<p>It doesn't matter if you use TikTok or not; the Restrict Act's implications go far beyond just one social media platform. At its core, the act aims to protect American citizens from foreign adversarial entities. However, it raises concerns about the future of internet freedom and the need for comprehensive privacy laws in the US.</p><h2 id="2-the-restrict-act-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly">The Restrict Act: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly</h2><p>On the surface, the Restrict Act seems to be a step towards protecting American citizens. By moving TikTok's operations to the US, the company can be subject to domestic security audits, making it more difficult for foreign governments to access user data.</p><p>But there's a catch. The bill is written vaguely, allowing for interpretations that could infringe on internet freedom. Although lawmakers have stated that VPNs and similar technologies are not the target, the legislation's ambiguity could lead to unintended consequences.</p><h2 id="2-the-need-for-a-comprehensive-privacy-framework">The Need for a Comprehensive Privacy Framework</h2><p>Privacy has become a punchline in the US, with many people assuming that their information is always being monitored. Current privacy laws, like the California Consumer Privacy Act or COPPA, are inadequate to cover the full spectrum of data protection concerns.</p><p>Europe's GDPR provides a solid foundation for privacy protection but has its limitations and has not evolved with the rapid pace of technology. The US needs a comprehensive privacy framework that holds companies accountable and empowers individuals to have more control over their privacy settings.</p><h2 id="2-concerns-about-restricting-access-to-information">Concerns about Restricting Access to Information</h2><p>One of the internet's core values is the ability to access information freely, without government restrictions. The Restrict Act has the potential to change that, allowing the executive branch to cut off access to certain media sources. This could stifle innovation and hinder the growth of technology.</p><h2 id="2-a-vision-for-the-future-of-privacy-and-technology">A Vision for the Future of Privacy and Technology</h2><p>The ideal solution involves establishing a comprehensive privacy policies and laws that all companies, domestic and foreign, must adhere to. This framework should have strict penalties, expectations, and transparency requirements. It should be simple, easy to understand, and empower individuals to have more control over their privacy.</p><p>Technology is growing at an unprecedented rate, and we must embrace this progress while maintaining our privacy. By implementing a comprehensive privacy framework, we can enjoy the benefits of new technologies like AI, augmented reality, and global interconnectivity without sacrificing our right to privacy.</p><p>In conclusion, the Restrict Act raises important questions about privacy and the future of the internet. We need a comprehensive privacy framework that can evolve with technology and protect our rights while promoting innovation. With the right approach, we can embrace the future without fear. As always, thanks for reading, and hack on.</p><p></p><p>Check out my YouTube video <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/THmTsEea_NY">Is the TikTok Ban Hiding a Bigger Privacy Concern? </a>or the Hacker Hangouts stream <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtube.com/live/QiJkURWPyNg">TikTok or TikStop? The Battle for US's Digital Soul</a></p><p></p>

It doesn't matter if you use TikTok or not; the Restrict Act's implications go far beyond just one social media platform. At its core, the act aims to protect American citizens from foreign adversarial entities...

The Restrict Act aims to protect American citizens from foreign adversaries, but could have unintended consequences. We need a comprehensive privacy framework that holds companies accountable and empowers individuals to have more control over their privacy while still enabling tech innovation.

