Tech Woke

Christopher Okpala
  • 5.0 (19)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join us as we demystify the tech landscape, offer guidance on educational pathways, and showcase inspirational stories of individuals who have successfully transitioned into tech careers. We address challenges, celebrate triumphs, and equip you with the knowledge and motivation to take your first steps or advance further in the tech world.

  1. 3D AGO

    How to Get Into Cybersecurity in 2026 With No Experience

    RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/ Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke Guest Information: 🔗 https://solo.to/intelwave 🔗 https://www.skool.com/intelwave-3354/about Timestamp: 00:00 "Mastering RMF for Cybersecurity" 04:04 "Proving Skills Over Credentials" 07:33 Cybersecurity Career Prep Insights 10:51 Intentional Networking for Cybersecurity Success 13:03 "Path to Cybersecurity: It Depends" 19:10 Entry-Level Cybersecurity Career Options 21:45 Cybersecurity: Teamwork & Collaboration Skills 25:35 "Build Relationships, Not Just Apply" 27:40 "LinkedIn: Key to Cybersecurity Networking" 32:34 Optimize LinkedIn for SOC Analyst 36:10 Networking for RMF on LinkedIn 37:06 Networking for RMF Career Growth 41:04 "Building Your Personal Brand" 44:53 "Persistence, Discipline, Strategy, Action" 48:39 Cybersecurity Education for Youth Video Description:  In this episode of the Tech Woke Podcast, Christopher Okpala sits down with cybersecurity threat intelligence analyst Nigel Boston to break down the real strategy for getting into cybersecurity in 2026 with no experience. This conversation goes beyond certifications and generic advice. They talk about what actually works in today’s competitive tech market including choosing the right cybersecurity role, building hands-on projects, learning cloud fundamentals, and developing proof of work that hiring managers respect. Nigel shares a clear step-by-step roadmap for beginners, explains why certifications alone are not enough, and dives into the power of intentional networking, LinkedIn branding, and relationship-building to stand out from thousands of applicants. They also discuss how to build a strong personal brand, how to optimize your LinkedIn profile for recruiters, what entry-level cybersecurity roles make sense in 2026 such as SOC analyst and vulnerability management, and why soft skills like communication and documentation matter just as much as technical ability. If you are transitioning from retail, customer service, education, or another non-tech field and want to break into cybersecurity, this episode gives you practical, realistic guidance on how to do it the right way. No shortcuts. No hype. Just real strategy that works.

    50 min

  2. JAN 28

    Breaking Into Cybersecurity: Career Roadmaps and Training Insights with Jason Dion

    RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/ Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke Jason Dion Free Book: https://tldrcybersecurity.com/subscribe Timestamp: 00:00 "Exam Questions: Wording Matters" 04:32 "Roadmap to Becoming a Hacker" 08:01 "Is Pen Testing Right?" 10:14 Simplifying Complex Tech Concepts 15:17 "Mastering NIST Cybersecurity Framework" 18:48 "Practical Certifications vs. Theoretical" 20:42 "Balanced Approach to Exam Prep" 24:02 "Applicant Tracking Systems Explained" 28:06 "CISSP: Key to Job Interviews" 29:39 Military Networking Drives Career Opportunities 32:20 "From IT to Military Engineering" 37:17 "Generational Tech Understanding Gap" 40:15 Age Perception in Consulting Careers 44:35 "AI Adoption and Responsible Use" 46:17 "Adapting to Rapid AI Changes" 51:25 "Building Practical Certifications Independently" 52:49 AI Revolutionizing Skill-Based Hiring 55:54 "Taking a Career Shot" Video Decription: Welcome back to the Tech Woke Podcast. In this episode, host Christopher Okpala sits down with Jason Dion, one of the most trusted cybersecurity educators in the industry, whose training has helped over a million people break into IT and cybersecurity. They break down how beginners with zero tech experience can choose the right certifications, avoid common mistakes, and build real, job-ready skills. Jason also shares practical advice on hands-on learning, navigating today’s cybersecurity job market, and how AI and cloud technologies are reshaping tech careers. Whether you’re transitioning from a non-tech background or looking to future-proof your career, this conversation delivers clear, real-world guidance for breaking into cybersecurity the right way.

