The Audit Podcast - podcast cover

The Audit Podcast

Trent Russelltheauditpodcast.com
On the show you can expect to hear from everyone: from the intern, to the IT audit director, CAE and audit committee members because all of their opinions are important. We’ll talk about integrating tech into audit, how to get quick wins, the latest SOX guidance and whatever other topics the guests want to talk about and whatever you want to hear about. Be sure to subscribe to the show in whatever you’re listening to it on now and we’ll talk to you soon.

Episodes

Ep 242: Audit Like a Storyteller w/ Shagen Ganason (Liva Group)

This week on The Audit Podcast, we’re joined by Shagen Ganason, Group Chief Auditor, and Chief Audit Executive at Liva Group . In this episode, Shagen shares the inspiration behind his new book, The Storyteller’s Ledger , and why he believes storytelling is one of the most powerful tools internal auditors can develop. From rethinking traditional audit reports to presenting to the board, Shagen offers a practical framework for transforming audit communication—complete with templates, examples, an...

May 27, 202538 min

Ep 241: How to Win Support for ERM w/ Beth Womersley (Universal Destination & Experiences)

This week on The Audit Podcast, we’re joined by Beth Womersley, Head of Assurance & Advisory Services at Universal Destination & Experiences . Beth shares her experience launching and leading ERM programs across multiple organizations. As internal audit teams take on more ERM responsibilities, she shares tips on where to start, how to get support from leadership, and what frameworks to consider. Be sure to connect with Beth on LinkedIn. Also, be sure to follow us on our new social media accounts...

May 20, 202534 min

Ep 240: Practical Tips to Improve Workplace Communication w/ Nancy Yuen (SoFi)

This week on The Audit Podcast, we’re joined by Nancy Yuen, Financial Data and VP of SOX Governance at SoFi . In this episode, Nancy shares how emotional intelligence has been a driving force behind her career success—from her early days at KPMG to leadership roles at Clorox, Google, and now SoFi. Nancy realized she needed to intentionally build her emotional intelligence in order to thrive professionally. She opens up about that journey, how developing strong communication skills transformed he...

May 13, 202536 min

Ep 239: Reimagining Audit Staffing w/ Chris Denver

This week on The Audit Podcast, we’re joined by Chris Denver, former CAE and IIA Chicago President. In this episode, Chris walks us through the forward-looking staffing model he’s developed—one that balances internal talent with digital tools and trusted external partners to create a more flexible, future-ready audit function. He shares how this hybrid approach not only drives efficiency but also helps his team stay responsive in a constantly changing business environment. Also, be sure to follo...

May 06, 202526 min

Ep 238: The Best Advice from Agentic AI Experts

This week on The Audit Podcast, we’ve gathered the best moments from our conversations with Agentic AI experts—featuring standout insights from Charles King, John Thompson, and Andrew Clark. AI Agent Governance: A Field Guide Be sure to follow us on our new social media accounts on LinkedIn , Instagram , and TikTok . Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter and to check the full video interview on The Audit Podcast YouTube channel . Timecodes: 4:46- Charles King: Understanding th...

Apr 29, 202522 min

Ep 237: Protocol for Preparing for Your Best Audit Committee Meeting Ever w/ Rob Clark Jr. (Howard University)

This week on The Audit Podcast, we’re joined by Rob Clark Jr., Chief Auditing and Compliance Officer at Howard University . In this episode, Rob breaks down the one skill that separates good auditors from great ones: communication. He pulls back the curtain on how he preps, practices, and performs, whether it’s a team meeting, a presentation, or a high-stakes conversation. Be sure to connect with Rob on LinkedIn. Also, be sure to follow us on our new social media accounts on LinkedIn , Instagram...

Apr 28, 202554 min

Ep 236: The one KPI for Internal Audit w/ Mark Freeman (Vermeer Corporation)

This week on The Audit Podcast, we’re joined by Mark Freeman, Head of Internal Audit at Vermeer Corporation . In this episode, Mark shares insights from a recent CAE roundtable, where recruitment, audit committee metrics, and Copilot use cases topped the agenda. He also walks us through how he rebuilt internal audit’s reputation at Vermeer after stepping into a challenging environment. Plus, he gives us a look at the actual metrics he shares with his audit committee—offering a practical starting...

