Ardan Labs Podcast

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...

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2025

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....

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2025

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-drive...

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2025

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...

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2025

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...

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2025

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 changin...

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2025

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 s...

Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2025

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 Introduction 00:30 What is Jonathan Doing Today? 02:00 First Memories of a Computer 09:30 Entering University 14:00 Early Coding / Academics 20:50 Interest in AI / ML 27:00 Career Beginnings...

Transcribed - Published: 10 September 2025

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 i...

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2025

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 Introduction 02:30 What is Facundo Doing Today? ...

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2025

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 strateg...

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2025

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 Introduction 07:48 First Memory of a Computer 10:30 Interest in Languages 16:00 Highschool / College 23:00 Engineering in University 27:40 Joining the Work Force 38:05 First...

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2025

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 Introduction 00:40 What i...

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2025

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 Introduction 00:30 Wh...

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2025

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. ...

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2025

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 Introduction 00:20 What is Santosh Doing Today? 06:00 ...

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2025

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 Introduction 0...

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2025

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 Introduction 00:30 What is Mystica Doing Today? 03:10 First Experiences with a Comp...

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2025

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. H...

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

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,...

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

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 contribut...

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

In this episode, Bill Kennedy interviews Jordan Long, co-founder and CTO of Nectir. They discuss Jordan's journey from high school in Hawaii to college at UCSB, his early interests in music and technology, and the challenges he faced in finding his path. Jordan shares his experiences with entrepreneurship, including his initial idea for a rideshare platform and the eventual creation of Nectir, a platform designed to connect students in the same classes. The conversation highlights the importa...

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

In this conversation, Richard White, founder and CEO of Fathom, discusses the evolution of AI in note-taking and transcription, the challenges of developing reliable meeting recording technology, and his early experiences with technology and entrepreneurship. He shares insights into the business model of Fathom, the importance of AI in enhancing productivity, and his personal journey from a tech-savvy high school student to a successful entrepreneur. 00:00 Introduction 00:30 What is Richard...

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

In this conversation, Bill Kennedy and Ajay Malik discuss various themes surrounding business relationships, the importance of continuous learning, career transitions, and the evolution of AI. They explore the challenges faced in business and the significance of trust in professional relationships. Ajay shares his journey through different tech companies, emphasizing his passion for learning and innovation. The discussion delves into the differences between AI and traditional algorithms, the ...

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

In this episode, Bill Kennedy interviews Lukas Gentele, CEO and co-founder of Loft Labs, discussing the innovative vCluster technology that virtualizes Kubernetes clusters, enhancing resource utilization and developer autonomy while addressing challenges in cloud environments. The conversation explores the balance between operational security and developer freedom, the introduction of vCluster snapshots for easier deployment, and Lukas's personal journey into technology. 00:00 Introduction ...

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

In this episode, Bill Kennedy interviews Lukas Gentele, CEO and co-founder of Loft Labs, discussing the innovative vCluster technology that virtualizes Kubernetes clusters, enhancing resource utilization and developer autonomy while addressing challenges in cloud environments. The conversation explores the balance between operational security and developer freedom, the introduction of vCluster snapshots for easier deployment, and Lukas's personal journey into technology. 00:00 Introduction ...

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

In this episode of the Ardan Labs Podcast, host Bill Kennedy speaks with Delaney Gillilan about his work with NATS and the development of Datastar, a hypermedia framework that blends server-side rendering with the power of a full-stack SPA. Delaney shares his journey from performing in Vegas to tech startups, his experience in real-time systems and 3D design, and the challenges of data management in modern development. They also discuss AI integration, Web 4.0, and the future of reactive web ...

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2025

In this episode of the Ardan Labs podcast, Dr. Aditya Nagrath shares his journey from a PhD in math computer science to founding Elephant Learning, an online math academy that has significantly improved learning math for children. He discusses the importance of foundational math skills, his early experiences with coding, and his career path, including the birth of Elephant Learning. The conversation highlights the intersection of education and technology, emphasizing the need for adaptive lea...

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2025

In this episode, Anurag Goel, founder and CEO of Render, explores the challenges of competing with major cloud providers, the evolution of cloud infrastructure, and Render’s mission to simplify DevOps complexities. He shares insights from his journey, including his early programming experiences in India and the importance of fostering a supportive environment for success. Anurag reflects on his time at various companies, including startups and his pivotal role in Stripe’s early development. H...

