Securing the Realm

Chris Lloyd-Jones & Josh McDonald

Cybersecurity, Azure innovation, and Microsoft AI converge with the enchanting world of tabletop games. Through epic storytelling and engaging demos, we transform complex topics like deploying Large-Language Models (LLMs), Small-Language Models (SLMs), and Agentic AI into adventurous quests. Dive into technical architectures that showcase secure and scalable AI solutions, learn how to build robust systems for modern applications, and explore the practical challenges of security, performance, and collaboration—wrapped in the magic of role-playing games. Whether you're a seasoned tech adventurer or a curious newcomer, you'll gain insights into Azure's cutting-edge capabilities, responsible AI practices, and open-source projects—all while battling kobolds, training AI elves, and unlocking the secrets of the Crystal Keep. Embark on a journey where technology meets adventure, and together, we'll secure the realm!

Episodes

  1. 12/19/2025

    The Elf Foundry - Vibe Engineering, from Agentic AI to Platform AI

    🎄 Welcome to a festive "Securing the Realm"! Josh McDonald and Chris Lloyd-Jones are joined by Dr Diana Wolfe and Fergus Kidd to explore the shift from vibe coding to vibe engineering - balancing AI speed with structure, security, and governance. Expect insights, holiday puns stretched to breaking point, and plenty of laughter! 🎅Key takeaways: AI accelerates coding but can introduce chaosTesting and security are non-negotiable for AI-generated codeDemocratising expertise risks uncritical AI use#AI #VibeEngineering #FestiveTechCalendar2025

    35 min

  2. 10/02/2025

    The Architecture of AI Transformation

    Diana Wolfe joins Chris and Josh to discuss the new paper "The Architecture of AI Transformation: Four Strategic Patterns and an Emerging Frontier" co-authored by Diana Wolfe, Alice Choe and Fergus Kidd; and discussing the transformative potential of AI in organizations, exploring the concept of agentic AI and its implications for leadership and collaboration. They cover the challenges of paradigmatic lock-in, the importance of individual augmentation, and the need for effective governance in AI deployment. Diana shares insights from her research, emphasizing the balance between automation and human creativity, and the necessity for organizations to adapt and evolve in the face of technological advancements. LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7371958936486232064/Paper: https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.02853

    25 min

  3. 08/26/2025

    Deepfakes, AI Fraud, and authenticity

    In this episode of "Securing the Realm," we discuss the mystifying world of deepfakes and shallow fakes and their implications for security and media trust. Hosts Josh McDonald and Chris Lloyd-Jones - with special guest Fergus Kidd - guide you through real examples of deepfakes, showcasing the state-of-the-art tools that make them possible. We also take a look back at the evolution of deepfakes, the implications for security and misinformation, exploring how far we've come and the challenges that lie ahead. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of AI-generated content and the ongoing battle against misinformation, utilising inoculation against misinformation, as well as content provenance. Key Takeaways: Shallow fakes are easier to create than deepfakes.Real-time AI avatars can mimic human gestures and speech.Detection of deepfakes relies on physiological signals and contextual clues.Media literacy is crucial in combating misinformation.Inoculation against misinformation can help prepare individuals.Content provenance is essential for trust in media.The technology is advancing faster than detection methods.Education campaigns are necessary for public awareness.Corporate targets are more likely to fall victim to deepfake scams.The future of AI-generated content poses significant challenges.

    28 min

  4. 08/26/2025

    Foundry Local Launch

    In this conversation, Chris Lloyd-Jones and Josh McDonald discuss the use of Foundry Local for securely generating sensitive AI content. They explain the importance of data privacy and security, showcasing a multi-agent workflow that allows for the creation of confidential research documents. The conversation highlights the integrated knowledge sources that track references and contextual information, as well as the ability to enhance model knowledge through RAG search. Chris emphasizes the secure export of content for various applications, underscoring the significance of Foundry Local in his AI toolkit. Josh emphasizes the developer friendly UI. GitHub Repo: https://github.com/SecuringTheRealm/str-foundry-local Key Takeaways Foundry Local allows for secure AI content generation.Data privacy and security are paramount in sensitive research.The multi-agent workflow enhances efficiency in content creation.Integrated knowledge sources provide crucial contextual information.RAG search enriches model knowledge about specific entities.Content can be exported securely for various uses.The system operates entirely on local hardware.The technology supports both local and deployment for cloud-based model operations.

