Disruption Now

On this episode 191 of the Disruption Now podcast: What happens when an algorithm knows more about your health than your doctor ever will? When AI can process threats faster than any human operator? When China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are probing our systems 24/7? Dr. Richard Harknett has spent 30+ years answering these questions at the highest levels. As the first Scholar-in-Residence at US...

Dr. Kelly Cohen is a Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Cincinnati and a leading authority in explainable, certifiable AI systems. With more than 31 years of experience in artificial intelligence, his research focuses on fuzzy logic, safety-critical systems, and responsible AI deployment in aerospace and autonomous environments. His lab’s work has received international recogn...

Bitcoin and blockchain are reshaping money, trust, and the future of AI.  In Episode 189 of the Disruption Now Podcast, Rob Richardson sits down with Andrew Burchwell, Executive Director of the Ohio Blockchain Council, to break down why blockchain matters more than ever—and why understanding it now is critical for anyone navigating the next decade of technology. This conversation dives into Bitcoi...

Most people run from government bureaucracy. Pavan Parikh ran toward it—and decided to rewrite the system from the inside. He believes public service should move like a startup: fast, transparent, and built around people, not process. But when tradition, power, and red tape pushed back, he didn’t fold—he went to the statehouse to fight for reform. So how do you disrupt a 200-year-old system that w...

In this episode 187 of the Disruption Now Podcast, we sit down with Benjamin Ko, the CEO of Kaleidoscope Innovation, a firm leading the way in human-centered design and engineering — especially in healthcare. From developing wearable technologies for spinal cord injury patients to crafting surgical tools built around human ergonomics, Ben and his team are proving that empathy is a competitive adva...

What does it take to lead digital transformation when fear, culture, and AI disruption collide? 🎓 In this deep-dive, Bharath Prabhakaran — award-winning VP & Chief Digital Officer at the University of Cincinnati — shares how he’s driving innovation with empathy, influence, and UC’s groundbreaking Bearcat GPT. 👉 You’ll learn: -Why every AI solution must be 10x better to overcome resistance -H...

Most artists get left behind in tech—but not Kaila Love. Once a homeless teen sleeping in her car, Kaila became a UC Berkeley grad, hip-hop artist, and founder of KailaLove.ai—a pioneering AI education company blending music, automation, and empowerment. Known as The AI Homegirl, she teaches creatives how to protect their IP, grow fanbases with AI, and own their digital destiny. Timestamps: 00:00...

She’s not waiting for permission. Flavilla Fon gang went from the ghettos of Paris to building Black Rise—one of the UK’s boldest tech tribes. She’s mixing identity, data, and storytelling to scale Black power through business. In this episode: -Why storytelling beats pitching in tech -How she turned oil & gas into a launchpad -Her strategy for building community-first platforms -Why AI is non...

She was told she wasn't tall enough, thin enough, pretty enough. Now she’s rewriting the rules of beauty for everyone else. In this episode 183 of the Disruption Now Podcast, Sian Bitner-Kearney , founder of Rock Your Beauty, reveals how perfectionism, filters, and social media lies damage self-worth—and what it takes to break free. Her nonprofit is helping women embrace their authentic selves, on...

Laid off or lost in the noise? You’re not alone. Episode 182: Nicole Dunbar—Cornell -trained strategist and viral LinkedIn voice—joins Disruption Now to dissect the “white collar recession.” From AI displacement to hiring freezes, she breaks down how even top-tier pros are invisible in today’s job market. Learn: 6 proven job search strategies (only 1 involves job boards) -Why resumes alone fail—an...

In this episode of the Disruption Now Podcast , host Rob Richardson sits down with Jacob D. Frankel (Kobi ), the visionary Founder and CEO of Beyond Alpha Ventures . Jacob shares his journey from managing over $355 million in assets on Wall Street to leading a multi-strategy family office and hedge fund that invests in transformative technologies like AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. He d...

Eric Brown Jr . is the founder of ELVTE Coaching and Consulting and a Generative AI innovation lead at Microsoft. In this powerful conversation with Rob Richardson, he unpacks how early adversity became fuel for legacy. From mentoring underserved youth to helping enterprise teams align tech with purpose, Eric proves that impact isn’t just about innovation — it’s about elevation. Disruption Now Epi...

