The Wired Garage with Pops | Digital Innovation Tue, 28 Jul 2026 05:00:05 -0400 https://thewiredgaragewithpops.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 The Wired Garage with Pops | Digital Innovation yes Support this Podcast 7da5a6a5-29b0-5d81-b4af-a184f634fb6f thewiredgaragewithpops@gmail.com Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation episodic false The Wired Garage with Pops — the place where technology, outdoor activities, music, mixed with a few stories and a good pour of bourbon all meet. 

The Wired Garage with Pops is a technology-driven podcast that blends deep IT expertise with real-world storytelling. Hosted by Pops — an enterprise architect, IT leader, and tech storyteller — the show explores how people and organizations navigate the evolving digital landscape.

Each episode dives into topics such as ServiceNow innovation, digital transformation, agentic AI, and the intersection of IT operations and business strategy. The show highlights not just the technology itself, but the human side of building, leading, and adapting in complex enterprise environments.

Listeners include IT professionals, executives, and technology enthusiasts who want practical insights and authentic stories from experts shaping the future of work and technology. Conversations are engaging, thoughtful, and often spiced with Pops’ down-to-earth humor and passion for the craft — whether that’s tech, BBQ, or leadership.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Digital innovation, tech storytelling, ai technology, it leadership, technology podcast Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation thewiredgaragewithpops@gmail.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/u3kve3ysmp5nix99xnf2doeh74tz?.jpg The Wired Garage with Pops | Digital Innovation https://thewiredgaragewithpops.buzzsprout.com Brian Clayton Steele Harding Your AI Agents Need a Background Check Your AI Agents Need a Background Check Pops and Steele tackle a problem most IT and finance leaders haven't caught up to yet: AI subscriptions and API spend are becoming the new shadow IT. Teams are subscribing to AI tools on corporate cards with zero governance or intake process, token-based consumption is replacing predictable licensing, and nobody's tracking the "blast radius" of what these tools can access. They walk through why AI spend breaks the old software asset management playbook (or doesn't — they debate this), how to treat AI subscriptions like governed IT assets, what review cadence makes sense (monthly until you understand it, then quarterly), and how to open the budget conversation with finance before finance opens it with you. Along the way: a $2,000-in-24-hours cautionary tale, a Lexis Nexis printer-page analogy, and Steele's line that becomes the episode's thesis — "whoever ignores the budget conversation loses the seat at the table."

Key Takeaways

  • Shadow AI hides wherever there's no intake and governance process. If you don't have a formal way to bring AI tools in, someone already brought one in without you.
  • AI spend is jagged and consumption-based, not predictable like traditional per-seat licensing — auto-approval settings and "set it and walk away" agent usage can generate runaway bills.
  • Wrong tool, wrong job costs money. The $2K/24-hour example: using a frontier model for basic tasks is "driving a Ferrari to the grocery store."
  • Treat AI subscriptions like governed IT assets — track what models, datasets, skills, and prompts are in use, ideally surfaced first in a spreadsheet, then a CMDB.
  • Ownership is shared, but accountability isn't optional — the business owns the risk, but the team that brought a tool in without process owns the consequences.
  • Review cadence: monthly until you fully understand a new tool's usage pattern; only then step back to quarterly/biannual. New capabilities may need daily/weekly checks at rollout.
  • Bring numbers to finance before they ask. Go in with an annual spend estimate, a value narrative, and a straight answer — don't let finance find out from the invoice.
  • Read the fine print on new model releases — usage multipliers (like a new model consuming 50% more of your quota) can quietly blow through limits.

Keywords / Tags
AI spend management, shadow AI, shadow IT, AI governance, ServiceNow ITAM, IT asset management, AI subscription tracking, token consumption, CMDB, AI budget, finance and IT alignment, agentic AI risk, AI cost governance, enterprise AI adoption, frontier models, AI ROI, IT leadership, CAB governance, AI sprawl, security risk AI tools, AI procurement

Is AI spend already a line item at your shop — or are you still finding out from the invoice? Drop a comment.

If you're the one who has to explain the AI bill to finance, hit subscribe — this is the show for you.

Tag the person on your team who needs to see this before the next invoice lands.

Want the one-sheeter framework Pops uses to pitch new AI tools to finance? Link in bio.

Support the show

]]> Pops and Steele tackle a problem most IT and finance leaders haven't caught up to yet: AI subscriptions and API spend are becoming the new shadow IT. Teams are subscribing to AI tools on corporate cards with zero governance or intake process, token-based consumption is replacing predictable licensing, and nobody's tracking the "blast radius" of what these tools can access. They walk through why AI spend breaks the old software asset management playbook (or doesn't — they debate this), how to treat AI subscriptions like governed IT assets, what review cadence makes sense (monthly until you understand it, then quarterly), and how to open the budget conversation with finance before finance opens it with you. Along the way: a $2,000-in-24-hours cautionary tale, a Lexis Nexis printer-page analogy, and Steele's line that becomes the episode's thesis — "whoever ignores the budget conversation loses the seat at the table."

Key Takeaways

  • Shadow AI hides wherever there's no intake and governance process. If you don't have a formal way to bring AI tools in, someone already brought one in without you.
  • AI spend is jagged and consumption-based, not predictable like traditional per-seat licensing — auto-approval settings and "set it and walk away" agent usage can generate runaway bills.
  • Wrong tool, wrong job costs money. The $2K/24-hour example: using a frontier model for basic tasks is "driving a Ferrari to the grocery store."
  • Treat AI subscriptions like governed IT assets — track what models, datasets, skills, and prompts are in use, ideally surfaced first in a spreadsheet, then a CMDB.
  • Ownership is shared, but accountability isn't optional — the business owns the risk, but the team that brought a tool in without process owns the consequences.
  • Review cadence: monthly until you fully understand a new tool's usage pattern; only then step back to quarterly/biannual. New capabilities may need daily/weekly checks at rollout.
  • Bring numbers to finance before they ask. Go in with an annual spend estimate, a value narrative, and a straight answer — don't let finance find out from the invoice.
  • Read the fine print on new model releases — usage multipliers (like a new model consuming 50% more of your quota) can quietly blow through limits.

Keywords / Tags
AI spend management, shadow AI, shadow IT, AI governance, ServiceNow ITAM, IT asset management, AI subscription tracking, token consumption, CMDB, AI budget, finance and IT alignment, agentic AI risk, AI cost governance, enterprise AI adoption, frontier models, AI ROI, IT leadership, CAB governance, AI sprawl, security risk AI tools, AI procurement

Is AI spend already a line item at your shop — or are you still finding out from the invoice? Drop a comment.

If you're the one who has to explain the AI bill to finance, hit subscribe — this is the show for you.

Tag the person on your team who needs to see this before the next invoice lands.

Want the one-sheeter framework Pops uses to pitch new AI tools to finance? Link in bio.

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-19471769 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400 1044 AI spend management, shadow AI, shadow IT, AI governance, ServiceNow ITAM, IT asset management, AI subscription tracking, token consumption, CMDB, AI budget, finance and IT alignment, agentic AI risk, AI cost governance, enterprise AI adoption, frontier m 1 40 full false Someone Racked Up $2,000 on AI in 24 Hours. Here's What They Did Wrong. Someone Racked Up $2,000 on AI in 24 Hours. Here's What They Did Wrong. Pops and Steele dig into a problem hiding in plain sight: uncontrolled AI subscription spend. As teams experiment freely with AI tools — often on personal corporate cards with zero IT or finance visibility — costs are quietly compounding into what could become a governance crisis. The two draw parallels to the early days of cloud computing and Shadow IT, arguing that AI subscriptions, tokens, and usage-based billing need to be tracked like any other IT asset, ideally landing in a CMDB. They walk through real-world cautionary tales (a $2K/day AI bill, a Meta token-spend anecdote), debate who actually owns AI risk within an organization, and lay out a practical cadence for reviewing AI spend — monthly until you understand it, then scaling back. The episode closes with concrete advice: read the fine print on your AI tool's usage limits, bring a real cost forecast to finance early, and don't wait for the invoice to start the conversation.
Key Takeaways

Shadow AI hides wherever there's no intake and governance process — not in one department, but across every team running its own point solutions.

Usage-based billing breaks traditional software asset tracking. Unlike flat licensing, token/consumption-based spend is jagged and hard to forecast without active monitoring.

Treat AI subscriptions like governed IT assets — track what models, datasets, and prompts are in use, ideally inside a CMDB, the same way you'd track any other asset with blast-radius risk.

Review cadence should match maturity, not comfort: monthly (or even daily/weekly for new capabilities) until the org actually understands its usage pattern — then it can stretch to quarterly.

Ownership of AI risk is shared, but accountability isn't. The team that brings a tool in without going through proper process still owns the consequences.

Bring a number to finance before they ask for one. Proactive cost forecasting protects the relationship — and the budget.

"Ferrari to the grocery store" problem: using frontier/premium models for simple tasks is where a lot of runaway spend comes from — match the model to the job.

AI spend management, Shadow AI, Shadow IT, AI asset management, CMDB, IT asset management, ITAM, AI governance, token-based billing, usage-based billing, AI budget, finance and IT alignment, AI subscription tracking, consumption-based licensing, AI cost governance, enterprise AI adoption, CAB governance, AI risk management
Suggested CTAs

Is AI spend already a line item at your shop — or are you still finding out about it from the invoice? Drop a comment and let us know.

If you're wrestling with AI governance at your org, hit subscribe — we're covering this space every week.

Tag someone in IT or Finance who needs to hear this before the next invoice lands.


Support the show

]]> Pops and Steele dig into a problem hiding in plain sight: uncontrolled AI subscription spend. As teams experiment freely with AI tools — often on personal corporate cards with zero IT or finance visibility — costs are quietly compounding into what could become a governance crisis. The two draw parallels to the early days of cloud computing and Shadow IT, arguing that AI subscriptions, tokens, and usage-based billing need to be tracked like any other IT asset, ideally landing in a CMDB. They walk through real-world cautionary tales (a $2K/day AI bill, a Meta token-spend anecdote), debate who actually owns AI risk within an organization, and lay out a practical cadence for reviewing AI spend — monthly until you understand it, then scaling back. The episode closes with concrete advice: read the fine print on your AI tool's usage limits, bring a real cost forecast to finance early, and don't wait for the invoice to start the conversation.
Key Takeaways

Shadow AI hides wherever there's no intake and governance process — not in one department, but across every team running its own point solutions.

Usage-based billing breaks traditional software asset tracking. Unlike flat licensing, token/consumption-based spend is jagged and hard to forecast without active monitoring.

Treat AI subscriptions like governed IT assets — track what models, datasets, and prompts are in use, ideally inside a CMDB, the same way you'd track any other asset with blast-radius risk.

Review cadence should match maturity, not comfort: monthly (or even daily/weekly for new capabilities) until the org actually understands its usage pattern — then it can stretch to quarterly.

Ownership of AI risk is shared, but accountability isn't. The team that brings a tool in without going through proper process still owns the consequences.

Bring a number to finance before they ask for one. Proactive cost forecasting protects the relationship — and the budget.

"Ferrari to the grocery store" problem: using frontier/premium models for simple tasks is where a lot of runaway spend comes from — match the model to the job.

AI spend management, Shadow AI, Shadow IT, AI asset management, CMDB, IT asset management, ITAM, AI governance, token-based billing, usage-based billing, AI budget, finance and IT alignment, AI subscription tracking, consumption-based licensing, AI cost governance, enterprise AI adoption, CAB governance, AI risk management
Suggested CTAs

Is AI spend already a line item at your shop — or are you still finding out about it from the invoice? Drop a comment and let us know.

If you're wrestling with AI governance at your org, hit subscribe — we're covering this space every week.

Tag someone in IT or Finance who needs to hear this before the next invoice lands.


Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-19471451 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400 1852 AI spend management, Shadow AI, Shadow IT, AI asset management, CMDB, IT asset management, ITAM, AI governance, token-based billing, usage-based billing, AI budget, finance and IT alignment, AI subscription tracking, consumption-based licensing, AI cost g 1 40 full false Your Company Has 6 Front Doors (And Employees Hate All of Them) Your Company Has 6 Front Doors (And Employees Hate All of Them) Your company doesn't have one front door — it has six. IT has one. HR has one. Facilities has one. Legal ops has one. And employees hate every single one of them.

In this episode, Pops and Steele pop the hood on ServiceNow Employee Center — not as another tech deployment, but as an enterprise transformation play. They tackle the governance question every organization avoids (centralized vs. federated vs. product-led ownership), why portal fragmentation is a measurable business risk and not just a UX nitpick, and how to build an executive case using real pain points and testimonials instead of another feature-list slide.

The back half gets tactical: who owns which KPI, chargeback vs. showback cost models, and the cadence for reviewing metrics with stakeholders — weekly at the platform level, monthly red/yellow/green rollups to execs, and quarterly strategic moves through CAB.

A single employee front door isn't a technology rollout — it's an organizational commitment. Product-led ownership with domain accountability is the "Goldilocks" governance model: centralized ownership becomes a bottleneck at scale, federated governance drifts without a brand standard, but product-led ownership with strong stakeholder engagement holds the line while still giving each domain room to serve its users well.

If you're an IT leader, ServiceNow product owner, or anyone fighting portal sprawl inside a large or regulated organization (yes, including law firms), this one's for you.

🍺 New episodes every week 

🚗 Subscribe for more under-the-hood conversations on ServiceNow, AI, and IT leadership.

ServiceNow Employee Center, Employee Experience, Portal Fragmentation, Business Transformation, Governance Model, Product-Led Ownership, Federated Governance, Shadow IT, Chargeback vs Showback, KPI Ownership, Executive Sponsorship, CAB, OCM (Organizational Change Management), Digital Front Door, ROI Metrics, Legal Industry IT

If you're staring down your own portal sprawl, drop a comment — how many front doors does your org actually have? Subscribe for more under-the-hood conversations on ServiceNow, AI, and IT leadership, and we'll see ya later.

Support the show

]]> Your company doesn't have one front door — it has six. IT has one. HR has one. Facilities has one. Legal ops has one. And employees hate every single one of them.

In this episode, Pops and Steele pop the hood on ServiceNow Employee Center — not as another tech deployment, but as an enterprise transformation play. They tackle the governance question every organization avoids (centralized vs. federated vs. product-led ownership), why portal fragmentation is a measurable business risk and not just a UX nitpick, and how to build an executive case using real pain points and testimonials instead of another feature-list slide.

The back half gets tactical: who owns which KPI, chargeback vs. showback cost models, and the cadence for reviewing metrics with stakeholders — weekly at the platform level, monthly red/yellow/green rollups to execs, and quarterly strategic moves through CAB.

A single employee front door isn't a technology rollout — it's an organizational commitment. Product-led ownership with domain accountability is the "Goldilocks" governance model: centralized ownership becomes a bottleneck at scale, federated governance drifts without a brand standard, but product-led ownership with strong stakeholder engagement holds the line while still giving each domain room to serve its users well.

If you're an IT leader, ServiceNow product owner, or anyone fighting portal sprawl inside a large or regulated organization (yes, including law firms), this one's for you.

🍺 New episodes every week 

🚗 Subscribe for more under-the-hood conversations on ServiceNow, AI, and IT leadership.

ServiceNow Employee Center, Employee Experience, Portal Fragmentation, Business Transformation, Governance Model, Product-Led Ownership, Federated Governance, Shadow IT, Chargeback vs Showback, KPI Ownership, Executive Sponsorship, CAB, OCM (Organizational Change Management), Digital Front Door, ROI Metrics, Legal Industry IT

If you're staring down your own portal sprawl, drop a comment — how many front doors does your org actually have? Subscribe for more under-the-hood conversations on ServiceNow, AI, and IT leadership, and we'll see ya later.

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-19458751 Tue, 14 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400 2963 ServiceNow Employee Center, Employee Experience, Portal Fragmentation, Business Transformation, Governance Model, Product-Led Ownership, Federated Governance, Shadow IT, Chargeback vs Showback, KPI Ownership, Executive Sponsorship, CAB, OCM (Organizationa 1 38 full false Persona Based AI - One Size Fits All Service Desks are Dead Persona Based AI - One Size Fits All Service Desks are Dead Most IT organizations aren't behind on technology — they're behind on thinking. In this episode, Pops and Steele sit down with Matt Coatney, CIO of a large national law firm, to break down persona-based agentic AI: virtual agents that adapt to *who* they're talking to, not just *what* they're asked. Matt shares how a law firm environment — high-touch partners, urgent deadlines, wildly different workflows across practice groups — makes generic self-service fall flat, and what it actually takes to build role-aware automation that works. They dig into data readiness, the Big Brother problem, tier-zero service desk automation, and where the real ROI conversation with a skeptical CFO needs to start. Matt also gets candid about the risks of over-permissioned AI agents digging up things "security by obscurity" used to hide.

Key Takeaways
- Persona-based AI isn't mainstream yet — the technology exists, but adoption is gated by change management, privacy comfort, and governance, not capability.
- Generic self-service fails high-touch environments. A law firm with hundreds of partner "entrepreneurs" each running practices their own way can't be served with one-size-fits-all automation — urgency and workflow context matter enormously.
- Data exhaust is the unlock. Ticket history, assets, and system usage are already-known data that can power personalization without requiring people to hand over new personal information.
- Big Brother concerns are real but manageable. Personalization lands well when it's baked into an expected workflow (like a service desk that already has ticket history) rather than feeling like surveillance.
- Agentic AI raises new data-handling risks — attachments containing PII/PHI, agents that could store or forward sensitive data, and tools like Copilot surfacing improperly secured internal information that "security by obscurity" used to hide.
- ROI is often about noise reduction. In flat organizational structures, faster, better, more personalized service reduces escalations straight to the CIO/COO — a compelling case even without hard automation-cost metrics.
- The tier-zero cleanup loop: using AI-assisted human agents today (suggested KB articles, predictive closure notes) trains and cleans the knowledge base, setting up cleaner true self-service later.
- Personal accountability doesn't disappear with AI. Ceding too much judgment to an agent ("just read my email and tell me what matters") risks missing what actually counts — and someone still owns the outcome.
- Advice for leaders starting out: network with peers (ILTA, vendor conversations), and personally use the tools — you can't lead AI adoption you haven't internalized yourself.

Keywords / Tags
persona-based AI, agentic AI, ServiceNow, IT service desk, self-service automation, tier zero support, law firm technology, legal IT, CIO leadership, AI governance, data privacy AI, Now Assist, ITSM automation, enterprise AI agents, Copilot security, change management AI, CMDB, knowledge management, virtual agents, AI adoption

If you're an IT leader wrestling with self-service that feels generic, this episode is your blueprint for making it personal — subscribe to The Wired Garage with Pops so you don't miss the next conversation, drop a comment on where your organization stands on the "mainstream vs. science fiction" scale, and share this with a fellow CIO who's still fighting the one-size-fits-all portal.

