Unencrypted Chatter - ISC2 New Jersey Chapter Podcast

Recorded live at NJSECON 2026 as part of the Unencrypted Chatter Live Podcast Roadshow, hosts Joe Patti and Rich Mendoza sit down with Michael Geraghty for a conversation on cybersecurity, public service, and protecting New Jersey's digital future. Drawing from his extensive experience in government, law, and cybersecurity leadership, Michael shares insights on the evolving threat landscape, t...

In this episode, as part of our countdown to NJSECON 2026, we're revisiting memorable conversations from NJSECON 2025. Recorded live at NJ SECON 2025, host Joe Patti sits down with the team from Rainbow Secure to explore the meaning behind their unique approach to cybersecurity and their signature concept, "Color & Style." What do colors have to do with cybersecurity? More than y...

As part of our countdown to NJ SECON 2026, we're revisiting memorable conversations from NJSECON 2025. In this episode, recorded live at NJ SECON 2025, host Alex Velez sits down with Yolanda Baker, a cybersecurity veteran with more than 20 years of experience, to discuss the importance of wellness in a demanding profession. Yolanda shares how a workplace wellness program introduced her to yoga...

As part of our countdown to NJ SECON 2026, we're revisiting memorable conversations from NJSECON 2025. In this episode, host Joe Patti sits down with Podcast Committee member Claudia Hernandez to discuss their experiences with the Unencrypted Chatter podcast project, various volunteer initiatives within the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter, and the value of community involvement. Recorded live at NJ SE...

As we make our way towards NJSECON 2026, we're revisiting some of the memorable conversations from last year's conference. At Throwback Stop #1, host Joe Patti sits down with Dr. Erdal Ozkaya to discuss his NJSECON 2025 presentation, Hacking Humans . From the psychology behind cyber threats to stories and insights gathered throughout his career, Dr. Ozkaya shares why the human element rema...

Building an effective Information Security program requires more than a collection of tools, policies, and controls. It requires a clear strategy, strong governance, executive alignment, and a foundation that can scale as the business evolves. In this session, we are fortunate to be joined by two dynamic and thoughtful leaders ,  Juan Morales and Michael Lebiedzinski, who have built and led high-p...

Continuing our SECON 2025 throwback series, host Joe Patti sits down with Joseph Nunes, President of the ISACA New Jersey Chapter, during the conference. With both the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter and ISACA New Jersey chapters sponsoring SECON 2025, the conversation highlights the strong connection between the two communities and the many professionals who actively participate in both. Joe reflects on...

Warm up from the storms with this throwback episode as we revisit the live conversations hosted in person at SECON 2025 with Ken Fishkin, President of the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter with our host, Joe Patti. Recorded during the conference itself, this discussion captures the real-time energy of SECON 2025 as it was happening. Ken shares insights on the vision behind the event, the momentum building t...

In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter , hosts Richard Mendoza and Aneta Klepacka sit down with Wesley Reinhart, CMMC Program Director at Compass MSP, to break down the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC 2.0). Wes shares actionable insights for businesses preparing to meet Department of Defense (DoD) compliance standards — from scoping environments and mapping CUI data to executive b...

As Veterans Day approaches, we’re honored to feature a guest whose path reflects the discipline, service, and commitment that strengthen our cybersecurity community every day. In this episode, Tom Brennan shares how his early experiences in the U.S. Marine Corps shaped his attacker mindset, informed his approach to risk, and prepared him for a career focused on real-world defense and cyber resilie...

In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, host Joe Patti talks with Michelle Schaap, an attorney specializing in cybersecurity and privacy law. They discuss the evolving role of legal professionals in the cybersecurity landscape, the importance of vendor management and compliance, the challenges of data governance, and the necessity for effective communication between IT and legal teams. They also e...

In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter , host Aaron Kraus talks with Stan Mierzwa, Director of the Center for Cybersecurity at Kean University, about how education and mentorship are shaping the next generation of cyber talent. From classroom insights to real-world crisis management, Stan shares what it takes to build skilled, resilient cybersecurity professionals.

