Achieving Engineering Excellence: Training, Innovation, And The Cloud

#Tech #Careers #Business #Programming #Technology #Devops Engineer #Devops Certification #Azure #Devops Training #Devops Training Material #Podcasting Education #End Devs #DevOps #Development

34:01

I think you could probably go back and track the stages of grief, probably that is what I went through. But I think if you do it right, you end up at acceptance. And that's where I ended up. And that's not to say that I've fully accepted the idea that the golden toad is extinct. Personally, I do still hold out hope that it could still be out there in those forests." - Trevor Ritland This conversation is with Trevor Ritland, who—along with his twin brother Kyle—authored The Golden Toad . The book chronicles their remarkable journey into Costa Rica’s cloud forest, once home to hundreds of brilliant golden toads that would emerge for just a few weeks each year—until, one day, they vanished without a trace. What began as a search for a lost species soon became something much more profound: a confrontation with ecological grief, a meditation on hope, and a powerful call to protect the natural world while we still can. Links: SpeciesUnite.com Kyle and Trevor: https://kyleandtrevor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventureterm/ Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222249677-the-golden-toad Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Toad-Ecological-Mystery-Species/dp/163576996…

Adventures in DevOps « »
Achieving Engineering Excellence: Training, Innovation, and the Cloud - DevOps 213

about a year ago 1:27:36

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In today's episode, Warren, Will, and guest Markus Thurner, the director of technology at Vista dive deep into the world of DevOps with an exciting lineup of discussions about engineering excellence, the fast pace of technological innovation, and the ever-present need for balance between training and production.
Together, they explore how practice makes perfect in software development, drawing from analogies like the Brazilian soccer player practicing with brain diodes. They talk about the costs and benefits of training engineers, managing cloud expenses, and the evolving landscape of on-premise versus cloud data centers.
They dig into the importance of challenging the status quo, the complexities of operational versus capital expenditures, and best practices for writing scalable code. Whether you're curious about the latest in Kubernetes and AWS ECS, or just looking for some practical advice on continual learning and improvement, this episode has something for everyone.
Plus, stay tuned as they share personal recommendations, from the best gaming tablets for those long flights to must-listen podcasts and even a Metallica song that ties back to a gripping World War I tale.
This packed episode concludes with a thoughtful discussion on engineering excellence, and how teams can find balance, define their metrics, and drive both innovation and quality in their projects.
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LinkedIn: Markus Thurner

275 episodes

Achieving Engineering Excellence: Training, Innovation, and the Cloud - DevOps 213

Adventures in DevOps

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published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

LinkedIn: Markus Thurner

275 episodes

#Tech #Careers #Business #Programming #Technology #Devops Engineer #Devops Certification #Azure #Devops Training #Devops Training Material #Podcasting Education #End Devs #DevOps #Development

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Adventures in DevOps

1
Should We Be Using Kubernetes: Did the Best Product Win? 1:06:35

22 days ago1:06:35

1:06:35

Episode Sponsor: PagerDuty - Checkout the features in their official feature release: https://fnf.dev/4dYQ7gL This episode dives into a fundamental question facing the DevOps world: Did Kubernetes truly win the infrastructure race because it was the best technology, or were there other, perhaps less obvious, factors at play? Omer Hamerman joins Will and Warren to take a hard look at it. Despite the rise of serverless solutions promising to abstract away infrastructure management, Omer shares that Kubernetes has seen a surge in adoption, with potentially 70-75% of corporations now using or migrating to it. We explore the theory that human nature's preference for incremental "step changes" (Kaizen) over disruptive "giant leaps" (Kaikaku) might explain why a solution perceived by some as "worse" or more complex has gained such widespread traction. The discussion unpacks the undeniable strengths of Kubernetes, including its "thriving community", its remarkable extensibility through APIs, and how it inadvertently created "job security" for engineers who "nerd out" on its intricacies. We also challenge the narrative by examining why serverless options like AWS Fargate could often be a more efficient and less burdensome choice for many organizations, especially those not requiring deep control or specialized hardware like GPUs. The conversation highlights that the perceived "need" for Kubernetes' emerges often from something other than technical superiority. Finally, we consider the disruptive influence of AI and "vibe coding" on this landscape, how could we not? As LLMs are adopted to "accelerate development", they tend to favor serverless deployment models, implicitly suggesting that for rapid product creation, Kubernetes might not be the optimal fit. This shift raises crucial questions about the trade-offs between development speed and code quality, the evolving role of software engineers towards code review, and the long-term maintainability of AI-generated code. We close by pondering the broader societal and environmental implications of these technological shifts, including AI's massive energy consumption and the ongoing debate about centralizing versus decentralizing infrastructure for efficiency. Links: Comparison: Linux versus E. coli Picks Warren - Surveys are great, and also fill in the Podcast Survey Will - Katana.network Omer - Mobland and JJ (Jujutsu)…