Support the show

]]> Most IT organizations aren't behind on technology — they're behind on thinking. In this episode, Pops and Steele sit down with Matt Coatney, CIO of a large national law firm, to break down persona-based agentic AI: virtual agents that adapt to *who* they're talking to, not just *what* they're asked. Matt shares how a law firm environment — high-touch partners, urgent deadlines, wildly different workflows across practice groups — makes generic self-service fall flat, and what it actually takes to build role-aware automation that works. They dig into data readiness, the Big Brother problem, tier-zero service desk automation, and where the real ROI conversation with a skeptical CFO needs to start. Matt also gets candid about the risks of over-permissioned AI agents digging up things "security by obscurity" used to hide.

Key Takeaways
- Persona-based AI isn't mainstream yet — the technology exists, but adoption is gated by change management, privacy comfort, and governance, not capability.
- Generic self-service fails high-touch environments. A law firm with hundreds of partner "entrepreneurs" each running practices their own way can't be served with one-size-fits-all automation — urgency and workflow context matter enormously.
- Data exhaust is the unlock. Ticket history, assets, and system usage are already-known data that can power personalization without requiring people to hand over new personal information.
- Big Brother concerns are real but manageable. Personalization lands well when it's baked into an expected workflow (like a service desk that already has ticket history) rather than feeling like surveillance.
- Agentic AI raises new data-handling risks — attachments containing PII/PHI, agents that could store or forward sensitive data, and tools like Copilot surfacing improperly secured internal information that "security by obscurity" used to hide.
- ROI is often about noise reduction. In flat organizational structures, faster, better, more personalized service reduces escalations straight to the CIO/COO — a compelling case even without hard automation-cost metrics.
- The tier-zero cleanup loop: using AI-assisted human agents today (suggested KB articles, predictive closure notes) trains and cleans the knowledge base, setting up cleaner true self-service later.
- Personal accountability doesn't disappear with AI. Ceding too much judgment to an agent ("just read my email and tell me what matters") risks missing what actually counts — and someone still owns the outcome.
- Advice for leaders starting out: network with peers (ILTA, vendor conversations), and personally use the tools — you can't lead AI adoption you haven't internalized yourself.

Keywords / Tags
persona-based AI, agentic AI, ServiceNow, IT service desk, self-service automation, tier zero support, law firm technology, legal IT, CIO leadership, AI governance, data privacy AI, Now Assist, ITSM automation, enterprise AI agents, Copilot security, change management AI, CMDB, knowledge management, virtual agents, AI adoption

If you're an IT leader wrestling with self-service that feels generic, this episode is your blueprint for making it personal — subscribe to The Wired Garage with Pops so you don't miss the next conversation, drop a comment on where your organization stands on the "mainstream vs. science fiction" scale, and share this with a fellow CIO who's still fighting the one-size-fits-all portal.

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-19457880 Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 2255 persona-based AI, agentic AI, ServiceNow, IT service desk, self-service automation, tier zero support, law firm technology, legal IT, CIO leadership, AI governance, data privacy AI, Now Assist, ITSM automation, enterprise AI agents, Copilot security, chan 1 37 full false We Built a Full ServiceNow App in Minutes Using Only Prompts — Live Demo We Built a Full ServiceNow App in Minutes Using Only Prompts — Live Demo In this episode of The Wired Garage with Pops, Jeremy Duncan returns for round two — and this time he brings a live demo. Jeremy is a cloud platform solution architect with 15 years on the ServiceNow platform and a track record building AI-powered solutions for Fortune 500 organizations.

The conversation opens with a ground-level breakdown of vibe coding — what it actually means, why developers bristle at the term, and how it has evolved from casual prompt-and-paste experimentation into a legitimate development paradigm. Jeremy traces that evolution directly to ServiceNow's Build Agent: an LLM-powered IDE embedded in ServiceNow Studio that uses Claude Opus (via Anthropic) and the Fluent SDK to translate natural language prompts into fully functional platform applications.

Before the demo, the crew covers the broader AI landscape — the commoditization of AI capability, the lack of regulatory guardrails, the real economic pressure building behind mass adoption, and whether the TurboTax/CPA analogy actually holds when we're talking about AI replacing not one job but every white-collar job simultaneously. Jeremy is candid: he sells this capability for a living and still has serious questions about where it leads.

Then comes the demo. Starting from a single paragraph description, Jeremy uses Build Agent to create "Pirate Smoothies" — a fully realized ordering application complete with 8 custom tables, 69 columns, a mobile-friendly customer portal, an inventory management workspace, ACLs, roles, a business rule, a Domino's-style order status tracker, and sample data. All of it built live, on camera, in roughly 25–30 minutes.

The episode closes with a clear-eyed conversation about what this means for developers, architects, ServiceNow partners, and the organizations investing in the platform: Build Agent is a speed multiplier, not a replacement for platform knowledge — and prompt engineering is the skill that separates the builders who thrive from those who just vibe.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
 - Build Agent is not vibe coding — it's an LLM-powered IDE (Claude Opus + Fluent SDK) that understands the ServiceNow platform and builds within its guardrails, not around them.
 - Prompt engineering is the skill of the 21st century. The more specific and structured your prompt, the closer the output is to what you actually need — this doesn't go away with more powerful AI.
 - Build Agent can take a plain English description and produce a complete application — tables, columns, roles, ACLs, portal, workspace, workflows, and sample data — in 25–30 minutes.
 - Platform knowledge still matters. CIOs are going to want people who understand how to build, not just people who can prompt. Build Agent accelerates skilled builders; it doesn't replace them.
 - Now Assist is a family of capabilities — virtual agent, skills, agents, spoke generator, and Build Agent — not a single tool. Understanding the distinctions is critical for architects and product owners.
 - The real opportunity for most organizations is the backlog. Build Agent gives teams a legitimate path to clearing ideas and requests that have sat unbuilt for years due to dev capacity.
 - Guardrails matter. Build Agent should go through technical governance, licensing considerations for assist consumption should be understood, and organizations should establish prompt standards before giving teams open access.
 - The platform-vs.-DIY debate isn't going away. Jeremy's position: shared responsibility, regulatory compliance, data security, and architectural accountability are reasons organizations keep paying for platforms like ServiceNow even as standalone AI becomes more powerful.

KEYWORDS
ServiceNow Build Agent, ServiceNow AI coding, Now Assist, vibe coding ServiceNow, ServiceNow app development, ServiceNow studio IDE, ServiceNow Claude AI, AI platform development, prompt engineering, LLM in enterprise, agentic AI, AI automation, Fluent SDK, Claude Opus, low code no code, future of developers, AI regulation, AI ethics, ServiceNow Now LLM, citizen development, #ServiceNow, #BuildAgent, #NowAssist, #AI, #VibeCoding, #PromptEngineering, #FutureOfWork, #Automation, #PlatformDevelopment, #WiredGarage, #AIcoding, #LLM, #TechPodcast, #CloudArchitect

If you're building on ServiceNow — or you manage a team that does — this is one you need to share. Send it to your architect, your product owner, your admin who's been grinding through that backlog. Build Agent changes the conversation, and the more people in your org understand it, the faster you move. Hit subscribe so you don't miss what's coming next — and go back and listen to Round 1 with Jeremy if you haven't. Those two episodes together tell the complete story.

👍 If this episode taught you something — like, subscribe, and share it with someone who builds on ServiceNow.
🔔 Hit the bell so you don't miss the next one.
💬 Drop a comment: What would YOU build first with Build Agent?
🎙️ Missed Round 1 with Jeremy? Go listen — link below.

Support the show

]]> In this episode of The Wired Garage with Pops, Jeremy Duncan returns for round two — and this time he brings a live demo. Jeremy is a cloud platform solution architect with 15 years on the ServiceNow platform and a track record building AI-powered solutions for Fortune 500 organizations.

The conversation opens with a ground-level breakdown of vibe coding — what it actually means, why developers bristle at the term, and how it has evolved from casual prompt-and-paste experimentation into a legitimate development paradigm. Jeremy traces that evolution directly to ServiceNow's Build Agent: an LLM-powered IDE embedded in ServiceNow Studio that uses Claude Opus (via Anthropic) and the Fluent SDK to translate natural language prompts into fully functional platform applications.

Before the demo, the crew covers the broader AI landscape — the commoditization of AI capability, the lack of regulatory guardrails, the real economic pressure building behind mass adoption, and whether the TurboTax/CPA analogy actually holds when we're talking about AI replacing not one job but every white-collar job simultaneously. Jeremy is candid: he sells this capability for a living and still has serious questions about where it leads.

Then comes the demo. Starting from a single paragraph description, Jeremy uses Build Agent to create "Pirate Smoothies" — a fully realized ordering application complete with 8 custom tables, 69 columns, a mobile-friendly customer portal, an inventory management workspace, ACLs, roles, a business rule, a Domino's-style order status tracker, and sample data. All of it built live, on camera, in roughly 25–30 minutes.

The episode closes with a clear-eyed conversation about what this means for developers, architects, ServiceNow partners, and the organizations investing in the platform: Build Agent is a speed multiplier, not a replacement for platform knowledge — and prompt engineering is the skill that separates the builders who thrive from those who just vibe.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
 - Build Agent is not vibe coding — it's an LLM-powered IDE (Claude Opus + Fluent SDK) that understands the ServiceNow platform and builds within its guardrails, not around them.
 - Prompt engineering is the skill of the 21st century. The more specific and structured your prompt, the closer the output is to what you actually need — this doesn't go away with more powerful AI.
 - Build Agent can take a plain English description and produce a complete application — tables, columns, roles, ACLs, portal, workspace, workflows, and sample data — in 25–30 minutes.
 - Platform knowledge still matters. CIOs are going to want people who understand how to build, not just people who can prompt. Build Agent accelerates skilled builders; it doesn't replace them.
 - Now Assist is a family of capabilities — virtual agent, skills, agents, spoke generator, and Build Agent — not a single tool. Understanding the distinctions is critical for architects and product owners.
 - The real opportunity for most organizations is the backlog. Build Agent gives teams a legitimate path to clearing ideas and requests that have sat unbuilt for years due to dev capacity.
 - Guardrails matter. Build Agent should go through technical governance, licensing considerations for assist consumption should be understood, and organizations should establish prompt standards before giving teams open access.
 - The platform-vs.-DIY debate isn't going away. Jeremy's position: shared responsibility, regulatory compliance, data security, and architectural accountability are reasons organizations keep paying for platforms like ServiceNow even as standalone AI becomes more powerful.

KEYWORDS
ServiceNow Build Agent, ServiceNow AI coding, Now Assist, vibe coding ServiceNow, ServiceNow app development, ServiceNow studio IDE, ServiceNow Claude AI, AI platform development, prompt engineering, LLM in enterprise, agentic AI, AI automation, Fluent SDK, Claude Opus, low code no code, future of developers, AI regulation, AI ethics, ServiceNow Now LLM, citizen development, #ServiceNow, #BuildAgent, #NowAssist, #AI, #VibeCoding, #PromptEngineering, #FutureOfWork, #Automation, #PlatformDevelopment, #WiredGarage, #AIcoding, #LLM, #TechPodcast, #CloudArchitect

If you're building on ServiceNow — or you manage a team that does — this is one you need to share. Send it to your architect, your product owner, your admin who's been grinding through that backlog. Build Agent changes the conversation, and the more people in your org understand it, the faster you move. Hit subscribe so you don't miss what's coming next — and go back and listen to Round 1 with Jeremy if you haven't. Those two episodes together tell the complete story.

👍 If this episode taught you something — like, subscribe, and share it with someone who builds on ServiceNow.
🔔 Hit the bell so you don't miss the next one.
💬 Drop a comment: What would YOU build first with Build Agent?
🎙️ Missed Round 1 with Jeremy? Go listen — link below.

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-19372480 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400 4355 ServiceNow Build Agent, ServiceNow AI coding, Now Assist, vibe coding ServiceNow, ServiceNow app development, ServiceNow studio IDE, ServiceNow Claude AI, AI platform development, prompt engineering, LLM in enterprise, agentic AI, AI automation, Fluent SD 1 36 full false The Internet of Agents Is Being Wired Up Right Now — Are You Ready? The Internet of Agents Is Being Wired Up Right Now — Are You Ready? The chatbot era is winding down — and what's replacing it doesn't wait to be asked. In this episode of The Wired Garage with Pops, Pops and co-host Steele sit down with Matt Coatney, a technology leader operating at the intersection of enterprise AI and legal industry practice. Matt breaks down the real difference between a chatbot and an autonomous AI agent, shares what multi-agent systems actually look like in production today (not the sales pitch version), and offers a clear-eyed take on governance, accountability, and responsible adoption. From his own experiments building with Claude Code at home, to running AI workshops inside a major law firm, to advising on where to move fast and where to pump the brakes — this conversation is grounded, practical, and a little bit urgent. The Internet of Agents isn't a concept on a roadmap. It's being wired up right now, one workflow at a time.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
 - Agents act. Chatbots answer. A chatbot waits for your question. An agent has knowledge, skills, guardrails, and can be proactive — more like a coworker than an advisor.
 - Multi-agent systems are real, but still maturing. Most enterprise deployments today are the same capability wearing different hats. The leap to agents filling entire job roles — not just tasks — is where the real shift happens.
 - Move fast on stable infrastructure — not on everything. Target high-repetition, high-cost, low-risk tasks first. In regulated environments (law, health, finance), some things in the value stream should never be automated, regardless of capability.
 - When an agent makes a mistake, accountability still sits with you. If you didn't set up the right guardrails, that's on the human who deployed the system — the same way a manager owns the outcomes of the people they supervise.
 - Governance for agents isn't new — it's just scaling fast. Test harnesses, simulation, failure mode analysis, escalation paths. The questions are the same ones any good manager asks. The challenge is applying them at speed and at scale.
 - Skill atrophy and over-reliance are real risks. After ninety-nine good AI outputs, you stop checking the hundredth. That's fine for low-stakes work — dangerous for skills that still matter when the tool goes down.
 - "AI powered" is a marketing claim, not a fact. Get the technologists in the room. The gap between vendors who've embraced AI in a mature way and those who've just applied the label is already showing up in product quality and stability.


KEYWORDS
AI agents, autonomous agents, multi-agent systems, internet of agents, AI governance, AI accountability, enterprise AI, AI adoption, AI in legal, IT leadership, AI vs chatbot, agentic AI, AI guardrails, AI risk, AI washing, ServiceNow AI, Claude Code, MCP protocol, AI productivity, future of IT, IT service desk AI, AI skill atrophy, AI in enterprise, responsible AI, tech leadership, future of work, AI tools, wired garage


If this episode got your gears turning, share it with someone on your team who needs to hear it — especially that person who's still convinced AI is just a fancier search engine.

Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you listen. Every rating helps the garage reach more people who are wiring it up.

Take Matt's 15-minute challenge: pick one task you hate, hand it to Claude or ChatGPT, and let it show you what an agent can actually do. Then come back and tell us what happened.

Connect with Matt Coatney on LinkedIn and follow the conversation as agentic AI keeps evolving. He's one of the most grounded voices in this space.

👍 Subscribe to The Wired Garage on Substack so you never miss a recap, deep-dive, or behind-the-scenes drop from the garage.

Support the show

]]> The chatbot era is winding down — and what's replacing it doesn't wait to be asked. In this episode of The Wired Garage with Pops, Pops and co-host Steele sit down with Matt Coatney, a technology leader operating at the intersection of enterprise AI and legal industry practice. Matt breaks down the real difference between a chatbot and an autonomous AI agent, shares what multi-agent systems actually look like in production today (not the sales pitch version), and offers a clear-eyed take on governance, accountability, and responsible adoption. From his own experiments building with Claude Code at home, to running AI workshops inside a major law firm, to advising on where to move fast and where to pump the brakes — this conversation is grounded, practical, and a little bit urgent. The Internet of Agents isn't a concept on a roadmap. It's being wired up right now, one workflow at a time.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
 - Agents act. Chatbots answer. A chatbot waits for your question. An agent has knowledge, skills, guardrails, and can be proactive — more like a coworker than an advisor.
 - Multi-agent systems are real, but still maturing. Most enterprise deployments today are the same capability wearing different hats. The leap to agents filling entire job roles — not just tasks — is where the real shift happens.
 - Move fast on stable infrastructure — not on everything. Target high-repetition, high-cost, low-risk tasks first. In regulated environments (law, health, finance), some things in the value stream should never be automated, regardless of capability.
 - When an agent makes a mistake, accountability still sits with you. If you didn't set up the right guardrails, that's on the human who deployed the system — the same way a manager owns the outcomes of the people they supervise.
 - Governance for agents isn't new — it's just scaling fast. Test harnesses, simulation, failure mode analysis, escalation paths. The questions are the same ones any good manager asks. The challenge is applying them at speed and at scale.
 - Skill atrophy and over-reliance are real risks. After ninety-nine good AI outputs, you stop checking the hundredth. That's fine for low-stakes work — dangerous for skills that still matter when the tool goes down.
 - "AI powered" is a marketing claim, not a fact. Get the technologists in the room. The gap between vendors who've embraced AI in a mature way and those who've just applied the label is already showing up in product quality and stability.


KEYWORDS
AI agents, autonomous agents, multi-agent systems, internet of agents, AI governance, AI accountability, enterprise AI, AI adoption, AI in legal, IT leadership, AI vs chatbot, agentic AI, AI guardrails, AI risk, AI washing, ServiceNow AI, Claude Code, MCP protocol, AI productivity, future of IT, IT service desk AI, AI skill atrophy, AI in enterprise, responsible AI, tech leadership, future of work, AI tools, wired garage


If this episode got your gears turning, share it with someone on your team who needs to hear it — especially that person who's still convinced AI is just a fancier search engine.

Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you listen. Every rating helps the garage reach more people who are wiring it up.

Take Matt's 15-minute challenge: pick one task you hate, hand it to Claude or ChatGPT, and let it show you what an agent can actually do. Then come back and tell us what happened.

Connect with Matt Coatney on LinkedIn and follow the conversation as agentic AI keeps evolving. He's one of the most grounded voices in this space.

👍 Subscribe to The Wired Garage on Substack so you never miss a recap, deep-dive, or behind-the-scenes drop from the garage.

