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So far Rex Wilson has created 62 blog entries.

Steve Orrin — Building Trust at Intel and the Poker Table

Episode 65 — Steve Orrin

No Password Required Podcast Episode 65 — Steve Orrin

Steve Orrin, Federal Chief Technologist at Intel Corporation, has forged a career that bridges biology, cybersecurity startups, and large-scale technology leadership. In this episode, hosts Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A., and Kayley Melton of the Cognitive Security Institute explore Steve’s journey—from early hacking and biochemistry research to founding startups and shaping the future of secure innovation at Intel.

Steve explains how “the Edge” has evolved from basic IoT devices into a powerful ecosystem driving everything from aircraft to MRI machines. He shares hard-won lessons on building high-performing teams, nurturing talent, and embedding security from the very start—never as an afterthought.

In the Lifestyle Polygraph, Steve reveals the ambitious “counter-AI” project he’d launch with an unlimited Intel budget and shares the best poker tell he’s ever spotted at the World Series of Poker.

Follow Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sorrin/

Steve Orrin — Building Trust at Intel and the Poker Table2025-11-04T07:51:07-05:00

DeMarcus Williams — Starbucks’ Security Pro Went from Cyber Competitions to Corporate Red Teaming

Episode 64 — DeMarcus Williams

No Password Required Podcast Episode 64 — DeMarcus Williams

DeMarcus Williams, a senior security engineer at Starbucks, has built a career defined by creativity, intuition, and persistence. With roles at the U.S. Department of Defense, AWS/Amazon, and now Starbucks, he specializes in offensive security, red teaming, and adversary emulation. In this episode, DeMarcus joins Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A. and Cyber Florida’s Sarina Gandy (guesting hosting) to share how his love of video games first sparked his cybersecurity journey—and how competitions like the Southeast Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (SECCDC) cemented his path.

DeMarcus opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, the unique work-life balance he’s found at Starbucks, and why half of his red teaming comes down to gut instinct. He shares the difference between penetration testing and red teaming, what it’s like preparing for full-scale global operations, and the hacker mindset that still kicks in whenever he walks into a Starbucks café.

In the Lifestyle Polygraph segment, Sarina poses the ultimate face-off: what’s the bigger moment—the walk-up to a boxing ring or to the DEF CON keynote stage? And, between Stone Cold, The Rock, and The Undertaker, who would dominate in a Capture the Flag competition?

Follow DeMarcus on Twitter: https://x.com/medarkus_

DeMarcus Williams — Starbucks’ Security Pro Went from Cyber Competitions to Corporate Red Teaming2025-09-29T08:52:48-04:00

Jon Schipp — From Heavy Metal to the Front Lines of Cyber Innovation

No Password Required Podcast Episode 63 — Jon Schipp

Jon Schipp — From Heavy Metal to the Front Lines of Cyber Innovation

Jon Schipp, the “Ric Flair of Cybersecurity,” is the Senior Director of Inorganic Growth Strategy at Rapid7. Schipp mixes cyber technical mastery, business acumen, and stage presence, to identity mergers and partnerships for his company’s growing cybersecurity platform. He shares his story with hosts Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A., and, Kayley Melton, Executive Director of Operations at the Cognitive Security Institute, starting with his early days in the Midwestern heavy metal scene.

He opens up about couch-surfing his way to hacker conferences as a teenager, the role of music in shaping his professional edge, and why knowledge—not money—has always been his north star. With a background in security engineering, incident response, and software development, Schipp explains that curiosity has been the through-line in his journey and how his own startup experience prepared him to evaluate new technologies and teams. He also tells the story of a pitch so good it left the room stunned.

In the Lifestyle Polygraph segment, Jon reveals his dream guitar (an elusive LTD H-300 last seen in Evansville, Indiana) and gives the audience a crash course in heavy metal history. Plus, you’ll hear the tale of a push-up challenge that became an unforgettable part of a job interview—and meet Kayley’s cat, Little Baby, making her YouTube debut.

Follow Jon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonschipp/

Jon Schipp — From Heavy Metal to the Front Lines of Cyber Innovation2025-08-22T14:03:00-04:00

Kurt Sanger — Former Lead Attorney at U.S. Cyber Command, Cyber Law Strategist, and Appreciator of Mad Men Hats

No Password Required Podcast Episode 62 — Kurt Sanger

Kurt Sanger —Former Lead Attorney at U.S. Cyber Command, Cyber Law Strategist, and Appreciator of Mad Men Hats

Kurt Sanger —Former Lead Attorney at U.S. Cyber Command, Cyber Law Strategist, and Appreciator of Mad Men Hats
On this episode, hosts Jack Clabby, of Carlton Fields, P.A., and Kayley Melton, Executive Director of Operations at the Cognitive Security Institute, sit down with Kurt Sanger—a seasoned cyber law leader and former Deputy General Counsel at U.S. Cyber Command.
Kurt, who now advised clients at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, reflects on his 23+ years in the U.S. Marine Corps and how the adrenaline of cyber operations and policy has translated into the private sector, where he now helps clients navigate legal risk in an increasingly tech-driven world. He opens up about the difference between the proactive pace of military cyber law and the more reactive nature of corporate advisory work—and why that shift surprised him.

