Welcome to Tech Woke, Tech Woke Podcast Episode 16: "From Police Officer to AI and Cybersecurity R&D Specialist"

In this riveting episode, Christopher Okpala and John Carthern take a deep dive into John's fascinating journey from a police academy hopeful to an R&D engineer specializing in AI and cybersecurity.

Listen as John recounts his early interest in technology, growing up in the DC area, and fixing computers for neighbors. Discover how a career setback in law enforcement propelled him into tech, allowing him to navigate through various fields, including cryptocurrency, cybersecurity, and physical pen testing.

You'll hear him discuss the ins and outs of pen testing, data protection standards, and the critical importance of thinking like a computer in the age of AI. Both hosts share their regrets about missed opportunities in early Bitcoin investments and explore the potential of cryptocurrency and digital banking.

John also sheds light on his cutting-edge work in R&D, including projects with medical devices and augmented reality, and shares valuable advice on enhancing your cybersecurity measures. Plus, they discuss the evolving landscape of AI, job security, and strategies for adapting to an ever-changing tech world.

Stay tuned for this compelling conversation packed with insights, strategies, and forward-thinking ideas that will leave you inspired and informed. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share the podcast!

### Introduction

Hosts welcome John Carthern, an R&D specialist in cybersecurity and AI, discussing his background, career, and tech insights on the Tech Woke podcast.

### John's Background and Upbringing

John grew up in the DC area with an early interest in tech, fixing neighbors' computers and resolving tech issues, making him the community's go-to person.

### Education and Career Path

John started in medicine but later studied criminal justice at Bowie State, graduating with a degree in sociology and pre-law, facing department changes mid-way.

### Early Career and Setbacks

John was disqualified from the DC police academy due to litigation, worked in logistics, gained DHS and DoD clearances, and earned Security+, Network+, and CCNA certifications.

### Transition to Technology and Cybersecurity

Driven by job security and tech's future impact, John transitioned to tech, investing in cryptocurrency and using IRAs to buy company assets, regretting not buying more bitcoin early on.

### Financial Strategies and Goals

Discussing financial protection, tax strategies, and government contracts, John's goals include developing AI-driven language models for pets and expanding cryptocurrency mining.

### Cryptocurrency and Digital Currency

John's early bitcoin investment regrets and Christopher's missed chance lead to discussions on bitcoin's banking potential and the shift to digital currency with the Fed's new system.

### Cybersecurity Practices and AI

John emphasizes thinking like a computer over coding syntax, creating AI tools to combat cyber threats, and advises on cybersecurity basics like cautious link clicking and protecting personal info.

### Work in Research and Development

At Juxtapia, John focused on R&D and pen testing for medical devices, including developing AR glasses for medical procedures and various techniques for physical pen testing.

### Physical Security and Pen Testing

Becoming a pen tester requires hardware/software knowledge, Red Hat certifications, networking skills, and thorough documentation. John discusses methods to boost physical security.

### General Technology Insights and Advice

They cover strong passwords, data encryption, VPN usage, AI's impact on job automation, and stress mental health, exercise, and productivity alongside tech trends and imposter syndrome.

### Personal Life and Interests

Both hosts share their initial medical field interest but shifted careers. John speaks about his software engineer girlfriend and their broader investments and personal reflections.

### Final Remarks and Audience Engagement

Both hosts endorse cryptocurrency investment potential and urge viewers to like, subscribe, and share the podcast to stay updated with tech insights and discussions.

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