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-19372547 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400 2147 1 35 full false You Can't Do That? Watch Me. — Jeremy Duncan on Tech, Mentorship & Staying Human You Can't Do That? Watch Me. — Jeremy Duncan on Tech, Mentorship & Staying Human Jeremy Duncan is a cloud platform solution architect with 20+ years of experience, Fortune 500 engagements, and a reputation that precedes him — green glowing shoes and all. But behind the accolades is a story built on grit. Raised by a single mom working three jobs, Jeremy grew up watching hustle from a bar stool at a Nashville watering hole and turned that into fuel. In this episode, Jeremy takes us from a maraschino-cherry childhood to a 10-year run as a reserve police officer — all while building a career at the top of the ServiceNow ecosystem.


We get into his work connecting Ukrainian war refugees to American sponsors through the Goldman Sachs-backed welcome.us platform (later the subject of a Tribeca film), his unsanctioned mentorship cohort turning nurses and veterans into tech professionals, and his honest, grounded take on AI, workforce transformation, and how leaders should navigate the noise. He closes with two words that say it all: Choose joy.

✅ KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Grit is inherited — Jeremy's drive traces directly to watching his mom hustle across three jobs. The foundation of his work ethic wasn't a college campus, it was a bar stool.
  • Intangibles over credentials — When mentoring, Jeremy doesn't look for degrees or certifications. He looks for people who are already the "go-to" for computers, who lean in naturally, who want to sit behind a screen.
  • Technology with a human center — His most meaningful career moment wasn't a Fortune 500 deployment. It was connecting Ukrainian refugees to American families, one platform, one family at a time.
  • Imposter syndrome is universal — Even the most decorated architects feel it. The answer isn't to ignore the change — it's to ride it.
  • AI will change IT, not destroy it — Marketing is ahead of engineering. The pendulum will correct. The skill of the 21st century is prompt engineering, not just tool mastery.
  • Don't let leaders swing the pendulum too far — The C-suite mistake Jeremy sees repeatedly: wholesale pivots instead of bite-sized, thoughtful AI adoption that starts with the soul-crushing work nobody wants anyway.
  • Faith and family are the real grounding agents — When the stakes are highest, Jeremy doesn't look at the spreadsheet. He looks up.

🔑 KEYWORDS / TAGS
ServiceNow, Cloud Architecture, AI and the Future of Work, Mentorship,  Workforce Transformation, Human-Centered Design, Prompt Engineering,  Imposter Syndrome, Tech Leadership, Faith and Career, Origin Story, Reserve Police Officer, Ukrainian Refugees, welcome.us, Grit and Resilience, Choose Joy

CHAPTERS

  • Jeremy Duncan's Origin Story
  • Mentorship and Paying It Forward
  • Meaningful Projects and Humanitarian Impact
  • The Future of Technology and AI
  • The Economic Impact of AI on Employment
  • Trust and Security in Technology
  • Navigating Change in Leadership
  • Personal Grounding in a Tech-Driven World
  • The Human Element in Technology


Support the show

]]> Jeremy Duncan is a cloud platform solution architect with 20+ years of experience, Fortune 500 engagements, and a reputation that precedes him — green glowing shoes and all. But behind the accolades is a story built on grit. Raised by a single mom working three jobs, Jeremy grew up watching hustle from a bar stool at a Nashville watering hole and turned that into fuel. In this episode, Jeremy takes us from a maraschino-cherry childhood to a 10-year run as a reserve police officer — all while building a career at the top of the ServiceNow ecosystem.


We get into his work connecting Ukrainian war refugees to American sponsors through the Goldman Sachs-backed welcome.us platform (later the subject of a Tribeca film), his unsanctioned mentorship cohort turning nurses and veterans into tech professionals, and his honest, grounded take on AI, workforce transformation, and how leaders should navigate the noise. He closes with two words that say it all: Choose joy.

✅ KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Grit is inherited — Jeremy's drive traces directly to watching his mom hustle across three jobs. The foundation of his work ethic wasn't a college campus, it was a bar stool.
  • Intangibles over credentials — When mentoring, Jeremy doesn't look for degrees or certifications. He looks for people who are already the "go-to" for computers, who lean in naturally, who want to sit behind a screen.
  • Technology with a human center — His most meaningful career moment wasn't a Fortune 500 deployment. It was connecting Ukrainian refugees to American families, one platform, one family at a time.
  • Imposter syndrome is universal — Even the most decorated architects feel it. The answer isn't to ignore the change — it's to ride it.
  • AI will change IT, not destroy it — Marketing is ahead of engineering. The pendulum will correct. The skill of the 21st century is prompt engineering, not just tool mastery.
  • Don't let leaders swing the pendulum too far — The C-suite mistake Jeremy sees repeatedly: wholesale pivots instead of bite-sized, thoughtful AI adoption that starts with the soul-crushing work nobody wants anyway.
  • Faith and family are the real grounding agents — When the stakes are highest, Jeremy doesn't look at the spreadsheet. He looks up.

🔑 KEYWORDS / TAGS
ServiceNow, Cloud Architecture, AI and the Future of Work, Mentorship,  Workforce Transformation, Human-Centered Design, Prompt Engineering,  Imposter Syndrome, Tech Leadership, Faith and Career, Origin Story, Reserve Police Officer, Ukrainian Refugees, welcome.us, Grit and Resilience, Choose Joy

CHAPTERS

  • Jeremy Duncan's Origin Story
  • Mentorship and Paying It Forward
  • Meaningful Projects and Humanitarian Impact
  • The Future of Technology and AI
  • The Economic Impact of AI on Employment
  • Trust and Security in Technology
  • Navigating Change in Leadership
  • Personal Grounding in a Tech-Driven World
  • The Human Element in Technology


Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-19196890 Tue, 19 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400 3213 ServiceNow, Cloud Architecture, AI and the Future of Work, Mentorship, Workforce Transformation, Human-Centered Design, Prompt Engineering, Imposter Syndrome, Tech Leadership, Faith and Career, Origin Story, Reserve Police Officer, Ukrainian Refugees, w 1 34 full false Who's Building Your Software Now? IT, the Business, or the AI? Who's Building Your Software Now? IT, the Business, or the AI? s1e33 Who's Building Your Software Now? IT, the Business, or the AI?

This episode of The Wired Garage with Pops digs into how software delivery is being fundamentally restructured — not just accelerated. Pops and Steele walk through the evolution from traditional IT-led development to a multi-persona development model, where business users (citizen developers), professional developers, platform teams, and AI agents all share responsibility across the app lifecycle.


The conversation starts with the "why" behind citizen development — IT backlogs, understaffed teams, frustrated users waiting months for simple solutions — then moves into how governed, low-code platforms let business users get in the game without blowing up the architecture. They draw sharp lines between citizen development (process-governed, platform-scoped) and Shadow IT (your cousin's 99-cent app running on Bill's laptop).

From there they transition into agentic AI — what separates a chatbot from an agent, how AI agents plan and execute autonomously or with a human in the loop, and why governance applies to machine personas just like human ones. The episode wraps with a live screen share walkthrough of ServiceNow Studio and App Engine Studio as real-world examples of governed sit-dev platforms, plus a broader call to action for teams to start experimenting now.

Keywords: citizen development, multi-persona development, agentic AI, low-code no-code, Shadow IT, ServiceNow App Engine, ServiceNow Studio, governance, blast radius, human in the loop, AI agents, workflow automation, platform ROI, digital transformation, pro-code vs low-code, guardrails, two-lane highway, delivery velocity, compliance by design, enterprise AI

Key Takeaways

  • Multi-persona development is the new operating model — business users, pro devs, admins, and AI agents all contribute on the same governed platform
  • Citizen dev ≠ Shadow IT — the difference is process: a pipeline from idea to production vs. winging it with whoever knows somebody
  • The "Two-Lane Highway" principle — how much breadth you give someone reflects trust, character, and risk tolerance; guardrails build confidence, not restriction
  • Risk, Complexity, and Blast Radius — three filters to determine whether a task belongs to a citizen dev, a pro dev, or an AI agent
  • Agentic AI is a governed persona on the platform, not a side experiment — it plans, executes, and can operate autonomously or human-in-loop depending on stakes
  • Executives want ROI proof before scaling AI — excitement is real, but accountability, decision rights, and governance have to come with it
  • Pro devs should be advancing the ball, not building email management workflows — free them up for what actually moves the business
  • The workforce shift is already in motion — IT pros have always had to evolve; this is just the next lane change, and language/prompting skills are now table stakes
  • Low-code tools like Make.com, Zapier, and AI assistants are accessible entry points for anyone wanting to get started today

Support the show

]]> s1e33 Who's Building Your Software Now? IT, the Business, or the AI?

This episode of The Wired Garage with Pops digs into how software delivery is being fundamentally restructured — not just accelerated. Pops and Steele walk through the evolution from traditional IT-led development to a multi-persona development model, where business users (citizen developers), professional developers, platform teams, and AI agents all share responsibility across the app lifecycle.


The conversation starts with the "why" behind citizen development — IT backlogs, understaffed teams, frustrated users waiting months for simple solutions — then moves into how governed, low-code platforms let business users get in the game without blowing up the architecture. They draw sharp lines between citizen development (process-governed, platform-scoped) and Shadow IT (your cousin's 99-cent app running on Bill's laptop).

From there they transition into agentic AI — what separates a chatbot from an agent, how AI agents plan and execute autonomously or with a human in the loop, and why governance applies to machine personas just like human ones. The episode wraps with a live screen share walkthrough of ServiceNow Studio and App Engine Studio as real-world examples of governed sit-dev platforms, plus a broader call to action for teams to start experimenting now.

Keywords: citizen development, multi-persona development, agentic AI, low-code no-code, Shadow IT, ServiceNow App Engine, ServiceNow Studio, governance, blast radius, human in the loop, AI agents, workflow automation, platform ROI, digital transformation, pro-code vs low-code, guardrails, two-lane highway, delivery velocity, compliance by design, enterprise AI

Key Takeaways

  • Multi-persona development is the new operating model — business users, pro devs, admins, and AI agents all contribute on the same governed platform
  • Citizen dev ≠ Shadow IT — the difference is process: a pipeline from idea to production vs. winging it with whoever knows somebody
  • The "Two-Lane Highway" principle — how much breadth you give someone reflects trust, character, and risk tolerance; guardrails build confidence, not restriction
  • Risk, Complexity, and Blast Radius — three filters to determine whether a task belongs to a citizen dev, a pro dev, or an AI agent
  • Agentic AI is a governed persona on the platform, not a side experiment — it plans, executes, and can operate autonomously or human-in-loop depending on stakes
  • Executives want ROI proof before scaling AI — excitement is real, but accountability, decision rights, and governance have to come with it
  • Pro devs should be advancing the ball, not building email management workflows — free them up for what actually moves the business
  • The workforce shift is already in motion — IT pros have always had to evolve; this is just the next lane change, and language/prompting skills are now table stakes
  • Low-code tools like Make.com, Zapier, and AI assistants are accessible entry points for anyone wanting to get started today

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-19165961 Tue, 12 May 2026 15:00:00 -0400 2565 citizen development, multi-persona development, agentic AI, low-code no-code, Shadow IT, ServiceNow App Engine, ServiceNow Studio, governance, blast radius, human in the loop, AI agents, workflow automation, platform ROI, digital transformation, pro-code 1 33 full true Cloud-Managed Security Without the Headache with Kyce Poya Cloud-Managed Security Without the Headache with Kyce Poya s1e32 Cloud-Managed Security Without the Headache with Kyce Poya

In this episode of The Wired Garage, host Pops interviews Kyce Poya, founder of Apex IT and Security. They discuss the complexities of IT security, the importance of simplifying technology, and the innovative solutions Apex offers. Kyce shares his journey into the IT world, the challenges of building a business, and the evolving landscape of security technology, including the role of AI and analytics. The conversation emphasizes the need for proactive security measures and the value of partnerships in delivering effective solutions.

Keywords: IT security, cybersecurity, technology partnerships, physical security, AI in security, fleet management, IT leadership, business growth, customer experience, security solutions

Takeaways:

  • Kyce Poya emphasizes the importance of simplifying technology for better user experience.
  • Building Apex IT was driven by a desire to serve customers better.
  • Partnerships with technology providers are crucial for effective security solutions.
  • AI is transforming physical security through advanced analytics.
  • Proactive security measures can prevent incidents before they occur.
  • Understanding customer needs is key to delivering effective solutions.
  • The security industry has evolved significantly beyond traditional systems.
  • Installation services are an integral part of Apex IT's offerings.
  • IT leaders should ask critical questions about their current security measures.
  • Patience and strategic thinking are essential for success in business.

Sound Bites
"How do you keep people safe?"
"We do installation as well."
"Be patient and take your time."

Chapters

  • Introduction to IT Security Challenges
  • Kyce Poya's Journey into IT and Security
  • Building Apex IT: A New Approach
  • Streamlining Security Solutions for Clients
  • Key Considerations for Retail Security
  • The Role of AI in Physical Security
  • Innovations in Fleet Operations and Management
  • Future Directions for Apex IT
  • Mindset Shifts in Security Leadership
  • Lessons Learned as a Business Founder
  • Advice for Aspiring IT Professionals

Support the show

]]> s1e32 Cloud-Managed Security Without the Headache with Kyce Poya

In this episode of The Wired Garage, host Pops interviews Kyce Poya, founder of Apex IT and Security. They discuss the complexities of IT security, the importance of simplifying technology, and the innovative solutions Apex offers. Kyce shares his journey into the IT world, the challenges of building a business, and the evolving landscape of security technology, including the role of AI and analytics. The conversation emphasizes the need for proactive security measures and the value of partnerships in delivering effective solutions.

Keywords: IT security, cybersecurity, technology partnerships, physical security, AI in security, fleet management, IT leadership, business growth, customer experience, security solutions

Takeaways:

  • Kyce Poya emphasizes the importance of simplifying technology for better user experience.
  • Building Apex IT was driven by a desire to serve customers better.
  • Partnerships with technology providers are crucial for effective security solutions.
  • AI is transforming physical security through advanced analytics.
  • Proactive security measures can prevent incidents before they occur.
  • Understanding customer needs is key to delivering effective solutions.
  • The security industry has evolved significantly beyond traditional systems.
  • Installation services are an integral part of Apex IT's offerings.
  • IT leaders should ask critical questions about their current security measures.
  • Patience and strategic thinking are essential for success in business.

Sound Bites
"How do you keep people safe?"
"We do installation as well."
"Be patient and take your time."

Chapters

  • Introduction to IT Security Challenges
  • Kyce Poya's Journey into IT and Security
  • Building Apex IT: A New Approach
  • Streamlining Security Solutions for Clients
  • Key Considerations for Retail Security
  • The Role of AI in Physical Security
  • Innovations in Fleet Operations and Management
  • Future Directions for Apex IT
  • Mindset Shifts in Security Leadership
  • Lessons Learned as a Business Founder
  • Advice for Aspiring IT Professionals

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-19072088 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400 1615 IT security, cybersecurity, technology partnerships, physical security, AI in security, fleet management, IT leadership, business growth, customer experience, security solutions 1 32 full false AI Agents Are Replacing IT Workflows — Not People. Here's the Difference AI Agents Are Replacing IT Workflows — Not People. Here's the Difference s1e31 AI Agents Are Replacing IT Workflows — Not People. Here's the Difference

Is your IT operation ready for AI agents? Not chatbots. Not automation 
rules. Actual agents that observe, plan, and act on their own.

In this episode of The Wired Garage with Pops, Steele and Pops go 
under the hood of Agentic AI in ITSM — breaking down how AI agents 
are changing incident triage, change management, and CMDB health in 
real IT environments.

🔧 What we cover:
- Why traditional ITSM automation is getting brittle
- How agentic AI thinks vs. how old automation rules work
- LIVE demo inside ServiceNow AI Agent Studio
- 3 real use cases: Incident Triage, Change Co-Pilot & CMDB Health
- Guardrails, blast radius, and why autonomy has to be earned
- The metrics that actually tell you if agents are working
- What executives are asking — and what IT leaders need to answer

💬 The quote that says it all:
"If you thought a bad process could run fast when automated... 
wait until you add AI on top of that."

Whether you're in IT ops, running ServiceNow, leading a team, or just 
trying to understand where AI is actually landing in the real world — 
this one's for you.

🔔 Subscribe for more no-hype tech talk from the garage.

📩 Got a story or question? Send it our way.

⏱️ Chapters:
- Welcome to The Wired Garage
- What Is ITSM Really?
- Why ITSM Still Struggles
- Why Old Automation Gets Brittle
- Agentic AI: Observe, Plan, Act
- Guardrails: Data, Scope & Autonomy
- Recommendation → Supervised → Autonomous
- Controlling the Blast Radius
- Specialized Agents vs. One Superstar
- Use Case #1: Agentic Incident Triage
- LIVE DEMO: AI Agent Studio in ServiceNow
- Use Case #2: Change Management Co-Pilot
- Use Case #3: Agentic CMDB Health
- Measuring CMDB Health Before & After
- How Executives Are Responding
- Metrics That Actually Matter
- Pitfalls & Guardrail Failures
- How to Prepare Your Team
- Rapid Fire Takeaways

#AgenticAI #ITSM #ServiceNow #ITAutomation #AIAgents #CMDB 
#ChangeManagement #ITLeadership #WiredGarageWithPops #ArtificialIntelligence

Support the show

]]> s1e31 AI Agents Are Replacing IT Workflows — Not People. Here's the Difference

Is your IT operation ready for AI agents? Not chatbots. Not automation 
rules. Actual agents that observe, plan, and act on their own.

In this episode of The Wired Garage with Pops, Steele and Pops go 
under the hood of Agentic AI in ITSM — breaking down how AI agents 
are changing incident triage, change management, and CMDB health in 
real IT environments.

🔧 What we cover:
- Why traditional ITSM automation is getting brittle
- How agentic AI thinks vs. how old automation rules work
- LIVE demo inside ServiceNow AI Agent Studio
- 3 real use cases: Incident Triage, Change Co-Pilot & CMDB Health
- Guardrails, blast radius, and why autonomy has to be earned
- The metrics that actually tell you if agents are working
- What executives are asking — and what IT leaders need to answer

💬 The quote that says it all:
"If you thought a bad process could run fast when automated... 
wait until you add AI on top of that."

Whether you're in IT ops, running ServiceNow, leading a team, or just 
trying to understand where AI is actually landing in the real world — 
this one's for you.

🔔 Subscribe for more no-hype tech talk from the garage.

📩 Got a story or question? Send it our way.

