Azizi Podcast

#122 - John Caballero | Hacking the Human Mind – Cybersecurity, AI & Psychology

Can your mind be hacked? In this gripping episode of the Azizi Podcast, Samir Azizi sits down with cybersecurity veteran John Caballero – an expert with over two decades of experience securing IT/OT infrastructures and educating Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and even the Department of Defense. This conversation goes beyond firewalls and phishing—it dives deep into the human factor and the psychology behind modern cyber threats.

💡 From social engineering and zero trust frameworks to AI deepfakes, linguistic hacking, and the FOG model of behavioral manipulation, John shares how threat actors exploit language, emotion, and psychology to breach systems—and how we can fight back.

🚀 With an astonishing career spanning high-temp superconductors, LEO satellite development, and even a stint producing for Star Trek, John bridges the worlds of tech, defense, entertainment, and cybersecurity like few can.

🔐 Topics Covered:

What is Cyber-Psychology and why it matters

How hackers use language and psychology against us

Why Zero Trust is more than a buzzword—it’s a mindset

How AI is being weaponized through deepfakes & misinformation

Real-world stories of email security breakthroughs and business email compromises

The psychological tactics behind successful cyber attacks

How cybersecurity culture must shift—from leadership to front-line staff

Insights from working with the NSA, Space Shuttle comms, and sci-fi Hollywood

Tune in if you care about:
Cybersecurity | AI Ethics | Human Behavior | Digital Defense | Leadership | Deepfakes | Future of Work | Government & Military IT | Tech in Film

Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-caballero/

Mentioned in the episode: https://futuredude.com/ https://futuredude.com/news/projects/parallel-man/ Parallel Man: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DXaRZDMd70

Connect with Samir Azizi:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirazizi
X: https://x.com/adoublezi

🎧 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3FDd0dQi8vvTnQz5h5QwAz

#121 - How to Protect Your Business Online | Cybersecurity for Small Business | Ruth Aliu

I set down with Ruth Aliu - cybersecurity expert, tech consultant, and fellow board member at Cyber Security Global Alliance (CSGA). Ruth shares her powerful journey from Nigeria to Canada, her transition from IT support to cybersecurity specialization, and how small businesses can protect themselves in today's digital world. 

We dive deep into:

Ruth's immigration story 

How she built her career in cybersecurity

Cybersecurity essentials for small and medium businesses

The real dangers of phishing emails 

Password hygiene and how to avoid common mistakes 

Why small businesses are prime targets for hackers

How AI is reshaping cybersecurity (and what you must know!) 

Building a tech-enabled, secure business without feeling overwhelmed

This episode is a must-watch for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about cybersecurity basics, AI risks, and building strong digital defenses in 2025.

Connect with Ruth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthualiu/
Visit https://techityconsult.ca/

Connect with Samir Azizi:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirazizi
X: https://x.com/adoublezi

🎧 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3FDd0dQi8vvTnQz5h5QwAz

#120 - The Business of Belonging: Sabine MacDonald on Cultural Fluency

In this inspiring episode, Samir Azizi welcomes Sabine MacDonald, a globetrotting professional and the Founder & CEO of Nexa Avenue, a Toronto-based consultancy helping impact-driven leaders thrive across cultures.

Sabine shares her personal journey—from growing up in Germany to living and working in seven countries, ultimately landing in Canada. She opens up about the challenges of adapting to new cultural environments, the value of global perspectives, and why multicultural fluency is becoming essential for business success.

At Nexa Avenue, Sabine helps organizations boost international performance with data-driven strategy, multicultural insight, and leadership development. In this episode, she shares practical wisdom from years of living and working across borders—and explains how stepping out of your comfort zone can transform your life and career.

🌍 Whether you're an entrepreneur, team leader, or global citizen, this conversation will leave you motivated to lead with empathy and think beyond borders.

Connect with Sabine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabine-macdonald/
Visit Nexa Avenue website: https://nexaavenue.com/

Connect with Samir Azizi:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirazizi
X: https://x.com/adoublezi

🎧 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3FDd0dQi8vvTnQz5h5QwAz

#119 - Understanding Tokenomics: How Heisenberg Rewards Its Contributors | Mori Zihayat

In this powerful follow-up conversation, Samir Azizi sits down once again with Mori Zihayat, core contributor at Heisenberg Network, to unpack the inner workings of Heisenberg’s tokenomics and contributor economy.

They explore how contributors can earn rewards by offering up idle CPU power, how blockchain ensures fairness and transparency in decentralized AI, and why Heisenberg's mission goes far beyond hype.

Inside this episode:

- How uptime, referrals, and task execution impact contributor rewards

- Why blockchain is essential—not optional—for Heisenberg’s vision

- The multi-tier contributor model and dispatch logic

- Long-term vision for Heisenberg tokens, including governance and staking potential

- How AI-ready data is powering the future of intelligent agents

💡 Samir and Mori also break down what “data agents” actually do, why simplifying UX is critical in Web3, and what AI infrastructure looks like when it’s accessible, decentralized, and community-powered.