    58 min

  3. JAN 21

    How to Break Into Federal Cybersecurity With No Experience

    RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/ Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke Timestamp: 00:00 "Appreciation for Sharing Opportunities" 05:01 "RMF and GRC Job Outlook" 07:00 AI: Adaptation Over Replacement 11:10 "Preparing for Quantum Future" 13:54 "AI, Innovation, and Uncertainty" 17:10 "Verify AI-Generated Information Carefully" 20:35 "AI, Quantum, and Cybersecurity Trends" 23:30 "Cybersecurity Learning and Application" 25:44 "Coursera for Cybersecurity Labs" 31:09 Rethinking Cybersecurity Education 34:59 "Accountability in Teaching" 35:56 "Roadmap to Security+ Success" 40:59 "Cybersecurity Careers: Study & Network" 42:14 "Embrace Rejection for Success" 46:05 "Faith and God's Plan" 48:54 "Stay Focused and Plan Ahead" Video Decription: Welcome back to the Tech Woke Podcast. In this episode, host Christopher Okpala sits down with Antione Searcy, an adjunct professor and federal cybersecurity veteran, to talk honestly about breaking into regulated tech and federal cybersecurity careers. Antione shares his real journey applying to hundreds of jobs, facing rejection, and eventually landing roles in government cybersecurity and compliance, while explaining what actually matters when trying to enter fields like GRC, RMF, and federal cyber with no prior experience. The conversation explores how mentorship, networking, and hands on learning outperform traditional education alone, and how AI and automation are reshaping cybersecurity and compliance careers. Whether you are trying to break into cybersecurity, government tech, GRC, RMF, or AI governance, this episode delivers practical advice and real world insight for people who want clarity, stability, and a long term path into regulated tech careers.

    51 min

  4. JAN 14

    How to Break Into Health Tech Without Any Experience

    RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/ Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke Timestamp: 00:00 "Preventing Fraud with Proactive Security" 03:49 "Technically Inclined from Childhood" 08:57 "Post-College Doubts and Regrets" 12:14 "First Internship Experience" 14:50 "Internship Experiences and Career Decision" 17:23 "From Developer to AfroTech" 22:22 "Ensuring Accurate Ticket Processing" 24:35 "Balancing Zero Trust and AI" 28:08 "AI Hacking Discussion" 29:43 "Breaking Into Tech with AI" 34:44 "Helping Others with Clarity" 37:51 "Maximizing Value at Conferences" 39:23 "The Power of Community Connections" 42:51 "Learning Through YouTube Insights" Video Decription: Welcome to another episode of Tech Woke! In this episode, host Chris sits down with Donovan Surgick, a security engineer working in healthcare technology, to break down the real blueprint for breaking into cybersecurity and building a long-term career in tech. Donovan shares his journey from growing up in Washington, D.C., attending McKinley Tech, and grinding through internships and work-study programs, all the way to landing a role in security engineering. If you’re trying to get your first cybersecurity job, transition into tech, or level up your skills, this conversation delivers real insight and practical game. We cover key topics like cybersecurity internships, the reality of outdated college cybersecurity programs, the best cybersecurity certifications for beginners (like Security+), what a security engineer does day-to-day, healthcare cybersecurity, cloud security, the Zero Trust security model, and how AI is changing cybersecurity. You’ll also learn how to use networking and soft skills to stand out and actually get hired.

