In this episode, we sit down with Dave Merkel, CEO of Expel to take an honest, practical look at how AI and automation are reshaping the modern Security Operations Center (SOC). Our discussion covers the most tangible changes in daily SOC operations since AI adoption, cutting through industry hype to reveal which claims deserve skepticism and which use cases have delivered meaningful, measurable value. Dave also gives insights into quantifying unique workloads, shaping policies, and fostering understanding between tech teams and business leaders are also addressed, along with the unintended risks AI can introduce to analyst workflows. In our reporter chat, Greg Otto talks with Tim Starks about a jury verdict that compels NSO Group to pay $168M in damages to WhatsApp over spyware infections.