Nerds On Tap

Welcome to another exciting episode of Nerds On Tap! This time, we're diving into the captivating world of virtual currency in gaming, a topic that's become increasingly relevant for parents and gamers. We start with a story that sparked this discussion, exploring how virtual currencies work in popular games like Fortnite and Roblox. We also look at the growth of Live Service Games and the rise of microtransactions, discussing why these in-game purchases are so appealing to kids, teens, and adults.

In the second segment, we tackle the issue of game bans and what parents need to know. We cover why and how players get banned in games like Fortnite, Roblox, Call of Duty, and Pokemon Go, and the different types of bans such as Temporary, Permanent, Account, and IP bans. We also discuss cheat detection software and its impact on gaming fairness, the consequences of cheating, and the importance of maintaining game integrity. Additionally, we address the impact of cyberbullying in online gaming and the tools available for parents to monitor and control their children's gaming activities.

Finally, we delve into the legal and ethical considerations surrounding in-game purchases, focusing on the Epic vs Apple and Epic vs Google lawsuits. We examine terms of service, the implications of banned accounts, and the role of parental consent and control over in-game purchases. We also discuss the responsibility of game developers in protecting young consumers. We conclude with a recap of key points, final thoughts, advice for parents, and an exciting announcement: Nerds on Tap is now part of Digital Boardwalk TV!

Beers Tasted:
Tates Helles German Style Lager from Oyster City Brewing Company, Apalachicola, FL
Oyster City Beers — Oyster City Brewing Co.

Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig Ale
For The Love Of Beer | Samuel Adams

Maduro Brown Ale from Cigar City Brewery, Tampa FL
Beers | Cigar City Brewing

#NerdsOnTap #GamingAndSpending #VirtualCurrency #ParentingTips #Fortnite #Roblox #LiveServiceGames #Microtransactions #EpicVsApple #EpicVsGoogle #GamingBans #Cyberbullying #CraftBeer #Podcast #DigitalBoardwalkTV #SamuelAdams #CigarCityBrewery #OysterCityBrewing

Sponsor of this episode:  Digital Boardwalk
Digital Boardwalk is one of the top 10 Managed IT Service Providers in the United States.  If you are seeking to outsource your IT Management, or if your IT Team could use some help with projects or asset management, give Digital Boardwalk a call today!  They offer a FREE IT Maturity Assessment on their website.  If you want to see how your business's IT scores against industry standards, go to GoModernOffice.com now.

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What if wireless electricity could revolutionize the way we live? Join me, Tim Shoop, and our special guest, Sam the IT guy, as we explore this groundbreaking concept in our thrilling episode of Nerds on Tap. We kick things off with a taste test of Hofbrau Original Helles-style beer, sharing our unfiltered impressions before diving into the electrifying topic of the day. Together, we unravel the intricate possibilities and hurdles of wireless electricity, drawing fascinating parallels to the internet's infrastructure and discussing how this technology could transform our homes and daily lives.

Imagine walking into a room where devices power up effortlessly, no cords or outlets required. We brainstorm how wireless electricity could eliminate the need for traditional wiring and explore its potential to revolutionize everything from household appliances to electric vehicles. Our conversation takes a futuristic turn as we ponder AI personal assistants that anticipate our needs, blending convenience with privacy concerns, and drawing inspiration from sci-fi classics like Fallout and Cyberpunk. This episode promises to stretch your imagination while grounding the discussion in real-world technological trends and challenges.

Finally, we take a critical look at autonomous vehicles and their broader impact on society. From the elimination of DUIs to the potential cyber threats, we cover the full spectrum of benefits and risks. We also don't shy away from debating the design and tech specs of Tesla's Cybertruck, contemplating the economic ripple effects on industries like transportation and car insurance. To top it all off, we toast to Sam the IT guy's recent internet fame with Founder's All Day IPA. So, tune in for a nerdy adventure filled with beer, tech, and futuristic visions that might just be around the corner!

