The PowerShell Podcast

Unlocking Automation with AI Shell and Desired State Configuration with Jason Helmick

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we’re live from TechMentor at the Microsoft campus with two incredible guests: longtime advocate, educator, and PM on the PowerShell team at Microsoft - Jason Helmick and newcomer Troy Brown. This special episode captures the heart of community, innovation, and the transformative power of PowerShell—from seasoned insight to beginner breakthroughs.

Jason drops serious knowledge on two game-changing technologies:

• AI Shell: Think ChatGPT, but built directly into your terminal. Learn how it enhances shell UX, assists with command building, explains parameters, and keeps you focused without switching contexts.
• DSC v3 (Desired State Configuration): Now fully cross-platform and decoupled from PowerShell, DSC v3 is lighter, more extensible, and suitable for everything from servers to IoT. Jason walks us through the evolution, real-world use cases (like flipping Windows from dark mode to light mode!), and what’s next for the configuration platform.

 Highlights:

• Microsoft’s hidden campus lore, including a piece of the Berlin Wall!
• The evolution of PowerShell ReadLine and its impact on productivity
• AI Shell’s support for OpenAI, Azure Copilot, ollama, Gemini, and even custom agents
• Exporting configs from existing machines—a long-awaited DSC feature
• Why DSC v3 might be the most developer- and sysadmin-friendly release yet
• The cultural backbone of the PowerShell team: being “scrappy” and driven by customer success

Troy Brown's First TechMentor Experience
First-time conference-goer Troy Brown shares his experience diving into PowerShell:

• How a PowerShell workshop with Sean Wheeler, Steven Judd, and Jason Helmick helped him finally understand modules
• The journey from using PDQ to push basic PowerShell scripts to deeper automation potential
• Navigating the learning curve with community support
• His message to fellow newcomers: “Don’t take things personally, and embrace the journey.”

 

Resource Links:

• DSC v3 on GitHub
• Leanpub DSC v3 Book by Gijs https://leanpub.com/thedscv3handbook
• The Phoenix Project (book) (a must-read for IT pros) https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Project-DevOps-Helping-Business/dp/0988262592
• https://discord.gg/pdq
• The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_f5oYxzkinI
• The PowerShell Podcast Hub: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast

Live from TechMentor: Profiles, People, and PowerShell Progress with Sean Wheeler and James Petty

In this episode, Andrew catches up with Sean Wheeler and James Petty live from TechMentor. What starts as casual conversation about conference camaraderie turns into a rich discussion on learning PowerShell, building effective profiles, AI-assisted scripting, module recommendations, and what's next for the PowerShell Summit.

Whether you're new to PowerShell or a seasoned scripter, this episode offers insights, laughs, and actionable advice. Plus, we finally settle (sort of) whether the VS Code sidebar belongs on the left or the right. 

 

Key Takeaways

• You don’t need to learn everything. Just understand the ecosystem and build your learning map.
• Create your PowerShell profile now—it's an easy win with huge productivity returns.
• AI is a tool, not a crutch. Use it wisely and validate the results.
• Get involved in the community. It will accelerate your learning and broaden your opportunities.

Shoutouts & Links

• https://powershell.org
• https://www.youtube.com/c/PowerShellOrg
• https://discord.gg/pdq
• The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hr59kahksIM

PSStucco, Accessibility, and the Power of Templating in PowerShell with Gilbert Sanchez & Jake Hildreth

In this high-energy episode, returning guests Gilbert Sanchez and Jake Hildreth join Andrew for a deep dive into:

• Module templating with PSStucco
• Building for accessibility in PowerShell
• Creating open source GitHub orgs like PSInclusive
• How PowerShell can lead to learning modern dev workflows like GitHub Actions and CI/CD

What begins with a conversation about a live demo gone hilariously sideways turns into an insightful exploration of how PowerShell acts as a launchpad into bigger ecosystems like GitHub, YAML, JSON, and continuous integration pipelines.

 

Bios:

Gilbert Sanchez is a Staff Software Development Engineer at Tesla, specifically working on PowerShell. Formerly known as "Señor Systems Engineer" at Meta. A loud advocate for DEI, DevEx, DevOps, and TDD.

 

Jake Hildreth is a Principal Security Consultant at Semperis, Microsoft MVP, and longtime builder of tools that make identity security suck a little less. With nearly 25 years in IT (and the battle scars to prove it), he specializes in helping orgs secure Active Directory and survive the baroque disaster that is Active Directory Certificate Services. He’s the creator of Locksmith, BlueTuxedo, and PowerPUG!, open-source tools built to make life easier for overworked identity admins. When he’s not untangling Kerberos or wrangling DNS, he’s usually hanging out with his favorite people and most grounding reality check: his wife and daughter.

