Simply Secured

Simply Cyber Media Group
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James McQuiggan brings inspiring stories of cybersecurity practitioners "break-into-industry" stories across all dimensions of cybersecurity.

  1. 11/21/2025

    Cyber Journeys: Transition, Leadership, and Trekking with Bill "The Reel Bilbo" Boston

    This week we chat with Bill Boston, also known as 'The Real Bilbo,' to explore his extensive journey from IT support roles to becoming a cybersecurity professional. With over 20 years in support and a strong background in healthcare and consulting, Bill shares unique insights into overcoming mental health challenges, the importance of being fair, friendly, and firm, and how his military experience shaped his career. He also delves into the roles of generative AI in personal and professional settings and offers valuable advice for veterans transitioning into cybersecurity roles. Tune in for an engaging conversation packed with real stories, career tips, and wisdom from the trenches of cybersecurity. Connect with The Reel Bilbo!- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-boston-3860b856/- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheReelBillbo- Discord: @TheReelBilbo Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Bill Boston aka The Reel Bilbo02:23 Bill Boston's Journey into Cybersecurity06:08 Military Experience and Transition to IT09:55 Advice for Veterans Entering Cybersecurity11:59 Utilizing AI in Personal and Professional Life16:02 Empowering IT Professionals in Cybersecurity18:56 Creating and Sharing Knowledge through Videos23:20 Types of Leaders and Early Career Challenges25:54 The Three F's of Leadership26:59 The Importance of Kindness in Leadership27:20 Trekking as a Means of Recharging31:48 Backpacking Logistics and Comparisons to Cybersecurity34:40 Rapid Fire Questions43:32 Final Thoughts and Farewell ==========================================================Connect with your host: James R. McQuiggan:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jmcquigganYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamesmcquiggancisspWebsite: https://jamesmcquiggan.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesmcquiggan.cisspEmail: James@jamesmcquiggan.com==========================================================Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪==========================================================Video Editing / Sound Engineering: Matthew Bliss, MB Podcasts - https://www.mbpod.comYouTube Title Graphic: London CompanyVideo Podcast graphics: Katie McQuiggan (www.katiemcquiggan.com)Music Provided by: AppleHillStudios at Envato Elements=========================Presented by Simply Cyber Media Group=========================All the ways to connect with @SimplyCyberhttps://SimplyCyber.io/Socials

    44 min

  2. 11/16/2025

    From Philosophy to Cybersecurity: An Unexpected Path With Christine Smoley

    This week we have a captivating conversation with Christine Smoley, as she shares her journey from an academic background in phenomenology to a successful career in cybersecurity. Key topics include networking at DEFCON, the importance of language acquisition and mental models, challenges of building security teams in startups, and her unique international experiences in Russia. This episode offers valuable insights into the complexities of transitioning into cybersecurity and the importance of continual learning. Connect with Christine on LinkedIn:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-smoley-92697358 Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Simply Secured Podcast00:43 Meet Christine Smoley01:09 Defcon Poker and EFF Fundraising02:05 Christine's Cybersecurity Journey03:29 From Academia to Cybersecurity04:52 Skills and Knowledge Transfer10:51 Challenges in Skill Acquisition14:41 Building Security in Startups18:12 Evaluating Vendors and Third-Party Risks23:25 Cultural Perspectives on Cybersecurity27:24 Rapid Fire Questions34:43 Final Thoughts and Farewell ==========================================================Connect with your host: James R. McQuiggan:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jmcquigganYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamesmcquiggancisspWebsite: https://jamesmcquiggan.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesmcquiggan.cisspEmail: James@jamesmcquiggan.com==========================================================Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪==========================================================Video Editing / Sound Engineering: Matthew Bliss, MB Podcasts - https://www.mbpod.comYouTube Title Graphic: London CompanyVideo Podcast graphics: Katie McQuiggan (www.katiemcquiggan.com)Music Provided by: AppleHillStudios at Envato Elements=========================Presented by Simply Cyber Media Group=========================All the ways to connect with @SimplyCyberhttps://SimplyCyber.io/Socials

