Adventures in DevOps

In this episode, we sat down with the delightful Adriana Villela—principal developer advocate at Dynatrace, CNCF ambassador, and host of the “Geeking Out” podcast (featuring a capybara logo designed by her daughter, no less!). Adriana brought not just deep insights into observability, but also a refreshingly human and humorous perspective on the ever-evolving world of DevOps. 💡Here’s what we dove into:-The Heart of Observability: We explored how observability is so much more than just a postmortem tool for SREs. Adriana reminded us it’s a team sport—from developers writing telemetry to QA teams using trace data to debug pre-prod bugs.-CI/CD Pipelines Need Love Too: When your build pipeline mysteriously breaks down, what do you do? Adriana championed the idea of bringing observability to our pipelines, arguing they’re production systems in their own right. Metrics like build times, failure rates, and even stage-by-stage breakdowns can be goldmines for improving dev efficiency.-OpenTelemetry (OTEL) FTW: We got a crash course on OTEL’s architecture—API, SDK, and the mighty Collector—and how it’s revolutionized telemetry standardization. There’s even OTEL for Bash! (Regex lovers, rejoice... or run.)-Beyond Engineering: Adriana blew our minds by suggesting observability principles could—and should—be applied outside of tech: recruiting pipelines, hospital ER wait times, sales cycles... basically, otel all the things.-Sustainability in Observability: As a longtime environmentalist, Adriana is now researching how to make observability greener. Spoiler alert: she's taking that message global with upcoming talks at Observability Day in London and KubeCon Japan.-The Human Side of Tech: From learning Rust at 72 (shoutout to her awesome dad!) to tales of whiplash from headbanging at metal concerts (yes, there’s an “Iron Neck” involved), this episode was packed with personality.Key Takeaways:-Observability is shifting left—developers and QA should be just as invested as SREs.-OpenTelemetry is the lingua franca of modern observability—and the ecosystem around it is growing fast.-Treat your CI/CD pipeline like a product: monitor, trace, and optimize it.-We’re only scratching the surface of how observability can improve every system—not just tech stacks."Observability allows us to ask meaningful questions, get useful answers, and act effectively on the information that we get." – Hazel Weakly (quoted by Adriana)Tune in for tech insights, capybara love, open-source advocacy, environmental passion, and a whole lot of laughs.

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.

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 ToolThe Impact of Generative AI on Critical Thinking (Research Paper)Granola AI Meeting NotesA Travel Guide to the Middle Ages (Book)

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.

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 AuthressDabble of DevOps AI Data Discovery ToolDungeon Crawler CarlShear Comfort Seat Covers

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

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.

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.

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!

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 ButtonIn 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 approvalPicksJillian - Airflow and StrapiJillian - Non-techy: Harriet the Hamster PrincessWill - Until the End of Time by Brian Greene