The Restrict Act, Privacy and the Future of the Internet

<p>The Hacker Hangouts podcast recently discussed the future of AI in technology, including its use in search engines, creative works, and security. Here are some of the key takeaways from the conversation:</p><h2 id="2-the-role-of-ai-in-search-engines">The Role of AI in Search Engines</h2><p>AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT and Bing are changing the way users find information online by providing summarized information without requiring them to visit individual websites. While this has potential benefits, such as improving the quality of online content and reducing reliance on outdated information, there are also concerns about the impact on creativity and original thought. As AI-generated summaries become more prevalent, there is a risk that they may oversimplify or homogenize information, reducing the value of individual perspectives and creativity. Additionally, as users rely more on AI-generated summaries, there is a possibility that websites may no longer receive as much traffic or ad revenue, potentially leading to the demise of those sites. It is important to consider the broader implications of AI in search engines and find ways to balance its benefits with the impact on the larger ecosystem of online content.</p><p><em>How can we ensure that the use of AI-powered search engines does not limit access to diverse perspectives and a wide range of information, and what steps can be taken to prevent the potential loss of valuable online content and revenue for websites?</em></p><h2 id="2-disincentivizing-low-quality-content">Disincentivizing Low-Quality Content</h2><p>The abundance of low-quality content online is a major problem, and it can be difficult to find relevant and accurate information. AI-powered search engines have the potential to disincentivize the production of low-quality content by summarizing information and providing accurate and efficient search results. This could be a significant change in the quality of online content.</p><p><em>How can we encourage the production of high-quality content while still taking advantage of the benefits of AI-powered search engines?</em></p><h2 id="2-exploring-the-impact-of-ai-on-creative-works">Exploring the Impact of AI on Creative Works</h2><p>AI is changing the way creative works are produced, particularly in fields such as music and literature. However, this raises important questions about how copyright law will adapt to this new technology. As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, it may become more difficult to determine who holds the rights to the work and how it can be used. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential for AI-generated content to infringe on the intellectual property of existing works. These issues highlight the need for careful consideration and discussion about how AI and copyright law intersect, and how we can ensure that creators are fairly compensated for their work while still taking advantage of the benefits of AI.</p><p style="text-align: start"><em>Given the potential for AI to transform the creative process, what are some ways that we can adapt copyright law to ensure that it remains relevant and effective in the age of AI-generated content?</em></p><h2 id="2-ai-in-security">AI in Security</h2><p>AI is also being used in security contexts, such as identifying vulnerabilities and improving endpoint security and code analysis. While AI can aid in identifying security risks, there are also risks associated with relying too heavily on AI-generated solutions. It is important to consider the limitations of AI in this context, as well as the potential for malicious actors to use AI against security measures.</p><p><em>How can we balance the benefits of AI in security contexts with the need for human oversight and judgment in identifying and addressing security risks?</em></p><h2 id="2-conclusion">Conclusion</h2><p>The podcast left me feeling exhilarated, with a thrilling glimpse into the future of AI in technology. The impact of AI on search engines, creative works, and security raises important questions and concerns, but it is an exciting time to explore the possibilities of this rapidly advancing technology. For the first time in a while, I am excited to see so much innovation on the horizon. I am pumped to see how we will push the boundaries of what's possible, our answers to the tough questions and addressing concerns, and finding creative solutions. Thank you for reading and hack on!<br><br>Check out the full Hacker Hangouts stream at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ykPzKFDf2A"><strong>The End of Curiosity: How ChatGPT is Killing the Cat</strong></a></p>

