Lydia Bulas is the president of Lydia Bulas & Associates, a firm she has led since 2002, conducting independent reviews of anti-money laundering functions for banks and money services businesses. Her career highlights include playing a crucial role in the investigation that led to the arrest of Pablo Escobar's right-hand man and the first indictment of the Great American Bank of Dade County. Lydia has also received several accolades for her contributions, including a Drug Enforcement Award and two South Florida Impact Awards. She is a graduate of the University of Miami with a BBA in accounting and is a certified anti-money laundering specialist. 

On this episode of Zoomers 2 Boomers we discuss the fascinating career of criminal investigator Lydia Bulas. We discuss her background growing up in Cuba and fleeing to Miami as a child and how that led her to pursue a law enforcement career with the IRS. Lydia shares some of her most challenging cases over 15 years, including stopping drug-running operations for Pablo Escobar's cartel through an undercover sting. She also gives insights into her experiences with interrogations and going undercover herself to help take down high-level cartel members. 

“I saw so many drug addicts in hospitals dying, and I didn't want that for my daughter, so I made an effort to do whatever I could to stop it.” - Lydia Bulas

This week on Zoomers 2 Boomers

• What made Lydia decide to pursue a career in law enforcement
• How the drug trade is different today than it was in the 1980s
• Whether Miami is still ground zero for money laundering
• Some of the most challenging cases that Lydia worked on and how she and her colleagues helped damage Pablo Escobar’s operations
• Lydia’s experience acting as an undercover agent, along with other female agents, and how they infiltrated the money laundering gangs 
• How agents hone their interrogation skills
• Lydia’s role in the operation against Luis Javier Castano-Ochoa,  a lawyer and politician believed to be the Medellin cartel’s frontman
• What kind of tactics Lydia used to follow suspects without being detected
• How much evidence they needed to collect before making an arrest, and some examples of when Lydia was able to do that 
• How Lydia’s job impacted on her personal life and her relationships with her family
• Why Lydia would recommend that young people go into law enforcement

Connect with Lydia Bulas:

• Lydia Bulas on LinkedIn 
• The three women who brought down the Medellín cartel 

Connect with Disarming Data:

• Paige Biderman on LinkedIn 
• David Biderman on LinkedIn

Zoomers 2 Boomers is a podcast where Paige, a tech-savvy Zoomer, and her dad, a classic car-loving Boomer, bridge the generational gap through engaging conversations. Each week, they dive into topics relevant to both generations, from the latest in tech and culture to timeless debates that spark family discussions. Join them and their diverse guests for candid chats, sharing insights and perspectives with humor and heart, promising to leave you with a smile and a fresh take on the generational divide.

Dating apps create more romantic relationships than any other activity. They are also the source of immense data on users’ preferences for a romantic partner, and their algorithms are trained to measure and maximize the use of this data. Liesel Sharabi has made a career studying dating apps and their underlying technology.   She joins us for a fascinating conversation about how these apps work, how to maximize your own use of these apps, and the effect of these apps on long term romantic happiness. 

Dr. Liesel Sharabi is an associate professor in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication and Director of the Relationships and Technology Lab at Arizona State University. Her research explores how communication technologies are used for mate selection and relationship initiation. Liesel’s work has appeared in various edited volumes and peer-reviewed journals, as well as in media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, The Boston Globe, Time Magazine, WIRED, and the BBC. She is the recipient of the 2022 Early Career Award from the Interpersonal Communication Division of the National Communication Association.

“I'm a little skeptical whether any algorithm would be able to predict compatibility between people who haven't actually had a chance to interact.” - Dr. Liesel Sharabi

This week on Disarming Data:

• Why Liesel found online dating fascinating due to its potential to help people make better choices in relationships.
• The differences between online and in-person dating, including intentionality in the matchmaking process
• How the algorithm used by dating apps is based on both profile information and swiping behavior
• Why online dating marriages have lower quality and satisfaction compared to in-person marriages
• Why younger people are using dating apps more, with a shift from desktop to mobile
• How online dating apps are intentionally designed to be fun and engaging, making it difficult to distinguish between genuine profiles and catfishing
• Research shows that minor deception is common in online dating, with people misrepresenting themselves to appear attractive and attractive partners
• Some of the negative aspects of online dating, including deception, harassment, and scams
• Liesel shares insights on online dating, including the potential for rigid preferences and the impact of a larger pool of potential partners on commitment
• How AI will revolutionize dating apps, potentially altering user experience
• The potential benefits of VR dating include more organic conversations and access to profiles during dates
• Potential negative effects of technology on relationships, including the potential for missed connections and the importance of creating a safe environment for people to initiate relationships