⏱️ Chapters:
- Welcome to The Wired Garage
- What Is ITSM Really?
- Why ITSM Still Struggles
- Why Old Automation Gets Brittle
- Agentic AI: Observe, Plan, Act
- Guardrails: Data, Scope & Autonomy
- Recommendation → Supervised → Autonomous
- Controlling the Blast Radius
- Specialized Agents vs. One Superstar
- Use Case #1: Agentic Incident Triage
- LIVE DEMO: AI Agent Studio in ServiceNow
- Use Case #2: Change Management Co-Pilot
- Use Case #3: Agentic CMDB Health
- Measuring CMDB Health Before & After
- How Executives Are Responding
- Metrics That Actually Matter
- Pitfalls & Guardrail Failures
- How to Prepare Your Team
- Rapid Fire Takeaways

#AgenticAI #ITSM #ServiceNow #ITAutomation #AIAgents #CMDB 
#ChangeManagement #ITLeadership #WiredGarageWithPops #ArtificialIntelligence

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-19049279 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400 2084 Agentic AI, ITSM, ServiceNow, IT Automation, AI Agents, CMDB, Change Management, IT Leadership, Wired Garage With Pops, Artificial Intelligence 1 31 full false Navigating Messy Enterprises - Insights from Experienced Architects Navigating Messy Enterprises - Insights from Experienced Architects s1e30 Navigating Messy Enterprises   Insights from Experienced Architects 

This episode of The Wired Garage with Pops is a roundtable with three “recovering” enterprise architects discussing what enterprise architecture really looks like in practice over a career. They frame EA less as a job title and more as a mindset that bridges business strategy with the messy reality of technology, legacy systems, and organizational behavior. The conversation covers recognizing “messy” enterprises, saying no (or “not yet”) to cool tech like AI and new platforms, governance and decision frameworks, empathy and frontline experience, and how their beliefs and communication styles have evolved.

  • EA is a mindset, not a title. You don’t stop being an architect when the job title changes; it’s a way of thinking that follows you into leadership, platform ownership, and solution delivery. Architecture is as much about people, context, timing, and decisions as it is about diagrams and standards.
  • What makes an enterprise “messy”? “Messy” isn’t just lots of tech; it’s unclear decision-making, weak governance, overlapping tools, and skills spread too thin across too many platforms. Mergers, half-in/half-out cloud moves, redundant monitoring tools, and fragmented information repositories all contribute to mess over time, often from good intentions. A clean decision structure and a clear plan can coexist with temporary mess; the real danger is unmanaged complexity and poor visibility, especially for security.
  • Role of the architect: giraffe, not wizard. A good architect is like a giraffe on safari: they see farther, spot danger early, and buy the organization time to choose options instead of reacting in panic. The value is in anticipating issues, proposing options (hybrid models, phased approaches), and structuring decisions so mess is prevented or at least contained.
  • Saying “no” (or “how”) to cool tech. Often the right call is to say “not yet” to AI, new SaaS, or hot platforms when knowledge management, data quality, or operating models aren’t ready. The architect’s job isn’t simply “no”; it’s reframing the conversation to “how do we get there?” with a realistic path, timeline, and alignment to business priorities. Start with business outcomes and capabilities, then choose solutions and platforms last; starting from tools locks you in and reduces long-term flexibility.
  • Governance, frameworks, and alignment. Using themes, epics, and idea portals helps ensure every piece of work ties back to business strategy and prevents scattered, one-off projects. Any governance framework can work, but the critical part is using it consistently so decisions are traceable and you can understand and revisit past choices. Feedback loops and organizational change management are needed early and often, so you can see how decisions play out (e.g., a 3‑day install becoming 14).
  • Empathy, communication, and frontline experience. They stress empathy: everything in IT is in service to someone, and it’s easy to forget that if you never see real users. Frontline roles (help desk, service desk, customer success) are invaluable; going back periodically keeps you grounded in how people actually experience your systems. One example: a CMDB/CSDM explanation was reframed as a ballet analogy tailored to an executive’s interests, which made the concept finally stick. Great architects practice empathetic storytelling—knowing the audience, choosing the right narrative, and over-communicating during change.
  • Avoiding “villain” status between business and IT. Architects often sit between business leaders demanding outcomes and IT teams building and running systems, which can make them the perceived “villain.” Transparency in how decisions are made, involving engineers early, and allowing people to see and participate in the conversation builds trust even when the answer is no. You can’t be an “Oz behind a curtain”; visible participation, feedback, and iterati

Support the show

]]> s1e30 Navigating Messy Enterprises   Insights from Experienced Architects 

This episode of The Wired Garage with Pops is a roundtable with three “recovering” enterprise architects discussing what enterprise architecture really looks like in practice over a career. They frame EA less as a job title and more as a mindset that bridges business strategy with the messy reality of technology, legacy systems, and organizational behavior. The conversation covers recognizing “messy” enterprises, saying no (or “not yet”) to cool tech like AI and new platforms, governance and decision frameworks, empathy and frontline experience, and how their beliefs and communication styles have evolved.

  • EA is a mindset, not a title. You don’t stop being an architect when the job title changes; it’s a way of thinking that follows you into leadership, platform ownership, and solution delivery. Architecture is as much about people, context, timing, and decisions as it is about diagrams and standards.
  • What makes an enterprise “messy”? “Messy” isn’t just lots of tech; it’s unclear decision-making, weak governance, overlapping tools, and skills spread too thin across too many platforms. Mergers, half-in/half-out cloud moves, redundant monitoring tools, and fragmented information repositories all contribute to mess over time, often from good intentions. A clean decision structure and a clear plan can coexist with temporary mess; the real danger is unmanaged complexity and poor visibility, especially for security.
  • Role of the architect: giraffe, not wizard. A good architect is like a giraffe on safari: they see farther, spot danger early, and buy the organization time to choose options instead of reacting in panic. The value is in anticipating issues, proposing options (hybrid models, phased approaches), and structuring decisions so mess is prevented or at least contained.
  • Saying “no” (or “how”) to cool tech. Often the right call is to say “not yet” to AI, new SaaS, or hot platforms when knowledge management, data quality, or operating models aren’t ready. The architect’s job isn’t simply “no”; it’s reframing the conversation to “how do we get there?” with a realistic path, timeline, and alignment to business priorities. Start with business outcomes and capabilities, then choose solutions and platforms last; starting from tools locks you in and reduces long-term flexibility.
  • Governance, frameworks, and alignment. Using themes, epics, and idea portals helps ensure every piece of work ties back to business strategy and prevents scattered, one-off projects. Any governance framework can work, but the critical part is using it consistently so decisions are traceable and you can understand and revisit past choices. Feedback loops and organizational change management are needed early and often, so you can see how decisions play out (e.g., a 3‑day install becoming 14).
  • Empathy, communication, and frontline experience. They stress empathy: everything in IT is in service to someone, and it’s easy to forget that if you never see real users. Frontline roles (help desk, service desk, customer success) are invaluable; going back periodically keeps you grounded in how people actually experience your systems. One example: a CMDB/CSDM explanation was reframed as a ballet analogy tailored to an executive’s interests, which made the concept finally stick. Great architects practice empathetic storytelling—knowing the audience, choosing the right narrative, and over-communicating during change.
  • Avoiding “villain” status between business and IT. Architects often sit between business leaders demanding outcomes and IT teams building and running systems, which can make them the perceived “villain.” Transparency in how decisions are made, involving engineers early, and allowing people to see and participate in the conversation builds trust even when the answer is no. You can’t be an “Oz behind a curtain”; visible participation, feedback, and iterati

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-18995106 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400 2482 Enterprise architecture mindset, Messy enterprise/legacy complexity, Governance and decision structure, Greenfield vs legacy environments, Redundant tools and platforms (SaaS, monitoring, cloud), Business outcomes first, tech second, Frameworks, themes, a 1 30 full false A Candid Conversation on Life, Leadership, and the Stories Behind a Global CEO with Chad Mattix A Candid Conversation on Life, Leadership, and the Stories Behind a Global CEO with Chad Mattix S1E29 A Candid Conversation on Life, Leadership, and the Stories Behind a Global CEO with Chad Mattix
This episode of The Wired Garage with Pops features Chad Mattix, founder and CEO of Kinnetix, an IT field services company supporting customers around the world. Chad shares how an entrepreneurial childhood, a paper route, and early exposure to ham radio and custom PC building with his father set the foundation for his career in technology and business. He walks through, starting his first company as a Miami University junior, scaling through law firms and regional clients, navigating tough economic cycles, and learning to balance risk, integrity, and perseverance as a leader. The conversation also explores the human side of entrepreneurship—marriage, family, grief, faith, friendship, travel, cigars, bourbon, and shared rituals that keep him grounded while leading teams across multiple cultures and countries.

Keywords: leadership, entrepreneurship, personal growth, mentorship, family, technology, business challenges, networking, resilience, life lessons
​
SEO-friendly keywords: The Wired Garage with Pops podcast, ​Chad Mattix interview, Kinnetix IT field services, Entrepreneurial leadership story, Building a values-driven company, Leading teams across cultures, Handling failure as a founder, Perseverance and resilience in business, Work–life balance for entrepreneurs, Mentors and role models in tech, Miami University entrepreneurship story, Law firm technology and WordPerfect history, Family fatherhood and legacy, Faith and returning to church, Cigars and bourbon conversations, Travel, F1, and bucket-list experiences
​
Key Takeaways

  • Failure as an efficient teacher
  • Chad reframes failure as an “efficient” way to learn, especially when you strip out emotion, ask whether the idea was structured wrong, and iterate quickly instead of getting stuck.
  • Many people let one big failure become their permanent stopping point; disrupting that narrative is essential to keep growing.

Support the show

]]> S1E29 A Candid Conversation on Life, Leadership, and the Stories Behind a Global CEO with Chad Mattix
This episode of The Wired Garage with Pops features Chad Mattix, founder and CEO of Kinnetix, an IT field services company supporting customers around the world. Chad shares how an entrepreneurial childhood, a paper route, and early exposure to ham radio and custom PC building with his father set the foundation for his career in technology and business. He walks through, starting his first company as a Miami University junior, scaling through law firms and regional clients, navigating tough economic cycles, and learning to balance risk, integrity, and perseverance as a leader. The conversation also explores the human side of entrepreneurship—marriage, family, grief, faith, friendship, travel, cigars, bourbon, and shared rituals that keep him grounded while leading teams across multiple cultures and countries.

Keywords: leadership, entrepreneurship, personal growth, mentorship, family, technology, business challenges, networking, resilience, life lessons
​
SEO-friendly keywords: The Wired Garage with Pops podcast, ​Chad Mattix interview, Kinnetix IT field services, Entrepreneurial leadership story, Building a values-driven company, Leading teams across cultures, Handling failure as a founder, Perseverance and resilience in business, Work–life balance for entrepreneurs, Mentors and role models in tech, Miami University entrepreneurship story, Law firm technology and WordPerfect history, Family fatherhood and legacy, Faith and returning to church, Cigars and bourbon conversations, Travel, F1, and bucket-list experiences
​
Key Takeaways

  • Failure as an efficient teacher
  • Chad reframes failure as an “efficient” way to learn, especially when you strip out emotion, ask whether the idea was structured wrong, and iterate quickly instead of getting stuck.
  • Many people let one big failure become their permanent stopping point; disrupting that narrative is essential to keep growing.

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-18968614 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400 2766 The Wired Garage with Pops podcast, ​Chad Mattix interview, Kinnetix IT field services, Entrepreneurial leadership story, Building a values-driven company, Leading teams across cultures, Handling failure as a founder, Perseverance and resilience in busine 1 29 full false Global IT Field Services at Scale with Chad Mattix Global IT Field Services at Scale with Chad Mattix s1e28 Global IT Field Services at Scale with Chad Mattix

In this episode of The Wired Garage with Pops, we pop the hood on global IT field services with Chad Mattix, founder and CEO of Kinettix, a field service provider that gets skilled IT technicians onsite in over 90 countries, often within 24 hours, 24/7/365. Kinettix supports large retailers, telecoms, banks, restaurants, and multi‑site enterprises with everything from wireless access point installs to CCTV, large displays, and data center infrastructure deployments.

👤 Guest: Chad Mattix, Founder & CEO, Kinettix
🌐 Kinettix: (add website / LinkedIn links here)
🎙 Host: Pops (The Wired Garage with Pops)

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and share it with a fellow IT or field services leader.

Chad walks us through how Kinettix went from SmartSheets and SharePoint to a global dispatch engine that coordinates multi‑country projects, break‑fix work, and even highly remote satellite deployments, all while navigating VAT, currency, and compliance challenges. We dig into how AI, agent‑to‑context models, and better data are changing labor procurement, rate negotiations, photo validation, and end‑of‑day reporting at scale.

We also explore how IT leaders should think about:

  • Relying on contingent field services vs W‑2 employees
  • Building a global field tech network without sacrificing quality
  • Platform choices (ServiceNow, Salesforce, Azure) and avoiding fragmentation
  • DevOps, citizen development, and governance for AI and automation
  • Roadmapping ITSM and AI investments over the next 12–24 months so you don’t get crushed by technical debt or obsolescence


Tags / Keywords
global IT field services, Kinettix, Chad Mattix, IT field technicians, multi site IT deployments, retail IT infrastructure, telecom field services, data center deployments, contingent IT labor, IT service providers, ServiceNow, Salesforce, Azure platform, DevOps, citizen development, ITSM roadmap, AI in IT operations, AI for field services, IT governance, shadow IT, portfolio management, global dispatch, The Wired Garage with Pops

These reflect core topics and phrases from the episode (global field services, contingent labor, AI, ServiceNow/Azure, governance).


If you care about large‑scale IT rollouts, multi‑site operations, or how to safely bring AI and citizen developers into your service delivery stack, this one is packed with field‑tested lessons.

🎧 Topics we cover:

  • Why Chad founded Kinettix and the market gap he saw in global field services
  • How Kinettix delivers IT projects in places like mainland China, Cairo, London, and remote mining facilities in Australia
  • Moving from basic tools to a purpose‑built dispatch platform (and the $3.5M investment behind it)
  • Using AI for ticket routing, skill matching, photo validation, and deliverable audits
  • Managing margin, scale, and quality in a commoditized services business
  • Citizen developers, Power Apps, and the “Wild West” risk without governance
  • How IT leaders can protect against shadow IT and risky AI usage while still empowering teams

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and share it with a fellow IT or field services leader.

Support the show

]]> s1e28 Global IT Field Services at Scale with Chad Mattix

In this episode of The Wired Garage with Pops, we pop the hood on global IT field services with Chad Mattix, founder and CEO of Kinettix, a field service provider that gets skilled IT technicians onsite in over 90 countries, often within 24 hours, 24/7/365. Kinettix supports large retailers, telecoms, banks, restaurants, and multi‑site enterprises with everything from wireless access point installs to CCTV, large displays, and data center infrastructure deployments.

👤 Guest: Chad Mattix, Founder & CEO, Kinettix
🌐 Kinettix: (add website / LinkedIn links here)
🎙 Host: Pops (The Wired Garage with Pops)

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and share it with a fellow IT or field services leader.

Chad walks us through how Kinettix went from SmartSheets and SharePoint to a global dispatch engine that coordinates multi‑country projects, break‑fix work, and even highly remote satellite deployments, all while navigating VAT, currency, and compliance challenges. We dig into how AI, agent‑to‑context models, and better data are changing labor procurement, rate negotiations, photo validation, and end‑of‑day reporting at scale.

We also explore how IT leaders should think about:

  • Relying on contingent field services vs W‑2 employees
  • Building a global field tech network without sacrificing quality
  • Platform choices (ServiceNow, Salesforce, Azure) and avoiding fragmentation
  • DevOps, citizen development, and governance for AI and automation
  • Roadmapping ITSM and AI investments over the next 12–24 months so you don’t get crushed by technical debt or obsolescence


Tags / Keywords
global IT field services, Kinettix, Chad Mattix, IT field technicians, multi site IT deployments, retail IT infrastructure, telecom field services, data center deployments, contingent IT labor, IT service providers, ServiceNow, Salesforce, Azure platform, DevOps, citizen development, ITSM roadmap, AI in IT operations, AI for field services, IT governance, shadow IT, portfolio management, global dispatch, The Wired Garage with Pops

These reflect core topics and phrases from the episode (global field services, contingent labor, AI, ServiceNow/Azure, governance).


If you care about large‑scale IT rollouts, multi‑site operations, or how to safely bring AI and citizen developers into your service delivery stack, this one is packed with field‑tested lessons.

🎧 Topics we cover:

  • Why Chad founded Kinettix and the market gap he saw in global field services
  • How Kinettix delivers IT projects in places like mainland China, Cairo, London, and remote mining facilities in Australia
  • Moving from basic tools to a purpose‑built dispatch platform (and the $3.5M investment behind it)
  • Using AI for ticket routing, skill matching, photo validation, and deliverable audits
  • Managing margin, scale, and quality in a commoditized services business
  • Citizen developers, Power Apps, and the “Wild West” risk without governance
  • How IT leaders can protect against shadow IT and risky AI usage while still empowering teams

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and share it with a fellow IT or field services leader.

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-18914480 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400 2556 global IT field services, Kinettix, Chad Mattix, IT field technicians, multi site IT deployments, retail IT infrastructure, telecom field services, data center deployments, contingent IT labor, IT service providers, ServiceNow, Salesforce, Azure platform, 1 28 full false Still Plugged In - Keeping the Guitar Alive When Life Gets Loud with Dave McCarty Still Plugged In - Keeping the Guitar Alive When Life Gets Loud with Dave McCarty s1e27 Still Plugged In - Keeping the Guitar Alive When Life Gets Loud with Dave McCarty

🎙️ Episode Summary

🎸  Guest:  Dave McCarty, guitarist
🎙️  Hosts:  Brian "Pops" and Steele
🎧  Show:  The Wired Garage with Pops

In this follow-up conversation with guitarist Dave McCarty, *The Wired Garage with Pops* shifts from gear talk to the deeper story — what it really means to keep music alive across decades of real life. Dave opens up about balancing gigging with family, how his relationship with the guitar has matured emotionally, and why playing in a band at 55 is less about ego and more about belonging. From going on the road at 18 to nearly quitting and buying all his gear back two weeks later, Dave's story is a relatable, honest look at music as a lifelong identity — not just a hobby.