And yes—Heisenberg’s compute node rollout is happening on 4/20. Be ready.

Learn more about Heisenberg Network:
Website: https://www.heisenberg.so/
Join the Heisenberg Node Waitlist: https://www.heisenberg.so/heisenberg-...

Follow Mori Zihayat:
X: https://x.com/MoriZihayat
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morteza-zihayat

Follow Heisenberg Network:
X: https://x.com/HeisenbergNet
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heisenbergnet

Connect with Samir Azizi:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirazizi
X: https://x.com/adoublezi

🎧 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3FDd0dQi8vvTnQz5h5QwAz

👉 Subscribe for more AI, blockchain, and tech deep dives.

#118 - Decentralizing AI with Idle CPUs: Heisenberg Network & Data Agents | Mehdi Kargar

In this episode of the Azizi Podcast, Samir Azizi sits down with Dr. Mehdi Kargar, co-founder of Heisenberg Network, to dive deep into the most overlooked problem in AI today: AI-ready data.

You’ll learn:

Why 80% of AI projects are failing—and what Heisenberg is doing about it

How Data Agents transform raw, messy data into structured, contextual intelligence

Why CPUs, not GPUs, are the real heroes in AI data processing

How you can earn crypto just by running a lightweight node on your laptop

The future of decentralized compute and how it empowers a more open, censorship-resistant AI ecosystem

How Heisenberg cuts AI data costs by up to 70%

Dr. Kargar explains the origins of Heisenberg, how they went from Web3 predictive analytics to building the missing layer of AI, and why the network's infrastructure is powered by a decentralized network of idle CPUs from everyday users—just like you.

📡 This conversation is a must-watch if you’re into:

Decentralized AI

Building AI agents

Data infrastructure

Crypto & compute rewards

The next evolution of AI beyond LLMs

Join Heisenberg Network Node Waitlist:
https://www.heisenberg.so/heisenberg-node

Connect with Mehdi Kargar:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehdi-kargar/
X: https://x.com/mehdi_kargar

Follow Heisenberg Network:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heisenbergnet
X: https://x.com/HeisenbergNet

Connect with Samir Azizi:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirazizi/
X: https://twitter.com/AdoubleZI

🎧 Subscribe to the Azizi Podcast on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/3FDd0dQi8vvTnQz5h5QwAz

#117 - AI, Decentralization & The Future of Compute | Mori Zihayat, Heisenberg Network

In this episode of the Azizi Podcast, host Samir Azizi sits down with Mori Zihayat, a core contributor to Heisenberg Network (Heisenberg.so). They dive deep into the world of AI, decentralization, and the future of compute, covering topics like:

- Mori’s journey into AI, blockchain, and decentralized computing
- The problems facing AI projects today and why many struggle
- How AI depends on structured data and what most people get wrong
- Heisenberg Network's mission to revolutionize AI compute and data processing
- How anyone can contribute their unused CPU power and earn crypto

If you're interested in the future of AI, decentralized infrastructure, and how you can profit from the AI revolution, this episode is for you.

Learn more about Heisenberg Network:
Website: https://www.heisenberg.so/
Join the Heisenberg Node Waitlist: https://www.heisenberg.so/heisenberg-node

Follow Mori Zihayat:
X: https://x.com/MoriZihayat
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morteza-zihayat/

Follow Heisenberg Network:
X: https://x.com/HeisenbergNet
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heisenbergnet

Subscribe for more AI, blockchain, and tech deep dives.

 

#116 - Overcoming Objections & Building Success with Mike McFarthing

In this episode of the Azizi Podcast, Samir Azizi welcomes Mike McFarthing, Chief Commercial Officer at Terranova Aerospace and a globally experienced innovation specialist. Known for his expertise in turning big ideas into commercial successes, Mike dives deep into strategies for overcoming objections, building impactful brands, and leading with conviction in challenging environments.

Mike shares fascinating stories from his career, including helping inventors reframe challenges, pitching to tough investors, and navigating the complexities of industrial and technical markets. Learn how to manage team dynamics, use tactical empathy, and harness the power of storytelling to break through barriers and secure support for your vision.

This episode is packed with insights on leadership, innovation, and effective communication that can elevate your career or entrepreneurial journey.

Tune in now for actionable advice and inspiring stories from a global business leader!

👉 Subscribe for more inspiring episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@azizipodcast

Connect with Mike McFarthing: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-mcfarthing-41a849176/
Buy Mike's Book: https://a.co/d/almuy62

Connect with Samir Azizi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirazizi/
Follow Samir Azizi on X: https://twitter.com/AdoubleZI
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3FDd0dQi8vvTnQz5h5QwAz

#115 - Revolutionizing Health: Daniyar Abenov’s Journey from Oil & Gas to Postureletics Founder

In this episode of Azizi Podcast, host Samir Azizi welcomes Daniyar Abenov, co-founder of Postureletics, an innovative app that uses computer vision to improve posture and eliminate back and joint pain. Daniyar shares his inspiring journey from battling chronic back pain to becoming a global posture alignment specialist and tech entrepreneur.

