Bare Knuckles and Brass Tacks
Bare Knuckles and Brass Tacks is the tech podcast about humans. Hosted by George K and George A, this podcast examines AI, infrastructure, technology adoption, and the broader implications of tech developments through both guest interviews and news commentary. Our guests bring honest perspectives on what's working, what's broken, and new ways to examine the roles and impacts of technology in our lives. We challenge conventional tech industry narratives and dig into real-world consequences over hype. Whether you're deeply technical or just trying to understand how technology shapes society, this show will make you think critically about where we're headed and who's getting left behind.
Show episodes
It's a holiday week, so turn off this podcast! But if you'd like to tune in all the same, then we're here to say think you. You, the listeners, have been the greatest gift this season as we've made this turn in our format from security to looking more broadly at the human impact of technology. You've stuck with us. W
We're off this week, deep into planning and scheduling for next year. Please enjoy this Best Of episode, originally released in October. Hannah Storey, Advocacy and Policy Advisor at Amnesty International, joins the show to talk about her new brief that reframes Big Tech monopolies as a human rights crisis, not just a
2025 was hella weird. The AI revolution is here whether we asked for it or not. This week, George K and George A reflect on the year and what it means for 2026. At AWS re:Invent, George A watched a machine create a custom fragrance and marketing campaign in real-time from a voice prompt. What does that portend for prod
What if your biggest career obstacle isn't external—it's the “broken code” running in your own head? Rachelle Tanguay joins the show to unpack the difference between consuming self-help content and actually doing the uncomfortable work of rewiring your internal programming. From advising deputy ministers to coaching pr
Graeme Rudd spent years taking emerging technology into austere environments and watching it fail. He assessed over 350 technologies for a Department of Defense lab. The pattern was consistent: engineers solved technical problems brilliantly. Lawyers checked compliance boxes. Leadership approved budgets. And the techno
What happens when you go all in and bet on yourself? Taylor McClatchie, professional Muay Thai fighter with ONE Championship, joins the show to share how she did just that. She spent a decade in reproductive science, working in a lab. Then she walked away from it all to turn her pastime into her profession. Went 20-0 a