
Network Automation Nerds
Network Automation Nerds is for network engineers and infrastructure professionals eager to learn more about automation. Join host Eric Chou as he explores how to take advantage of modern network programmability to automate tasks, build robust systems, and get more done in less time. You’ll hear from a lineup of seasoned engineers, avid learners, industry leaders, and tool creators as they share tips, best practices, and hard-won advice.
Latest episodes

Jun 4, 2025 • 51min
NAN093: Network Automation – There Must Be a Better Way!
In this discussion, network automation expert Bart Dorlandt shares his motto, “There must be a better way,” as he dives into the importance of focusing on processes over tools. He highlights his journey from traditional networking to automation, emphasizing the role of mentorship in personal and professional growth. Bart also reflects on the transition from manual configurations to automated solutions and the need for continuous innovation in the field, urging newcomers to embrace coding skills for success.

May 21, 2025 • 43min
NAN092: From Stealth to Scale – Decoding Network Data Management with Damian Garros
Damien Garros, CEO and co-founder of OpsMill is with us once again for today’s podcast. Since we last spoke with Damien, OpsMill has emerged from stealth mode and is making progress as one of the leaders in network source of truth in the field. Today, we’ll talk through the progress Infrahub has made and get... Read more »

May 7, 2025 • 47min
NAN091: The Future of Autonomous Networking With Jeff Doyle
Today’s guest is Jeff Doyle, an expert in the networking industry with over 30 years of experience as a consultant, instructor, architect, author, and speaker. Eric chats with Jeff about his background and how he got into networking (spoiler: it was not a computer science degree!). The conversation explores Jeff’s current work and delves into... Read more »

Apr 23, 2025 • 45min
NAN090: Examining Network Automation’s Present and Future With Chris Grundemann
Today we explore the current state of network automation with Chris Grundemann, a co-founder of Network Automation Forum. Chris gives the history of the Network Automation Forum and AutoCon conference, which aims to blend technology and community. He shares ideas for advancing network automation, and invites other network engineers to participate in shaping the future... Read more »

Apr 9, 2025 • 59min
NAN089: A Career Journey of Exponential Learning
“If you don’t feel nervous in front of a challenge, you are not exponentially learning” is how today’s guest Christian Adell describes his own approach to career growth. Christian chats with us first about how he got started in IT, his various experiences in both networking and DevOps and then network automation. He leads a... Read more »

Mar 26, 2025 • 48min
NAN088: See Something, Improve Something – An Iterative Approach to Automation Success
On today’s Network Automation Nerds, industry veteran Michael Bushong talks about lessons learned from failure. As the network industry grapples with automation and network engineers confront yet another cycle of upskilling and grinding out new certs, he warns against executives and practice leads aiming for the biggest, shiniest project. His advice? Find something that matters... Read more »

Mar 12, 2025 • 48min
NAN087: Modular Network Management with Slurp’it and Netpicker
In this episode of the Network Automation Nerds podcast, we talk network management with Wim Gerrits and Pieter van Os, co-founders of Slurp’it and Netpicker. These tools aim to simplify network inventory and discovery, and ensure compliance and security. We talk about what drove them to build these tools, what problems they solve, and how... Read more »

Feb 26, 2025 • 53min
NAN086: A Reality Check On AI for Network Operations
On today’s episode, we get a reality check on all the hype surrounding AI with guest Phil Gervasi. Phil provides background on Large Language Models (LLMs) and their applications, as well as the current state of AI technology. We also delve into practical use cases for AI in network operations, from AI as an assistant... Read more »

Feb 12, 2025 • 60min
NAN085: Embrace Change to Thrive in the Tech Industry
Embracing change is sometimes easier said than done. Today we talk with Monika Machado, who has held significant roles at companies like Microsoft and Oracle. She shares her story of learning and personal growth. Monika highlights the value of mentor-mentee relationships, continuous learning, understanding the difference between leadership and management, and the value of owning... Read more »

Jan 29, 2025 • 45min
NAN084: From GitNops Zero to Hero
Are you ready to go from zero to hero in GitNops? On today’s podcast, we talk with Tom McGonagle, who shares and explains git, CI/CD and DevOps and how that all fits into network engineering. The conversation also covers the evolution of containerization and Kubernetes, highlighting their roles in modern network automation. Tom also encourages... Read more »