💡 About Postureletics
Postureletics helps users identify posture imbalances using computer vision and creates custom exercise programs to correct them. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain or want to stand tall with confidence, this app is a game-changer for health and wellness!

💡 About Daniyar Abenov
Daniyar is a certified Posture Alignment Specialist and Movement & Mobility Coach with over six years of experience. He has helped 1,700+ clients across 20+ countries improve posture, eliminate pain, and enhance their lives. His journey from suffering debilitating back pain to founding Postureletics is a story of resilience, innovation, and passion for helping others.

💡 Key Highlights:

Daniyar’s shift from corporate life to health and tech innovation.
How Postureletics uses AI and computer vision for personalized posture therapy.
The importance of posture for confidence, health, and overall well-being.
Challenges and lessons learned in developing and launching a health-tech startup.
Vision for the future: making posture therapy accessible for all ages, starting with kids.
🔗 Explore Postureletics and Connect with Daniyar
📱 Download the App: https://apps.apple.com/kz/app/postureletics-back-pain-relief/id6670778038
🌐 Website: https://www.postureletics.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/postureletics
🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@postureletics
📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCED3b0istyNjHhCSJWsT9Uw
💼 Daniyar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniyar-abenov/

👉 Subscribe for more inspiring episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@azizipodcast

#114 - James Castle: Drones, Cyberattacks & Ransomware: The Dark Future of Warfare

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/czc4gCk2VtU

In this episode of Azizi Podcast, host Samir Azizi interviews James Castle, a multi-talented entrepreneur and thought leader in the fields of cybersecurity, defense technology, and drone innovation. James is the CEO and Founder of Cyber Security Global Alliance (CSGA), President and Co-Founder of CSR5 Global Incorporated, and CEO of Terranova Defense Solutions.

The discussion dives deep into the evolution of drone technology and its critical role in public safety, especially in collaboration with organizations like NATO and Transport Canada. James explains the growing risks in the cybersecurity landscape, particularly in how drones can be vulnerable to cyberattacks and the need for stronger defense measures. He also highlights his company's breakthrough efforts in fighting ransomware and securing critical data for governments, militaries, and industries around the globe.

The episode also uncovers insights on Canada's role in global drone innovation, the work being done in cybersecurity education, and a glimpse into a new anti-ransomware technology set to revolutionize the industry in 2025. James shares the importance of collaboration across sectors and how CSGA’s non-profit approach is driving impactful changes in cyber defense and technology solutions.

Don't miss this fascinating episode where James gives a glimpse into the future of cybersecurity and defense while addressing the pressing challenges we face today.

Cyber Security Global Alliance https://www.csga-global.org
CSR5 Global https://csr5-global.com/
Terranova Defense Solutions https://www.terranovadefense.com/
Connect with James Castle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescastleca/

Connect with Samir Azizi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirazizi/
Follow Samir Azizi on X: https://twitter.com/AdoubleZI
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3FDd0dQi8vvTnQz5h5QwAz

#113 - Julien Brault: How Hardbacon's Collapse Taught Me the Toughest Lessons in Fintech

Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/lQPHSJrvGCA

In this episode of Azizi Podcast, host Samir Azizi sits down with Julien Brault, founder of Hardbacon, to discuss the turbulent journey of launching a fintech startup and the challenges that ultimately led to the company's bankruptcy. Julien shares his candid reflections on the rise and fall of Hardbacon, a financial app that once served 400,000 Canadians, helping them make smarter financial decisions. He opens up about the emotional toll of losing his business, the impact of a devastating Google algorithm update, and the tough lessons learned from navigating the Canadian fintech market.

Despite the setback, Julien's optimism remains intact, as he explores new ventures and reflects on the future of entrepreneurship. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode provides a raw, unfiltered look at the realities of running a startup—from rapid growth to the challenges of pivoting and the lessons of failure. Tune in to gain insights on the startup ecosystem, mental resilience, and the evolving fintech landscape.

Subscribe to hear Julien’s take on the future of fintech at Global Fintech Insider: https://www.globalfintechinsider.com/
Connect with Julien on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julienbrault/

Topics Covered:

The rise and fall of Hardbacon
How Google updates can make or break startups
Mental health challenges after business failure
Key lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs in fintech
The future of fintech and entrepreneurship
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful interviews with industry leaders!

Connect with Samir Azizi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirazizi/
Follow Samir Azizi on X: https://twitter.com/AdoubleZI
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3FDd0dQi8vvTnQz5h5QwAz