"I went from door-to-door sales to closing million-dollar tech deals — but the real secret? Asking boldly. Watch [12:33] to hear how Jarrett Albritton turned Clubhouse conversations into 80,000 followers and landed 40+ recruiters on stage. Spoiler: His AI platform is changing how careers are built!" -Why are tech sales misunderstood (and why are they not what you think)? -The biggest misconception...

In this episode of the Disruption Now podcast, host Rob Richardson engages in a dynamic conversation with Seema Alexander, a seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist. They delve into Seema's rich background, from her upbringing in an entrepreneurial immigrant family to her current roles as co-founder of Virgent AI and DC Startup & Tech Week. The discussion traverses the evolution of entre...

In this episode of the Disruption Now Podcast, host Rob Richardson sits down with Rachel Desrochers , the founder of Gratitude Collective and a passionate advocate for gratitude, entrepreneurship, and community building. Rachel shares her journey of turning a simple idea into a thriving business while fostering a culture of kindness and connection. She discusses the power of gratitude in both pers...

In this episode of Disruption Now, Tremain Davis shares forward-thinking insights on how innovation is upending traditional business models and reshaping entire industries.  Here are three things you can learn from this episode: Adaptive Leadership: Davis disrupts conventional norms by staying agile, empowering his team, and constantly reevaluating strategies to drive transformation. Leveraging Di...

Today's Disruption Now episode is with LaMar "The Coutureman "Wright. He is a trailblazer in curated lifestyle expertise and image consulting through his business, The Coutureman LLC. As a disruptor in his field, he challenges traditional notions of style and personal branding, helping individuals cultivate an elevated sense of confidence and self-expression through fashion, grooming, and lifestyl...

LEARN about Erin Reddick 's inspiring AI journey. She is the creator of ChatBlackGPT Beta, a platform advancing equity in AI. Erin shares how her unique upbringing as a Black woman adopted by a white father shaped her views on race, identity, and belonging. She discusses her transition from being laid off at Meta to becoming a trailblazer in ethical AI. The conversation dives deep into the challen...

Disruption Now: Building a Fair Share for Culture and Media. Join us and disrupt!  Today, we welcome the two most respected and innovative leaders to the Disruption Now Podcast. Joe and Dwain, despite their demanding schedules, have graciously made time to be DISRUPTIVE with us in this digital age.  Joe and Dwain's impressive careers have led them to co-found Dream Exchange, a groundbreaking platf...

Cyrus Harbin is the founder and host of the popular podcast "Tech is the New Black." He is a prominent figure in the tech community, known for empowering, educating, and entertaining his audience on leveraging the tech industry to enhance their lives. Through his podcast, Cyrus interviews industry leaders, tech influencers, and successful entrepreneurs, offering insights and practical advice on ho...

John Hope Bryant is a prominent entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist known for his economic empowerment and financial literacy work. He founded Operation HOPE in 1992 following the Rodney King Riots in Los Angeles, with a mission to provide economic education and resources to underserved communities. Since its inception, Operation HOPE has served over 4 million individuals and directed nearly...

Step into the digital arena with John Cavanaugh, a renowned digital privacy and safety expert, on this episode of "Encrypting Freedom." Uncover the hidden pitfalls in your digital practices and learn how to fortify your data against the encroaching eyes of AI technologies. John doesn't just outline the problems; he arms you with robust, actionable strategies to take control of your digital identit...

Join Rob Richardson on this episode of Disruption Now as he sits down with Adam Kahn, Chief Creative Director at Grey Midwest, for a riveting discussion on artificial intelligence and its impact on the creative world. Together, they unpack whether AI is a looming threat or a transformative catalyst for creators. In this episode: Discover the Revolutionary Tools: Learn about the innovative AI techn...

In this episode of "Disruption Now," I interview entrepreneur Pete Blackshaw, who shares his pioneering journey of using AI to protect brands. Blackshaw discusses how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the industry, providing a glimpse into the future and practical insights on how businesses can harness this technology for brand protection. He highlights the necessity for companies to adap...

John Johnson is the founder of a small studio. He works with Niantic Labs, which brought us Pokemon Go. Learn how he launched a multi-million dollar design studio and shifted his career from architect to entrepreneur. We also delve into his recent scare with cancer and how it has shaped his perspective as a father and business owner.  Things to Learn:  - How faith guides his entrepreneurial experi...