That Tech Pod

• The New Security Layer: AI Governance with Walter Haydock

  In this episode, Laura and Kevin chat with Walter Haydock, whose path from Marine intelligence to Capitol Hill to AI governance gives him a rare view of what “security” actually means in the age of AI and generative models. Walter talks about why he thinks governance is becoming the next real defense layer, and how to sort actual AI risks from the odd glitches everyone loves to talk about. He breaks down common myths he hears from non-tech folks, what recent cloud outages say about the shortcuts companies take, and whether the latest hospital ransomware attacks signal a true AI-driven threat wave or just better marketing from bad actors. We also get into the personal side: what feels high-stakes after years in national security, and which unexpected habits from that world turned out to be useful in tech. Walter closes by looking ahead at what might trigger the first serious AI crackdown in the U.S. and whether a federal AI law is finally on the horizon. It’s a grounded, candid look at where the field is headed from someone who’s seen the stakes up close.Walter Haydock is the Founder and CEO of StackAware, where he helps AI-driven companies handle cybersecurity, privacy, and compliance risk. He’s one of the leading voices on ISO 42001 and has guided organizations through the audit process as AI governance becomes a core part of security. Before building StackAware, Walter worked in national security as a staff member on the House Homeland Security Committee, an analyst at the National Counterterrorism Center, and a Marine Corps intelligence officer. He’s a graduate of the Naval Academy, Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service, and Harvard Business School.

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• Post-Thanksgiving Leftovers: a Smorgasbord of Random Topics with Laura and Kevin

  This week’s post-Thanksgiving episode is a full smorgasbord of random stories, internet rabbit holes, and tech-adjacent tangents. Laura and Kevin skip the usual guest and run through a pile of listener-requested topics. They start with the viral Tinder profile of a man who openly admitted to abusing women yet pulled in more than 800 matches, which leads them into the strange world of dating-while-incarcerated sites. From there, they jump to Japan’s businesses that help people legally disappear without a trace, and how that even works in a world where everything leaves a digital footprint. Things keep escalating, including a true story about a man who robbed a bank to get away from his wife, only to be sentenced to house arrest. It’s messy and funny and they somehow still land the plane with a tech angle at the end. Perfect listening if you want something light but still genuinely interesting after the holiday.

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• Crypto’s Dirty Secret: It’s Not the Tech, It’s the Tax Code with Janna Scott

  This week on the pod, Laura and Kevin sit down with Janna Scott, founder of DeFi Tax, to unpack one of crypto’s most confusing and controversial topics: taxes. Janna shares how she went from frustrated accountant to tech founder after realizing how broken the crypto tax ecosystem was. She explains why the IRS treats digital assets differently than stocks, how compliance rules can border on entrapment, and what it will take for fairer regulation to emerge. We talk about the darker side of crypto: market manipulation, whales, and whether regulation is actually working or just pushing bad behavior further underground. Through it all, Janna brings a mix of technical insight and practical insight, reminding us that the hardest part of crypto isn’t the technology, it’s the system built around it. Between murky IRS rules and hidden market forces, it’s easy to understand why so many investors feel lost or opt out. But as Janna makes clear, accountability isn't out of reach. You just have to do the math. Janna Scott is the founder of DeFi Tax, a platform bringing clarity and compliance to cryptocurrency tax reporting. Her journey began in 2021 after her accounting clients raised concerns about unreliable crypto tax tools. Over the next two years, Janna collaborated with the SEC, IRS, and top universities to identify and fix major compliance gaps. Her work set new standards in the field and earned recognition from regulators and academics. Today, DeFi Tax is known for its audit-ready reports, direct blockchain integration, and user-focused design. Janna’s mission is to help individuals and businesses navigate crypto taxes with confidence and transparency.

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• Outsourcing Judgment: How Far Is Too Far? with Ashwin Mehta

  In this episode, Dr. Ashwin Mehta joins us to talk about how AI is quietly changing the way we think, learn, and make decisions. Drawing from his global career in pharma, government, and consulting, from building digital learning systems in West Africa to leading AI strategy at Bayer — Ashwin shares why he’s dedicated his work to keeping the “human” at the center of technology.We explore how trust in AI can evolve from confidence to dependency, what “agentic AI” really means for the future of work, and the mental habits we risk losing as machines start thinking for us. Ashwin also reflects on what he still refuses to let AI handle, and why maintaining human judgment may be the ultimate competitive edge in an increasingly automated world.Dr. Ashwin Mehta helps organizations adopt AI in ways that put people first. With a PhD in digital learning adoption and over 20 years across pharma, government, consulting, and international health, he focuses on the intersection of technology, human capital, and transformation. His experience includes leading AI-enabled learning at Bayer, advising enterprises and governments at Deloitte, and building digital training systems in West Africa during crises.As founder of Mehtadology, Ashwin designs AI strategies that align technology with human potential, covering topics from large language models to intelligent automation while addressing readiness, infrastructure, and culture. His research and writing offer insights on adaptive learning, AI ROI, and the cognitive impacts of delegating decisions to machines.

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• The Human Side of Automation - Learning to Trust the Machines with Shay Howe

  In this episode of That Tech Pod, we get into the next industrial revolution,  Industry 5.0, where technology and people work together instead of competing for the same space. Shay Howe, Chief Strategy Officer at ActiveCampaign, joins us to unpack how automation is evolving from efficiency-driven systems to human-centered collaboration.We explore how the relationship between humans and machines is shifting from replacement to augmentation, and what that means for marketers, entrepreneurs, and the future of work. Shay shares real examples of automation that make marketing more personal, not less, and explains why technologies that enable creativity, empathy, and ethics will define the next era of innovation. The conversation covers everything from data transparency and responsible AI to how automation might create entirely new industries, just like cars once did for roads, dealerships, and repair shops. Along the way, Shay draws lessons from The E-Myth and The Innovator’s Dilemma to remind us that disruption always brings opportunity. The big takeaway? Industry 5.0 isn’t about replacing humans, it’s about empowering them. When used thoughtfully, automation can give people more time to focus on creativity, connection, and strategy. The future of marketing belongs to those who design technology that amplifies human potential.Shay Howe is the Chief Strategy Officer at ActiveCampaign, where he drives the company’s corporate strategy, new product lines, corporate development, and strategic partnerships. He has previously held leadership positions across marketing, product, and design, and his product-led growth approach has helped scale the company into a global tech unicorn. Prior to ActiveCampaign, Shay was Vice President of Product at Belly and Yello, where he was responsible for product strategy and design. He previously led product teams at multiple high-growth companies, including Groupon, and has held in-residence roles as an advisor with Techstars, Lightbank, and Prota Venture portfolios. Shay’s passion for building teams extends outside of work, as he also serves as a mentor with Techstars and LongJump Ventures.

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