The Matthew Byrd Podcast

The Greatest Career You’ve Never Heard Of | Land Surveying with Michael Hart

The surveying profession has a problem. More people are retiring than entering, and the next generation doesn’t even know the opportunity exists. Michael Hart, one of only 12 Chief Cadastral Surveyors in the nation, is doing something about it. “As a surveyor you’re like a historian, legal expert, and treasure hunter.”- Michael Hart In this episode, Michael shares how he fully digitized his department, why he believes technology is the key to reaching the next generation, and how modernizing this critical and historic profession requires equal parts vision, discipline, and a willingness to fail. If you work in surveying, geospatial, land management, or are searching for a unique career opportunity, this conversation is for you. [00:02:00] — What a Chief Cadastral Surveyor does and why only 12 exist nationwide [00:04:00] — The history of land surveying and its role in American property rights [00:07:00] — Historian, legal expert, and treasure hunter - reframing the surveyor's role [00:20:00] — Why technology is the key to reaching the next generation [00:25:00] — The Top Gun effect: using content to make an industry desirable [00:36:00] — Building the youngest BLM department in the nation [00:55:00] — How AI and LIDAR are shaping the future of surveying [01:01:00] — America 250 event & celebrating 158 years of the Idaho Initial Point [01:03:00] — Advice for the next generation: start before you have all the answers

When Death Teaches You Twice | Tommy Ahlquist on Living "Arrows Out"

From blue-collar roots and an ambitious Boy Scout in Utah to ER doctor, tech entrepreneur, and commercial developer who built some of Boise’s and the treasure valley’s most iconic commercial projects, Tommy Ahlquist has built a remarkable life.  In this episode, he shares the lessons, near-death experiences, and relationships that shaped it all. One phrase that Tommy returns to throughout this conversation is living “arrows out”; this is his principle of living an “others-oriented” life driven by generosity and gratitude. It’s the thread that runs through everything he’s built.  If you're interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, personal development, or what it takes to build a meaningful life, this one’s for you. Timestamps [00:06:00] — Blue-collar roots, life lessons from grandpa & creating meaningful moments for the next generation [00:13:00] — Earning all 121 Boy Scout merit badges & the mindset it built [00:19:00] — Why faith and purpose matter before you try to build anything [00:23:00] — The path to medicine, finding a mentor & lessons from 18 years in the ER [00:39:00] — Running for governor: why he did it and what he'd do differently [00:43:00] — Commercial development, Idaho's explosive growth & the $50B Micron impact [00:51:00] — Tommy's first cardiac event: a 95% blocked artery and a life-saving discovery [00:53:00] — A heart attack in McCall & the emergency airlift that changed his priorities forever [01:01:00] — Rapid fire: habits, proudest moments & advice for anyone earlier in their journey

From Green Beret to Cybersecurity CEO | Lessons From War, Business & Life – Zach Fuller

In this episode of The Matthew Byrd Podcast, I sit down with Zach Fuller, a former U.S. Army Green Beret turned cybersecurity founder and entrepreneur. Zach shares his journey from a tech-obsessed kid hacking school networks to enduring one of the most demanding special operations training pipelines in the military. After deploying twice to Afghanistan and confronting the realities of war, purpose, and resilience, he returned home and applied those lessons to build and scale successful businesses before ultimately founding a cybersecurity company focused on protecting modern organizations. This conversation explores the mindset required to face adversity, lead under pressure, and build something meaningful. Zach also breaks down why cybersecurity is now critical for businesses of all sizes, how attacks actually happen, and simple shifts leaders can make to dramatically reduce risk. KEY LESSONS FROM THIS EPISODE • What separates elite performers from everyone else • Why quitting once makes quitting easier the next time • How mental toughness is built through adversity • Why cybersecurity is a leadership responsibility today • The importance of purpose, belief, and conviction when building anything meaningful If you're building a company, leading a team, or working to strengthen your mindset, this episode offers powerful lessons from war, business, and life. 00:00 – Introduction: From Green Beret to Cybersecurity CEO 02:30 – Protecting the Backbone of the American Economy 05:00 – Growing Up Hacking Computers 08:30 – Discovering Entrepreneurship Early 11:30 – Choosing the Path to Special Forces 15:30 – The Mental Battle of Elite Military Training 19:00 – Combat Lessons From Afghanistan 23:00 – Transitioning From Military to Business 28:00 – Building Multi-Million Dollar Real Estate Companies 32:00 – Launching a Cybersecurity Company 36:00 – How Cyber Attacks Actually Happen 41:00 – Why Humans Are the Weakest Link in Cybersecurity

