

Ardan Labs Podcast
Bill Kennedy
This podcast features intimate conversations with engineers who are in the forefront of building or teaching technology. Join us as we learn how our guests got started in tech, the type and level of education they've obtained, their work history, and personal stories about their journey. We publish the show on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and the Web biweekly on Wednesdays at 12pm US Eastern Time. Subscribe and STAY TUNED!
Episodes
Mentioned books

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 14, 2025 • 1h 1min
Remote Work, Relationships, and Software with Infant Mystica
In this conversation, Infant Mystica shares her journey of building a professional network through social media, the innovative language translation technology she works on, and the dynamics of remote work across different time zones. She discusses her aspirations for career growth, the importance of attending tech conferences, and her experiences as a software developer in the evolving tech landscape.00:00 Introduction00:30 What is Mystica Doing Today?03:10 First Experiences with a Computer05:30 Highschool Interests / Classes13:00 Entering University15:00 Interest in Computer Science22:00 College Living27:00 COVID-19 and Remote Learning34:00 Entering Industry / Networking41:30 First Job at Translate Live50:00 Working Hours and Time Zones55:00 Traveling and ExplorationConnect with Mystica: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/infant-mystica-810776195/X: https://x.com/mysticainfMystica’s Site: https://mystica.meMentioned in this Episode:TranslateLive: https://www.translatelive.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

May 7, 2025 • 1h 22min
Hasura, Networking, and Business with Kenneth Stott
Kenneth Stott, Field CTO at Hasura, joins the Ardan Labs podcast to recount his journey from a BYU student to innovating computer audits at Deloitte and navigating the high-pressure world of Wall Street. He explains how early hands-on experiences with computers and his organizational behavior classes ignited an entrepreneurial mindset. Throughout the conversation, Stott underscores the critical role of relationships, cultural awareness, and the art of storytelling in advancing one’s career. He wraps up by highlighting his current work at Hasura, where he’s driving breakthroughs in data management and leveraging AI to empower smarter business decisions.00:00 Introduction00:40 What is Kenneth Doing Today?06:05 First Memory of a Computer11:00 Early Entrepreneurship / Interests19:00 Entering University33:00 First Job After Graduation41:00 Moving to New York47:00 Working on Wall Street52:00 Entering C-Suite Jobs1:06:00 Desired Characteristics1:09:20 Roles before Retirement1:12:00 Working at Hasura1:15:00 PromptQL1:17:00 Contact InfoConnect with Kenneth: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenstott/Mentioned in this Episode:Hasura: https://hasura.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

Apr 30, 2025 • 1h 30min
Focused, Reputation, and AI with Austin Vance
In this conversation, Bill Kennedy and Austin Vance discuss the critical role of relationships in business, the balance between AI and human interaction, and the importance of cultivating client trust. They explore how AI can enhance efficiency without replacing the human touch in consulting. The discussion also delves into pricing strategies in a changing economic landscape, the significance of legacy code, and the need for developers to maintain empathy towards existing systems. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of creating awareness and demonstrating expertise in the market.00:00 Introduction00:30 What is Austin Doing Today?02:10 First Experiences with a Computer06:00 Highschool Interests9:30 Early Laptops16:20 Entering College23:30 The Journey to Computer Science 26:30 First Jobs in Tech32:00 Starting Focused 35:00 Agency vs Products and Reputation44:30 Moving on From Pivotal52:48 Balancing AI and Human Interaction01:08:30 Future Market Concerns01:20:30 Controlling Chaos1:28:00 Contact InfoConnect with Austin: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinbv/Mentioned in this Episode:Focused: https://focused.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

Apr 23, 2025 • 1h 9min
Go, Rust, and Passion with Bilal Khan
In this conversation, Bilal Khan shares his journey from a small town in Pakistan to becoming a software developer and content creator. He discusses his early education, the challenges he faced while transitioning to high school in a big city, and his experiences in university. Bilal reflects on his exploration of boot camps and internships, as well as the ups and downs of navigating his early career in the tech industry. Bilal expresses a desire to deepen his programming skills and contribute to the tech community while navigating the complexities of the job market.00:00 Introduction00:30 What is Bilal Doing Today?05:00 Early Education / Life11:30 First Experience with a Computer15:45 University Experience17:30 Entering Boot Camps23:40 Looking for Tech Work 31:30 Experience During COVID-1935:00 Family Dynamics 42:00 Generating Income1:03:00 Future Aspirations1:07:20 Contact InfoConnect with Bilal: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibilalkayy/Mentioned in this Episode:Go: https://go.dev/Rust: https://www.rust-lang.org/Bill.com: https://www.bill.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


