Phillip Wylie Show | Cybersecurity & Pentesting Podcast

Computer security analyst and author Winn Schwartau joins Phillip Wylie for a deep conversation on hacker culture, cognitive security, information warfare, and the evolution of cybersecurity from the early days of computing to today’s AI-driven world.
Winn shares stories from his early days bypassing locked telephone systems as a child, his transition from the live recording industry into cybersecurity in the 1980s, and how his engineering mindset shaped his approach to systems hacking. The conversation explores the rise of cloud computing, the increasing specialization required in cybersecurity, and why human behavior remains one of the industry’s biggest vulnerabilities.
The episode also dives into Winn’s groundbreaking work around cognitive security, misinformation, disinformation, and “critical ignoring” — the idea that filtering out noise is becoming just as important as critical thinking in today’s information-overloaded society.
Listeners will also hear Winn’s thoughts on hiring practices in cybersecurity, why failure is essential for growth, and how the industry still overlooks talented people who do not fit traditional hiring molds.
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Connect with Winn Schwartau:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/winnschwartau
Website: https://www.winnschwartau.com/
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Connect with your host, Phillip Wylie:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/phillipwylie
X: https://x.com/PhillipWylie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillipwylie

In this episode of The Phillip Wylie Show, Phillip sits down with Amar Sonik to talk about what really matters in cybersecurity.
They dig into why fundamentals like networking and Linux still separate good security professionals from great ones, how conferences like B-Sides Singapore and CYBR.HAK.CON. help shape careers, and how AI is changing the way people learn hacking.
Amar Sonik shares practical advice for anyone trying to break into cybersecurity, along with lessons from organizing security events and working in the field.
If you’re trying to get started or level up your skills, this episode keeps it real.
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Connect with Amar Sonik:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amarjitsonik/
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Connect with your host, Phillip Wylie:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/phillipwylie
X: https://x.com/PhillipWylie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillipwylie
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Information about CYBR.HAK.CON. and tickets:
https://cybrhakcon.com/

In this episode of The Phillip Wylie Show, Phillip sits down with Zach Tackett, a listener-turned-guest who carved his path into cybersecurity and pentesting through persistence, hands-on learning, and networking.
Zach shares his unconventional journey from a blue-collar upbringing and early struggles with asthma to discovering programming, cybersecurity, and ultimately landing roles supporting NASA and later becoming a security consultant at Secure Ideas. Along the way, he highlights the importance of real-world experience, building labs, and developing the hacker mindset.
This conversation is packed with practical advice for aspiring pentesters, including how to stand out in a competitive job market, the role of certifications vs. experience, and why networking can be more powerful than submitting resumes online.
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Connect with Zach Tackett:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-t-4862b487/
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Connect with your host, Phillip Wylie:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/phillipwylie
X: https://x.com/PhillipWylie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillipwylie

In this episode of The Phillip Wylie Show, Phillip sits down with Marie Hamilton to explore her unconventional and inspiring path into cybersecurity. From early curiosity about computers and creative problem-solving as a teenager to serving in the military, navigating career pivots, and ultimately launching her own cybersecurity and investigations business, Marie shares a candid look at her journey.
They discuss the realities of breaking into cybersecurity, the value of community and networking, lessons learned from entrepreneurship, and how emerging technologies like AI are shaping the future of the field. Marie also dives into her current work in digital forensics, OSINT, and cyber law, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to enter or grow in the industry.
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Connect with Marie Hamilton:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wcymar2/
Opis website: https://www.opis-cybersecurity.com/
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Connect with your host, Phillip Wylie:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/phillipwylie
X: https://x.com/PhillipWylie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillipwylie

How do you go from professional wrestling and powerlifting to a career in cybersecurity and penetration testing?

In this special solo episode of The Phillip Wylie Show, Phillip Wylie shares his personal hacker origin story and the unconventional path that led him from wrestling matches and construction jobs to becoming a penetration tester, security evangelist, author, and podcast host.

If you're trying to break into cybersecurity, transition from IT, or wondering if it's too late to start, this episode shows that there is no single path into security.

Phillip discusses how curiosity, persistence, mentorship, public speaking, and content creation helped shape his career and how you can apply these same principles to your own journey.=========================
Connect with your host, Phillip Wylie:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/phillipwylie
X: https://x.com/PhillipWylie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillipwylie