The PowerShell Podcast

Reliability Through Planning with Matthew Gill

Matthew Gill joins The PowerShell Podcast to talk about what it means to be a Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) and how SRE thinking changes the way you approach automation, reliability, and problem solving. Matthew and host Andrew Pla break down core concepts like SLAs, SLOs, and SLIs, and why reliability through planning matters more than rushing straight to the keyboard.

 

They also dig into why PSFramework is worth the dependency for enterprise-grade logging and configuration, how community mentorship (including Fred Weinmann’s impact) can fast-track growth, and why books like The Phoenix Project are game-changing for understanding DevOps culture and constraints.

 

Key Takeaways:
• SRE is software engineering applied to operations — focus on measurable reliability, proper planning, and balancing change with stability using concepts like SLAs, SLOs, and SLIs.

• PSFramework can eliminate “reinventing the wheel” — especially for logging and configuration handling, giving enterprises proven patterns and integrations without custom-built fragility.

• Community is a career multiplier — mentorship, learning in public, and teaching others are some of the fastest ways to build confidence and advance your PowerShell journey.

 

Guest Bio:
Matthew Gill is a Site Reliability Engineer and is the Co-Director of Content for the PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit. He has been a problem solver, systems administrator, and scripter for nearly 20 years. From working in the United States Marine Corps, education, radio, and currently the private sector, the majority of Matt's experience has been focused on solving problems in a variety of interesting and creative ways.Resource Links

• PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit – https://powershellsummit.org
• The Phoenix Project (Book) – https://itrevolution.com/product/the-phoenix-project/
• The Unicorn Project (Book) – https://itrevolution.com/product/the-unicorn-project/
• PSFramework – https://github.com/PowershellFrameworkCollective/psframework
• Matthew Gill’s Blog – https://therealgill.com
• Andrew's Links - https://andrewpla.tech/links
• PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ
• PowerShell Wednesdays – https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=PowerShell+Wednesdays
• The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vkOLsjsPvYo

PowerShell to Distinguished Engineer with Ryan Spletzer

Distinguished Software Engineer Ryan Spletzer joins The PowerShell Podcast to talk about building a long-term career in tech through curiosity, continuous learning, and strong community connections. Ryan shares how PowerShell helped shape his path from early work in SharePoint, automation, and identity management to leading AI initiatives at Autodesk, where his team built an internal ChatGPT-style solution using Azure OpenAI before enterprise ChatGPT options existed.

They also dig into AI-assisted coding, mentorship, and how foundational software engineering skills still matter more than ever. Ryan offers practical guidance for using AI tools responsibly, overcoming imposter syndrome, and growing by learning adjacent domains like authentication, networking, and data engineering.

 

Key Takeaways:
• AI is a force multiplier for experienced engineers, but mentorship is critical to help early-career engineers learn how to ask the right questions and avoid “blind troubleshooting.”
• Breadth matters as you level up. Understanding adjacent domains and collaborating well with others becomes a key differentiator at senior and staff levels.
• PowerShell remains a career accelerator. Ryan explains how PowerShell led him into infrastructure automation, identity, and modern auth—and why it’s still his go-to tool for quick, high-impact scripting today.

 

Guest Bio:
Ryan Spletzer is a Distinguished Software Engineer at Autodesk, where he works in an internal organization focused on AI, data, and automation. With a background spanning SharePoint development, .NET engineering, identity systems, and enterprise automation, Ryan has spent years building tools that scale across organizations. He’s also a strong advocate for continuous learning and mentorship.

 

Resource Links:

• Ryan links - https://www.spletzer.com/about/
• Ryan's blog - https://www.spletzer.com/
• Andrew's links - https://andrewpla.tech/links
• PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ
• PowerShell Wednesdays – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1mL90yFExsix-L0havb8SbZXoYRPol0B
• The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ryZ7OdvCNZo

Building PowerShell Tools You Wish Existed with Jorge Suarez

Jorge Suarez joins The PowerShell Podcast to share his journey into PowerShell, automation, and community contribution. From attending his first MMS conference to building creative and practical PowerShell projects, Jorge talks about how PowerShell became the primary driver of his career growth. The conversation covers his popular Intune Hydration Kit, creative TUI projects inspired by shows like Severance, and how curiosity and experimentation led him to build tools he wished existed earlier in his career.

 

Beyond tooling, Jorge opens up about imposter syndrome, learning in public, and using PowerShell as a force multiplier to automate work, stand out professionally, and think differently about problem solving.

 

Key Takeaways:

• PowerShell accelerates careers – Automating repetitive work and forcing yourself to use PowerShell daily builds fluency and opens new opportunities.
• Build what you wish you had – Jorge’s projects, including Intune Hydration Kit and multiple TUI tools, came from solving his own real-world problems.
• Imposter syndrome is fuel – When managed well, it can drive curiosity, learning, and long-term growth instead of holding you back.

Guest Bio:
Jorge Suarez is an Endpoint Platform Engineer and PowerShell enthusiast. Jorge is known for building creative PowerShell solutions—including terminal user interfaces and Intune automation projects. He’s an active community contributor who blogs, shares code on GitHub, and advocates for learning in public.

