Get NIST-y Wins a 2026 ForzaDash MSPInfluencer Media Impact Award
The Get NIST-y podcast from Blacksmith InfoSec has been named a winner in the 2026 ForzaDash MSPInfluencer Media Impact Awards, recognizing its approachable, education-first contribution to conversations about cybersecurity and compliance.
Created for MSP professionals navigating an increasingly complex security and regulatory environment, Get NIST-y turns technical subjects into practical discussions that listeners can understand and apply. The weekly podcast covers cybersecurity and compliance without relying on fear, unnecessary jargon, or sales-driven messaging.
A central part of the show’s approach is its use of real questions from listeners. By responding directly to the issues facing MSPs and their customers, Get NIST-y connects formal security and compliance concepts with everyday operational realities. Those conversations often continue beyond the podcast, encouraging further discussion among MSPs, security professionals, and members of the broader technology community.
Making Complex Topics More Approachable
Since launching in September 2025, Get NIST-y has expanded its audience through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, LinkedIn, and its own website. According to its award submission, the podcast has been experiencing monthly subscriber growth of approximately 10% to 15%.
Its influence also extends into the communities where MSP professionals regularly exchange ideas. The team participates in Discord communities, the r/msp forum, Facebook groups, Signal conversations, and industry conferences. This involvement creates an important feedback loop: community questions help inform podcast discussions, while podcast episodes give listeners accessible resources they can share and explore.
The guiding philosophy behind the program is straightforward: be authentic, educate the audience, and avoid turning every conversation into a sales pitch. As the submission summarizes it, “Don’t sell; educate.”
Recognizing Meaningful MSP Media
The ForzaDash MSPInfluencer Media Impact Awards honor creators, programs, and platforms that inform, educate, and influence the MSP ecosystem. Winners are recognized for factors such as content quality, consistency, audience engagement, industry contribution, and their ability to advance meaningful conversations.
Get NIST-y reflects those qualities through its weekly publishing schedule, community participation, listener-driven format, and focus on making difficult subjects easier to navigate.
The 2026 award recognizes Jared Casner and Michael Zbarsky, Blacksmith InfoSec, and the Get NIST-y team for creating a growing educational platform that helps MSPs engage more confidently with cybersecurity and compliance.
Listen to the podcast and explore its latest episodes at Get NIST-y.