✅ Key Takeaways

  • Music doesn't retire — you adapt it.  Dave has been playing since 13, and rather than quitting, he's continuously adjusted how music fits into his life around work and family.
  • A supportive partner makes all the difference.  Dave credits his wife of 31 years as the reason he's still playing — her patience and understanding gave him the freedom to continue.
  • The people you play with shape who you become.  Older bandmates on the road at 18 kept Dave grounded and away from bad decisions — a lesson in the power of musical mentorship.
  • Ego fades, band chemistry grows.  In your 20s it's about standing out; in your 50s it's about how well the whole band sounds together.
  • Just do it — life's too short.  Dave's direct advice to anyone thinking about dusting off their instrument: if it brings you joy without wrecking your life, plug back in.
  • The younger generation of live musicians is disappearing.  Both Dave and Brian observe that the local music scene is aging out, with fewer young players stepping up to fill venues — a broader cultural concern.
  • Music as a mental anchor.  Whether it's gigging twice a month or jamming in a home studio, music keeps you moving forward — especially important heading into retirement years.


📝 Show Notes

Dave McCarty returns to *The Wired Garage with Pops* for part two of his conversation with hosts Brian ("Pops") and Steele. This episode goes beyond the gear and into the heart of what keeps a musician playing through the seasons of life.

Dave shares stories from his earliest days — hitting the road at 18 with older bandmates who became mentors — to the present, where he's still gigging a couple times a month at 55 with bandmates in their 60s. He talks candidly about nearly quitting, selling all his gear, and buying it all back within weeks.

The conversation also touches on passing music down to the next generation, the challenge of getting kids interested in live music today, the shift from 80s shredding to 90s groove-based playing, and why Iron Maiden fans will absolutely call you out if you improvise a solo.

Whether you're a weekend warrior musician, a lapsed player, or just someone who loves honest conversation about life and identity — this one's for you.

🔑 Keywords guitarist lifestyle, adult musician, keeping music alive, hobby musician, band life, music and family, aging musician, Dayton Ohio music scene, cover bands, Iron Maiden tribute, local live music, music mentorship, balancing music and work, returning to music, music identity, gigging at 50, home studio, 90s music, 80s guitar, in-ear monitors, wired garage podcast 

Support the show

]]> s1e27 Still Plugged In - Keeping the Guitar Alive When Life Gets Loud with Dave McCarty

🎙️ Episode Summary

🎸  Guest:  Dave McCarty, guitarist
🎙️  Hosts:  Brian "Pops" and Steele
🎧  Show:  The Wired Garage with Pops

In this follow-up conversation with guitarist Dave McCarty, *The Wired Garage with Pops* shifts from gear talk to the deeper story — what it really means to keep music alive across decades of real life. Dave opens up about balancing gigging with family, how his relationship with the guitar has matured emotionally, and why playing in a band at 55 is less about ego and more about belonging. From going on the road at 18 to nearly quitting and buying all his gear back two weeks later, Dave's story is a relatable, honest look at music as a lifelong identity — not just a hobby.

✅ Key Takeaways

  • Music doesn't retire — you adapt it.  Dave has been playing since 13, and rather than quitting, he's continuously adjusted how music fits into his life around work and family.
  • A supportive partner makes all the difference.  Dave credits his wife of 31 years as the reason he's still playing — her patience and understanding gave him the freedom to continue.
  • The people you play with shape who you become.  Older bandmates on the road at 18 kept Dave grounded and away from bad decisions — a lesson in the power of musical mentorship.
  • Ego fades, band chemistry grows.  In your 20s it's about standing out; in your 50s it's about how well the whole band sounds together.
  • Just do it — life's too short.  Dave's direct advice to anyone thinking about dusting off their instrument: if it brings you joy without wrecking your life, plug back in.
  • The younger generation of live musicians is disappearing.  Both Dave and Brian observe that the local music scene is aging out, with fewer young players stepping up to fill venues — a broader cultural concern.
  • Music as a mental anchor.  Whether it's gigging twice a month or jamming in a home studio, music keeps you moving forward — especially important heading into retirement years.


📝 Show Notes

Dave McCarty returns to *The Wired Garage with Pops* for part two of his conversation with hosts Brian ("Pops") and Steele. This episode goes beyond the gear and into the heart of what keeps a musician playing through the seasons of life.

Dave shares stories from his earliest days — hitting the road at 18 with older bandmates who became mentors — to the present, where he's still gigging a couple times a month at 55 with bandmates in their 60s. He talks candidly about nearly quitting, selling all his gear, and buying it all back within weeks.

The conversation also touches on passing music down to the next generation, the challenge of getting kids interested in live music today, the shift from 80s shredding to 90s groove-based playing, and why Iron Maiden fans will absolutely call you out if you improvise a solo.

Whether you're a weekend warrior musician, a lapsed player, or just someone who loves honest conversation about life and identity — this one's for you.

🔑 Keywords guitarist lifestyle, adult musician, keeping music alive, hobby musician, band life, music and family, aging musician, Dayton Ohio music scene, cover bands, Iron Maiden tribute, local live music, music mentorship, balancing music and work, returning to music, music identity, gigging at 50, home studio, 90s music, 80s guitar, in-ear monitors, wired garage podcast 

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-18900083 Sat, 28 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400 1640 guitarist lifestyle, adult musician, keeping music alive, hobby musician, band life, music and family, aging musician, Dayton Ohio music scene, cover bands, Iron Maiden tribute, local live music, music mentorship, balancing music and work, returning to mu 1 27 full false Strategies for the Future of Work with Toby Phillippe Strategies for the Future of Work with Toby Phillippe s1e26 Strategies for the Future of Work with Toby Phillippe

"Something Big Is Happening" — AI: Fear, Opportunity & Your Career
The Wired Garage With Pops | Hosts: Brian ("Pops"), Steele & Toby

The crew reacts to Matt Schumer's viral article "Something Big Is Happening," dissecting AI's real-world impact through the lens of IT professionals who've lived through every major tech wave — from CNC machines to cloud to containers. The episode runs in two halves: Fear and Opportunity, with raw, honest stories from the trenches.

Part 1 – Fear: The hosts tackle the uncomfortable reality that AI can now do in seconds what used to take skilled workers hours. They discuss job displacement, government unpreparedness, AI security risks (cyberattacks on water/power grids), prompt injection vulnerabilities, and the danger of blind trust in AI output. The concern isn't the technology itself — it's people using it as a crutch without critical thinking.

Part 2 – Opportunity: The tone shifts to what excites them most — eliminating "zombie work" (repetitive, low-value tasks) so IT professionals can focus on what humans do best: relationships, trust, accountability, and innovation. Real examples include ServiceNow's BuildAgent, AI-powered ticket routing, and using AI as a "round table of nine experts" to challenge and sharpen your thinking.
The episode closes on an optimistic note: be the giraffe, not the ostrich. AI is coming either way — the question is whether you'll adapt or get left behind.

Something Big Is Happening by Matt Shumer, Feb 9, 2026
https://shumer.dev/something-big-is-happening 

✅ KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • AI is already here — and faster than most realize. Schumer's core argument: this isn't a future problem. It's a now problem.
  • Stop using AI as a smarter Google. Treat it like a round table of domain experts — challenge it, argue with it, push back.
  • The "Brian vs. AI" trap. Employers who cut skilled staff to save money will quickly discover that the human judgment, context, and accountability don't transfer.
  • Zombie work is the biggest opportunity. Offloading repetitive, low-value tasks frees teams to innovate. That's where the real ROI is.
  • Critical thinking is the new superpower. The better your input, the better your AI output. Garbage in, garbage out — but brilliant in, brilliant out.
  • The two emerging trends: Technology will manage technology. Humans will get better at managing humans — empathy, trust, and relationships become the premium skill set.
  • AI is not one-size-fits-all. Know when to use it, when to review it, and when to trust a human instead.
  • Upskill now or fall behind. Like the machinist who learned to program the CNC machine, the goal is to evolve with the tool — not resist it.
  • You're still the 10th person at the table. AI gives you nine-tenths of the answer. Your judgment, experience, and context complete it.
  • Be the giraffe. Head up, eyes open, long view — not the ostrich with its head in the sand.

🔑 KEYWORDS / TAGS
AI and jobs, Matt Schumer Something Big Is Happening, AI fear and opportunity, artificial intelligence career, future of work AI, AI replacing jobs, IT career advice, AI in the workplace, AI upskilling, technology and employment, ServiceNow AI, AI automation IT, zombie work automation, AI critical thinking, ChatGPT vs Claude, AI prompt engineering, AI job displacement, generative AI for IT professionals

#ArtificialIntelligence #AIJobs #FutureOfWork #ITCareers #AIAutomation #TechPodcast #GenAI #UpskillWithAI #ServiceNow #CriticalThinking #AIOpportunity #WiredGarage #AIFear #ZombieWork #BeTheGiraffe

Support the show

]]> s1e26 Strategies for the Future of Work with Toby Phillippe

"Something Big Is Happening" — AI: Fear, Opportunity & Your Career
The Wired Garage With Pops | Hosts: Brian ("Pops"), Steele & Toby

The crew reacts to Matt Schumer's viral article "Something Big Is Happening," dissecting AI's real-world impact through the lens of IT professionals who've lived through every major tech wave — from CNC machines to cloud to containers. The episode runs in two halves: Fear and Opportunity, with raw, honest stories from the trenches.

Part 1 – Fear: The hosts tackle the uncomfortable reality that AI can now do in seconds what used to take skilled workers hours. They discuss job displacement, government unpreparedness, AI security risks (cyberattacks on water/power grids), prompt injection vulnerabilities, and the danger of blind trust in AI output. The concern isn't the technology itself — it's people using it as a crutch without critical thinking.

Part 2 – Opportunity: The tone shifts to what excites them most — eliminating "zombie work" (repetitive, low-value tasks) so IT professionals can focus on what humans do best: relationships, trust, accountability, and innovation. Real examples include ServiceNow's BuildAgent, AI-powered ticket routing, and using AI as a "round table of nine experts" to challenge and sharpen your thinking.
The episode closes on an optimistic note: be the giraffe, not the ostrich. AI is coming either way — the question is whether you'll adapt or get left behind.

Something Big Is Happening by Matt Shumer, Feb 9, 2026
https://shumer.dev/something-big-is-happening 

✅ KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • AI is already here — and faster than most realize. Schumer's core argument: this isn't a future problem. It's a now problem.
  • Stop using AI as a smarter Google. Treat it like a round table of domain experts — challenge it, argue with it, push back.
  • The "Brian vs. AI" trap. Employers who cut skilled staff to save money will quickly discover that the human judgment, context, and accountability don't transfer.
  • Zombie work is the biggest opportunity. Offloading repetitive, low-value tasks frees teams to innovate. That's where the real ROI is.
  • Critical thinking is the new superpower. The better your input, the better your AI output. Garbage in, garbage out — but brilliant in, brilliant out.
  • The two emerging trends: Technology will manage technology. Humans will get better at managing humans — empathy, trust, and relationships become the premium skill set.
  • AI is not one-size-fits-all. Know when to use it, when to review it, and when to trust a human instead.
  • Upskill now or fall behind. Like the machinist who learned to program the CNC machine, the goal is to evolve with the tool — not resist it.
  • You're still the 10th person at the table. AI gives you nine-tenths of the answer. Your judgment, experience, and context complete it.
  • Be the giraffe. Head up, eyes open, long view — not the ostrich with its head in the sand.

🔑 KEYWORDS / TAGS
AI and jobs, Matt Schumer Something Big Is Happening, AI fear and opportunity, artificial intelligence career, future of work AI, AI replacing jobs, IT career advice, AI in the workplace, AI upskilling, technology and employment, ServiceNow AI, AI automation IT, zombie work automation, AI critical thinking, ChatGPT vs Claude, AI prompt engineering, AI job displacement, generative AI for IT professionals

#ArtificialIntelligence #AIJobs #FutureOfWork #ITCareers #AIAutomation #TechPodcast #GenAI #UpskillWithAI #ServiceNow #CriticalThinking #AIOpportunity #WiredGarage #AIFear #ZombieWork #BeTheGiraffe

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-18895191 Tue, 24 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400 2929 1 26 full false Rocking Leadership - Insights from Matt Godsted Rocking Leadership - Insights from Matt Godsted s1e25 Rocking Leadership - Insights from Matt Godsted

In this episode of Wired Garage, host Pops interviews Matt Godsted, a strategic leader in cybersecurity and a passionate musician involved in the charity concert 'Suits That Rock.' The conversation explores the parallels between music and leadership, the impact of charity work on community engagement, and the importance of mentorship for youth in technology. Matt shares insights on managing stress, the significance of work-life balance, and the skills needed for future leaders. He emphasizes the value of giving back and finding personal fulfillment through charitable endeavors.

Keywords: cybersecurity, mentorship, charity, music, leadership, Suits That Rock, Inter Alliance, work-life balance, youth development, community engagement

Takeaways:

  • Being prepared is crucial in both music and leadership.
  • Suits That Rock raises funds for arts education.
  • The camaraderie among musicians enhances performance.
  • Leadership requires diverse skills and collaboration.
  • Stress management can come from engaging in music.
  • Finding work-life balance is essential for well-being.
  • Mentorship plays a vital role in youth development.
  • High school students can outperform full-time employees.
  • Professionalism and soft skills are critical for success.
  • Giving back should align with personal passions.

Sound Bites:

"The energy that you see on stage is all genuine."

"You have to find something that makes you happy."

"They're always willing to listen and learn."

Chapters:

  • Introduction to Matt Godsted and Suits That Rock
  • The Intersection of Music and Leadership
  • The Evolution of Suits That Rock
  • Emotional Highlights of Suits That Rock
  • Mentorship and the Inter Alliance
  • Engagement in Tech Olympics
  • Impact of the Pandemic on Education
  • Skills and Attitudes of Young Interns
  • Cybersecurity Awareness Among Students
  • The Role of Mentorship in Student Development
  • Finding Opportunities to Give Back
  • Quickfire Round: Music and Technology



Support the show

]]> s1e25 Rocking Leadership - Insights from Matt Godsted

In this episode of Wired Garage, host Pops interviews Matt Godsted, a strategic leader in cybersecurity and a passionate musician involved in the charity concert 'Suits That Rock.' The conversation explores the parallels between music and leadership, the impact of charity work on community engagement, and the importance of mentorship for youth in technology. Matt shares insights on managing stress, the significance of work-life balance, and the skills needed for future leaders. He emphasizes the value of giving back and finding personal fulfillment through charitable endeavors.

Keywords: cybersecurity, mentorship, charity, music, leadership, Suits That Rock, Inter Alliance, work-life balance, youth development, community engagement

Takeaways:

  • Being prepared is crucial in both music and leadership.
  • Suits That Rock raises funds for arts education.
  • The camaraderie among musicians enhances performance.
  • Leadership requires diverse skills and collaboration.
  • Stress management can come from engaging in music.
  • Finding work-life balance is essential for well-being.
  • Mentorship plays a vital role in youth development.
  • High school students can outperform full-time employees.
  • Professionalism and soft skills are critical for success.
  • Giving back should align with personal passions.

Sound Bites:

"The energy that you see on stage is all genuine."

"You have to find something that makes you happy."

"They're always willing to listen and learn."

Chapters:

  • Introduction to Matt Godsted and Suits That Rock
  • The Intersection of Music and Leadership
  • The Evolution of Suits That Rock
  • Emotional Highlights of Suits That Rock
  • Mentorship and the Inter Alliance
  • Engagement in Tech Olympics
  • Impact of the Pandemic on Education
  • Skills and Attitudes of Young Interns
  • Cybersecurity Awareness Among Students
  • The Role of Mentorship in Student Development
  • Finding Opportunities to Give Back
  • Quickfire Round: Music and Technology



Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-18825379 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400 2916 cybersecurity, mentorship, charity, music, leadership, Suits That Rock, Inter Alliance, work-life balance, youth development, community engagement 1 25 full false 30 Years of Hacking in Dayton - The Underground Story with Bryan Fite 30 Years of Hacking in Dayton - The Underground Story with Bryan Fite s1e24 30 Years of Hacking in Dayton - The Underground Story with Bryan Fite

Discover how Dayton, Ohio transformed from a small city into a notable hub of hacker culture and cybersecurity innovation. In this episode, Bryan Fite shares stories of early hacking days, community building, and the evolution of hacker events like DayCon, along with lessons on leadership, diversity, and staying resilient in a fast-changing landscape.

Main Topics Covered

  • The origins of Dayton’s hacking community and its influence on global security culture
  • The evolution of hacker events such as DayCon, DEFCON, and B-Sides from local meetups to international conferences
  • Insights on building inclusive communities, soft skills, and leadership in cybersecurity
  • The technological landscape of the 70s, 80s, and 90s: modems, BBS, early hacking exploits, and the rise of car hacking
  • The importance of physical presence, trust, and authentic connections in hacker culture
  • The shift from underground communities to formalized, compliant security practices


In this episode:

  • Bryan Fite walks through some of his earliest hacker moments and community roots in Dayton
  • Stories of local cons, hallway conversations, and the culture around hacker meetups
  • How Dayton’s hackers contributed to key cybersecurity concepts like RFID shielding and car hacking
  • Behind the scenes of DayCon, its unique non-concept, and community-driven origins
  • Leadership lessons learned from mentors and evolving soft skills in cybersecurity
  • The role of diversity and representation in the hacker community today
  • Reflections on the future of cybersecurity, community resilience, and the importance of physical, in-person interactions


Timestamps:

  • 00:00 - The history and influence of Dayton’s hacker community
  • 02:30 - Early hacking moments, modems, and BBS culture
  • 05:00 - Local mentors and the Dayton security scene’s roots
  • 08:00 - The evolution of hacker meetups and conferences like DayCon
  • 12:00 - The rise of hacker games and capture-the-flag traditions
  • 15:00 - Hardware hacking, RFID protection, and automotive vulnerabilities
  • 20:00 - Transition from underground meetups to formal security communities
  • 25:00 - The impact of 9/11 and shifts in hacker culture
  • 30:00 - Embracing diversity, soft skills, and leadership in cybersecurity
  • 35:00 - The role of physical presence and trust in hacker culture
  • 40:00 - Building resilient systems, signal intelligence, and future defenses
  • 45:00 - Mentoring, soft skills, emotional IQ, and community growth
  • 50:00 - The importance of inclusive, welcoming hacker communities
  • 55:00 - The call to action: Get involved, attend conferences, and build community


Resources & Links:

  • Bryan Fite - Connect on LinkedIn
  • Dayton Security Summit
  • Dayton Hackers Meetup
  • DEFCON Conference
  • B-Sides Security
  • Hack Dayton
  • Car Hacking Handbook by Agent Smith (Documented car hacking exploits)
  • Jason Scott - BBS Chronicles

Support the show

]]> s1e24 30 Years of Hacking in Dayton - The Underground Story with Bryan Fite

Discover how Dayton, Ohio transformed from a small city into a notable hub of hacker culture and cybersecurity innovation. In this episode, Bryan Fite shares stories of early hacking days, community building, and the evolution of hacker events like DayCon, along with lessons on leadership, diversity, and staying resilient in a fast-changing landscape.

