Tech Woke

RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/

Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke

Timestamp:

00:00 "Appreciation for Sharing Opportunities"

05:01 "RMF and GRC Job Outlook"

07:00 AI: Adaptation Over Replacement

11:10 "Preparing for Quantum Future"

13:54 "AI, Innovation, and Uncertainty"

17:10 "Verify AI-Generated Information Carefully"

20:35 "AI, Quantum, and Cybersecurity Trends"

23:30 "Cybersecurity Learning and Application"

25:44 "Coursera for Cybersecurity Labs"

31:09 Rethinking Cybersecurity Education

34:59 "Accountability in Teaching"

35:56 "Roadmap to Security+ Success"

40:59 "Cybersecurity Careers: Study & Network"

42:14 "Embrace Rejection for Success"

46:05 "Faith and God's Plan"

48:54 "Stay Focused and Plan Ahead"

Video Decription:

Welcome back to the Tech Woke Podcast. In this episode, host Christopher Okpala sits down with Antione Searcy, an adjunct professor and federal cybersecurity veteran, to talk honestly about breaking into regulated tech and federal cybersecurity careers. Antione shares his real journey applying to hundreds of jobs, facing rejection, and eventually landing roles in government cybersecurity and compliance, while explaining what actually matters when trying to enter fields like GRC, RMF, and federal cyber with no prior experience.

The conversation explores how mentorship, networking, and hands on learning outperform traditional education alone, and how AI and automation are reshaping cybersecurity and compliance careers. Whether you are trying to break into cybersecurity, government tech, GRC, RMF, or AI governance, this episode delivers practical advice and real world insight for people who want clarity, stability, and a long term path into regulated tech careers.

RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/

Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke

Timestamp:

00:00 "Preventing Fraud with Proactive Security"

03:49 "Technically Inclined from Childhood"

08:57 "Post-College Doubts and Regrets"

12:14 "First Internship Experience"

14:50 "Internship Experiences and Career Decision"

17:23 "From Developer to AfroTech"

22:22 "Ensuring Accurate Ticket Processing"

24:35 "Balancing Zero Trust and AI"

28:08 "AI Hacking Discussion"

29:43 "Breaking Into Tech with AI"

34:44 "Helping Others with Clarity"

37:51 "Maximizing Value at Conferences"

39:23 "The Power of Community Connections"

42:51 "Learning Through YouTube Insights"

Video Decription:

Welcome to another episode of Tech Woke! In this episode, host Chris sits down with Donovan Surgick, a security engineer working in healthcare technology, to break down the real blueprint for breaking into cybersecurity and building a long-term career in tech. Donovan shares his journey from growing up in Washington, D.C., attending McKinley Tech, and grinding through internships and work-study programs, all the way to landing a role in security engineering. If you’re trying to get your first cybersecurity job, transition into tech, or level up your skills, this conversation delivers real insight and practical game.

We cover key topics like cybersecurity internships, the reality of outdated college cybersecurity programs, the best cybersecurity certifications for beginners (like Security+), what a security engineer does day-to-day, healthcare cybersecurity, cloud security, the Zero Trust security model, and how AI is changing cybersecurity. You’ll also learn how to use networking and soft skills to stand out and actually get hired.

RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/

Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke

Timestamp:

00:00 "Mastering Real-World Cybersecurity Skills"

03:24 "AI: Opportunities and Challenges"

08:34 "Managing AI Usage and Security"

09:59 AI Frameworks and Usage Standards

15:42 "AI Chatbots: Build with Purpose"

19:14 AI as a Writing and Analysis Tool

22:51 "AI Governance in RMF Steps"

26:12 AI Challenges: Drift, Jailbreaking, Data

27:40 AI Responsibility: Shared, Yet Centralized

31:32 "Skills Needed for AI Roles"

34:35 "Technical Skills Needed for GRC"

38:33 "AI Threat Modeling Insights"

43:22 "Stay Sharp, Keep Advancing"

44:33 "Pressure Creates Diamonds or Dust"

Video Decription:

In this episode of the Tech Woke Podcast, host Christopher Okpala sits down with Markeisha Snaith to break down one of the most important topics in tech today: AI governance.