This Episode's Beers:
HOFBRÄU Original Helles Style beer
Brewery Munich | Hofbräu München (hofbraeu-muenchen.de)

Sam Adams Boston Lager
For The Love Of Beer | Samuel Adams

Sam Adams Holiday White Ale
For The Love Of Beer | Samuel Adams

All Day IPA, Session IPA
Founders Brewery - Founders Brewing Company

Sponsor of this episode:  Digital Boardwalk
Digital Boardwalk is one of the top 10 Managed IT Service Providers in the United States.  If you are seeking to outsource your IT Management, or if your IT Team could use some help with projects or asset management, give Digital Boardwalk a call today!  They offer a FREE IT Maturity Assessment on their website.  If you want to see how your business's IT scores against industry standards, go to GoModernOffice.com now.

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When life throws you a curveball, you improvise—just like we did when my nephew Jared Shoop, usually the man behind the curtain of 'Nerds On Tap,' took the hot seat for a riveting exchange that was anything but planned. The episode transmutes into an unexpected brew of laughter and trivia, as Jared conquers his camera shyness and reveals his face for the first time to our audience. Our spontaneous tête-à-tête journeys through his path to Digital Boardwalk, the thrill of producing our quirky podcast, and culminates in a beer trivia showdown that leaves us both a little wiser in the ways of hops and barley.

Memories are the bookmarks of our lives, and in this episode, we thumb through some personal chapters, from the hustle of meeting deadlines at Digital Boardwalk to the amusing tales of my technological awakening courtesy of a tech-savvy uncle. We share a toast to the past, recounting stories of family, a ballroom dance class that humbled me, and the shared adventures in Europe that brought us more than just souvenirs, but a deeper appreciation for cultural nuances and a good hamburger. Tune in for these heartfelt anecdotes and a crash course in beer lingo that might just make you the MVP of your next pub quiz night.

Sponsor of this episode:  Digital Boardwalk
Digital Boardwalk is one of the top 10 Managed IT Service Providers in the United States.  If you are seeking to outsource your IT Management, or if your IT Team could use some help with projects or asset management, give Digital Boardwalk a call today!  They offer a FREE IT Maturity Assessment on their website.  If you want to see how your business's IT scores against industry standards, go to GoModernOffice.com now.

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On this special International Women's Day episode, we are honored to have Josie Keck join us from Open Text. Josie doesn't just bring her expertise in tech; she brings stories that resonate with the heart of every listener. Our conversation today weaves through the vibrant threads of diversity and inclusion in the tech world, stories of passion-fueled advancement, and the absolute necessity for empathetic leadership. It's a chat that transcends the binary codes and pixels, making space for the human connection that's essential in our digital communication era. Josie's relationship with her boss Jen Dario exemplifies the profound impact of emotional intelligence in driving tech teams forward.

Today, we also celebrate the Lean In movement's influence on women's empowerment in tech, reveling in the unique strengths that come from partnership dynamics, particularly those of husband and wife teams. Join us for a discourse on the nurturing roles women have honed within the industry, such as Kathleen's in Digital Boardwalk, and how these roles integrate seamlessly with family life and community support networks—think Marie Weeds and her "Women in Technology" podcast. It's a refreshing take on the symbiosis of personal growth and professional success, especially poignant on this International Women's Day.

We also take a moment to challenge the status quo of cybersecurity and technology sales, shining a light on the empowering journeys of women breaking into these traditionally male-dominated fields. We don't just talk shop about email encryption, cloud backup, and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity training; we celebrate the stories of tenacity and curiosity that enable success in this high-stakes arena. The episode culminates with a look at AI's role in the future of tech, the unwavering need for multifactor authentication, and the universal vulnerability to cyber threats. Through Josie's lens, technology isn't just a tool—it's a frontier for change, innovation, and inclusion, especially as we reflect on the contributions of women in the industry on this International Women's Day.

This Episodes Beers: 
Space Dust, IPA  

Elysian Brewing Company

https://www.elysianbrewing.com/beer/space-dust-ipa

Blueprint IPA

Birds Fly South Ale Project

https://untappd.com/b/birds-fly-south-ale-project-the-bluprint-ipa/1857263

Relax Hazy IPA

Offshoot Beer Company

https://www.thebruery.com/products/relax

Dank Side of the Moon New England Style IPA

3rd Planet Brewing Company

https://www.3rdplanetbrewing.com/our-beers/

Sponsor of this episode:  Digital Boardwalk
Digital Boardwalk is one of the top 10 Managed IT Service Providers in the United States.  If you are seeking to outsource your IT Management, or if your IT Team could use some help with projects or asset management, give Digital Boardwalk a call today!  They offer a FREE IT Maturity Assessment on their website.  If you want to see how your business's IT scores against industry standards, go to GoModernOffice.com now.