Main Topics Covered

  • The origins of Dayton’s hacking community and its influence on global security culture
  • The evolution of hacker events such as DayCon, DEFCON, and B-Sides from local meetups to international conferences
  • Insights on building inclusive communities, soft skills, and leadership in cybersecurity
  • The technological landscape of the 70s, 80s, and 90s: modems, BBS, early hacking exploits, and the rise of car hacking
  • The importance of physical presence, trust, and authentic connections in hacker culture
  • The shift from underground communities to formalized, compliant security practices


In this episode:

  • Bryan Fite walks through some of his earliest hacker moments and community roots in Dayton
  • Stories of local cons, hallway conversations, and the culture around hacker meetups
  • How Dayton’s hackers contributed to key cybersecurity concepts like RFID shielding and car hacking
  • Behind the scenes of DayCon, its unique non-concept, and community-driven origins
  • Leadership lessons learned from mentors and evolving soft skills in cybersecurity
  • The role of diversity and representation in the hacker community today
  • Reflections on the future of cybersecurity, community resilience, and the importance of physical, in-person interactions


Timestamps:

  • 00:00 - The history and influence of Dayton’s hacker community
  • 02:30 - Early hacking moments, modems, and BBS culture
  • 05:00 - Local mentors and the Dayton security scene’s roots
  • 08:00 - The evolution of hacker meetups and conferences like DayCon
  • 12:00 - The rise of hacker games and capture-the-flag traditions
  • 15:00 - Hardware hacking, RFID protection, and automotive vulnerabilities
  • 20:00 - Transition from underground meetups to formal security communities
  • 25:00 - The impact of 9/11 and shifts in hacker culture
  • 30:00 - Embracing diversity, soft skills, and leadership in cybersecurity
  • 35:00 - The role of physical presence and trust in hacker culture
  • 40:00 - Building resilient systems, signal intelligence, and future defenses
  • 45:00 - Mentoring, soft skills, emotional IQ, and community growth
  • 50:00 - The importance of inclusive, welcoming hacker communities
  • 55:00 - The call to action: Get involved, attend conferences, and build community


Resources & Links:

  • Bryan Fite - Connect on LinkedIn
  • Dayton Security Summit
  • Dayton Hackers Meetup
  • DEFCON Conference
  • B-Sides Security
  • Hack Dayton
  • Car Hacking Handbook by Agent Smith (Documented car hacking exploits)
  • Jason Scott - BBS Chronicles

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-18857790 Tue, 17 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400 3032 Dayton Ohio, Hacker Culture, Cybersecurity Innovation, DayCon, Community Building, Leadership in Cybersecurity, Diversity and Inclusion, Modems and BBS, RFID Shielding, Car Hacking, Hacker Meetups, DEFCON B-Sides, Physical Presence in Tech, Cybersecurity 1 24 full false Wired Strings -The Modern Guitar Life of Dave McCarty Wired Strings -The Modern Guitar Life of Dave McCarty e1s23 Wired Strings -The Modern Guitar Life of Dave McCarty

In this conversation, Dave McCarty shares his journey as a working guitarist, discussing the evolution of his musical influences, preferences, and the impact of COVID on live performances. He reflects on the balance between playing cover songs and original music, the importance of band trust, and the role of technology in modern music collaboration. Dave also delves into his gear preferences, the essence of live performance, and his thoughts on the rise of AI in music.

Keywords: guitarist, music, bar bands, virtual collaboration, influences, tone, live performance, gear, AI in music, band trust

Takeaways:

  • Dave McCarty has transitioned from aspiring professional musician to a hobbyist guitarist.
  • COVID-19 has significantly altered the landscape for live music, with earlier late-night gigs now shifting to earlier hours.
  • Randy Rhodes, Nuno Betancourt, and Steve Vai are key influences on Dave's guitar playing style.
  • Finding a balance between playing songs you love and those that the audience enjoys is a constant challenge for musicians.
  • Musical tastes can evolve over time, leading to appreciation for artists previously overlooked.
  • The essence of a guitarist's sound is often more about feel than technical skill.
  • Live performance environments that focus on music appreciation are preferred over socializing venues.
  • Modern gear has made performances easier, reducing the need for heavy equipment.
  • Band trust is built on preparation and respect for each other's time.
  • Virtual collaborations during COVID opened new avenues for musicians to connect and create.

Sound Bites:

"What kind of guitarist are you today?"

"I’d rather people watch us than dance."

"People are there strictly to see music."

Chapters:

  • The Life of a Working Guitarist
  • Musical Influences and Evolution
  • The Balance of Performance and Personal Preference
  • The Impact of Technology on Music
  • Live Performance Experiences
  • Gear and Performance Changes
  • The Evolution of Gear and Band Dynamics
  • Navigating Virtual Collaboration During COVID
  • The Impact of AI on Music and Performance
  • The Essence of Live Performance vs. Virtual
  • The Sentimental Value of Gear and Personal Stories

Support the show

]]> e1s23 Wired Strings -The Modern Guitar Life of Dave McCarty

In this conversation, Dave McCarty shares his journey as a working guitarist, discussing the evolution of his musical influences, preferences, and the impact of COVID on live performances. He reflects on the balance between playing cover songs and original music, the importance of band trust, and the role of technology in modern music collaboration. Dave also delves into his gear preferences, the essence of live performance, and his thoughts on the rise of AI in music.

Keywords: guitarist, music, bar bands, virtual collaboration, influences, tone, live performance, gear, AI in music, band trust

Takeaways:

  • Dave McCarty has transitioned from aspiring professional musician to a hobbyist guitarist.
  • COVID-19 has significantly altered the landscape for live music, with earlier late-night gigs now shifting to earlier hours.
  • Randy Rhodes, Nuno Betancourt, and Steve Vai are key influences on Dave's guitar playing style.
  • Finding a balance between playing songs you love and those that the audience enjoys is a constant challenge for musicians.
  • Musical tastes can evolve over time, leading to appreciation for artists previously overlooked.
  • The essence of a guitarist's sound is often more about feel than technical skill.
  • Live performance environments that focus on music appreciation are preferred over socializing venues.
  • Modern gear has made performances easier, reducing the need for heavy equipment.
  • Band trust is built on preparation and respect for each other's time.
  • Virtual collaborations during COVID opened new avenues for musicians to connect and create.

Sound Bites:

"What kind of guitarist are you today?"

"I’d rather people watch us than dance."

"People are there strictly to see music."

Chapters:

  • The Life of a Working Guitarist
  • Musical Influences and Evolution
  • The Balance of Performance and Personal Preference
  • The Impact of Technology on Music
  • Live Performance Experiences
  • Gear and Performance Changes
  • The Evolution of Gear and Band Dynamics
  • Navigating Virtual Collaboration During COVID
  • The Impact of AI on Music and Performance
  • The Essence of Live Performance vs. Virtual
  • The Sentimental Value of Gear and Personal Stories

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-18825351 Sat, 14 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400 2084 guitarist, music, bar bands, virtual collaboration, influences, tone, live performance, gear, AI in music, band trust 1 23 full false From Music to Cybersecurity with Matt Godsted From Music to Cybersecurity with Matt Godsted s1e22 2026_0310 tech From Music to Cybersecurity with Matt Godsted

In this episode of The Wired Garage, host Steele interviews Matt Godsted, a strategic leader in cybersecurity and a passionate musician. They explore Matt's journey from technology to music, the importance of mentorship in IT, and the complexities of cybersecurity architecture. Matt shares insights on how different industries influence cybersecurity practices, the global risks posed by AI, and the balance between business needs and security. He emphasizes the need for effective communication and partnership between security teams and business units, as well as the importance of frameworks and metrics in measuring security effectiveness.

Takeaways:

  • Matt's journey began with technology, influenced by early computers and movies.
  • Music and technology have both played significant roles in Matt's life.
  • Mentorship is crucial in IT; it shapes careers and opportunities.
  • Cybersecurity architecture requires a broad understanding of business strategy.
  • Different industries have unique cybersecurity needs and challenges.
  • AI presents new risks that require careful management and understanding.
  • Balancing business needs with security is essential for success.
  • Effective communication of risk is key to security's role in business.
  • Frameworks like NIST guide cybersecurity practices and governance.
  • Measuring the effectiveness of security involves understanding business impact.

Keywords: cybersecurity, mentorship, technology, music, leadership, AI, risk management, business strategy, IT architecture, industry influences

Sound Bites:

  • "AI is a business driver and enabler."
  • "We need to protect our customers' data."
  • "Is it serving the business well?"

Chapters:

  • Introduction to Matt Godsted and His Dual Passions
  • The Journey from Music to Cybersecurity
  • Understanding Cybersecurity Strategy Architecture
  • Balancing Business Needs and Security
  • Frameworks and Principles in Decision Making
  • Measuring Technology's Impact on Business




Support the show

]]> s1e22 2026_0310 tech From Music to Cybersecurity with Matt Godsted

In this episode of The Wired Garage, host Steele interviews Matt Godsted, a strategic leader in cybersecurity and a passionate musician. They explore Matt's journey from technology to music, the importance of mentorship in IT, and the complexities of cybersecurity architecture. Matt shares insights on how different industries influence cybersecurity practices, the global risks posed by AI, and the balance between business needs and security. He emphasizes the need for effective communication and partnership between security teams and business units, as well as the importance of frameworks and metrics in measuring security effectiveness.

Takeaways:

  • Matt's journey began with technology, influenced by early computers and movies.
  • Music and technology have both played significant roles in Matt's life.
  • Mentorship is crucial in IT; it shapes careers and opportunities.
  • Cybersecurity architecture requires a broad understanding of business strategy.
  • Different industries have unique cybersecurity needs and challenges.
  • AI presents new risks that require careful management and understanding.
  • Balancing business needs with security is essential for success.
  • Effective communication of risk is key to security's role in business.
  • Frameworks like NIST guide cybersecurity practices and governance.
  • Measuring the effectiveness of security involves understanding business impact.

Keywords: cybersecurity, mentorship, technology, music, leadership, AI, risk management, business strategy, IT architecture, industry influences

Sound Bites:

  • "AI is a business driver and enabler."
  • "We need to protect our customers' data."
  • "Is it serving the business well?"

Chapters:

  • Introduction to Matt Godsted and His Dual Passions
  • The Journey from Music to Cybersecurity
  • Understanding Cybersecurity Strategy Architecture
  • Balancing Business Needs and Security
  • Frameworks and Principles in Decision Making
  • Measuring Technology's Impact on Business




Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-18820504 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400 2008 cybersecurity, mentorship, technology, music, leadership, AI, risk management, business strategy, IT architecture, industry influences 1 22 full false AI, Deepfakes, and the New Social Engineering War with Bryan Fite AI, Deepfakes, and the New Social Engineering War with Bryan Fite s1e21 2026_0310 tech AI, Deepfakes, and the New Social Engineering War with Bryan Fite

In this episode, Brian Fite discusses the implications of AI and deep fakes on cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to combat social engineering fraud. He introduces the concept of the Deep Fake Justice League, a collaborative effort to address the growing threat of identity manipulation. The conversation explores the nature of deep fakes, cognitive warfare, and the importance of critical thinking in a world increasingly influenced by AI. Fite also shares practical defensive strategies for organizations and individuals to safeguard against these evolving threats.

Takeaways:

  • AI and deep fakes are transforming social engineering fraud.
  • The Deep Fake Justice League aims to combat identity manipulation.
  • Understanding deep fakes requires a broader perspective beyond just video.
  • Cognitive warfare is a significant concern in today's digital landscape.
  • Defensive strategies must evolve to keep pace with AI threats.
  • Education and critical thinking are essential in cybersecurity.
  • Privacy should be a fundamental right that we protect.
  • The narrative and perception of truth are being manipulated by technology.
  • Organizations must assume breach and implement strict security measures.
  • The future of AI in cybersecurity poses both risks and opportunities.

Keywords: AI, deep fakes, cybersecurity, social engineering, fraud, cognitive warfare, digital identity, defensive strategies, technology risks, trust verification

Sound Bites:

  • "Deep fakes can manipulate trust."
  • "Cognitive warfare is a real threat."
  • "Truth has nothing to do with it."

Chapters:

  • The Rise of AI and Deep Fakes in Cybersecurity
  • The Deep Fake Justice League: A New Approach
  • Understanding Deep Fakes: Definitions and Implications
  • The Evolution of Fraud: From Identity Theft to AI Manipulation
  • The Cognitive Impact of AI: Trust and Verification
  • The Future of AI: Risks and Ethical Considerations
  • Understanding Cognitive Responses to Manipulation
  • The Role of Digital Twins in Cybersecurity
  • Defensive Strategies Against Cyber Threats
  • The Importance of Privacy in the Digital Age

Support the show

]]> s1e21 2026_0310 tech AI, Deepfakes, and the New Social Engineering War with Bryan Fite

In this episode, Brian Fite discusses the implications of AI and deep fakes on cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to combat social engineering fraud. He introduces the concept of the Deep Fake Justice League, a collaborative effort to address the growing threat of identity manipulation. The conversation explores the nature of deep fakes, cognitive warfare, and the importance of critical thinking in a world increasingly influenced by AI. Fite also shares practical defensive strategies for organizations and individuals to safeguard against these evolving threats.

Takeaways:

  • AI and deep fakes are transforming social engineering fraud.
  • The Deep Fake Justice League aims to combat identity manipulation.
  • Understanding deep fakes requires a broader perspective beyond just video.
  • Cognitive warfare is a significant concern in today's digital landscape.
  • Defensive strategies must evolve to keep pace with AI threats.
  • Education and critical thinking are essential in cybersecurity.
  • Privacy should be a fundamental right that we protect.
  • The narrative and perception of truth are being manipulated by technology.
  • Organizations must assume breach and implement strict security measures.
  • The future of AI in cybersecurity poses both risks and opportunities.

Keywords: AI, deep fakes, cybersecurity, social engineering, fraud, cognitive warfare, digital identity, defensive strategies, technology risks, trust verification

Sound Bites:

  • "Deep fakes can manipulate trust."
  • "Cognitive warfare is a real threat."
  • "Truth has nothing to do with it."

Chapters:

  • The Rise of AI and Deep Fakes in Cybersecurity
  • The Deep Fake Justice League: A New Approach
  • Understanding Deep Fakes: Definitions and Implications
  • The Evolution of Fraud: From Identity Theft to AI Manipulation
  • The Cognitive Impact of AI: Trust and Verification
  • The Future of AI: Risks and Ethical Considerations
  • Understanding Cognitive Responses to Manipulation
  • The Role of Digital Twins in Cybersecurity
  • Defensive Strategies Against Cyber Threats
  • The Importance of Privacy in the Digital Age

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-18820500 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400 3052 AI, deep fakes, cybersecurity, social engineering, fraud, cognitive warfare, digital identity, defensive strategies, technology risks, trust verification 1 21 full false Travel Hacks for Families: Maximizing Your Budget with David Cram Travel Hacks for Families: Maximizing Your Budget with David Cram S1E20 In this conversation, David Cram shares insights on optimizing family travel costs, exploring all-inclusive resorts, and leveraging loyalty programs for better travel experiences. The discussion also touches on the importance of building relationships with hotels, traveling with family, and the personal growth that comes from experiencing different cultures. The hosts share personal travel stories and tips, emphasizing the value of connecting with locals and being open to new experiences.

Keywords: family travel, travel hacks, loyalty programs, all-inclusive resorts, cruise travel, budgeting for travel, travel experiences, personal growth through travel, optimizing travel costs, cultural experiences

Takeaways

  • Optimizing travel costs can enhance family experiences.
  • All-inclusive resorts may offer better value than traditional living.
  • Researching destinations similar to favorites can lead to new adventures.
  • Loyalty programs can significantly reduce travel expenses.
  • Building relationships with hotels can lead to better service and upgrades.
  • Traveling with family creates lasting memories and connections.
  • Experiencing local culture enriches travel experiences.
  • Travel can foster personal growth and confidence.
  • Connecting with locals can provide unique insights and experiences.
  • Planning and budgeting are essential for successful travel. 

Sound Bites

"Finding the right destination is key."

"I want to talk to locals, people."

"Traveling opens you up to new experiences."

Chapters

  • Introduction to Family Travel Challenges
  • Optimizing Travel Budgets and Loyalty Programs
  • Exploring Unique Travel Destinations
  • The Importance of Building Relationships with Hotels
  • Creative Travel Funding Strategies
  • Memorable Travel Experiences and Connections
  • The Transformative Power of Travel
  • Final Thoughts on Travel and Budgeting



Support the show

]]> S1E20 In this conversation, David Cram shares insights on optimizing family travel costs, exploring all-inclusive resorts, and leveraging loyalty programs for better travel experiences. The discussion also touches on the importance of building relationships with hotels, traveling with family, and the personal growth that comes from experiencing different cultures. The hosts share personal travel stories and tips, emphasizing the value of connecting with locals and being open to new experiences.

Keywords: family travel, travel hacks, loyalty programs, all-inclusive resorts, cruise travel, budgeting for travel, travel experiences, personal growth through travel, optimizing travel costs, cultural experiences

Takeaways

  • Optimizing travel costs can enhance family experiences.
  • All-inclusive resorts may offer better value than traditional living.
  • Researching destinations similar to favorites can lead to new adventures.
  • Loyalty programs can significantly reduce travel expenses.
  • Building relationships with hotels can lead to better service and upgrades.
  • Traveling with family creates lasting memories and connections.
  • Experiencing local culture enriches travel experiences.
  • Travel can foster personal growth and confidence.
  • Connecting with locals can provide unique insights and experiences.
  • Planning and budgeting are essential for successful travel. 

Sound Bites

"Finding the right destination is key."

"I want to talk to locals, people."

"Traveling opens you up to new experiences."