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2025

In this engaging conversation, Brooke Hartley Moy, CEO and co-founder of Infactory, discusses the vibrant AI landscape in San Francisco, the importance of making AI accessible, and the misconceptions surrounding AI technologies like LLMs. She shares insights on the startup culture, complementary skills in startups, and the evolving role of AI in the workplace. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities for startups in a rapidly changing tech environment, emphasizing the need f...

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2025

In this episode of the Ardan Labs podcast, Bill Kennedy interviews Julien Cretel, exploring his journey through technology, education, and personal growth. They discuss Julien's early experiences with computers, the influence of his family on his career choices, and his reflections on high school and intensive studies. The conversation highlights the importance of perseverance and the lasting impact of foundational knowledge in software development. The conversation explores Julien's educatio...

Transcribed - Published: 19 February 2025

In this conversation, Eleanor Berger shares her journey through the tech industry, highlighting her experiences in software development, open source, cloud computing, and her transition into management roles. She discusses the importance of continuous learning, the rise of AI and deep learning, and the evolving landscape of application development. Eleanor emphasizes the value of curiosity and embracing imposter syndrome as a means to foster growth and innovation in one's career. 00:4...

Transcribed - Published: 12 February 2025

In this conversation, Dr. Tatyana Mamut, CEO of Wayfound AI, shares her unique journey from being an immigrant in the United States to leading a company focused on AI agents. She discusses her academic background in economics and anthropology, her experiences growing up in immigrant communities, and the influence of her family's engineering legacy. Tatyana also reflects on her high school and college experiences, her passion for modeling human behavior, and the importance of aligning with one...

Transcribed - Published: 5 February 2025

In this conversation, Christopher Hull discusses his journey from being an educator to founding Otus, an educational technology company. He shares insights on the challenges faced in education, the importance of integrating technology to solve these issues, and the role of AI in enhancing educational experiences. Hull emphasizes the need for comprehensive solutions that provide insights for teachers, students, and families, and reflects on the impact of the pandemic on the adoption of t...

Transcribed - Published: 29 January 2025

In this engaging conversation, Brittany Ellich shares her journey from a young gamer to a senior software engineer at GitHub. She discusses the challenges of finding her career path, the importance of education, and her experiences in the tech industry, including the significance of mentorship and the impact of coding standards. Brittany's unique perspective as an all-end engineer and her passion for learning are highlighted throughout the discussion. 00:00 Introduction 04:40 First Me...

Transcribed - Published: 22 January 2025

In this conversation, Laurel Lawson and Bill Kennedy explore the intersection of technology, art, and team dynamics. They discuss the importance of being present in one's work, the challenges of leadership in tech teams, and the ethical implications of using AI in software development. Laurel shares her experiences as an artist engineer and emphasizes the need for collaboration and understanding in both artistic and technical fields. The conversation also touches on the responsibility develop...

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2025

In this conversation, Bill Kennedy and Andy Williams explore the intersections of art, programming, and education, reflecting on their personal journeys through university and early career experiences.They delve into Andy's innovative project, Fyne, which aims to simplify the creation of graphical applications using the Go programming language. They later discuss the evolution of technology, particularly in mapping and software development, and share insights from their startup journeys...

Transcribed - Published: 1 January 2025

In this engaging conversation, Johnny Boursiquot shares his journey from Haiti to the United States, detailing his experiences with language barriers, cultural adjustments, and his passion for technology. He discusses his early interests in computers, his high school experiences, and the decision to pursue a career in software engineering. Johnny's story highlights the challenges and triumphs of navigating the tech industry while balancing work and education. Johnny also shares his stor...

Transcribed - Published: 18 December 2024

In this episode, Bill Kennedy interviews Tanmai Gopal, co-founder and CEO of Hasura, discussing the evolution of San Francisco post-pandemic, the innovative approach of Hasura, and the importance of data security and access. Tanmai shares insights from his academic journey, including his experiences with internships and his master's degree in computer vision, culminating in a fascinating project involving drones. In this conversation, Tanmai Gopal discusses his journey from academia to entrep...