Adventures in DevOps

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Mastering SRE: Insights in Scale and at Capacity with Aimee Knight 1:17:55

25 days ago1:17:55

1:17:55

In this episode, Aimee Knight, an expert in Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) whose experience hails from Paramount and NPM, joins the podcast to discuss her journey into SRE, the challenges she faced, and the strategies she employed to succeed. Aimee shares her transition from a non-traditional background in JavaScript development to SRE, highlighting the importance of understanding both the programming and infrastructure sides of engineering. She also delves into the complexities of SRE at different scales, the role of playbooks in incident management, and the balance between speed and quality in software development. Aimee discusses the impact of AI and machine learning on SRE, emphasizing the need for responsible use of these tools. She touches on the importance of understanding business needs and how it affects decision-making in SRE roles. The conversation also covers the trade-offs in system design, the challenges of scaling applications, and the importance of resilience in distributed systems. Aimee provides valuable insights into the pros and cons of a career in SRE, including the importance of self-care and the satisfaction of mentoring others. The episode concludes with us discussing some of the hard problems such as the on-call burden for large teams, and the technical expertise an org needs to maintain higher complexity systems. Is the average tenure in tech decreasing, we discuss it and do a deep dive on the consequences in the SRE world. Picks The Adventures In DevOps: Survey Warren's Technical Blog Warren: The Fifth Discipline by Peter Senge Aimee: Sleep Token (Band) - Caramel , Granite Will: The Bear Grylls Celebrity Hunt on Netflix Jillian: Horizon Zero Dawn Video Game…

Adventures in DevOps

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Exploring MCP Servers and Agent Interactions with Gil Feig 1:04:57

5 weeks ago1:04:57

1:04:57

In this episode, we delve into the concept of MCP (Machine Control Protocol) servers and their role in enabling agent interactions. Gil Feig, the co-founder and CTO of Merge , shares insights on how MCP servers facilitate efficient and secure integration between various services and APIs. The discussion covers the benefits and challenges of using MCP servers, including their stateful nature, security considerations, and the importance of understanding real-world use cases. Gil emphasizes the need for thorough testing and evaluation to ensure that MCP servers effectively meet user needs. Additionally, we explore the implications of MCP servers on data security, scaling, and the evolving landscape of API interactions. Warren chimes in with experiences integrating AI with Auth. Will stuns us with some nuclear fission history. And finally, we also touch on the balance between short-term innovation and long-term stability in technology, reflecting on how different generations approach problem-solving and knowledge sharing. Picks : The Adventures In DevOps: Survey Warren: The Magicians by Lev Grossman Gil: Constant Escapement in Watchmaking Will: Dungeon Crawler Carl & Atmos Clock…

Adventures in DevOps

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No Lag: Building the Future of High-Performance Cloud with Nathan Goulding 1:00:38

5 weeks ago1:00:38

1:00:38

Warren talks with Nathan Goulding, SVP of Engineering at Vultr , about what it actually takes to run a high-performance cloud platform. They cover everything from global game server latency and hybrid models to bare metal provisioning and the power/cooling constraints that come with modern GPU clusters. The discussion gets into real-world deployment challenges like scaling across 32 data centers, edge use cases that actually matter, and how to design systems for location-sensitive customers—whether that’s due to regulation or performance. Additionally, there's talk about where the hyperscalers have overcomplicated pricing and where simplicity in a flatter pricing model and optimized defaults are better for everyone. There’s a section on nuclear energy (yes, really), including SMRs, power procurement, and what it means to keep scaling compute with limited resources. If you're wondering whether your app actually needs high-performance compute or just better visibility into your costs, this is the episode. Picks The Adventures In DevOps: Survey Warren: Jetlag: The Game Nathan: Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)…

Adventures in DevOps

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Ground Truth & Guided Journeys: Rethinking Data for AI with Inna Tokarev Sela 52:45

