2 Cyber Chicks

In this episode of 2 Cyber Chicks, we sit down with Aarti Gadhia, a cybersecurity leader who isn’t interested in fitting the mold, she’s here to redesign it.

We dig into what it really takes to lead in cybersecurity today: navigating perception versus reality, owning your voice in high-stakes environments, and pushing back against outdated leadership norms. Aarti shares her personal journey, the moments that shaped her confidence, and how she balances authenticity with executive presence in rooms that weren’t built with her in mind.

This is a candid, thoughtful, and energizing conversation about:

• What real leadership looks like in cyber (beyond titles)
• How women and underrepresented leaders shape influence without permission
• The unspoken rules of executive spaces—and when to break them
• Building credibility without losing yourself

If you’ve ever felt like you had to “perform” to be taken seriously in tech or security, this episode is for you.

Connect with Aarti:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aartigadhia

=========================
Connect with 2 Cyber Chicks:

LinkedIn: 2 Cyber Chicks Podcast
Email us: [email protected]

Jax Scott, Founder, @OutpostGray
- Jax on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/iamjax
- YouTube: Outpost Gray
- Twitter/X: @outpostgray
- Website: iamjax.me

Erika McDuffie, Managing Principal, Coalfire Systems
- Erika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-mcduffie-767394bb

#2cyberchicks
=========================
Learn more about our Season Sponsor @ThreatLocker
Stop ransomware without the hassle. Allow what you need and block the rest with ThreatLocker Zero Trust Platform — simple to deploy, simple to manage. Learn more at https://threatlocker.com/2cyberchicks.
=========================
All the ways to connect with @SimplyCyber  
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials

In this episode of 2 Cyber Chicks, we sit down with Karla Reffold, Chief Insights Officer at Surefire Cyber, to unpack what threat intelligence really looks like when it matters most.

Karla operates at the intersection of threat intelligence, incident response, and cyber product strategy, helping organizations cut through noise and uncertainty during high-pressure security incidents. From guiding executive decision-making in real time to building tools that actually support responders, she’s spent her career turning complex data into clear, actionable insight.

We dive into what separates intelligence that drives action from intelligence that just looks good on a slide, how leaders make confident decisions under pressure, and why so many organizations misunderstand incident response until they’re living through it.

This is a candid, practical, and insight-packed conversation about:
- What “useful” threat intelligence really looks like in practice
- The information leaders actually need during active incidents
- Why data alone doesn’t lead to better decisions—and what does
- Where cyber products fall short for real-world responders
- How teams can move from intelligence to action when time is limited

If you’ve ever wondered why some organizations stay calm and decisive during crises while others struggle, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes the difference.

Learn more about Karla:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlareffold
LinkedIn Course: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/learning-threat-intelligence/defending-your-network

=========================
Connect with 2 Cyber Chicks:

LinkedIn: 2 Cyber Chicks Podcast
Email us: [email protected]

Jax Scott, Founder, @OutpostGray
- Jax on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/iamjax
- YouTube: Outpost Gray
- Twitter/X: @outpostgray
- Website: iamjax.me

Erika McDuffie, Managing Principal, Coalfire Systems
- Erika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-mcduffie-767394bb

#2cyberchicks
=========================
Learn more about our Season Sponsor @ThreatLocker
Stop ransomware without the hassle. Allow what you need and block the rest with ThreatLocker Zero Trust Platform — simple to deploy, simple to manage. Learn more at https://threatlocker.com/2cyberchicks.
=========================
All the ways to connect with @SimplyCyber  
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials

In this episode of 2 Cyber Chicks, Jax and Erika sit down with Gwendolyn Vongkasemsiri, known online as Cyb3r Valkyrie — a rising cybersecurity leader who’s already making an impact at Microsoft’s Offensive Research and Security Engineering (MORSE) team.

From earning her Private Pilot License to volunteering with the Civil Air Patrol, Gwendolyn’s story is one of discipline, courage, and curiosity. She shares how aviation and cybersecurity intersect through risk awareness and decision-making under pressure, and how her passion for empowering young women through CybHER and the US Cyber Team is shaping the next generation of cyber talent.

Whether you’re just starting out or navigating your next big move in cyber, this conversation is packed with motivation, practical advice, and a powerful reminder that your path doesn’t have to be linear — it just has to be intentional.

Connect with Gwen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyb3rvalkyrie

=========================
Connect with 2 Cyber Chicks:

LinkedIn: 2 Cyber Chicks Podcast
Email us: [email protected]

Jax Scott, Founder, @OutpostGray
- Jax on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/iamjax
- YouTube: Outpost Gray
- Twitter/X: @outpostgray
- Website: iamjax.me

Erika McDuffie, Managing Principal, Coalfire Systems
- Erika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-mcduffie-767394bb

#2cyberchicks
=========================
Learn more about our Season Sponsor @ThreatLocker
Allow what you need, block everything else... Including ransomware. Zero trust Endpoint Protection Platform from ThreatLocker. Learn more at https://threatlocker.com/2cyberchicks.
=========================
All the ways to connect with @SimplyCyber  
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials

In this episode of 2 Cyber Chicks, Jax sits down with Blake Williams, founder of Hyperdrive Recruiting, to break down what’s really happening in today’s wild job market.

With AI-generated job posts, fake recruiters sliding into your DMs, and “digital workforce” automation shaking up the hiring process—how can cybersecurity professionals protect themselves and still stand out?

They’ll tackle:
🚨 The rise of fake job postings and recruiter scams (and how to spot them)
🤖 What “digital workforce” actually means for your cybersecurity career
💼 The insider truth about what it means to work with a recruiter
🔍 How to escape the résumé black hole and get your profile seen
🧭 Where the job market is heading—and how to stay future-proof

If you’re applying for jobs, hiring talent, or just trying to make sense of the new AI-driven workforce, this episode is your map through the madness.

🔗 Guest Socials & Links
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/blakewilliamshq
Company Website: https://hyperdriverecruiting.com
Career Services Page: https://hyperdriverecruiting.com/career-services
Linktree (All Links): https://linktr.ee/blakewilliamshq
Email: [email protected]

=========================
Connect with 2 Cyber Chicks:

LinkedIn: 2 Cyber Chicks Podcast
Email us: [email protected]

Jax Scott, Founder, @OutpostGray
- Jax on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/iamjax
- YouTube: Outpost Gray
- Twitter/X: @outpostgray
- Website: iamjax.me

Erika McDuffie, Managing Principal, Coalfire Systems
- Erika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-mcduffie-767394bb

#2cyberchicks
=========================
Learn more about our Season Sponsor @ThreatLocker
Allow what you need, block everything else... Including ransomware. Zero trust Endpoint Protection Platform from ThreatLocker. Learn more at https://threatlocker.com/2cyberchicks.
=========================
All the ways to connect with @SimplyCyber  
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials

Today on 2 Cyber Chicks, we’re joined by the one and only Dr. Gerald Auger, the creator of SimplyCyber, educator, and community builder who’s helped thousands break into and thrive in cybersecurity.

In this episode, we get real about:

• 💡 Burnout in Cybersecurity — how to spot it, manage it, and bounce back stronger
• 🌐 Reshaping SimplyCyber — Gerald’s vision for keeping the platform community-driven and impactful
• 🤖 The Future of AI in Cyber — opportunities, risks, and how AI will shape defenders and attackers alike
• 🚀 Breaking Into Cyber — Gerald’s best advice for anyone just starting out

Whether you’re a cyber pro, career changer, or just curious about the human side of security, this conversation is full of insights, laughs, and practical takeaways.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to 2 Cyber Chicks for more fresh takes, fun conversations, and stories from leaders shaping the future of cybersecurity.

Watch Simply Cyber on YouTube: https://simplycyber.io/streams
Join the Simply Cyber Discord: https://simplycyber.io/discord
Connect with Gerry and Simply Cyber: https://simplycyber.io/socials

=========================
Connect with 2 Cyber Chicks:

LinkedIn: 2 Cyber Chicks Podcast
Email us: [email protected]

Jax Scott, Founder, @OutpostGray
- Jax on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/iamjax
- YouTube: Outpost Gray
- Twitter/X: @outpostgray
- Website: iamjax.me

Erika McDuffie, Managing Principal, Coalfire Systems
- Erika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-mcduffie-767394bb

#2cyberchicks
=========================
Learn more about our Season Sponsor @ThreatLocker
Allow what you need, block everything else... Including ransomware. Zero trust Endpoint Protection Platform from ThreatLocker. Learn more at https://threatlocker.com/2cyberchicks.
=========================
All the ways to connect with @SimplyCyber  
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials

This week on 2 Cyber Chicks, we sit down with Lyndzey Wright, a mom, teacher, and photographer whose life was turned upside down when cybercriminals stole her personal data and compromised her bank accounts.

Lyndzey has nothing to do with cybersecurity professionally, but her story is a wake-up call for everyone. She takes us through:

• The moment she realized her accounts were under attack
• The scramble to protect her finances and identity
• What she wishes she had known before the breach
• The simple steps she now swears by to keep her data safe

Whether you’re a security pro or someone who thinks “that’ll never happen to me,” this episode will make you rethink how you protect your digital life.

Listen in to hear how quickly things can spiral and what you can do today to avoid becoming the next victim.

Connect with Lynz on IG: @PiperElizabethstudio

=========================
Connect with 2 Cyber Chicks:

LinkedIn: 2 Cyber Chicks Podcast
Email us: [email protected]

Jax Scott, Founder, @OutpostGray
- Jax on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/iamjax
- YouTube: Outpost Gray
- Twitter/X: @outpostgray
- Website: iamjax.me

Erika McDuffie, Managing Principal, Coalfire Systems
- Erika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-mcduffie-767394bb

#2cyberchicks
=========================
Learn more about our Season Sponsor @ThreatLocker
Allow what you need, block everything else... Including ransomware. Zero trust Endpoint Protection Platform from ThreatLocker. Learn more at https://threatlocker.com/2cyberchicks.
=========================
All the ways to connect with @SimplyCyber  
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials
=========================

AI isn’t just the future, it’s already here. But are businesses truly prepared to move beyond the hype and harness its full potential?

In this episode of 2 Cyber Chicks, we sit down with Santosh Kaveti, technologist, entrepreneur, investor, and CEO of ProArk. With 18+ years of experience driving innovation across 23 countries, Santosh brings unmatched insight into how AI is reshaping industries from Energy and Healthcare to Life Sciences and Manufacturing.

We dive into:

🚀 Why most companies fail at moving from AI strategy to real-world execution
⚠️ The hidden AI risks leaders overlook—deepfakes, data leaks, compliance traps, and more
🧩 How to prioritize AI initiatives that align with business goals (and avoid “AI for AI’s sake”)
👩‍💻 Building and retaining world-class AI talent in a competitive market
🔑 Why a foundation of security by design is essential for long-term AI resilience

Beyond tech, Santosh shares his passion for mentoring startups, uplifting underprivileged communities, and keeping a human-centered focus in the AI revolution. His energy, wisdom, and signature “phases” will leave you inspired and ready to think differently about AI.

Connect with Santosh Kaveti on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/santoshkaveti

=========================
Connect with 2 Cyber Chicks:

LinkedIn: 2 Cyber Chicks Podcast
Email us: [email protected]

Jax Scott, Founder, @OutpostGray
- Jax on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/iamjax
- YouTube: Outpost Gray
- Twitter/X: @outpostgray
- Website: iamjax.me

Erika McDuffie, Managing Principal, Coalfire Systems
- Erika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-mcduffie-767394bb

#2cyberchicks
=========================
Learn more about our Season Sponsor @ThreatLocker
Allow what you need, block everything else... Including ransomware. Zero trust Endpoint Protection Platform from ThreatLocker. Learn more at https://threatlocker.com/2cyberchicks.
=========================
All the ways to connect with @SimplyCyber  
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials
=========================

In this episode of 2 Cyber Chicks, we sit down with Jesse Johnson, a cybersecurity specialist, educator, and founder of Slay Security+. Jesse’s path into cyber is anything but traditional.

From law enforcement and IT support to defending healthcare systems and mentoring the next wave of cyber talent, Jesse has built a career rooted in resilience, service, and community.

We dive into:
- Jesse’s journey from criminal justice to cybersecurity and how his unique background shapes his approach.
- The story behind Slay Security+ and how it’s helping people pass the Security+ exam on their first attempt.
- What it’s really like to defend critical infrastructure in the healthcare sector.
- Practical advice for anyone trying to break into cybersecurity.
- Why creativity, from building cyber ranges to music, is a powerful tool in cyber.

Whether you’re just starting out, looking for motivation to push through the Security+ exam, or curious about the challenges of healthcare security, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.

👉 Don’t miss this one, it’s time to slay your way into cybersecurity!

