🎙️ Episode Summary

🎸 Guest: Dave McCarty, guitarist
🎙️ Hosts: Brian "Pops" and Steele
🎧 Show: The Wired Garage with Pops

In this follow-up conversation with guitarist Dave McCarty, *The Wired Garage with Pops* shifts from gear talk to the deeper story — what it really means to keep music alive across decades of real life. Dave opens up about balancing gigging with family, how his relationship with the guitar has matured emotionally, and why playing in a band at 55 is less about ego and more about belonging. From going on the road at 18 to nearly quitting and buying all his gear back two weeks later, Dave's story is a relatable, honest look at music as a lifelong identity — not just a hobby.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Music doesn't retire — you adapt it. Dave has been playing since 13, and rather than quitting, he's continuously adjusted how music fits into his life around work and family.
• A supportive partner makes all the difference. Dave credits his wife of 31 years as the reason he's still playing — her patience and understanding gave him the freedom to continue.
• The people you play with shape who you become. Older bandmates on the road at 18 kept Dave grounded and away from bad decisions — a lesson in the power of musical mentorship.
• Ego fades, band chemistry grows. In your 20s it's about standing out; in your 50s it's about how well the whole band sounds together.
• Just do it — life's too short. Dave's direct advice to anyone thinking about dusting off their instrument: if it brings you joy without wrecking your life, plug back in.
• The younger generation of live musicians is disappearing. Both Dave and Brian observe that the local music scene is aging out, with fewer young players stepping up to fill venues — a broader cultural concern.
• Music as a mental anchor. Whether it's gigging twice a month or jamming in a home studio, music keeps you moving forward — especially important heading into retirement years.

📝 Show Notes

Dave McCarty returns to *The Wired Garage with Pops* for part two of his conversation with hosts Brian ("Pops") and Steele. This episode goes beyond the gear and into the heart of what keeps a musician playing through the seasons of life.

Dave shares stories from his earliest days — hitting the road at 18 with older bandmates who became mentors — to the present, where he's still gigging a couple times a month at 55 with bandmates in their 60s. He talks candidly about nearly quitting, selling all his gear, and buying it all back within weeks.

The conversation also touches on passing music down to the next generation, the challenge of getting kids interested in live music today, the shift from 80s shredding to 90s groove-based playing, and why Iron Maiden fans will absolutely call you out if you improvise a solo.

Whether you're a weekend warrior musician, a lapsed player, or just someone who loves honest conversation about life and identity — this one's for you.

🔑 Keywords guitarist lifestyle, adult musician, keeping music alive, hobby musician, band life, music and family, aging musician, Dayton Ohio music scene, cover bands, Iron Maiden tribute, local live music, music mentorship, balancing music and work, returning to music, music identity, gigging at 50, home studio, 90s music, 80s guitar, in-ear monitors, wired garage podcast

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"Something Big Is Happening" — AI: Fear, Opportunity & Your Career
The Wired Garage With Pops | Hosts: Brian ("Pops"), Steele & Toby

The crew reacts to Matt Schumer's viral article "Something Big Is Happening," dissecting AI's real-world impact through the lens of IT professionals who've lived through every major tech wave — from CNC machines to cloud to containers. The episode runs in two halves: Fear and Opportunity, with raw, honest stories from the trenches.

Part 1 – Fear: The hosts tackle the uncomfortable reality that AI can now do in seconds what used to take skilled workers hours. They discuss job displacement, government unpreparedness, AI security risks (cyberattacks on water/power grids), prompt injection vulnerabilities, and the danger of blind trust in AI output. The concern isn't the technology itself — it's people using it as a crutch without critical thinking.

Part 2 – Opportunity: The tone shifts to what excites them most — eliminating "zombie work" (repetitive, low-value tasks) so IT professionals can focus on what humans do best: relationships, trust, accountability, and innovation. Real examples include ServiceNow's BuildAgent, AI-powered ticket routing, and using AI as a "round table of nine experts" to challenge and sharpen your thinking.
The episode closes on an optimistic note: be the giraffe, not the ostrich. AI is coming either way — the question is whether you'll adapt or get left behind.