You can’t automate your most valuable asset - the human advantage in an AI world | Michael Blood

On this episode of the Matthew Byrd Podcast, we sit down with Michael Blood, founder of Matraex, a Boise-based software development agency that has been building custom web and mobile applications for over 25 years Michael’s journey started as a student programmer at Boise State — and within months, he quit to freelance on his own. Since then, he’s scaled teams up to 15 people, launched international offices, built software that’s still running decades later, and adapted through every wave of technological change — including today’s AI revolution This conversation dives deep into: AI & The Future of Programming * How tools like Claude are doubling (or tripling) developer output * Why many programming roles may shrink — but creators and “AI architects” will thrive * The difference between vibe coding and intentional architecture * Why AI won’t replace what humans value most Creativity, Art & The Physical/Digital Bridge * Why QR codes still excite him (yes, really) * Blending the physical and digital worlds in creative ways * Why he’s moving back toward human connection in an increasingly digital world Entrepreneurship Lessons from 25 Years in Tech * “Break things fast — then fix them.” * Why filling the pipeline is always the challenge * Hiring passionate people over degrees * The importance of humility and adapting your communication style Mindset Shifts That Changed Everything * The power of stress-free productivity and getting things out of your head * “They’re probably doing the best they can.” — a principle that reshaped his leadership * Why relationships outlast businesses Advice for Young Entrepreneurs * Do what you love — seriously * Don’t stay stuck in something you hate * Your network and the people you build with are the real long-term value This episode is honest, thoughtful, and refreshingly grounded. It’s not hype about AI taking over the world — it’s a practical look at how technology is evolving, how careers will change, and why creativity and authenticity still matter most. If you're: • A founder navigating AI disruption • A developer wondering about the future of your role • A creative thinking about how tech intersects with art • Or someone early in your career trying to figure out your path This one’s for you. Drop your thoughts in the comments: How are you using AI in your work — and do you think it replaces or amplifies human creativity? Like & Subscribe for more conversations with founders, innovators, and builders shaping the future. CHAPTERS: In this episode, Matthew Byrd sits down with Boise-based tech founder Michael Blood, owner of Matraex, a software development agency building custom web and mobile apps for founders and businesses. Michael shares how a student programming job at Boise State pushed him into entrepreneurship fast, why he built a 25-year career around custom solutions across wildly different industries, and what he learned the hard way about leadership, communication, and keeping a pipeline full. The conversation goes deep on the real impact of AI on software development. Michael explains how tools like Claude Code are changing output, team size, and the future of paid software platforms, plus why authenticity, human connection, and “creating with your own mind” matter more than ever. They also talk productivity systems (Getting Things Done), why people should do what they love, and why your relationships will outlast any business model. EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome & Intro to Michael Blood 02:00 – From Student Programmer to Entrepreneur 05:00 – Quitting Early & Moving Fast 08:30 – Scaling Up to 15 Employees (and Back Down) 12:00 – College, Dropping Out, and Going Back 16:30 – Do What You Love 20:00 – Building Custom Software Across Industries 25:00 – QR Codes & Bridging Digital and Physical 30:00 – Technology vs. Human Connection 35:00 – How AI Is Changing Software Development 42:00 – Will AI Replace Developers? 50:00 – The Boise Tech Ecosystem 55:00 – Leadership & Communication Lessons 1:00:00 – Productivity Systems & Breaking Things Fast 1:07:00 – Final Advice: Relationships Matter Most

Why AI Can’t Replace Live Experience | Laura Kendall

In a world driven by AI, automation, and digital everything — what still requires a human? On this episode of The Matthew Byrd Podcast, Laura Kendall, Executive Director of the Morrison Center in Boise, Idaho, shares why live experiences matter more than ever. From Broadway to business leadership, from surviving an 18-month shutdown to reimagining the future of performance — this conversation explores: • Why AI cannot replicate human connection • The power of gathering 2,000 strangers in one room • What businesses can learn from the creative world • Leadership, resilience, and building culture • The future of live events in a digital age If you care about storytelling, leadership, culture, or the future of human connection — this episode is for you.