The Hacker Hangouts podcast recently discussed the future of AI in technology, including its use in search engines, creative works, and security. Here are some of the key takeaways from the conversation...

The Hacker Hangouts podcast discussed the potential of AI in search engines, creative works, and security. It's important to consider the risks & implications of this technology as it becomes more prevalent. AI can provide benefits but must be used responsibly to ensure its use for the greater good.

ChatGPT vs. The World: The Rise of AI in Search Engines

<p>Negotiating your salary can be intimidating, but it's worth the effort since it can help motivate you, reduce stress, and improve your overall satisfaction in life. Money can't buy happiness, though it sure makes it easier to choose to be happy. So, here's a no-nonsense guide to negotiating your salary.</p><h2 id="2-do-your-research">Do Your Research</h2><p>Don't wing it. Take the time to research the average salary for your job title. Use salary comparison websites like Glassdoor, SalaryExpert, Salary.com, Indeed, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to get a ballpark figure, then factor in your experience and what intangible qualities you bring to the table. Use these as guides and not gospel. By doing your homework, you'll be better equipped and can talk with more confidence to make a compelling case during negotiation.</p><h2 id="2-develop-your-salary-pitch">Develop Your Salary Pitch</h2><p>A strong pitch will help convince your employer to pay you more. Your pitch should include a comprehensive explanation of why you deserve the salary you're proposing, as well as any other benefits you require to thrive in your role. Don't be shy about asking for more than just a higher salary - think about what else you need to succeed. Hardware, vacation, working remote, side projects, training, dedicated time for mentorship, heck even a DEF CON budget can be knobs to turn during negotiation.</p><h2 id="2-who-goes-first-">Who Goes First?</h2><p>There's an old adage that says, "The first person to say a number loses." While this might be true in some cases, it doesn't always apply to salary negotiations. In an interview, the HR rep will often ask you about your salary expectations early on. In this case, you can take control of the conversation by asking for more information about the budget and the compensation package overall. If you're not satisfied with what you're hearing, don't be afraid to push back. Larger companies typically have a pay band for positions whereas small companies typically have an idea of what the position will pay; however, will flex depending on the skillset of the individual.</p><h2 id="2-cover-all-bases">Cover All Bases</h2><p>During the negotiation, be sure to ask questions about any benefits that will be included with your salary, when you'll be eligible for promotions and salary increases, how much of your health costs are covered, and what metrics will be used to determine your success. The answers to these questions will help you determine whether or not to accept the offer.</p><h2 id="2-know-your-leverage-points">Know Your Leverage Points</h2><p>It's essential to understand your leverage points in a negotiation. Do you currently have a job? Do you have more experience than what the employer is looking for? These are just a couple of examples of leverage points that you can use to your advantage.</p><h2 id="2-confidence-is-key">Confidence is Key</h2><p>The most crucial part of any salary negotiation is confidence. Be confident in your self-worth and your wants. If you deliver a compelling case for why you deserve what you're asking for, you're more likely to get it. Don't be afraid to push back if you're not satisfied with the offer. You have the power to negotiate your worth, so use it.</p><h2 id="2-don-t-take-it-personally">Don't Take it Personally</h2><p>Simply that, it is easy to wrap up salary as a personal measurement of self-worth. Don't do it. It is not healthy. There are plenty of reasons, completely outside your control that they might not budge on salary.</p><h2 id="2-wrap-up">Wrap Up</h2><p>In conclusion, negotiating your salary can be challenging and scary though rewarding. It's worth the effort. By doing your research, developing a strong pitch, covering all bases, knowing your leverage points, and being confident, you can successfully negotiate the salary you deserve. Remember, don't take it personally if they don't budge on salary. There are plenty of reasons outside your control. If you don't try, you'll never know. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Best of luck and hack on!</p>

