Episodios

  • Stop Trying So Hard and Start Automating Smarter with Jake Hildreth

    Stop Trying So Hard and Start Automating Smarter with Jake Hildreth
    Jan 26 2026
    Principal Security Consultant and community favorite Jake Hildreth returns to The PowerShell Podcast to talk about building smarter automation, leveling up through community, and creating tools that solve real problems. Andrew shares his “stop trying so hard” theme for the year, how working smarter applies directly to scripting and security, and why getting involved with others is one of the fastest ways to grow in your career. The conversation dives into Jake’s recent projects including Deck, a Markdown-to-terminal presentation tool built on Spectre.Console, and Stepper, a resumable scripting framework designed for long-running workflows that can’t be fully automated end-to-end. They also explore presentation skills, avoiding “death by PowerPoint,” and why security work requires constantly re-checking assumptions as threats evolve. Key Takeaways: • Work smarter, not harder — Whether you’re scripting or building a career, small sustainable improvements beat grinding yourself into a corner. • Resumable automation is a game changer — Stepper helps scripts safely pause and resume, making real-world workflows more reliable when humans or flaky APIs are part of the loop. • Community turns into real momentum — Contributing, asking questions, and sharing feedback builds skills, friendships, and opportunities faster than trying to learn alone. Guest Bio: 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, Stepper, Deck, 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. Resource Links: • Jake Hildreth’s Website – https://jakehildreth.com • Jake's GitHub - https://github.com/jakehildreth
    • Andrew's Links - https://andrewpla.tech/links
    • PowerShell Spectre Console – https://pwshspectreconsole.com/ • PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ • PowerShell Conference Europe – https://psconf.eu • PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit – https://powershellsummit.org • Jake's PowerShell Wednesday – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdV6Qecn9v0

    The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rFeoTKLerkA
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    55 m
  • From SharePoint to Security with David Sass

    From SharePoint to Security with David Sass
    Jan 19 2026
    Newly minted Microsoft MVP David Sass joins The PowerShell Podcast to talk about PowerShell notebooks, terminal tooling, and making automation approachable for teams that are hesitant to touch the console. David shares how he uses Jupyter/PowerShell notebooks as a practical “click-to-run” interface for colleagues, helping them safely run approved automation while keeping the logic documented, repeatable, and under source control. The conversation also dives into incident response automation, David’s journey from SharePoint engineering into security, and the surprising ways PowerShell can be used across Windows, cloud, and even Raspberry Pi lab clusters—while still staying focused on knowledge-sharing and building systems that don’t depend on one person. Key Takeaways: • Notebooks can remove friction for teams — combining documentation, code, and saved output creates a safer way for others to run automation without needing deep PowerShell confidence.David Sass Podcast • PowerShell scales incident response workflows — David explains how notebooks can log in, pull incidents, enrich data, and even auto-close noise, reducing UI-click fatigue for analysts.David Sass Podcast • Teaching makes you promotable — sharing knowledge reduces dependency on you, strengthens the team, and makes it easier for a business to grow your role without risk. Guest Bio: David is a Microsoft MVP and highly skilled SharePoint Guy who is focusing on Automation, Compliance, Security, Operational Excellence, Quality Assurance and hacking the unexpected out from the technology stack. Resource Links:
    • David’s link hub – https://davidsass.io/
    • Andrew's links - https://andrewpla.tech/links
    • PowerShell Spectre Console – https://pwshspectreconsole.com/
    • PowerShell Wednesdays – https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=PowerShell+Wednesdays
    • PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ
    • ClockworkPi (the handheld device shown/discussed) – https://clockworkpi.com
    • The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y03EJYpZczo
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    50 m
  • Reliability Through Planning with Matthew Gill

    Reliability Through Planning with Matthew Gill
    Jan 12 2026
    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
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    1 h y 3 m
  • PowerShell to Distinguished Engineer with Ryan Spletzer

    PowerShell to Distinguished Engineer with Ryan Spletzer
    Jan 5 2026
    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
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    1 h y 12 m
  • Building PowerShell Tools You Wish Existed with Jorge Suarez

    Building PowerShell Tools You Wish Existed with Jorge Suarez
    Dec 29 2025
    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
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    52 m
  • Living in PowerShell with Jeff Hicks

    Living in PowerShell with Jeff Hicks
    Dec 22 2025
    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
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    55 m
  • Mentorship, Mindset, and Microsoft Ignite with Shannon Eldridge-Kuehn

    Mentorship, Mindset, and Microsoft Ignite with Shannon Eldridge-Kuehn
    Dec 15 2025
    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
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    1 h y 19 m
  • Cryptography, Cracking Codes, and Breaking CBC with Dr. Al Carlson

    Cryptography, Cracking Codes, and Breaking CBC with Dr. Al Carlson
    Dec 8 2025
    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
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    1 h y 21 m