He also shares how moving to the Tampa Bay area shattered his assumptions about where cyber talent lives, explaining why it’s one of the most vibrant and underrated cybersecurity communities in the country. From quoting The Godfather on nation-state threats to challenging the 10,000-hour mastery rule, Kurt gives us an honest look at the evolving cyber legal landscape—and what it means for newcomers entering the field.

In the Lifestyle Polygraph segment, Kurt settles the ultimate Chicago food debate and declares a clear winner among the Windy City’s top three treats (will he choose the casserole masquerading as pizza?). He also explains his appreciation for the stylish hats of Mad Men that he believes should make a comeback and turns the tables with a Tampa-themed question for Jack.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-sanger-311970115/

Kurt Sanger — Former Lead Attorney at U.S. Cyber Command, Cyber Law Strategist, and Appreciator of Mad Men Hats2025-07-29T13:02:33-04:00

Kathy Collins — From AOL to Award-Winning Cuisine to High-Stakes Hacking

Kathy Collins — From AOL to Award-Winning Cuisine to High-Stakes Hacking

Kathy Collins — From AOL to Award-Winning Cuisine to High-Stakes Hacking

Recorded live at the 2025 Sunshine Cyber Conference in Tampa, Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A., and resident cybersecurity expert Kayley Melton, Executive Director of Operations at the Cognitive Security Institute, sit down with Kathy Collins, Security Consultant at Secure Ideas. Kathy shares her extraordinary journey, which began at the AOL help desk, took a flavorful detour through award-winning kitchens, and ultimately landed in the high-stakes world of penetration testing.

Kathy explains how the intensity, precision, and discipline of her 15 years in fine dining prepared her for the unpredictable demands of cybersecurity. She recounts a particularly memorable physical pen test involving a rainy golf cart getaway—and a very unimpressed police officer.

The conversation highlights Kathy’s passion for community building through events like BSides Jacksonville, where she encourages newcomers to dive in and get involved. In the Lifestyle Polygraph segment, Kayley throws Kathy two horror-themed questions with bite: which movie soundtrack best scores a pen test, and which fictional villain she’d trust most on an engagement. Fava beans and a nice Chianti may follow a successful test.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathyvcollins/

Kathy Collins — From AOL to Award-Winning Cuisine to High-Stakes Hacking2025-07-07T12:30:51-04:00

No Password Required Podcast Episode 60 — Reginald “Andre” Andre

No Password Required Podcast Episode 60 — Reginald Andre

Reginald “Andre” Andre — CEO of ARK Solvers and Builder of Human + AI-Driven Culture

Our guest Reginald “Andre” Andre is the dynamic founder and CEO of ARK Solvers. A chance encounter at a CompUSA store sparked a series of events which eventually created ARK Solvers—now one of South Florida’s fastest-growing IT and cybersecurity companies, serving small and mid-size companies with a sharp focus on compliance and innovation.

With nearly two decades of experience, Andre shares how his company has evolved from general IT support to cybersecurity and now into the realm of AI. He reveals how creating a growth-centered environment for his team—and hiring for attitude over skill—has been crucial to ARK’s culture and success. He also reflects on how his frustration with the lack of computer classes at his son’s school led to the launch of a computer club that brought them closer together.

In the Lifestyle Polygraph segment, Andre unpacks his AI-powered board of directors—which includes Steve Jobs and Grant Cardone—and what he’d do if tasked with launching a nationwide mentorship initiative. Plus, he urges students to get aggressive with internships: “Ask early and often.” Join hosts Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A., and resident cybersecurity expert Kayley Melton, founder of Reality Shift, for this exciting podcast.

Follow Andre on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-andre-122ba552/

No Password Required Podcast Episode 60 — Reginald “Andre” Andre2025-06-09T08:14:34-04:00

No Password Required Podcast Episode 59 — Mariana Padilla

No Password Required Podcast Episode 59 — Mariana Padilla

Mariana Padilla — CEO of HACKERverse.ai, Disruptor of Cybersecurity Sales and Most Other Things

On this episode, we sit down with Mariana Padilla, CEO and Co-Founder of HACKERverse.ai—an AI-driven platform transforming how cybersecurity solutions are tested and purchased. From her early days in education and nonprofits to building a career in cybersecurity marketing, Mariana has always sought to challenge inefficiency and champion innovation. From the helm of HACKERverse, she’s helping security buyers make smarter, data-driven decisions while eliminating the friction of traditional vendor sales.

