The ITSPmagazine Podcast

Guest: George Platsis (AKA DJ Zeus) | Website: https://www.djzeus.com/home.html

Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/

In this episode of Music Evolves, host Sean Martin is joined by George Platsis—known on stage and online as DJ Zeus—for a conversation about the art, the science, and the soul of DJing.

DJ Zeus brings a unique perspective to the turntables, shaped by a classical music education, years performing in Toronto’s largest clubs, and a deep appreciation for music that tells a story. From early days making mixtapes on cassette to manipulating multiple turntables live, he shares how his journey started with rock, shifted into dance music, and eventually settled into a world of layered soundscapes and emotional storytelling.

From Mixes to Soundtracks

DJ Zeus doesn’t just play music—he creates moments. He explains that making a great mix isn’t about throwing popular songs together; it’s about reading the room, responding to energy, and creating a journey. Whether it’s a club performance or a recorded set in Ableton Live, each mix is built like a story—with dynamics, tension, release, and emotion.

This philosophy carries through to how he uses technology. Instead of letting it do the work for him, Zeus uses tools like pitch shifting, EQ manipulation, and harmonic mixing to craft something that couldn’t exist without human touch. “If you’re not pushing the technology,” he says, “you’re not adding your own soul to it.”

When Technology Meets Feel

Zeus shares how today’s tools can isolate vocals, remix tracks on the fly, and even keep beats perfectly aligned—but warns that without intuition, timing, and feel, you’re just making playlists. The difference between a DJ and a playlist? Emotion. Surprise. Humanity.

He also reflects on two tracks that changed everything: Daft Punk’s One More Time and Cher’s Believe. One brought club music into mainstream pop; the other proved pop could crush in the clubs. Both used vocal manipulation in new ways and redefined the sound of their time.

This episode isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about remembering why music matters. DJ Zeus reminds us that great DJing isn’t just what you hear—it’s what you feel.

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DJ Zeus Website: https://www.djzeus.com/home.html

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Music Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtW

On Location with Sean and Marco: https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-location

ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazine

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In a conversation that sets the tone for this year’s RSA Conference, Steve Wilson, shares a candid look at how AI is intersecting with cybersecurity in real and measurable ways. Wilson, who also leads the OWASP Top 10 for Large Language Models project and recently authored a book published by O’Reilly on the topic, brings a multi-layered perspective to a discussion that blends strategy, technology, and organizational behavior.

Wilson’s session title at RSA Conference—“Are the Machines Learning, or Are We?”—asks a timely question. Security teams are inundated with data, but without meaningful visibility—defined not just as seeing, but understanding and acting on what you see—confidence in defense capabilities may be misplaced. Wilson references a study conducted with IDC that highlights this very disconnect: organizations feel secure, yet admit they can’t see enough of their environment to justify that confidence.

This episode tackles one of the core paradoxes of AI in cybersecurity: it offers the promise of enhanced detection, speed, and insight, but only if applied thoughtfully. Generative AI and large language models (LLMs) aren’t magical fixes, and they struggle with large datasets. But when layered atop refined systems like user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA), they can help junior analysts punch above their weight—or even automate early-stage investigations.

Wilson doesn’t stop at the tools. He zooms out to the business implications, where visibility, talent shortages, and tech complexity converge. He challenges security leaders to rethink what visibility truly means and to recognize the mounting noise problem. The industry is chasing 40% more CVEs year over year—an unsustainable growth curve that demands better signal-to-noise filtering.

At its heart, the episode raises important strategic questions: Are businesses merely offloading thinking to machines? Or are they learning how to apply these technologies to think more clearly, act more decisively, and structure teams differently?

Whether you’re building a SOC strategy, rethinking tooling, or just navigating the AI hype cycle, this conversation with Steve Wilson offers grounded insights with real implications for today—and tomorrow.

🎧 Tune in to hear how organizations can strike the balance between smart machines and smarter humans.