Something Big Is Happening by Matt Shumer, Feb 9, 2026
https://shumer.dev/something-big-is-happening

✅ KEY TAKEAWAYS

• AI is already here — and faster than most realize. Schumer's core argument: this isn't a future problem. It's a now problem.
• Stop using AI as a smarter Google. Treat it like a round table of domain experts — challenge it, argue with it, push back.
• The "Brian vs. AI" trap. Employers who cut skilled staff to save money will quickly discover that the human judgment, context, and accountability don't transfer.
• Zombie work is the biggest opportunity. Offloading repetitive, low-value tasks frees teams to innovate. That's where the real ROI is.
• Critical thinking is the new superpower. The better your input, the better your AI output. Garbage in, garbage out — but brilliant in, brilliant out.
• The two emerging trends: Technology will manage technology. Humans will get better at managing humans — empathy, trust, and relationships become the premium skill set.
• AI is not one-size-fits-all. Know when to use it, when to review it, and when to trust a human instead.
• Upskill now or fall behind. Like the machinist who learned to program the CNC machine, the goal is to evolve with the tool — not resist it.
• You're still the 10th person at the table. AI gives you nine-tenths of the answer. Your judgment, experience, and context complete it.
• Be the giraffe. Head up, eyes open, long view — not the ostrich with its head in the sand.

🔑 KEYWORDS / TAGS
AI and jobs, Matt Schumer Something Big Is Happening, AI fear and opportunity, artificial intelligence career, future of work AI, AI replacing jobs, IT career advice, AI in the workplace, AI upskilling, technology and employment, ServiceNow AI, AI automation IT, zombie work automation, AI critical thinking, ChatGPT vs Claude, AI prompt engineering, AI job displacement, generative AI for IT professionals

#ArtificialIntelligence #AIJobs #FutureOfWork #ITCareers #AIAutomation #TechPodcast #GenAI #UpskillWithAI #ServiceNow #CriticalThinking #AIOpportunity #WiredGarage #AIFear #ZombieWork #BeTheGiraffe

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s1e27 Rocking Leadership - Insights from Matt Godsted

In this episode of Wired Garage, host Pops interviews Matt Godsted, a strategic leader in cybersecurity and a passionate musician involved in the charity concert 'Suits That Rock.' The conversation explores the parallels between music and leadership, the impact of charity work on community engagement, and the importance of mentorship for youth in technology. Matt shares insights on managing stress, the significance of work-life balance, and the skills needed for future leaders. He emphasizes the value of giving back and finding personal fulfillment through charitable endeavors.

Keywords: cybersecurity, mentorship, charity, music, leadership, Suits That Rock, Inter Alliance, work-life balance, youth development, community engagement

Takeaways:

• Being prepared is crucial in both music and leadership.
• Suits That Rock raises funds for arts education.
• The camaraderie among musicians enhances performance.
• Leadership requires diverse skills and collaboration.
• Stress management can come from engaging in music.
• Finding work-life balance is essential for well-being.
• Mentorship plays a vital role in youth development.
• High school students can outperform full-time employees.
• Professionalism and soft skills are critical for success.
• Giving back should align with personal passions.

Sound Bites:

"The energy that you see on stage is all genuine."

"You have to find something that makes you happy."

"They're always willing to listen and learn."

Chapters:

• Introduction to Matt Godsted and Suits That Rock
• The Intersection of Music and Leadership
• The Evolution of Suits That Rock
• Emotional Highlights of Suits That Rock
• Mentorship and the Inter Alliance
• Engagement in Tech Olympics
• Impact of the Pandemic on Education
• Skills and Attitudes of Young Interns
• Cybersecurity Awareness Among Students
• The Role of Mentorship in Student Development
• Finding Opportunities to Give Back
• Quickfire Round: Music and Technology

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s1e24 30 Years of Hacking in Dayton - The Underground Story with Bryan Fite

Discover how Dayton, Ohio transformed from a small city into a notable hub of hacker culture and cybersecurity innovation. In this episode, Bryan Fite shares stories of early hacking days, community building, and the evolution of hacker events like DayCon, along with lessons on leadership, diversity, and staying resilient in a fast-changing landscape.

