The PowerShell Podcast

Evgenij Smirnov Talks Certs, Security, and PowerShell Adventures

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we sit down with Microsoft MVP Evgenij Smirnov to explore his incredible journey from working as a forklift driver to becoming a PowerShell and security expert. We dive into his insights on certificates, security best practices, and the importance of identity in modern IT. Evgenij also shares his experiences with cross-platform PowerShell, highlights from his recent talks, and the value of community events like PowerShell Saturday. Along the way, we discuss his unique career path, his passion for the PowerShell community, and tips for those looking to grow in IT.

Guest Bio and links: 

Evgenij has been working with computers since the age of 5 and delivering IT solutions for over 25 years. His Active Directory and Exchange background naturally led to PowerShell, of which he's been an avid user and proponent since its first release.

Evgenij is an active community leader at home in Berlin, a leading contributor to the German self-help forums, and an experienced user group and conference speaker. He is a Cloud and Datacenter Management MVP since 2020. He is the author of "Building Modern Active Directory", released by Apress in 2024.

https://discord.gg/pdq

https://sqlsaturday.com/2025-03-08-sqlsaturday1102/

Call for Speakers Link - https://sessionize.com/sql-saturday-atlanta-2025-ai-and-bi

https://docs.tamemycerts.com/

https://github.com/Sleepw4lker/TameMyCerts

https://it-pro-berlin.de/

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

https://x.com/cj_berlin

https://bsky.app/profile/cj-berlin.bsky.social

https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/979-8-8688-0941-5

https://sessionize.com/evgenij-smirnov/

PowerShell Podcast Home page: https://www.pdq.com/resources/the-powershell-podcast/

The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/G2U1-AxTldA

 

 

Holiday Special with Gilbert Sanchez: PSScriptAnalyzer, AST, and PowerShell Gifts

In this special holiday episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we are joined by the incredibly talented Gilbert Sanchez. We dive into the world of PSScriptAnalyzer and use it as a gateway to explore and understand the Abstract Syntax Tree (AST) in PowerShell. Gilbert walks us through a live demo and highlights some powerful ways to leverage the AST to analyze and improve our PowerShell code. As a special holiday treat, Gilbert comes bearing gifts—several awesome PowerShell modules that listeners can start using today.

Guest bio and links:
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.

Podcast Highlights - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4IUH1vI6U8

ScriptAnalyzer blog - https://gilbertsanchez.com/posts/sharing-custom-psscriptanalyzer-rules/
https://links.gilbertsanchez.com

https://gist.github.com/HeyItsGilbert/c832cdab8eeee2ae385df12ce5e68dda

PowerShell Podcast Home page: https://www.pdq.com/resources/the-powershell-podcast/

PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TX2r6ewSwjg

 

 

Miriam Wiesner on Identity Hygiene, Security Tools, and Finding Balance

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we sit down with Miriam Wiesner, a Senior Security Research Program Manager at Microsoft, to dive into the fascinating world of security and identity hygiene. Miriam shares her expertise on the GraphAPI and the critical importance of maintaining proper identity hygiene in today's digital landscape.

We explore the day-to-day life of a security researcher and discuss how tools like script block logging can provide invaluable insights. Miriam also highlights the power of Kusto for analyzing data and solving complex challenges in the security space.

In addition to technical insights, Miriam opens up about the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, offering a candid look at the human side of working in a demanding and impactful field.

Guest Bio and links:

Miriam C. Wiesner is a Sr. Security Research Program Manager at Microsoft with over 15 years of experience in IT and IT Security. She has held various positions, including Administrator/System Engineer, Software Developer, Premier Field Engineer, Program Manager, and Security Consultant and Pentester.

She is also a renowned creator of open-source tools based in PowerShell, including EventList and JEAnalyzer. She was invited multiple times to present her research behind her tools at many international conferences like Black Hat (USA, Europe & Asia), PSConf EU, MITRE ATT&CK workshop, and more.

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

Previous episode with Miriam - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Csw8YYGyCg&pp=ygUObWlyaWFtIHdpZXNuZXI%3D

Practical PowerShell Empowerment For Protectors - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgqbR-7O7TI&pp=ygUObWlyaWFtIHdpZXNuZXI%3D

Echoes of Intrusion: Demystifying commonly used MS Graph API Attacks - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDK5xYx1rKg&t=677s&pp=ygUObWlyaWFtIHdpZXNuZXI%3D

PowerShell ❤️ the Blue Team - https://devblogs.microsoft.com/powershell/powershell-the-blue-team/

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftsentinelblog/the-power-of-data-collection-rules-detect-disabling-windows-defender-real-time-p/4236540

PowerShell Podcast Home page: https://www.pdq.com/resources/the-powershell-podcast/

Listen to the PowerShell Podcast: https://powershellpodcast.podbean.com/

 

 

PowerShell Evolution with Sean Wheeler: What's new in PS 7.5, AIShell, & More!

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we welcome back Sean Wheeler, Lead Documentarian at Microsoft for PowerShell, to catch up on the latest developments in the PowerShell ecosystem. Sean dives into the updates with PSResourceGet, the powerful enhancements in PowerShell 7.5, and the groundbreaking potential of the AI Shell project, designed to transform command-line experiences with artificial intelligence. We also get a recap of Sean’s experience at SpiceWorld, highlighting community insights and key takeaways from the event. Packed with expert tips and exciting news, this episode is a must-listen for PowerShell enthusiasts and IT pros alike!

