Network Automation Nerds

As AI becomes more integrated into the IT landscape, developers, engineers, and operators are looking for practical ways to use these new tools. Joining us today is Ryan Booth; he’s built a career around network automation, giving him a unique perspective on how network engineering, operations, software development, and AI intersect. We explore the practical... Read more »

Transforming over 5,000 network devices across 56 data centers is no small feat. Doing that with a very small team is even more impressive. On today’s episode, sponsored by Network To Code, we talk to Greg Botts from Intel, who with his team accomplished just that. They started with YAML files and DNS records and... Read more »

In this milestone discussion, Drew Conry-Murray, an experienced podcast host and contributor to Packet Pushers, joins Eric Chou to reflect on five years of impactful conversations. They delve into the motivations behind starting the show and the evolution of networking automation. Eric shares memorable mishaps from recording, emphasizing how guest diversity has enriched their discussions. They explore market shifts towards automation and end with insights on the increasing value of automation skills in today’s job landscape.

William Collins, a tech evangelist and podcaster, shares his journey from early computing to creating engaging educational content. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning and tinkering with technology. The conversation explores trends in AI adoption, stressing its evolution from hype to practical applications in enterprises. Collins also discusses the consolidation of roles in networking and security, urging an experimentation mindset to embrace new tools and integration models. He wraps up with tips on communicating project value to leadership.

Democratizing the learning environment is a passion for Deepak Ahuja.  So much so, he founded CloudMyLab, a company that provides hands-on, cloud-based labs and networking environments. His goal is to offer an affordable lab-as-a-service for two groups of people: network engineers seeking certifications, and network engineers and automators that need a place to safely test... Read more »

Optical networks are an essential component of networking, but don’t get much attention. Today we shine a spotlight on the intersection of optical networks and the software that automates them. Our guest is Michal Pecek, consultant and teacher in optical communication, whose work has transformed organizations including Google and Alcatel-Lucent (now Nokia). From pioneering flexible DWDM... Read more »

NautobotGPT is a new AI assistant for Nautobot that helps engineers with network automation, answers questions, recommends tooling, and delivers working code. We discuss the user experience of NautobotGPT with Matthew Schwen, Associate Director of Network Automation at Humana, CoFounder and CTO of PortalCX; and Brad Haas, VP of Professional Services at Network to Code.... Read more »

Francois Caen, a Product Manager at Cisco with nearly a decade of expertise in network automation, joins Scott Robon, a former Cisco instructor and host of the Total Network Operations podcast. They dive into the exciting upcoming transition of Cisco’s DevNet certifications to a new automation track in February 2026. Topics include the necessity for network engineers to quickly develop AI skills, the widespread applicability of automation competencies beyond Cisco environments, and the ongoing importance of adapting certifications to meet industry demands.

On today’s show, we’re joined NetBox Labs co-founders Mark Coleman and Kris Beevers. They recount how they founded NetBox Labs and discuss its growth and how it’s being used. We also delve into the NetBox Labs community and its importance for users. And of course, there’s the ever-present AI discussion. Mark and Kris also talk... Read more »

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.