    44 min

  5. JAN 9

    How to Break Into AI Governance Without Any Experience

    RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/ Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke Timestamp: 00:00 "Mastering Real-World Cybersecurity Skills" 03:24 "AI: Opportunities and Challenges" 08:34 "Managing AI Usage and Security" 09:59 AI Frameworks and Usage Standards 15:42 "AI Chatbots: Build with Purpose" 19:14 AI as a Writing and Analysis Tool 22:51 "AI Governance in RMF Steps" 26:12 AI Challenges: Drift, Jailbreaking, Data 27:40 AI Responsibility: Shared, Yet Centralized 31:32 "Skills Needed for AI Roles" 34:35 "Technical Skills Needed for GRC" 38:33 "AI Threat Modeling Insights" 43:22 "Stay Sharp, Keep Advancing" 44:33 "Pressure Creates Diamonds or Dust" Video Decription: In this episode of the Tech Woke Podcast, host Christopher Okpala sits down with Markeisha Snaith to break down one of the most important topics in tech today: AI governance. As artificial intelligence rapidly expands across government and enterprise environments, organizations are struggling to manage AI risk, AI security, AI compliance, and regulatory oversight. This conversation goes beyond surface level discussions of ethics and responsible AI and focuses on how real world AI governance frameworks are built and enforced. We discuss what AI governance actually means, how it intersects with cybersecurity, GRC, RMF, and compliance, and why professionals in these spaces are uniquely positioned to lead AI governance efforts. Markeisha explains the security risks tied to AI systems, emerging regulatory expectations, and the skills organizations will demand as AI regulation continues to evolve. This episode also explores career opportunities in AI governance, including how to break into the field without prior AI experience, certifications that matter, and how cybersecurity and compliance professionals can future proof their careers. If you work in cybersecurity, risk management, governance, compliance, federal IT, or cloud security, or you want to position yourself early in a fast growing career path, this episode will give you the clarity and direction you need. Be sure to rate the podcast, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone interested in AI governance and the future of tech.

    46 min

  6. 12/10/2025

    Unlocking AI for Wealth: Practical Tips to Scale Your Business and Life

    RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/ Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke Timestamps: 00:00 "RMF Academy: Real-World Cybersecurity" 04:56 AI Revolution Across Industries 07:08 "AI Revolution in Search Tools" 09:50 AI Simplifies Unity Camera Control 12:45 AI-Driven Marketing Revolution 17:59 "Leveraging Tech for Business Growth" 21:16 "Automating Business for Scalability" 23:57 "AI Unlocks Wealth Potential" 28:23 AI Boosts Desire For Real Connection 32:20 Future of Work and Humanity 33:06 "Code, Starships, and Progress" 37:01 "ChatGPT for Advanced Research" 40:36 "Tech Talk Podcast Outro" Video Decription: Welcome back to another episode of Tech Woke! Today, Christopher Okpala sits down with AI engineer and entrepreneur Jeffrey Scruggs to break down how artificial intelligence is transforming business, tech careers, and everyday life. We talk about how tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and other generative AI platforms can automate websites, marketing, content creation, workflows, and help entrepreneurs scale even without being technical. Jeffrey shares real strategies on using AI to save time, increase income, and build systems that work for you in the background. We also unpack the real opportunities and risks of today’s AI boom covering business automation, the future of work, digital marketing, and why human connection still matters in a tech-driven world. Whether you're new to AI or looking for advanced ways to grow your business, this episode delivers actionable insights, practical examples, and a roadmap for thriving in the golden age of artificial intelligence. Keywords: AI tools, ChatGPT for business, automation, AI entrepreneurship, future of work, generative AI, business growth, digital transformation, Tech Woke Podcast.

