
Virtually Speaking Podcast
The Virtually Speaking Podcast is a weekly technical podcast dedicated to discussing VMware topics related to private and hybrid cloud. Each week Pete Flecha and John Nicholson bring in various subject matter experts from VMware, recently acquired by Broadcom, and within the industry to discuss their respective areas of expertise.
Latest episodes

Sep 16, 2024 • 12min
Charting the Future of VCF Core Infrastructure
In this episode of the Virtually Speaking Podcast, we speak with Vijay Ramachandran, Head of Products for VCF Core Storage at VMware by Broadcom, about the future of VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) and its evolving role in supporting AI workloads. Vijay breaks down how VCF aggregates core infrastructure components—storage, compute, networking, and management—into a single, cohesive platform. This integration is crucial for efficiently managing and scaling the data-hungry demands of AI applications, empowering organizations to run advanced workloads with ease and flexibility as they navigate the future of IT infrastructure.
Links Mentioned
Introducing VMware Cloud Foundation 9
Session: Charting the Future of Core VMware Cloud Foundation Infrastructure
Playlist: VMware Explore Las Vegas 2024
The Virtually Speaking Podcast
The Virtually Speaking Podcast is a technical podcast dedicated to discussing VMware topics related to private and hybrid cloud. Each week Pete Flecha and John Nicholson bring in various subject matter experts from within the industry to discuss their respective areas of expertise. If you’re new to the Virtually Speaking Podcast check out all episodes on vspeakingpodcast.com and follow on Twitter\X @VirtSpeaking.

Sep 16, 2024 • 10min
Self-Service DR by Automating SRM Workflows
In this episode of the Virtually Speaking Podcast, we’re joined by Joe Weiner and Cary Tompkins from SS&C to explore how they’ve automated VMware Site Recovery Manager (SRM) to deliver Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) to their internal customers. By automating SRM workflows, SS&C has been able to offer a self-service model that allows teams to manage disaster recovery without constant support intervention. This approach not only improves operational efficiency but also ensures faster, more reliable recovery processes, reducing downtime and simplifying the overall disaster recovery experience.
Links Mentioned
Introducing VMware Cloud Foundation 9
Session: Designing and Implementing Disaster Recovery and Ransomware Recovery for VMware Cloud Foundation
Playlist: VMware Explore Las Vegas 2024
The Virtually Speaking Podcast
The Virtually Speaking Podcast is a technical podcast dedicated to discussing VMware topics related to private and hybrid cloud. Each week Pete Flecha and John Nicholson bring in various subject matter experts from within the industry to discuss their respective areas of expertise. If you’re new to the Virtually Speaking Podcast check out all episodes on vspeakingpodcast.com and follow on Twitter\X @VirtSpeaking.

Sep 11, 2024 • 10min
A Simplified Approach to Cloud Infrastructure
In this episode of the Virtually Speaking Podcast, we’re joined by Paul Lembo, CTO at VMware by Broadcom, to discuss how bringing all internal product teams under one organization has strengthened VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF). By aligning the teams on common goals, VCF has evolved into a more cohesive platform, enhancing integration, streamlining updates, and improving overall stability. Paul also shares insights from his daily conversations with customers, who often ask how changes since the acquisition will impact VMware’s product offerings. Tune in to hear how this new approach is driving innovation and delivering a more reliable cloud platform.
Links Mentioned
Introducing VMware Cloud Foundation 9
Session: 3 Transformations for the Smarter Way to Cloud
Playlist: VMware Explore Las Vegas 2024
The Virtually Speaking Podcast
The Virtually Speaking Podcast is a technical podcast dedicated to discussing VMware topics related to private and hybrid cloud. Each week Pete Flecha and John Nicholson bring in various subject matter experts from within the industry to discuss their respective areas of expertise. If you’re new to the Virtually Speaking Podcast check out all episodes on vspeakingpodcast.com and follow on Twitter\X @VirtSpeaking.