 Connect with Dr. Liesel Sharabi:

• Liesel Sharabi's Website
• Liesel Sharabi at ASU 

Connect with Disarming Data:

• Paige Biderman on LinkedIn 
• David Biderman on LinkedIn

Disarming Data Is Produced By The Podcast Haven

Dr. Anthony Feinstein, a professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, studies journalists in wartime and conflict situations. He has authored four award winning books on journalists under conflict, including Moral Courage: 19 Profiles of Investigative Journalists [link]  and Shooting War,  has published a series of important studies exploring the psychological effects of conflict on journalists, covering the Balkans, Iraq, Mexico, Syria, Kenya, Iran, Afghanistan, the refugee crisis in Europe, and the aftermath of the 9/11 attack on New York City. His books have served as the basis of the documentary Journalists under Fire [link]  He currently consults for a number of news organizations, including the Globe and Mail, CNN, and the New York Times.

Anthony joins us on the podcast today to discuss his research program investigating journalists' emotional responses to conflict in various parts of the world, focusing on how they manage stress and trauma. He shares more about some of the case studies in his book and how he connected with journalists worldwide to learn more about their response to trauma. Anthony also shares more about an ongoing project of his which helps journalists in big news organizations access basic mental health training to support their colleagues.   

“Journalists who are going to the world's worst places in terms of danger are doing it voluntarily year after year, and their cumulative exposure to trauma is remarkable.” - Dr. Anthony Feinstein  

This week on Disarming Data: 

• Why frontline journalists, including those from major news networks like BBC, CNN, and NBC, experience high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) similar to combat veterans
• The challenges of providing therapy to journalists in distress due to their scattered location and lack of access to local healthcare providers
• Why journalists who cover dangerous conflicts and crises have a unique biological makeup that allows them to sustain their careers over time
• The fascinating story about identical twins, one of whom is a journalist and the other not, highlights the potential biological factors that influence a person's willingness to take risks in dangerous situations
• Anthony’s education sessions on trauma and mental health to foreign correspondents for the New York Times and other news organizations who are going out to war zones
• How Anthony’s research has contributed to a growing literature on the psychological challenges faced by journalists, leading to increased awareness and support
• Stories of the moral courage of 19 journalists from around the world who have faced persecution and danger for their work, including one who had to leave Russia and another who lived with armed protection for a decade
• More about the documentaries based on Anthony’s work, including ‘Journalists Under Fire’ 
• Anthony’s work that supports journalists in Afghanistan to help one another using a buddy system and basic mental health training.

  Connect with Dr. Anthony Feinstein:

• Dr. Anthony Feinstein on Wikipedia 
• Dr. Anthony Feinstein at Sunnybrook Research Institute  
• Dr. Anthony Fenstein on LinkedIn 

Connect with Disarming Data: 

• Paige Biderman on LinkedIn 
• David Biderman on LinkedIn

 

We’re excited to have trailblazing anthropologist, Dimitris Xygalatas, author of the highly acclaimed book Ritual: How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living, tell us how his study of high-intensity rituals like coronations, firewalking, and terrifying rites of passage are just some examples of multiple universal expressions that link us together. He describes how apparently pointless ceremonies pervade every documented society, from handshakes to hexes, fraternity and sorority hazings to parades, share an underlying logic central to our experience.  He helps you, our listeners, identify and appreciate the importance of the everyday ceremonies for understanding and guiding our lives.

We love country music and have one of the best of the bunch here.  Houston Bernard is a popular and prolific independent country music artist with blasting rockabilly vocals and unbelievable songs. Houston, who tours nationwide, is an Army Veteran.  His country roots run deep with a family tree that includes songwriters, touring musicians, and an outlaw gunfighter nicknamed “Bitter Creek.”. Houston has released a series of singles, EPs and albums. In 2013, he released his debut self-titled EP and followed up with his first full-length album, Knockin’ Boots, in 2015. In 2018, he released his second EP, Lucky Man, followed by Freedom, in 2020, which continued to raise Houston’s profile as a diverse country music singer and songwriter.

His latest Album is Ditch this Town, CLICK HERE FOR ALBUM, which reflects years of work and demonstrates Houston’s passion for independence and authenticity. Check out this moving video, NEW VIDEO "In My Blood", featuring a song Houston shares with us on the Podcast
 
Houston is with us today to share his journey in country music, from starting with a classic sound to experimenting with different styles and eventually finding his own voice. He discusses some of the challenges of writing country music and how he seeks to improve storytelling by collaborating with other writers. Houston also digs into the importance of painting a picture with lyrics, using sensory details to transport the listener to the scene and creating an emotional reaction.  
 