Guest: Steve Wilson, Founder and Co-Chair at OWASP GenAI Security Project | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilsonsd/

Hosts:

Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber] | On ITSPmagazine:  https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin

Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli

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This Episode’s Sponsors

ThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974

Akamai: https://itspm.ag/akamailbwc

BlackCloak: https://itspm.ag/itspbcweb

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Archer: https://itspm.ag/rsaarchweb

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Resources

Learn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsa-conference-usa-2025-rsac-san-francisco-usa-cybersecurity-event-infosec-conference-coverage

Steve's Session — The Machines Are Learning, But Are We?: https://path.rsaconference.com/flow/rsac/us25/FullAgenda/page/catalog/session/1727385607626001Dg4P

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Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverage

To see and hear more Redefining CyberSecurity content on ITSPmagazine, visit: https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-cybersecurity-podcast

To see and hear more Redefining Society stories on ITSPmagazine, visit:
https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-society-podcast

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Guest:
Sam Foster 

👉 Website: https://www.samfosterbooks.com
👉 Substack: https://samfoster.substack.com
👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-foster-6b45798/
 

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Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast

👉 Website: https://www.marcociappelli.com

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🎙️ Thy Mother Is A Lioness: Historical Fiction and the Stories That Shape Us — A Conversation with Sam Foster

We’re traveling through time on today’s Audio Signals.

📚✨ Sam Foster is not just a writer of historical fiction—he’s a storyteller who traces the human condition through past lives, layered narratives, and deeply researched characters. In this episode, Sam and I talk about growing up in the Midwest, writing from lived experience, and eventually leaping into the rich, complex worlds of Renaissance Italy and 19th-century America.

🔍 What makes a story authentic? Where’s the line between historical fact and narrative freedom? And how do you tell stories that resonate across generations, languages, and borders? Sam’s latest book Thy Mother Is A Lioness explores powerful women in a male-dominated world—from Florence to France—and it’s all unfolding exclusively on Substack.

But this conversation isn’t just about the past—it’s about the process: What drives a writer to chase the “why”? Why is storytelling a purpose, not just a profession? And how is technology opening new doors for creatives, even those writing about centuries gone by?
 

👁️‍🗨️ This one goes beyond plotlines and timelines. It’s about identity, purpose, creative freedom—and the future of storytelling itself.

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📝 Keywords: historical fiction, storytelling, Renaissance, Medici family, powerful women in history, writing process, Substack publishing, creative freedom, Midwest America, author interview, book launch

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For more podcast stories from Audio Signals: 
https://www.itspmagazine.com/audio-signals

Watch the video version on-demand on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllQvnJ8eHUlVX8AuyhehtexA

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Guest: Aaron Friedman, Executive Director, Make Music Alliance | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-friedman-7068014/

Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/

What if June 21st wasn’t just another day on the calendar—but the one day a year where the world collectively said: go ahead, make noise?

In this episode of Music Evolves, host Sean Martin talks with Aaron Friedman, composer and founder of the Make Music Alliance, about the day that flips the script on who gets to perform. Make Music Day isn’t about headliners, stages, or ticket sales. It’s about showing up with your sound—whatever that is—and putting it out into the world.

What started in 1982 as a spontaneous moment in the streets of France has become a global celebration of music made by everyone. And Aaron’s been part of growing that idea across more than 150 U.S. cities—and beyond. There’s no audition. No gatekeeping. Whether it’s a punk band on a rooftop, a saxophonist on a stoop, or 200 people sight-reading Sousa marches in a park, it’s all fair game.

What makes this work? A custom-built matchmaking platform connects performers with unexpected venues—think record shops, laundromats, patios, public steps. There’s even room for big group experiences like Mass Appeal, where companies donate instruments and anyone can join in. No gear? No problem.

Aaron shares why this kind of open access matters, especially now. In a world of algorithm-driven listening and self-curated playlists, real connection—hearing music you didn’t expect, played by someone you don’t know—hits different. It’s discovery in its purest form.

Make Music Day isn’t just about performance. It’s about participation. It’s about remembering that music doesn’t need permission—it just needs a spark.

So mark the date: June 21. Wherever you are, find a way to join in. Visit makemusicday.org to find your city or start your own.

Because the world doesn’t need more noise.

It needs more music. Your music.

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TuneFest Ireland: https://www.instagram.com/tunefest_dungarvan/p/DGsVzCUPW3F/

More from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcast

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ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazine

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🎙️ On Location with Sean Martin & Marco Ciappelli

Event: Making Vinyl | Guest: Larry Jaffee & Kevin Da Costa

🎶✨ Vinyl Is Not Just Back—It Never Really Left

In this On Location pre-event conversation, Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli sit down with Larry Jaffee—co-founder and conference director of Making Vinyl—and engineer and vinyl advocate Kevin Da Costa to talk about the past, present, and future of record pressing.

From Larry’s moment of “vinyl madness” (yes, he sold his entire collection—and spent 12 years rebuilding it), to Kevin’s journey from Tesla engineer to global vinyl plant consultant, this episode captures the spirit behind the event: passion, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the analog experience.