 

Resource Links:

• Jorge Suarez on GitHub – https://github.com/jorgeasaurus
• Jorge’s Blog – https://www.jorgeasaur.us/
• Intune Hydration Kit – https://github.com/jorgeasaurus/IntuneHydrationKit
• Connect with Andrew - https://andrewpla.tech/links
• PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ
• PowerShell Wednesdays – https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=PowerShell+Wednesdays
• The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NEDX_3kDhZQ

Living in PowerShell with Jeff Hicks

PowerShell legend Jeff Hicks joins The PowerShell Podcast to talk about what it really means to live in PowerShell every day. From running his entire workflow in the console to building highly polished terminal tools, Jeff shares how PowerShell can be used far beyond infrastructure management—to organize your day, automate personal tasks, and multiply productivity.

The conversation also dives deep into learning PowerShell long-term, embracing small wins, investing in your own career growth, and making yourself “available to luck.” Jeff introduces his newest project, PSIntro, designed to help absolute beginners get started with PowerShell through interactive, localized tutorials and a welcoming splash experience.

 

Key Takeaways:

• PowerShell fluency comes from time and repetition, not talent. Use it daily, even for small personal tasks, and progress will follow.
• PowerShell is a force multiplier. Thoughtful use of color, terminal UIs, verbose output, and helper functions can dramatically improve productivity.
• Investing in your own learning outside of work gives you career freedom. Your job is not your career—your skills are.

Guest Bio:
Jeff Hicks is a PowerShell author, educator, and community icon with nearly two decades of experience teaching automation to IT professionals. A long-time Microsoft MVP, Jeff has written multiple books, created countless tools and modules, and spoken at conferences around the world. Known for his practical approach and passion for teaching, Jeff continues to shape how people learn, use, and think about PowerShell.

 

Resource Links:

• Jeff Links - https://jdhitsolutions.github.io/
• PSIntro Project – https://github.com/jdhitsolutions/PSIntro
• Spectre.Console for PowerShell – https://pwshspectreconsole.com/
• PowerShell Summit – https://powershellsummit.org
• PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ
• PowerShell Wednesdays – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztKT2wK6EW4&list=PL1mL90yFExsix-L0havb8SbZXoYRPol0B&pp=gAQB
• The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lKKfmdDtBOU

Mentorship, Mindset, and Microsoft Ignite with Shannon Eldridge-Kuehn

In this episode of The PowerShell Podcast, Shannon Eldridge-Kuehn returns to discuss her journey since becoming a Microsoft MVP, her experiences at Microsoft Ignite, and her evolving views on technology, communication, and personal growth. Shannon shares stories from Ignite, including Mark Russinovich’s fascinating demo on optical computing, and offers insight into how AI is reshaping IT work, both in efficiency and responsibility.The conversation expands beyond tech, touching on mentorship, emotional intelligence, and the importance of grace, empathy, and connection in professional and personal life. Shannon and host Andrew Pla explore how better communication, mental health awareness, and authentic collaboration can transform careers and communities alike.

 

Key Takeaways:

• AI as a partner, not a replacement – Shannon views AI as a powerful companion that amplifies human creativity, not a threat to jobs or individuality.
• Communication is the real superpower – Technical skills open doors, but empathy, curiosity, and active listening sustain success and build trust.
• Find your community and give grace – Whether mentoring or learning, everyone benefits from patience, understanding, and a supportive network.

Guest Bio:

Shannon Eldridge-Kuehn is a Principal Solutions Architect at AHEAD and a Microsoft MVP with a unique blend of technical depth and strong communication roots. A University of Nebraska–Lincoln graduate in Communication Studies with a minor in English, she began her journey into tech through DJing and audio troubleshooting, which sparked a passion for problem-solving. Over time, she progressed from help desk roles into advanced infrastructure and cloud engineering, with experience spanning Windows systems, VMware, Exchange, Office 365, and Azure. Her career includes roles at Microsoft and 10th Magnitude, where her love for cloud truly flourished. Shannon leverages her background in public speaking and writing to bridge the gap between business needs and technical solutions.

 

Resource Links:

• Shannon’s Blog – https://shankuehn.io
• Shannon on X (Twitter) – https://twitter.com/shankuehn
• Connect with Andrew - https://andrewpla.tech/links
• Microsoft Ignite – https://ignite.microsoft.com
• PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ
• PowerShell Wednesdays – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBLDfE1aiuE&list=PL1mL90yFExsix-L0havb8SbZXoYRPol0B
• The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/okVO33wX5xY

Cryptography, Cracking Codes, and Breaking CBC with Dr. Al Carlson

In this episode of The PowerShell Podcast, host Andrew Pla welcomes Dr. Al Carlson, a cryptographer, mathematician, and engineer whose career spans more than four decades in military intelligence, embedded systems, and advanced encryption research. Dr. Carlson explains how set theory and mathematical patterns underpin all cryptography, breaking down complex systems like AES into understandable concepts. He discusses his groundbreaking work on isomorphic cipher reduction, polymorphic encryption, and how simplicity, not complexity, is often the key to true security.

