Business & Bytes Podcast

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Oct 2026

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We cover business-related topics and stories to help you grow your business to new heights and cover the latest cybersecurity news so you can know what’s coming!

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35 recent

October 9, 2026Episode 3528 min

EP 35 - Don't Trust AI with Your Numbers!

"It really highlights how quickly AI and trusting it fully can really scale chaos so quick." Welcome back to the Business and Bytes Podcast! In this episode, host John Hansman and co-host Lexi talk about numbers, and why you should be careful how much you trust AI with them. Lexi shares a real story: an AI tool ran a large set of company numbers, and they came back looking right overall, but they were slightly off throughout and one year was almost exactly doubled. Nobody would have caught it without checking against the real numbers. John and Lexi walk through how to use AI with numbers without getting burned. Break big jobs into small chunks and check each one before moving on. Test new automations somewhere they can't touch your live data. Give the AI the same written process your team already follows. And keep checking its work for months, not days. They also cover picking the right AI tool for the job, setting guardrails for employees, and the growing talk about taxing AI, plus why every AI project needs to show it's actually saving or making money. If you're using AI for anything where the numbers have to be exactly right, this one's for you. Trust, but verify. Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes What's covered: A real story: AI numbers that looked right, until one year came back doubled Why "close enough" isn't good enough for financial or health data Checking AI's work in small chunks instead of all at once Test first: keep new automations away from your live data Turning your written processes into instructions for AI Testing AI is ongoing, not a one-time thing Different AI tools are good at different jobs Guardrails for how employees use AI Taxing AI, usage costs and making sure AI actually pays for itself Final thoughts: trust, but verify

October 9, 2026Episode 3434 min

EP 34 - Silos, Death and Protecting What Matters Most!

"It's really important for all of us to set up our businesses in such a way where even if something happens to us, the chief principal, the business can run at least for a while without us." Welcome back to the Business and Bytes Podcast! In this episode, host John Hansman and co-host Lexi take on three things most small businesses don't want to think about: silos, death and protecting what matters most. They start with backups (yes, some offices still use tape) and why cloud backups only count if somebody actually tests them. From there, John and Lexi dig into the "one person holds the keys to the kingdom" problem. That's the office manager, controller or long-time CFO who knows everything and wrote nothing down. Lexi shares what happened when a client's CFO passed away unexpectedly and bills nobody knew about started slipping. John walks through the simple fixes: a company password manager, business email on Microsoft or Google instead of a free Gmail address, company-owned computers and written-down processes. Then they talk about planning your exit, whether it's on purpose or by accident. If you're getting ready to bring AI into your business, this is the groundwork that has to come first. Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes What's covered: Tape backups in the cloud era, and why your backups need regular testing Silos: when one person runs everything and nobody else knows how What happens when a key person leaves, quits or passes away Documenting processes so anyone can step in Company password managers vs. passwords in a spreadsheet Why your business email shouldn't be a free Gmail account Company-owned computers and keeping work and personal separate Planning your exit, on purpose or by accident Getting your business ready for AI

September 16, 2026Episode 3327 min

EP 33 - Don't Be Like Us: PLAN Your Systems, Don't Test Them!

"AI is not meant to replace people. It's meant to make your superstars more super." Welcome back to the Business and Bytes Podcast! This episode marks a big shift for the show. Host John Hansman is joined by co-host Lexi, owner of Blissfully Consulting and a fractional Chief Revenue Officer who helps businesses build (and automate) their processes. Together they're widening the lens from pure IT and cybersecurity to the operations and systems that actually make a business run. In this episode John and Lexi get honest about their own mistakes: testing every new AI tool the moment it drops, buying software before mapping out the process it's supposed to support and skipping buy-in from the team that has to use it. They walk through what real vendor selection looks like, why "shiny new tool" syndrome quietly drains time and money and how to tell the difference between AI, automation and simple logic (spoiler: not everything you need is AI). They close with a reminder that even the most automated systems still need a human watching, because trust but verify never goes out of style. Whether you're eyeing your first CRM or your fifth automation, this episode is a plan-first playbook for building systems that actually stick. Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes What's covered: Meet Lexi: a new co-host and a new angle for the show Why testing every AI tool isn't a business strategy The real cost of buying a tool before you plan the process What a proper vendor selection process actually looks like A CRM migration gone wrong: lessons from the field AI vs automation vs plain old logic, and why the difference matters Trust but verify: why automated systems still need a human watching Final thoughts: plan your systems before you build anything

