In this CyberSound episode, we explore how fractional CFOs are transforming financial strategy for technology and cybersecurity companies. Jason Pufahl and Michael Grande speak with Steve Bernet, Partner at Fintelos, about why growing tech organizations benefit from strategic finance earlier than they realize.

The conversation dives into the rise of fractional CFO services, data-driven decision making, capital markets trends, financial planning for IT and cybersecurity providers, and how AI is reshaping modern finance. This episode offers practical insight for leaders looking to scale responsibly, strengthen financial operations, and navigate today’s rapidly changing business landscape.

In this episode of CyberSound, Jason Pufahl is joined by Michael Grande, Steve Maresca, and special guest Eric Levesque, owner of EDL Creative. They explore how AI tools are changing audio and video production, including streamlining workflows, improving sound quality, and enhancing storytelling and creativity. Hear firsthand how AI helps creators work smarter while staying authentic, and learn about the team’s recent experiment with a fully AI-generated podcast.

OpenAI’s Sora 2 is taking video generation to a new level, making synthetic video nearly indistinguishable from reality. In this episode of CyberSound, Jason Pufahl and Steve Maresca explore how tools like Sora 2 could enable deepfake scams, social engineering, and large-scale disinformation.

The conversation also covers how businesses can verify content authenticity, protect executive identities, and prepare for an era where seeing is no longer believing.

Cybersecurity is a high-stress, high-demand profession, but what about the impact it has on your health? In this week’s episode of CyberSound, Jason Pufahl, Dan Kaupp, and Lou Ardolino talk with Anthony Mini, President & CISO of Pearl Technologies and author of Hack Your Health: An Algorithm to Better Energy.

From managing stress to overcoming gym intimidation, the conversation explores where health, discipline, and technology meet. For those spending long hours behind a screen, this episode offers a fresh perspective on building energy, staying balanced, and taking care of yourself while taking care of business.

AI isn’t just changing the game — it’s rewriting the rules. On this episode of CyberSound, Jason Pufahl and Michael Grande are joined by Rick Gouveia, CEO of SellBigger, for a candid conversation on the future of agentic AI. From automating complex decisions to reshaping how companies compete, they break down what’s hype, what’s real, and how leaders can harness AI to drive growth while managing risk. Whether you’re curious about the next wave of AI-driven business strategy or wondering how to prepare your organization, this episode delivers insights you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of CyberSound, Jason Pufahl and Steve Maresca sit down with Greg Otto, Editor-in-Chief of CyberScoop, to talk about cutting through the noise in cybersecurity journalism. From resisting sensational headlines to ensuring stories are grounded in fact, Greg shares how his team covers breaches, vulnerabilities, and policy developments in ways that help the cybersecurity community, not scare them. They discuss the role of AI in reporting, the dangers of misinformation, and why transparency from incident victims can raise the bar for security across industries.

What does it take to turn a post-industrial city into an AI-ready innovation hub? In this episode of CyberSound, we’re joined by Jeff Auker, Director of Development Services for the City of Hartford, to talk about how the city is reshaping its future, one workforce investment at a time.

From transforming a decaying facility into a collaborative AI center to designing programs that bring tech training to underserved communities, Jeff shares Hartford’s bold vision for inclusion, development, and digital opportunity. Plus, hear how public-private partnerships, workforce programs, and even synthetic data could shape the future of AI governance and safety testing in Connecticut.

Colleges and universities face unique cybersecurity challenges, especially when IT is decentralized. In this CyberSound episode, Eric Baumgart, Director of Cybersecurity at Columbia University, shares how his team manages risk across a complex academic environment. From handling shadow IT and enclave networks to building trust across departments (sometimes with cookies), Eric offers practical insight into governance, compliance, and securing diverse user groups in higher ed.

In this episode of CyberSound, Connecticut’s Chief Manufacturing Officer Paul Lavoie joins Jason Pufahl, Steve Maresca, and Michael Grande to discuss the urgent need for cybersecurity adoption among manufacturers. They explore the state’s approach to workforce development and the critical role of innovation in maintaining a competitive edge. From new funding initiatives supporting CMMC certification to K–12 STEM engagement through FIRST Robotics, and preparing workers for AI-integrated production environments, Paul shares how Connecticut is helping manufacturers modernize, train talent, and build long-term resilience in a rapidly evolving industry.

In this episode of CyberSound, Jason Pufahl and Steve Maresca sit down with John Madura, Technology Education Chair at The Morgan School, to explore how cybersecurity is being taught (or overlooked) in high schools. They dive into why students often see digital behavior differently from real-world ethics, how hands-on learning can close that gap, and the growing interest in courses like data science and cybersecurity. With real stories from the classroom and insight into student motivations, this episode sheds light on the importance of building digital citizenship from the ground up.