Episode 266: Sustain OSS Virtual Event: Recap!

Sustain

Guests

Eriol Fox | Allen “Gunner” Gunn | Leslie Hawthorn | Abby Cabunoc Mayes

Panelist

Richard Littauer

Show Notes

In this special episode of Sustain, Richard has a discussion with guests and fellow hosts Eriol Fox, Abby Cabunoc Mayes,
Leslie Hawthorne, and Gunner, about the recent virtual Sustain event discussing the current state and
future of sustaining open source software. The conversation covers a broad range of topics, from the impact
of AI on open source and the complexity of corporate funding, to the importance of succession planning and
the need for a continued focus on equity and inclusion. The group also express gratitude to the community
and highlight the necessity of creating safe spaces for deep and meaningful discussions about the human
aspects of open source. Future events and potential topics are also teased. Hit the download button now!

[00:01:45] Gunner shares an event summary starting on the evolution of SustainOSS, and talks about the
topics ranging from usage metrics, donor programs, geopolitical barriers in FOSS, and details the working
sessions.

[00:03:34] Everyone shares their personal takeaway from the event.

[00:09:57] We hear about the conversations that were missed at the event and what everyone would like to
talk about in the future about sustaining open source.

[00:17:56] Gunner briefs us on the next event with a possibility of another forum focused entirely on AI,
and Richard proposes exploring digital sovereignty and how it intersects with open source principles.

[00:19:39] We end with final thoughts from everyone: Gunner expresses gratitude for the community, Abby is
grateful for the space and conversations, Leslie gives a shoutout to UN Open Source Week for fostering
global cooperation, Eriol praises Jonah Duckles for putting out “Ten Simple Rules for Academic Open Source
Collaborations with Industry,” and Richard encourages listeners to keep contributing and engaging with the
Sustain community.

Links

• SustainOSS
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• SustainOSS Discourse
• SustainOSS Mastodon
• SustainOSS Bluesky
• SustainOSS LinkedIn
• Open Collective-SustainOSS (Contribute)
• Richard Littauer Socials
• Eriol Fox Website
• Allen “Gunner” Gunn LinkedIn
• Leslie Hawthorn LinkedIn
• Abby Cabunoc Mayes Website
• Monki Gras 2025
• UN Open Source Week 2025
• Ten Simple Rules for Academic Open Source Collaborations with Industry by Jonah Duckles, Dan Sholler, Beth Duckles

Credits

• Produced by Richard Littauer

• Edited by Paul M. Bahr at Peachtree Sound

• Show notes by DeAnn Bahr Peachtree Sound

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