Negotiating your salary can be intimidating, but it's worth the effort since it can help motivate you, reduce stress, and improve your overall satisfaction in life. Money can't buy happiness, though it sure makes it easier...

 Negotiating salary can be intimidating, but worth it. Research salaries and develop a strong pitch to make a compelling case. Find your leverage points, have confidence, look for other knobs to turn, and not taking it personally are key. Best of luck!

Salary Talk 101: A Practical Guide to Negotiating Your Pay with Confidence

<p>I want to share some tips on how to ace your next interview. Last week, Gourry, Loops, and I were on the Hacker Hangouts podcast pretending to interview Gourry as a potential candidate for a security position (where I lovingly and purposely referred to him with the wrong name). During our conversation, we talked about our past experiences with interviews, how to make a good impression, and offer tips for navigating the interview process. Here’s what I learned from our conversation.</p><h2 id="2-understand-your-strengths-and-weaknesses">Understand Your Strengths and Weaknesses</h2><p>The first tip is to understand your strengths and weaknesses when entering the job market. It’s important to focus on finding a good fit between the company and yourself, rather than worrying about salary. Not saying salary is not important (it is), however, a good fit will lead to a higher salary. Often you may get the silly question about strengths and weaknesses. When asked, try using humor to break the ice. Showing your personality and sense of humor can help you stand out from other candidates.</p><h2 id="2-consider-when-you-bring-up-salary-and-benefits">Consider When You Bring Up Salary and Benefits</h2><p>I used a poor analogy during the podcast, whereas Gourry saved me with a better one. Expanding on it. Salary is much like talking about the number of children you want at the start of a date. While not that awkward when you are older or know what you are really looking for, it is much more awkward and off-putting when you are young and on a first date. If you are inexperienced and looking for a first job or you are "negotiating" from a place of desperation wait to bring up salary. Whereas, if you have a job or you know what you are looking for, tossing out salary early can avoid wasting time. As a plus for waiting, typically as a candidate your greatest leverage is once the company decides they want to hire you. They do not want to "waste" time looking for the next person if they like you.</p><h2 id="2-be-honest-and-resilient-during-interviews">Be Honest and Resilient During Interviews</h2><p>Another tip is to be honest and resilient when answering questions during an interview. Don’t prepare answers in advance; instead, have an honest conversation with the interviewer to determine if the job is a good fit. It's okay to admit when you don't know the answer to a technical question, but also be open to learning new things and being challenged.</p><h2 id="2-be-prepared-for-technical-questions">Be Prepared for Technical Questions</h2><p>When interviewing for a security position, you may be asked technical questions that you don’t know the answer to. Or ridiculous questions like, "How many windows are there in New York City?" In this case, asking clarifying questions. Oftentimes interviewers are looking for you to think through the problem and not simply jump into it. Hearing how a candidate thinks is incredibly helpful. Remember that the interviewer is not only looking for your technical expertise, but also your ability to think critically and problem-solve. And pro-tip, if you are asked something about a previous employer that you do not want to talk about, chances are you are under and NDA and you can mention that.</p><h2 id="2-handle-unstructured-interviews-with-humor-and-simple-responses">Handle Unstructured Interviews With Humor and Simple Responses</h2><p>When it comes to unstructured interviews, such as with senior engineers, it can be a bit intimidating. But don't worry, try to using humor and simple responses to help you navigate these types of interviews. It can also be helpful to push back on questions and make sure you understand what the interviewer is looking for.</p><h2 id="2-marketing-is-important-when-applying-for-jobs">Marketing is Important When Applying for Jobs</h2><p>When applying for a job, it is important to stand out in order to catch the attention of the hiring manager. This can be done by including a profile at the top of your resume which tells a story about your background and what you are good at. Additionally, don’t feel obligated to jump through all of the hoops for a position if it isn’t worth your time, e.g., a company requiring cover letters or other quizzes or labs.</p><h2 id="2-reach-out-to-people-you-know">Reach Out To People You Know</h2><p>Networking is key when it comes to getting your foot in the door. Reach out to people you know who work in the industry or who have connections in the company you’re interested in. Even if they are a recent acquaintance or a new LinkedIn connection, they might get a referral bonus so reach out and be bold.</p><h2 id="2-conclusion">Conclusion</h2><p>Interviews can be intimidating, but they don’t have to be if you follow these tips. Understand your strengths and weaknesses, be honest and resilient during interviews, be prepared for technical questions, handle unstructured interviews with humor and simple responses, make sure your resume stands out with marketing tactics, reach out to people you know. Remember, the key is to be yourself and showcase your unique skills and experiences. Good luck on your next interview and hack on!<br><br>Check out the full Podcast - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJWaRQG-lcY">Interviews: Crush or Be Crushed (Psst, Gourry gets crushed)</a></p>