Apr 15, 202543 min

Ep 235: Rethinking Change Management Audits w/ Taylor Meadows (Change Captain)

This week on The Audit Podcast, we’re joined by Taylor Meadows, Founder and CEO of Change Captain . In this episode, Taylor shares his journey from manually managing IT change controls to founding Change Captain, a software solution that streamlines change management and R&D tax credit processes. We touch on organizations handle code changes, the risks involved, and how automation is revolutionizing compliance. Be sure to connect with Taylor on LinkedIn. Also, be sure to follow us on our new soc...

Apr 08, 202524 min

Ep 234: AI Talks Data & Analytics (Feat. Monica Royal’s Article)

We've tested Notebook LM again, an AI tool that transforms written articles into podcast episodes using artificially generated voices. This time, we used an article by Monica Royal, founder of Nerd Nourishment. Monica attended the Mini Spring Audit Analytics and AI Conference and shared her key takeaways in a LinkedIn article. We uploaded her piece to Notebook LM, and the result is an unedited, AI-generated podcast episode. Be sure to read Monica’s article and to connect with her on LinkedIn. Al...

Mar 31, 202514 min

Ep 233: How to Get More Internal Audit Budget w/ David Hill (HillAudit Training Ltd)

This week on The Audit Podcast, we’re joined by we’re joined by David Hill, Managing Director of HillAudit Training Ltd . In this episode, David challenges the idea that stability equals security and internal audit. He explores how budget cuts, resistance to change, and outdated processes can lead to disengagement—hurting recruitment, retention, and audit effectiveness. He also shares strategies to combat stagnation, from fostering innovation to leveraging AI and analytics for efficiency. Be sur...

Mar 25, 202529 min

Ep 232: A Contrarian View of Agentic AI w/ Andrew Clark (Monitaur)

This week on The Audit Podcast, we’re joined by Andrew Clark, Co-Founder and CTO of Monitaur. In this episode, Andrew shares his unique perspective on agentic AI, challenging common assumptions about what AI agents actually are. He explores the marketing problem with AI and agents, why agents might not be what we think, and the governance challenges that come with them. Be sure to connect with Andrew on LinkedIn. Also, be sure to follow us on our new social media accounts on LinkedIn , Instagram...

Mar 19, 202545 min

Ep 231: Enhancing Audit Analytics: Lessons in Automation and AI w/ Ishan Kunkur (Delta Air Lines)

This week on The Audit Podcast, we’re joined by Ishan Kunkur, Digital Analytics Program Manager at Delta Air Lines. In this episode, Ishan shares how his team has embedded analytics into the audit process—from upskilling auditors with Power Query and Power BI training to automating SOX control testing, saving 360 hours annually. He explains how they evolved from performing analytics for audits to enabling auditors with data-driven tools, ultimately expanding into SOX automation and GRC dashboard...

Mar 11, 202539 min

Ep 230: What Can Go Wrong When SOX Doesn't Go Right w/ Courtney Dal Col (Clearsulting)

This week on The Audit Podcast, we’re joined by Courtney Dal Col, Director of Risk Advisory at Clearsulting . In this episode, we talk about the role of SOX in big business changes and why it often gets overlooked. Courtney shares how to make sure SOX is part of the process from the start, helping to avoid last-minute problems. She also explains why SOX is more than just a compliance task, how AI and automation are shaping its future, and what to expect from new regulations. Be sure to connect w...

Mar 04, 202531 min

Ep 229: What Works (and What Doesn’t) in Audit Committee Dashboards w/ Eric Wilson (Gulfport Energy Corporation)

This week on The Audit Podcast, we’re joined by Eric Wilson, Director of Internal Audit & Chief Audit Executive of Gulfport Energy Corporation. In this episode, we discuss how to build an effective audit committee dashboard. Eric explains how he created a Power BI dashboard that connects to his audit management system. This tool helps track progress, highlight issues, and answer important questions before they arise. Eric shares the key benefits of using this dashboard to improve decision-making...