In this episode, Joe Patti sits down with Michael C. Redmond, an accomplished CISO, author, and international speaker, to explore her journey in cybersecurity leadership. Michael reflects on her unique path—from theater and teaching to military service and risk management—and the mentors who shaped her commitment to giving back. She shares insights from her global speaking engagements, her publish...

In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter , Aaron Kraus sits down with James McQuiggan, Security Awareness Advocate at KnowBe4 and featured speaker at SECON 2025 . James shares his journey into cybersecurity, from his engineering work at Siemens to becoming a passionate educator and thought leader in human risk management. They discuss why people aren’t the “weakest link,” the need for continuous awa...

In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter , cybersecurity entrepreneur Cheri Hotman shares her journey from corporate burnout to founding The Hotman Group , a cybersecurity consulting firm. After leaving a toxic work environment that affected her well-being, she pursued her passion for cybersecurity, starting solo before organically growing a team. Cheri emphasizes the importance of aligning work wit...

In this episode of Unencrypted Chatter, host Lindsay Pierre and co-host Joe Patti engage with Grace Chi, co-founder and CEO of Pulse Dive, to explore the multifaceted world of threat intelligence. Grace shares her insights on the importance of community engagement in cybersecurity, the collaborative nature of threat intelligence, and the role of AI as a force multiplier. The conversation also delv...

🎙️ Volunteer Chatter | Episode: Spotlight on Anicee Monfleury In this special International Women’s Day episode, Alex Velez sits down with Anicee Monfleury—Volunteer of the Year and a powerhouse in the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter. Anicee shares her journey, the impact of mentorship, and her leadership in the Senior Scam & Fraud Awareness initiative that’s reached hundreds across New Jersey. From p...

In this episode, Ken Fishkin, President of ISC2 NJ Chapter, chats with Pradeep Nerupati, a dedicated volunteer and cybersecurity professional. Pradeep shares his journey from India to the U.S., how networking helped him build a strong cybersecurity community before arriving, and his transition into the workforce. He discusses industry challenges, key skills for success, and his passion for mentori...

In this episode, hosts Aaron Kraus and Reggie Alford sit down with ISC2 New Jersey chapter members Alex Velez and Lindsay Pierre to explore how the chapter empowers its members preparing for the pivotal ISC2 CISSP exam. Discover practical study tips, essential exam prep materials, and proven test-taking strategies. We also dive into Alex and Lindsay’s unique journeys, uncovering scholarship opport...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Prabha Jha, a passionate Business Information Security Officer (BISO) dedicated to empowering women in cybersecurity and prioritizing health and wellbeing. Prabha shares the pivotal moments that sparked her interest in cybersecurity, including key events and individuals who influenced her career journey. Prabha opened up about her challenges as a woman i...

Join us for this very special episode recorded live at ISC 2 Security Congress 2024 in Las Vegas! We talk with May Brooks, ISC2 Board Member and speaker at the Congress. Her career has spanned from game hacker to GRC consultant, pen tester to security architect, and she shares insights from her unique and varied work history. She also shares with us the importance of being realistic when hiring an...

Episode 3 of Volunteer Chatter is a very special episode! We recorded live at ISC2 Security Congress 2024 in Las Vegas, where we were lucky enough to get some time with super NJ Chapter volunteer and 2024 ISC2 Volunteer Service Award recipient Jay Ferron. This conversation covered the evolution of computing and associated cyber risks, Jay’s volunteer work as the NJ Chapter has grown, and the impor...

In this episode, we talk with Sophia Kokolis about how regulatory changes in financial services led her into a career in cybersecurity. She shares insights about how to adapt to changing regulatory requirements and evolving cyber risks, how her experience as a woman in IT informs her approach to communicating security risk topics, and essential soft skills that cyber career seekers should be aware...

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Episode 2 of Volunteer Chatter features a conversation with Claudia Hernandez and Sammy Cordero from the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter. Guided by this year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping Our Future Together,” Claudia and Sammy share how their Hispanic roots inspire their volunteer work in cybersecurity. They discuss their pride in their heritage and how divers...

This segment explores Debbie's journey in cybersecurity, covering her inspiration for entering the field, the challenges she faced as a woman, and the essential skills for success. She also offers recommendations to make the industry more inclusive and shares a story demonstrating the impact of women's leadership in cybersecurity.