Chapters

  • Introduction to Family Travel Challenges
  • Optimizing Travel Budgets and Loyalty Programs
  • Exploring Unique Travel Destinations
  • The Importance of Building Relationships with Hotels
  • Creative Travel Funding Strategies
  • Memorable Travel Experiences and Connections
  • The Transformative Power of Travel
  • Final Thoughts on Travel and Budgeting



Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-18708192 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0500 1873 full false Navigating the Tech Landscape with Andy Hickey Navigating the Tech Landscape with Andy Hickey S1E19 In this episode of The Wired Garage, the crew and Andy Hickey discuss the intersection of technology, customer success, and human-centered design. They explore Andy's journey from mission work in Honduras to his role in technology consulting and project management. The conversation delves into the importance of community in tech, the pitfalls teams face, and the significance of listening to the right voices. They emphasize the need for intuitive user experiences, the misconceptions surrounding modernization, and the role of AI in shaping the future of software development. The episode concludes with insights on measuring success and ensuring user involvement in the development process.

Keywords: technology, AI, customer success, human-centered design, modernization, user experience, agile development, consulting, software development, project management


Takeaways

  • It's not just about the technology, it's about the people.
  • Listening to the right voices is crucial for success.
  • Shipping early and iterating is always the right answer.
  • Excel sheet sprawl is a sign of bad software.
  • Modernization is about rethinking how you do your job.
  • Design-driven development changes the conversation.
  • User involvement leads to better adoption.
  • Measuring success is about business value.
  • Avoid recreating old processes in new tools.
  • The future of AI in development is wide open.


Sound Bites

"Listening to the right voices is crucial."

"We don't want to build you a faster horse."

"User involvement leads to better adoption."


Chapters

  • Andy Hickey's Journey and Mission Work
  • Building Community in Technology
  • Human-Centered Design and Adoption
  • Identifying Fragmented Systems
  • Modernization and User Experience
  • The Role of AI in Modernization
  • Engaging Users in the Process
  • Measuring Success in Modernization
  • Future Trends in UX and AI
  • Future of UX and AI in Development



Support the show

]]> S1E19 In this episode of The Wired Garage, the crew and Andy Hickey discuss the intersection of technology, customer success, and human-centered design. They explore Andy's journey from mission work in Honduras to his role in technology consulting and project management. The conversation delves into the importance of community in tech, the pitfalls teams face, and the significance of listening to the right voices. They emphasize the need for intuitive user experiences, the misconceptions surrounding modernization, and the role of AI in shaping the future of software development. The episode concludes with insights on measuring success and ensuring user involvement in the development process.

Keywords: technology, AI, customer success, human-centered design, modernization, user experience, agile development, consulting, software development, project management


Takeaways

  • It's not just about the technology, it's about the people.
  • Listening to the right voices is crucial for success.
  • Shipping early and iterating is always the right answer.
  • Excel sheet sprawl is a sign of bad software.
  • Modernization is about rethinking how you do your job.
  • Design-driven development changes the conversation.
  • User involvement leads to better adoption.
  • Measuring success is about business value.
  • Avoid recreating old processes in new tools.
  • The future of AI in development is wide open.


Sound Bites

"Listening to the right voices is crucial."

"We don't want to build you a faster horse."

"User involvement leads to better adoption."


Chapters

  • Andy Hickey's Journey and Mission Work
  • Building Community in Technology
  • Human-Centered Design and Adoption
  • Identifying Fragmented Systems
  • Modernization and User Experience
  • The Role of AI in Modernization
  • Engaging Users in the Process
  • Measuring Success in Modernization
  • Future Trends in UX and AI
  • Future of UX and AI in Development



Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-18708079 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0500 1836 1 19 full false Exploring Ski Resorts and Experiences with Matt Coatney Exploring Ski Resorts and Experiences with Matt Coatney S1E18 In this episode of The Wired Garage, hosts discuss their recent skiing adventures, the beauty of nature, and the unique features of various ski resorts. They share experiences of winter activities, cozy moments, and the joy of traveling to new places. The conversation also touches on memorable moments from past trips and future travel plans, including the excitement of attending the Winter Olympics and exploring holiday pop-up bars.

Keywords: skiing, travel, winter sports, Lake Tahoe, snowboarding, family, nature, cozy experiences, travel insurance, holiday pop-up bars

Takeaways:

  • Lake Tahoe is a favorite skiing destination due to its stunning views.
  • Ski resorts offer unique features, such as skiing between states.
  • Winter activities like tubing can be thrilling and fun.
  • Traveling to local bars enhances the experience of exploring new places.
  • Nature's beauty is a significant aspect of winter sports.
  • The Winter Olympics provide a cozy and beautiful atmosphere.
  • Meeting locals while traveling adds to the adventure.
  • Travel insurance can be a wise investment for expensive trips.
  • Holiday pop-up bars are a fun way to celebrate the season.
  • Cruising offers a unique way to explore multiple destinations.

Sound Bites:

"Lake Tahoe is my favorite place to ski."

"I love the beauty of what God provided."

"I want to go to a bar at every port."

Chapters:

  • Skiing Adventures at Lake Tahoe
  • Snowboarding Experiences and Challenges
  • Ski Resort Insights and Comparisons
  • Family Skiing Memories and Costs
  • The Cozy Side of Winter
  • Holiday Pop-Up Bars and Festive Experiences
  • Exploring Alaska: Land and Sea Adventures
  • The Joy of Meeting New People
  • Cruising: Unexpected Adventures and Local Bars
  • Travel Insurance: Is It Worth It?
  • Dreaming of Retirement: Cruising Lifestyle
  • Family Vacations: The Challenges of Group Travel
  • Conferences and Stories: Balancing Work and Fun



Support the show

]]> S1E18 In this episode of The Wired Garage, hosts discuss their recent skiing adventures, the beauty of nature, and the unique features of various ski resorts. They share experiences of winter activities, cozy moments, and the joy of traveling to new places. The conversation also touches on memorable moments from past trips and future travel plans, including the excitement of attending the Winter Olympics and exploring holiday pop-up bars.

Keywords: skiing, travel, winter sports, Lake Tahoe, snowboarding, family, nature, cozy experiences, travel insurance, holiday pop-up bars

Takeaways:

  • Lake Tahoe is a favorite skiing destination due to its stunning views.
  • Ski resorts offer unique features, such as skiing between states.
  • Winter activities like tubing can be thrilling and fun.
  • Traveling to local bars enhances the experience of exploring new places.
  • Nature's beauty is a significant aspect of winter sports.
  • The Winter Olympics provide a cozy and beautiful atmosphere.
  • Meeting locals while traveling adds to the adventure.
  • Travel insurance can be a wise investment for expensive trips.
  • Holiday pop-up bars are a fun way to celebrate the season.
  • Cruising offers a unique way to explore multiple destinations.

Sound Bites:

"Lake Tahoe is my favorite place to ski."

"I love the beauty of what God provided."

"I want to go to a bar at every port."

Chapters:

  • Skiing Adventures at Lake Tahoe
  • Snowboarding Experiences and Challenges
  • Ski Resort Insights and Comparisons
  • Family Skiing Memories and Costs
  • The Cozy Side of Winter
  • Holiday Pop-Up Bars and Festive Experiences
  • Exploring Alaska: Land and Sea Adventures
  • The Joy of Meeting New People
  • Cruising: Unexpected Adventures and Local Bars
  • Travel Insurance: Is It Worth It?
  • Dreaming of Retirement: Cruising Lifestyle
  • Family Vacations: The Challenges of Group Travel
  • Conferences and Stories: Balancing Work and Fun



Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-18702489 Sat, 28 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500 2126 full false Mastering Cost Optimization in Tech with David Cram Mastering Cost Optimization in Tech with David Cram S1E17 In this episode, David Cram from Valsync discusses the critical aspects of cost optimization in technology and operations. He highlights common pitfalls such as vendor discipline, lack of transparency, and the importance of understanding cost drivers. The conversation delves into cultural shifts necessary for achieving savings, the principles of cost optimization, and the complexities of navigating cloud costs. David emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach between finance and IT to ensure effective budget management and reinvestment strategies.

Keywords: cost optimization, vendor discipline, savings, technology management, cloud strategies, financial transparency

Takeaways

  • Understanding cost elements is crucial for optimization.
  • Lack of transparency can lead to poor vendor discipline.
  • Cultural ownership and accountability drive savings.
  • Regular reviews of inventory can reveal low-hanging fruit.
  • Negotiating contracts requires credible alternatives.
  • Awareness of market intelligence is essential for negotiations.
  • Cloud costs can be optimized through strategic planning.
  • Finance and IT must work together for effective budgeting.
  • Cost optimization should not compromise service quality.
  • Building a framework for reinvestment is key to sustainability.

 Sound Bites

"Are we really serious about it?"

"There's money on the floor."

"It's all interconnected."

Chapters

  • Introduction to Cost Optimization
  • Common Pitfalls in Tech Spending
  • Real-World Examples of Cost Savings
  • Principles of Cost Optimization
  • Navigating the Cloud and Telecom Costs
  • Establishing a Review Process for Cost Management
  • Reinvesting Savings for Future Growth



Support the show

]]> S1E17 In this episode, David Cram from Valsync discusses the critical aspects of cost optimization in technology and operations. He highlights common pitfalls such as vendor discipline, lack of transparency, and the importance of understanding cost drivers. The conversation delves into cultural shifts necessary for achieving savings, the principles of cost optimization, and the complexities of navigating cloud costs. David emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach between finance and IT to ensure effective budget management and reinvestment strategies.

Keywords: cost optimization, vendor discipline, savings, technology management, cloud strategies, financial transparency

Takeaways

  • Understanding cost elements is crucial for optimization.
  • Lack of transparency can lead to poor vendor discipline.
  • Cultural ownership and accountability drive savings.
  • Regular reviews of inventory can reveal low-hanging fruit.
  • Negotiating contracts requires credible alternatives.
  • Awareness of market intelligence is essential for negotiations.
  • Cloud costs can be optimized through strategic planning.
  • Finance and IT must work together for effective budgeting.
  • Cost optimization should not compromise service quality.
  • Building a framework for reinvestment is key to sustainability.

 Sound Bites

"Are we really serious about it?"

"There's money on the floor."

"It's all interconnected."

Chapters

  • Introduction to Cost Optimization
  • Common Pitfalls in Tech Spending
  • Real-World Examples of Cost Savings
  • Principles of Cost Optimization
  • Navigating the Cloud and Telecom Costs
  • Establishing a Review Process for Cost Management
  • Reinvesting Savings for Future Growth



Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-18708125 Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500 2100 full false Empathy in Leadership with Andy Hickey Empathy in Leadership with Andy Hickey S1E16 In this episode of The Wired Garage, host Pops and guest Andy discuss Andy's journey into mission work, particularly his experiences in Honduras. They explore the impact of cultural exchange, the importance of empathy in leadership, and the value of community engagement. Andy shares insights on how his international experiences shaped his professional outlook and personal growth, emphasizing the significance of giving back and building connections through technology.

Keywords: mission work, community engagement, empathy, technology, leadership, personal growth, international experiences, software development, volunteerism, cultural exchange

Takeaways:

  • Andy helps organizations turn ambitious ideas into scalable software.
  • His journey into mission work began with a trip to Honduras.
  • Cultural experiences can profoundly shape personal and professional growth.
  • Empathy is crucial in leadership and client relationships.
  • Community engagement can lead to significant improvements in local areas.
  • Volunteering opportunities are often fleeting; seize them when you can.
  • Building technology solutions can empower communities.
  • Every individual has a unique story worth sharing.
  • The importance of being present and listening to others' challenges.
  • Small actions, like litter pickups, can have a big impact on community pride.

Sound Bites

"It was a great experience there."

"I couldn't solve poverty."

"Everyone has a story to tell."

Chapters

  • Welcome to The Wired Garage
  • Journey to Honduras: A Mission Experience
  • Cultural Insights and Personal Growth
  • Empathy and Leadership in Tech
  • Advice for Future Mission Workers
  • Community Engagement and Local Projects
  • Citizen Development and Vibe Coding



Support the show

]]> S1E16 In this episode of The Wired Garage, host Pops and guest Andy discuss Andy's journey into mission work, particularly his experiences in Honduras. They explore the impact of cultural exchange, the importance of empathy in leadership, and the value of community engagement. Andy shares insights on how his international experiences shaped his professional outlook and personal growth, emphasizing the significance of giving back and building connections through technology.

Keywords: mission work, community engagement, empathy, technology, leadership, personal growth, international experiences, software development, volunteerism, cultural exchange

Takeaways:

  • Andy helps organizations turn ambitious ideas into scalable software.
  • His journey into mission work began with a trip to Honduras.
  • Cultural experiences can profoundly shape personal and professional growth.
  • Empathy is crucial in leadership and client relationships.
  • Community engagement can lead to significant improvements in local areas.
  • Volunteering opportunities are often fleeting; seize them when you can.
  • Building technology solutions can empower communities.
  • Every individual has a unique story worth sharing.
  • The importance of being present and listening to others' challenges.
  • Small actions, like litter pickups, can have a big impact on community pride.

Sound Bites

"It was a great experience there."

"I couldn't solve poverty."

"Everyone has a story to tell."

Chapters

  • Welcome to The Wired Garage
  • Journey to Honduras: A Mission Experience
  • Cultural Insights and Personal Growth
  • Empathy and Leadership in Tech
  • Advice for Future Mission Workers
  • Community Engagement and Local Projects
  • Citizen Development and Vibe Coding



Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-18702203 Sat, 21 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500 1931 mission work, community engagement, empathy, technology, leadership, personal growth, international experiences, software development, volunteerism, cultural exchange 1 16 full false Chatbots Were the Trailer, Agents Are the Movie with Matt Coatney Chatbots Were the Trailer, Agents Are the Movie with Matt Coatney S1E15 Welcome to a new era in technology where artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool but a transformative partner in software development. In a recent discussion on the Wired Garage podcast, Matt Coatney shared insights into how AI has shifted from basic chatbots to advanced agents capable of executing complex coding tasks with minimal human intervention. This evolution promises to revolutionize the way we approach software engineering and project management.

  • Understanding the Shift in AI Capabilities - The journey of AI began with rudimentary chatbots, which served as basic assistants performing predefined tasks. However, as highlighted in the podcast, the introduction of advanced models like Codex and ChatGPT-5.2 marks a significant turning point. Matt Coatney described his experience using these tools, noting that what once required active micromanagement has transitioned into a more autonomous process. Now, developers can provide high-level specifications and allow AI to generate functioning codebases that are tested and deployed within hours.
  • The Impact on Software Development - Matt reflects on his past experiences where he had to closely manage AI tools, which provided a mere 10-20% productivity boost. Fast forward to today, and he emphasizes the dramatic shift in productivity—now, AI can build entire mobile applications from scratch based on simple directives. This newfound efficiency can drastically reduce development timelines and improve project outcomes, allowing teams to focus on more strategic tasks rather than mundane coding chores.
  • The Importance of Clear Specifications - One of the key takeaways from the podcast is the necessity for clear specifications when working with AI. Just as a manager would provide detailed instructions to a team member, Matt suggests that the same principle applies to AI agents. He shares an example of how he was able to generate a mobile app by simply outlining the screens and features, showcasing the AI's ability to interpret and execute complex tasks with minimal input.
  • Challenges and Limitations - While the advancements in AI are impressive, there are still significant limitations. For instance, Matt points out that AI can struggle with managing dependencies between software libraries, often implementing outdated or incompatible versions. Additionally, the importance of human oversight cannot be overstated; AI should not be used in high-stakes environments like HR or legal fields where bias and accuracy are critical.
  • Ethical Considerations and Future Potential - As AI tools continue to evolve, ethical considerations must come to the forefront. Matt raises important questions about the role of human workers and the potential for AI to take over tasks that should remain human-centric. He emphasizes that not every task that can be automated should be, advocating for a thoughtful approach towards integrating AI into the workplace.
  • The conversation with Matt Coatney on the Wired Garage podcast sheds light on the transformative potential of AI in software development. From enhancing productivity to reshaping project management, AI is becoming an integral part of the tech landscape. However, as we embrace these advancements, we must remain vigilant about the ethical implications and ensure that human creativity and oversight remain at the core of our technological innovations. Key takeaways include the importance of clear specifications, understanding AI limitations, and the ethical considerations surrounding automation.

Tags: AI, software development, chatbots, Codex, ChatGPT, productivity, ethics in AI, project management, technology

Chapters

  • The Evolution of AI: From Chatbots to Agentic Teammates
  • Identifying Use Cases for AI Agents
  • AI Management: Skills for the Future
  • The Inflection Point of AI Technology
  • Future Implications of AI on Society and Work
  • Th

Support the show

]]> S1E15 Welcome to a new era in technology where artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool but a transformative partner in software development. In a recent discussion on the Wired Garage podcast, Matt Coatney shared insights into how AI has shifted from basic chatbots to advanced agents capable of executing complex coding tasks with minimal human intervention. This evolution promises to revolutionize the way we approach software engineering and project management.

  • Understanding the Shift in AI Capabilities - The journey of AI began with rudimentary chatbots, which served as basic assistants performing predefined tasks. However, as highlighted in the podcast, the introduction of advanced models like Codex and ChatGPT-5.2 marks a significant turning point. Matt Coatney described his experience using these tools, noting that what once required active micromanagement has transitioned into a more autonomous process. Now, developers can provide high-level specifications and allow AI to generate functioning codebases that are tested and deployed within hours.
  • The Impact on Software Development - Matt reflects on his past experiences where he had to closely manage AI tools, which provided a mere 10-20% productivity boost. Fast forward to today, and he emphasizes the dramatic shift in productivity—now, AI can build entire mobile applications from scratch based on simple directives. This newfound efficiency can drastically reduce development timelines and improve project outcomes, allowing teams to focus on more strategic tasks rather than mundane coding chores.
  • The Importance of Clear Specifications - One of the key takeaways from the podcast is the necessity for clear specifications when working with AI. Just as a manager would provide detailed instructions to a team member, Matt suggests that the same principle applies to AI agents. He shares an example of how he was able to generate a mobile app by simply outlining the screens and features, showcasing the AI's ability to interpret and execute complex tasks with minimal input.
  • Challenges and Limitations - While the advancements in AI are impressive, there are still significant limitations. For instance, Matt points out that AI can struggle with managing dependencies between software libraries, often implementing outdated or incompatible versions. Additionally, the importance of human oversight cannot be overstated; AI should not be used in high-stakes environments like HR or legal fields where bias and accuracy are critical.
  • Ethical Considerations and Future Potential - As AI tools continue to evolve, ethical considerations must come to the forefront. Matt raises important questions about the role of human workers and the potential for AI to take over tasks that should remain human-centric. He emphasizes that not every task that can be automated should be, advocating for a thoughtful approach towards integrating AI into the workplace.
  • The conversation with Matt Coatney on the Wired Garage podcast sheds light on the transformative potential of AI in software development. From enhancing productivity to reshaping project management, AI is becoming an integral part of the tech landscape. However, as we embrace these advancements, we must remain vigilant about the ethical implications and ensure that human creativity and oversight remain at the core of our technological innovations. Key takeaways include the importance of clear specifications, understanding AI limitations, and the ethical considerations surrounding automation.

