A podcast about the women who programmed the path to our digital present but also about the ones leading us to an inclusive tech future

Latest Episodes

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S3 - Ep. 3 - Oct. 17, 2024

ΙΔΕΚ: Καινοτομία και Χρηματοδοτικά Εργαλεία στην Κύπρο (Greek/Ελληνικά)

Στο νέο επεισόδιο του “Breaking the 20%”, φιλοξενούμε τον Δρ. Τριαντάφυλλο Στυλιανόπουλο, Αναπληρωτή Καθηγητή στο Τμήμα Μηχανικών Μηχανολογίας και Κατασκευαστικής, και τον Θεόδωρο Λουκαΐδη, Γενικό Διευθυντή του ΙδΕΚ. Μαζί συζητάμε για την αποστολή και το όραμα του ΙδΕΚ, την εξέλιξη της έρευνας και της καινοτομίας στην Κύπρο, καθώς και τα σημαντικά χρηματοδοτικά προγράμματα που στηρίζουν το ερευνητικό οικοσύστημα της χώρας. Ο Δρ. Στυλιανόπουλος μοιράζεται την πορεία του ως ερευνητής και τη συμβολή του εργαστηρίου του στην ανάπτυξη νέων ταλέντων, ενώ εξετάζουμε τον ρόλο των ERC Advanced Grants και πώς η Κύπρος μπορεί να διακριθεί ακόμη περισσότερο στη διεθνή σκηνή. Τέλος συζητούμε την εκδήλωση “European Researchers’ Night” που πραγματοποιήθηκε το Σεπτέμβρη που μας πέρασε.

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Break Room #1 - Oct. 9, 2024

Break Room #1 (Greek/Ελληνικά)

Καλωσορίσατε στη νέα ενότητα του Breaking the 20%! Σε αυτή την ενότητα, μαζί με τον Μιχάλη, θα συζητάμε τα τελευταία νέα από τον κόσμο της τεχνολογίας και των startups, αλλά με έναν διαφορετικό τρόπο. Αντί να εξυμνούμε τα πάντα, θα κουτσομπολεύουμε, θα σχολιάζουμε καυστικά τους tech δισεκατομμυριούχους και, γενικά, θα κάνουμε trash talk τις αγαπημένες μας tech υπηρεσίες και προϊόντα. Ετοιμαστείτε για μια πιο ανεπίσημη και διασκεδαστική ματιά στην τεχνολογία!

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S3 - Ep. 2 - Oct. 2, 2024

A Conversation with Tanya Romanyukha on the Women in STEM Cyprus Forum

In this episode of Breaking the 20%, we sit down with Tanya to discuss the inspiring Women in STEM Cyprus Forum. The first Women in STEM Cyprus Forum is a landmark event dedicated to empowering and advocating for women in STEM fields. We explore how this event is driving change in the tech industry and STEM industry in general by fostering a supportive community for women and showcasing their contributions to science and technology. Tune in to learn about the challenges women face in tech and how initiatives like this are empowering the next generation of female innovators.

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S3 - Ep. 01 - Sept. 25, 2024

Bye Bye Bye, Lenna

We’re back for another season! In this episode, we explore the story behind Playboy’s most popular issue, which sold 7.16 million copies, and how it’s connected to every digital photo. With the help of the producer of the show, Andreas Phylactou, we get into how the tech industry dehumanizes women like Lenna, Jennifer, and JLo (all featured in this story) and the impact this has on the current representation of women in the tech industry.

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S2 - Ep. 27 - July 14, 2024

Alexa, tell me about the Siri-ously fascinating history of AI

For the last episode of season 2 I am joined by Maria Terzi co-founder and CEO of AI and cybersecurity firm Malloc and we travel back in time to meet ELIZA, the great-grandmother of all chatbots. Then we follow the fascinating path that has led to today's sophisticated AI. Join us for a lighthearted look at the history of Artificial Intelligence, as we explore the milestones, mishaps, and downright funny moments that have shaped the development of artificial intelligence.

