dnsUNFILTERED

In this conversation, Matthew Fox from ‪Lawrence Systems and Mikey Pruitt explore various themes related to networking protocols, content creation, home lab setups, and the MSP landscape.They discuss the importance of community engagement, the role of AI in local computing, and the significance of education in technology. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, insights into the challenges faced by MSPs, and reflections on the future of open source in IT.

Chapters

00:00 Content Creation and IT Education

00:06 Matthew's Journey in the MSP Space

02:49 Home Lab and Hardware Discussions

05:52 Naming Conventions for Machines

08:11 YouTube Channel Growth and Community Engagement

10:56 Leveraging AI and LLMs for Content Creation

13:46 Storage Solutions and Drive Quality

16:24 Home Lab Setup and Video Encoding

18:53 Quality Hardware and User Experience

22:19 Open Source Software in IT

25:20 Building an Open Source IT Department

29:49 Securing Home Servers and Learning Opportunities

34:00 Empowering Young Minds with Technology

36:31 The Journey of Learning and Innovation

38:40 Teaching Through Technology: Lessons for the Next Generation

41:12 Exploring the MSP Landscape

44:59 The Unique Dynamics of the MSP Community

50:15 The Impact of Community and Education in Technology

In this episode of dnsUNFILTERED, host Mikey Pruitt and guest Abigail Hendren discuss the importance of on-camera presence, authenticity in marketing, and the nuances of effective communication for today's landscape.They explore how to engage audiences through video messaging, the significance of understanding different platforms, and the balance between aesthetics and message in design.The conversation also touches on personal branding, the role of AI in creative processes, and the importance of transparency in crisis management. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the need for marketers to be genuine and relatable to build trust with their audience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to dnsUNFILTERED

00:57 The Importance of Being On Camera

04:58 Building Camera Presence and Skills

08:48 Authenticity in Marketing

12:52 Designing Effective Marketing Materials

16:45 Social Media Strategy and Engagement

20:54 Avoiding Jargon in Technical Marketing

23:06 Understanding Audience Engagement

25:52 The Importance of Personal Branding

27:56 Leveraging Authenticity for Business Growth

32:53 Crisis Management and Transparency

36:02 Innovating Podcast Content

38:45 Expanding Guest Perspectives

42:57 Debunking Cybersecurity Myths

Mikey Pruitt interviews Michael Stattelman about the development and impact of AI models, particularly in the realm of NSFW content detection.

They discuss the origins of Stattelman's work at Falcons.ai, the importance of contextual awareness in AI, and the ethical implications of deploying AI solutions. Stattelman emphasizes the need for accountability in AI development and the potential for AI to address real-world problems, while also acknowledging the challenges and responsibilities that come with such technology.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI and NSFW Content Moderation

02:37 The Rise of AI in Content Moderation

05:35 Contextual Awareness in AI Models

08:19 AI for Good: Addressing Real-World Problems

11:18 Fear-Mongering Detection and Its Implications

14:00 Innovative AI Solutions and Their Origins

16:52 Chaos Engineering and Cybersecurity Challenges

25:20 Understanding Chaos Engineering and Vulnerabilities

26:49 The Success of Falcon's AI and Its Impact

28:39 The Future of AI: Point Solutions vs. All-in-One

31:02 Emerging Threats and Language Patterns in AI

35:30 Curricular Drift and Historical Accuracy in AI

36:51 Training AI Models: From Small Projects to Large Scale

40:22 The Importance of Accountability in AI Development

In this episode of dnsUNFILTERED, Mikey speaks with Kate Trojanowski, the Director of Product Management at DNSFilter about the Zorus transition, the integration of technologies between the two companies, and the importance of understanding the MSP ecosystem.They discuss the significance of customer engagement through quarterly business reviews, the recognition of Kate as CRN's Woman of the Channel, and the future roadmap for both platforms.The conversation also highlights the critical role of DNS filtering in cybersecurity and the collaborative efforts across departments to enhance user experience and product development. Kate shares valuable advice for aspiring product managers, emphasizing the need for curiosity and open-mindedness in the role.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Transition to DNSFilter02:32 Integrating Technologies: DNSFilter and Zorus05:08 Understanding the MSP Ecosystem08:42 Quarterly Business Reviews and Customer Engagement13:47 Recognition and Career Trajectory16:07 Future Roadmap for DNSFilter and Zorus19:58 Security Layers and Threat Intelligence26:15 The Importance of DNS filtering31:09 Collaboration Across Departments38:19 Advice for Aspiring Product Managers