Now in its eighth year, Making Vinyl isn’t just an event—it’s a global meeting point for everyone in the record production ecosystem: pressing plants, designers, engineers, record labels, and artists. It’s B2B, it’s hands-on, and it’s growing fast—just like the industry itself, which has gone from around 35 pressing plants in 2017 to nearly 200 today.

We also touch on something exciting: the emergence of new factories in regions that haven’t pressed records in decades—from India to Africa to the Balkans. As Kevin notes, this isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about expanding music culture, supporting local creativity, and creating space for new voices.

This year’s event also dives into innovation—from sustainable materials to smart vinyl—and yes, even a brand-new session on cybersecurity for pressing plants (because even physical formats have digital vulnerabilities now).

Whether you’re a vinyl lover, a producer, or part of the production chain, this episode sets the tone for what promises to be another unforgettable Making Vinyl experience.

🗓️ Event Dates: June 2–4, 2025

📍 Location: Renasant Convention Center, Memphis, TN

🌐 More info: https://www.makingvinyl.com

🎙️ Stay connected with us—subscribe to On Location with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli for more in-depth conversations from the world of cybersecurity, technology, and beyond!

Guest:s 
Larry Jaffee: co-founder and conference director of Making Vinyl 
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-jaffee-1379bb2/

Kevin Da Costa: Vinyl Record Manufacturing Consultant & Technical Director @ evolution-music.co.uk

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-da-costa-349a5046/

Hosts:

Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber] | On ITSPmagazine:  https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin

Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli
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Keywords: vinyl manufacturing, record pressing, music industry, analog revival, pressing plants, vinyl records, sustainability in music, record production, vinyl culture, Making Vinyl conference

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This Episode’s Sponsors

HITRUST: https://itspm.ag/itsphitweb

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Resources

Website: https://makingvinyl.com

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Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverage

To see and hear more Redefining CyberSecurity content on ITSPmagazine, visit: https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-cybersecurity-podcast

To see and hear more Redefining Society stories on ITSPmagazine, visit:
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Guest | Dr. Moriba Jah, Professor, The University of Texas at Austin [@UTAustin]

On Twitter | https://x.com/moribajah

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahniverse/

On Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/moribajah

Website | https://www.moriba.com/

Host | Matthew S Williams

On ITSPmagazine  👉 https://itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/matthew-s-williams

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This Episode’s Sponsors

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Episode Notes

Moriba Jah is a Professor of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at The University of Texas at Austin. He's also a major advocate for the "stewardship" of Earth and space. Through his world traveling and extensive experience with NASA, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and academia, he has earned a wide following as a champion for the sustainable use of space.

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Resources

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For more podcast Stories from Space with Matthew S Williams, visit: https://itspmagazine.com/stories-from-space-podcast

⬥GUEST⬥

Ken Huang, Co-Chair, AI Safety Working Groups at Cloud Security Alliance | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenhuang8/

⬥HOST⬥

Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imsmartin/ | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com

⬥EPISODE NOTES⬥

In this episode of Redefining CyberSecurity, host Sean Martin speaks with Ken Huang, Co-Chair of the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) AI Working Group and author of several books including Generative AI Security and the upcoming Agent AI: Theory and Practice. The conversation centers on what agentic AI is, how it is being implemented, and what security, development, and business leaders need to consider as adoption grows.

Agentic AI refers to systems that can autonomously plan, execute, and adapt tasks using large language models (LLMs) and integrated tools. Unlike traditional chatbots, agentic systems handle multi-step workflows, delegate tasks to specialized agents, and dynamically respond to inputs using tools like vector databases or APIs. This creates new possibilities for business automation but also introduces complex security and governance challenges.

Practical Applications and Emerging Use Cases

Ken outlines current use cases where agentic AI is being applied: startups using agentic models to support scientific research, enterprise tools like Salesforce’s AgentForce automating workflows, and internal chatbots acting as co-workers by tapping into proprietary data. As agentic AI matures, these systems may manage travel bookings, orchestrate ticketing operations, or even assist in robotic engineering—all with minimal human intervention.

Implications for Development and Security Teams

Development teams adopting agentic AI frameworks—such as AutoGen or CrewAI—must recognize that most do not come with out-of-the-box security controls. Ken emphasizes the need for SDKs that add authentication, monitoring, and access controls. For IT and security operations, agentic systems challenge traditional boundaries; agents often span across cloud environments, demanding a zero-trust mindset and dynamic policy enforcement.

