The PowerShell Podcast

From DJ Decks to Cloud Architecture - Shannon Eldridge-Kuehn

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we chat with Shannon Eldridge-Kuehn, a seasoned technologist whose career spans from spinning vinyl as a DJ to leading cloud and FinOps consulting. Shannon shares her unique journey into tech, driven by curiosity and a desire to record her DJ sets, which ultimately led to a successful career in cloud infrastructure, Azure, platform engineering, and FinOps. We explore Shannon’s transition into IT without a traditional tech background, her time at Microsoft, and her current work in FinOps. She discusses the challenges of cloud adoption, navigating imposter syndrome, and why strong communication skills are just as critical as technical ones. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, career evolution, and staying curious. 

 
Topics covered: 

• Breaking into tech via DJing 

• Early career lessons from help desk roles and hands-on troubleshooting 

• Cloud migration challenges and avoiding costly lift-and-shift mistakes 

• FinOps fundamentals and practical cost governance tips 

• Finding your “superpower” and overcoming imposter syndrome 

• The value of public speaking and active listening in career growth 

• Hosting customer conversations with empathy and technical confidence 

• Real-life DJ gear disasters and live demo blunders 

Notable quote: “Imposter syndrome is real—but the thing you're worried about is what everyone else is worried about too.” 

Guest Bio & Links: 

Shannon Eldridge-Kuehn is a Principal Solutions Architect at AHEAD 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. 
 

Check out PDQ: https://pdq.com/podcast 

Connect with Andrew: https://andrewpla.tech/links 

Shannon's Blog: https://www.shankuehn.io/ 

https://x.com/shankuehn 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonkuehn/ 

https://github.com/sbkuehn 

The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gF4LW8Mz2eU

 

Hacking Games and Building a Career - Mateus Pimentel

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we take a detour from our typical PowerShell conversations to explore the fascinating world of game hacking with backend services developer Mateus Pimentel. Mateus shares his journey from crafting bots for MMORPGs to reverse engineering games and ultimately working in online services for a major gaming company.We discuss his early experiences hacking Tibia, how he overcame being hacked himself as a kid, and how those formative experiences shaped his approach to software development and cybersecurity. Mateus also dives into powerful learning experiences from hacking games, participating in Capture the Flag competitions, and avoiding the dark paths that lure many curious technologists. This episode is a compelling exploration of hacking culture, ethics, and personal transformation.

 

Topics covered:

• From game hacking to working at a gaming company
• Mateus’ early adventures reverse-engineering Tibia
• Lessons learned from being hacked as a kid
• Ethical hacking, personal growth, and career evolution
• The overlap between game hacking and cybersecurity
• Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions and their career value
• Understanding system protocols and reverse engineering
• Reflections on following your curiosity and avoiding burnout

Notable quote: “Follow your passion. If it’s fun, you’ll learn 10 times faster.”

 

Bio and Links: 

Mateus Pimentel is a software developer with a passion for software architecture, game modding and solving complex problems. From reverse engineering MMORPGs as a teenager to helping secure one of the gaming industry's most ambitious projects at major gaming company, Mateus has cultivated deep technical skills grounded in a strong ethical framework. His journey from underground hacker to professional developer offers a unique and inspiring perspective on how curiosity and integrity can guide a meaningful career in tech.

 

• Follow Mateus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimentelmateus/
• Connect with Andrew: https://andrewpla.tech/links
• Catch PowerShell Wednesdays weekly at 2 PM EST on discord.gg/pdq
• The PowerShell Podcast hub: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast
• Darza's Dominion Hacked: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipqge4aJt3U
• Mystera Reborn Hacked: https://youtu.be/Gg6owdR_7h8?si=1Uk0a8RW9czs0TCm
• Using Remote Vision to watch a Player Battle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poDkWlR-1ks
• Fractured Online Gold Machine: https://youtu.be/EIHJBdrr0Ac?si=Wis9DGinI5EKuN0O
• The PowerShell Podcast Hub: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast 
• The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8cxtg4QQjZQ

Building Fast Tools and Smarter Workflows with Justin Grote

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we welcome back Justin Grote, a Microsoft MVP and open-source powerhouse, for an in-depth and fast-paced conversation. Fresh off his PowerShell Wednesday presentation, Justin shares the thinking behind his latest innovations, including the creation of the high-performance ExcelFast module and his evangelism for dev containers and modern development workflows.

 

Key topics in this episode include:

• Getting the most from VS Code – Justin shares power-user tips, favorite settings, and the evolution of his 1,000-line configuration file.
• GitHub Copilot and real-world developer productivity – How Justin’s approach to AI tooling shifted after experiencing measurable value in his PowerShell workflows.
• Dev containers and runtime containers – A detailed breakdown of the difference, practical use cases, and how they transform collaboration, onboarding, and consistency.
• Excel Fast – A brand-new module optimized for high-performance reading, writing, and streaming of large Excel and CSV datasets, developed with dev containers from day one.
• Open-source contributions to PowerShell – Including enhanced logging for Invoke-RestMethod and building a dev container for the PowerShell repo itself.
• PowerShell Conf EU previews – From a 90-minute VS Code optimization deep dive to a hands-on runspaces lab with GitHub Codespaces integration.

This episode is packed with practical advice, philosophy on tooling, and Justin’s trademark blend of performance focus and community-first thinking. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or looking to up your scripting game, you’ll walk away with new ideas and resources to explore.

 

Guest Bio – Justin Grote
Justin Grote is a Microsoft MVP, PowerShell advocate, and open-source contributor with a deep focus on automation, performance, and developer productivity. Known for tools like ModuleFast and his work improving PowerShell workflows, Justin blends real-world experience with a passion for teaching and sharing. Whether he's optimizing VS Code, contributing to the PowerShell repo, or speaking at global conferences, Justin empowers the community with practical solutions and thoughtful insight.

 

Links:

• Find Justin on GitHub, BlueSky, or on Discord (@JustinGrote): https://github.com/JustinGrote
• Try out ExcelFast: https://github.com/JustinGrote/ExcelFast
• PSConfEU Announcement: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7328093268225806337/
• Create Dev Container Docs: https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/devcontainers/create-dev-container
• SecretManagement.DpapiNG: https://github.com/jborean93/SecretManagement.DpapiNG
• Connect with Andrew on Socials: https://andrewpla.tech/links
• Catch PowerShell Wednesdays weekly at 2 PM EST on discord.gg/pdq
• The PowerShell Podcast hub: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast 
• The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dHbWFUyUaOE

Building Confidence and Community with PowerShell with Brock Bingham

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we sit down with Brock Bingham, a longtime PowerShell enthusiast, educator, and community advocate. Recorded live from PDQ Headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, this episode captures the high energy and camaraderie of a PowerShell Wednesday in person. Brock shares his journey from PowerShell beginner to mentor, his passion for community building, and the power of sharing knowledge with others.
Key topics in this episode include:

• Overcoming Stage Fright and Imposter Syndrome – How PowerShell Wednesday and live presentations have helped Brock gain confidence.
• The Power of Documentation and Knowledge Sharing – Why good documentation and teaching others are critical for long-term growth.
• Community Connection and Growth – How engaging with the PowerShell community can transform your career and personal development.
• Exploring PowerShell Tools and Projects – From using Pester for testing to building cool GUIs with MDGRS, Brock dives into the creative side of PowerShell.
• Learning from Failure and Embracing Red Text – Why mistakes are a critical part of the learning journey.
• Finding Your Voice in the PowerShell World – Brock’s advice for building confidence, sharing your work, and making an impact.

From caffeine-fueled coding sessions to discovering the power of collaboration, this episode is a heartfelt conversation about growth, mentorship, and building a career around PowerShell.
Join the conversation:

• Connect with Brock Bingham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanbrockbingham/
• Connect with Brock on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/brockbingham.bsky.social
• Connect with Andrew: https://andrewpla.tech/links
• Join PowerShell Wednesdays every Wednesday at 2 PM EST on discord.gg/pdq
• The PowerShell Podcast: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast
• The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: The PowerShell Podcast: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast 

PowerShell, Security, and the Path to Mastery.

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we bring you a special double feature! We chat with Bogdan Calapod live from PDQ HQ, a seasoned security expert and co-founder of Coda, who reflects on his path from hackathon projects to helping organizations secure their environments. Then, we sit down with Lucas Allman live from the PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit, where he shares his journey from podcast listener to conference presenter. Key topics in this episode include:

• Finding Your Place in the PowerShell Community – How Lucas went from listening to the PowerShell Podcast to presenting at Summit.
• Overcoming Stage Fright and Imposter Syndrome – Lucas’s experience giving his first lightning demo to a room full of PowerShell pros.
• The Power of Personal Growth and Knowledge Sharing – Building confidence, contributing to internal user groups, and advocating for automation.
• Building Security from the Ground Up – Bogdan’s journey from hackathon developer to security co-founder, including the creation of Coda.
• Simplifying Security for the Real World – Lessons learned from building tools to automate vulnerability detection and remediation.
• Staying Curious and Always Learning – Why continuous education, knowledge sharing, and community engagement are essential for long-term success.

This episode captures the spirit of learning, teaching, and growth that defines the PowerShell community. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned pro, this double feature has insights for everyone.

 

Links:

• Connect with Lucas Allman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-allman-407a1055/
• Follow Bogdan on GitHub: https://github.com/bogdan-calapod
• Follow Andrew: https://andrewpla.tech/links
• Join PowerShell Wednesdays every Wednesday at 2 PM EST on discord.gg/pdq
• The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Jhxr2GB9-Mg 

Growing with PowerShell and Community Support - Joshua Dearing

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we sit down with Joshua Dearing, aka Fortress, to explore his personal and professional growth through PowerShell, community engagement, and saying yes to new opportunities. Fresh off his first PowerShell Wednesday presentation, Joshua shares the story of how he overcame imposter syndrome, started his blog, and found confidence by getting involved in the PowerShell community. Key topics in this episode include:

• Joshua’s journey with PowerShell and the community
• What it was like presenting at PowerShell Wednesday for the first time
• Starting a blog using GitHub Pages, Jekyll, and PowerShell to sync with Obsidian
• Navigating imposter syndrome
• Building a culture of feedback and open communication in the workplace
• The impact of community, mentorship, and putting yourself out there

Joshua also discusses the value of small wins, how to advocate for yourself professionally, and the importance of being visible, even when you automate away the work. From scripting with style using Spectre Console to leaning into vulnerability and reflection, this episode is a heartfelt conversation about growth, kindness, and collaboration. Join the conversation:

 

Bio and Links:

Josh is a help desk technician turned PowerShell enthusiast who transformed his career through automation—and he’s on a mission to help others do the same. With a knack for simplifying software and device setups, he’s all about making tech more accessible for end-users while fostering strong connections in the community. Leveraging PDQ products to streamline deployments and management, he’s passionate about helping IT pros work smarter, not harder.