6 weeks ago52:45

52:45

Inna Tokarev Sela, CEO and founder of Illumex, joins the crew to break down what it really means to make your data “AI-ready.” This isn’t just about clean tables—it’s about semantic fabric, business ontologies, and grounding agents in your company's context to prevent the dreaded LLM hallucination. We dive into how modern enterprises just cannot build a single source of truth, not matter how hard they try. All the while knowing that it's required to build effected agents utilizing the available knowledge graphs and. The conversation unpacks democratizing data access and avoiding analytics anarchy. Inna explains how automation and graph modeling are used to extract semantic meaning from disconnected data stores, and how to resolve conflicting definitions. And yes, Warren finally coughs up what's so wrong with most dashboards. Lastly, we quickly get to the core philosophical questions of agentic systems and AGI, including why intuition is the real differentiator between humans and machines. Plus: storage cost regrets, spiritual journeys disguised as inference pipelines, and a very healthy fear of subscription-based sleep wearables. Picks The Adventures In DevOps: Survey Warren: The Non-Computability of Intuition Will: The Arc Browser Inna: Healthy GenAI skepticism…

Adventures in DevOps

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Incident Vibing: The Self-Healing System - DevOps 242 1:10:05

7 weeks ago1:10:05

1:10:05

Sylvain Kalache, Head of Developer Relations at Rootly joins us to explore the new frontier of incident response powered by large language models. We dive into the evolution of DevRel and how we meet the new challenges impacting our systems. We explore Sylvain's origin story in self-healing systems, dating back to his SlideShare and LinkedIn days. From ingesting logs via Fluentd to building early ML-driven RCA tools, he shares a vision of self-healing infrastructure that targets root causes rather than just restarting boxes. Plus, we trace the historical arc of deterministic and non-deterministic tools. The conversation shifts toward real-world applications, where we're combining logs, metrics, transcripts, and postmortems to give SREs superpowers. We get tactical on integrating LLMs, why fine-tuning isn't always worth it, and how the Model Context Protocol (MCP) could be the USB of AI ops, but how it is still insecure. We wrap by facing the harsh reality of "incident vibing" in a world increasingly built by prompts, not people—and how to prepare for it.Picks Warren: There is no AI Revolution Sylvain: Incident Vibing and Rootly Labs SRE event on April 24th…

Adventures in DevOps

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Decentralized Chaos: Web3 Infra, NodeOps, and the Art of Blockchain Load Balancing - DevOps 241 1:16:25

8 weeks ago1:16:25

1:16:25

This week, Paul Marston from Ankr joins the crew to unpack the madness that is modern blockchain infrastructure. From his wild career transition out of financial services into 24/7 node ops for Web3, Paul shares the brutal truth about uptime expectations, decentralization challenges, and why hard forks are more like enterprise schema upgrades with a community twist. If you’ve ever wondered why managing a blockchain node is like owning a temperamental pet server, this one’s for you. The team goes deep on the nitty-gritty of load balancing across dozens of chains, explaining why routing traffic to the “wrong” archive node could ruin your day—and how Ankr’s custom load balancer is basically magic for JSON-RPC calls. Warren tosses out wild scenarios about encrypted data smuggling via blockchain, while Will confesses his angry typing habit (yes, it’s back). The discussion gets even more fun with debates on innovation vs. rigor, Web2's forgotten best practices, and why testing in prod might not be such a dirty word after all. But don’t think it’s all crypto and code. Paul shares battle-won wisdom from running over 100 chains across bare metal, giving us a peek at the operational sophistication and automation involved. From Terraform templates to Docker configs, he walks through the process of onboarding new chains and tuning for performance. The episode also touches on emerging risks like data exfiltration via public blockchains, and why AI (used wisely) might just be the sidekick DevOps always needed. And of course memes, we talk a bit about this one: Tree Swing Product Development Picks Warren: Dvorak Keyboard Setup and Logitech K295 Will: Quirky Record Player from Miniot Paul: Super Whisper - Voice Transcription Tool…

Adventures in DevOps

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Observability in the CI/CD Pipeline with Adriana Villela - DevOps 240 1:21:08

9 weeks ago1:21:08

1:21:08

In this episode, Will and Warren welcome Adriana Villela — CNCF ambassador, Dynatrace advocate, and host of the Geeking Out podcast — for a wide-ranging conversation on observability in CI/CD pipelines. Adriana shares her journey from “On Call Me Maybe” to her own podcast, her work with OpenTelemetry, and why observability isn’t just for SREs anymore. The crew digs into how telemetry should be integrated across the software development lifecycle — from development to QA to production — and what that really looks like in modern teams. Adriana drops knowledge on CI/CD failures, distributed traces, and even how to bring observability to other parts of the business like recruiting and onboarding. She also explains how she got involved in the OpenTelemetry end-user SIG and what’s next for the observability movement. Things get persona as we trade war stories about SVN, terrible version control systems, reusable grocery bags, and the ethics of AI log parsers. Adriana closes with a powerful take: observability is a team sport, and the better we play it, the more effective — and environmentally conscious — our systems can become.Picks Warren: Adventures In DevOps survey - How can we make it better for you? Adriana: Bouldering — she recommends it both as a physical activity and a therapeutic mental reset, especially when traveling Jillian: Expeditionary Force Will: Iron Neck and Purpose & Prophet…