Security leaders are urged to rethink their programs. Agentic systems must be validated for accuracy, reliability, and risk—especially when multiple agents operate together. Threat modeling and continuous risk assessment are no longer optional. Enterprises are encouraged to start small: deploy a single-agent system, understand the workflow, validate security controls, and scale as needed.

The Call for Collaboration and Mindset Shift

Agentic AI isn’t just a technological shift—it requires a cultural one. Huang recommends cross-functional engagement and alignment with working groups at CSA, OWASP, and other communities to build resilient frameworks and avoid duplicated effort. Zero Trust becomes more than an architecture—it becomes a guiding principle for how agentic AI is developed, deployed, and defended.

⬥SPONSORS⬥

LevelBlue: https://itspm.ag/attcybersecurity-3jdk3

ThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974

⬥RESOURCES⬥

BOOK | Generative AI Security: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-54252-7

BOOK | Agentic AI: Theories and Practices, to be published August by Springer: https://link.springer.com/book/9783031900259

BOOK | The Handbook of CAIO (with a business focus): https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Chief-AI-Officers-Revolution/dp/B0DFYNXGMR

More books at Amazon, including books published by Cambridge University Press and John Wiley, etc.: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ken-Huang/author/B0D3J7L7GN

Video Course Mentioned During this Episode: "Generative AI for Cybersecurity" video course by EC-Council with 255 people rated averaged 5 starts: https://codered.eccouncil.org/course/generative-ai-for-cybersecurity-course?logged=false

Podcast: The 2025 OWASP Top 10 for LLMs: What’s Changed and Why It Matters | A Conversation with Sandy Dunn and Rock Lambros

⬥ADDITIONAL INFORMATION⬥

✨ More Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast: 

🎧 https://www.seanmartin.com/redefining-cybersecurity-podcast

Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast on YouTube:

📺 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllS9aVGdiakVss9u7xgYDKYq

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The Tribe of the Wandering Shoes | Part Three & Four | Winter, Spring, and the Return

After a summer shining with light and an autumn drizzly but fascinating in its colors, the Tribe of the Wandering Shoes set off again for new adventures—mysterious, surprising, and of course, a little dangerous. More determined than ever, ready to overcome any challenge, they resumed their journey
 

Winter didn’t take long to arrive: in December, the first snow fell on the mountains. The Tribe boarded a coach headed to the Dolomites, where the snow-covered peaks waited for them on the horizon. As soon as they settled into the hotel, excitement took over. They couldn’t wait to dive into the fresh snow and build a giant snowman! They got straight to work, shoveling pile after pile of snow. With a little ladder, step by step, they reached the height of the face. Two buttons for eyes, a carrot for a nose, a pipe in the mouth, and a scarf wrapped around the neck—it was perfect!

“Brrr! It’s freezing!” — exclaimed one of them, and they all looked down at their tips and saw they were completely frozen.

“We need a miracle!” — declared one shoe with a solemn tone.

“Maybe a portable radiator…” — mumbled another, her laces trembling.

They decided to call the Alpine Rescue Team, which arrived with a supersonic jet packed with hot water bottles, boiling tea, and thermal blankets. But just then, the weather station—mounted on a space ship at the top of the mountain—reported a severe snowstorm on the way. The Tribe, worried, asked to return immediately to the valley, but the jet couldn’t transport them in the traditional way. The only solution? Catapult them down like snowballs wrapped in thermal blankets!

“Um… excuse me, but has anyone ever tried this system before?” — asked one shoe, suspicious.

“No, but what could possibly go wrong?” — replied another.

“Worst case, we’ll end up spread across the snow like jam on toast!”

The flight was wild: they bounced off a cable car, spun an eagle and a couple of vultures into the air, who, surprised, exclaimed, 

“Oh! Oh!”

Fortunately, the mountain pines gave them a soft landing with their snowy branches. The shoes landed unlaced, a bit bruised, but safe.

“I think we just invented the first extreme sport for footwear,” — commented one, still dizzy.

The villagers in the valley found them and, touched by their story, brought them to the old cobbler in town. The man, with decades of experience repairing mountain shoes, was initially puzzled to see such a colorful and battered bunch. That night, the cobbler couldn’t sleep, wondering how to fix them. At dawn, with determination, he got to work.

“No, no, help! You’re going to hurt me!” — protested the purple shoe at the sight of the tools.

“Oh please!” — said the cobbler with a smile.

“I’ve been bringing mountain boots back to life for years. You’ll be brand new, trust me!”