As artificial intelligence rapidly expands across government and enterprise environments, organizations are struggling to manage AI risk, AI security, AI compliance, and regulatory oversight. This conversation goes beyond surface level discussions of ethics and responsible AI and focuses on how real world AI governance frameworks are built and enforced.

We discuss what AI governance actually means, how it intersects with cybersecurity, GRC, RMF, and compliance, and why professionals in these spaces are uniquely positioned to lead AI governance efforts. Markeisha explains the security risks tied to AI systems, emerging regulatory expectations, and the skills organizations will demand as AI regulation continues to evolve.

This episode also explores career opportunities in AI governance, including how to break into the field without prior AI experience, certifications that matter, and how cybersecurity and compliance professionals can future proof their careers.

If you work in cybersecurity, risk management, governance, compliance, federal IT, or cloud security, or you want to position yourself early in a fast growing career path, this episode will give you the clarity and direction you need.

Be sure to rate the podcast, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone interested in AI governance and the future of tech.

RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/

Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke

Timestamps:

00:00 "RMF Academy: Real-World Cybersecurity"

04:56 AI Revolution Across Industries

07:08 "AI Revolution in Search Tools"

09:50 AI Simplifies Unity Camera Control

12:45 AI-Driven Marketing Revolution

17:59 "Leveraging Tech for Business Growth"

21:16 "Automating Business for Scalability"

23:57 "AI Unlocks Wealth Potential"

28:23 AI Boosts Desire For Real Connection

32:20 Future of Work and Humanity

33:06 "Code, Starships, and Progress"

37:01 "ChatGPT for Advanced Research"

40:36 "Tech Talk Podcast Outro"

Video Decription:

Welcome back to another episode of Tech Woke! Today, Christopher Okpala sits down with AI engineer and entrepreneur Jeffrey Scruggs to break down how artificial intelligence is transforming business, tech careers, and everyday life. We talk about how tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and other generative AI platforms can automate websites, marketing, content creation, workflows, and help entrepreneurs scale even without being technical. Jeffrey shares real strategies on using AI to save time, increase income, and build systems that work for you in the background.

We also unpack the real opportunities and risks of today’s AI boom covering business automation, the future of work, digital marketing, and why human connection still matters in a tech-driven world. Whether you're new to AI or looking for advanced ways to grow your business, this episode delivers actionable insights, practical examples, and a roadmap for thriving in the golden age of artificial intelligence. Keywords: AI tools, ChatGPT for business, automation, AI entrepreneurship, future of work, generative AI, business growth, digital transformation, Tech Woke Podcast.

RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/

Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke

Time stamps:

00:00 Passion for Tech and Cybersecurity

03:40 Cybersecurity Mentorship Sparked Interest

08:45 SOC: First Line of Defense

12:24 Essential Cybersecurity Tools Overview

14:57 "Building Your Personal Brand"

18:46 "Embracing Growth and Experience"

21:54 Security Operations Center Roles

22:49 Cybersecurity: Purpose and Mentorship

28:10 "Building Connections and Confidence"

29:10 "Start Small, Build Connections"

32:45 "Striving for Growth and Family"

36:02 "Cybersecurity Careers and Investment Tips"

40:55 "Dominic Alegrety Online Presence"

Video Description:

Welcome back to the Tech Woke Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with cybersecurity standout Dominic Alegrete, a young professional who broke into tech at just 17 years old with no degree and no traditional pathway. His story is one of discipline, consistency, and real-world learning.

We dig into Dominic’s journey from high school to working inside a Security Operations Center (SOC), how he landed multiple tech roles without a college degree, and the mindset it took to build skills fast. Dominic breaks down the real path into cybersecurity, including finding the right mentors, building hands-on experience, taking the certifications that actually matter like Security+, and using LinkedIn to build a personal brand that attracts recruiters.

We also talk about being the youngest person in the room, overcoming imposter syndrome, staying focused in a fast-moving cybersecurity environment, and why giving back and serving others is part of his mission.

