Ardan Labs Podcast

Bill Kennedy
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Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 32min

Adaptability, Google, and MCP with Jonathan Amsterdam

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
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Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 33min

Interviews, Soft Skills, and Career Growth with Kacie Bail

In this conversation, career coach Kacie Bail discusses her work helping others navigate the job market. She emphasizes the growing importance of soft skills in job applications, the challenges of job rejections, and the need for empathy from interviewers. Kacie shares her journey from bioengineering to consulting, highlighting the significance of internships and the continuous nature of career development. The discussion also touches on the impact of automation on job opportunities and the importance of finding clarity in career goals. 00:00 Introduction00:30 What is Kacie Doing Today? 01:30 Job Search Process09:00 Interviewing and Soft Skills15:00 Having Attention20:00 Highschool Interests33:00 University in Maryland39:00 Entering Consulting55:00 Looking for Change01:03:00 Moving to Chile1:18:00 Getting the Interview1:22:00 Sourcing Clients1:27:10 AI Automation for Resumés1:31:30 Contact InfoConnect with Kacie: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaciebail/Kacie’s Newsletter: https://kaciebail.substack.comInstagram: @kaciebailMentioned in this Episode:Kacie’s Site: https://www.kaciebail.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/events/ Blog : https://www.ardanlabs.com/blog Github : https://github.com/ardanlabs
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Aug 13, 2025 • 1h 28min

DevRel, Community, and Storyblok with Facundo Giuliani

In this episode of the Ardan Labs Podcast, host Bill Kennedy sits down with Facundo Giuliani, Solutions Engineering Team Manager at Storyblok, to trace his path from his early experiences with computers to leading a remote solutions engineering team. They explore headless CMS, the shift into developer relations, the balance of technical and soft skills, and the economic and community-building realities shaping today’s tech careers.00:00 Introduction02:30 What is Facundo Doing Today? 07:00 First Memory of a Computer12:00 Highschool Interests16:00 University Studies28:00 Importance of a Degree38:00 Moving Jobs45:00 Working Remotely / Cost of Living56:00 Engaging With Others 1:00:00 Developer Relations Engineers1:09:20 Solutions Engineering1:15:30 Understanding Customer Problems1:20:00 Next Steps 1:27:00 Contact InfoConnect with Facundo: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/facundogiuliani/Facundo’s Site: https://fgiuliani.com/Mentioned in this Episode:Storyblok: https://www.storyblok.com/React Miami: https://www.reactmiami.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
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Jul 30, 2025 • 49min

AI Agents, Tooling, and Limitations with Kenneth Stott

In this episode Bill Kennedy and Kenneth Stott discuss the evolving role of AI in organizations, emphasizing the importance of human intelligence in leveraging AI tools effectively. They explore the challenges and opportunities presented by generative AI, the need for a structured data language within organizations, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI insights. Ken shares insights from his upcoming book on redefining organizational intelligence in the age of AI, highlighting strategies for effective human-AI collaboration.00:00 Introduction2:45 AI and Organizational Behavior5:30 Limitations of Generative AI11:00 Learning the AI Tooling15:00 Using AI Tools for Code20:00 Business Decisions / Analytics25:00 Trusting AI Insights 36:00 What is an AI Agent43:00 Future of Organizational Intelligence Connect with  Kenneth: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenstott/Mentioned in this Episode:Hasura: https://hasura.io/Cursor: https://cursor.com/Claude: https://www.anthropic.com/claude-codeWant 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
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Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 44min

Keebo, DevOps, and Team Dynamics with Mary Moore-Simmons

In this episode, Mary Moore-Simmons, VP of Engineering at Keebo, shares her journey from early tech interests to leadership roles at SendGrid, GitHub, and Keebo. She discusses navigating career transitions, the value of mentorship, and her passion for building innovative developer tools and empowering teams.00:00 Introduction07:48 First Memory of a Computer10:30 Interest in Languages16:00 Highschool / College23:00 Engineering in University 27:40 Joining the Work Force38:05 First Job in Software48:00 Project Management 54:00 Working in DevOps1:05:30 Working in Crypto/Blockchain1:14:00 Leadership Aspirations 1:20:00 Team Dynamics1:32:00 AI Tooling1:42:00 Contact Info Connect with Mary: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmooresimmons/Mentioned in this Episode:Keebo: https://keebo.aiSendGrid: https://sendgrid.com/en-usGithub: https://github.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
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Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 34min