I want to share some tips on how to ace your next interview. Last week, Gourry, Loops, and I were on the Hacker Hangouts podcast pretending to interview Gourry as a potential candidate for a security position...

Interviewing can be intimidating, but following these tips will help you ace it! Understand your strengths/weaknesses, be honest/resilient, prepare for tech questions, use humor, market yourself on resumes, and network with people you know. Be yourself and showcase your unique skills and experiences.

How to Ace Your Next Job Interview: Tips from a Security Professional

<p>As AI technology continues to surge forward, ChatGPT stands at the forefront as one of the most advanced language models available. Yet, as Socrates wisely noted,</p><blockquote><p>"Knowledge which is acquired under compulsion obtains no hold on the mind."</p></blockquote><p style="text-align: start">As we harness the immense power of ChatGPT and AI to shape our future, it's important that we approach these technologies with a sense of responsibility and ethics. Ensuring that the knowledge and advancements we gain through these technologies are truly meaningful, and not just the result of blind conformity, will be crucial in creating a better future for us all.</p><h2 id="2-overview-of-chatgpt">Overview of ChatGPT</h2><p>ChatGPT, a Generative Pre-trained Transformer, is a technology that can understand what a user is searching for and provide answers. This technology was trained on a wide range of topics until 2021, and its advanced capabilities can be used for multiple tasks such as creating titles, descriptions, and summaries, and even translating complex medical terms into simple English as was my recent need. ChatGPT can also help people learn new frameworks quickly and be used as a "rubber duckie" to debug code, as demonstrated by a coworker who tested its capabilities with mixed results.</p><h2 id="2-openai-whisper">OpenAI Whisper</h2><p>OpenAI Whisper is a new open-source tool that can automate audio and video production and even translate audio to text, potentially replacing some cognitive jobs. However, it's worth noting that AI is still a long way from replacing human jobs as it cannot replace the human touch, particularly in roles such as translators and interpreters who understand cultural nuances and context that AI currently cannot.</p><h2 id="2-limitations-of-chatgpt">Limitations of ChatGPT</h2><p>While ChatGPT offers many benefits, it's important to be cautious of its limitations. It's not always reliable and its answers should be viewed with skepticism. Integrating it directly into search engines may also raise questions as it learned from books and Stack Overflow, and it's crucial to remember that AI should assist human thinking and not replace it.</p><h2 id="2-potential-benefits-of-chatgpt-in-cybersecurity"><span style="color: rgb(209, 213, 219)">Potential Benefits of ChatGPT in Cybersecurity</span></h2><p>AI technology is rapidly changing the way we do things, and ChatGPT is one of the most advanced AI language models available. With its ability to understand context and provide relevant answers, ChatGPT has the potential to improve the field of cybersecurity by lowering the barrier to entry for less skilled individuals. Analyzing vast amounts of data and identifying patterns that may indicate an attack, ChatGPT can respond more quickly and accurately than a human security analyst. This could lead to a more diverse and inclusive industry, where people from different backgrounds and skill levels can contribute to the field.</p><h2 id="2-potential-downsides-of-chatgpt-in-cybersecurity"><span style="color: rgb(209, 213, 219)">Potential Downsides of ChatGPT in Cybersecurity</span></h2><p><span style="color: rgb(209, 213, 219)">ChatGPT also presents risks such as bias in data leading to incorrect decisions, lack of human oversight, and exploitation by malicious actors. There is also the possibility of misuse by malicious actors, adding another layer of concern. Thus, caution and careful consideration of both benefits and risks is necessary before fully embracing ChatGPT in cybersecurity.</span></p><h2 id="2-conclusion">Conclusion</h2><p><span style="color: rgb(209, 213, 219)">The rise of ChatGPT in cybersecurity presents both exciting opportunities and important ethical considerations. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the industry by breaking down barriers and fostering new perspectives, but as the words of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman said:</span></p><blockquote><p>"To every man is given the key to the gates of heaven. The same key opens the gates of hell. And so it is with science."</p></blockquote><p><strong>I am pumped to see what our crazy community accomplishes! Heck this summary was mostly written by OpenAI using a Whisper transcription from the podcast linked below. Check out ChatGPT and hack on!</strong></p><p>👇</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92EhT45gP1I"><strong>ChatGPT: The Job-Stealing AI of Doom</strong></a></p>

