technologies, leadership, and the evolving threat landscape. Designed for CISOs, IT leaders, founders, and professionals navigating today’s digital economy, The Entropy Podcast explores how organizations can adapt, innovate, and build resilience in an era defined by constant change, disruption, and geopolitical uncertainty. The name Entropy reflects the growing complexity and unpredictability of cybersecurity and technology ecosystems and the strategic thinking required to thrive within them. To summarise the show in a nutshell it’s: Genuine conversations with unique minds on the threats, complexity and geopolitics shaping our world Topics include: Cybersecurity strategy, risk, and resiliencePost Quantum readinessEmerging technologies and innovation (AI etc).Business leadership and digital transformationCyber threats, regulation, and geopoliticsLessons learned from real-world experienceNew episodes deliver practical insight, expert perspectives, and actionable knowledge so you stay informed, strategic, and ahead of the curve. Buy Our Swag: We now have some slick new swag you can purchase through our Esty store. https://theentropypodcast.etsy.com   Watch and Subscribe You can also watch full episodes and exclusive content on our YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@TheEntropyPodcast Achievements The Entropy Podcast delivered strong chart performance throughout 2025, demonstrating consistent international reach and listener engagement. Regularly ranked within the Top 20 Technology podcasts in Ireland.Achieved a Top 25 placement in the United States Technology charts, holding the position for one week.Charted internationally across multiple markets, including Israel, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. This performance reflects sustained global interest and growing recognition across key podcast markets. Audio Quality NoticeSome episodes may feature minor variations in audio quality due to remote recording environments and external factors. We continuously strive to deliver the highest possible audio standards and appreciate your understanding. DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in The Entropy Podcast are solely those of the host and guests and are based on personal experience and professional perspectives. They do not constitute factual claims, legal advice, or endorsements, and are not intended to harm or defame any individual or organization. Listeners are encouraged to form their own informed opinions.

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