Wednesday, Consulting, and Business with Ali Hafizji

In this episode, Ali Hafizji, founder of Wednesday, shares insights into his unique approach to product engineering through a sprint model that emphasizes outcomes over time. He discusses the importance of Agile methodology in adapting to change, the dynamics of client relationships, and the challenges of communication across time zones. He discusses the importance of embracing AI in product development and emphasizes the lessons learned from his experiences.00:00 Introduction00:40 What is Ali Doing Today?04:30 Selling Sprints16:00 Success as a Company19:00 Timezone Challenges21:30 First Memory of a Computer27:30 Moving from Dubai to India30:00 Entering University37:30 Internships44:00 Building Mobile Games53:00 Entering Consulting57:00 Scaling a Business1:19:00 Starting Wednesday1:25:00 AI Tooling1:33:00 Contact InfoConnect with Ali: Linkedin: https://in.linkedin.com/in/alihafizjiX: https://x.com/ali_hafizji?lang=enMentioned in this Episode:Wednesday: https://www.wednesday.is/ 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
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Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 33min

Cybersecurity, Music, and RapDev with Ryan Henrich

In this engaging conversation, Ryan Henrich shares his journey in the cybersecurity field, discussing his current role at RapDev, the evolution of cybersecurity careers, and his early experiences with hacking. He reflects on his high school years, his passion for music, and the impact of technology on learning. The discussion also dives into the challenges faced in early career roles, the importance of problem-solving, and the lessons learned from mistakes. 00:00 Introduction00:30 What is Ryan Doing Today?09:30 First Memory of a Computer12:00 Highschool Interests / Stories20:00 Searching for Information30:00 Entering University38:00 Skill in Music42:30 First Security Job55:00 Lessons Learned1:02:00 Entering the Cloud1:19:00 Why Buy Security1:30:00 Staying Relevant1:34:40 Contact InfoConnect with Ryan: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanhenrichEmail: ryan.henrich@rapdev.ioMentioned in this Episode:RapDev: https://www.rapdev.io/Datadog: https://www.datadoghq.com/ServiceNow: https://www.servicenow.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
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Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 36min

AI Tooling, Interviews, and Tigera with Peter Kelly

In this engaging conversation, Bill Kennedy interviews Peter Kelly, VP of Engineering at Tigera, exploring his journey from early experiences with technology to his current role in the tech industry. They discuss the impact of education, sports, and family background on Peter's career path, as well as the challenges faced by young people today in navigating their futures. The conversation also delves into hiring practices and the importance of personal connections in the recruitment process.00:00 Introduction01:00 What is Peter Doing Today?O4:20 First Memory of a Computer9:30 Family Background12:00 Secondary School19:00 Passion for Soccer24:00 Interviewing and Hiring31:00 Entering University 40:30 Work Experience 54:00 AI Tooling 01:07:00 First Go Experience1:14:00 Beginning of Tigera1:37:30 Contact InfoConnect with Peter: Linkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/in/peterkellyonlineMentioned in this Episode:Tigera: https://www.tigera.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
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May 28, 2025 • 1h 24min

ProArch, Growth, and Technology with Santosh Kaveti

In this episode we interview Santosh Kaveti, CEO of ProArch, about his journey from India to Atlanta, his educational background, and his career in technology. Santosh shares insights into his family life, early education, and the challenges he faced along the way. He discusses his passion for mathematics and how it influenced his career choices, ultimately leading him to the field of software engineering and digital infrastructure.00:00 Introduction00:20 What is Santosh Doing Today?06:00 First Memory of a Computer09:00 Early Interests / Education20:00 Moving to Utah24:00 Pursuing a Masters32:00 First Programming Job42:00 Deciding to Start a Company53:00 Formulating Strategy58:00 Acquiring Companies / Expansion1:20:00 Finding Clients While Growing1:25:00 Contact InfoConnect with Santosh: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santoshkavetiX: https://x.com/santoshkavetiMentioned in this Episode:ProArch: https://www.proarch.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
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May 21, 2025 • 1h 25min

CloudLife, Business, and Persistence with Ryan Ryke

In this episode, Bill Kennedy interviews Ryan Ryke, founder of CloudLife Consulting, focusing on AWS and cloud computing. They discuss the challenges of understanding AWS billing, the importance of managing cloud storage, and the benefits of using services like Cloud Run and Fargate. The conversation also touches on the evolution of engineering perspectives on complexity, the shift towards simpler infrastructure solutions, and personal experiences with technology. 00:00 Introduction00:30 What is Ryan Doing Today?9:00 Cloud Run Experience13:00 Handling Complexity21:00 Running Local LLMs25:30 First Memory of a Computer33:20 Entering University36:30 Relevant Education42:00 Early Industry53:00 Trading Stocks1:05:00  Discovering AWS 1:10:00 Starting a Business1:16:00 Maintaining Steady Clients1:22:00 Contact Info Connect with Ryan: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanrykeX: https://x.com/itsacloudlife99Email: ryan@cloudlife.ioMentioned in this Episode:CloudLife Consulting: https://www.cloudlife.io/Fargate: https://aws.amazon.com/fargate/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

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