AI technology is advancing at a rapid pace, and ChatGPT is one of the most cutting-edge AI language models available. "Science without conscience is the death of the soul." -- Rene Descartes. Just as...

ChatGPT is one of the most advanced AI language models available. As we harness its power, it's important to approach it responsibly and ethically. It has potential benefits and risks in cybersecurity, so caution and careful consideration is necessary. Our community can do amazing things with ChatGPT and I am excited!

ChatGPT: The Job-Stealing AI of Doom

<p>The term 'hacker' has been stretched and distorted beyond recognition. From kitchen shortcuts to devastating breaches, technical prowess to wonky engineering with chicken wire. The term ranges all over the place in search of a definition. Hacker is a squish term and I am going to try to hack together a better definition.</p><p>We could argue the term back to its origin, a <em>hacker</em> is one that <em>hacks</em>, where <em>hacks</em> are applied ingenuity to create clever results. Personally, I like the RFC definition though only as a starting point. Keep in mind this was written in 1993:</p><blockquote><p>hacker</p><p>A person who delights in having an intimate understanding of the internal workings of a system, computers and computer networks in particular. The term is often misused in a pejorative context, where "cracker" would be the correct term. See also: cracker.</p><p>-- <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1392#appendix-H"><em>https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1392#appendix-H</em></a></p></blockquote><p>I believe the core of the RFC is, "A person who delights in <strong><em>having</em></strong> an intimate understanding." Though the definition is unclear if you need to <strong>have</strong> versus the pursuit of <strong>having </strong>said understanding. Here is the secret, <strong>there are no experts</strong> in systems, networks, or computers; the field is too broad and goes too deep. With no experts, the definition changes. I believe I have come up with a better one - though welcome feedback.</p><blockquote><p>A hacker embodies a boundless passion and insatiable thirst for understanding the complexities of a system, computers and networks in particular. They revel in the pursuit of knowledge and mastery, constantly seeking new solutions and opportunities for growth. Their drive and innovative spirit inspire and are inspired by the hacker community, where ideas and knowledge are freely shared and valued regardless of their origin.</p><p>-- Silk</p></blockquote><p>I think it is important to recognize and affirm that the term hacker is <strong>not</strong> a title bequeathed upon you. It is who you are down to the marrow of your bones, your mindset and the driving force with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, to gather others around yourself to inspire and be inspired by, to value the ideas of hackers without prejudice, to embrace and pursue failure as a means of improvement, and to take joy and delight in whatever you set your mind to. I hope you embrace this, and hack on!</p>

The term 'hacker' has been stretched and distorted beyond recognition. From kitchen shortcuts to devastating breaches, technical prowess to wonky engineering with chicken wire. Hacker is a squish term...