Guest Bio and links: 
Sean Wheeler is the lead documentarian for PowerShell at Microsoft. For over 25 years at Microsoft, he's delivered many workshops on scripting, debugging, and advanced troubleshooting. Using scripting, he's created tools to help customers collect and analyze data used to troubleshoot and optimize their environments.

State of Sysadmin 2025 - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/33F373L

https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/utility-modules/aishell/aishell-overview

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/gallery/powershellget/psresourceget-release-notes?view=powershellget-3.x

https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/gallery/powershellget/supported-repositories?view=powershellget-3.x

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/scripting/whats-new/what-s-new-in-powershell-75?view=powershell-7.4

https://mikefrobbins.github.io/psdocs-how-to/

https://github.com/PowerShell/Community-Blog

https://www.powershellgallery.com/packages/PSStyle

Sean's blog and links to socials - https://sdwheeler.github.io/seanonit/

PowerShell Podcast Home page: https://www.pdq.com/resources/the-powershell-podcast/

Listen to the PowerShell Podcast: https://powershellpodcast.podbean.com/

 

Turning the tables. An interview with Andrew Pla

In this episode, we turn the tables and interview Andrew Pla. We explore Andrew's back story, find out how he got started in IT, and discover where his love of PowerShell comes from. We also discuss his journey from community member to advocate to PowerShell MVP. Get to know Andrew Pla!

Guest Bio and links: Andrew Pla is the host of the PowerShell Podcast, Microsoft Powershell MVP, and Community Manager at PDQ. Andrew has an extensive IT background and expertise in PowerShell. He loves interacting with the community, mentoring, and spreading the good word about PowerShell.

Website: https://andrewpla.tech

Socials: @AndrewPlaTech

Blog from Fred about our mentorship: https://allthingspowershell.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-roi-of-teaching-others.html?q=andrew+pla

First PowerShell Summit blog post: https://andrewpla.tech/personal/powershell%20summit/2018/04/22/PowerShell-Summit-=-Expectations-Exceeded/

https://allthingspowershell.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-roi-of-teaching-others.html?q=andrew+pla

https://andrewpla.tech/personal/powershell%20summit/2018/04/22/PowerShell-Summit-=-Expectations-Exceeded/

PowerShell Podcast Home page: https://www.pdq.com/resources/the-powershell-podcast/

Listen to the PowerShell Podcast: https://powershellpodcast.podbean.com/

 

Jordan Returns: A Fun Dive into Life, PowerShell, and Beyond

In this special episode, we catch up with our former cohost, Jordan, and hear about his journey since leaving the PowerShell Podcast. Jordan shares an exciting life update, offers invaluable advice on how PowerShell has shaped his career and participates in our fun "This or That" segment.
We reminisce about our favorite podcast moments, discuss a fantastic new PowerShell module for analyzing DKIM records, and explore how Jordan’s perspective on PowerShell and automation has evolved. This episode is packed with laughs, insights, and a dose of nostalgia for long-time listeners.

Guest Bio and links: 
Jordan was a host on the PowerShell Podcast and is a PowerShell lover. You can find him writing code and attending PowerShell Summit 2025

2025 State of System Administration - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/33F373L

PowerShell Script Roast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e58aMWyjf-Y

Invoke-SpfDkimDmarc - https://github.com/T13nn3s/Invoke-SpfDkimDmarc

https://x.com/DevOpsJordan

http://linkedin.com/in/hammondjordan

https://bsky.app/profile/andrewpla.tech

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

 

Growth, Grit, and Community with Steven Judd & Kevin Laux

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we sit down with Steven Judd and Kevin Laux for insights and inspiration from the PowerShell community. Steven shares his experiences overcoming the hurdles of live demos, recounts the highlights of PowerShell Saturday NC, and reveals the story behind his iconic bling and love for puns. He delves into the importance of "practice makes progress," encouraging listeners to embrace growth through consistent effort. Kevin Laux joins the conversation to discuss his journey with PowerShell, his role with the Research Triangle PowerShell User Group (RTPSUG), and the impact of community involvement.

Guest Bio and links: 
Steven Judd is a 25+ year IT Pro and most recently an Infrastructure Engineer
https://shortcutyour.life

https://github.com/stevenjudd/safelydetonate

Kevin Laux is an experienced DevOps leader and PowerShell expert with a track record of improving automation and productivity

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

https://www.youtube.com/@RTPSUG

PowerShell Podcast Home page: https://www.pdq.com/resources/the-powershell-podcast/

PowerShell Pro Tips - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K95ovoMh170

 

 

PowerShell, Microsoft Graph, and MVP Wisdom with Christian Ritter

Join us as we chat with Microsoft MVP Christian Ritter about all things PowerShell and beyond! Christian dives into his journey to becoming an MVP, his insights on Microsoft Graph, and the impact it's having in the PowerShell community. We also explore the growing PowerShell community in Germany and get an exciting preview of the upcoming PowerShell Saturday event. Whether you’re a PowerShell novice or a seasoned pro, this episode has something for everyone

Guest Bio and links:

Christian Ritter is a father of two, Microsoft MVP, PowerShell aficionado, blog author, and the founder #PSUGFFM

https://github.com/jdhitsolutions/PSBluesky

https://garytown.com/dell-command-update-install-manage-via-powershell

https://psugffm.odoo.com/pssaturday

https://github.com/HCRitter/PSMSGraphFunctions

https://hcritter.devdojo.com/automating-sign-in-analysis-with-powershell-and-microsoft-graph

https://github.com/microsoftgraph/entra-powershell

https://linktr.ee/hcritter

PowerShell Pro Tips - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K95ovoMh170

Listen to the PowerShell Podcast: https://powershellpodcast.podbean.com/