Ardan Labs Podcast

In this episode of the Ardan Labs Podcast, Ale Kennedy debuts as host in her first episode, sitting down with Oscar Hedaya, founder of SPACE, to discuss building startups, navigating uncertainty, and launching innovative products.Oscar shares his journey from New Jersey to Miami, the childhood financial challenges that shaped his work ethic, and the lessons learned from college, job searching, and early setbacks. The conversation explores what it takes to start a company, develop a physical product in a competitive market, and turn setbacks into momentum. Together, Ale and Oscar examine persistence, partnership dynamics, and how identifying gaps in the market led to the creation of The Space Safe.00:00 Introduction and Background02:13 Smart Safes and Security Innovation07:14 Childhood and Early Influences12:57 College Applications and Transitions28:51 College Decisions and Academic Paths42:15 Graduation and Job Market Reality54:26 Starting a Business59:43 Restarting the Entrepreneurial Journey01:10:29 The Birth of The Space Safe01:18:48 Product Development Challenges01:23:49 Launching SpaceSafeConnect with Oscar: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohedaya/Mentioned in this Episode:The Space Safe Website: https://www.thespacesafe.comWant more from Ardan Labs? You can learn Go, Kubernetes, Docker & more through our video training, live events, or through our blog!Online Courses : https://ardanlabs.com/education/ Live Events : https://www.ardanlabs.com/live-training-events/ Blog : https://www.ardanlabs.com/blog Github : https://github.com/ardanlabs

In this episode of the Ardan Labs Podcast, Bill Kennedy talks with Miles Spencer, founder of Reflekta, about using AI to preserve the stories and legacies of loved ones. Miles explains how Reflekta enables meaningful, ongoing conversations with elders through AI while prioritizing privacy, ethics, and emotional responsibility.They explore the technical foundations of the platform, the challenges of building trust around deeply personal data, and the business model behind Reflekta. Miles also shares his journey from high school to entrepreneurship and reflects on how technology can foster genuine human connection rather than replace it.00:00 Introduction 02:35 How Reflekta Uses AI05:10 Media Processing and Conversations08:26 Privacy, Security, and Ethics13:25 Miles’ Background and Journey27:57 Early Entrepreneurship and Family Challenges36:49 Finance, Venture Capital, and Media44:57 New Ventures and Career Shifts56:54 COVID-19 and Business Impact01:00:04 The Birth of Reflekta01:09:03 Ethical Challenges and the Road AheadConnect with Miles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milesspencer/Mentioned in this Episode:Reflekta: https://reflekta.ai/Want more from Ardan Labs? You can learn Go, Kubernetes, Docker & more through our video training, live events, or through our blog!Online Courses : https://ardanlabs.com/education/ Live Events : https://www.ardanlabs.com/live-training-events/ Blog : https://www.ardanlabs.com/blog Github : https://github.com/ardanlabs

In this episode of the Ardan Labs Podcast, Bill Kennedy talks with Peter Swimm, founder of Toilville, about the future of AI and workplace automation. Peter shares insights from his long career in technology—from Microsoft to building large-scale conversational AI systems—and discusses the growing need for strong governance around AI usage. They explore privacy and IP concerns, the pitfalls of “vibe coding,” and why documentation and trust logs are essential for safe and effective AI adoption. The conversation also dives into generational shifts in education, the impact of COVID-19 on the job market, and how AI can enhance productivity without replacing authenticity.00:00 Introduction03:09 AI and Workplace Automation05:51 Privacy, IP, and Safety Concerns08:50 Vibe Coding and Development Challenges12:04 Governance and Compliance14:49 Evolution of AI Tools20:53 Early Tech Experiences31:28 Cultural Perspectives on AI36:31 AI and the Future of Education42:44 Career Paths and Experience50:54 Early Conversational AI56:15 COVID-19 and Contact Centers59:00 AI’s Future in Business01:02:42 From Microsoft to Entrepreneurship01:13:44 Navigating the AI Landscape01:28:02 Empowering Businesses with AI SolutionsConnect with Peter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterswimm/Mentioned in this Episode:Toilville: https://www.toilville.com/Want more from Ardan Labs? You can learn Go, Kubernetes, Docker & more through our video training, live events, or through our blog!Online Courses : https://ardanlabs.com/education/ Live Events : https://www.ardanlabs.com/live-training-events/ Blog : https://www.ardanlabs.com/blog Github : https://github.com/ardanlabs