Adventures in DevOps

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Building Engineering Excellence with Ganesh Datta of Cortex - DevOps 239 51:01

10 weeks ago51:01

51:01

In this episode, I (flying solo today!) sat down with Ganesh Datta, the CTO and co-founder of Cortex, to explore what it really means to drive engineering excellence at scale. And spoiler: it’s not just about better dashboards or fancy developer tools—it’s about treating software development like the competitive advantage it is. We went deep into the why behind internal developer portals (IDPs) and how they’re transforming platform engineering, developer experience, and organizational maturity. Ganesh shares how Cortex came to life—from being paged at 2am for a mystery Game of Thrones-named microservice (yep, we've all been there), to realizing that every other business function had a system of record—except engineering. Key Takeaways: IDPs are like CRMs for Engineering: Just as sales teams wouldn’t function without a CRM, modern engineering orgs shouldn’t be flying blind without a structured, centralized developer portal. Engineering Excellence = Business Outcomes: Whether it’s reliability, security, or platform efficiency, IDPs help codify best practices and align teams toward measurable goals. Start Small to Win Big: You don’t need to overhaul everything on day one. Start with a pain point you already know—like production readiness—and improve that incrementally. SREs and Platform Engineers Love IDPs: Because it gives them the data, ownership visibility, and real-time checks they need, without the honor-system chaos. Developer Experience is Just the Beginning: Tools like Cortex aren’t just about dev productivity—they’re about creating resilient, aligned, scalable engineering orgs. We also geeked out about everything from naming services (“Brewer” for a feature extraction tool? Chef’s kiss.) to the surprising power of reading 15 minutes before bed to improve sleep quality—yep, we went there! If you’re part of an engineering team (or leading one) and want to know how to move faster and smarter, this is the episode for you.…

Adventures in DevOps

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Modern DevOps Challenges: Automation, AI, and Scaling in 2025 - DevOps 238 1:18:49

11 weeks ago1:18:49

1:18:49

In this episode of DevOps 238, we sat down with Zach Lloyd to dive into what’s really happening in the world of modern DevOps—from automation and AI to scaling systems and maintaining team culture in fast-paced environments. We talked about the evolving role of DevOps engineers, the shift toward platform engineering, and why tool sprawl is becoming a bigger issue than ever. Zach shared some powerful real-world lessons on implementing CI/CD pipelines, avoiding burnout in high-pressure environments, and how teams can stay aligned without drowning in Slack notifications or endless dashboards. One of our favorite takeaways? The idea that simplicity and communication still beat out fancy tooling—every time. We also touched on emerging trends like AI-assisted deployments, observability, and what DevOps might look like in 2026 and beyond. If you’re navigating legacy systems, scaling rapidly, or just trying to keep your team sane and productive, this episode’s packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Dungeon Crawler Carl (Book) Dabble of DevOps AI Data Discovery Tool The Impact of Generative AI on Critical Thinking (Research Paper) Granola AI Meeting Notes A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages (Book)…

Adventures in DevOps

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Matt Lea Discusses Cloud War Games and Elevating Everyday DevOps - DevOps 237 1:14:24

15 weeks ago1:14:24

1:14:24

We dive into the world of cloud architecture and engineering with a fascinating discussion led by our hosts Warren Parad and Will Button, and joined by our special guest, Matt Lea. Matt, hailing from Wisconsin, is the driving force behind innovative projects like CloudWarGames.com, a platform designed to enhance DevOps training and hiring through engaging problem-solving scenarios. As we explore his journey, from coaching gymnastics to developing digital training ecosystems, you'll discover how Matt's experiences shape his unique perspectives on technical challenges, team dynamics, and the ever-evolving landscape of cloud solutions. Whether you're curious about the technical intricacies of infrastructure or seeking inspiration for your own career path, this episode offers a captivating look at the intersection of technology, creativity, and human connections. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to explore the world of DevOps in a whole new way.…

Adventures in DevOps

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Mastering Infrastructure as Code: Lessons from Matt Gowie's Consultancy Experience - DevOps 235 1:16:29

