In this episode, Chase Carlton, CEO and founder of Fenix Cyber (https://fenixcyber.com), explains how small businesses and nonprofits can tighten up their cybersecurity and use AI and automation without losing control of their data. Learn why Chase recommends mapping your workflows first, building inside the platform you already pay for, and keeping a human in the loop on every critical process.TakeawaysKeep humans in the loop on any AI-driven process.Map your workflow first, then automate it with low-code tools like Power Automate, Zapier, or n8n, and call AI only for the steps that need it.Building inside the platform you already use (often Microsoft 365) keeps AI behind the logins and permissions you already have.Structured workflows are cheaper to run, easier to audit, and easier to fix than handing a whole process to an AI agent.Approval workflows like time-off and travel requests are some of the easiest processes to automate first.Knowing your security posture can be uncomfortable, and it beats not knowing.Learn more about Chase and get Fenix Cyber’s free cyber risk assessment at: https://fenixcyber.com/benchmarkThe Founded in FoCo Podcast is hosted by Nick Armstrong, Lead Organizer of Founded in FoCo and Geek-in-Chief of WTF Marketing (https://wtfmarketing.com). Hear more great interviews with founders in and around Fort Collins at: https://foundedinfoco.com

Have you ever wondered what it would take to get a passenger train running from Fort Collins to Denver? On this episode of Dear Fort Collins, Nick Armstrong is joined by James Flattum, Associate Director of Communications and Strategic Directives for the Front Range Passenger Rail District, and Tricia Canonico, FRPRD board member and former Fort Collins City Councilmember, to talk about Coco — the Colorado Connector — a 190-mile intercity passenger rail system running from Fort Collins through Boulder and Denver down to Colorado Springs and Pueblo.We get into how the first phase came in at $332 million instead of the billion-dollar estimate by partnering directly with BNSF, why the station is going at College and Drake instead of Old Town, what $82.5 million in "local return" dollars over 25 years could mean for that corridor, how the train stacks up against Bustang on comfort and ADA accessibility, and what three trains a day in 2029 grows into. Since we recorded, the district's board voted to send a 0.333% sales tax question to voters this November — so this conversation is a good primer before you fill out your ballot.FYI: this episode was recorded before the ballot measure was referred to voters. It has since been referred!Learn more and read the delivery plan at ColoradoConnector.com/plan.If you're curious about how something in Fort Collins works, ask! Send an email to: Nick@DearFortCollins.com and we may feature your show idea in an upcoming episode!

The #1 money-and-time-costing issue for most small business owners is: website woes! One of the most common issues I help new clients solve is figuring out where all their website stuff even is, and the amalgamation of years and years of small decision chaos becomes all at once frustrating, time-consuming, and expensive when something breaks. In less than 10 minutes, learn how to save yourself time, money, and frustration by organizing your website information all in one place.

Rachel Rener is an author of urban fantasy books that blur the line between science and magic. She has published 13 books in less than five years and has a dedicated fan base. Rachel's writing is known for its humor and unique blend of genres. Rachel joins the Fort Collins Comic Con podcast to discuss her work and writing process. She shares how she got started in writing, her love for fantasy and superheroes, and her experience at various conventions. Rachel also talks about her upcoming projects and the importance of writing what you love. Rachel also talks about her audiobooks and the joy of hearing her characters come to life. Rachel Rener's books blur the line between science and magic in the urban fantasy genre. She wrote her first book in just seven weeks, fueled by her passion and hyperfocus. Rachel's books have a wide range of readers, from young adults to older fans. She enjoys attending conventions and interacting with readers and fans. Rachel's next project is a companion book to her standalone novel, "The Girl Who Talks to Ashes." You can find more from Rachel at: https://www.rachelrener.com/https://www.rachelrener.com/ Check out more amazing local creators at fococomiccon.com! 🚀 The FoCo Comic Con podcast is hosted by Nick Armstrong (find more from Nick at https://wtfmarketing.com).