If you're trying to break into cybersecurity, transition into tech, learn GRC or RMF, become a SOC analyst, or you just want motivation to start where you are, this episode delivers real, practical advice you won’t get from certification books.

Tap in, take notes, and let this conversation push you to define your “why,” level up your skills, and build a career with purpose.

Welcome to the Tech Woke Podcast. Let’s get into it.

RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/

Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke

Time stamps:

00:00 "Prime Time, Giving, and Growth"

04:06 Security Control Assessor Role

07:27 System Validation and Risk Assessment

11:07 "Understanding ATO Packages"

14:57 "Navigating Stakeholder-Driven Decision Making"

18:08 Cloud Service Models & FedRAMP Overview

19:01 FedRAMP Cloud Service Process

24:52 "Izzo Navy Certification Path"

26:48 Staying Relevant in Tech Industry

30:28 "Leadership and RMF Trends"

33:09 “SBOM, DevSecOps, and Cloud”

36:51 "AI: Amplifier, Not Replacer"

39:42 "Zero Trust Overview Simplified"

44:41 "Struggling to Give Back"

45:06 Gratitude for Shared Wisdom

Video Decription:

Welcome back to the Tech Woke Podcast. In this episode, host Christopher Okpala sits down with Dominique Richardson, a Security Control Assessor Representative (SCA-R), to break down one of the most misunderstood roles in the Risk Management Framework (RMF) ecosystem.

If you’ve ever worked with federal information systems, struggled through a security authorization package, or tried to understand what really happens during the validation phase, this conversation will give you clarity you won’t find in certification books.

Dominique walks through what SCA-Rs actually do during control assessments, including:

• Validating system security plans (SSPs), POA&Ms, and security assessment reports

• Reviewing control families across NIST SP 800-53

• Interpreting CCIs, STIG findings, and vulnerability scan outputs

• Evaluating system boundaries and cloud inheritances

• Identifying major changes that trigger reauthorization

• Advising AOs and ISSOs during the authorization decision

We also dig into the real politics behind RMF—how programs push for ATO with Conditions, why clean ATOs are rare, and why continuous monitoring is where the real work happens.

Dominique breaks down why the future of cyber compliance is shifting quickly:

• Cloud migrations often require full ATO reauthorization

• SBOMs and software supply chain oversight are becoming essential

• GRC analysts must understand architecture, not just documentation

• AI is amplifying top performers

• DevSecOps pipelines are redefining compliance evidence

Whether you're transitioning into cybersecurity, already supporting government systems, or preparing for roles like ISSO, Validator, Assessor, or System Owner, this episode provides real-world insights you won’t hear in certification training.

This conversation also includes a segment from RMF Academy, where Christopher shares how his own journey inspired him to teach the practical execution side of compliance.

If you want to understand RMF categorization, selection, implementation, assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring this episode is a must-watch.

Watch now and take notes. GRC is changing fast.

#RMF #Cybersecurity #GRC

Tech Woke LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-okpala-413565158/

RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/

Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke

Timestamps:

00:00 "Mastering RMF & Cyber Skills"

03:19 Berkeley Political Data Analysis Journey

07:42 General AI vs Generative AI

10:05 Generative AI's Impact on Government

14:32 AI Testing Framework Initiated

17:22 AI Red Teaming for Security

20:57 AI Enhancing Human Efficiency

23:10 "Seven Steps for AI Adoption"

28:36 "AI vs Consultants: Strategic Advantage"

30:36 "GovBench: Faster AI for Government"

35:27 "AI Transparency Over Secrecy"

39:04 "Sharing AI Insights Clearly"

40:16 AI Opportunities in Government Modernization

Video Description:

In this episode of the Tech Woke Podcast, host Christopher Okpala sits down with Glenn Parham, one of the first generative AI tech leads at the Department of Defense, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the federal government. They dive into the rise of generative AI, its real-world impact on government operations, and what’s holding agencies back from full adoption. Glenn shares his journey from UC Berkeley to founding Pundit Analytics and explains how AI is reshaping everything from process automation to national security. This conversation breaks down the challenges of modernizing government technology, the truth behind ATO processes, and what federal employees and contractors can do to prepare for the next wave of AI-driven innovation. Whether you’re in GovTech, cybersecurity, or just curious about how AI is changing the public sector, this episode offers real insight, honest discussion, and a clear look at the future of technology in government.