In this episode of the Ardan Labs Podcast, Bill Kennedy talks with Caleb Mattingly, Founder and CEO of Secure Cloud Innovations, about his journey through cybersecurity, compliance, and entrepreneurship. Caleb shares insights into navigating complex compliance frameworks, the importance of vulnerability management, and building trust in the cybersecurity space. Beyond tech, he discusses his passion for linguistics, communication, and music—and how personal interests shape professional growth. The conversation also explores Caleb’s entrepreneurial story, from a chance encounter at a swing dance club to building a thriving business during COVID-19, highlighting lessons in resilience, niche marketing, and the value of relationships in business.00:00 Introduction01:50 Cybersecurity and Compliance05:56 Vulnerability Management19:39 Education and Career Exploration26:35 Linguistics and Language Learning36:42 College Life and Personal Growth40:15 Music, Hobbies, and Self-Expression55:51 Balancing Work and Love01:12:08 Entering Cybersecurity01:23:05 Career Changes and New Beginnings01:26:49 Founding Secure Cloud Innovations01:39:56 Building Trust and Customer RelationshipsConnect with Caleb: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-h-mattingly/Mentioned in this Episode:Secure Cloud Innovations: https://trysci.co/Want more from Ardan Labs? You can learn Go, Kubernetes, Docker & more through our video training, live events, or through our blog!Online Courses : https://ardanlabs.com/education/ Live Events : https://www.ardanlabs.com/live-training-events/ Blog : https://www.ardanlabs.com/blog Github : https://github.com/ardanlabs

In this episode of the Ardan Labs Podcast, Bill Kennedy talks with Catherine Johnson, VP of Global Solutions Engineering at Hydrolix, about her career journey through data management, scalability, and innovation. With a background spanning leadership roles at Hydrolix, Grafana Labs, and Oracle, Catherine shares insights into balancing engineering, entrepreneurship, and mentorship. She discusses the evolution of real-time data systems, the economics of storage, and the importance of data-driven decision-making. Catherine also opens up about taking a break from tech to teach dance, and how her passion for innovation and continuous learning fuels her leadership today.00:00 Introduction03:03 Data Management and Scalability05:58 Explosion of Data and Storage Needs09:01 Real-Time Data in Business14:49 Economics of Data Storage20:41 Education and Early Career31:09 Career Transitions and Growth46:10 Teaching Dance and Finding Balance53:16 Returning to Tech at Oracle01:08:10 Joining Elastic and Facing Burnout01:15:45 Leadership and Innovation at Hydrolix01:27:07 AI in Tech and Its LimitationsConnect with Catherine: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catjopdx/Mentioned in this Episode:Hydrolix: https://hydrolix.io/Want more from Ardan Labs? You can learn Go, Kubernetes, Docker & more through our video training, live events, or through our blog!Online Courses : https://ardanlabs.com/education/ Live Events : https://www.ardanlabs.com/live-training-events/ Blog : https://www.ardanlabs.com/blog Github : https://github.com/ardanlabs

In this episode of the Ardan Labs Podcast, Bill Kennedy talks with Salah Mahmud, a medical researcher specializing in epidemiology and medical statistics. Salah shares his journey from growing up in Libya under Gaddafi’s regime to conducting cutting-edge research in Canada on the connection between influenza and heart attacks. He discusses the challenges of running large-scale observational studies, the bureaucratic barriers to accessing medical data, and the importance of diversity in health research. Salah also reflects on his early entrepreneurial ventures, his discovery of programming during medical school, and how resilience and adaptability shaped his personal and professional journey.00:00 Introduction02:03 Research on Influenza and Heart Attacks05:53 Challenges in Data Access16:51 Life in Libya Under Gaddafi21:32 From Medicine to Programming41:18 WHO Collaboration and Education Abroad57:13 Disappearance and New Beginnings01:09:33 Immigration and Adaptation in Canada01:15:45 Balancing Medicine and Technology01:21:22 Family, Culture, and Reflection01:25:37 Current Research and Future GoalsConnect with Salah: Email: salah.mahmud@umanitoba.caLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salah-mahmud-4177285a/Mentioned in this Episode:Golang: https://go.dev/Want more from Ardan Labs? You can learn Go, Kubernetes, Docker & more through our video training, live events, or through our blog!Online Courses : https://ardanlabs.com/education/ Live Events : https://www.ardanlabs.com/live-training-events/ Blog : https://www.ardanlabs.com/blog Github : https://github.com/ardanlabs