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Visit us online at www.thenerdsontap.com
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Josie Keck, a cybersecurity trailblazer from Open Text, joins us to uncork a celebration of her nine-year journey, and it's an episode brimming with insights and reflections. We crack open the complexities of being a woman in tech, acknowledging the barriers Josie's crushed along the way. Her story is more than just a tale of personal triumph; it's a beacon for diversity and inclusion, shedding light on the pivotal roles women play in driving innovation. Small and medium-sized businesses, take heed: Josie lays down the cybersecurity gauntlet, proving it's not just a big enterprise game but a universal imperative.

Raising a glass to collaboration, our discussion traverses the landscape of the cybersecurity industry, where sharing a pint with the competition isn't taboo—it's strategy. Josie illustrates a world where the line between rival and ally blurs, as we all shoulder the responsibility of protecting our collective digital neighborhood. With mentorship, networking, and a commitment to perpetual learning as the industry's lifeblood, we paint a picture of a tech community where everyone's success is interlinked. It's about uniting for the greater good, one circuit at a time.

Finally, we kick back with some Relax Hazy IPA, letting the conversation flow as freely as the brew. Josie's insights into communication and relationship-building strike a chord, reminding us that the beating heart of technology still pulses with human connection. We share stories of exceptional customer service triumphs and the enduring power of a human touch amidst the wired world. So, raise your glass with us—this episode is a toast to the innovators, the educators, and the relentless pursuit of a more inclusive future in tech. Cheers to the journey!

This Episodes Beers: 
Space Dust, IPA  

Elysian Brewing Company

https://www.elysianbrewing.com/beer/space-dust-ipa

Blueprint IPA

Birds Fly South Ale Project

https://untappd.com/b/birds-fly-south-ale-project-the-bluprint-ipa/1857263

Relax Hazy IPA

Offshoot Beer Company

https://www.thebruery.com/products/relax

Dank Side of the Moon New England Style IPA

3rd Planet Brewing Company

https://www.3rdplanetbrewing.com/our-beers/

Sponsor of this episode:  Digital Boardwalk
Digital Boardwalk is one of the top 10 Managed IT Service Providers in the United States.  If you are seeking to outsource your IT Management, or if your IT Team could use some help with projects or asset management, give Digital Boardwalk a call today!  They offer a FREE IT Maturity Assessment on their website.  If you want to see how your business's IT scores against industry standards, go to GoModernOffice.com now.

Thanks for listening!
Visit us online at www.thenerdsontap.com
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Have you ever envisioned a seamless transition from a dream of managing a gym to mastering the finance industry? Listen as we join Andrew Martin of Atlas Financial Strategies on that very journey, navigating his transition and discussing the vital need for financial literacy. Over a few cold ones, including the Tate's Hell German-style lager, we unpack the joy found in equipping others with the tools to secure their financial future. From the challenges that various demographics face in investing to the limitations of the traditional assets under management model, our conversation covers the full spectrum of financial planning and the triumphs of personal fiscal empowerment.

Cracking open the Red Drum Amber Ale, Andrew and I explore the nitty-gritty of the financial advisor's world, considering the impact of regulations and the evolving nature of client engagement in this complex industry. Our candid chat also covers the influence of social media on investing, the surge of stocks like GameStop, and the psychological nuances behind financial decisions. But it's not all about the numbers; we delve into the personal touch that an advisor like Andrew brings to the table, emphasizing the value of tailored advice and investment strategies that align with an individual's unique life story and financial goals.

As our discussion winds down with the Maduro Brown Ale, we stress the importance of starting your financial planning journey early, the psychological factors of money management, and the resources available for anyone looking to enrich their financial knowledge. From personal success stories to strategies that weather life's uncertainties, this episode is a toast to wealth-building, savvy investing, and that delightful nerdy love for finance. So whether you're a fledgling investor or a seasoned financial aficionado, pour yourself a favorite beverage and join us for a blend of insightful anecdotes and valuable strategies that are sure to resonate with your own fiscal aspirations. Cheers!


