Ep 56: Beyond Compliance Cybersecurity Insights With Blake Hoge and Aaron Crow

In this episode, host Aaron Crow sits down with cybersecurity professional Blake Hoge for an unscripted deep dive into the world of IT, OT, and everything in between. In this engaging conversation, Aaron and Blake share their personal journeys through the cybersecurity landscape—from consulting roots and data center audits, to navigating third-party risk, compliance programs, and even some unforgettable experiences in global call centers and power plants.

This episode goes beyond the technicalities, exploring the importance of hands-on assessments, the unexpected vulnerabilities that linger in even the most sophisticated environments, and why fresh eyes are crucial for spotting hidden risks.

Aaron and Blake also open up about their favorite use cases for AI—both on and off the job, and how these evolving tools are reshaping everything from incident response planning to everyday productivity.

But it’s not all about cyber threats and compliance checklists. The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as the two discuss the vital role of mental health, physical wellness, and community in sustaining long careers in high-pressure fields. From rucking at dawn and cycling in Moab to decompressing at cyber shootouts and embracing new technologies, Aaron and Blake remind us that protecting it all starts with taking care of ourselves and each other.

Join us for a lively, candid episode packed with actionable insights, relatable stories, and a reminder that cybersecurity is, above all, a people business.

Key Moments:

09:47 Power Plant Fire Recovery Chaos

13:36 Infrastructure Maintenance & Security Compliance

16:10 Access Control Testing Concerns

23:22 "Design Process: Theory vs. Reality"

31:22 Dynamic Incident Response Planning

33:07 Commitment to Security and Transparency

39:21 Customized Consultancy for Unique Needs

47:05 "Understanding Contract Essentials"

50:42 In-House AI to Safeguard Data

57:47 AI Simplifies Search and Booking

59:13 Mental Wellness Strategies in Tech

01:03:52 Fitness and Energy Through Activity

01:10:44 "Business is a People Endeavor"

About the guest :

Blake Hoge leads third-party security at Airbnb, strengthening partnerships, and founded AmplifyGRC to support small businesses in building security and trust. At Instacart, he developed and scaled security and trust programs and compliance programs. At Salesforce, he managed security for global data and call centers. With over a decade in governance, risk, and compliance, Blake holds CISA, CDPSE, and PMP certifications, reflecting his expertise. Blake lives in the greater Austin, Texas area, and enjoys connecting with other professionals locally.

How to connect Blake:

Linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakehoge/

Company website: https://www.amplifygrc.com/

Connect With Aaron Crow: