Richard Ellis joins the show to cut through the noise surrounding AI and digital transformation. We discuss the real state of AI adoption, what organizations must do to get data-ready, and how leaders can measure ROI amid rapid change. Richard also breaks down the rising challenges in cybersecurity, data privacy, and workforce skills as businesses adapt to the next era of intelligent technology.

Guest

Richard Ellis is a seasoned technology executive and digital transformation strategist with more than two decades of experience guiding global organizations through the evolving landscape of AI, data management, and cybersecurity. Known for his ability to translate complex technologies into practical business value, Richard has led large-scale innovation initiatives across multiple industries, helping companies modernize their systems, strengthen data readiness, and adopt emerging tools responsibly.

His expertise spans enterprise AI deployment, cloud modernization, information governance, and risk management—making him a trusted advisor to senior leaders navigating high-stakes technological change. Richard is also a frequent speaker and educator on the future of work, digital ethics, and the organizational capabilities required to succeed in a rapidly shifting digital economy.

Learn more about Richard:

• LinkedIn profile
• AnswerDigital.com

What You'll Learn

• The hype surrounding AI is real, but understanding its use cases is crucial.
• Organizations are in a testing phase for AI adoption.
• Data readiness is a significant barrier to AI implementation.
• User education is essential for realizing AI's potential benefits.
• Cybersecurity concerns must be addressed when using AI tools.
• Companies need to establish clear data privacy policies.
• Legal implications of AI use are still being defined.
• Measuring ROI on AI investments requires a cautious approach.
• Small businesses can be more agile in adopting AI compared to larger enterprises.
• Future skills should focus on understanding and leveraging AI technology.

Connect & Subscribe If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow/subscribe, rate the show, and share it with a colleague who tracks trade, supply chains, or macro policy.

Find more episodes like this at http://www.brianjmatos.com/ and subscribe to Brian's YouTube channel ( / @brianjmatospodcast ) for show clips and exclusive content.

Question for Brian? Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or DM on Twitter @BrianJMatos (https://twitter.com/brianjmatos?lang=en)

Parenting in 2025 is noisy, fast, and full of trade-offs. In this episode, Brian speaks with experienced writer, editor and journalist, Zara Hanawalt, to unpack the realities shaping family life today—from tech and TikTok advice to school choices, cultural norms, and even the "tradwife" discourse. We explore why the default parent role persists, how class and policy shape everyday experiences, and the one thing no app can replace: emotional presence.

Guest

Zara Hanawalt is a Chicago-based freelance journalist covering parenting, women's health, work, and culture, with bylines at outlets like Vogue, Marie Claire, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Parents, Shape, Motherly, and The Everymom. She's also a co-host of the podcast Do You Want The Truth? which shares candid, real-life stories from parents in the trenches. Zara is a graduate of the Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism, where she earned a Master's degree.

Learn more about Zara:

• Contributor bio at The Everymom (portfolio & recent pieces) The Everymom

• Instagram: @zarahanawalt Instagram

• LinkedIn profile LinkedIn

• Podcast: Do You Want The Truth?

What You'll Learn

• How parenting has shifted over the last decade—and what hasn't

• Why information overload burns parents out (and filters that actually help)

• Tech's double edge: practical guardrails vs. guilt

• Culture & class: how they shape radically different parenting realities

• The default parent and division of labor—what rebalancing looks like

• Return-to-work after a résumé gap: language that works for caregivers

• Education choices amid uncertainty about the future

• Emotional presence as the non-negotiable in modern parenting

Why It Matters

From workplace policies and school decisions to algorithm-driven advice, parents are navigating complexity with real consequences for kids and careers. Zara brings reporting rigor and lived perspective to cut through the noise and focus on systems that actually improve family life.

About the Brian J Matos Podcast Conversations with leading thinkers on the forces shaping the global economy, business, and society—built for a globally minded, highly educated audience.

Connect & Subscribe If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow/subscribe, rate the show, and share it with a colleague who tracks trade, supply chains, or macro policy.

Find more episodes like this at http://www.brianjmatos.com/ and subscribe to Brian's YouTube channel ( / @brianjmatospodcast ) for show clips and exclusive content.

Question for Brian? Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or DM on Twitter @BrianJMatos (https://twitter.com/brianjmatos?lang=en)

Protectionism is back. Tariffs, export controls, and "de-risking" are reshaping supply chains, prices, and growth. In this episode, Brian sits down with Dr. Muhammad Ali Nasir, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Leeds, to unpack what this policy turn really means—for businesses, workers, and investors worldwide.

Guest Dr. Nasir is a macroeconomist whose research spans monetary and financial economics, international trade and finance, and policy transmission. He is the author of Off the Target: The Stagnating Political Economy of Europe and Post-Pandemic Recovery (Palgrave, 2022).