    38 min

  3. 11/07/2025

    From Bartender to Cybersecurity: Brent "CodeBrew" Buch's Unique Journey

    This week we chat with Brent Buch, also known as Code Brew, to explore his fascinating transition from working in the food and beverage industry to becoming a junior database administrator and aspiring cybersecurity professional. Brent discusses the challenges he faced breaking into the cybersecurity field, the value of transferable skills from bartending, and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. He also shares insights on certification, industry resources, and tips for managing burnout. Tune in to hear his compelling journey and advice for anyone looking to make a similar career leap. Chapters:00:00 Discovering Cybersecurity: A YouTube Inspiration00:48 Introduction to Simply Secured Podcast01:30 Meet Brent Booth: From Bartender to Cybersecurity Professional03:17 Brent's Journey into Cybersecurity05:20 Challenges and Skills in Cybersecurity12:15 Balancing Work and Family Life21:43 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts27:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ==========================================================Connect with your host: James R. McQuiggan:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jmcquigganYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamesmcquiggancisspWebsite: https://jamesmcquiggan.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesmcquiggan.cisspEmail: James@jamesmcquiggan.com==========================================================Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪==========================================================Video Editing / Sound Engineering: Matthew Bliss, MB Podcasts - https://www.mbpod.comYouTube Title Graphic: London CompanyVideo Podcast graphics: Katie McQuiggan (www.katiemcquiggan.com)Music Provided by: AppleHillStudios at Envato Elements=========================Presented by Simply Cyber Media Group=========================All the ways to connect with @SimplyCyberhttps://SimplyCyber.io/Socials

    32 min

  4. 10/31/2025

    From Culinary Arts to Cybersecurity: The Journey and Humor of Dan 'Haircut Fish' Rearden

    In this episode of Simply Secured, host James Mcquiggan engages in an insightful and entertaining conversation with Dan “The Haircut Fish” Rearden. Dan shares his unconventional journey from various odd jobs and college culinary arts to becoming a SOC analyst. Dan talks about his love for technology, self-guided learning through TryHackMe, and transitioning from IT help desk roles to cybersecurity. Known for his popular cybersecurity memes, Dan elaborates on the importance of humor in the community and how he uses it to connect and educate others. He also discusses his involvement in Capture the Flags (CTFs), current projects, the value of self-made tools in Python, and his future aspirations in detection engineering. Episode Links:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danrearden/- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@danrearden384- Discord: HaircutFish- GitHub: https://github.com/haircutfish Resources Mentioned in Interview:- Security+ - https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/security- ISC2 CC - https://www.isc2.org/certifications/cc- Detection Engineering - https://www.detectionengineering.net Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Early Career00:42 Welcome to Simply Secured Podcast01:15 Meet Dan 'Haircut Fish' Rearden04:03 Dan's Journey into Cybersecurity07:58 Daily Life of a SOC Analyst10:35 Business Email Compromise Insights16:10 Python Projects and Scripting Skills22:29 Overcoming Roadblocks in Cybersecurity23:01 The Origin of Cybersecurity Memes23:55 Creative Process Behind Memes26:55 Impact of Memes in the Cyber Community31:31 Capture the Flag (CTF) Strategies34:16 Certifications and Learning Paths36:15 Rapid Fire Questions43:23 Final Thoughts and Farewell ==========================================================Connect with your host: James R. McQuiggan:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jmcquigganYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamesmcquiggancisspWebsite: https://jamesmcquiggan.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesmcquiggan.cisspEmail: James@jamesmcquiggan.com==========================================================Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪==========================================================Video Editing / Sound Engineering: Matthew Bliss, MB Podcasts - https://www.mbpod.comYouTube Title Graphic: London CompanyVideo Podcast graphics: Katie McQuiggan (www.katiemcquiggan.com)Music Provided by: AppleHillStudios at Envato Elements=========================Presented by Simply Cyber Media Group=========================All the ways to connect with @SimplyCyberhttps://SimplyCyber.io/Socials

    29 min

  5. 10/24/2025

    From Patent Law to Product Security: A Cybersecurity Journey in the Automotive Industry