• Follow Joshua on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuadearing/
• Josh’s BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/dearing.dev
• Check out his blog on GitHub pages: https://www.dearing.dev/posts/Building-a-Website-with-GitHub-Pages/
• PwshSpectreConsole https://github.com/ShaunLawrie/PwshSpectreConsole
• View more PowerShell videos, including PowerShell Wednesdays, on the PDQ Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@pdq
• Join PowerShell Wednesdays every Wednesday at 2 PM EST on https://discord.gg/pdq
• Andrew video about WinUIShell: https://youtu.be/-aDWww5SWOs
• Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewplatech/
• The PowerShell Podcast: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast

Lessons in Leadership from PowerShell Pioneers Jeffrey Snover and Don Jones

In this very special episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we sit down with two legends of the PowerShell world: Jeffrey Snover, the inventor of PowerShell, and Don Jones, bestselling author, teacher, and longtime PowerShell community builder. Recorded live at the PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit, this conversation is packed with personal insights, impactful moments, and the kind of storytelling that only Snover and Jones can deliver. 

Key topics in this episode include: 

• The origin stories of PowerShell and how Jeffrey and Don’s paths crossed at a pivotal moment. 
• The evolution of PowerShell as a scripting language, community, and ecosystem. 
• The importance of storytelling in tech, from teaching to team-building to leadership. 
• The shift from individual contributor to leader and how both hosts navigated that path with intention. 
• The power of community: real stories from users whose lives were changed by learning PowerShell. 
• Career advice for the next generation of IT professionals and community contributors. 

Along the way, we hear hilarious stories from the early days of PowerShell development, honest reflections on growth and failure, and powerful reminders that vulnerability, repetition, and kindness are core to success in any career. Whether you're new to PowerShell or a long-time community member, this episode is a true masterclass in leadership, learning, and legacy. 

Bio and links: 

Jeffrey Snover is the inventor of PowerShell, Microsoft Technical Fellow, and a legendary figure in the IT and DevOps communities. With a background in distributed systems, Jeffrey led the development of PowerShell to revolutionize system management and automation on Windows. Known for his visionary leadership and storytelling, Jeffrey has played a pivotal role in shaping modern IT practices. His work continues to inspire technologists around the world to build, share, and lead with intention and clarity. 

Don Jones is a bestselling author, speaker, educator, and one of the most influential figures in the PowerShell community. With decades of experience in IT, Don has written numerous foundational books on PowerShell, including Learn Windows PowerShell in a Month of Lunches. He co-founded the PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit and has mentored countless professionals through his teaching, writing, and leadership. Don is a passionate advocate for storytelling in tech, career development, and building inclusive communities that empower the next generation. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreysnover/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/concentrateddon/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewplatech/ 

https://www.powershellsummit.org/ 

The PowerShell Podcast: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast 

The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ooyO8GsHVTs 

 

The Powershell Podcast Summit sessions with Adam Rivera, Asmar Fontenot, & Luis Orta

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we bring you another Summit Sessions special recorded live at the PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit 2025! This episode is a celebration of first-time attendees, newcomers to the PowerShell community, and those discovering their voice in tech. Andrew Pla sits down with passionate IT professionals who share their personal stories of growth, connection, and finding purpose through PowerShell and community.
Whether you're just starting your automation journey or you're looking to reconnect with your "why," this episode is packed with inspiration, encouragement, and honest reflections on what it means to grow in public, contribute meaningfully, and be part of something bigger.

Guests in this episode include:
Adam Rivera – An IT manager turned PowerShell enthusiast, Adam shares his Summit experience, the joy of hands-on learning, and why he wants to empower his users with automation. His journey from podcast listener to Summit participant shows the real impact of showing up and taking a chance on growth.

Asmar Fontenot – First-time Summit attendee who speaks passionately about soft skills, mentorship, and embracing a "jack of all trades" background. Asmar reflects on his career, the power of face-to-face connection, and why helping others and being authentic are his driving forces in tech. https://www.linkedin.com/in/asmar-fontenot/

Luis Orta – A cloud systems engineer serving rural health clinics across the Pacific Northwest, Luis brings a powerful sense of mission and purpose to his work. He shares how PowerShell helps enable critical care for underserved communities, and how creativity, through music and code, fuels meaningful progress. https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisrorta/

Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewplatech/

The PowerShell Podcast: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast 

The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ChItOJcsf48