Sep 11, 2024 • 11min
VCF Import with Glenn Sizemore
In this episode of the Virtually Speaking Podcast, we chat with Glenn Sizemore from VMware by Broadcom about the VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) Import feature. VCF Import simplifies the process of bringing existing infrastructure under VCF management, enabling faster adoption and reducing the complexity of migrating to a cloud-first model. We explore how it streamlines deployment, improves operational efficiency, and provides seamless integration with existing tools and resources, ultimately allowing organizations to accelerate their digital transformation with minimal disruption.
Links Mentioned
Introducing VMware Cloud Foundation 9
Session: Deep Dive: Methods and Best Practices for Migrating to VCF
Playlist: VMware Explore Las Vegas 2024
The Virtually Speaking Podcast
The Virtually Speaking Podcast is a technical podcast dedicated to discussing VMware topics related to private and hybrid cloud. Each week Pete Flecha and John Nicholson bring in various subject matter experts from within the industry to discuss their respective areas of expertise. If you’re new to the Virtually Speaking Podcast check out all episodes on vspeakingpodcast.com and follow on Twitter\X @VirtSpeaking.

Sep 11, 2024 • 17min
VMware Avi Load Balancer
In this episode of the Virtually Speaking Podcast, we talk with Prashanth Gandhi, Head of Products for the ANS division at VMware by Broadcom, about the AVI Load Balancer. Prashanth shares how AVI simplifies application delivery by offering advanced load balancing, automation, and analytics. With its software-defined architecture, AVI provides real-time insights, elastic scaling, and simplified management, enabling organizations to optimize performance and ensure high availability for their applications across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Tune in to discover how AVI is revolutionizing load balancing with its modern, flexible approach.
Links Mentioned
Introducing VMware Cloud Foundation 9
Session: Deploying Avi Load Balancer
Playlist: VMware Explore Las Vegas 2024
The Virtually Speaking Podcast
The Virtually Speaking Podcast is a technical podcast dedicated to discussing VMware topics related to private and hybrid cloud. Each week Pete Flecha and John Nicholson bring in various subject matter experts from within the industry to discuss their respective areas of expertise. If you’re new to the Virtually Speaking Podcast check out all episodes on vspeakingpodcast.com and follow on Twitter\X @VirtSpeaking.

Sep 11, 2024 • 17min
The Evolution of the SDDC to VMware Cloud Foundation
In this episode of the Virtually Speaking Podcast, we’re joined by Victoria Gimma, Principal Cloud Architect at VMware by Broadcom, to explore the evolution from the Software-Defined Data Center (SDDC) to VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF). Victoria highlights how VCF provides customers with everything they need to run their own fully integrated cloud environment—complete with automation, lifecycle management, and intrinsic security. By consolidating compute, storage, networking, and security into a unified platform, VCF simplifies cloud operations, allowing organizations to seamlessly deploy, maintain, and scale their infrastructure with ease.
Links Mentioned
Introducing VMware Cloud Foundation 9
Session: Demystifying DPUs and GPUs on VCF
Playlist: VMware Explore Las Vegas 2024
The Virtually Speaking Podcast
The Virtually Speaking Podcast is a technical podcast dedicated to discussing VMware topics related to private and hybrid cloud. Each week Pete Flecha and John Nicholson bring in various subject matter experts from within the industry to discuss their respective areas of expertise. If you’re new to the Virtually Speaking Podcast check out all episodes on vspeakingpodcast.com and follow on Twitter\X @VirtSpeaking.

