Episode 15
🎙️ Welcome back to the Distilled Security Podcast!
In this episode, hosts Justin Leapline, Joe Wynn, and Rick Yocum sit down with James Ringold (Senior Security Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft and President of ISSA Pittsburgh) to talk all about building stronger cybersecurity communities.
From the behind-the-scenes of BSides Pittsburgh 2025 to engaging the next generation through mentorship and student-led talks, this episode offers practical insights on how to grow inclusive, vendor-neutral spaces that truly support people in security.
Topics Covered
What made this year’s event stand out — from arcade machines and pastries to great speakers and a welcoming atmosphere.
Insights into leading ISSA Pittsburgh, maintaining momentum, and building a vendor-neutral space that feels open to everyone.
Why showing up regularly and following through matters when growing a security community.
The importance of mentorship chains, student-led initiatives, and creating low-pressure environments for future leaders.
How to get students truly involved, from submitting talks to building long-term relationships that support career growth.
Why empathy, storytelling, and invitation—not pressure—are essential for creating lasting, supportive security ecosystems.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Intro & Guest Welcome
00:02:20 – BSides Pittsburgh 2025 Preview
00:24:10 – Building Inclusive Security Communities
00:41:20 – Mentorship & Student Talks
01:11:00 – Whiskey Tasting: Grand Traverse Distillery
01:33:00 – Growing Through Empathy & Local Leadership
01:48:30 – Final Reflections & Outro
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Published on 2Â months, 1Â week ago
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