Tech Woke LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-okpala-413565158/

RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/

Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke

Timestamps:

00:00 "Mastering Real-World RMF Skills"

03:57 From Military to GRC Leadership

08:40 "Rethinking GRC Through Engineering"

12:03 "Start Small for Better Security"

14:34 "Users, Not Stakeholders"

18:05 "Career Insights on Team Dynamics"

19:29 GRC Engineering's Growing Appeal

24:58 AI Simplifies GRC Communication

25:59 Automate Data Review Processes

29:43 "Getting Started in AI Engineering"

32:18 "Mindset Shift for Life Change"

38:07 Networking for Tech Recruitment

40:52 "Security+ Grandma Test"

44:58 "Building GRC Resources and Legacy"

47:36 "GRC Engineers: A Growing Movement"

50:11 Leaving an Impact

52:26 "Obstacle Is the Way"

55:38 "Get 1% Better Daily"

Video Description:

In this episode, Christopher Okpala sits down with AJ Yawn GRC engineer, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and author of GRC Engineering for AWS.

AJ opens up about his journey from the military to becoming a leader in cybersecurity and compliance, sharing lessons learned from failed exams, career pivots, and the power of curiosity. Together, they dive into the evolving world of GRC, RMF, automation, and AI and what it really takes to stand out in today’s cybersecurity landscape.

If you’re breaking into cybersecurity or looking to level up your career, this episode is packed with real-world advice, motivation, and actionable insights you can use right away.

Tech Woke LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-okpala-413565158/

RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/

Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke

Time stamps:

00:00 "Cybersecurity Basics and Networking"

16:44 "Risk, Policies, Compliance Cycle"

23:05 "Building SSP for Security Compliance"

30:54 Mastering Communication in GRC

34:18 Cybersecurity GRC and Technical Skills

41:27 Cybersecurity Experience Barrier Insights

45:19 Cybersecurity Response Priorities

53:02 "Overcoming Emptiness to Empower Others"

58:05 Empowering Cybersecurity for All

01:01:24 "Grateful for the Platform"

Video Description:

Welcome back to Tech Woke! In this episode, hosts Ervin McBride and Chris Okpala are joined by guests Markisha Snape and Derrick Phillips for a deep-dive into the world of cybersecurity specifically, Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). Together, they unpack what a typical day looks like in GRC, why strong relationship-building and soft skills are as critical as technical knowledge, and how risk management shapes the work they do.

Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro thinking about the next step, you’ll get actionable advice on building foundational skills, leveraging transferable experiences, and making connections, even if you’re networking online. The conversation closes with motivation to keep pushing forward and the reminder that, wherever you’re headed in your career, you truly belong in the room.

#grc #techwoke #rmf

Tech Woke LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-okpala-413565158/

RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/

Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke

Time stamps:

00:00 "Cybersecurity Basics and Networking"

16:44 "Risk, Policies, Compliance Cycle"

23:05 "Building SSP for Security Compliance"

30:54 Mastering Communication in GRC

34:18 Cybersecurity GRC and Technical Skills

41:27 Cybersecurity Experience Barrier Insights

45:19 Cybersecurity Response Priorities

53:02 "Overcoming Emptiness to Empower Others"

58:05 Empowering Cybersecurity for All

01:01:24 "Grateful for the Platform"

Video Description:

Welcome back to Tech Woke! In this episode, hosts Ervin McBride and Chris Okpala are joined by guests Markisha Snape and Derrick Phillips for a deep-dive into the world of cybersecurity specifically, Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). Together, they unpack what a typical day looks like in GRC, why strong relationship-building and soft skills are as critical as technical knowledge, and how risk management shapes the work they do.

Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro thinking about the next step, you’ll get actionable advice on building foundational skills, leveraging transferable experiences, and making connections, even if you’re networking online. The conversation closes with motivation to keep pushing forward and the reminder that, wherever you’re headed in your career, you truly belong in the room.

#grc #techwoke #rmf