The Bytagig Podcast

Episode 38: Building Oregon’s Tech Future: A Conversation with Skip Newberry of TAO

In this episode of The Bytagig Podcast, host John Jackson sits down with Skip Newberry, President and CEO of the Technology Association of Oregon (TAO), to unpack how open source, artificial intelligence, and civic innovation are transforming Oregon’s tech ecosystem. Skip shares his journey from serving as economic policy advisor to Portland Mayor Sam Adams—where he helped develop the city’s first comprehensive economic development strategy in 16 years to launching groundbreaking initiatives like the nation’s first open source software procurement policy and the Civic Apps open data platform. They dive deep into: - How open source collaboration is driving the next wave of AI development - Why 95% of enterprise AI projects failed last year—and what lessons can be learned - Highlights from TAO’s AI Innovation Summit, which drew nearly 400 applicants for 140 seats - Oregon’s surprising strength in the semiconductor industry, employing 15% of the US workforce in that sector - The growing energy demands of AI and bold innovations like wave-powered floating data centers - Insights on U.S. vs. China AI strategies and TAO’s upcoming AI events with Seattle in 2026 Whether you’re a tech leader, innovator, or policy enthusiast, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how collaboration, open source, and regional innovation are shaping the future of AI and technology in Oregon and beyond.

Episode 37: From Professor to Futurist: Marketing, AI, and the New Rules of Growth

In this episode of The Bytagig Podcast, host John Jackson sits down with Shawn Busse, founder of Kinesis, author of Marketing from the Inside Out, and long-time advocate for owner-operated businesses. Shawn shares his journey from college professor to growth studio leader, and unpacks how marketing has radically shifted in the past two decades—from the SEO gold rush to the AI-driven “zero-click” world we’re in today. They dive deep into: - Why traditional digital marketing playbooks no longer work - The rise of AI and how it’s reshaping content, SEO, and trust - Why in-person events and authentic storytelling are more powerful than ever - Lessons from the Catalyst Summit and building communities of business owners - The “algorithm of enragement” and what it means for entrepreneurs trying to reach real audiences Whether you’re an owner-operator, marketer, or simply navigating the evolving digital landscape, this conversation offers practical insights, cautionary tales, and a glimpse into the future of growth.

Episode 36: Building the Right Cyber Policy for Manufacturing Risks

In this episode, we explore how manufacturing companies can move from uncertain, unmeasured cyber threats to having a purpose-built cyber insurance policy that actually covers the risks they face. The manufacturing sector is increasingly targeted by ransomware, supply chain attacks, and operational downtime—yet many leaders still aren’t sure what their exposure really looks like or whether their cyber insurance will come through when it counts. Our guest, Andy Runyan, Partner Risk Advisor at Ukon, joins us to unpack how manufacturers can identify hidden vulnerabilities, assess real financial and operational impacts, and confidently match coverage with their unique risk profile. We’ll share real-world manufacturing scenarios, discuss common blind spots, and outline what every manufacturing executive should know before their next renewal.

Episode 35: Rewiring Healthcare: From Volume to Value

🔍 Episode Overview: In this thought-provoking episode of The Bytagig Podcast, we explore the healthcare industry’s transformation from a volume-based system to one focused on value. Host Pete Redwood sits down with Dr. Dan Dow from Healthcare Shares to unpack how innovative funding models and IT partnerships are reshaping healthcare delivery. You'll hear real world examples demonstrating the vital role MSPs play in supporting providers during this shift, and why it matters for sustainable healthcare innovation. 🎯 Whether you're a healthcare leader, tech provider, or curious innovator, this episode offers practical insight into the future of healthcare—and how the right partnerships can drive measurable impact.

Episode 34: The Role of AI in Healthcare Cybersecurity: Friend or Foe?

In this episode, we explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping healthcare cybersecurity—not only through emerging technologies, but through the way people interact with them. Our guest, a cybersecurity and legal expert, focuses on the safe and responsible use of AI in healthcare settings, emphasizing the importance of strong governance, AI literacy, and privacy-conscious decision-making. We unpack how healthcare leaders can navigate the risks and rewards of AI, establish internal guardrails, and foster a culture of trustworthy use—even when they’re not building the tools themselves.