Sep 11, 2024 • 19min
Accelerating Data-Driven Innovation in VMware Cloud Foundation
In this episode of the Virtually Speaking Podcast, we’re joined by Christos Karamanolis, Fellow at VMware by Broadcom, to discuss how VMware Cloud Foundation is accelerating data-driven innovation. Christos dives into the powerful capabilities of VMware’s Data Services Manager (DSM), a tool designed to simplify database lifecycle management. DSM automates tasks such as provisioning, scaling, patching, and backup across a wide range of databases, making it easier for organizations to manage complex data environments. Tune in to learn how DSM is helping enterprises streamline their operations, reduce complexity, and fuel innovation with data-driven insights.
Links Mentioned
Introducing VMware Cloud Foundation 9
Session: Accelerating App Innovation with VMware Cloud Foundation Data Services
Playlist: VMware Explore Las Vegas 2024
The Virtually Speaking Podcast
The Virtually Speaking Podcast is a technical podcast dedicated to discussing VMware topics related to private and hybrid cloud. Each week Pete Flecha and John Nicholson bring in various subject matter experts from within the industry to discuss their respective areas of expertise. If you’re new to the Virtually Speaking Podcast check out all episodes on vspeakingpodcast.com and follow on Twitter\X @VirtSpeaking.

Sep 11, 2024 • 13min
Adventures in VMware HomeLabs
In this episode of the Virtually Speaking Podcast, we’re joined by Mark Huppert, Principal Consultant at Computacenter, affectionately known as the 'HomeLab King' due to his impressive and extensive VMware home lab setup. We discuss the evolution of home labs, how they’ve become essential for hands-on learning and testing, and how Mark’s home lab has played a pivotal role in his career progression. Tune in to hear insights on how home labs can sharpen technical skills, accelerate learning, and open doors to new career opportunities in the tech industry.
Links Mentioned
Introducing VMware Cloud Foundation 9
Session: Adventures in VMware HomeLabs
Playlist: VMware Explore Las Vegas 2024
The Virtually Speaking Podcast
The Virtually Speaking Podcast is a technical podcast dedicated to discussing VMware topics related to private and hybrid cloud. Each week Pete Flecha and John Nicholson bring in various subject matter experts from within the industry to discuss their respective areas of expertise. If you’re new to the Virtually Speaking Podcast check out all episodes on vspeakingpodcast.com and follow on Twitter\X @VirtSpeaking.

Sep 11, 2024 • 13min
Accelerators on VMware Cloud Foundation
In this episode of the Virtually Speaking Podcast, we’re joined by Dave Morera from VMware by Broadcom to explore the transformative role of accelerators like DPUs and GPUs in VMware Cloud Foundation. We discuss how DPUs offload critical tasks such as networking, security, and storage processing, freeing up the CPU to handle more essential workloads. Additionally, GPUs are increasingly vital for accelerating AI, machine learning, and graphical workloads. These technologies not only boost host performance but also improve workload isolation, enhance security, and optimize resource efficiency, making VCF deployments more scalable and future-proof.
Links Mentioned
Introducing VMware Cloud Foundation 9
Session: Demystifying DPUs and GPUs on VCF
Playlist: VMware Explore Las Vegas 2024
The Virtually Speaking Podcast
The Virtually Speaking Podcast is a technical podcast dedicated to discussing VMware topics related to private and hybrid cloud. Each week Pete Flecha and John Nicholson bring in various subject matter experts from within the industry to discuss their respective areas of expertise. If you’re new to the Virtually Speaking Podcast check out all episodes on vspeakingpodcast.com and follow on Twitter\X @VirtSpeaking

Sep 9, 2024 • 11min
Lessons Learned Upgrading VMware Cloud Foundation
In this episode of the Virtually Speaking Podcast, we sit down with Rodney Barnhart, a seasoned system administrator from Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, to discuss his recent experience upgrading VMware Cloud Foundation. Rodney shares insights into the challenges and successes of the upgrade process, along with best practices that can help other organizations looking to make the leap. Whether you're planning a similar upgrade or just curious about the latest in VMware Cloud Foundation, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways.
Links Mentioned
Introducing VMware Cloud Foundation 9
Playlist: VMware Explore Las Vegas 2024
The Virtually Speaking Podcast
The Virtually Speaking Podcast is a technical podcast dedicated to discussing VMware topics related to private and hybrid cloud. Each week Pete Flecha and John Nicholson bring in various subject matter experts from within the industry to discuss their respective areas of expertise. If you’re new to the Virtually Speaking Podcast check out all episodes on vspeakingpodcast.com and follow on Twitter\X @VirtSpeaking