Sophie Alcorn Podcast

Dr. Colin Ponce is a computational mathematician at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and his research interests include energy systems, network cybersecurity, decentralized computing, machine learning, and AI. Additionally, he has led or contributed to efforts focused on large-scale vulnerability analysis of power systems, robust decentralized computing for industrial control systems, and m...

Connor O'Brien is a Research & Policy Analyst at the Economic Innovation Group, where he focuses on immigration and innovation policy. He has written on these topics for City Journal, Newsweek, National Review, and on his personal Substack, Regions. He is a graduate of Rutgers University and the University of Chicago.  In this episode, you'll hear about: Discussion on the transformative power of h...

Based at Carnegie Mellon University's Silicon Valley campus, Sheryl Root is an Associate Professor in technical ventures. Sheryl develops curriculum and teaches courses that merge technology with entrepreneurship taking ideas to commercialization. She created a Master's degree in Technical ventures that has resulted in successful startup ventures. Outside of CMU, Sheryl is the owner of RootAnalysi...

Stephen Yale Loehr, a luminary in immigration law, shares his unexpected journey from international trade to finding his calling in the deeply human realm of immigration law. Join us as Stephen recounts his path to becoming a foremost expert and educator, weaving personal anecdotes with professional insights. At the heart of our conversation is the growing fascination with immigration law among st...

Matt Kirmayer has more than 30 years of experience in the emerging company and venture capital ecosystem, including numerous seed and venture financings for technology and life science companies. Matt represents emerging technology companies and the investors who fund them across a range of industries, including software, educational technology, digital media, social media, artificial intelligence...

Congressman Jerry McNerney, a former 16-year Congressman from California now serves as a Senior Policy Advisor at Pillsbury Winthrop, LLP where he is in the process of creating an AI trade association, The AI Trust Foundation. In Congress, McNerney focused on energy, technology and veterans' issues, was the author of the AI in Government Act, and was chair of the Congressional AI and Grid Innovati...

What drives someone to leave their home country and overcome immense challenges to achieve academic and professional success abroad? Join us as we chat with Angel Contreras Cruz. Angel is from Oaxaca, Mexico. He received his B.S. in Industrial Engineering (2004) and M.S. in Regional Development (2015) from the Oaxaca Institute of Technology. Angel moved to the United States in 2015 and recently ob...

Maria Varmazis is the host of T-Minus Space Daily Podcast, co-host of the Hacking Humans podcast, and a frequent guest on numerous technology and cybersecurity podcasts. She is an artist, podcaster, journalist, and content creator with over 15 years of experience in telling stories that engage and delight. She is always happy to geek out over space and cybersecurity, both professionally and person...

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the complex world of tech startup funding. This podcast delves into the intricacies of early-stage financing, from pre-seed to Series B rounds, offering invaluable insights for entrepreneurs and investors alike. In this episode, you'll hear about: The overview of funding stages in this current market environment: Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, and Series B Underst...

Jonathan Grode serves as the U.S. Practice Director and Managing Partner for Green and Spiegel. Jonathan has worked continuously in the U.S. business immigration law field since 1999 and has amassed considerable experience obtaining nonimmigrant and immigrant visas for new company start-ups, professional workers, artists and entertainers, athletes, physicians, and scientific researchers. In additi...

Join us as we delve into the world of cybersecurity and compliance with Ryan Bonner, helping startups navigate the complexities of federal contracts and grants.  In this episode, Ryan briefly discusses NIST and then dives into data stewardship as an asset  for early stage startups. He focuses particularly on those working with Controlled Unclassified Information, various types of government contra...

In this podcast episode, Kevin, the founder of Founders Network, shares his journey from an MBA graduate to creating a thriving peer mentorship organization for tech startup founders. Founders Network, established in 2011, supports 650 members across 25 chapters worldwide, focusing on connecting founders with support, capital, hosting retreats, and fostering a high-touch community. Kevin further r...

In our conversation with Representative McNerney, we explored the latest trends and challenges in the field of Artificial Intelligence and its policy implications. We touched on various pressing issues, such as employment displacement, social unrest, and public policy, which AI has the potential to transform. To address these concerns, Representative McNerney suggested tax benefits, government gra...