Atlas Financial: https://www.atlasfinancialstrategies.com/Planning-Team.1.html
Andrew Martin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-martin-76b127158/


Beers:

Oyster City - Tates Helles
https://oystercity.beer/beer

The Ravenous Pig -  Red Drum
https://www.theravenouspig.com/items/red-drum

Cigar City Brewing - Maduro
https://www.cigarcitybrewing.com/beer/maduro-brown-ale/

Lord Hobo - Boomsauce
https://lordhobo.com/boomsauce/

Sponsor of this episode:  Digital Boardwalk
Digital Boardwalk is one of the top 10 Managed IT Service Providers in the United States.  If you are seeking to outsource your IT Management, or if your IT Team could use some help with projects or asset management, give Digital Boardwalk a call today!  They offer a FREE IT Maturity Assessment on their website.  If you want to see how your business's IT scores against industry standards, go to GoModernOffice.com now.

Thanks for listening!
Visit us online at www.thenerdsontap.com
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
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Unlock the mysteries of digital marketing as we share a virtual roundtable with Kina Robinett and Shelby Payne from SmarterWeb. These two dynamos take the mic to narrate their individual journeys—Kina from a childhood steeped in web design fascination to a titan of SMB online growth, and Shelby from a Chick-fil-A mascot to a digital designer. You'll get a front-row seat to the magic of their partnership and the strategies that turn a client's digital presence from a whisper in the wind to a resounding echo across the web.

As we swirl our glasses filled with the essence of web development and the nuances of user experience design, Kina and Shelby unfold the tapestry of creating websites that are more than eye candy—they're the digital handshake between businesses and their audience. We untangle the threads of SEO, from on-page essentials to the subtle art of quality backlinks, and dive into the alchemy of analytics that turns raw data into gold. You'll leave with a treasury of knowledge on how to craft a digital domain that both dazzles the user and charms the search engines.

But it's not all about the bits and bytes. Our guests from SmarterWeb emphasize the human touch in the digital realm, from the craft of content that resonates with authenticity to the strategic use of technology that enhances, not replaces, the creative process. You'll hear tales of triumph as we discuss how specialized agencies can give SMBs the competitive edge, acting as an extended marketing arm that navigates the digital seas. So, pop in your earbuds and join us for a conversation that's as rich in insights as it is in laughter, and toast to the boundless possibilities of digital marketing.

Beers:

Lite Crispy Bois by 3 Sons Brewing Company, Dania Beach, FL
Full flavor with less guilt, a perfectly balanced, crisp and refreshing, year-round crusher.
https://www.3sonsbrewingco.com/beers

Beach Blonde Ale by 3 Daughter's Brewery, St. Petersburg, FL
Light and refreshing with just enough jops to balance the malty sweetness and add a hint of citrus.
https://3dbrewing.com/beers/beach-blonde-ale/

Tangerine Wheat Ale by Lost Coast Brewery, Eureka, CA
A refreshing citrus ale brewed with the perfect balance of wheat and crystal malt. Tangerine wheat delivers a perfectly crisp finis for those hot summer days.
https://lostcoast.com/beers#Tangerine-Wheat

White Chocolate Moo Hoo, Chocolate Milk Stout by Terrapin Beer Company, Athens, GA
Dark brown to black in color with aromas of dark chocolate. It has a dark roasted malt flavor with hints of caramel and hot chocolate, rounded by a sweet, creamy finish.
https://untappd.com/b/terrapin-beer-co-white-chocolate-moo-hoo/5078549

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Grab a pint and pull up a chair as we toast to the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity with Digital Boardwalk's very own CTO, James. His 14-year saga at the forefront of IT innovation isn't just a thrilling tale of technology triumphs, it's a roadmap for businesses navigating the treacherous terrain of cyber threats. We share a beer and swap stories, from James's tech-tinged childhood to the professional pivot that positioned him as a captain of industry, all the while unpacking the dense and crucial subject of cybersecurity for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Settle in and savor the wisdom as we dissect the intricacies of crafting custom IT strategies that shield businesses from digital dangers. James takes us behind the scenes of Digital Boardwalk's proactive stance against cybercrime, spotlighting the unsung heroes: their engineers. With the landscape of threats transforming from simple viruses to complex ransomware, we stress the indispensability of multi-layered security measures—think of it as a fortress safeguarding your digital dominion. This discussion isn't just theoretical; it's a vital blueprint for fortifying your enterprise against the next wave of cyber onslaughts.

