John Wark and the Nashville Software School
Half Geek Half Human
John Wark founded Nashville Software School in 2012. He believed that Nashville's technology talent shortage would never be solved by only importing experienced developers from other cities or by waiting for colleges and universities to start graduating enough students. He also had faith that Nashville had an ample supply of motivated adults with aptitude who, if offered a chance, would eagerly pursue a career in technology. Eleven years and 2,500 graduates later, NSS continues to serve those who seek an opportunity in tech. John started programming professionally at age 19. Throughout his...
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Dr. Donita Brown - The Management Minute
Half Geek Half Human
Today we’re joined by Dr. Donita Brown. After more than 20 years of corporate management experience leading teams of 2 to 102, Dr. Donita Brown now serves as a professor of management at Lipscomb University's College of Business in Nashville. She is an author, speaker, and habit coach. She also hosts a podcast called The Management Minute with Dr. Donita Brown. On the show we’ll speak with Dr. Brown about the evolution of the podcast, what she’s learned along the way, and what’s next up on her management education lesson plan. Dr. Donita Brown is a professor of management at...
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Steve Rucker: Evolution of Technology and Music with a Former Bee Gee
Half Geek Half Human
In this episode of the Half Geek Half Human podcast, we speak with Steve Rucker, a musician, college music professor, and programmer, who is also the former drummer for the Bee Gees. Steve shares his unique perspective on how technology is reshaping the world of music, covering topics from digital tools to live performances and the creative fusion of code and composition. Steve Rucker is a lecturer in the Studio Music and Jazz Department at the Frost School of Music. He received his bachelor’s degree in Studio Music and Jazz from the University of Miami in 1979 and was awarded his master’s...
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Atiba's Ashton Bailey: So You Want To Build A Mobile App
Half Geek Half Human
In this episode of the Half Geek Half Human podcast, we are joined by one of Atiba’s top Software Developers, Ashton Bailey. We speak with Ashton about what it takes to build a mobile app - everything from how to choose a framework and overall technical approach to what goes into creating the timeline and budget. We also cover how software development, and mobile development in particular, are constantly changing and how developers can keep up. This episode will cover: Cross platform versus native Challenges for apps using Bluetooth What “gestures” means for mobile apps Different...
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Edge•U Badges: Turning Teachers into Tech Stars
Half Geek Half Human
In this episode of the Half Geek Half Human podcast we are joined by Katie Ritter who oversees the Edge•U Badges program. Learn how the program helps students, teachers and dristricts – and how Covid changed everything. Dr. Katie Ritter is the Chief Learning Officer at Forward Edge. Katie was named one of the Top 100 Influencers in Edtech in 2023, and a finalist in the Visionary category for The EdTech Leadership Awards in 2023. She completed her Doctor of Education from Vanderbilt University where her research focused on instructional coaching and K12 educator professional development....
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Tim Moses, Thomas Conner & Bill Butler: Early Days of Nashville Tech
Half Geek Half Human
In this episode of the Half Geek Half Human podcast, we are joined by three legends from Nashville’s early tech scene: Tim Moses, Thomas Conner, and Bill Butler. Together, they founded Telalink – Nashville’s first internet provider – back in 1993. Listen as they reminisce about Telalink's origin story and reflect on how the tech landscape has changed in Nashville over the last 30 years. In this episode of the Half Geek Half Human podcast, we are joined by three legends from Nashville’s early tech scene: Tim Moses, Thomas Conner, and Bill Butler. Together, they founded Telalink...
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Caleb Scholze and Greg Matsick: Junior to Senior in Tech
Half Geek Half Human
In this episode of the Half Geek Half Human podcast, we are joined two senior software developers from Atiba, Caleb Scholze and Greg Matsick who discuss what it takes to move from a junior to senior position in tech. Caleb Scholze is a graduate of the Nashville Software School and a senior developer and team lead on Atiba’s mobile team. Greg Matsick, another senior developer at Atiba has a bachelor’s in computer science from Penn State and is a member of Caleb’s team. This episode will cover: Caleb and Greg’s origin stories and how their careers shifted focus What...
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Josh Oakes: Understand Your Customer With The Who First Framework
Half Geek Half Human
In this episode of the Half Geek Half Human podcast we are joined by product ownership and audience guru Josh Oakes - Principal and Creator of the Who First framework. Joshua Oakes spent years consulting with organizations to help them solve product marketing and customer acquisition challenges. He would help them repair broken processes, connect disjointed systems, remove roadblocks, get visibility into their outcomes, and build measurement strategies to support their objectives. But every time he would uncover an underlying problem: They simply did not understand who their customers were....
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Matt Abbott of UltraSignup: Storytelling with Data
Half Geek Half Human
Matt Abbott is a data scientist at UltraSignup and an avid trail runner. Matt has worked on a wide range of data problems - from figuring out why people skip over the word "the" when they read while working on his PhD in Psychology - to identifying the language you should or should not use in your job posts to attract the right candidates - to solving organizational challenges at scale in Amazon's HR departments. Outside of working on data problems and running up and down the local Issaquah Alps, Matt is a devoted solo parent and loves making memories with his daughter. In this episode...
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Michael Utley of GoEpps: Digital Marketing and the future of AI
Half Geek Half Human
Kicking off season two of the Half Geek Half Human podcast is Michael Utley of GoEpps Digital Marketing. As CEO and founder of the company, Michael is primarily involved in digital marketing strategy, sales, product development, and operations. While he oversees the effectiveness and efficiency of the company, he is also intentional about connecting directly with clients. His days are typically filled with meetings and calls to gauge client satisfaction and welcome new business. At the end of these meetings, Michael always asks clients to determine the usefulness of the interaction. By...
info_outlineAs it turns out, being half geek, half human runs in the family. In this episode we welcome Michael Rosen, Esq., Partner and Cofounder of Provider Trust, a company simplifying storage management and the ongoing monitoring of credential information. Michael also happens to be the cousin of Atiba’s JJ Rosen. Learn how he turned publicly available information into a lot of money.
This episode will cover:
- The many pivots Michael has taken in his professional journey from trial attorney to his current venture with Provider Trust.
- How changes in the healthcare industry background screening requirements led to the genesis of Provider Trust.
- Using technology in the beginnings of the internet to transition from paper trails to online data and automation.
- Basic tenants of the “secret sauce” in monetizing data comes down to doing technology well and thinking critically.
- Importance of staying current with government data.
- Determining as an entrepreneur if are going to be a low-cost provider focused on volume or premium product focused on value and accuracy.
- Opportunities that come with regulated industries and certifications needed.
- Uncovering fraud, particularly in rural communities and why trust plays such a prominent role in hiring and for clients.
- Importance of company culture and values and how they drive success.
- The future for Provider Trust and how AI plays a part.