 

Links

• https://gilbertsanchez.com/posts/stucco-create-powershell-module/
• https://jakehildreth.github.io/blog/2025/07/02/PowerShell-Module-Scaffolding-with-PSStucco.html
• https://github.com/PSInclusive
• https://jakehildreth.com/
• https://andrewpla.tech/links
• https://discord.gg/pdq
• https://pdq.com/podcast
• https://youtu.be/w-z2-0ii96Y

 

From EntraAuth to PSConfEU with Fred Weinmann

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, host Andrew Pla reunites with PowerShell legend Fred, diving deep into productivity with hotkeys and key bindings, EntraAuth, C# integration, and community reflections from PowerShell Conference EU. Fred shares practical advice for improving your daily workflow, how to extend PowerShell with C#, and why participation in the community—whether through conferences or contributing modules—can be a game-changer for your career.
What You’ll Learn:

• How to improve your coding efficiency with advanced hotkeys and key bindings
• The difference between hotkeys and key bindings and how to create your own
• Insights into Fred’s EntraAuth module and why federated credentials matter
• When it makes sense to use C# alongside PowerShell
• How community involvement can elevate your career
• What makes PowerShell Conference EU a unique experience
• Tips for new speakers interested in submitting conference talks

Bio & Links:
Fred Weinmann is a seasoned Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft and a renowned PowerShell expert with years of experience designing and implementing scalable solutions. A prolific creator, Fred has developed key tools like PSFramework, PSModuleDevelopment, PSUtil, and PSFramework.Nuget, which empowers developers and IT professionals to optimize their workflows. Passionate about technology and problem-solving, Fred’s innovative approach to PowerShell module development and his commitment to community-driven open-source projects have made him a respected figure in the PowerShell community.

• https://github.com/FriedrichWeinmann/EntraAuth
• https://github.com/PowershellFrameworkCollective/PSFramework.NuGet
• https://github.com/FriedrichWeinmann/string
• https://andrewpla.tech/links
• https://psconf.eu
• https://github.com/PowershellFrameworkCollective/psframework
• Fred's PSConfEU PSFramework.Nuget talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMSOVwmBXrk
• Check out PDQ Connect https://pdq.com/podcast
• Join the PowerShell Scripting channel: https://discord.gg/pdq
• The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TZPy4X6yLjM
• The PowerShell Podcast hub: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast 

Are PowerShell Pros Ready for C# - Ryan Coates

In this insightful episode of the PowerShell Podcast, host Andrew Pla welcomes longtime friend and seasoned technologist Ryan Coates. Together, they explore the intersection of PowerShell and C#, discuss the natural evolution of tech careers, and examine the role of continuous learning in long-term success. Ryan shares a wealth of perspective from decades in IT—covering everything from early networking to modern cloud architectures and why C# is a practical next step for PowerShell users. Whether you're deep in automation or eyeing your next language leap, this conversation is packed with career wisdom, developer philosophy, and some solid tech nostalgia.
What You’ll Learn:

• Why C# is a great next step for experienced PowerShell users
• Use cases where C# offers performance or capability advantages over PowerShell
• How PowerShell and C# skills complement each other in the .NET ecosystem
• Ryan’s journey from MCSE teen prodigy to early retirement
• Why soft skills are just as vital as technical skills for senior roles
• The value of working across many technologies and industries early in your career
• Insights into DevOps maturity, architecture thinking, and lifelong learning

Bio & Links:
Ryan Coates is an Enterprise Architect with 25+ years in IT, evolving from systems ops to DevOps and developer advocacy. He leads internal API and DevRel strategy at a global consulting firm. Passionate about mentoring, Ryan speaks at conferences on cloud and automation and helps run Microsoft Cloud, DevOps, and PowerShell user groups in Boise, Idaho.

• https://linkedin.com/in/ryandcoates
• https://twitter.com/ryandcoates
• https://discord.gg/pdq
• https://andrewpla.tech/links
• Ryan's C# Talk at PS Wednesday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOaFdHTlDXE
• Ryan's Summit Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AePjFyuWvg8
• Join the PowerShell Scripting Channel on PDQ Discord: https://discord.gg/pdq
• Check out PDQ Connect: https://pdq.com/podcast
• The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/72UCneA1X40
• The PowerShell Podcast Hub: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast 

The Power of Splatting and Team Empowerment

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, Andrew Pla welcomes longtime friend and DevOps Endpoint Engineer David Richmond. Fresh off his PowerShell Wednesday presentation, David shares insights into the power of splatting in PowerShell, centralizing automations, and driving organizational change through best practices and leadership. The conversation explores the evolution of automation practices, Git adoption in Ops, secrets management using Azure Key Vault, and how empowering others can multiply technical impact. It’s an inspiring blend of deep PowerShell knowledge and practical career development advice.