Feb 25, 202551 min

Ep 228: Internal Controls: Respected or Just Tolerated? w/ Marc Tasse (University of Ottawa)

This week’s episode , we're joined by Marc Tasse, MBA Program Director at the University of Ottawa. He also serves on the audit committee for the Ontario Treasury Board Secretariat and Public Safety Canada. In this episode, he discusses whether people truly respect internal controls—from the board level to the first line—and the balance between repetitional and financial risk. Marc also shares the most important tasks for an audit committee member, the common challenges they face, and how intern...

Feb 18, 202523 min

Ep 227: Risk Management and The Three Lines of Defense w/ Grant Thornton’s Risk and Advisory Team

This week’s episode, we're joined by the Grant Thornton risk and advisory team—Andres Castañeda, Jaynitsa Paul, and EJ Jimenez. In this episode, they explain their article Risk Management: Get Your Three Lines in Order in simple terms. They clear up common misunderstandings about the first, second, and third lines of defense in risk management. They also give real examples of when the system works well and when it fails—and why that matters. Check out their article, and connect with Andres , Jay...

Feb 11, 202546 min

Ep 226: Answering Your Agentic AI Questions

Trent’s AuditBoard Webinar - Up Next for Internal Audit: AI Agents This week, Trent answers common questions about agentic AI from his recent AuditBoard webinar. In this episode, he explains how agents are changing audit and analytics—not by taking jobs, but by creating new opportunities. He breaks down the differences between agents and traditional analytics, showing how agents can adapt and handle failures smoothly. He also discusses why internal audit should be part of the AI/agentic AI gover...

Feb 04, 202529 min

Ep 225: How to Carry Out a Clear and Effective Risk Assessment w/ David Dufek (Principal Financial Group)

This week’s episode , we're joined by David Dufek, Chief Internal Auditor at Principal Financial Group . In this episode, David explains how to carry out a clear and effective risk assessment, making it easier to identify and prioritize potential risks. He also talks about the importance of aligning your audit work with the organization's main goals, so your efforts deliver real value. Finally, David outlines simple steps to create a focused and practical audit plan that fits your team’s needs a...

Jan 28, 202536 min

Trent Talks What’s Up Next for Internal Audit: AI Agents

Trent’s AuditBoard Webinar - Up Next for Internal Audit: AI Agents This week, Trent explains how AI Agents are set to transform internal audit. On January 22nd, he will host a webinar with AuditBoard to discuss generative AI for internal auditors, breaking down what AI Agents are and how they work. These agents handle tasks like analyzing data, writing reports, and reviewing findings, making audits faster and more efficient. If you’re involved in SOX or similar work, this could be a game-changer...

Jan 21, 20254 min

Ep 224: Agentic AI and Resources for Internal Audit w/ John Thompson (EY)

This week’s episode , we're joined by John Thompson, Global AI Leader at EY . In this episode, John explains how AI, especially agents, will shape the future of businesses and internal audit teams. He identifies 2025 and 2026 as pivotal years for agent technology and the tools that will emerge from it. Be sure to connect with John on LinkedIn. Also, be sure to follow us on our new social media accounts on LinkedIn , Instagram , and TikTok . Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newslette...

Jan 14, 202529 min

Ep 223: AI Agents in Internal Audit in 2025 w/ Charles King (KPMG US)

This week’s episode , we're joined by Charles King, Internal Controls Leader in AI at KPMG US . In this episode, Charles brings a unique perspective as both an AI expert and an audit professional, He looks back on key moments from 2024, talks about where organizations are on the maturity model, and unpacks the biggest topic of 2025: agents. Charles does a fantastic job breaking down what agents are and what they mean for audit professionals. Be sure to connect with Charles on LinkedIn. Also, be ...

Jan 07, 202542 min

Ep 222: The Best Advice about AI

This week’s episode features highlights from previous episodes, showcasing the best advice on AI. This episode features insights from industry leaders: Badal Patel explores AI tools in the audit process, Ben Phillips discusses AI and inflation, Julio Tirado emphasizes responsible AI, Michael Pellet explains why all auditors should be data experts (but not necessarily AI specialists), and Richard Chambers shares how to use ChatGPT to optimize workflows. Be sure to connect with Badal , Ben , Julio...