August 21, 2025Episode 3238 min

EP 32 - Real Life Hacker Stories and the Workday Hack

"I recommend for anything that involves somebody saying that they want money, then you should always double check the email address because it's a really common way. Especially if it's an invoice that doesn't make sense." Welcome back to the Business and Bytes Podcast! In this gripping episode, host John Hansman and co-host Ryan dive deep into the often-unseen world of cybercrime, sharing real-life hacker stories that hit uncomfortably close to home. Kicking off with an audio recording from John's personal archives, you'll hear an actual conversation with a brazen hacker threatening to drain a victim’s bank account—an incident that resulted in a devastating $40,000 loss for a small business. John and Ryan unpack the evolution of hacker tactics, from email phishing and classic social engineering schemes to the latest AI-driven voice scams and sophisticated business email compromises. They break down what went wrong in these incidents, how attackers exploit emotions like fear and urgency, and why even tech-savvy individuals can find themselves on the losing end. The episode also covers the recent Workday hack, exploring how large-scale breaches often start with a simple phish and the critical need for layered cybersecurity defenses. John and Ryan share practical advice on cyber insurance, bank protections, and, above all, the importance of regular training and vigilant security practices for businesses of all sizes. If you’re wondering what steps you can take to better safeguard your business from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, this episode is packed with insights, real-world examples, and actionable tips you can’t afford to miss. Tune in as Business and Bytes pulls back the curtain on the human element of cybersecurity—and what you can do to stay one step ahead. Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes 00:00 Customer's Account Hacked: $40K Lost 04:03 "Business Invites Podcast Introduction" 09:07 Customer Info Shared with Hacker 13:13 Clever Social Engineering Scam 16:54 Business Email Compromise Prevention 18:45 Cloud-Connected Office Tech Solutions 24:06 Email Scam Concerns in Corporations 26:59 Verifying Client Authenticity 28:54 Free Tools Aren't Enough 32:38 Cybersecurity Tools: Beyond Basics 36:31 "Live Interaction Invitation" 37:48 "Follow Us on Your Podcast"

August 21, 2025Episode 3133 min

EP 31 - Why tools on the are not the endgame - Why people not tools protect your business

"It's because we have to put good people behind those tools in order to make sure that they're actually not having false positives that shut down businesses." Welcome back to the Business and Bytes Podcast! In this episode, hosts John Hansman and Ryan dive into a topic that’s becoming more urgent for businesses of all sizes: why the latest tech tools aren’t enough on their own to protect your company. Jon shares firsthand stories from the frontlines of cybersecurity—ransomware attacks, hacker conversations, and the real consequences of relying solely on firewalls and antivirus software. Together, Jon and Ryan break down why having the right people behind your cybersecurity stack is just as important, if not more so, than any tool you deploy. They share lessons learned, actionable tips for business owners (no matter your size), and discuss how your employees’ decisions—and even a bit of “gut feeling”—can be the last line of defense against constantly evolving threats. Plus, there’s practical advice about risk assessments, managing AI use in your business, and why expertise can’t be automated away. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or managing a growing team, this episode has something for everyone looking to understand the real-world challenges of business IT. Tune in and discover why, in today’s world, it’s people—not just the tech—that truly protect your business. Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes 00:00 "Tools Aren't Everything: A Cautionary Tale" 05:11 IT Expertise and Evolving Cyber Threats 07:48 Customized Business Solutions Expertise 11:51 New Malware Discovery Analyzed 15:04 Cybersecurity Costs: Expert-Driven Solutions 18:44 Cybersecurity: Complex and Constantly Evolving 23:42 Employee Risk Management 25:40 Expertise Trumps Tools 28:39 Comprehensive Business Risk Assessment Benefits 32:26 "Tools vs. Smart Partnership"

August 8, 2025Episode 3035 min

EP 30 - Cyber Security Insurance is not your safety net - Why you Cyber Security is your responsibility