Connect with Jesse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-jj-johnson

Subscribe to Slay Sec+ on YouTube

=========================
Connect with 2 Cyber Chicks:

LinkedIn: 2 Cyber Chicks Podcast
Email us: [email protected]

Jax Scott, Founder, @OutpostGray
- Jax on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/iamjax
- YouTube: Outpost Gray
- Twitter/X: @outpostgray
- Website: iamjax.me

Erika McDuffie, Managing Principal, Coalfire Systems
- Erika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-mcduffie-767394bb

#2cyberchicks
=========================
Learn more about our Season Sponsor @ThreatLocker
Allow what you need, block everything else... Including ransomware. Zero trust Endpoint Protection Platform from ThreatLocker. Learn more at https://threatlocker.com/2cyberchicks.
=========================
All the ways to connect with @SimplyCyber  
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials
=========================

Welcome to today’s episode, where we dive into the human side of cybersecurity with one of the most fascinating voices in the industry—Perry Carpenter, Chief Human Risk Strategist at KnowBe4.

Perry brings a rare mix of technology expertise, behavioral science, and even stage magic to the world of cybersecurity. He’s the acclaimed author of Transformational Security Awareness and FAIK: A Practical Guide to Living in a World of Deepfakes, Disinformation, and AI-Generated Deceptions. He also hosts two award-winning podcasts—8th Layer Insights and Digital Folklore—where he explores how stories, myths, and human behavior shape our digital lives.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Perry’s journey from psychology to leading human risk management in cybersecurity
• Why the “human layer” is both the weakest link and the greatest strength in security
• Practical ways behavioral science can reduce phishing and insider threats
• The alarming rise of AI-driven risks like deepfakes and disinformation—and how to prepare
• Why storytelling may just be the most powerful tool for building a resilient security culture
• The oddest, funniest, and most eye-opening stories Perry has seen in the human element of cybersecurity
• And his bold predictions for the next five years of cybersecurity awareness

You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on why hackers don’t just target systems—they target people. And more importantly, how to turn human risk into human strength.

Connect with Perry Carpenter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrycarpenter/
Check out Perry's Website, 8th Layer Media: https://www.8thlayermedia.com/
Buy Perry's book, FAIK: https://www.thisbookisfaik.com/
Listen to the FAIK Files Podcast: https://thecyberwire.com/podcasts/the-faik-files
Subscribe to Perry's YouTube channel, The FAIK Files: https://www.youtube.com/@theFAIKfiles

=========================
Connect with 2 Cyber Chicks:

LinkedIn: 2 Cyber Chicks Podcast
Email us: [email protected]

Jax Scott, Founder, @OutpostGray
- Jax on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/iamjax
- YouTube: Outpost Gray
- Twitter/X: @outpostgray
- Website: iamjax.me

Erika McDuffie, Managing Principal, Coalfire Systems
- Erika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-mcduffie-767394bb

#2cyberchicks

=========================
Learn more about our Sponsor, @ThreatLocker

Allow what you need, block everything else... Including ransomware. Zero trust Endpoint Protection Platform from ThreatLocker. Learn more at https://threatlocker.com/2cyberchicks.
=========================
All the ways to connect with @SimplyCyber  
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials
=========================

Welcome to Season 7 of Two Cyber Chicks! In this episode, Erika and Jax are back and bolder than ever, diving into the wild ride that is cybersecurity in 2025.

From AI paranoia and geopolitical drama to industry BS we’re done pretending to care about, this is your no-holds-barred look at what’s really happening behind the headlines.

In this episode, we unpack:

• What’s keeping us up at night in cybersecurity
• What’s total hype vs. real threat in AI
• Tools, techniques, and stories we’re obsessing over
• Life updates: mom life, and writing books

This isn’t just shop talk it’s real talk with real women in cyber balancing life, leadership, and a whole lot of caffeine. Whether you’re deep in the trenches or just cyber-curious, there’s something here for you.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with your favorite hacker or cyber friend!

=========================
Connect with 2 Cyber Chicks:

LinkedIn: 2 Cyber Chicks Podcast
Email us: [email protected]

Jax Scott, Founder, @OutpostGray
- Jax on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/iamjax
- YouTube: Outpost Gray
- Twitter/X: @outpostgray
- Website: iamjax.me

Erika McDuffie, Managing Principal, Coalfire Systems
- Erika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-mcduffie-767394bb

#2cyberchicks

=========================
Learn more about our Sponsor, @ThreatLocker

Allow what you need, block everything else... Including ransomware. Zero trust Endpoint Protection Platform from ThreatLocker. Learn more at https://threatlocker.com/2cyberchicks.
=========================
All the ways to connect with @SimplyCyber  
https://SimplyCyber.io/Socials
=========================