She joins hosts Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A., and resident cybersecurity expert Kayley Melton, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Cognitive Security Institute, to explore how her self-proclaimed status as a “bad employee” shaped her leadership approach, why passive aggression is her ultimate pet peeve, and how adopting a beginner’s mindset has helped her scale quickly in a complex industry. Mariana also reveals how her team is tackling the trust gap in cybersecurity sales—by letting the product speak for itself.

In the Lifestyle Polygraph segment, Kayley asks Mariana who she would hire if resumes for Superman and Batman landed on her desk. Her answer took us down a dark-night path we didn’t see coming.

Follow Mariana Padilla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianapadilla/

No Password Required Podcast Episode 59 — Mariana Padilla2025-05-09T10:45:48-04:00

No Password Required Podcast Episode 58 — Trevor Hilligoss

No Password Required Podcast Episode 58 — Trevor Hilligoss

Trevor Hilligoss — SVP at SpyCloud Labs, Former Army Investigator, and an elite metaphor creator

On this episode, we sit down with Trevor Hilligoss, Director of Security Research and the Research & Innovation division of SpyCloud Labs. From his beginnings in the Army Criminal Investigation Division to his leadership role in cybersecurity’s private sector, Trevor shares how investigative instincts and military discipline shaped his approach to digital forensics, leadership, and fighting cybercrime.

Hosts Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A., and Kayley Melton, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Cognitive Security Institute and founder of Reality Shift, explore with Trevor the biggest misconceptions about cybercriminals, why micromanagement is a leadership pitfall, and how proactive cybersecurity strategies can change the game before an attack even happens.

Plus, in the Lifestyle Polygraph segment, Trevor talks about adding Tony Hawk to his ultimate escape room team, his boardroom walk-up song, and his East Coast-meets-West Coast breakfast—because balance is key in cybersecurity and in starting the day off right.

Follow Trevor Hilligoss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thilligoss/

No Password Required Podcast Episode 58 — Trevor Hilligoss2025-04-14T07:26:05-04:00

No Password Required Podcast Episode 57 — Rob Allen

No Password Required Podcast Episode 57 — Rob Allen

Rob Allen — Chief Product Officer at ThreatLocker and Advocate of Buc-ee’s, Mascots and Buc-ee Mascots

On this episode, we sit down with Rob Allen, the Chief Marketing Officer at ThreatLocker, live from the 2024 Sunshine Cyber Conference. From his early days “locked” in an IT closet to his current role in the C-suite, Rob’s journey is one of curiosity, adaptation, and a passion for cybersecurity. At ThreatLocker, he takes customer ideas and use cases and transforms them into solutions for organizations of all sizes.

Rob shares why businesses shouldn’t fear the “deny by default” approach, explaining how the zero-trust mindset is essential in today’s threat landscape. He also discusses with hosts Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A., and Kayley Melton, Director for Strategic Initiatives at the Cognitive Security Institute and the Bob Ross of infosec, how media coverage often distorts public perception of cybersecurity by only highlighting major breaches and incidents.

In the Lifestyle Polygraph segment, Rob reveals his love for Apple products, why he wishes he could have met Steve Jobs, and his obsession with Buc-ee’s brisket sandwiches. He also shares a hilarious (and perhaps exaggerated) story about the Cyber Florida team “infiltrating” ThreatLocker and taking his backpack back to Tampa!

You can learn more about ThreatLocker, here: https://www.threatlocker.com
You can follow Rob Allen on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/threatlockerrob/

No Password Required Podcast Episode 57 — Rob Allen2025-03-13T14:15:29-04:00

No Password Required Podcast Episode 56 – Anmol Agarwal

No Password Required Podcast Episode 56 – Anmol Agarwal

Anmol Agarwal — Senior Security Researcher at Nokia and Guardian of Secure AI Networks

On this episode, Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A., and resident cybersecurity expert Kayley Melton, founder of Reality Shift, chat with Dr. Anmol Agarwal, a senior security researcher at Nokia. With deep expertise in AI security, adversarial machine learning, and privacy-preserving technologies, she is advancing innovation in next-generation communications. Her career began with a focus on health management, where her exposure to the transformative power of technology in patient care sparked a passion for cybersecurity. Dr. Agarwal previously managed federal enterprise risks at the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and now shares her knowledge as an adjunct professor at George Washington University. Committed to community engagement, she mentors aspiring cybersecurity professionals through WiCyS and other initiatives, empowering the leaders of tomorrow in the ever-evolving cyber landscape.

In the Lifestyle Polygraph segment, Dr. Agarwal gave us some insight about her life away from all things cybersecurity including a passion for British baking competitions and why should wouldn’t mind adding a couple journalist to her team.

The show begins with Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A., joined by resident cybersecurity expert Kayley Melton, analyzing what they learned in this weeks insightful episode with Dr. Anmol Agarwal

Follow Anmol Agarwal on LinkedIn

X: @anmolspeaker

YT: @anmolspeaker

No Password Required Podcast Episode 56 – Anmol Agarwal2025-02-21T10:59:01-05:00

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