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S2 - Ep. 26 - June 30, 2024

From ARPANET to Eternal September—Women’s .com legacy

In this episode we journey from the origins of ARPANET to the perpetual connectivity of Eternal September, highlighting the critical contributions of women in the evolution of the internet.  With a comedic flare brought by my hilarious guests, Constantinos and Pavlos, we explore the transformative role these women played, featuring Jake Feinler the woman who gave us the ".com" and the brilliant Radia Perlman, whose poem encapsulates the essence of her groundbreaking work. Join us for a blend of laughter and learning as we delve into the stories of these digital pioneers.

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S2 - Ep. 25 - June 16, 2024

Self-Made Billionaires

In the latest episode, Michalis Strouthos returns to the studio as we dive into the fascinating story behind the rise of personal computing giants Microsoft and Apple, and their founders, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. Through the lens of the 1999 TV movie "Pirates of Silicon Valley," we explore iconic moments and pivotal deals. Discover how these tech titans really made their mark—not through sheer genius alone, but with a hefty dose of luck, privilege, and some truly funny moments. Don't miss this entertaining deep dive into tech history.

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S2 - Ep. 24 - June 2, 2024

The Alan Turing Story

In this episode, I am joined by Jas Powell to delve into the remarkable legacy of Alan Turing, often hailed as the father of computer science. Recorded during Pride Month, this episode explores Turing's early life, groundbreaking contributions to the field of computing, and his pivotal role in breaking the German Enigma code during World War II. The discussion touches on Turing's personal struggles, including his tragic prosecution for homosexuality, and his lasting impact, culminating in the posthumous apology and pardon from the UK government. Join us as we celebrate Turing's genius and his enduring influence on both technology and LGBTQ+ rights.

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S2 - Ep. 23 - May 19, 2024

How Peter Thiel and the PayPal Mafia went from Zero to One (Part 2)

For a second week, with the help of Andrea Solomonides, co-founder of Black Lemon TV and partner at Giraffes in the Kitchen, we unravel the complex legacy of Peter Thiel and the PayPal Mafia in Silicon Valley. We explore their rise from PayPal pioneers to tech titans, dissecting how their libertarian ideals and strategies have sculpted today’s tech culture, often at the expense of diversity and inclusion. With Andrea we explore Thiel's controversial actions and ideologies—from his involvement in the Gawker lawsuit to his political machinations—offering a compelling narrative on the power dynamics that shape the digital age.

In the concluding installment of this dual-part series, we delve deep into the narrative surrounding PayPal, tracing its inception, the tumultuous internal conflicts among its founders, and the ensuing cultural impact the company had throughout Silicon Valley. Furthermore, we scrutinize the notorious Gawker lawsuit and the intricate political maneuvers orchestrated by Peter Thiel.

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Blog & News

Oct. 8, 2024

Celebrating Ada Lovelace Day: A Legacy of Vision and Possibility

On this Ada Lovelace Day, we honor not only the world’s first computer programmer but also a woman who imagined the impossible. Her pioneering work on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine made her the world’s first computer programmer, long before the modern computer existed. But she was so much more than just a mathematician. She foresaw a future where machines could do more than calculate — they could even create music. Her story is a reminder that the future of tech can and must also belong to women. 

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Oct. 5, 2024

Remembering Steve Jobs: A Legacy of Innovation and Controversy

As we mark the anniversary of Steve Jobs’ passing, on October 5th 2011, it’s essential to reflect not just on his monumental contributions to technology but also on his often challenging interpersonal relationships. Our episode “Self-Made Billionaires” explores his complicated rivalry with Bill Gates. Additionally, in “The Mother of All Demos,” I visited Historicon to tell how Jobs drew inspiration for the GUI from Xerox PARC, further showcasing the blend of innovation and ethical complexity that defined his career.

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Oct. 2, 2024

On October 2nd, 1955 ENIAC was retired

The ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), one of the first general-purpose electronic digital computers, was officially retired on October 2nd, 1955, after nearly a decade of service since its completion in 1945. By then, its creators, John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert, had left to start their own company, and the women who programmed it had moved on to other projects. Nevertheless, ENIAC paved the way for modern computing, leaving an enduring legacy in the field.

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Sept. 20, 2024

Women in STEM Cyprus Forum

Breaking the 20% proudly supports the first Women in STEM Cyprus Forum. It is a landmark event dedicated to empowering and advocating for women in STEM fields. To learn more and register visit https://womenintech-cyprus.org/

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