Techstrong Gang

Techstrong Gang - 3/6/2026

Mike Vizard, Jon Swartz, Tracy Ragan and Jack Poller dive into the state of open source software security in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) before delving into why OpenAI is looking to replace GitHub with its own repository.
Then the gang takes a look at a Tech Corp initiative launched by the U.S. government that seeks to promote the adoption of U.S. technology around the world.

Techstrong Gang - 3/5/2026

Alan Shimel, Mike Vizard, Jon Swartz, Fred Wilmot, Anne Ahola Ward and Gina Rosenthal dive into a pair of reports that, despite advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, suggest most IT and cybersecurity professionals remain highly stressed.Then the gang delves into a report finding that the pace of data center construction might be slowing before discussing the continuing reliance on AI washing to justify layoffs.

Techstrong Gang - 3/4/2026

Alan Shimel, Mike Vizard, Jon Swartz, Mitch Ashley, Teri Robinson and Andi Mann dive into the latest episode of the artificial intelligence soap opera drama involving OpenAI and Anthropic before delving into how scammers are inserting phone numbers into AI overviews to dupe the unwary.Then the gang takes a look at the latest networking innovations unveiled this week at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) show.

Techstrong Gang - 3/3/2026

In TSG Ep. 1031, Alan Shimel, Mike Vizard, Chris Blask, Kate Scarcella and Sid Nag revisit OpenClaw and examine the cybersecurity implications of general-purpose AI agents operating locally despite documented flaws.
The panel also discusses how AI tools were reportedly used to help facilitate a cyberattack against the Mexican government, raising broader questions about misuse, guardrails and AI as a force multiplier in cyber operations.
Finally, the conversation turns to workforce impact. As automation reshapes software development, what does the rise of AI mean for junior application developers and the long-term talent pipeline?
From agent security to AI-enabled cybercrime to developer workforce disruption, this episode explores the expanding impact of artificial intelligence.
 

Techstrong Gang - 3/2/2026

In TSG Ep. 1030, Alan Shimel, Garima Bajpai, Stephen Foskett, JP Morgenthal and Mike Vizard examine three major developments shaping the global technology landscape.
First, the panel explores Iran’s evolving cyber posture and how asymmetric leverage increasingly centers on enterprise networks and critical infrastructure.
Next, they break down OpenAI’s Pentagon deal and the broader implications of federal AI procurement, competitive dynamics among frontier AI labs and governance oversight.
Finally, the conversation turns to portable anti-drone systems and the growing convergence of physical and digital security.
From cyber operations to AI policy to counter-UAV technology, this episode examines how software, infrastructure and national strategy are becoming tightly interconnected.

Techstrong Gang - 2/27/2025

Alan Shimel, Jon Swartz, Tracy Ragan, Jack Poller and Wickey Wang dive into the latest developments in the standoff between Anthropic and the Pentagon.
Then the gang takes a look at how artificial intelligence (AI) agents are about to transform the way we work and the way software is developed, following updates from ServiceNow and Cursor.

Techstrong Gang - 2/26/2025

On today’s Techstrong Gang, Mike Vizard, Jon Swartz, Fred Wilmot and Gina Rosenthal examine the controversy surrounding AI safety after Anthropic reportedly softened its guardrails under pressure tied to U.S. military interests.
What does this signal about the intersection of national security and AI governance?
The discussion then turns to a claim that AI service providers could be required to build or fund their own energy systems to support surging compute demand. As electricity use climbs, who should bear the cost of powering the AI boom?
Finally, the gang explores an apparent effort by the Trump administration to persuade governments, particularly in Europe, not to exclude U.S.-based technology companies from digital sovereignty initiatives.
From military alignment to energy infrastructure to global lobbying, this episode examines the evolving power structure behind AI.
 
 

Techstrong Gang - 2/25/2025

Are AI agents about to wipe out entire categories of software providers?
On today’s Techstrong Gang, Alan Shimel, Mike Vizard, Jon Swartz, Teri Robinson and Jack Poller examine the growing wave of speculation predicting the collapse of traditional application providers in the age of agentic AI.
If AI agents can autonomously execute workflows and generate software on demand, what happens to SaaS vendors and legacy application models?
The conversation then shifts to the broader economic impact. Could AI-driven efficiency create productivity gains that traditional metrics fail to capture, or does it introduce new systemic risks to growth and labor markets?
Finally, the gang explores the funding impasse surrounding the Department of Homeland Security and its effect on the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. What does uncertainty around DHS funding mean for national cyber defense and critical infrastructure protection?
From AI disruption to economic uncertainty to cybersecurity funding pressure, this episode connects the structural risks shaping the next phase of technology.
 

Techstrong Gang - 2/24/2025

Alan Shimel, Mike Vizard, Mitch Ashley, Chris Blask, Kate Scarcella and Sid Nag dive into the politics of artificial intelligence (AI) following a pledge to promote innovation that 88 countries have signed, before delving into the identity management issues that will arise as more AI agents are deployed.
Then the gang pays a visit to Gastown, a new approach to building software in Kubernetes environments that relies on an ability to orchestrate multiple AI agents.

Techstrong Gang - 2/23/2025

Are technology providers responsible for reporting potential criminal activity on their platforms?
On today’s Techstrong Gang, Alan Shimel, Mike Vizard, Stephen Foskett, and Garima Bajpai examine whether companies such as Apple and OpenAI are culpable for failing to alert authorities about potential crimes, including child exploitation material or violent intent.
The conversation explores the legal and ethical boundaries of platform responsibility and the limits of corporate oversight.
The gang then analyzes a US effort to create a portal for posting content banned in Europe, raising questions about digital sovereignty and cross-border governance.
Finally, the discussion turns to AI economics. Is artificial intelligence generating meaningful return on investment for most businesses, or is the hype outpacing measurable results?
From liability to regulation to ROI, this episode examines the accountability gap in modern technology.