"if you have a business email compromise and you get somebody in your email and it's unprotected, you're not just affecting your business, but you're affecting all of your clients. You're affecting all the people you partner with. You affect all these business owners down the line, and you're allowing that cyber activity to not stop with you." Welcome to another episode of the Business and Bytes Podcast! This week, host John Hansman, co-host and IT specialist Emilio Mejia, and guest Reginald Andre dive deep into one of the most misunderstood topics in modern business: cyber security insurance. Coming to you live from Texas, the team kicks off with some banter about travel, weather, and brisket—but quickly shifts gears to address a pressing issue for all business owners. Too often, small and mid-sized companies hope that should disaster strike, their cyber security insurance will save the day. But as John, Emilio, and Reginald unpack, insurance is not a magic safety net—and if your business isn’t meeting strict security requirements, your policy may not protect you at all. Through candid stories of clients who’ve lost out to cybercrime—and the ones who managed to dodge catastrophe thanks to solid IT practices—the trio highlights why cyber security has to be an active, ongoing responsibility. You'll hear how business email compromises and ransomware can inflict six-figure losses overnight, all because of simple oversights like weak passwords or skipping multi-factor authentication. But it's not all doom and gloom! The guys also share uplifting wins, where proactive security measures halted attacks in their tracks. By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with a clearer understanding of cyber insurance, why it’s only one piece of the puzzle, and actionable advice to keep your business—and your clients—safe. If you haven't reviewed your IT policies or talked to a cyber insurance expert lately, this is the wake-up call you need. Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes 00:00 "Vision in Business Challenges" 06:30 Insurance Advice on Equipment and Client Reparations 08:42 Cybersecurity: Prevention Over Remediation 10:51 Insurance Savings via IT Forensics 16:30 Business Email Compromise Devastation 18:56 Business Losses and Recovery Insights 20:53 Costly Cyber Security Oversights 24:21 Cybersecurity Negligence Affecting Businesses 29:31 "Password Practices and MFA Importance" 32:20 Podcast Guest Recommendations 34:09 Buc-ee's Store Experience

August 8, 2025Episode 2944 min

EP 29 - How IT Outages show us the importance of Cyber Security and the Sharepoint Zero Day Attack

"And it just becomes a trickle down effect. And the more people that click on it, the more people whose, you know, digital Rolodex you have. And then now that's the more targets." Welcome to another episode of the Business and Bytes Podcast! In this episode, hosts John Hansman and Emelio Mejia tackle some of the biggest headlines shaking up the tech world—from critical IT outages to headline-grabbing cyber attacks. With frequent guest Ryan out this week, John and Emelio dive into what recent incidents like Alaska Airlines' data center failure (not cyber-related, but still a wake-up call) and the alarming SharePoint Zero Day Attack mean for organizations of all sizes. They break down how even non-cyber incidents throw a spotlight on business vulnerabilities, urge companies to move away from outdated on-prem solutions, and stress the importance of timely patch management. The discussion also covers practical strategies for protecting your business, from implementing zero trust security and geo-fencing, to staff offboarding best practices and building solid emergency plans—no matter your company’s size. Whether you’re running a two-person shop or managing sensitive military data, this episode is packed with expert advice, bite-sized brilliance, and real-world stories to help you protect your reputation, your data, and your bottom line. Tune in and get the actionable insights you need to harden your business against the next big disruption! Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes 00:00 Cybersecurity Insights & Business Protection 06:44 Emergency Planning and Response Strategies 07:22 Patch Release Timing Strategy 12:19 VPNs & Zero Trust for Security 16:17 Fraudulent Incident Risks Nonprofit's Reputation 21:07 Airline Outage Costs Millions Daily 24:39 Cloud Backup and Testing Essentials 25:38 Generator Maintenance Challenges 31:08 Limited Access IT Infrastructure Setup 34:58 "Foundation First, Growth Supported" 35:55 Start with Best Practices 40:26 Preparedness Under Pressure 43:23 "Podcast Excitement & Upcoming Conference"

August 8, 2025Episode 2842 min

EP 28 - The Digital Skeletons in Your Closet What Hackers Already Know About You

"It's just, if I have enough of this information, what can I piece together? What puzzle can I build with all your information that then will allow me to maybe call your bank?" Welcome back to the Business and Bytes Podcast! In this episode, “The Digital Skeletons in Your Closet: What Hackers Already Know About You,” hosts Emelio Mejia and Emilio Mejia are joined by guest expert Ryan Miller to dive deep into the world of cybersecurity for small and medium-sized businesses. The trio explores how hackers can easily collect personal and business data without ever breaking into your systems—using only information that’s already out there on the internet. They break down how seemingly harmless details you share online—like your pet’s name or where you went to school—can be goldmines for cybercriminals. The conversation also covers how oversharing on social media and company websites can put both individuals and organizations at risk. Along the way, they deliver practical strategies to reduce your online footprint, protect your sensitive information, and start building better digital hygiene. If you’ve ever wondered how much of your life is already exposed online or questioned whether your business is “too small” to be targeted, this episode is packed with insights, real-life examples, and actionable tips you won’t want to miss. Get ready to rethink what you share and how you safeguard your business from lurking cyber threats! Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes 00:00 Managing Online Presence Effectively 05:32 Hackers Exploit Facebook Quizzes 09:12 Phishing Emails: Alarming Data Exposure 10:44 Internet Access: Data for Free Use 14:11 Hacking Through Information Gathering 18:43 Job Postings: Security Risks Highlighted 22:43 Cybersecurity Oversight: Hidden Data Risks 24:54 Online Privacy and Security Tips 29:20 Email Retention and Liability Concerns 31:07 Data Management and Digital Footprints 33:40 Effective Website Call-to-Action Tips 38:22 Engagement Request for Podcast Topics 40:25 Affordable Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