Learn more about Prof. Nasir:

• Leeds Univeristy Business School Profile
• Prof. Nasir on LinkedIn and X
• ResearchGate

What You'll Learn

• How tariffs and non-tariff barriers transmit into inflation, productivity, and wages

• Who tends to "win" and "lose" from protectionist policies—and on what timeline

• The resilience vs. efficiency trade-off in supply chains (friend-shoring, near-shoring, re-shoring)

• How central banks should interpret tariff-driven price pressures

• What protectionism means for developing economies' export-led models

• Scenarios for trade volumes, FDI patterns, and long-run growth if current trends persist

Why It Matters From input costs and inventory strategies to market access and capital allocation, trade policy is now a first-order driver of business decisions. Dr. Nasir helps separate signal from noise—and outlines a pragmatic policy mix to mitigate the downsides.

About the Brian J Matos Podcast Conversations with leading thinkers on the forces shaping the global economy, business, and society—built for a globally minded, highly educated audience.

Connect & Subscribe If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow/subscribe, rate the show, and share it with a colleague who tracks trade, supply chains, or macro policy.

Find more episodes like this at http://www.brianjmatos.com/ and subscribe to Brian's YouTube channel ( / @brianjmatospodcast ) for show clips and exclusive content.

Question for Brian? Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or DM on Twitter @BrianJMatos (https://twitter.com/brianjmatos?lang=en)

In this episode, Brian J. Matos sits down with Professor Charles Kupchan—renowned international relations scholar, former White House advisor, and senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations—for a deep dive into the rapidly changing global landscape.

Together, they explore the decline of Western dominance and the emergence of a multipolar world, the erosion of liberal democratic norms, and the implications of new economic and technological forces on global stability. Kupchan offers a candid and strategic view of where international power is heading—and what role the United States may (or may not) play next.

Whether you're a global strategist, student of world affairs, or simply trying to understand today's shifting geopolitics, this conversation is essential listening.

🔑 Topics Discussed:

• The end of unipolarity and the return of great power competition

• Challenges to liberal democracy in the digital age

• The enduring relevance of nuclear deterrence

• How economic revolutions reshape geopolitical order

• The future of U.S. foreign policy and global leadership

🎓 Guest Bio: Professor Charles Kupchan is a leading voice on international strategy and diplomacy. He teaches at Georgetown University, is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, and served on the National Security Council under President Obama.

📩 Subscribe for more expert conversations on the megatrends shaping our world.

📢 Follow the show on X @BrianJMatos and find all episodes on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio.

#GlobalPolitics #MultipolarWorld #CharlesKupchan #Geopolitics #InternationalRelations #BrianJMatosPodcast

What happens when elections continue, but democratic values quietly erode?

In this episode, Brian J. Matos sits down with veteran intelligence analyst and policy adviser Fulton T. Armstrong to explore the rise of illiberal democracies—governments where democratic structures exist in form, but not in function. Drawing from decades of experience in U.S. intelligence and foreign policy, including his current role with Syracuse University's Maxwell School, Armstrong examines how leaders like Viktor Orbán and Nayib Bukele consolidate power, weaken institutions, and use populism to undermine liberal norms.

Together, they explore:

– The defining traits of liberal vs. illiberal democracies – Why strongman leadership appeals to disillusioned voters – The critical role of institutions and the press – Lessons from Latin America and U.S. foreign policy missteps – What public apathy means for the future of freedom

This wide-ranging conversation is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the state of democracy at home and abroad.

🔗 Learn more about Fulton Armstrong: American University Bio Syracuse University Maxwell School – D.C. Programs

Find more episodes like this at http://www.brianjmatos.com/ and subscribe to Brian's YouTube channel ( / @brianjmatospodcast ) for show clips and exclusive content.

Question for Brian? Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or DM on Twitter @BrianJMatos (https://twitter.com/brianjmatos?lang=en)

#Geopolitics #Democracy #LatinAmerica #ForeignPolicy #Authoritarianism #IlliberalDemocracy #Politics #Strongmen #CivicEngagement

In this thought-provoking episode, Brian is joined by Lieutenant Colonel Paul Lushenko—U.S. Army strategist, drone warfare expert, and co-editor of Drones and Global Order—to explore the evolving battlefield shaped by drones and artificial intelligence.

Together, they unpack how drone warfare is changing military strategy, public perception, and international law. From Ukraine's tactical drone advancements to the murky ethics of autonomous targeting and AI-driven decision-making, this conversation examines how lethal force is increasingly influenced by algorithms and automation.

LTC Lushenko brings clarity to complex questions:

• How do military leaders balance effectiveness with ethical constraints?

• What role should AI play in lethal decision-making?

• And are we prepared for the unintended consequences of autonomous warfare?

