Adventures in DevOps - podcast cover

Adventures in DevOps

Will Button, Warren Paradadventuresindevops.com
Join us in listening to the experienced experts discuss cutting edge challenges in the world of DevOps. From applying the mindset at your company, to career growth and leadership challenges within engineering teams, and avoiding the common antipatterns. Every episode you'll meet a new industry veteran guest with their own unique story.
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Episodes

FinOps: Holding engineering teams accountable for spend

In this episode of Adventures in DevOps, we dive into the world of FinOps, a concept that aims to apply the DevOps mindset to financial accountability. Yasmin Rajabi, Chief Strategy Officer at CloudBolt, joins us to demystify, as we acknowledge the critical challenge of bringing together financial accountability and engineering teams who often are not paying attention to the business. The discussion further explores the practicalities of FinOps in the context of cloud spending and Kubernetes. Ya...

Jul 31, 202555 minEp. 249

The Auth Showdown: Single tenant versus Multitenant Architectures

Get ready for a lively debate on this episode of Adventures in DevOps. We're joined by Brian Pontarelli, founder of FusionAuth and CleanSpeak. Warren and Brian face off by diving into the controversial topic of multitenant versus single-tenant architecture. Expert co-host Aimee Knight joins to moderate the discussion. Ever wondered how someone becomes an "auth expert"? Warren spills the beans on his journey, explaining it's less about a direct path and more about figuring out what it means for y...

Jul 17, 202553 minEp. 248

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

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 tha...

Jun 24, 20251 hr 7 minEp. 247

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

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 di...

Jun 21, 20251 hr 18 minEp. 246

Exploring MCP Servers and Agent Interactions with Gil Feig

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 nee...

Jun 14, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 245

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

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—whet...

Jun 09, 20251 hr 1 minEp. 244

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

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 ...

Jun 04, 202553 minEp. 243

Incident Vibing: The Self-Healing System - DevOps 242

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 rath...

May 29, 20251 hr 10 minEp. 242

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

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...

May 22, 20251 hr 16 minEp. 241

Observability in the CI/CD Pipeline with Adriana Villela - DevOps 240

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 ...

May 15, 20251 hr 21 minEp. 240

Building Engineering Excellence with Ganesh Datta of Cortex - DevOps 239

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. ...

May 08, 202551 minEp. 239

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

Is AI making us more productive? And where's the value? That’s the big debate in this episode as we sit down with Zach Lloyd, founder and CEO of Warp. Warp isn’t just another terminal—it’s an AI-powered reimagination of the command line. From replacing traditional terminal commands with English instructions to integrating AI-driven automation, Warp is pushing the boundaries of how we work. And finally we find out what Warren is using as a keyboard. In this episode, we discuss the evolution of AI...

May 02, 20251 hr 19 minEp. 238

Matt Lea Discusses Cloud War Games and Elevating Everyday DevOps - DevOps 237

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 ...

Apr 02, 20251 hr 14 minEp. 237

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

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...

Mar 25, 20251 hr 16 minEp. 235

AI, law, and automation with John Maly - DevOps 234

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...

Feb 27, 20251 hr 12 minEp. 234

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

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...

Feb 21, 20251 hr 7 minEp. 233

Exploring the Role of AI in DevOps with Alex Kearns - DevOps 232

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 insight...

Feb 06, 20251 hr 24 minEp. 230

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

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 vel...

Jan 23, 20251 hr 6 minEp. 231

Simplifying DevOps - DevOps 229

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 automat...

Dec 30, 202431 min

Navigating Salesforce DevOps Challenges and AI Innovations - DevOps 228

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 develope...

Dec 19, 20241 hr 14 min

Kubernetes Schema Validation Tools with Eyar Zilberman - DevOps 227

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 L...

Dec 12, 202446 min

Gaining Stability with Rule Based Policies with Shimon Tolts - DevOps 226

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 ju...

Dec 05, 202452 min

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

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...

Nov 28, 202450 min

CI/CD Tools for Dummies - DevOps 224

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 a...

Nov 21, 202439 min

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

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 ada...

Nov 14, 202453 min

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

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 m...

Nov 07, 20241 hr 7 min

Navigating Secrets Management Complexities and Future Authentication Trends - DevOps 221

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 f...

Oct 31, 20241 hr 13 min

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

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 pro...

Oct 28, 20241 hr 11 min

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

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 pa...

Oct 17, 202457 min

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

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 p...

Oct 10, 20241 hr 7 min
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