 ‘My ideas became better with different writers, and the stories were better.”’  - Houston Bernard 
 
Episode Highlights:

• Houston shares his journey of improving his craft, including why he’s taking a growth mindset approach 
• Houston shares a personal story about his great great grandfather's involvement in the Wild Bunch gang and the Eagles song "Desperado" being inspired by him 
• Why Houston often feel like a "Desperado" in the music industry, looking for connection with others who understand his creative goals and struggles 
• We dig into the cultural differences between cities and states and the impact on the music industry and artists' experiences while touring
• How Houston feeds off the energy of the audience during live performances and the importance of connecting with the audience through the music
• Why Houston writes emotional songs as a form of therapy to get things out and heal
• Houston reflects on his journey of finding his voice in music and why he started playing country music after feeling unfulfilled with other genres 

 
Connect with Houston Bernard:

• https://houstonbernard.com/home  

Connect with Disarming Data:

• Paige Biderman on LinkedIn
• David Biderman on LinkedIn 

Foreign Policy magazine Top 100 Global Thinker, Jamais Cascio, joins us to describe how we have transformed from the Defense Departments VUCA world(volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) to his concept of a BANI world (Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear and Incomprehensible). He created the "BANI" model for working with chaotic futures, a concept now widely used around the world. James has appeared in multiple television and film documentaries and serves as a Distinguished Fellow at the Institute for the Future.

In early 2009, he released his book, Hacking the Earth: Understanding the Consequences of Geoengineering. Jamais is with Paige and me today to discuss how we can transcend the limits of short-term thinking and see future possibilities. We dig into where the VUCA Framework came and why we’ve moved from VUCA to the BANI model for working with chaotic futures. Jamais also shares why he decided to investigate the carbon footprint of a cheeseburger and what he discovered, and he give a nod to Bart Simpson. ‘

"Many eyes make all problems simpler.” - Jamais Cascio

This week on Disarming Data:

• Jamais discusses the lag in climate change and why there is a 5-25-year delay between carbon emissions and temperature changes, even after stopping emissions
• The origins of the term "VUCA" and how it was used to describe the changing global landscape in the late 1980s, including the fall of the Berlin Wall and the rise of the internet
• Why we’ve moved from VUCA to the BANI model for working with chaotic futures
• Why organizations with established earthquake protocols fared better in the pandemic than those without
• Why it’s so important to be prepared for and flexible with dramatic changes
• How improvisational training and intuition help people make better decisions when it comes to complex and rapidly changing situations
• Why Jamais advocates for a ‘many eyes’ approach to problem-solving
• Why the pace of technological innovation in addressing climate change, particularly in the context of geoengineering is so slow
• Geoengineering's potential impact on global rainfall patterns
• Why people need to get more adaptable in their response to technological changes

Connect with Jamais Cascio:

• IFTF Website
• Jamais Cascio on LinkedIn

Connect with Disarming Data:

• Paige Biderman on LinkedIn
• David Biderman on LinkedIn

Mark Nicholls is the Chief Executive Officer at Information Professionals Group. In this role, he specializes in crafting strategic plans for clients, showcasing his leadership and expertise in the field of strategic planning. Mark is also a Director and previous Deputy Chair of the Australian Information Industry Association, the peak industry body for the digital technology sector in Australia. His experience spans public, commercial & and not-for-profit sectors, and he passionately believes in the immense benefits digital technology brings to organizations, communities, and nations.

Mark joins us on the show to share some of the lessons learned during his 30-year experience[--eliminate in tech]. He discusses why modern organizations face, management, and governance challenges with their planning, data and information systems and how we can overcome them. Additionally, Mark also shares why he believes you can’t be a good business person without having a good sense of strategic planning.

‘Executives need to be learning continuously.”’ - Mark Nicholls

This week on Disarming Data:

• We discuss how strategy consultants work with various organizations, including government, utilities, and healthcare, to develop customized plans for achieving business outcomes through technology
• Why a future vision is important for strategy development, but must be practical and meaningful to be effective
• The importance of defining business outcomes to measure the success of a project or initiative
• Why it’s critical to focus on key metrics that drive success for an organization rather than measuring everything
• The challenge of managing multiple layers of technology in large organizations
• Mark shares his experience of working with Queensland House in 2020 on a system for tracking and managing communicable diseases, with a focus on privacy and security controls
• Mark acknowledges the importance of continuous learning for executives, particularly in a rapidly changing business environment
• Why technology and business are inseparable in today's world.
• Mark’s thoughts on the potential of AI to empower individuals and increase productivity despite implementation challenges.

Connect with Mark Nicholls:

• Mark Nichols on LinkedIn

Connect with Disarming Data:

• Paige Biderman on LinkedIn
• David Biderman on LinkedIn

Joel Robinson is a citizen of the Osage Nation who currently lives in Louisville, Kentucky. He has a Bachelor's from Eastern Kentucky University in Recreational Park Administration and a Master's from Northwestern State University in Parks and Recreation Management. He currently works as an Evening and Weekend Studies Coordinator at a trade school in Kentucky while pursuing freelance writing projects.

Joel joins us on the show to share more about his article Killers of the Flower Moon is not the movie an Osage would have made. You should still see it, why he wrote it, how it went viral and the reaction since then. We discuss Scorsese’s recent film Killers of the Flower Moon, why it is great but isn’t telling the story from the point of the Osage Nation, and the effect of the Reign of Terror on the Osage Nation. He also shares his personal history as a member of the Osage Nation, tells the story of his family, and talks about problems confronting the Native American Nations.


It would take an Osage to tell the story from the Osage perspective.”’ - Joel Robinson


This week on Disarming Data:

• Joel Robinson discusses his perspective on a viral film article with Paige and her dad
• When and why membership to the Osage nation changed
• The history of the Osage Nation and how discovering oil changed their way of life
• Why the previous chief wanted to create an orthography for the Osage language so that it could be written down
• Joel’s knowledge and family experience of the Reign of Terror
• Why Joel believes that the film The Killers of the Flower Moon depicted the story from the perspective of the people committing the crimes
• Joel’s thoughts on how effective the FBI was in solving the crimes
• How the Osage rights to the oil rights currently works
• How Joel is currently exploring his Osage heritage and connecting with the former Chief of the Osage Nation
• How Native American Nation issues are viewed today and why they’re not as widely reported as other populations

Resources Mentioned:

• Killers of the Flower Moon is not the movie an Osage would have made. You should still see it.
• Osage Ceremonial Dance I'n-lon-schka by Alice Ann Callahan
• A Pipe for February: A Novel by Charles H. Red Corn
• Killers of the Flower Moon: Oil, Money, Murder and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
• Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America by Makita Wilbur

Connect with Disarming Data:

• David Biderman on LinkedIn

Produced By The Podcast Haven

Jay Knowles was born in Texas, raised in Tennessee, and educated in Connecticut. Over the last 20 years, his songs have been recorded by classic singers like George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Harry Connick, Jr., as well as today's hottest Country stars like Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Lainey Wilson, and Raffi. Jay's professional honors include Number One songs on multiple charts, a BMI Million Air Award, and a Grammy nomination for Country Song of the Year.

We’re excited to welcome Jay to the podcast to share more about the details about his songwriting career, the moments in musical history that have influenced him, and where he sees future trends in country music leading. He discusses the evolution of music in Nashville, particularly the blending of country, Southern rock, and Americana genres, and reflects on the current lack of representation in country music. Jay also discusses the Whalefarm project he co-founded, which is a network of unrecorded songs for music industry professionals to discover.

“The way you learn how to write songs is by writing songs." - Jay Knowles

"To me, all good songs are story songs." - Jay Knowles

"You don't have to be country to like country music. It's really about whether your heart is connected to it." - Jay Knowles

This week on Disarming Data:

• Jay Knowles shares his background in country music and politics in Nashville
• The very first song Jay wrote with his dad when he was five years old
• Where Jay starts from when he’s writing a new song
• The importance of having a thread of relatability running through a song
• How country music has evolved with artists like Taylor Swift and Emmylou Harris pushing boundaries and blurring genres
• The lack of storytelling in modern songs and why country music is an exception with its ability to tell a story within three minutes
• Why it’s important not to overthink the creative process but allow the song to unfold naturally
• The concept of Whalefarm, a platform for songwriters to share and collaborate on songs, and why he wanted to create a space for lost or overlooked songs to be heard
• Challenges of getting old songs heard and recorded, particularly for independent songwriters and artists

Connect with Jay Knowles:

• Jay Knowles' Website
• Whalefarm

Connect with Disarming Data:

• David Biderman on LinkedIn

Produced and Edited By The PodcastHaven