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PODCAST

K.O.’s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast

Astro Information Security

I started out wrapping burritos at Chipotle, dreaming of something bigger but not quite sure where to go. Over time, that drive to learn and grow led me into cybersecurity—an industry where the stakes are high and the stories are endlessly fascinating. K.O.’s Launchpad is my way of opening the door for anyone curious about how to break in, level up, and find purpose in a field that’s shaping our digital future. In every episode, we’ll chat with experts, share practical strategies, and explore the

technology careers

All Episodes

95:26

From Leading NASA Teams to CrowdStrike APT Detection:...

K.O.’s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast ·

2025/09/04

In this episode of K.O.'s Launchpad, we share the story of a professional who turned ambition into achievement.Kyle Mendoza serves today as a Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst at CrowdStrike, but his journey began with an intentional plan: study relentlessly, build the right network, and create a pathway into one of cybersecurity’s most selective domains. His approach reveals what’s truly required to break through. This episode offers a clear look into the discipline and strategies behind entering

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78:38

From Surf Shop Sales to Enterprise Sales Executive:...

K.O.’s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast ·

2025/08/28

In this episode of K.O.’s Launchpad, we highlight a career defined by persistence, resilience, and growth.The spotlight this week is on Forrest Bowden, who has spent nearly a decade in cybersecurity sales, rising from SDR to Enterprise Rep. Forrest shares what it takes to thrive in one of the toughest and most fast-paced roles in the industry, helping companies dodge disaster while building trust along the way. This episode uncovers the realities of climbing the sales ladder in cybersecurity, from

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01:29:24

Floral Designs, Firewalls, and Finding Her Place in...

K.O.’s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast ·

2025/08/21

In this episode of K.O.’s Launchpad, we dive into the remarkable story of a lifelong learner who turned curiosity into a thriving career.Mindy has done it all. From early jobs in horticulture and mechanics to earning her computer science degree at Georgia Tech and leading in cybersecurity at some of the world’s top companies. Her story is a masterclass in staying adaptable, embracing uncertainty, and redefining what success looks like. This episode is packed with lessons on persistence, career

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02:09:51

40+ Certs and 5 Degrees Later: Elyson De La Cruz’s...

K.O.’s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast ·

2025/08/14

In this episode of K.O.’s Launchpad, we showcase a remarkable career built on expertise, vision, and leadership.This week’s guest, Elyson De La Cruz, serves as the Chief Information Security Officer at Imagine Believe Realize, where he safeguards sensitive technology programs that impact missions across the globe. He has over two decades of experience in network, system, and cybersecurity engineering, Elyson has designed and managed communication systems spanning multiple continents. From

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01:39:38

From Jumping Out of Helicopters to Cisco Cyber...

K.O.’s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast ·

2025/08/07

In this episode of K.O.’s Launchpad, we highlight an extraordinary journey of discipline, expertise, and service.The focus of this week’s episode is Rob Gresham, a Principal Engineer in Cisco’s Security Business Group, whose 25+ year career spans digital forensics, threat intelligence, and SOC team development. From military service to industry leadership, Rob has shaped the evolution of cybersecurity across both public and private sectors. This episode talks about what it takes to become a trusted

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01:30:29

Driving Security at Scale: Dave Abbott’s Path to...

K.O.’s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast ·

2025/07/24

In this episode of K.O.'s Launchpad, we feature an inspiring journey of technical mastery, strategic thinking, and continuous growth.The highlight of this week's episode is Dave Abbott, a Cisco Security Engineering Leader who covers the company’s largest cybersecurity partners. Dave’s work at the intersection of cloud and networking security has led to significant improvements for clients across multiple industries. This episode dives deeply into what it takes to navigate complex technical

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01:27:45

From Building Defenders to Commanding Cyber Labs:...

K.O.’s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast ·

2025/07/17

In this episode of K.O.'s Launchpad, we share an inspiring journey of dedication, technical excellence, and global influence.The highlight of this week's episode is Ismael Valenzuela, Vice President of Labs at Arctic Wolf and one of the world’s leading voices in cybersecurity. With over 24 years of experience, Ismael has advised governments, critical infrastructure operators, and top corporations on defending against motivated threat actors. This episode dives deeply into what it takes to become a

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01:12:53

From Pro Wrestler to Pentester: Phillip Wylie’s Wild...