Whether you're a policymaker, defense analyst, or simply curious about the future of warfare, this episode is a must-listen.

🔗 Guest Bio & Resources: Learn more about LTC Paul Lushenko and his research: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paullushenko Book: Drones and Global Order: Implications of Remote Warfare for International Society

📩 Subscribe for more insights on the megatrends reshaping our world.

📢 Follow the show on X @BrianJMatos and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.

#drones #AI #militarytechnology #ethics #defensepolicy #autonomousweapons #modernwarfare #Ukraine #nationalsecurity #brianjmatos

As global alliances realign and authoritarian regimes grow bolder, is the U.S. losing its grip on the world order it once led?

In this episode, Brian welcomes back Irina Tsukerman — human rights attorney, geopolitical analyst, and president of Scarab Rising, Inc. — for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolving dynamics of international power. Irina offers sharp insights into the growing cooperation between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, the shifting role of non-state actors, and the ideological blind spots in current U.S. foreign policy.

They discuss the rise of hybrid warfare, Eastern Europe's response to Russian aggression, and the role of economic and corporate influence in modern diplomacy. As the traditional tools of statecraft come under pressure, Irina makes the case for creative, strategic diplomacy in an increasingly fragmented world.

🔗 Learn more about Irina Tsukerman: https://www.irina-tsukerman.com

More helpful links:

• Websites: https://www.thewashingtonoutsider.com/about-us/ and https://scarabrising.com/
• X: https://twitter.com/irinatsukerman_
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irina-tsukerman-4b04595/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/IrinaTsukerman1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irina.tsukerman

Find more episodes like this at http://www.brianjmatos.com/ and subscribe to Brian's YouTube channel for show clips and exclusive content.

Question for Brian? Email: [email protected] or DM on Twitter @BrianJMatos

In this episode, Brian speaks with Kate Howells, Public Education Specialist at The Planetary Society, editor of The Planetary Report and former member of Canada's Space Advisory Board. Kate is a leading voice in global space science advocacy, helping connect the dots between cutting-edge exploration, public engagement, and the long-term benefits of science for society.

Together, they explore the enduring value of space science, what drives public fascination with space travel, and how to keep exploration grounded in real-world impact. From national policy to citizen engagement, Kate shares her insights on where space fits into humanity's future and why it still captures the public imagination.

Learn more about Kate Howells:

🔗 kateonearth.com 🔗 Kate's bio at The Planetary Society 🔗 Planetary Society website

Find more episodes like this at http://www.brianjmatos.com/ and subsribe to Brian's YouTube channel for show clips and exclusive content.

Question for Brian? Email: [email protected] or DM on Twitter @BrianJMatos

Brian wraps up season 2 with his reflections on the topics covered over the past year and some memorable interviews with his guests over the past 2 years. Brian reviews critical topics that this podcast discussed long before they were mainstream topics, proving how this show keeps listeners ahead of the headlines, giving them a competitive advantage in planning for their future.

Listen to this show, then give us your perspective.

Question for Brian? Email: [email protected] or DM on X @BrianJMatos or find Brian on your favorite social media platform.

Find more episodes like this at our show website: http://www.brianjmatos.com/ and subscribe to the YouTube channel for the latest clips and exclusive content: www.youtube.com/@brianjmatospodcast

Brian interviews Phillip Ullmann, a self-described social business entrepreneur, with a track record of building disruptive business models that deliver value – measured as much by people, communities, and nature as by financial assets.

In this conversation, Phillip shares his journey from transforming a family manufacturing business to exploring the concept of social enterprise. He discusses the challenges of implementing social enterprises in a profit-driven world and emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in business practices. Ullmann advocates for rethinking money and economics, promoting a system that prioritizes community needs and the flow of resources. He highlights the growing cynicism in the business community and the importance of creating a more equitable and sustainable economic model. In this conversation, Phillip discusses the evolution of money, its current meaninglessness, and the need for a systemic change in our economic and social structures. He emphasizes the importance of relationships and purpose over profit, advocating for a new model of business that prioritizes meaningful work and community care. Ullmann also highlights the inevitability of a systemic collapse in the current banking model and the necessity for a reset that focuses on meeting people's needs.

To learn more about Phillip and his work:

• Websites: https://www.themannajourney.com/ & https://www.phillipullmann.com/my-story
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipullmann/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Phillip-Ullmann-Covenant-Advisory-102436989341855
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_manna_journey?igsh=MW9la3djaWZhbG5mMA==
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@phillip_ullmann
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWqPrdvhmxW1_0JEcYu21hA
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6EF8BHh9gYrZhz5NaZtAax

Find more episodes like this at http://www.brianjmatos.com/

Question for Brian? Email: [email protected] or DM on Twitter @BrianJMatos