 

Key Takeaways:

• All encryption is patterns – Dr. Carlsen explains how every cipher, including AES, can be viewed as a substitution cipher, allowing for new ways to analyze and strengthen encryption.
• Simplicity creates strength – Complexity doesn’t guarantee security. By distilling systems to their fundamentals, cryptographers can identify weaknesses faster and design better ciphers.
• Quantum computing and cryptography’s future – Quantum computing's potential to break current encryption standards highlights the need for polymorphic and post-quantum approaches to secure data.

Guest Bio:
Dr. Al Carlson is a cryptographer, mathematician, and educator with over forty years of experience in electronic warfare, military cryptography, and advanced encryption systems. His work in set theory-based cryptographic analysis and polymorphic encryption has influenced how researchers think about code-breaking and data protection. A longtime IEEE member and mentor, Dr. Carlson continues to publish papers on approaches to information security and encryption theory.Resource Links

• IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) – https://www.ieee.org
• Breaking CBC Def Con Talk by Dr. Carlson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0IsYNDMV7A
• Connect with Andrew - https://andrewpla.tech/links
• PowerShell Wednesdays – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1mL90yFExsix-L0havb8SbZXoYRPol0B
• PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ
• The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gWmlvKFduP8

Free Security Wins for Sysadmins with Spencer Alessi

Newly minted Microsoft MVP, pentester, and returning guest Spencer Alessi joins The PowerShell Podcast to talk about growth, giving back, and building security through PowerShell. Spencer shares lessons from his journey from sysadmin to pen tester, including the importance of learning from mistakes, documenting wins, and advocating for yourself in your career. He also introduces his latest open-source project, AppLocker Inspector, and discusses tools like Locksmith, Pink Castle, and Purple Knight that help IT pros secure their environments and build confidence in automation and defense.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Grow through mistakes – Learn from both your own missteps and those of others; every lesson strengthens your technical and professional skills.
• Security tools for sysadmins – Free PowerShell-based tools like AppLocker Inspector, Locksmith, and Purple Knight offer practical wins for securing Active Directory.
• Advocate for yourself and give back – Track your wins, share your work, and pay forward the mentorship and generosity that helped you grow.

Guest Bio:
Spencer Alessi is a Microsoft MVP, penetration tester, and community educator passionate about helping sysadmins strengthen their environments. Known online as @TechSpence, he creates approachable content and tools focused on helping sysadmins o improve security. Spencer is also a podcast host, public speaker, and strong advocate for mentorship, authenticity, and continuous learning in tech.

 

Resource Links:

• Spencer on PDQ Live - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j33dN2bELPU
• AppLocker Inspector – https://github.com/techspence/AppLockerInspector
• Purple Knight – https://www.semperis.com/purple-knight/
• Ping Castle – https://www.pingcastle.com/download/
• Locksmith (ADCS Auditing Tool) – https://github.com/jakehildreth/locksmith
• ADeleginator – https://github.com/techspence/ADeleginator
• Spencer’s Links – https://links.spenceralessi.com
• Cyber Threat Perspective Podcast – https://offsec.blog
• Connect with Andrew - https://andrewpla.tech/links
• PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ
• PowerShell Wednesdays – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPoc8X7t0hY&list=PL1mL90yFExsix-L0havb8SbZXoYRPol0B&pp=0gcJCbAEOCosWNin
• The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/E4ji0-rmsuA

Falling, Learning, and Laughing with PowerShell Friends

Recorded live from SpiceWorld 2025 in Austin, Texas, this special PowerShell Podcast bar session brings together community members Jeffery Hayes, Stephen Engler, Sean Wheeler, and Steven Judd for a fun and insightful celebration of PowerShell and community. Host Andrew Pla reflects on reaching the 200-episode milestone while sharing stories about growth, learning, and the value of connection. From early PowerShell journeys to the power of conferences, mentorship, and even a few bar-side life lessons, this lively session captures the heart of the PowerShell community.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Community is everything – Attending conferences and connecting with peers accelerates growth, provides mentorship, and reminds you that learning is a shared journey.
• Learn by doing and asking – Don’t fear mistakes or questions; curiosity and collaboration are the real career accelerators.
• AI, documentation, and PowerShell’s future – The guests discuss Copilot, parameter validation, and the need for high-quality documentation to improve the next wave of AI-assisted development.

Guests:
Stephen Engler, Jeffery Hayes, Sean Wheeler, Steven Juddhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-engler/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefferyhayescoa/
https://seanonit.org/
https://blog.stevenjudd.com/
https://andrewpla.tech/links

 

Resource Links:

• PowerShell Wednesdays – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPoc8X7t0hY&list=PL1mL90yFExsix-L0havb8SbZXoYRPol0B
• PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ
• Powershell.org– https://powershell.org
• Microsoft Learn PowerShell Docs – https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell
• Azure PowerShell Documentation – https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/azure
• The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UrsbTkR6jg8