And so, with expert hands, he stitched, glued, and brightened their colors, working passionately until every shoe looked spectacular again.

The Tribe spent happy days in the village. With Christmas around the corner, they helped decorate the lit-up streets, snow-covered trees, and shop windows. By then, everyone knew their story and called them left and right for advice on decorations, and the atmosphere was magical and festive.

Soon, the days grew brighter and you could feel the awakening of spring in the air. Their snowy adventure was behind them, but a new challenge was waiting ahead. The Tribe started to miss the city they had left and decided to go back. They marched in single file and took the right road at the first roundabout. They followed a little stream and, after a long walk, stopped by the bank to rest. They stepped into the shallow water to cool off, when one of them, sharper than the others, noticed something strange beneath some dry branches.

“Come here, come here!” — she called out.

The others rushed over curiously, and with great effort, they managed to flip over what turned out to be an old wooden boat. They jumped in, nudging each other.

“I’m going first!”

“No, me first!”

They bickered, tripping over their own laces, but since they were a bit tired from walking, each one took her place. Soon, they noticed a problem.

“Um… has anyone seen the oars?”

“Oh no! Now how do we move?”

Just then, a shiny pike and a giant shimmering carp emerged from the foamy waves and, without saying a word, began to push the boat, gliding it along the stream and lifting it into the air.

“But… this is magic!” — gasped one shoe, amazed.

As the stream widened into a river, they spotted their city in the distance. The two extraordinary fish dropped them off on the shore and, in the blink of an eye, vanished into the golden reflections of the water.

“Good gracious, what just happened?” — they all exclaimed.

Still stunned and silent, they headed toward the big tree-lined park in the city. Lying in the grass, they looked up at the blue sky and realized just how much they had missed their busy store and the bustling crowd. That’s when they noticed something strange.

For the first time, they looked carefully at the glowing sign above the entrance: “Sorelle Soletta Department Store”

They stared at each other, wide-eyed. The Little Witch Soletta… was the owner of the shop!

Once placed back on the shelves, with their laces tied tight and their soles polished, the shoes smiled at one another.

“What an adventure, folks…” — sighed the purple shoe.

“Oh yeah,” — replied the red one, “but it’s so nice to be back here!”

“With all due respect to eagles, cobblers, and flying fish… nothing beats the smell of the shop in the morning,” — added the blue shoe dreamily.

“And here we’ve got curtains, changing rooms, and customers who try us on gently…”

“…not to mention Little Witch Soletta watching over us!” They all burst out laughing. 

“In the end,” — concluded the one with golden laces, “traveling is wonderful… but coming home is even better.”

And from that day on, every time a child or an adult chose one of them, a new story began.

But that one… well… that’s another adventure!

Guest: Seth Cluett, Director of Columbia University’s Computer Music Center | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-cluett-7631065/ | Columbia University Computer Music Center Bio: https://cmc.music.columbia.edu/bios/seth-cluett

Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/

Music and technology have always shaped each other, and few places embody that relationship as deeply as the Computer Music Center (CMC) at Columbia University. In this episode of Music Evolves, Sean Martin sits down with Seth Cluett, Director of the Computer Music Center and Assistant Director of the Sound Art MFA program at Columbia, to explore the center’s rich history, its role in advancing music technology, and how it continues to shape the future of sound.

The Legacy and Mission of the Computer Music Center

The CMC is housed in the same 6,000-square-foot space as the original Columbia-Princeton Electronic Music Center, which dates back to 1951 and is one of the world’s oldest university-based electronic music research facilities. This was the birthplace of early electronic music, where pioneers learned to use cutting-edge technology to create new sounds. Many of those musicians went on to establish their own studios around the world, from Egypt to Japan.

The center has played a role in major milestones in music history, including the work of Wendy Carlos, a former student known for Switched-On Bach, the score for Tron, and The Shining. The first piece of electronic music to win a Pulitzer Prize was also composed here. Today, under Cluett’s leadership, the focus remains on creativity-driven technological innovation—allowing composers and artists to explore technology freely and push the boundaries of what’s possible in sound and music.

One of the center’s guiding principles is accessibility. Cluett emphasizes the importance of lowering barriers to entry for students who may not have had prior access to music technology. The goal is to make sure that anyone, regardless of background, can walk into the studio and begin working with 80% of its capabilities within the first 20 minutes.