Explore the secrets of immigration law with Dan Berger, a partner at Curran, Berger & Kludt, and an immigration fellow at Cornell Law School. Learn how Dan's personal journey and professional experiences have shaped his approach to immigration issues, and how innovative ideas can still emerge amidst Congressional stalemates. Discover the fascinating initiatives he's spearheading at Cornell, includ...

What if the future of AI could mimic human consciousness? Sit down with us for an enlightening conversation with Steve Wood, a prominent US patent attorney who brings a unique blend of geology, electrical engineering, and space law expertise to the table. Learn how Steve's early passion for space evolved into a distinguished career in tech commercialization and entrepreneurship. Get expert insight...

Imagine pivoting from a culinary career to becoming a prominent immigration lawyer. That's exactly what Jason Susser did. From growing up with an esteemed immigration lawyer mother to making a dramatic career shift from the culinary arts to law, Jason's story is a testament to following one's true calling. We also discuss the critical role of community and mentorship in supporting founders navigat...

Can space debris trigger an international crisis? Join us as we uncover the intricate world of space law and policy with Daniel Porras, Corporate Counsel and Director of International Government and Regulatory Affairs at Rogue Space Systems. Daniel shares his expert insights on the escalating participation of private enterprises in space and the labyrinthine legal frameworks governing satellite op...

In this episode, we're joined by Michelle Hanlon, the Executive Director of the Air and Space Law Program at the University of Mississippi and co-founder of For All Moonkind, to discuss the burgeoning field of space law. Michelle offers a unique glimpse into the legal landscape governing our cosmic ambitions.  Learn about the challenges and implications of the current space treaties, the absence o...

Ever wondered how successful tech founders keep their mental game strong? Dr. Gena Gorlin, a clinical associate professor turned psychologist for ambitious innovators, joins us to share her unique journey and insights. We discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing our identities as founders, and the importance of identifying and leaning into our strengths. Gena brings a wealth of knowledge fr...

Unlock the secrets to successful transatlantic startup expansion with insights from Dan Glazer, the dynamic leader of the US Expansion Group at Wilson Sonsini's London office. Listen to Dan's personal narrative of moving from the US to the UK and his early love affair with London, as well as his instrumental role in initiatives like Tech Nation and the British American Project. Navigate the intric...

What if compassion and entrepreneurship could go hand in hand? Join us as we sit down with Fiona McEntee, an Irish immigrant and the managing attorney of McEntee Law Group, to explore how her journey to the United States shaped her career in immigration law. Fiona shares her inspiring path, from participating in an exchange program and studying law in Chicago to becoming a passionate advocate for...

What if you could be at the forefront of the next industrial revolution – this time, in space? Join us as we sit down with Chris Reichelt, the dynamic VP of Operations at Mach33 Financial Group, who seamlessly transitioned from an Air Force pilot flying missions to the Arctic Circle to becoming a leading investment strategist in the space sector. Chris's fascinating journey from an aspiring astron...

Discover the powerful intersection of law, technology, and entrepreneurship as we sit down with Roman Zelichenko, an ex-immigration attorney turned tech innovator. Roman's journey is nothing short of inspiring – from his early days in finance, finding a surprising passion for immigration law, to becoming a key player at Fragomen.  Learn how his experiences as an immigrant from Ukraine shaped his d...

What inspired a leading New York City immigration attorney to carve out a niche in the startup ecosystem? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Sam Newbold, whose passion for international human rights led him to the intersection of law and entrepreneurship. Discover how Sam turned his interest in humanitarian work into a thriving career, navigating the complexities of immigration law duri...

When immigration law expert Jonathan Grode stops by, we don't just talk policy – we dissect the very fabric of American innovation and its lifeblood: immigration. Jonathan brings to the table a wealth of knowledge, passionately delving into how entrepreneurs thrive in the U.S.'s unique culture of risk and resilience. Our conversation spans the critical role immigrants play in the nation's economic...