    3 min

  5. 08/26/2025

    Purview MCP and Agentic Communication

    In this conversation, Josh McDonald and Chris Lloyd-Jones discuss the importance of securing communications in the realm of agentic AI. They explore the CIA triangle of security—confidentiality, integrity, and availability—and how Microsoft Purview serves as a data security solution. The discussion delves into the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and Agent-to-Agent (A2A) protocols, emphasizing their roles in facilitating secure communication between AI agents. The conversation concludes with a demonstration of MCP in action and reflections on the future of agentic AI. Key Takeaways Securing communication between agents is crucial.The CIA triangle of security includes confidentiality, integrity, and availability.Microsoft Purview is a comprehensive data security solution.MCP connects AI applications to external tools and data sources.A2A protocol enhances enterprise communication between agents.Data lineage is vital for governance and compliance.Generative AI tools can aid in security contexts.The integration of MCP with tools like GitHub Copilot is significant.Understanding agent flow is essential for security teams.Check out the repo here: https://github.com/SecuringTheRealm/str-mcp-purview

    21 min

  6. 08/26/2025

    Vibe Coding with GitHub Copilot Agent Mode

    In this conversation, Chris and Josh explore the latest features of GitHub Copilot, particularly focusing on agentic AI and its implications for software development. They discuss the concept of vibe engineering versus vibe coding, emphasizing the need for subject matter expertise when utilizing AI tools. The duo embarks on a project to recreate a tabletop RPG experience using TypeScript and the semantic kernel, showcasing the capabilities of AI in generating code and managing development tasks. They also address the challenges of debugging and the importance of iterative development in AI-assisted coding. Key Takeaways: The concept of agentic AI is transforming software development. Vibe engineering emphasizes the need for subject matter expertise in using AI tools.AI tools can significantly enhance coding efficiency but require oversight.Debugging is a crucial part of the development process with AI.AI can generate complex code structures from simple prompts.Iterative development is essential when working with AI-generated code.Understanding the underlying technology is key to effective AI use.Future developments in AI will continue to reshape coding practices.

    29 min

  7. 08/26/2025

    Christmas Special 2024

    Exploring Generative AI and agents through the lens of Dungeons and Dragons. Discussing the development of an AI dungeon master, the use of ChatGPT for rapid prototyping, and the evolution from single-agent to multi-agent AI systems. Emphasizing the importance of storytelling in AI projects and the potential for collaboration among AI agents to tackle complex challenges. ---- After the unexpected summoning of the mischievous Kobold in Aberdeen in Scottish Summit 2024, the realm’s finest adventurers find themselves in the frozen lands of the North, tasked with a new quest just in time for the Winter Solstice. The Crystal Keep is now abuzz with activity, as the Guildmaster reveals a bold plan: to train an army of Christmas elves—or more precisely, Agentic AIs—to work in harmony and ensure that the holiday celebrations across the realm go off without a hitch. Each AI elf is crafted with a unique skill, from managing gifts to guiding sleighs through snowstorms, but they are far from perfect. The adventurers must now teach these autonomous beings to collaborate, ensuring that their tasks are performed with precision, creativity, and responsibility. Leading this effort, the party faces familiar trials—the challenge of coordination among hordes of eager but chaotic AIs, and the need to balance autonomy with careful oversight. The Kobold's influence still lingers, stirring up occasional mischief as the elves learn to work together without causing merry mayhem. Key Takeaways: Generative AI can enhance storytelling in gaming.Rapid prototyping is essential for developing AI solutions.ChatGPT serves as a useful tool for initial AI projects.Agentic AI solutions provide more tailored responses.Single-agent models are limited in scope and capability.Multi-agent systems can collaborate to solve complex problems.Customization of AI agents is crucial for effectiveness.The integration of AI in gaming can lead to innovative experiences.Understanding AI mechanics is vital for successful implementation.The future of AI in gaming looks promising with ongoing advancements.Originally published in December 2024 at https://www.festivetechcalendar.com/

    15 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Cybersecurity, Azure innovation, and Microsoft AI converge with the enchanting world of tabletop games. Through epic storytelling and engaging demos, we transform complex topics like deploying Large-Language Models (LLMs), Small-Language Models (SLMs), and Agentic AI into adventurous quests. Dive into technical architectures that showcase secure and scalable AI solutions, learn how to build robust systems for modern applications, and explore the practical challenges of security, performance, and collaboration—wrapped in the magic of role-playing games. Whether you're a seasoned tech adventurer or a curious newcomer, you'll gain insights into Azure's cutting-edge capabilities, responsible AI practices, and open-source projects—all while battling kobolds, training AI elves, and unlocking the secrets of the Crystal Keep. Embark on a journey where technology meets adventure, and together, we'll secure the realm!

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Lloyd-Jones & Josh McDonald
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Chris Lloyd-Jones & Josh McDonald
  • Show Website
    Securing the Realm