16 weeks ago1:16:29

1:16:29

In this episode, our hosts Will Button, Warren Parad, and Jillian are joined by guest Matt Gowie from Masterpoint. Together, they delve into the complex world of infrastructure as code, discussing best practices, challenges, and the human side of consulting in the DevOps space. Matt shares his journey from software development to running his own consulting agency focused on Terraform and OpenTofu. The conversation covers everything from the nuances of using Terraform workspaces, the implications of large-scale infrastructure management, to the critical soft skills needed for a successful consulting career. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just venturing into DevOps, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of technology. Picks: DevOps Days Zurich - Systems Thinking at Authress Dabble of DevOps AI Data Discovery Tool Dungeon Crawler Carl Shear Comfort Seat Covers…

Adventures in DevOps

1
AI, law, and automation with John Maly - DevOps 234 1:12:03

20 weeks ago1:12:03

1:12:03

In this episode hosts Warren Parad and Will Button sit down with John W. Maley, an attorney with a master's degree in computer science from Stanford University, to discuss the fascinating intersection of AI and the legal system. John shares insights from his book "Juris ex Machina," a sci-fi exploration of a future where AI replaces humans in the jury system. The conversation dives deep into the current state and future potential of AI, touching on its overhyped status, potential vulnerabilities, and security concerns. As they navigate the topic of AI's integration in society, John, Warren, and Will explore riveting ideas about AI's role in the modern world and its implications in diverse fields, from dating apps to deepfake detection. Join us as we tap into the complexities and innovations of AI technology and ponder its future impact on society and the legal system. Picks: - Psycho-Pass - Book: Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds - Book: Juris Ex Machina - TheraGun - Muscle Massager…

Adventures in DevOps

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The Impact of Open Source on Business and Development Practices with Daniel Loreto - DevOps 233 1:07:22

21 weeks ago1:07:22

1:07:22

Hosts Warren Parad and David Kimura dive into a compelling discussion with guest Daniel Loreto, founder and CEO of Jetify. The conversation revolves around innovative solutions in the DevOps world, particularly focusing on the use of Nix and DevBox to streamline developer environments. Daniel shares insights from his vast experience at prominent tech companies like Google, Airbnb, and Twitter, detailing how Jetify is leveraging AI and agents to enhance software development. The trio explores the challenges of reproducible development environments, the complexities of ML development, and the strategic benefits of open sourcing tools. Along the way, they touch on the impact of AI agents on the industry and the balance between innovation and practical application. Prepare for an engaging episode filled with technical insights and thoughtful reflections on the future of software development.…

Adventures in DevOps

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Exploring the Role of AI in DevOps with Alex Kearns - DevOps 232 1:24:03

23 weeks ago1:24:03

1:24:03

Join host Warren Parad, co-hosts Jillian and Will Button as they delve into a compelling conversation on the pervasive influence of AI across industries. Special guest Alex Kearns from UberTask Consulting shares his expertise on the real-world applications of AI, navigating through its rapid evolution and discussing both the opportunities and challenges it presents. From the impact of generative AI on business processes to intriguing ethical considerations, this episode provides valuable insights for professionals in the DevOps field. Tune in as the panel explores the dynamic relationship between technology, responsibility, and innovation, offering listeners a thought-provoking exploration of AI's role in shaping the future.…

Adventures in DevOps

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Real-World Testing: Insights from Rainforest QA Expert AJ Funk - DevOps 231 1:06:11

25 weeks ago1:06:11

1:06:11

In today's show, we dive into the intricate world of quality assurance and testing strategies with our special guest, AJ Funk. AJ, a seasoned software engineer at Rainforest QA, shares his unique journey from playing professional baseball to developing cutting-edge QA solutions. Joining us are co-hosts Will Button and Jillian, along with fellow guest Matteo Collina. AJ walks us through the evolution of quality assurance at Rainforest QA, emphasizing the importance of balancing confidence and velocity in testing. He highlights innovative approaches like using visual layers for testing, eliminating the need for extensive code-based tests, and explains how their no-code solutions empower teams to maintain high-quality standards efficiently. From discussing the myth of 100% test coverage to the role of AI in QA, AJ and our hosts explore practical strategies for developers. We also touch on the importance of real-world testing environments, handling microservices, and tips for leveraging Rainforest QA's robust tools effectively. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that covers everything from the basics of end-to-end testing to advanced QA practices, and even takes some entertaining detours into the personal lives of our speakers. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out in the tech industry, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Tune in for some expert advice, a few laughs, and a whole lot of valuable information!…

Adventures in DevOps

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Simplifying DevOps - DevOps 229 31:24