Dec 31, 202428 min

Ep 221: Audit Ready All the Time w/ Haim Halpern (Datricks)

This week’s episode , we're joined by Haim Halpern, Co-Founder & CEO of Datricks . In this episode, Haim shares his experience in finance, auditing, compliance, and cybersecurity. He talks about trends in analytics and AI for internal audit, the value of real-time risk detection, and how Datricks helps organizations stay ready for audits. Haim also gives advice to aspiring audit executives and explains his passion for helping companies manage risk. Be sure to connect with Haim on LinkedIn. Also,...

Dec 17, 202440 min

Ep 220: When AI Steals the Mic – An AI Podcast on Data and Analytics (Featuring Monica Royal’s Article)

This week, we’re testing an exciting new AI tool called Notebook LM. This tool takes written articles, processes the data, and turns them into podcasts with artificially generated voices. We decided to try it out using an article by Monica Royal, founder of Nerd Nourishment. Monika attended the 2024 Audit Analytics and AI Conference and wrote a great LinkedIn article about her key takeaways. We uploaded her article to Notebook LM, and the result is an unedited, AI-generated podcast episode. If y...

Dec 10, 202411 min

Ep 219: SOX Mastery and Continuous Improvement w/ Tom O’Reilly (Internal Audit Collective)

This week’s episode , we're joined by Tom O’Reilly, Founder of Internal Audit Collective . In this episode, Tom talks about what he would change in the audit profession, the importance of bringing in outside perspectives, working with consultants during audits, and helping auditors grow their careers. Be sure to connect with Tom on LinkedIn. Also, be sure to follow us on our new social media accounts on LinkedIn , Instagram , and TikTok . Also be sure to sign up for The Audit Podcast newsletter ...

Dec 03, 202441 min

Ep 218: Staffing Approaches and Marketing Internal Audit w/ Michael Pellet (Lyft)

This week’s episode , we're joined by Michael Pellet, Director of Internal Audit at Lyft . In this episode, Michael explores strategies for hiring and retaining top talent, highlighting his innovative staffing model. He emphasizes the importance of all auditors being proficient in data, even if they aren’t experts in AI, and underscores the critical role of data governance in today's audit landscape. Michael also shares how marketing automation techniques can be adapted to enhance internal audit...

Nov 26, 202452 min

Ep 217: What You Need to Know about AI Responsible w/ Julio Tirado (SpiritBank)

This week’s episode , we're joined by Julio Tirado, Executive Vice President-Director of Internal Audit & Compliance at SpiritBank . In this episode, we focus on responsible AI and effective strategies for managing new technologies. Julio shares insights on integrating AI in the workplace, understanding AI hallucinations, and exploring emerging AI trends. He also recommends some great AI resources. Be sure to connect with Julio on LinkedIn. Also, be sure to follow us on our new social media acco...

Nov 19, 202447 min

Ep 216: Finding Your Path in Internal Audit w/ Marie Walsh (Spotify)

This week’s episode , we're joined by Marie Walsh, Spotify’s Head of Internal Audit and Risk. In this episode, Marie shares her passion for guiding team members in their career paths, both within and beyond internal audit. She discusses her empowering strategies, including thoughtful one-on-one sessions that support individual growth, as well as her priorities for adding real value to Spotify’s leadership. Be sure to connect with Marie on LinkedIn. Also, be sure to follow us on our new social me...

Nov 13, 202431 min

Ep 215: Strategies to Secure More Resources for Internal Audit w/ Norman Marks

This week’s episode , we're joined by Norman Marks, author, thought leader, blogger, teacher, and occasional consultant. In this episode, Norman shares what he sees as the top priority for Chief Audit Executives and gives practical tips on handling budget challenges, especially as audit teams face higher demands without matching resources. Be sure to connect with Norman on LinkedIn. Also, be sure to follow us on our new social media accounts on LinkedIn , Instagram , and TikTok . Also be sure to...

Nov 05, 202450 min

Ep 214: Connected Risk w/ Richard Chambers

This week’s episode, we're joined by Richard Chambers, Senior Advisor over Risk and Audit at AuditBoard . In this episode, Richard explores the concept of connected risk, explaining what it means in today’s environment and why it’s become increasingly important. He also highlights key takeaways from his latest book, Connected Risk: Conquering the Perilous Risk Exposure Gap . Be sure to connect with Richard on LinkedIn. Also, be sure to follow us on our new social media accounts on LinkedIn , Ins...

Oct 29, 202425 min
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