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S4 - Episode 007 – Reality Distortion is so Freakin’ Real! (w/ Winn Schwartau)

Cyber Distortion Podcast

Release Date: 07/01/2025

S4 - Episode 007 – Reality Distortion is so Freakin’ Real! (w/ Winn Schwartau) show art S4 - Episode 007 – Reality Distortion is so Freakin’ Real! (w/ Winn Schwartau)

Cyber Distortion Podcast

In this riveting episode of Cyber Distortion, hosts Kevin Pentecost and Jason Popillion sit down with none other than Winn Schwartau — the legendary cybersecurity pioneer and provocateur known for pulling no punches when it comes to the truth. A trailblazer in information warfare and the original mind behind DEFCON Jeopardy, Winn dives deep into the murky waters of misinformation, disinformation, and the global implications of distorted digital realities. From nation-state psyops to corporate manipulation campaigns, we explore how the war over truth is being waged on battlefields both...

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Cyber Distortion Podcast

In this gripping episode of the Cyber Distortion Podcast, we sit down with Ricoh Danielson — a former U.S. Army Combat Veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, national security expert, and digital forensics specialist. With a career that bridges the battlefield and the digital frontlines, Ricoh brings a rare and powerful perspective on the evolving threats to our national security and critical infrastructure. From his firsthand experiences in war zones to his current role as a VCISO and digital forensic expert, Ricoh shares stories that are as eye-opening as they are inspiring. We dive into the...

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Welcome to this episode of Cyber Distortion, where we explore the cutting edge of technology, security, and the future of humanity itself. In this episode, we look into how differing generational outlooks—from the Silent Generation, to Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—shape the ways teams solve problems and interact within today’s corporate landscape. We explore how historical events, technological exposure, and shifting cultural norms have impacted each generation’s communication style, work ethic, and appetite for risk. Through candid anecdotes and real-world...

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In this riveting episode of Cyber Distortion, hosts Kevin Pentecost and Jason Popillion sit down with none other than Winn Schwartau — the legendary cybersecurity pioneer and provocateur known for pulling no punches when it comes to the truth.

A trailblazer in information warfare and the original mind behind DEFCON Jeopardy, Winn dives deep into the murky waters of misinformation, disinformation, and the global implications of distorted digital realities. From nation-state psyops to corporate manipulation campaigns, we explore how the war over truth is being waged on battlefields both virtual and real.

But it wouldn't be Cyber Distortion without a twist. We wrap the episode with our own chaotic spin on Cyber Distortion Jeopardy, putting Winn — the Godfather of DEFCON Jeopardy himself — back in the hot seat. Expect sharp insights, dark humor, and plenty of digital distortion as we challenge Winn’s wit and memory.

Whether you're a cybersecurity veteran or just starting to question what's real in your feed, this episode will leave you thinking twice about the information you trust.

Jason Popillion is a CISSP and serves as a CIO/CTO of a SaaS company and Kevin Pentecost is a CISSP, CISM, CEH, CPT, MPCS, MCSE, CCA, ITIL-F and serves as the Information Security Director for a Manufacturing company.

 

🔹 Winn Schwartau – Official & Contact

🔹 Essential Articles & Background on Winn

  • Wired (1996) – Classic article Information Warrior describes his perspective on national cyber threats and “magnetic bombs”: wired.com
  • InfoWorld & Network World – Opinion pieces by Winn on global info‑war and cyber defense: infoworld.com+1networkworld.com+1

🔹 Books by Winn Schwartau

Here’s a direct link where you can purchase Winn Schwartau’s newest book The Art & Science of Metawar, available in paperback:

  • The Art & Science of Metawar (paperback) – listed around $25 used/new‑low via eBay/AbeBooks.
  • You can also purchase or preview it through these official sources:
  • Amazon Paperback & Kindle — Paperback
  • AbeBooks — Used paperback editions, ISBN 0996401946, published August 30, 2024 by Winn Schwartau LLC thriftbooks.com+2abebooks.com+2

 

🔹 Broader Reading on Misinformation & Disinformation

  • Technology‑Enabled Disinformation (arXiv, 2018) – a rich survey of digital disinformation mechanics and defense strategies: arxiv.org
  • Cambridge Handbook (Chapter: Misinformation, Disinformation & Online Propaganda) – analysis of spread dynamics and trust erosion: cambridge.org+1reddit.com+1
  • Political Behavior (2020) – study on how misinformation‑warnings can backfire (the “tainted truth” effect): link.springer.com
  • Love Letter to America (PDF) – Read it here.
  • Severance (2022) – The show revolves around employees of the mysterious biotechnology corporation Lumon Industries, who have undergone a surgical procedure called "severance" that separates their work memories from their personal life. This means their "innie" (work self) has no knowledge of their "outie" (personal life) and vice versa.

Watch it on AppleTV.