August 8, 2025Episode 2744 min

EP 27 - Regulations or Regrets The Cybersecurity Wake-Up Call for Small Biz

"It's like going to the doctor and just closing your eyes and all your form, your intake forms, you're just checking off random boxes." Welcome to another episode of the Business and Bytes Podcast! In this week’s episode, “Regulations or Regrets: The Cybersecurity Wake-Up Call for Small Biz,” hosts Emelio Mejia and John Hansman are joined by cybersecurity expert Ryan Miller to tackle one of the most pressing topics for today’s business owners: the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity regulations. No one really enjoys talking about regulations, but as the guys point out, it’s a conversation that can no longer be ignored—especially with small businesses increasingly in the crosshairs of cybercriminals. From high-profile breaches at industry giants to ransomware attacks that have forced small companies out of business, the ripple effects of poor digital hygiene are real, immediate, and costly. The team breaks down why governments and insurance companies are getting tougher, what’s driving new compliance requirements, and how these changes are impacting everyone—from local realtors and CPAs to multi-state car dealerships. But it’s not all doom and gloom! Emelio, John, and Ryan share real-world stories, practical checklists, and industry insights to help demystify what compliance looks like for small businesses. They talk through the benefits of taking a proactive approach—not just for meeting regulations or securing insurance, but for protecting your company’s reputation, reducing risk, and staying in business. Whether you’re a two-person shop, a family-run business, or a growing company, this episode is packed with actionable advice on how to safeguard your digital assets and avoid those cyber regrets. So pull up a chair, join the conversation, and find out how you can turn the tide on cyber threats—before it’s too late! Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes 00:00 Distributor Cyber Incident Affects Purchases 05:26 Understanding Cybersecurity's Business Impact 06:58 Incident Response: Good vs. Bad 12:46 "Regulating Small Businesses' Data Security" 13:27 One-Time Fee Disagreement 19:13 Small Business Regulatory Examples 21:35 Family Business Closure Due to PCI 23:26 "Benefits of Compliance Frameworks" 26:42 Comprehensive Data Breach Recovery Needs 31:16 Customized IT Solutions Explained 34:40 "Assess IT's Cybersecurity Commitment" 37:50 CFO's Cybersecurity Expectations 42:48 Cybersecurity Business Assessment 43:25 Ensure Compliance and Security

August 8, 2025Episode 2640 min

EP 26 - Human Firewalls, Why Your Team is the First and Best Cyber Defense

"I think the most common thing that I see are payroll or payable scams. That's the most common one I see. Here's an invoice. Click on it and it tries to take you to a fake SharePoint type address where you end up having to put in your Microsoft credentials." Welcome back to the Business and Bytes Podcast! In today’s episode, “Human Firewalls: Why Your Team is the First and Best Cyber Defense,” host John Hansman, co-host and IT specialist Emilio Mejia, and guest Ryan dive deep into the realities of cybersecurity in the workplace. Forget just relying on firewalls and antivirus software—your employees are the frontline heroes (or potentially the weakest link) in defending your business from cyber threats. Through real-world anecdotes and practical insights, the team explores why phishing attacks are still the number one way hackers infiltrate organizations, how stress and multitasking contribute to costly mistakes, and what can happen when a simple email leads to a major breach. You'll hear about the financial and reputational ripple effects of cyber incidents and learn why regular training, simulations, and a culture shift are essential for fostering a security-minded workplace. Whether you’re a business owner, IT pro, or just someone interested in keeping your company safe, tune in for actionable tips, bite-sized brilliance, and a few laughs as the crew shares best practices for turning your team into your strongest defense against cyber attacks. Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes 00:00 Importance of Email Security 03:58 Email Security and Training Needs 10:06 Phishing Attempt on Engineering Client 12:49 Reevaluating IT Services Costs 14:25 Monthly Compliance Training Initiative 19:28 Promoting Basic Security Awareness 20:18 In-Person vs Online Training Scenarios 24:23 Cybersecurity Compliance and Responsibility 29:23 Social Engineering Simulations Thriving 30:27 Team Security Quiz & Office Test 34:48 Email Security and Employee Awareness 38:45 "Follow Business and Bytes Everywhere"