Silicon Oasis Spotlight is a podcast dedicated to showcasing the incredible innovation, entrepreneurs, and startups shaping Arizona’s tech ecosystem. Each episode features in-depth interviews with local founders, industry leaders, and community builders, offering valuable insights into the challenges and successes of building businesses in the desert. From groundbreaking technologies to the latest trends in the startup world, Silicon Oasis Spotlight highlights the stories that make Arizona a rising hub for innovation. Tune in for inspiration, advice, and a closer look at the people and project
From FBI Agent to Entrepreneur: Dan Kelly of Adar Technologies
From serving in the FBI to disrupting traditional industries, Dan Kelly of Adar Technologies shares his unconventional journey into entrepreneurship and innovation.
In this episode of the Silicon Oasis Spotlight Podcast, Dan discusses how Adar Technologies is transforming waste into valuable resources using innovative acoustic shock wave technology. From converting organic waste into high-protein powders to recovering critical minerals from mining operations, Adar is creating new opportunities in sustainability and resource recovery.
Dan also shares his perspective on entrepreneurship, the importance of securing anchor customers, and why venture capital isn't always the best path to building a successful company.
Discover how this Arizona entrepreneur is challenging legacy industries and turning waste into opportunity.
6 Oct 2026
From Business Cards to Better Connections: Merl Martin on Building Enki
On this episode of Silicon Oasis Spotlight, we sit down with Merl Martin, founder of Benu Systems, to discuss Enki, an AI-powered networking and lead capture platform built to solve one of the most common problems in business: actually following up.
Merl shares his journey from teaching physics to software and entrepreneurship, how Enki turns business cards and conversations into organized contacts and actionable follow-ups, and why he believes Arizona is a strong place to build a sustainable technology company.
We also discuss networking, emotional intelligence, Arizona’s founder community, and Merl’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: just jump.
2 Oct 2026
Building Trust on the Blockchain with Michael Santore, Founder of BlockSkunk
Michael Santore, founder of BlockSkunk, joins the podcast to talk about his journey from teaching himself to code in high school to building technology companies and tackling one of blockchain’s biggest challenges: trust and compliance.
Michael shares lessons from his first startup in the early days of fantasy sports, how Ethereum and Bitcoin ordinals pulled him into blockchain, and why he believes blockchain infrastructure can fundamentally change how organizations handle compliance, verification, and reconciliation.
He also breaks down what BlockSkunk is building with its Evidence Engine, which maps regulatory and compliance frameworks to blockchain deployments to create real-time, verifiable evidence.
The conversation also turns to Phoenix’s growing technology ecosystem, the need for more grassroots founder communities and frequent opportunities to collaborate, and why persistence remains one of the most important traits for entrepreneurs.
Topics include: blockchain infrastructure and compliance, BlockSkunk’s Evidence Engine, Michael’s founder journey, lessons from competing in fantasy sports, building startups in Phoenix, and the importance of simply putting one foot in front of the other.
Who has been a guest on Silicon Oasis Spotlight
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Ryan Moorehouse
Tristan Tierce
Ellie Moran
Camden Bean
Kyle DeSousa
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
2,765
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 37 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
33
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
32
Host of Silicon Oasis Spotlight?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