In this conversation, Mikey Pruitt and James Shuler from Centre Technologies discuss the evolution and current state of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), focusing on redefining success metrics, the importance of cybersecurity, and the integration of AI in IT operations.

They explore how Centre Technologies positions itself uniquely in the MSP landscape, emphasizing a strategic approach to project work and managed services. The discussion also highlights the challenges and opportunities in the cybersecurity realm, particularly in light of recent breaches and the growing demand for robust security measures.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Centre Technologies and MSPs

02:16 Redefining MSP Success Metrics

05:23 Understanding IT and Its Evolution

08:23 Positioning Centre Technologies in the MSP Landscape

11:11 The Importance of Cohesion in IT

14:16 Cybersecurity: The New Priority for MSPs

17:30 The Evolution of Cybersecurity and Its Impact

20:14 Current Trends in Cybersecurity Services

22:01 The Urgency of Cybersecurity

23:26 Adapting to Remote Work and Cybersecurity Standards

24:51 The Importance of a Tailored Technology Stack

27:40 AI in Business: Current Trends and Future Directions

30:22 The Role of AI in IT Operations

32:56 Navigating IT Solutions for Different Business Sizes

35:32 Strategic Growth and Project Work in MSPs

39:41 Building Relationships Through Project Work

41:40 AI Tools: Opportunities and Challenges

In this episode of dnsUNFILTERED, Mikey Pruitt interviews Brett Cheloff, the new Chief Product Officer at DNSFilter.

They discuss Brett's journey from Zorus to DNSFilter, the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, and the importance of endpoint security in a work-from-home environment. The conversation highlights the synergy between DNSFilter and Zorus, the significance of automation for managed service providers (MSPs), and the innovative CyberSight technology that enhances security and business intelligence.

Brett shares insights on the future of product development, partnerships with MSPs, and the importance of customer success stories in shaping the direction of the company.

Takeaways

• Brett Cheloff is the new Chief Product Officer at DNSFilter.

• The vision of Zorus evolved to focus on endpoint security.

• The shift to remote work changed the security landscape.

• Synergy between DNSFilter and Zorus benefits customers.

• MSPs need to focus on client relationships for success.

• Automation is crucial for MSPs to improve efficiency.

• CyberSight provides valuable insights for MSPs.

• Metrics can help MSPs optimize software usage.

• Hybrid work environments can enhance productivity.

• Brett's transition allows him to focus on product development.

  
  

Chapters

00:00 Brett's Background and Transition to DNSFilter

02:37 Market Changes and the Shift to Endpoint Security

05:31 Synergy Between DNSFilter and Zorus

08:29 Future of Products and Managed Service Providers

11:16 Automation in the MSP Space

14:10 CyberSight and Business Intelligence Metrics

20:43 Optimizing Software Usage and Productivity

27:00 The Hybrid Work Environment

30:55 Transitioning Roles: From CEO to Chief Product Officer

34:08 Building Partnerships and Integrations

38:04 Future Innovations and Customer Success Stories

TakeawaysTitlesSound BitesChapters

In this episode, Mikey interviews Ian Blake, founder and CEO of Square Dot, a B2B marketing firm specializing in MSPs.

They discuss the unique challenges faced by MSPs in marketing, the importance of differentiation in a crowded market, and how AI can be leveraged to enhance marketing strategies. Ian shares insights on identifying unique selling propositions, creating effective marketing content, and practical tips for MSPs with limited budgets.

The conversation emphasizes the need for MSPs to understand their market, differentiate themselves, and effectively communicate their value to potential clients.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation

00:12 Ian Blake's Background and Experience

03:08 Understanding MSPs and Market Differences

08:08 The Sea of Sameness in MSP Marketing

13:00 Differentiation Strategies for MSPs

17:57 The Role of AI in Marketing Strategy

21:46 Harnessing AI as a Tool for Business

24:00 Uncovering Unique Market Insights

27:23 Transforming Insights into Brand Positioning

30:54 Creating Value through Educational Content

36:05 The Importance of Segmentation and Targeting

40:25 Practical Strategies for Budget-Constrained MSPs

43:56 Building a Differentiated Brand Presence

In this episode, Mikey Pruitt interviews Ben Gillenwater, known as the Family IT Guy, who shares his expertise on keeping children safe online.

Ben discusses his background in technology and how he transitioned to focus on family IT security. He outlines three key pillars for parents:

- blocking harmful content

- limiting screen time

- avoiding contact with strangers

The conversation dives into the challenges of modern parenting in a digital age, including the risks associated with online gaming and social media. Ben emphasizes the importance of leading by example and maintaining open communication with children about online safety. He also provides practical tips for implementing technical solutions like DNS filtering and parental controls to create a safer online environment for kids.

Chapters

00:00 The Role of DNS Filtering in Family IT

02:02 Ben Gillenwater: The Family IT Guy

05:01 Three Pillars of Family IT Security

08:09 Preventing Stranger Contact Online

11:11 User-Generated Content and Its Risks

14:03 Navigating Online Gaming Safely

22:11 Understanding Screen Time and Addiction

26:53 The Challenges of YouTube for Kids

30:07 Blocking Harmful Content Effectively

37:56 Implementing Family Tech Solutions

Jonathan Singer from GuidePoint Security discusses the intricacies of the cybersecurity channel, emphasizing the importance of relationships, trust, and strategic partnerships. He shares insights on how the sales landscape has evolved, the role of vendors and resellers, and the emerging trends in cybersecurity, particularly the impact of AI and the significance of the CVE database.Chapters00:00 Understanding the Channel in Sales04:16 Evolving Cybersecurity Sales Strategies08:19 Navigating Vendor Relationships10:28 The Role of Trust in Channel Partnerships13:41 Who Buys Through the Channel?16:10 The Matchmaker Role of Resellers18:47 Scaling Through Relationships20:53 Common Missteps in Channel Sales23:21 The Human Element in Cybersecurity Sales26:21 Building Trust and Authenticity in Sales28:45 The Importance of Technical Knowledge in Sales31:55 Emerging Trends in Cybersecurity41:16 The Critical Role of the CVE Database45:52 Future of Cybersecurity News and Insights

What does it take to build a cybersecurity company that actually competes with OpenDNS?

In this episode of dnsUNFILTERED, Mikey sits down with Ken Carnesi, CEO and co-founder of DNSFilter, for an unfiltered conversation on entrepreneurship, DNS filtering, company culture, competition, and what it means to protect real people from real threats.

From solving sketchy hotel Wi-Fi problems with DNS to acquiring threat intelligence tools like Webshrinker, Ken shares how DNSFilter went from startup to one of the fastest-growing players in cybersecurity.

🔥 Sound bites:

"I want everybody to like our product."

"You have to work really, really hard."

"Timing is definitely important."

Whether you're an MSP, tech founder, or just want to hear how a remote-first company takes on the giants—this one's for you.

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro

02:14 – Ken's Journey

05:30 – Competing with Giants

08:20 – Starting DNSFilter

11:21 – Acquisitions + Innovation

17:20 – Why Threat Identification Matters

30:37 – How Customer Feedback Drives Product

36:36 – Remote Culture Done Right

41:17 – Advice for Entrepreneurs

49:03 – The Future of Cybersecurity

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment. Got questions for Ken? We’re watching the replies.

#DNSFilter #KenCarnesi #Cybersecurity #DNSFiltering #Entrepreneurship #ThreatIntelligence #CompanyCulture #TechPodcast #AIinCybersecurity