Gradient Descent

RavenTek Studios

Gradient Descent is a podcast for people asking better questions about emerging technology. Hosted by RavenTek's Chris Riordan, Brett Lucas, and Brett Haupt, the show explores artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, leadership, and software development through thoughtful conversations that challenge assumptions rather than reinforce them. We aren't interested in repeating the latest buzzwords or predicting that every new technology will save the world or destroy it. Instead, we explore the space between the hype and the fear, sharing practical perspectives for leaders navigating an increasingly complex world.

Episodes

  1. Jul 10

    03. Fortress vs. Fire: Can AI Defend Against AI?

    What happens when artificial intelligence becomes both the attacker and the defender? As AI accelerates cyber threats, organizations face a difficult question: should they fight AI with even more AI, or double down on proven security principles like Zero Trust? In this episode of Gradient Descent, Chris Riordon, Brett Lucas, Brett Haupt, and Ryan Sheehan debate where AI belongs in modern cybersecurity. They explore agentic AI, prompt injection, AI-powered vulnerability discovery, offensive automation, and why human oversight may become even more important as machines get faster. Rather than predicting doom, the conversation focuses on how organizations can adopt AI responsibly while protecting the systems that matter most. Topics include: AI attacking AI Prompt injection and emerging threats Zero Trust for AI agents Human vs. machine decision making The future of AI-enabled cyber defense

  2. Jul 10

    02. Apocaloptimism: Are We Coding Our Way Into a Cybersecurity Crisis?

    Everyone is celebrating how AI is accelerating software development. Far fewer people are asking what happens when security can't keep up. In this episode of Gradient Descent, the team introduces the idea of Apocaloptimism. It is the belief that AI has incredible potential while recognizing that its rapid adoption may create serious challenges before things stabilize. The conversation explores two trends moving toward each other. AI is making it faster than ever to build software, while AI-powered offensive capabilities are lowering the barrier to sophisticated cyberattacks. What happens when those two curves finally intersect? Join the discussion as the team explores: AI-assisted software development and "vibe coding" Why software quality and security may be falling behind AI adoption How offensive AI is changing the cybersecurity landscape Zero Trust, governance, and responsible AI implementation Whether we've already reached the tipping point, or if the biggest disruption is still ahead Not everyone agrees. That's what makes the conversation worth having.

  3. Jul 10

    01. Pilot

    Before we knew exactly what Gradient Descent would become, we sat down, turned on the microphones, and started talking. This conversation became the foundation for everything that followed.

  • 3 Episodes

About

Gradient Descent is a podcast for people asking better questions about emerging technology. Hosted by RavenTek's Chris Riordan, Brett Lucas, and Brett Haupt, the show explores artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, leadership, and software development through thoughtful conversations that challenge assumptions rather than reinforce them. We aren't interested in repeating the latest buzzwords or predicting that every new technology will save the world or destroy it. Instead, we explore the space between the hype and the fear, sharing practical perspectives for leaders navigating an increasingly complex world.

Information

  • Creator
    RavenTek Studios
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Gradient Descent