 

What You’ll Learn:

• What splatting is in PowerShell and why it’s such a powerful coding practice
• How to organize, simplify, and clean up your scripts with hash tables and ordered dictionaries
• David's journey from solo IT support to leading centralized automation efforts
• Pro tips on Git, module development, credential management, and code organization
• The benefits of creating training sessions and fostering a team-wide PowerShell culture
• Why data-driven automation metrics can win leadership support
• How PowerShell can scale your impact and accelerate your career

Bio & Links:

David Richmond started writing scripts in the Macintosh OS days (the 90s!) and hasn't stopped. Currently working in the every-OS endpoint engineering / devops space, particularly focused on internal automations team skillups in PowerShell and beyond. 

• https://discord.gg/pdq
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-s-richmond/
• https://dev.to/celadin
• https://bsky.app/profile/davidsrichmond.com
• Splatting PowerShell Wednesday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oesn0HgGxE
• https://github.com/PoshCode/PowerShellPracticeAndStyle
• The PowerShell Podcast Hub: The PowerShell Podcast: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast 
• The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_cbpGxZOHS4
• Help topic: help about_splatting

 

PSConfEU 2025 Bar Sessions: Community, Code & Connection

In this special live episode recorded amidst the rain-soaked streets of Malmö duringPSConfEU 2025, host Andrew Pla brings us a vibrant, multi-guest edition of the PowerShell Podcast. From impromptu bar chats to in-depth discussions on PowerShell modules, CI/CD pipelines, career growth, and community culture, this episode captures the heart of the PowerShell community in full force.

Hear from speakers, first-time attendees, longtime community contributors, and PowerShell legends as they share their stories, projects, career journeys, favorite sessions, and the human side of tech.

 

Guests:

• Harm Veenstra (PowerShellIsFun, MVP and Legend)
• Constantin Hager (PS Framework user & Inn-Salzach PowerShell Group organizer)
• Thomas Hadin (Swedish consultant, Discord regular)
• James Ruskin (Chocolatey engineer, bigtime PowerSheller, kind and smart)
• Emanuel Palm (Microsoft MVP and PSConfEU speaker)
• Suresh "SK" Krishnan (IAM pro & PowerShell podcast superfan)

Topics Covered:

• Favorite PSConfEU 2025 sessions and key takeaways
• GitHub Actions & GitHub Apps deep dive
• Lightning talks & community demo formats
• User group organizing and mentoring new speakers
• Tools: PS Framework, Spectre.Console, AI Shell, ModuleBuilder
• PowerShell remoting, PSDefaultParameterValues, and CI pipelines
• Career development insights, perspective shifts, and personal growth
• Building friendships and networks in the PowerShell community

Highlights:

• “There’s no magic” – a recurring theme reminding listeners to understand what they’re running.
• Reflections on how empathy and perspective can transform your IT career.
• A shoutout to the PowerShell Discord community and lesser-known contributors like weq and Chris Dent.
• Real stories of overcoming stage fright, pushing past visa issues, and finding belonging through tech.

Links:

• https://discord.gg/pdq
• https://psconf.eu
• https://andrewpla.tech/links
• Watch PowerShell Wednesday: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1mL90yFExsix-L0havb8SbZXoYRPol0B
• PSConfEU 2025 sessions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CJWhWdbTGU&list=PLDCEho7foSoo6tc8iNDSrxp27dG_gtm6g
• The PowerShell Podcast Hub: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast 
• The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RoVlp5XmXBc

Building Layers of Protection and Purpose - Miriam Wiesner

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we catch up with returning guest and security research program manager at Microsoft, Miriam Wiesner. Recorded live at PowerShell Conference EU in Malmö, Sweden, we dive into her fascinating journey from Premier Field Engineer to her current role in security research. Miriam reflects on her early talks about Just Enough Administration (JEA), shares insights into MFA bypass techniques involving browser cookies (with a fun appearance from Cookie Monster), and emphasizes the importance of defense-in-depth and layered security.

 

We also explore her second talk at the conference, "Finding Your North Star," where she unpacks the value of having a guiding goal in your career, overcoming self-doubt, and growing through mentorship. Miriam offers guidance on managing stage fright, developing social skills, and embracing authenticity in technical communities. Whether you're navigating a career in tech or looking to level up your security awareness, this episode is full of practical insights and inspiration.

 

Links and Bio:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/miriamwiesner/
• https://www.amazon.com/PowerShell-Automation-Scripting-Cybersecurity-Hacking/dp/1800566379
• https://x.com/MiriamXyra
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xDcq0pPNPs
• https://andrewpla.tech/links
• https://discord.gg/pdq
• The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nuhVTbpfQog
• The PowerShell Podcast hub: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast 

Miriam is the author of the book "PowerShell Automation and Scripting for CyberSecurity: Hacking and Defense for Red and Blue Teamers." She is a Senior Security Research Program Manager at Microsoft. Outside of work, Miriam is a dedicated wife and mother, residing with her family near Nuremberg, Germany.