K.O.’s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast ·

2025/07/11

In this episode of K.O.'s Launchpad, we share an amazing journey of curiosity, dedication, and mastery.The highlight of this week's episode is Phillip Wylie, a respected offensive security professional and ethical hacker with over 21 years in cybersecurity. From system administrator to pentester, conference speaker, author, and educator, Phillip shares the mindset and practical steps that shaped his career in ethical hacking. This episode dives deeply into what it takes to excel in the offensive

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01:35:10

From Teaching to Threat Hunting: Alena...

K.O.’s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast ·

2025/07/04

In this episode of K.O.’s Launchpad, we share an inspiring journey of transformation, dedication, and growth.The highlight of this week's episode is Alena, who transformed her career from research and teaching to defending against cyber threats at State Farm. Her path demonstrates what is possible when you commit to growth and lean into new challenges with curiosity. This episode dives deeply into how to build technical capabilities from a non-traditional background, the value of continuous

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01:03:38

Built for Pressure: Lloyd Powell’s journey from...

K.O.’s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast ·

2025/06/17

In this episode of K.O.'s Launchpad, we share an amazing journey of perseverance, determination, and success.The highlight of this week's episode is a former varsity football player who earned one of LSU's most difficult degrees in computer science. Lloyd Powell, who is currently a NASA cybersecurity leader and the creative force behind the @pietales podcast, shares the secrets of thriving under duress and discovering your own rhythm for concentration. This episode dives deeply into what it takes

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01:29:00

From Zero to Hero: A Solutions Architect Mindset -...

K.O.’s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast ·

2025/05/29

Kyu Lee is a Cybersecurity Solutions Architect at Cisco, where she designs secure infrastructure and helps enterprises strengthen their defensive posture in an ever-evolving threat landscape. She holds an M.S. in Information Security Engineering from the prestigious SANS Institute of Technology, along with 12 GIAC certifications, a CISSP, and CompTIA Security+. Her technical foundation is rooted in hands-on experience—as both a SOC analyst and architect—giving hera rare perspective on both the

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48:11

Paralympian to Cyber Sales Expert - Faizal Hamdoon

K.O.’s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast ·

2025/05/14

About Faizal: Faizal Hamdoon is an accomplished sales and marketing professional known for his dynamic approach and relentless pursuit of excellence. A former Eagle Scout and US National Paralympic athlete, Faizal brings a unique blend of discipline, resilience, and a competitive edge to every endeavor. With over a decade of diverse experience in sales, he has built a reputation for driving exceptional growth through innovative strategic planning, sharp business acumen, and unparalleled leadership

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01:41:54

From Nuke Operator to Cybersecurity Expert: MIKE...

K.O.’s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast ·

2025/04/22

In this episode, I sit down with Mike McPhee, a principal solutions engineer at Cisco, to explore his expansive career in cybersecurity. We delve into his early experiences in the US Navy, his journey through multiple degrees and certifications, including the prestigious GIAC Security Expert, and the lessons he learned from challenging roles in the defense sector. Mike emphasizes the importance of combining passion with career goals, setting boundaries to avoid burnout, and the value of continuous

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01:28:52

SIMEON KAKPOVI's on a Mission to Make Cybersecurity...

K.O.’s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast ·

2025/03/31

In this episode of K.O.'s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast, we dive into the inspiring journey of Simeon Kakpovi, the founder of the KC7 Foundation and a senior threat intelligence analyst at Microsoft. We discuss his transition from a network defender at Lockheed Martin to shaping a more inclusive future in cybersecurity through his nonprofit organization. Kakpovi shares his vision for breaking barriers in the industry, the importance of mentorship, and making cybersecurity accessible. We also explore

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01:14:56

JIBBY SAETANG’s Unconventional Path: From Watchmaker...

K.O.’s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast ·

2025/03/24

In this episode of K.O.'s Launchpad, we explore the extraordinary journey of Jibby Saetang, who transitioned from repairing watches to becoming a security researcher on Microsoft's GHOST team. Jibby shares his path from working in a family jewelry business to joining the cybersecurity industry, with no formal IT background. We delve into his experiences with the KC7 cyber detective game, which not only taught him cybersecurity skills but changed his way of thinking. Learn how Jibby navigated

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15 results

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