Distilled Buildings Tech Podcast
Distilled Buildings Tech Podcast
Podcast Description
Distilled Buildings Tech is where deep tech meets fine spirits. Hosted by Akram Khalis and Jason Shearer, this podcast blends insightful conversations on smart buildings, AI, quantum computing, and more with the art of a well-crafted cocktail.Each episode, we’ll sit down with expert guests to explore the cutting edge of technology—unpacking the trends shaping our future, all while sipping on a specially curated drink. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an innovator, or just someone who enjoys a good Old Fashioned with a side of AI, Distilled Buildings Tech is your perfect mix of knowledge and conversation.Pour yourself a glass and join us.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a range of themes centered on smart building innovations, including Power over Ethernet (PoE), Fault Managed Power (FMP), AI, and quantum computing. Specific episode topics include the transformative impact of FMP on modern infrastructure, insights into the convergence of PoE and FMP, and an exploration of the evolution of smart buildings from traditional to advanced electrification, with examples such as Ronna Davis discussing safe energy delivery and Andrew Lu dissecting the economic drivers behind electrification.

Distilled Buildings Tech is where deep tech meets fine spirits. Hosted by Akram Khalis and Jason Shearer, this podcast blends insightful conversations on smart buildings, AI, quantum computing, and more with the art of a well-crafted cocktail.
Each episode, we’ll sit down with expert guests to explore the cutting edge of technology—unpacking the trends shaping our future, all while sipping on a specially curated drink. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an innovator, or just someone who enjoys a good Old Fashioned with a side of AI, Distilled Buildings Tech is your perfect mix of knowledge and conversation.
Pour yourself a glass and join us.
In this special crossover episode, Distilled Buildings Tech joins forces with Sip’N’Security for a candid conversation that blends smart buildings, cybersecurity, OT/IT convergence, and exceptional whiskey. What begins as a bottle share quickly evolves into a deep, practical discussion on identity, segmentation, and how emerging technologies are reshaping the built environment.
🥃 What’s in the Glass
- Sam Houston 15 Year (103 proof) – rich, dark, and bold
- Penelope Cigar Series & Old Fashioned – dangerously smooth favorites
- International pours from Iceland and Colorado
- Award-winning rye and seasonal holiday selections
- Bonus: Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream and creative cocktail ideas
👥 Hosts & Guests
- Jason Shearer – Distilled Buildings Tech
- Akram (AK) Khalis – Distilled Buildings Tech
- Justin Fields – Sip’N’Security
- Dave Abbott – Sip’N’Security
🧠 Topics Covered
🔐 IT & OT Security Convergence
- Why segmentation remains one of the hardest OT challenges
- The reality of securing devices with 10–20+ year lifecycles
- Why many OT vendors still “just want DHCP and outbound access”
🆔 Identity First
- Identity as the foundation of IT and OT security
- Limits of standards like MUD and real-world adoption challenges
- The importance of visibility and behavioral profiling over theory
🏗️ Cybersecurity in Building Design
- Why cybersecurity is buried in Division 27 specifications
- The case for cybersecurity as a first-class building requirement
- The emerging need for an IT-focused general contractor
🤖 AI in Security
- How AI accelerates both attackers and defenders
- AI-driven SOCs, anomaly detection, and automation
- Risks around AI supply chains, model trust, and prompt injection
🎧 Podcasting & Community
- Origin stories behind both shows
- Lessons learned on platforms, editing, and branding
- A surprise fan encounter proving the audience is growing
🔑 Key Takeaways
- There is no silver bullet for OT security
- Identity + visibility outperform rigid architectures
- Cybersecurity must be addressed early in building design
- AI is powerful—but only with proper governance and trust

Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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