Our conversation wouldn't be complete without a deep dive into the future of cybersecurity, where the murky waters of AI intersect with our defenses against cybercrime syndicates. Delving into how AI is both an ally and adversary, we underscore the significance of zero-trust policies, cloud computing's role in security, and the importance of verifying the efficacy of protective measures. James illuminates the path forward, inviting you to stay vigilant and informed, ensuring that your business remains an impenetrable fortress in the digital age.

Sponsor of this episode:  Digital Boardwalk
Digital Boardwalk is one of the top 10 Managed IT Service Providers in the United States.  If you are seeking to outsource your IT Management, or if your IT Team could use some help with projects or asset management, give Digital Boardwalk a call today!  They offer a FREE IT Maturity Assessment on their website.  If you want to see how your business's IT scores against industry standards, go to GoModernOffice.com now.

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From the deck of a Navy ship to the heat of a bustling kitchen, Geo Zelaya's journey isn't your everyday culinary tale. Grab a seat at our table on Nerds On Tap as we savor the flavors of his authentic Latin cuisine and discover how Tacos El Fluffy came to be a community staple. Geo's story is a testament to the power of passion and innovation, and he's serving up insights on how to blend the art of food with the science of technology to create a thriving business.

What happens when you mix a dash of AI with a pinch of locally sourced ingredients? You get a recipe for restaurant success, something Geo knows all about. We unwrap the secrets behind his tech-savvy approach to restaurant management, from inventory wizardry to marketing genius, and discuss why knowing where our food comes from is more important than we might think. So, whether you're a foodie, a tech enthusiast, or an aspiring entrepreneur, there's a slice of wisdom here for everyone.

We round off our chat with a heartening look at the impact of mentorship and the significance of community spirit. Geo pours out tales of how Take Stock in Children has been a beacon of hope and how his own experiences with mentorship have shaped the lives around him. It's not just about the tacos and the tech; it's about how investing in people and local businesses can transform communities. Join us for a conversation that's as enriching as it is appetizing, right here on Nerds On Tap.

Sponsor of this episode:  Digital Boardwalk
Digital Boardwalk is one of the top 10 Managed IT Service Providers in the United States.  If you are seeking to outsource your IT Management, or if your IT Team could use some help with projects or asset management, give Digital Boardwalk a call today!  They offer a FREE IT Maturity Assessment on their website.  If you want to see how your business's IT scores against industry standards, go to GoModernOffice.com now.

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Get ready to be captivated by the entrepreneurial journey of Harald Lavric, a business consultant who crossed seas from Germany to the U.S. to establish his own venture. Harald's stories of triumph and lessons learned from the challenging yet rewarding path of business ownership will provide you with practical tools and insights. We also get a taste of his German roots as we sample traditional Hofbräuhaus beer and share laughs over memorable stories from our Munich experiences.

The journey doesn't stop there. How do you find your niche? How do you identify your target clients? What's the secret to success through setting clear goals and implementing process management? Harald, with his areas of expertise in organizational change, strategic planning, and personal growth, answers these questions and more. His hands-on experience and knowledge of the Pensacola market provide invaluable advice to entrepreneurs and small business owners. 

Finally, we circle back to Pensacola, Florida and immerse ourselves in Harald's local experiences. From his favorite hats and his contributions to the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce to his son's passion for soccer, Harald gives us a unique glimpse into his life. We further dissect the complexities of product management, the importance of focusing on profitable products, and how soccer positions can be an analogy for roles in business. Tune in for an engaging conversation that promises to leave you with new perspectives, tools, and a few laughs.

Sponsor of this episode:  Digital Boardwalk
Digital Boardwalk is one of the top 10 Managed IT Service Providers in the United States.  If you are seeking to outsource your IT Management, or if your IT Team could use some help with projects or asset management, give Digital Boardwalk a call today!  They offer a FREE IT Maturity Assessment on their website.  If you want to see how your business's IT scores against industry standards, go to GoModernOffice.com now.

Thanks for listening!
Visit us online at www.thenerdsontap.com
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