Why should we care about trends in tech & geopolitics? Is AI killing specialization as we know it? How do we stay ahead in a changing world?

To kick off the CipherTalk Podcast, host Meg McNulty explores these and other key themes at the heart of our new world: one where we need to stay ahead of global trends, or risk losing both our edge and our agency.

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~ Read more about the 'Death of Specialization' thesis here

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Crypto is booming, but is it a revolution or a risk? In this episode, we’re joined by Ari Redbord from TRM Labs to unpack the paradox of blockchain—criminals love it, but transparency makes it their worst enemy. We dig into regulation, the rise of stablecoins, what crypto actually is, and why the U.S. risks falling behind. Whether you’re crypto-curious or a skeptic, this episode cuts through the hype to explore the future of money.

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Quantum science is transforming the way we approach technology, security, and innovation—unlocking solutions to challenges we couldn’t solve before. In this episode of CipherTalk, Meg is joined by Jen Sovada, a leading expert in government and deep tech, to explore:

• Quantum's right-now, real-world applications
• How quantum computing differs from other types of quantum science (like sensing)
• The intersection of quantum and AI, how they amplify each other—and how one startup spun out of Google with a $500M fundraise to do just this

• What exactly is post-quantum cryptography