28 weeks ago31:24

31:24

Ready to show off your coding skills to the world? Not so fast. In this episode, Will and Jillian discuss why developers need to simplify their product with the end goal in mind—the customer. They share some awesome examples of how to do this, how you can win Future You’s approval, and the steps to create a smooth user experience. “I think it’s a hard mental shift to say that my area of expertise shouldn’t be visible in the product. But, you need to understand the end goal. My goal is to automate myself out of a job, then move on.” Will Button In This Episode: Jillian shares a killer example that should inspire all DevOps people to simplify their process As a programmer, you want to tell the customer how great your programming is, right? Hold on…Will shares a different perspective How Will approaches his programming that avoids all customer confusion and creates a seamless experience What Jillian believes is MORE important than learning how to code (sometimes) Why you need these TWO things that will earn Future You’s approval Picks Jillian - Airflow and Strapi Jillian - Non-techy: Harriet the Hamster Princess Will - Until the End of Time by Brian Greene…

Adventures in DevOps

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Navigating Salesforce DevOps Challenges and AI Innovations - DevOps 228 1:13:31

30 weeks ago1:13:31

1:13:31

In today's episode, Will and Jillian dive deep into the evolving landscape of Salesforce DevOps, joined by the experienced Vernon Keenan. This episode covers a range of critical topics including recent changes in Salesforce's AI product offerings and the complexities surrounding their pricing. Vernon takes us on his personal journey from telecom to pioneering a tax engine on Salesforce, leading to his current focus on Go and Kubernetes-driven DevOps solutions. They unpack the challenges developers face with Salesforce's SFDX and metadata API, explore how companies like Capado, Flowsome, and Gearset are tackling these issues, and discuss innovative approaches from firms like Elements Cloud. The conversation also ventures into the realm of cognitive DevOps, AI-driven virtual employees, and the economic and societal impacts of these technologies. Additionally, they touch upon the shifting responsibilities in Salesforce management and the rising importance of CIOs in this space. Whether you're grappling with Salesforce’s limitations or seeking insights on how AI is transforming the DevOps field, this episode is packed with expert advice, industry insights, and forward-looking perspectives. Stay tuned, as they also address public policy concerns, the potential for job displacement, and the future of SaaS DevOps. Listen in and join as they navigate the future of technology and workforce transformation! Socials LinkedIn: Vernon Keenan…

Adventures in DevOps

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Kubernetes Schema Validation Tools with Eyar Zilberman - DevOps 227 45:59

31 weeks ago45:59

45:59

Eyar Zilberman joins the adventure to discuss Kubernetes schema validation tools.The panel jumps in and discusses the power of and the pros and cons of the different kinds of schema validations. Links Why you need to use Kubernetes schema validation tools A Deep Dive Into Kubernetes Schema Validation Datree.io Eyar Zilberman - DEV Community LinkedIn: Eyar Zilberman Twitter: Eyar Zilberman ( @eyarzilb ) Picks Jillian- GitHub | cloudposse/terraform-example-module Jonathan- Sid Meier's Memoir!: A Life in Computer Games Will- Paperlike…

Adventures in DevOps

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Gaining Stability with Rule Based Policies with Shimon Tolts - DevOps 226 52:14

32 weeks ago52:14

52:14

Shimon Tolts is the CEO datree.io. Shimon talks the panel through an outage he experienced while working for a previous employer. He breaks down the situation and the explains the types of misconfiguration that caused his outage and how these things can cause problems in other applications as well. Links datree.io Twitter: Shimon Tolts ( @shimontolts ) Picks Charles- Willow Charles- Traeger Grills Jeffrey- How to be most efficient in learning something new Jeffrey- Don't fall into the trap of just buying cheap products Shimon- daily.dev | All-in-one developer news reader Will- The Manual: A Philosopher's Guide to Life…

Adventures in DevOps

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Balancing Technical Skills, Cultural Fit, and Overqualification in DevOps Hiring - DevOps 225 49:55