    On this week’s episode we chat with Tyson Benson and explore his diverse career as a senior product cybersecurity analyst for ZFI. With a background in patent law, Benson shares his unique insights on the importance of cybersecurity in the automotive industry, particularly as it pertains to software-defined vehicles. Discover the pivotal moments that led him to this field, the legal and regulatory challenges he faces, and his perspectives on the future of cybersecurity. Don't miss this insightful conversation that digs deep into the real stories of cybersecurity practitioners making a significant impact. Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Passion00:42 Podcast Overview and Host Introduction01:16 Guest Introduction: Tyson Benson01:55 Tyson's Journey into Cybersecurity02:13 Patent Law to Product Cybersecurity04:29 Automotive Cybersecurity Challenges10:58 Importance of Product Security Incident Response14:33 Supply Chain Security in Automotive Industry17:55 Human Risk in Automotive Cybersecurity20:49 Legal Experience in Cybersecurity26:14 Skills for Automotive Cybersecurity29:07 Rapid Fire Questions36:42 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom Connect with Tyson:- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tysonbenson/- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@tysonbenson- X: https://x.com/tysonbenson- Discord: **0xTyson** ==========================================================Connect with your host: James R. McQuiggan:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jmcquigganYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamesmcquiggancisspWebsite: https://jamesmcquiggan.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesmcquiggan.cisspEmail: James@jamesmcquiggan.com==========================================================Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪==========================================================Video Editing / Sound Engineering: Matthew Bliss, MB Podcasts - https://www.mbpod.comYouTube Title Graphic: London CompanyVideo Podcast graphics: Katie McQuiggan (www.katiemcquiggan.com)Music Provided by: AppleHillStudios at Envato Elements=========================Presented by Simply Cyber Media Group=========================All the ways to connect with @SimplyCyberhttps://SimplyCyber.io/Socials

    40 min

  6. 10/17/2025

    Harmonizing Cybersecurity: From Trombone to Tech with Debon Grady

    Today we chat with Debon Grady, an IT Security Specialist with the South Carolina Department of Mental Health. Debon shares his unique path from music education major to cybersecurity expert, discussing key moments, valuable skills learned, and the importance of mentorship. Discover his thoughts on the relationship between red and blue teams, the significance of continuous learning, and his hobbies including video games and latte art. Stay tuned for rapid-fire questions and insights into Devin's approach to career success in cybersecurity. Episode Links:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ldgv- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DebonairCyber- Discord: Debonair Cyber Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Background00:06 Discovering Cybersecurity00:45 Podcast Introduction01:23 Devin's Journey into Cybersecurity04:58 Skills from Music to Cybersecurity06:48 Mentorship and Career Advice08:55 Certifications and Job Search15:23 Red Team vs Blue Team17:03 Learning New Tools19:17 Personal Interests and Hobbies24:34 Rapid Fire Questions26:58 Final Thoughts and Farewell ==========================================================Connect with your host: James R. McQuiggan:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jmcquigganYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamesmcquiggancisspWebsite: https://jamesmcquiggan.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesmcquiggan.cisspEmail: James@jamesmcquiggan.com==========================================================Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪==========================================================Video Editing / Sound Engineering: Matthew Bliss, MB Podcasts - https://www.mbpod.comYouTube Title Graphic: London CompanyVideo Podcast graphics: Katie McQuiggan (www.katiemcquiggan.com)Music Provided by: AppleHillStudios at Envato Elements=========================Presented by Simply Cyber Media Group=========================All the ways to connect with @SimplyCyberhttps://SimplyCyber.io/Socials

    29 min

  7. 10/10/2025

    From Air Force to Cybersecurity A Journey of Leadership and Service With Cristina Pawlica

