Sign inOpen the app
Artwork for Brewing Bytes: Tech Tales & Safety Fails
Technology

Brewing Bytes: Tech Tales & Safety Fails

Megs Shah & Sandy Skelaney

Brewing Bytes: where technology meets human safety in an increasingly connected world. Join tech safety experts Megs Shah and Sandy Skelaney as they decode the latest digital developments and their real-world impact on vulnerable populations. Each episode blends current tech news with critical safety insights, exploring how innovations can both help and harm survivors of abuse, trafficking, and tech-facilitated exploitation.

Through engaging discussions, expert interviews, and real-world case analyses, Megs and Sandy bridge the gap between Silicon Valley innovations and human safety. Whether you're a tech professional, advocate, survivor, or someone interested in digital safety, Brewing Bytes offers essential insights and practical strategies for navigating our tech-driven world more safely.

Subscribe for weekly episodes that demystify digital dangers while highlighting solutions and hope for a safer tech future.

SubscribeListen in podnodRSS feedShow website
  • 4 episodes
  • Updated Feb 4, 2025

Episodes4

Newest first
  • Feb 4, 2025 · 33 min

    Humanizing AI, What Could Go Wrong?

    🎙️ Brewing Bytes Ep. 4 – AI, Mental Health & Ethical Dilemmas In this episode of Brewing Bytes, we dive into the world of AI-powered mental health tools and character-based AI—where innovation meets controversy. With AI chatbots like Character AI and Replika making headlines for their unintended consequences, we discuss: The real risks when AI chatbots give harmful advice The blurred line between AI support tools and therapy Why trauma-informed AI should be the standard How developers can design AI with safety in mind Can AI truly support mental health, or are we setting ourselves up for more harm than good? Join the conversation. 🔗 Share your thoughts in the comments! Have you used an AI mental health tool? Did it help or hurt? #AI #MentalHealthAI #CharacterAI #Replika #TraumaInformed #TechEthics #BrewingBytes

  • Jan 28, 2025 · 36 min

    Ethics Cripples AI Innovation?

    🎙️ Brewing Bytes: Tech Tales & Safety Fails - Episode 3 Ethics Cripples AI Innovation? 🤖 In this episode, we dive into the global AI race and its ethical crossroads. Are safety regulations stifling innovation, or are they a necessary framework for responsible progress? Join hosts Megs Shah and Sandy Skelaney as they explore the controversial shift in AI policies and what it means for privacy, security, and the future of technology. 🔍 What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why ethics are the backbone of sustainable AI innovation ✅ The risks of unregulated AI in privacy and national security ✅ How global AI competition is shaping the pace of progress 🧠 Your Hosts: Megs Shah: CEO of The Parasol Cooperative, innovating trauma-informed AI solutions Sandy Skelaney: Anti-trafficking expert and COO of The Parasol Cooperative, advocating for tech safety 💬 Key Discussion Points: Do regulations hinder or enhance innovation? Can AI advancement and ethics coexist? 🔔 Subscribe to Brewing Bytes for weekly insights into the intersection of technology, ethics, and human safety. 📢 Share this episode with your network and join the conversation about the future of AI and its impact on our world. #EthicalAI #TechInnovation #AIRegulations #BrewingBytes #TechSafety #DataPrivacy #AIethics

  • Jan 21, 2025 · 33 min

    Sugar-Coated Surveillance

    🎙️ Brewing Bytes: Tech Tales & Safety Fails - Episode 2 Sugar-Coated Surveillance: Is Your Data the Real Product? Are you aware of how much personal data you're giving away with every app you use? While TikTok's potential ban grabs headlines, the deeper issue is how all apps—from gaming to fitness trackers—turn your data into profit. 🍬💾 Join tech safety experts Megs Shah and Sandy Skelaney as they uncover the hidden dangers of digital surveillance. From shocking data breaches to practical tips, this episode is your guide to protecting your privacy in a world where you are the product. 🔍 What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why TikTok's ban is just the beginning of the data privacy debate ✅ Details of the massive Gravy Analytics data breach impacting thousands of apps ✅ How foreign app ownership poses national security risks ✅ Tips for an "app diet" to reduce your digital footprint ✅ How ad networks harvest your data—often without apps knowing ✅ Simple steps to reclaim your privacy without giving up your favorite apps 🧠 Featured Hosts: Megs Shah: CEO of The Parasol Cooperative, innovating trauma-informed AI solutions Sandy Skelaney: Anti-trafficking expert and COO of The Parasol Cooperative, advocating for digital safety Links Mentioned: 📖 Gravy Analytics Breach Report (Wired) 🔒 Forbes: Disable Location Tracking (NSA Warning) 🤖 Ruth: Your Digital Guardian Stay Connected: 💬 Join the Conversation: What apps do you trust most with your data, and why? 📢 Spread the Word: Share this episode and help us raise awareness about digital privacy! 🌟 Subscribe for Weekly Episodes: Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. #DigitalPrivacy #AppSecurity #DataProtection #CyberSecurity #TechSafety #BrewingBytes #TikTokBan #DataBreach #PrivacyMatters #Tech2Protect

  • Jan 15, 2025 · 25 min

    Moderating Meta

    Meta just dropped a bombshell in the content moderation world, and we're here to break down what this means for YOUR safety online. Join tech safety experts Megs Shah and Sandy Skelaney as they dive deep into Meta's controversial move from professional content moderators to community notes. In this episode, we explore: The real implications of Meta's new community-based moderation system What happens when content decisions are left to the crowd How this affects survivors and vulnerable populations Expert insights on the future of online safety Featured Hosts: 🎙️Megs Shah - Tech innovator and CEO of The Parasol Cooperative, pioneering trauma-informed AI solutions 🎙️Sandy Skelaney - Anti-trafficking expert and COO of The Parasol Cooperative, specializing in digital safety.