33 weeks ago49:55

49:55

Will, Warren, and Jillian dive deep into a riveting discussion that spans a myriad of topics, from hiring practices to the hidden impacts of plastics in our brain matter. They kick off with Jillian's intriguing Amazon affiliate link strategy, sparking a fascinating debate on monetization. As they navigate through Warren's shocking revelation about plastics in our brains, he also shares a crucial health tip: blood donation as a method to combat "forever chemicals." But that's not all—Jillian also offers a thought-provoking book recommendation that promises to be both profound and enlightening. They explore the intricate balance between skills and cultural fit in hiring, sharing personal insights and strategies to ensure the right match within their teams. They hear about the importance of detailed job descriptions, cultural alignment, and the nuanced art of candidate rejection. The episode takes a practical turn as Will and Jillian offer valuable advice for contractors, discussing hourly rates, contract work, and the critical role of setting non-technical requirements based on company culture. Finally, they tackle the ever-important topic of leadership and decision-making in the evolving post-COVID engineering environment, encompassing the challenges of remote work, the significance of team fit, and strategies for managing uncertainty in startup life. Don't miss out as they wrap up with light-hearted personal recommendations and crucial advice for thriving in tech roles, consulting, and contracting. Stay tuned for a comprehensive journey through DevOps challenges and solutions! Socials LinkedIn: Jillian Rowe LinkedIn: Warren Parad LinkedIn: Will Button…

Adventures in DevOps

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CI/CD Tools for Dummies - DevOps 224 38:43

34 weeks ago38:43

38:43

We’re not calling you a dummy, but you might be one if you don’t listen to this episode. This time around, the gang discusses the do’s and don’ts of choosing CI/CD tools, including how to safety migrate between them, why super-specialized tools are getting extremely popular this year, and the ONE component that makes or breaks a tool. In This Episode 1) The TWO questions you need ask BEFORE you choose your tools (and why there’s no “one size fits all”) 2) How to safely migrate from one tool to another 3) Why super-specialized CI tools are getting more popular in 2022 4) Want to know what makes a CI tool worthwhile? Ask if it has THIS single component and you’re off to a great start Picks Jillian- Wheel of Time Book Series Jonathan- All Quiet on the Western Front: A Novel Jonathan- All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) Jonathan- All Quiet on the Western Front (TV Movie 1979) Will- The Devil and the Blacksmith Will- Acuity Eyedrops…

Adventures in DevOps

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Streamlining DevOps: Managing with Epics for Clearer Priorities - DevOps 223 52:35

35 weeks ago52:35

52:35

In this episode, they explore the realms of DevOps management and team dynamics. Will is joined by Warren and Jillian to delve into the challenges and strategies involved in transitioning from a ticket queue system to using epics for task management. They discuss how this shift prioritizes objectives, enhances team focus across global time zones, and improves communication with product teams. The conversation also touches on documenting processes, managing support work, and the importance of adaptability and transparency within organizations. From humorous anecdotes about technical issues to practical advice on handling resistance from higher-ups, the episode is packed with real-world examples and expert insights. Tune in to learn how to better align stakeholder priorities, balance planned and unplanned work, and foster a more efficient and cohesive DevOps team. Socials LinkedIn: Jillian Rowe LinkedIn: Warren Parad LinkedIn: Will Button…

Adventures in DevOps

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From Doha to New Hampshire: Embracing Change and Unpacking the 2024 Dora Report - DevOps 222 1:06:46

36 weeks ago1:06:46

1:06:46

Jillian returns to the podcast after a significant move from Doha, Qatar to a quaint town in New Hampshire. She shares her experiences of adjusting back to life in the U.S., both personally and professionally. The discussion delves into the logistics and emotional aspects of relocating internationally—what it’s like leaving behind furniture deemed disposable overseas, starting fresh with new purchases, and dealing with unexpected challenges along the way. Additionally, they talk about the Dora metrics and the emphasis on why measuring these metrics is crucial for understanding DevOps efficiency within organizations. They also dive into the importance of setting hypotheses when attempting organizational changes. And discuss the challenges faced by companies who fail at measuring progress post-experimentation. Socials LinkedIn: Jillian Rowe LinkedIn: Will Button LinkedIn: Warren Parad…

Adventures in DevOps

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Navigating Secrets Management Complexities and Future Authentication Trends - DevOps 221 1:13:01

37 weeks ago1:13:01

1:13:01

In this episode, Will, Warren and Jillian dive into the complexities of secrets management and developer productivity with our esteemed guest, Brian Vallelunga from Doppler. Join them as Brian shares his journey from facing security challenges at Uber to founding Doppler, an innovative solution aimed at transforming how developers handle secrets.They delve into the critical importance of secrets management, Doppler's unique approach to making security practices not only essential but enjoyable for developers, and the future of authentication with identity-based methods. Brian also offers valuable advice on integrating security from day one and discusses the hurdles and necessities of secure secret management. Tune in as they explore the evolving landscape of security standards, the impact of SOC 2 compliance, and the balance between immediate security fixes and long-term stability using tools like Terraform. They also touch on personal experiences with data security, practical tips for safeguarding information, and a touch of light-heartedness with fun picks from our hosts. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with practical insights, expert advice, and a visionary look at the future of secure development practices. Socials LinkedIn: Brian Vallelunga…

