

The Infra Pod
The Infra Pod
The Infra Pod brings you insightful and thought-provoking discussions on the world of infrastructure software. This podcast is started by two engineers, Ian Livingstone (tech advisor for Snyk) and Tim Chen (General Partner at Essence VC), team up with a rotating cast of guests to dive deep into the latest trends and hot topics in the software infrastructure space.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 28, 2025 • 37min
The bet on Postgres to be the backbone to run reliable services (Chat with Jeremy and Qian from DBOS)
The conversation dives deep into DBOS’s mission to enhance software reliability and durability. Insights on utilizing Postgres as a robust backbone for modern applications steal the show. The guests share innovative tools like workflow visualization and a time travel debugger that streamline system reliability. They tackle the complexities of integrating AI into traditional systems, emphasizing trust and user strategies. Future predictions suggest a shift towards serverless solutions and the expanding role of Postgres in both transaction and analytical realms.

Jul 14, 2025 • 39min
Next-Gen Data Processing with Incremental Query Engines (Chat with Gilad from Epsio)
Join Tim from Essence VC and Ian from Keycard as they sit down with Gilad Kleinman (CEO of Epsio), to explore the next generation incremental query engine they're building. Gilad shares his journey from a software developer focusing on low-level Linux kernel development to identifying fundamental gaps in data processing. They delve into the philosophical questions regarding data complexity and redundancy, discuss the theoretical advancements propelling their project, and highlight the practical issues faced by companies in achieving efficient, scalable data queries.00:35 Journey to Building Epsio03:33 Tackling Incremental Processing10:08 User Experience in Data Systems17:24 Scaling and Integration Challenges18:43 AI and the Future of Database Management32:21 Spicy Hot Take!

Jun 30, 2025 • 45min
Going from integrating SaaS to merging them through AI! Chat with Gil from Merge.dev
In this episode of the Infra Pod, hosts Tim from Essence VC and Ian from Keycard, are joined by Gil, CTO and co-founder of Merge.dev. They discuss the inception and mission of Merge, its growth, and how the company is solving complex integration problems for businesses. The conversation covers the challenges of integration, the future of APIs, and the impact of AI and MCP on the industry.00:37 The Integration Nightmare07:09 Common Data Models and Syncing Data16:09 MCP and AI-Driven Integrations42:10 Future of MCP in the Industry

Jun 16, 2025 • 39min
How is AI changing the security in modern fintech? Chat with Branden (Head of Infosec) from Mercury
In this episode of The Infra Pod, Tim (Essence VC) and Ian (Keycard) are joined by Branden Wagner, Head of Information Security at Mercury. They delve into the nuances of Information Security, discuss the interplay between human and technical controls, and explore the evolving role of AI in security. Wagner shares insights on fostering a collaborative culture and building secure systems, providing valuable advice for both engineers and security professionals.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:07 The Importance of Security Culture04:40 Building Collaborative Security Programs10:54 Integrating Security into Business Practices21:30 The Role of AI in Information Security32:22 Spicy Future: The Impact and Limitations of AI

Jun 3, 2025 • 39min
Helping enterprises to adopt AI the real way - Chat with Hamel Hussain
Ian and Tim host a conversation with Hamel Husain, an AI influencer and consultant who has worked with major tech companies like GitHub and Airbnb. They delve into Husain's journey to becoming an independent consultant, his insights on the common struggles with AI evaluation and data literacy, and his pragmatic approach to improving AI systems. The discussion also covers the importance of error analysis, measuring AI performance, and the evolving role of AI engineering in enhancing software development.00:23 Hamel's Background in AI and Machine Learning01:18 Challenges in AI and Machine Learning02:15 Importance of Data Literacy in AI04:02 Common Struggles in AI Development05:05 The Role of AI Engineers08:39 Focus on Processes Over Tools11:10 Error Analysis and Practical Examples15:52 Case Study: Improving AI Products26:05 The Role of Agents in AI

May 19, 2025 • 40min
Owning both software and hardware to run the best cloud for deployment - Chat with Jake from Railway
In this episode of the Infra Pod, Tim and Ian sit down with Jake, CEO of Railway, to explore how Railway is reinventing cloud deployment. Jake shares the origin story of Railway, their unique approach to simplifying cloud deployments, and the innovations that separate Railway from traditional cloud providers. With a focus on developer experience, cost efficiency, and leveraging hard-to-build technologies, Jake outlines Railway's journey from supporting small projects to attracting large-scale enterprises. The discussion delves into organizational strategies, technical challenges, and the potential future impact of AI on cloud infrastructure management.00:22 Railway's Mission and Approach22:45 Deep Dive into Orchestration and Kernel-Level Work30:07 Leveraging AI and In-House Tools31:55 The Spicy Future: Hot Takes and Predictions

May 5, 2025 • 37min
The Bring Your Own Cloud (BYOC) tide is coming! Chat with Jon from Nuon
In this engaging conversation, Jon Morehouse, CEO of Nuon and expert in cloud development platforms, shares his insights on the rising trend of Bring Your Own Cloud (BYOC). He discusses the complexities and responsibilities involved in implementing BYOC models. Jon explores how AI is reshaping software deployment and the importance of balancing data sovereignty with user experience. He also highlights emerging executive discussions around security and rapid deployment, predicting that BYOC will soon become the go-to choice for businesses.

Apr 21, 2025 • 46min
AI needs a browser infra! Chat with Paul from Browserbase
Paul Klein, CEO of BrowserBase and a former founder of Stream Club, shares his insights on the cutting-edge world of browser automation. He discusses the challenges of managing headless browsers and explores the integration of AI into web technologies. From the evolving landscape of AI agents to the future of CAPTCHAs in an AI-driven environment, the conversation dives deep into how these advancements can enhance developers' experiences and reshape human interactions with the web. It's a fascinating glimpse into the future of internet infrastructure!

Apr 7, 2025 • 39min
Building a serverless full-text + vector search on S3! Chat with Simon from Turbopuffer
Join a fascinating conversation with a tech CEO who transitioned from scaling Shopify to creating an ultra-fast vector search engine. Discover the challenges posed by traditional databases like Postgres, and how building on object storage is changing the game. The talk dives into TurboPuffer's unique trade-offs, including the delicate balance of consistency and write latency. Plus, get insights on the Bring Your Own Cloud concept and the future of serverless solutions in database management. It's a tech lover's dream!

Mar 24, 2025 • 41min
Infra to talk to your AI in real-time (Chat with Russ from Livekit)
In this engaging episode of the Infra Pod, Tim and Ian dives deep into the world of real-time audio and video infrastructure with Russ D'sa, CEO of Livekit. Russ shares the story of how Livekit evolved from an open-source project into a company and discusses the challenges it tackles, including scaling real-time communication, building AI infrastructure, and the future of human-computer interaction. They also explore LiveKit's role in transforming various industries, from customer support to robotics and AI-powered applications.00:22 The Origin and Evolution of LiveKit02:47 Challenges in Real-Time Audio and Video06:18 LiveKit's Impact and Use Cases18:52 AI and Real-Time Infrastructure29:43 Future of Human-Computer Interaction