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2024

In this conversation, Adam Jacob discusses his journey in the tech industry, focusing on the development of his company, System Initiative, and the evolution of DevOps and automation. He shares insights from his early experiences with computers, his unconventional education, and the challenges faced in the ISP era. The discussion also touches on the impact of cloud computing and AI on modern development, emphasizing the importance of understanding underlying technologies to innovate eff...

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2024

In this episode of the Ardan Labs Podcast, we talk with Hana Mohan, co-founder of MagicBell, about her path through the tech industry. Hana shares her early fascination with computers, her educational journey through competitive exams, and her eventual transition from electronics to software development. The conversation also touches on her startup experience and the challenges faced along the way. Hana reflects on her career journey, discussing the importance of finding the right job fit and...

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2024

In this episode, we sit down with Ahmed Aziz Ramadi, a software engineer currently working at GE Healthcare, to hear about his journey from growing up in Tunisia to working on full-stack applications that assist healthcare professionals. Ahmed shares how he discovered his passion for computers and programming at a young age, his academic journey, and his professional experiences. He talks about his transition to the U.S. for college, the challenges of moving to a new country, and how he navig...

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2024

In this episode, Roxana Rodriguez-Becker shares her journey from being a middle school librarian to transitioning into the tech industry. She discusses her educational background, her experiences in teaching, and the challenges she faced while raising a medically complex child. Roxy also talks about her passion for coding, her personal projects, and her aspirations to find a job in software development. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of community, mentorship, and c...

Transcribed - Published: 9 October 2024

In this episode, Cameron Balahan, the Product Lead for the Go programming language at Google, shares his unique career journey from law school to leading one of the most popular programming languages. Cameron reflects on his early passion for programming, building websites as a teenager, and the turning points in his life that led him from being a lawyer to a product manager at Google. He discusses the challenges he faced in electrical engineering, his experience in high-frequency tradi...

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2024

In this episode, we sit down with Donia Chaiehloudj, a Senior Software Engineer at Isovalent, to discuss her diverse career journey, from working in image processing and electronics to becoming a Go developer in the cloud-native space. Donia shares her experiences transitioning into software development, her work with Go and Kubernetes, and her leadership role in the GDG Sophia-Antipolis community. She also touches on her passion for public speaking, open-source contributions, and balancing h...

Transcribed - Published: 11 September 2024

In this episode, we sit down with Samantha Coyle, a software engineer who went from a high school athlete with little tech exposure to a leading Go developer. Samantha shares her path through college, where she pivoted to computer science, and how she navigated internships at top companies like Dell and AMD. She also discusses her current work at Diagrid, where she helps build cutting-edge cloud-native applications. Samantha's story highlights resilience, continuous learning, and the importan...

Transcribed - Published: 28 August 2024

Join us in this episode as we explore the world of blockchain, Go programming, and various intriguing projects with Tanguy Herrmann. Tanguy is an experienced software engineer with a deep passion for technology and innovation. From his work in aerospace to his ventures in dance and beyond, Tanguy brings a unique perspective to the table. Tune in to hear about his journey, challenges, and insights into the tech industry and life. 00:00 Introduction 01:10 What is Tanguy Doing Today? 14:45 Fir...

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2024

Join us in this episode as we delve into the world of cybersecurity, public speaking, and unique career paths with BiaSciLab. Bia is a young cybersecurity enthusiast and public speaker, running her nonprofit Girls Who Hack (https://girlswhohack.com) and interning at IBM. With a deep passion for election security and a vibrant personality, Bia brings energy and insight into every conversation. Tune in to learn more about her journey, challenges, and aspirations. Donate to Girls Who Hack here: ...

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2024

Join us in this episode as we delve into the world of open-source device management with Zach Wasserman. Zach is the cofounder and Tech Evangelist of Fleet, where he works to unlock the full potential of osquery for both enterprise and open-source customers. With a deep history with osquery, dating back to its inception at Facebook in 2014, Zach brings unparalleled expertise and passion. He has been a member of osquery's Technical Steering Committee since 2019 and continues to contribute to t...

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2024

Join us in this episode as we dive into the world of scalable and resilient backend infrastructure with Konrad Reiche. A Berlin-transplant living in San Francisco, Konrad is a seasoned software engineer who brings a wealth of experience and insight into designing abstractions that add immense value. Currently a Staff Engineer at Reddit, Konrad's initial background is in audio and video streaming, where he made significant contributions to backend systems. His work, largely inspired by the Go ...

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2024