I've redefined 'hacker' as someone driven by passion and a thirst for understanding computer systems & networks. They have innovative spirit, pursue knowledge & mastery, embrace failure for improvement, and are inspired by the hacker community where ideas & knowledge are freely shared. Being a hacker is not a title, but a mindset and unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

What is a Hacker?

<p><strong><em><span style="color: rgb(253, 126, 20)">This was a post on the old site, I did not bring over all the old posts, but I thought this one still had a lot of great information.</span></em></strong></p><p>After over a year of doing Hacker Hangouts and putting out videos and live streams, I FINALLY took the time to find a platform to host it on as a podcast outside of YouTube (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtube.com/hackerhangouts">https://youtube.com/hackerhangouts</a>). While I love doing them on YouTube and will continue doing them there, a 1 hour livestream is a lot to watch; especially when I like to watch most videos at 2x and our podcast at 3x. Here is what I did to get it hosted and the polish I do on each episode.</p><h2 id="2-why-did-it-take-so-long-">Why did it take so long?</h2><p>It felt like a HUGE step and the price. While the price at PodBean and BuzzSprout is not a lot, there is no revenue from YouTube or the podcast and it all starts to add up.</p><p>It is easy to get inside your own head when doing anything. Publishing the livestream as a podcast felt like a big undertaking since I “was told” I needed to do a bunch of post processing and cutting and hosting. It turns out this is not true. I found a few shortcuts that might help you if you are thinking about getting started.</p><h2 id="2-where-to-host-">Where to host?</h2><p>There are a lot of hosting providers. To name a few: Anchor, Buzzsprout, Soundcloud, Podbean, Libsyn. Self-hosting vs third-party and even hybrid. After much research, I settled on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Anchor.fm">Anchor.fm</a>. There are lots of comparisons online so I won’t dive too deep. I settled on Anchor for a few reasons:</p><ol><li><p><strong>Free</strong> - Hard to beat that and no weird “premium” type fees or upgrades. This was the biggest con to others. They would get expensive the moment you uploaded too many or larger file sizes.</p></li><li><p><strong>Great distribution</strong> - While all of them offer this, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Anchor.fm">Anchor.fm</a> had Apple, Google, Spotify, and more.</p></li><li><p><strong>Video</strong> - This is HUGE and as far as I know the only option. Recently, Spotify started allowing video podcasts and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Anchor.fm">Anchor.fm</a> is owned by Spotify; therefore, it is supported. I can take the mp4/mov file and upload it. Anchor takes care of the rest by splitting up the video and audio then distributes the audio to everything and the video to Spotify. Video is the BIGGEST reason Anchor was a no-brainer.</p></li></ol><h2 id="2-editing-tips-at-least-what-i-am-doing-now-">Editing Tips (at least what I am doing now)</h2><blockquote><p>🤘 Quick note - I am not an audio engineer or really crazy confident in what I am doing. The below is strictly based on me messing around with options and some research. It is entirely possible this is not the “best” way. If you know audio and the below is wrong, PLEASE reach out to me via the contact page.</p></blockquote><h3 id="3-don-t-over-think-it-"><strong>Don’t over think it.</strong></h3><p>Stick to basics and improve over time.</p><h3 id="3-fix-audio">Fix Audio</h3><p>I tweak these to each individual speaker track and <strong>not</strong> globally to all audio.</p><ul><li><p><strong>Add a Noise Gate.</strong> You need to adjust the Threshold so it closes the gate when the person is not speaking. This will help stop room noise from being present when the person is not speaking. If it is just one person, no big deal. With 4 people with a bit of background, super annoying. Depending on the situation you may not want to reduce -100dB and only a bit. For example, if you are in a quieter room, -100dB is fine whereas if you are at DEF CON or a louder environment it will sound weird since all that background will come out while the person talks and it will be dead quiet when they are silent. Sometimes it makes sense to have some of the audio bleed in. I personally still play with these and this year at DEF CON 30, I will play with it more and once I find a solution that works, I will copy/paste it to future podcasts/clips. Also depending on the microphones used this will change.</p></li><li><p><strong>Normalize the audio with a limiter.</strong> This will bring everyone on the call to the same volume and bring up the quiet parts. I am not an expert and learning as I go; these are what worked for me. Settings I use: Gain +5-15dB (Adjust until reduction is touching ~3dB occasionally), Release 280ms, Output -4-4.5dB, Lookahead 2ms.</p></li></ul><p>Here are examples of my “starter” settings:</p><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/alexchaveriat-site.appspot.com/o/uploads%2Fposts%2Fhow-to-host-and-edit-a-podcast-hacker-hangouts-podcast-is-live%2Fhow-to-host-and-edit-a-podcast-hacker-hangouts-podcast-is-live-1674571729717-5412.png?alt=media&amp;token=e76dac8d-3b34-4e02-85bc-bb853909b250" alt="Settings set within the limiter, +8db gain, 280ms release, -4 db output level, 2ms lookahead"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/alexchaveriat-site.appspot.com/o/uploads%2Fposts%2Fhow-to-host-and-edit-a-podcast-hacker-hangouts-podcast-is-live%2Fhow-to-host-and-edit-a-podcast-hacker-hangouts-podcast-is-live-1674571729718-6b86.png?alt=media&amp;token=4b887853-6779-4ee2-9799-865549b8ff68" alt="Noise gate settings -30db threshold, -100db reduction, 40ms attack, 30ms hold, 397.4ms release"><h3 id="3-cut-awkward-silences-">Cut awkward silences.</h3><p>There are lots of ways of doing this, but they all come down to manual or programmatically. Currently, I am doing it programmatically using a tool called Recut <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://getrecut.com/">https://getrecut.com/</a>. I use the default settings. I export my FCPX edit as ProRes 422 (or go right from the raw files depending on what I am working on) and drop it in then export in FCPX XML format to pull it back into FinalCut for audio corrections. Descript (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.descript.com/">https://www.descript.com/</a>) also can do this but it is not as fast though more customizable.</p><h2 id="2-final-result">Final Result</h2><p>After exporting the final video from FCPX as an MOV or MP4 (both are supported though <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/1722171?hl=en">YouTube prefers MP4</a>, I upload it directly to Anchor and let it do its magic. I match the title and description with the video on the YouTube channel <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtube.com/hackerhangouts">https://youtube.com/hackerhangouts</a> and let it process. Currently, I am not really using the season and episode numbers. Feel free to check it out and consider adding it to your feed. Hope this helps and hack on!</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><strong>❗️Hacker Hangouts (</strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://anchor.fm/hackerhangouts"><strong>https://anchor.fm/hackerhangouts</strong></a><strong>)❗️</strong></p><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/alexchaveriat-site.appspot.com/o/uploads%2Fposts%2Fhow-to-host-and-edit-a-podcast-hacker-hangouts-podcast-is-live%2Fhow-to-host-and-edit-a-podcast-hacker-hangouts-podcast-is-live-1674574500864-ccje.png?alt=media&amp;token=d03a212d-42fb-4a13-96e7-18a423d3ea38" alt="Hacker Hangout logo with cartoons of Silk (Alex), Gater, Gourry, Gulo"><p></p>

After over a year of doing Hacker Hangouts and putting out videos and live streams, I FINALLY took the time to find a platform to host it on as a podcast outside of Hacker Hangouts...

Hacker Hangouts is now a podcast! After over a year of livestreams and videos, I finally took the time to find a platform to host it on outside of YouTube. There are lots of hosting providers and I settled on Anchor.fm for its free service, great distribution, and support for video podcasts.

How to Host and Edit a Podcast | Hacker Hangouts Podcast is LIVE

<p>Another year and another website. <strong>I am PUMPED! 🤘</strong></p><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/alexchaveriat-site.appspot.com/o/uploads%2Fposts%2Fmy-first-post-for-the-hopefully-the-last-time%2Fmy-first-post-for-the-hopefully-the-last-time-1674586543302-802c.gif?alt=media&amp;token=10bb9670-50a0-4144-acca-3ea71649fa91" alt="ryan reynolds but why meme image"><h2 id="2-reasons-for-the-change">Reasons for the Change</h2><p>Less than a year ago, I built my last personal site. It was an awesome site since I didn't need to rely on some silly backend like Wordpress and instead I could use&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Notion.so">Notion.so</a> as the CMS using&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://github.com/transitive-bullshit/nextjs-notion-starter-kit">nextjs-notion-starter-kit</a>. It is an excellent NextJS template that uses Notion as the backend and built using NextJS (just like this site). <strong>However</strong>, what started as <strong><span style="color: rgb(240, 62, 62)">love</span></strong> quickly began to fade. The project's maintainer got busy with other things, so bugs started forming; plus, I need to do a TON of customization just do something simple like a "Contact Me" page. Eventually, it was so bad I stopped touching the site because I couldn't compile without the build failing and spending <strong>HOURS</strong> fixing it. So I started creating something custom, which got out of control.</p><ul><li><p>Completely custom build.</p></li><li><p>Custom Build CMS using Firebase Firestore, Authentication, Storage, Cloud Functions, etc.</p></li><li><p>Currently SSG + SSR + ISR (and if I find a need - real-time data streaming for live content changes)</p></li><li><p>Fine, I will say it 🔥 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://dev.alexchaveriat.com/about"><strong><span style="color: rgb(240, 62, 62)">BLAZINGLY FAST</span></strong></a> 🔥</p></li><li><p>Full-blown CI/CD with test cases and auto deployment</p></li><li><p>NextJS, Firebase, Vercel, and some AWS pieces like SES.</p></li><li><p>Wonderful backend editor with a custom autosave component built using TipTap as the Rich Text Editor and other nice features that I can customize and eventually expose to other people for cool projects in the future. Heck, I am building this entire post with my editor 🤘and I believe it is a beautiful thing.</p></li><li><p>AI-Generated TL;DR summaries (which is so overkill for a site no one will even read) 🤣 - except you - thank you for that!</p></li><li><p><strong><span style="color: rgb(245, 159, 0)">ULTIMATELY</span></strong> - a complete ability to change WHATEVER I want so I can get creative and do things like the <code>HackThePlanet</code> component on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://dev.alexchaveriat.com/about">About Me </a>page - which makes me 😄 <em>happy</em>.</p></li></ul><h2 id="2-the-internal-cringe-feeling">The "Internal Cringe" Feeling</h2><p>For a bunch of reasons, I stopped wanting to use WordPress (and WP Engine that hosted it) including it being expensive, bloated, dated, and hard to customize. I have been on a programming spree lately, building out many fun projects. Moreover, I started to have this internal cringe anytime somebody told me, "Hey, I checked out your site." I despise that feeling, the distaste for something that is representing you. Secondly, I haven't done a YouTube video on my <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtube.com/alexchaveriat">"main" channel </a>in a while; it is due to end-of-the-year busyness, being sick for almost <strong>three</strong> <strong>months 🤢</strong>, and bunch of other things that are mostly boring but important. I started working on a new personal site while I was ill. I didn't have the energy or motivation to think too hard on a video, whereas coding is something I can do while watching Muppet's Christmas Carol (the ultimate Christmas movie) though Spirited ranks up there.</p><h2 id="2-it-got-weird">It got weird</h2><p>The site started as a replacement for the old one with a few features then a few more then a custom build CMS with OpenAi integration. Yea, it got weird. Since I found myself able to build anything, I built things that made me happy, like the <code>Hack The Planet</code> component and things I found <strong><span style="color: rgb(112, 72, 232)">fascinating</span></strong>, like the OpenAI TL;DR summaries on the main page. I have a few other ideas, but for now, I want to get the site out or there is going to be a bunch of features that make it so it never goes live.</p><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/alexchaveriat-site.appspot.com/o/uploads%2Fposts%2Fmy-first-post-for-the-hopefully-the-last-time%2Fmy-first-post-for-the-hopefully-the-last-time-1674594658270-f2d4.gif?alt=media&amp;token=5bbe6aec-d32d-457a-b78b-129915f56599" alt="rocket from Guardians of the Galaxy saying &quot;We're all very fascinated&quot;"><h2 id="2-what-to-expect">What to expect</h2><p>Honestly, I have no idea. I want this site to be more like what I originally wanted, a personal blog to get better at writing. Though time will tell, I hope it will not turn into a stale site. I have an idea for generating blog summaries from the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtube.com/hackerhangouts">Hacker Hangouts</a> podcast/live stream using OpenAI. Ultimately, I want a creative space that I can control that I don't need to care about too much. YouTube feels like it needs to be polished, <em>as I write that I realize</em>, that is probably why I haven't done one in a while.</p><p>With that, if you made it this far and didn't just read the TL;DR - Thank you! I appreciate you! Feel free to ping me on Twitter or the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://discord.gg/jCNdNPKygP">Hacker Hangouts Discord.</a> I always find it encouraging. Cheers and Hack on!</p>

Another year and another website. I am PUMPED! 🤘Less than a year ago, I built my last personal site. It was an awesome site since I didn't need to rely on some silly backend like WordPress...

I'm excited to show off my new website! I built it completely from scratch with a custom CMS, NextJS for SSG/SSR/ISR, and full CI/CD. Plus, I added some fun features like a HackThePlanet component, OpenAI TL;DR, and more to come.