Main Topics Covered

• The origins of Dayton’s hacking community and its influence on global security culture
• The evolution of hacker events such as DayCon, DEFCON, and B-Sides from local meetups to international conferences
• Insights on building inclusive communities, soft skills, and leadership in cybersecurity
• The technological landscape of the 70s, 80s, and 90s: modems, BBS, early hacking exploits, and the rise of car hacking
• The importance of physical presence, trust, and authentic connections in hacker culture
• The shift from underground communities to formalized, compliant security practices

In this episode:

• Bryan Fite walks through some of his earliest hacker moments and community roots in Dayton
• Stories of local cons, hallway conversations, and the culture around hacker meetups
• How Dayton’s hackers contributed to key cybersecurity concepts like RFID shielding and car hacking
• Behind the scenes of DayCon, its unique non-concept, and community-driven origins
• Leadership lessons learned from mentors and evolving soft skills in cybersecurity
• The role of diversity and representation in the hacker community today
• Reflections on the future of cybersecurity, community resilience, and the importance of physical, in-person interactions

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - The history and influence of Dayton’s hacker community
• 02:30 - Early hacking moments, modems, and BBS culture
• 05:00 - Local mentors and the Dayton security scene’s roots
• 08:00 - The evolution of hacker meetups and conferences like DayCon
• 12:00 - The rise of hacker games and capture-the-flag traditions
• 15:00 - Hardware hacking, RFID protection, and automotive vulnerabilities
• 20:00 - Transition from underground meetups to formal security communities
• 25:00 - The impact of 9/11 and shifts in hacker culture
• 30:00 - Embracing diversity, soft skills, and leadership in cybersecurity
• 35:00 - The role of physical presence and trust in hacker culture
• 40:00 - Building resilient systems, signal intelligence, and future defenses
• 45:00 - Mentoring, soft skills, emotional IQ, and community growth
• 50:00 - The importance of inclusive, welcoming hacker communities
• 55:00 - The call to action: Get involved, attend conferences, and build community

Resources & Links:

• Bryan Fite - Connect on LinkedIn
• Dayton Security Summit
• Dayton Hackers Meetup
• DEFCON Conference
• B-Sides Security
• Hack Dayton
• Car Hacking Handbook by Agent Smith (Documented car hacking exploits)
• Jason Scott - BBS Chronicles

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e1s23 Wired Strings -The Modern Guitar Life of Dave McCarty

In this conversation, Dave McCarty shares his journey as a working guitarist, discussing the evolution of his musical influences, preferences, and the impact of COVID on live performances. He reflects on the balance between playing cover songs and original music, the importance of band trust, and the role of technology in modern music collaboration. Dave also delves into his gear preferences, the essence of live performance, and his thoughts on the rise of AI in music.

Keywords: guitarist, music, bar bands, virtual collaboration, influences, tone, live performance, gear, AI in music, band trust

Takeaways:

• Dave McCarty has transitioned from aspiring professional musician to a hobbyist guitarist.
• COVID-19 has significantly altered the landscape for live music, with earlier late-night gigs now shifting to earlier hours.
• Randy Rhodes, Nuno Betancourt, and Steve Vai are key influences on Dave's guitar playing style.
• Finding a balance between playing songs you love and those that the audience enjoys is a constant challenge for musicians.
• Musical tastes can evolve over time, leading to appreciation for artists previously overlooked.
• The essence of a guitarist's sound is often more about feel than technical skill.
• Live performance environments that focus on music appreciation are preferred over socializing venues.
• Modern gear has made performances easier, reducing the need for heavy equipment.
• Band trust is built on preparation and respect for each other's time.
• Virtual collaborations during COVID opened new avenues for musicians to connect and create.

Sound Bites:

"What kind of guitarist are you today?"

"I’d rather people watch us than dance."

"People are there strictly to see music."

Chapters:

• The Life of a Working Guitarist
• Musical Influences and Evolution
• The Balance of Performance and Personal Preference
• The Impact of Technology on Music
• Live Performance Experiences
• Gear and Performance Changes
• The Evolution of Gear and Band Dynamics
• Navigating Virtual Collaboration During COVID
• The Impact of AI on Music and Performance
• The Essence of Live Performance vs. Virtual
• The Sentimental Value of Gear and Personal Stories

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s1e22 2026_0310 tech From Music to Cybersecurity with Matt Godsted

In this episode of The Wired Garage, host Steele interviews Matt Godsted, a strategic leader in cybersecurity and a passionate musician. They explore Matt's journey from technology to music, the importance of mentorship in IT, and the complexities of cybersecurity architecture. Matt shares insights on how different industries influence cybersecurity practices, the global risks posed by AI, and the balance between business needs and security. He emphasizes the need for effective communication and partnership between security teams and business units, as well as the importance of frameworks and metrics in measuring security effectiveness.