    41 min

  7. 12/04/2025

    From High School to Cybersecurity Analyst at 17

    RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/ Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke Time stamps: 00:00 Passion for Tech and Cybersecurity 03:40 Cybersecurity Mentorship Sparked Interest 08:45 SOC: First Line of Defense 12:24 Essential Cybersecurity Tools Overview 14:57 "Building Your Personal Brand" 18:46 "Embracing Growth and Experience" 21:54 Security Operations Center Roles 22:49 Cybersecurity: Purpose and Mentorship 28:10 "Building Connections and Confidence" 29:10 "Start Small, Build Connections" 32:45 "Striving for Growth and Family" 36:02 "Cybersecurity Careers and Investment Tips" 40:55 "Dominic Alegrety Online Presence" Video Description: Welcome back to the Tech Woke Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with cybersecurity standout Dominic Alegrete, a young professional who broke into tech at just 17 years old with no degree and no traditional pathway. His story is one of discipline, consistency, and real-world learning. We dig into Dominic’s journey from high school to working inside a Security Operations Center (SOC), how he landed multiple tech roles without a college degree, and the mindset it took to build skills fast. Dominic breaks down the real path into cybersecurity, including finding the right mentors, building hands-on experience, taking the certifications that actually matter like Security+, and using LinkedIn to build a personal brand that attracts recruiters. We also talk about being the youngest person in the room, overcoming imposter syndrome, staying focused in a fast-moving cybersecurity environment, and why giving back and serving others is part of his mission. If you're trying to break into cybersecurity, transition into tech, learn GRC or RMF, become a SOC analyst, or you just want motivation to start where you are, this episode delivers real, practical advice you won’t get from certification books. Tap in, take notes, and let this conversation push you to define your “why,” level up your skills, and build a career with purpose. Welcome to the Tech Woke Podcast. Let’s get into it.

    42 min

  8. 11/19/2025

    GRC Is Changing | What You MUST Learn to Stay Competitive (SCA-R Explains)

    RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/ Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke Time stamps: 00:00 "Prime Time, Giving, and Growth" 04:06 Security Control Assessor Role 07:27 System Validation and Risk Assessment 11:07 "Understanding ATO Packages" 14:57 "Navigating Stakeholder-Driven Decision Making" 18:08 Cloud Service Models & FedRAMP Overview 19:01 FedRAMP Cloud Service Process 24:52 "Izzo Navy Certification Path" 26:48 Staying Relevant in Tech Industry 30:28 "Leadership and RMF Trends" 33:09 “SBOM, DevSecOps, and Cloud” 36:51 "AI: Amplifier, Not Replacer" 39:42 "Zero Trust Overview Simplified" 44:41 "Struggling to Give Back" 45:06 Gratitude for Shared Wisdom Video Decription: Welcome back to the Tech Woke Podcast. In this episode, host Christopher Okpala sits down with Dominique Richardson, a Security Control Assessor Representative (SCA-R), to break down one of the most misunderstood roles in the Risk Management Framework (RMF) ecosystem. If you’ve ever worked with federal information systems, struggled through a security authorization package, or tried to understand what really happens during the validation phase, this conversation will give you clarity you won’t find in certification books. Dominique walks through what SCA-Rs actually do during control assessments, including: • Validating system security plans (SSPs), POA&Ms, and security assessment reports • Reviewing control families across NIST SP 800-53 • Interpreting CCIs, STIG findings, and vulnerability scan outputs • Evaluating system boundaries and cloud inheritances • Identifying major changes that trigger reauthorization • Advising AOs and ISSOs during the authorization decision We also dig into the real politics behind RMF—how programs push for ATO with Conditions, why clean ATOs are rare, and why continuous monitoring is where the real work happens. Dominique breaks down why the future of cyber compliance is shifting quickly: • Cloud migrations often require full ATO reauthorization • SBOMs and software supply chain oversight are becoming essential • GRC analysts must understand architecture, not just documentation • AI is amplifying top performers • DevSecOps pipelines are redefining compliance evidence Whether you're transitioning into cybersecurity, already supporting government systems, or preparing for roles like ISSO, Validator, Assessor, or System Owner, this episode provides real-world insights you won’t hear in certification training. This conversation also includes a segment from RMF Academy, where Christopher shares how his own journey inspired him to teach the practical execution side of compliance. If you want to understand RMF categorization, selection, implementation, assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring this episode is a must-watch. Watch now and take notes. GRC is changing fast. #RMF #Cybersecurity #GRC

    47 min
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5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Join us as we demystify the tech landscape, offer guidance on educational pathways, and showcase inspirational stories of individuals who have successfully transitioned into tech careers. We address challenges, celebrate triumphs, and equip you with the knowledge and motivation to take your first steps or advance further in the tech world.

Information

  • Creator
    Christopher Okpala
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Tech Woke