In this episode of the Ardan Labs Podcast, Bill Kennedy talks with Zack Holland, CEO & Founder of Averi AI, about his journey from early life in Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest to building an AI-powered marketing platform. Zack shares lessons from early business ventures, the challenges of running startups, and the evolution of his entrepreneurial mindset. They explore how Averi AI helps marketers become more creative and efficient, the importance of data security and trust in AI, and what it takes to innovate in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.00:00 Introduction02:54 Marketing and AI Evolution05:58 Changing Digital Landscape09:04 Early Life and Influences12:02 From Ecuador to Utah18:00 First Business in High School29:53 LLMs and Entrepreneurship39:44 Lessons from Failure43:46 Starting a Marketing Agency56:19 Founding Avery AI01:08:10 Trust and Data Security01:13:14 Marketing and AI Adoption01:17:58 AI Challenges and Opportunities01:26:00 Contact Info Connect with Zack: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackhollandX: https://x.com/zack_hollandMentioned in this Episode:Averi AI: https://www.averi.ai/Want more from Ardan Labs? You can learn Go, Kubernetes, Docker & more through our video training, live events, or through our blog!Online Courses : https://ardanlabs.com/education/ Live Events : https://www.ardanlabs.com/live-training-events/ Blog : https://www.ardanlabs.com/blog Github : https://github.com/ardanlabs

In this episode of the Ardan Labs Podcast, Bill Kennedy talks with Mike Elgan, technology editorialist, about his journey to becoming a professional writer. Mike reflects on the evolution of journalism, the digital publishing revolution of the 90s, and the role of communication in shaping society. He also shares insights from his nomadic lifestyle, the realities of freelance writing, the impact of AI on creativity, and the importance of adaptability and passion in navigating a rapidly changing technological landscape.00:00 Introduction 05:54 Growing Up in the 70s and 80s11:32 Education, Passion & Early Work31:32 Politics, Journalism & First Writing Roles45:16 Transition to Technology Journalism54:30 Digital Media Revolution01:03:01 Becoming a Freelance Writer01:05:52 Nomadic Lifestyle & Financial Realities01:24:36 AI’s Impact on Work, Writing & Education01:42:56 The Future of Writing & Communication01:50:52 Cyberpunk Reality & Technology’s Next Era01:55:11 Finding Passion & Success in LifeConnect with Mike: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeelganX: https://x.com/MikeElganMentioned in this Episode:Mike Elgan’s Newsletter: https://machinesociety.ai/Gastronomad: https://gastronomad.netWant more from Ardan Labs? You can learn Go, Kubernetes, Docker & more through our video training, live events, or through our blog!Online Courses : https://ardanlabs.com/education/ Live Events : https://www.ardanlabs.com/live-training-events/ Blog : https://www.ardanlabs.com/blog Github : https://github.com/ardanlabs

In this episode of the Ardan Labs Podcast, Bill Kennedy talks with Jasson Casey, CEO and co-founder of Beyond Identity, about modern cybersecurity. Jasson shares his journey from early interests in technology and networking to leading startups and building products that address today’s security challenges. They explore the evolution of authentication, the need for hardware-backed identity systems, the realities of insider threats, and how cultural and customer insights shape better security solutions.00:00 Introduction00:30 What is Jasson Doing Today?7:00 Fundamentals of Security15:30 First Memory of a Computer22:00 Interest in Physics 36:00 Working in College43:00 Joining a Startup50:00 Becoming a Product Manager at 2158:30 Culture Shock 1:03:20 Moving to Executive Roles1:10:00 Starting Beyond Identity1:19:00 Monitoring Threats1:34:00 Contact InfoConnect with Jasson: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jassoncasey/X: https://x.com/jassoncaseyMentioned in this Episode:Beyond Identity: https://www.beyondidentity.com/Want more from Ardan Labs? You can learn Go, Kubernetes, Docker & more through our video training, live events, or through our blog!Online Courses : https://ardanlabs.com/education/ Live Events : https://www.ardanlabs.com/live-training-events/ Blog : https://www.ardanlabs.com/blog Github : https://github.com/ardanlabs

In this episode of the Ardan Labs Podcast, Bill Kennedy interviews Jonathan Amsterdam from the Go team at Google about his journey from academia and finance to software engineering, his work on Go and API design, and the importance of adaptability, community, and building impactful software.00:00 Introduction00:30 What is Jonathan Doing Today?02:00 First Memories of a Computer09:30 Entering University14:00 Early Coding / Academics 20:50 Interest in AI / ML27:00 Career Beginnings 33:00 Transitioning to Java and Teaching41:00 Distributed Software45:00 Ambitions / Finding Stability 55:00 Experiences at Google 1:07:20 Joining the Go Team1:17:00 Go and MCP1:24:00 API Design and Philosophy1:30:20 Contact InfoConnect with Jonathan: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-amsterdam-b901b21/Mentioned in this Episode:Go-sdk: https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/go-sdkWant more from Ardan Labs? You can learn Go, Kubernetes, Docker & more through our video training, live events, or through our blog!Online Courses : https://ardanlabs.com/education/ Live Events : https://www.ardanlabs.com/live-training-events/ Blog : https://www.ardanlabs.com/blog Github : https://github.com/ardanlabs