Takeaways:

• Matt's journey began with technology, influenced by early computers and movies.
• Music and technology have both played significant roles in Matt's life.
• Mentorship is crucial in IT; it shapes careers and opportunities.
• Cybersecurity architecture requires a broad understanding of business strategy.
• Different industries have unique cybersecurity needs and challenges.
• AI presents new risks that require careful management and understanding.
• Balancing business needs with security is essential for success.
• Effective communication of risk is key to security's role in business.
• Frameworks like NIST guide cybersecurity practices and governance.
• Measuring the effectiveness of security involves understanding business impact.

Keywords: cybersecurity, mentorship, technology, music, leadership, AI, risk management, business strategy, IT architecture, industry influences

Sound Bites:

• "AI is a business driver and enabler."
• "We need to protect our customers' data."
• "Is it serving the business well?"

Chapters:

• Introduction to Matt Godsted and His Dual Passions
• The Journey from Music to Cybersecurity
• Understanding Cybersecurity Strategy Architecture
• Balancing Business Needs and Security
• Frameworks and Principles in Decision Making
• Measuring Technology's Impact on Business

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s1e21 2026_0310 tech AI, Deepfakes, and the New Social Engineering War with Bryan Fite

In this episode, Brian Fite discusses the implications of AI and deep fakes on cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to combat social engineering fraud. He introduces the concept of the Deep Fake Justice League, a collaborative effort to address the growing threat of identity manipulation. The conversation explores the nature of deep fakes, cognitive warfare, and the importance of critical thinking in a world increasingly influenced by AI. Fite also shares practical defensive strategies for organizations and individuals to safeguard against these evolving threats.

Takeaways:

• AI and deep fakes are transforming social engineering fraud.
• The Deep Fake Justice League aims to combat identity manipulation.
• Understanding deep fakes requires a broader perspective beyond just video.
• Cognitive warfare is a significant concern in today's digital landscape.
• Defensive strategies must evolve to keep pace with AI threats.
• Education and critical thinking are essential in cybersecurity.
• Privacy should be a fundamental right that we protect.
• The narrative and perception of truth are being manipulated by technology.
• Organizations must assume breach and implement strict security measures.
• The future of AI in cybersecurity poses both risks and opportunities.

Keywords: AI, deep fakes, cybersecurity, social engineering, fraud, cognitive warfare, digital identity, defensive strategies, technology risks, trust verification

Sound Bites:

• "Deep fakes can manipulate trust."
• "Cognitive warfare is a real threat."
• "Truth has nothing to do with it."

Chapters:

• The Rise of AI and Deep Fakes in Cybersecurity
• The Deep Fake Justice League: A New Approach
• Understanding Deep Fakes: Definitions and Implications
• The Evolution of Fraud: From Identity Theft to AI Manipulation
• The Cognitive Impact of AI: Trust and Verification
• The Future of AI: Risks and Ethical Considerations
• Understanding Cognitive Responses to Manipulation
• The Role of Digital Twins in Cybersecurity
• Defensive Strategies Against Cyber Threats
• The Importance of Privacy in the Digital Age

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S1E20 In this conversation, David Cram shares insights on optimizing family travel costs, exploring all-inclusive resorts, and leveraging loyalty programs for better travel experiences. The discussion also touches on the importance of building relationships with hotels, traveling with family, and the personal growth that comes from experiencing different cultures. The hosts share personal travel stories and tips, emphasizing the value of connecting with locals and being open to new experiences.

Keywords: family travel, travel hacks, loyalty programs, all-inclusive resorts, cruise travel, budgeting for travel, travel experiences, personal growth through travel, optimizing travel costs, cultural experiences

Takeaways

• Optimizing travel costs can enhance family experiences.
• All-inclusive resorts may offer better value than traditional living.
• Researching destinations similar to favorites can lead to new adventures.
• Loyalty programs can significantly reduce travel expenses.
• Building relationships with hotels can lead to better service and upgrades.
• Traveling with family creates lasting memories and connections.
• Experiencing local culture enriches travel experiences.
• Travel can foster personal growth and confidence.
• Connecting with locals can provide unique insights and experiences.
• Planning and budgeting are essential for successful travel.

Sound Bites

"Finding the right destination is key."

"I want to talk to locals, people."

"Traveling opens you up to new experiences."

Chapters

• Introduction to Family Travel Challenges
• Optimizing Travel Budgets and Loyalty Programs
• Exploring Unique Travel Destinations
• The Importance of Building Relationships with Hotels
• Creative Travel Funding Strategies
• Memorable Travel Experiences and Connections
• The Transformative Power of Travel
• Final Thoughts on Travel and Budgeting

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