    Today we chat with Cristina Pawlica, a distinguished member of the Simply Cyber community with an extensive background in cybersecurity and military service. Cristina shares her unique journey from serving in the Air Force as a Force Support Officer to pursuing a career in cybersecurity. She delves into crucial leadership lessons and discusses the significant role of cybersecurity in K-12 education institutions. The conversation touches on her active involvement in the 2010 Foundation, which supports Air Force Academy cadets, and her passion for volunteering and helping build cyber resilience. This episode concludes with a rapid-fire segment, providing a fun glimpse into Christina's personal preferences and insights on cybersecurity. Episode Links:- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-pawlica- Foundation 2010 - https://www.2010foundation.org Resources Mentioned in Interview: - SimplyCyber Con Presentation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7ssW-OScdQ- SimplyCyberCon - https://simplycybercon.org Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Elevating Cyber Careers Podcast00:31 Meet Christina Polla: From Air Force to Cybersecurity01:35 Christina's Cybersecurity Journey05:53 Leadership Lessons from the Air Force09:38 Creating Cybersecurity Content on LinkedIn14:05 Current State of Cybersecurity in K-12 Schools23:44 The 2010 Foundation: A Class Initiative26:17 Introduction to the 2010 Foundation26:45 Cadet for a Day Program27:23 Supporting Cadet Parents27:58 Addressing Hardships at the Academy29:43 The Importance of Volunteering31:42 Travel and Cybersecurity35:09 Rapid Fire Questions44:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ==========================================================Connect with your host: James R. McQuiggan:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jmcquigganYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamesmcquiggancisspWebsite: https://jamesmcquiggan.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesmcquiggan.cisspEmail: James@jamesmcquiggan.com==========================================================Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪==========================================================Video Editing / Sound Engineering: Matthew Bliss, MB Podcasts - https://www.mbpod.comYouTube Title Graphic: London CompanyVideo Podcast graphics: Katie McQuiggan (www.katiemcquiggan.com)Music Provided by: AppleHillStudios at Envato Elements=========================Presented by Simply Cyber Media Group=========================All the ways to connect with @SimplyCyberhttps://SimplyCyber.io/Socials

    47 min

  8. 10/03/2025

    AI Security Awareness and Quantum Computing: Insights from a Rising Cybersecurity Star

    Welcome back for Season 2! We kickoff with a graduating senior from Rensselaer Polytechnic University as she transitions from academic research to industry applications in the world of cybersecurity. In this episode, we sit down with Shoshana Sugerman, to explore her journey from classroom to conference room. We delve into Shoshana's work on Grover's algorithm for quantum-enhanced threat detection and her experiences during a summer internship at Cisco. Shoshana offers advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, emphasizing the importance of networking, asking questions, and embracing failures as learning opportunities. Episode Links:- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoshanasugerman/ Resources Mentioned in Interview:- ISC2 Congress Presentation to Brian & Shoshana’s presentation - https://www.isc2.org/Insights/2024/10/ISC2Congress-Generative-AI-for-Cybersecurity-Awareness-Training- Quantum Paper: https://news.rpi.edu/2025/03/03/rensselaer-cybersecurity-collaboratory-researchers-break-new-ground-quantum-security- Generative AI Article: https://www.techrepublic.com/article/generative-ai-security-training/- Computer Coach Generative AI: Cybersecurity Awareness Training: Benefits, Limitations, & Skills for the Workforce: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7WqRrIPcYk Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Simply Secured Podcast00:34 Meet Shoshanna Sugarman02:46 Shoshanna's Journey into Cybersecurity05:17 AI and Security Awareness Training07:32 The Role of Human Oversight in AI13:27 Generative AI in Education16:14 Exploring Quantum Computing21:15 Internship Experience at Cisco25:32 Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Students29:18 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts ==========================================================Connect with your host: James R. McQuiggan:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jmcquigganYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamesmcquiggancisspWebsite: https://jamesmcquiggan.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesmcquiggan.cisspEmail: James@jamesmcquiggan.com==========================================================Simply Cyber empowers people who want a rewarding cybersecurity career 💪==========================================================Video Editing / Sound Engineering: Matthew Bliss, MB Podcasts - https://www.mbpod.comYouTube Title Graphic: London CompanyVideo Podcast graphics: Katie McQuiggan (www.katiemcquiggan.com)Music Provided by: AppleHillStudios at Envato Elements=========================Presented by Simply Cyber Media Group=========================All the ways to connect with @SimplyCyberhttps://SimplyCyber.io/Socials

    35 min
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About

James McQuiggan brings inspiring stories of cybersecurity practitioners "break-into-industry" stories across all dimensions of cybersecurity.

Information

  • Creator
    Simply Cyber Media Group
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Simply Cyber Media Group