Exploring the Labs and Studios

The episode also includes a tour of the labs and studios, showcasing some of the center’s groundbreaking equipment. One highlight is the RCA Mark II Synthesizer, the world’s first programmable music synthesizer. Built in the late 1950s, this massive machine—seven feet tall and weighing over a ton—was instrumental in shaping the sound of early electronic music. The system worked by punching holes into paper to control sound generation, similar to a player piano. While no longer in use, the CMC has collaborated with iZotope to model some of its effects digitally.

The tour also features Columbia’s electronic music studio, which houses synthesizers from Buchla, Serge, and Moog—the latter being developed by Bob Moog, who was once an undergraduate at Columbia. The center’s modern design emphasizes a seamless workflow between analog and digital technologies, allowing students to quickly create, process, and experiment with sound.

Another key space is the immersive media and spatial audio research facility, which features a 12.1-channel loudspeaker sphere for ambisonic sound, along with a 32-capsule microphone that captures highly detailed audio environments. This technology is not only shaping music but also fields like virtual reality, data sonification, and interactive media.

The Future of Music Technology

Looking ahead, Cluett highlights the increasing interplay between AI, machine learning, and music composition. While some companies promote AI-generated melodies, he believes that truly expressive, human-driven composition remains essential. The role of technology, he argues, is not to replace human creativity but to enable new forms of expression. The CMC is at the forefront of this shift, experimenting with real-time audio processing, interactive performance systems, and embedded sensors that enhance live music experiences.

As music and technology continue to merge, Columbia’s Computer Music Center remains a key player in shaping the future of sound. Whether through pioneering hardware, software innovation, or fostering the next generation of creative minds, the center proves that music technology is not just about engineering—it’s about expression, accessibility, and the pursuit of artistic joy.

🎧 To hear the full conversation and get an inside look at the labs and studios, listen to the episode now and catch it on the YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtW.

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Columbia University Computer Music Center: https://cmc.music.columbia.edu/

The last piece of functional music created on the RCA Mark II Synthesizer (1998) | DJ Spooky vs. The Freight Elevator Quartet – File Under Futurism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KViFoylo2hQ

Podcast | The Future Of Music And Its Impact On Society And Humanity | With Seth Cluett and Scott Scheferman: https://itspmagazine.simplecast.com/episodes/the-future-of-music-and-its-impact-on-society-and-humanity-with-seth-cluett-and-shagghie

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The HIMSS Global Conference brings together healthcare professionals, technology providers, and industry leaders to discuss the most pressing challenges in healthcare. One of the key conversations this year focused on security, risk management, and the role of HITRUST in ensuring trust across the healthcare ecosystem.

HITRUST’s Expanding Role in Healthcare Security

Ryan Patrick, VP of Adoption at HITRUST, joined the discussion to share insights from the conference floor. One of the most striking takeaways was the sheer scale of engagement—attendance at HIMSS was at an all-time high, reflecting a growing focus on healthcare security and compliance. Organizations across the industry are looking for solutions that support innovation while maintaining security, and HITRUST is at the center of those conversations.

A common misconception about HITRUST is that it only provides a single, rigorous cybersecurity assessment. Patrick clarified that HITRUST now offers a tiered approach, including the E1 (entry-level), I1 (intermediate), and R2 (comprehensive) assessments, allowing organizations to align their security and compliance efforts with their level of maturity. The E1 assessment, in particular, has gained rapid adoption as organizations look for a scalable way to demonstrate security and compliance without the complexity of a full certification process.

The Role of HITRUST in Third-Party Risk Management

With interoperability becoming a priority in healthcare, third-party risk management is a growing concern. Many healthcare organizations work with hundreds—if not thousands—of vendors, and ensuring security across this extended network is critical. Patrick emphasized that HITRUST is not just a cybersecurity framework but a tool for managing third-party risk at scale. HITRUST assessments provide structured, standardized data that can be integrated into risk management platforms, allowing organizations to evaluate their vendors with greater efficiency and confidence.

As discussions around security and compliance continue, Patrick encourages healthcare organizations to educate themselves on the full range of HITRUST offerings. Whether an organization is starting its security journey or looking to optimize third-party risk management, HITRUST provides a structured path to achieving trust and resilience.

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Guest: Ryan Patrick, Vice President of Adoption at HITRUST | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-patrick-3699117a/

Hosts:

Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber] | On ITSPmagazine:  https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin

Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli

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Resources

Learn more and catch more stories from HIMSS 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/himss-2025-health-technology-and-cybersecurity-event-coverage-las-vegas

HITRUST 2025 Trust Report: https://itspm.ag/hitrusz49c

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