Adventures in DevOps

1
Strategies for Startups: Navigating Certification, Layoffs, and the Evolving Tech Job Market - DevOps 220 1:10:50

37 weeks ago1:10:50

1:10:50

Today, we have a dynamic discussion lined up with Will and special guest, Ben Johnson, the CEO of Particle 41. In this episode, they delve deep into the evolving landscape of the tech industry, from incentivizing certifications to the current economic conditions affecting startups. Ben shares his insights on the importance of experience and specialized knowledge, advocating for a system that prioritizes certifications as objective measures of learning. Will critiques the education system and proposes an apprenticeship model as a solution to existing gaps. The conversation also navigates the complexities of the modern job market, the impact of layoffs, and the startup ecosystem's challenges due to economic constraints. We explore innovative paths like personal entrepreneurship, brand building, and creating niche software solutions. Ben and Will also debate the merits of generalism versus specialization, the use of AI in development, and the strategic value of certifications. Plus, we'll touch on the transformative potential Socials LinkedIn: Ben Johnson…

Adventures in DevOps

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Software Dependencies: Do you Know What’s Lurking in your Software? - DevOps 219 57:13

39 weeks ago57:13

57:13

Charles is joined by Caleb Fornari and Jeffrey Groman as we discuss the challenges of public versus private package managers and the security implications of using public repositories. Links Adventures in DevOps - Devchat.tv Dependency Confusion: How I Hacked Into Apple, Microsoft and Dozens of Other Companies Devchat.tv | JSJ 357: Event-Stream & Package Vulnerabilities with Richard Feldman and Hillel Wayne Malicious code found in npm package event-stream downloaded 8 million times in the past 2.5 months GitHub | The Node Security Platform Picks Caleb- Have a plan to mitigate damage if someone is able to get inside your network. Don’t just secure the public side of your technical infrastructure, make sure your internal security as just as strong as your external security. Charles- Dev Heroes Accelerator | Devchat.tv Charles- The Umbrella Academy | Netflix Charles- Personal Retreat Jeffrey- Asset management: Know and document where all of your digital assets reside. Whether servers, VMs, EC2 instances, and all of your structured and unstructured data. Jeffrey- You can’t secure what you don’t know about…

Adventures in DevOps

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From Core DevOps to Management: Balancing Technical Skills and Soft Skills in High-Stakes Environments - DevOps 218 1:06:54

40 weeks ago1:06:54

1:06:54

Will and Warren dive deep into the world of career longevity and adaptability in the fast-evolving tech industry. They explore the often-overlooked importance of staying with a project long enough to understand and resolve complex issues, and how job dissatisfaction can be a tool for negotiation rather than a cue to immediately move on. They touch on early career experiences and the shift towards specialization, echoing advice from past guest Kelsey Hightower. Warren also shares his intriguing perspective on the value of early career terminations, the necessity of soft skills, and the challenges of expanding teams. The conversation will unfold to reveal a balanced view on the evolution from hands-on engineering to management roles, the continual learning required to stay relevant, and the often humorous realities behind career transitions. Listen in as they discuss scaling career paths, the nuances of job switching, and the criticality of balancing technical and business acumen. They also delve into the personal facets of tech careers, from dealing with burnout to the idea of retirement, all while sharing our thoughts on professional books and the lessons they impart. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a seasoned developer, or someone navigating the complexities of the tech industry, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge and a dose of humor to keep you engaged. Socials LinkedIn: Warren Parad LinkedIn: Will Button…

Adventures in DevOps

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End-of-Year Preparation and Considerations for Software Engineering Teams - DevOps 217 1:05:45

41 weeks ago1:05:45

1:05:45

In today's episode, Warren and Will dive into the difficulties of coordinating between marketing and engineering teams, particularly around handling increased traffic and sales during the holiday season. The discussion covers the importance of auditing code and looking for potential issues or technical debt at the end of the year. The hosts also explore strategies for pitching and justifying technical projects or rewrites to management, emphasizing the need to frame them in terms of business impact. They conclude by reflecting on the value of stepping back from day-to-day tasks at the end of the year to gain a broader organizational perspective. Socials LinkedIn: Warren Parad LinkedIn: Will Button Picks Will - Half-Life: Alyx…

Adventures in DevOps

1
How Mastermind Groups Can Transform Your DevOps Career - DevOps 216 1:08:26

42 weeks ago1:08:26