Tags: AI, software development, chatbots, Codex, ChatGPT, productivity, ethics in AI, project management, technology

Chapters

  • The Evolution of AI: From Chatbots to Agentic Teammates
  • Identifying Use Cases for AI Agents
  • AI Management: Skills for the Future
  • The Inflection Point of AI Technology
  • Future Implications of AI on Society and Work
  • Th

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding | Digital Innovation Buzzsprout-18692711 Tue, 17 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500 2657 AI, software development, chatbots, Codex, ChatGPT, productivity, ethics in AI, project management, technology 1 15 full true Balancing Fatherhood and Fitness with Michael Alshouse Balancing Fatherhood and Fitness with Michael Alshouse S1E14 Balancing Fatherhood and Fitness with Michael Alshouse
In this episode of The Wired Garage, Michael Alshouse shares insights on balancing fatherhood, health, and sports. He discusses his ideal day as a dad, which includes early morning workouts, smoking meat, and spending quality time with family. The conversation delves into the importance of family dinners, the challenges of parenting, and how to instill a love for sports in children. Alshouse emphasizes the need for balance in life, the significance of accountability in fitness, and the joy of sharing sports experiences with family.

Keywords
dad life, health, family, sports, parenting, cooking, fitness, balance, traditions, routines

Takeaways
Early morning workouts are essential for personal time.
Cooking meat on a Traeger takes patience and skill.
Family dinners provide energy and connection.
It's okay to have off days in fitness routines.
Involving kids in physical activities fosters family bonding.
Accountability is crucial for maintaining fitness goals.
Balancing health and family requires planning and flexibility.
Sports can be a shared family experience.
Teaching kids about winning and losing is important.
Traditions in sports can create lasting memories.

Chapters
The Dream Day of a Dad
Balancing Health and Family Life
Cherishing Family Moments
Navigating Fatherhood and Family Dynamics
Balancing Health and Family Life
Starting Your Health Journey
Sports Fandom and Team Loyalty
College Basketball Passion
March Madness vs. College Football
The Impact of NIL on College Sports
The Evolution of NFL Offense
Integrating Sports into Family Life
Lessons in Sportsmanship and Team Spirit

Support the show

]]> S1E14 Balancing Fatherhood and Fitness with Michael Alshouse
In this episode of The Wired Garage, Michael Alshouse shares insights on balancing fatherhood, health, and sports. He discusses his ideal day as a dad, which includes early morning workouts, smoking meat, and spending quality time with family. The conversation delves into the importance of family dinners, the challenges of parenting, and how to instill a love for sports in children. Alshouse emphasizes the need for balance in life, the significance of accountability in fitness, and the joy of sharing sports experiences with family.

Keywords
dad life, health, family, sports, parenting, cooking, fitness, balance, traditions, routines

Takeaways
Early morning workouts are essential for personal time.
Cooking meat on a Traeger takes patience and skill.
Family dinners provide energy and connection.
It's okay to have off days in fitness routines.
Involving kids in physical activities fosters family bonding.
Accountability is crucial for maintaining fitness goals.
Balancing health and family requires planning and flexibility.
Sports can be a shared family experience.
Teaching kids about winning and losing is important.
Traditions in sports can create lasting memories.

Chapters
The Dream Day of a Dad
Balancing Health and Family Life
Cherishing Family Moments
Navigating Fatherhood and Family Dynamics
Balancing Health and Family Life
Starting Your Health Journey
Sports Fandom and Team Loyalty
College Basketball Passion
March Madness vs. College Football
The Impact of NIL on College Sports
The Evolution of NFL Offense
Integrating Sports into Family Life
Lessons in Sportsmanship and Team Spirit

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding Buzzsprout-18586065 Sat, 14 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500 2322 dad life, health, family, sports, parenting, cooking, fitness, balance, traditions, routines 1 14 full false Significance of community for IT leaders with Michael Alshouse Significance of community for IT leaders with Michael Alshouse S1E13 Significance of community for IT leaders with Michael Alshouse
In this episode of The Wired Garage, Michael Alshouse from Byteworks joins to discuss insights from leading IT leadership roundtables and the vital role of community among technology leaders. Focusing on healthcare IT, he explores how organizations are tackling evolving cybersecurity threats, mounting compliance demands, and vendor complexity—all while realizing the promise of AI and automation. Alshouse shares practical guidance for CIOs and IT executives on building strong peer networks, avoiding common leadership pitfalls, and aligning strategic priorities with organizational goals. The conversation offers a grounded look at how modern IT leaders can navigate change and empower their teams in a rapidly shifting digital landscape.

Keywords
IT leadership, cybersecurity, healthcare technology, AI automation, peer networking, compliance, vendor management, roundtable discussions, technology insights, cybersecurity, regulations, community, technology adoption, service desk

Takeaways
Community is a cheat code for modern IT.
AI policies help govern the use of technology.
Prioritize strategic work over mundane tasks.
Healthcare organizations face unique cyber risks.
Building trust in peer networks enhances idea sharing.
Community is essential for modern IT leaders.
Healthcare organizations face unique IT challenges.
AI is a hot topic but requires careful governance.
Cybersecurity is a new normal for IT leaders.
Regulatory pressures can be overwhelming; seek peer advice.
Building a peer network can provide valuable support.
Automation can significantly improve IT operations.
Top-down leadership is crucial for technology adoption.
Learning from peers can save time and resources.
Establishing comfort at the leadership level is key.

Chapters
The Importance of Community in IT Leadership
Navigating Healthcare IT Challenges
The Role of AI in IT Operations
Cybersecurity in Healthcare: A New Normal
Understanding Regulations and Best Practices
Leveraging Automation and AI for Efficiency
Building Your Own Network of Peers
The Role of Leadership in Technology Adoption


Support the show

]]> S1E13 Significance of community for IT leaders with Michael Alshouse
In this episode of The Wired Garage, Michael Alshouse from Byteworks joins to discuss insights from leading IT leadership roundtables and the vital role of community among technology leaders. Focusing on healthcare IT, he explores how organizations are tackling evolving cybersecurity threats, mounting compliance demands, and vendor complexity—all while realizing the promise of AI and automation. Alshouse shares practical guidance for CIOs and IT executives on building strong peer networks, avoiding common leadership pitfalls, and aligning strategic priorities with organizational goals. The conversation offers a grounded look at how modern IT leaders can navigate change and empower their teams in a rapidly shifting digital landscape.

Keywords
IT leadership, cybersecurity, healthcare technology, AI automation, peer networking, compliance, vendor management, roundtable discussions, technology insights, cybersecurity, regulations, community, technology adoption, service desk

Takeaways
Community is a cheat code for modern IT.
AI policies help govern the use of technology.
Prioritize strategic work over mundane tasks.
Healthcare organizations face unique cyber risks.
Building trust in peer networks enhances idea sharing.
Community is essential for modern IT leaders.
Healthcare organizations face unique IT challenges.
AI is a hot topic but requires careful governance.
Cybersecurity is a new normal for IT leaders.
Regulatory pressures can be overwhelming; seek peer advice.
Building a peer network can provide valuable support.
Automation can significantly improve IT operations.
Top-down leadership is crucial for technology adoption.
Learning from peers can save time and resources.
Establishing comfort at the leadership level is key.

Chapters
The Importance of Community in IT Leadership
Navigating Healthcare IT Challenges
The Role of AI in IT Operations
Cybersecurity in Healthcare: A New Normal
Understanding Regulations and Best Practices
Leveraging Automation and AI for Efficiency
Building Your Own Network of Peers
The Role of Leadership in Technology Adoption


Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding Buzzsprout-18585945 Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500 1947 IT leadership, cybersecurity, healthcare technology, AI automation, peer networking, compliance, vendor management, roundtable discussions, technology insights, cybersecurity, regulations, community, technology adoption, service desk 1 13 full false Lessons from Abroad plus The Excitement of Sim Racing with Toby Phillippe Lessons from Abroad plus The Excitement of Sim Racing with Toby Phillippe S1E12 Lessons from Abroad plus The Excitement of Sim Racing with Toby Phillippe
In this episode of The Wired Garage, Toby shares his experiences from international assignments in Bangladesh and India, discussing the cultural adaptations and career advancements that shaped his journey. He also delves into his passion for sim racing, highlighting the immersive experience of virtual reality racing. Finally, Toby discusses his home lab setup, emphasizing the importance of self-hosting and experimenting with technology in a personal space.

Keywords
career journeys, cultural adaptation, sim racing, virtual reality, home lab, technology, international experience, personal growth, IT practices, innovation

Takeaways
International assignments can accelerate career growth.
Cultural adaptation is crucial when working overseas.
Learning to navigate different environments enhances problem-solving skills.
Sim racing provides a unique outlet for driving enthusiasts.
Virtual reality enhances the immersive experience of sim racing.
Home labs allow for experimentation with technology.
Self-hosting services can save costs and provide control.
Understanding enterprise practices can improve home lab management.
Engaging in hobbies can lead to personal growth and new skills.
Traveling broadens perspectives and fosters appreciation for different cultures.

Chapters
Global Career Journeys and Cultural Adaptation
The Thrill of Sim Racing and Virtual Reality
Home Lab Innovations and IT Practices

Support the show

]]> S1E12 Lessons from Abroad plus The Excitement of Sim Racing with Toby Phillippe
In this episode of The Wired Garage, Toby shares his experiences from international assignments in Bangladesh and India, discussing the cultural adaptations and career advancements that shaped his journey. He also delves into his passion for sim racing, highlighting the immersive experience of virtual reality racing. Finally, Toby discusses his home lab setup, emphasizing the importance of self-hosting and experimenting with technology in a personal space.

Keywords
career journeys, cultural adaptation, sim racing, virtual reality, home lab, technology, international experience, personal growth, IT practices, innovation

Takeaways
International assignments can accelerate career growth.
Cultural adaptation is crucial when working overseas.
Learning to navigate different environments enhances problem-solving skills.
Sim racing provides a unique outlet for driving enthusiasts.
Virtual reality enhances the immersive experience of sim racing.
Home labs allow for experimentation with technology.
Self-hosting services can save costs and provide control.
Understanding enterprise practices can improve home lab management.
Engaging in hobbies can lead to personal growth and new skills.
Traveling broadens perspectives and fosters appreciation for different cultures.

Chapters
Global Career Journeys and Cultural Adaptation
The Thrill of Sim Racing and Virtual Reality
Home Lab Innovations and IT Practices

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding Buzzsprout-18585823 Sat, 07 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500 1943 career journeys, cultural adaptation, sim racing, virtual reality, home lab, technology, international experience, personal growth, IT practices, innovation 1 12 full false Navigating Cloud Native Challenges - From Cloud-Native Back to On‑Prem with Luke Badgerow Navigating Cloud Native Challenges - From Cloud-Native Back to On‑Prem with Luke Badgerow S1E11 Navigating Cloud Native Challenges - From Cloud-Native Back to On‑Prem with Luke Badgerow

In this conversation, Luke shares insights on navigating the complexities of cloud-native technologies, the importance of modernizing platforms with AI, and the common pitfalls of lift and shift migrations. He emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to refactoring legacy systems and the significance of collaboration across teams to ensure successful transitions to cloud environments.

Keywords: cloud native, AI, modernization, lift and shift, legacy systems, migration strategies, Kubernetes, serverless, architecture, data management

Takeaways

  • Cloud native is about disintegrating application architecture.
  • Modernization now includes AI integration for faster decision-making.
  • Lift and shift often leads to unexpected challenges in cloud environments.
  • Understanding the unique behaviors of applications in the cloud is crucial.
  • Data migration can introduce latency issues affecting user experience.
  • Collaboration across teams is essential for successful cloud transitions.
  • Observability is key to managing cloud applications effectively.
  • Legacy systems require careful analysis before migration.
  • Refactoring can provide significant business value over simple lift and shift.
  • AI should be integrated thoughtfully to enhance application performance.

Chapters

  • The Evolution of Cloud Native Architecture
  • Challenges in Migrating Legacy Systems
  • The Role of AI in Modernization
  • Navigating Lift and Shift Mistakes
  • Deciding Between VM, Container, and Serverless
  • Prioritizing Legacy Portfolio Migration
  • Building a Collaborative IT Culture

Support the show

]]> S1E11 Navigating Cloud Native Challenges - From Cloud-Native Back to On‑Prem with Luke Badgerow

In this conversation, Luke shares insights on navigating the complexities of cloud-native technologies, the importance of modernizing platforms with AI, and the common pitfalls of lift and shift migrations. He emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to refactoring legacy systems and the significance of collaboration across teams to ensure successful transitions to cloud environments.

Keywords: cloud native, AI, modernization, lift and shift, legacy systems, migration strategies, Kubernetes, serverless, architecture, data management

Takeaways

  • Cloud native is about disintegrating application architecture.
  • Modernization now includes AI integration for faster decision-making.
  • Lift and shift often leads to unexpected challenges in cloud environments.
  • Understanding the unique behaviors of applications in the cloud is crucial.
  • Data migration can introduce latency issues affecting user experience.
  • Collaboration across teams is essential for successful cloud transitions.
  • Observability is key to managing cloud applications effectively.
  • Legacy systems require careful analysis before migration.
  • Refactoring can provide significant business value over simple lift and shift.
  • AI should be integrated thoughtfully to enhance application performance.

Chapters

  • The Evolution of Cloud Native Architecture
  • Challenges in Migrating Legacy Systems
  • The Role of AI in Modernization
  • Navigating Lift and Shift Mistakes
  • Deciding Between VM, Container, and Serverless
  • Prioritizing Legacy Portfolio Migration
  • Building a Collaborative IT Culture

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding Buzzsprout-18579384 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500 2205 cloud native, AI, modernization, lift and shift, legacy systems, migration strategies, Kubernetes, serverless, architecture, data management 1 11 full false Bourbon and music, a perfect blend. Bourbon and Beyond 2025 Festival with Matt Coatney Bourbon and music, a perfect blend. Bourbon and Beyond 2025 Festival with Matt Coatney S1E10 Bourbon and music, a perfect blend. Bourbon and Beyond 2025 Festival with Matt Coatney
In this engaging conversation, technology executive Matt Coatney shares his experiences at music festivals, particularly the Bourbon and Beyond and Louder Than Life festivals. He discusses the unique blend of music, bourbon, and community that these events foster, as well as his personal reflections on travel and the beauty of the Oregon coastline. The discussion highlights the importance of music and shared experiences in bringing people together, and how these festivals serve as a reminder of the positive aspects of life amidst the noise of everyday challenges.

Keywords: Bourbon and Beyond, Louder Than Life, music festivals, community, travel, bourbon, technology, AI, personal stories, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Phish

Takeaways
He attended the Bourbon and Beyond festival after a long hiatus from festivals.
The festival featured a variety of music and bourbon tastings.
Matt enjoyed seeing Fish live for the first time at the festival.
Bourbon was surprisingly affordable at the festival, enhancing the experience.
The community aspect of music festivals is vital for connection and joy.
Traveling to Oregon revealed the stunning beauty of the coastline.
Matt's road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway was a memorable experience.
Music festivals can create a sense of belonging and shared joy among diverse groups.
The conversation emphasizes that life is better when shared with music, food, and community.

Support the show

]]> S1E10 Bourbon and music, a perfect blend. Bourbon and Beyond 2025 Festival with Matt Coatney
In this engaging conversation, technology executive Matt Coatney shares his experiences at music festivals, particularly the Bourbon and Beyond and Louder Than Life festivals. He discusses the unique blend of music, bourbon, and community that these events foster, as well as his personal reflections on travel and the beauty of the Oregon coastline. The discussion highlights the importance of music and shared experiences in bringing people together, and how these festivals serve as a reminder of the positive aspects of life amidst the noise of everyday challenges.

Keywords: Bourbon and Beyond, Louder Than Life, music festivals, community, travel, bourbon, technology, AI, personal stories, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Phish

Takeaways
He attended the Bourbon and Beyond festival after a long hiatus from festivals.
The festival featured a variety of music and bourbon tastings.
Matt enjoyed seeing Fish live for the first time at the festival.
Bourbon was surprisingly affordable at the festival, enhancing the experience.
The community aspect of music festivals is vital for connection and joy.
Traveling to Oregon revealed the stunning beauty of the coastline.
Matt's road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway was a memorable experience.
Music festivals can create a sense of belonging and shared joy among diverse groups.
The conversation emphasizes that life is better when shared with music, food, and community.

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding Buzzsprout-18585176 Sat, 31 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500 1544 Bourbon and Beyond, Louder Than Life, music festivals, community, travel, bourbon, technology, AI, personal stories, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Phish 1 10 full false Navigating Cloud Native Challenges - From Legacy to Cloud Native with Luke Badgerow Navigating Cloud Native Challenges - From Legacy to Cloud Native with Luke Badgerow S1E09 Navigating Cloud Native Challenges - From Legacy to Cloud Native with Luke Badgerow

In this episode of The Wired Garage, host Pops welcomes Luke to discuss the evolving landscape of cloud computing, particularly the concept of 'cloud native' as we approach 2026. Luke shares insights from his extensive experience in cloud migrations and modernizations, emphasizing the shift from simple lift-and-shift strategies to more sophisticated, serverless architectures. He highlights the importance of understanding application architecture and the challenges of managing workloads in a cloud environment, especially when dealing with legacy systems. The conversation also touches on the integration of AI into cloud platforms and the necessity of aligning business goals with technological capabilities.

As they delve deeper, Luke discusses the common pitfalls organizations face when transitioning to the cloud, such as assuming that on-premise systems will function identically in a cloud environment. He stresses the need for thorough analysis and planning to ensure successful migrations, including considerations for data management and system observability. The episode concludes with a reflection on the cultural shifts required within organizations to adapt to these technological changes, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across teams to achieve a seamless transition to cloud-native solutions.

Keywords: cloud native, cloud computing, AI integration, cloud migration, serverless architecture, legacy systems, Kubernetes, data management, technology transformation, DevOps


Takeaways

  • Cloud native is disintegrating the application architecture.
  • The biggest gotcha is assuming on-prem systems will behave the same in the cloud.
  • You need to cover people, process, and technology to succeed in cloud migrations.
  • AI is a real hype cycle; we need to manage expectations.
  • Observability is crucial; you can't just lift and shift without understanding the architecture.



Chapters

  • The Evolution of Cloud Native Architecture
  • Challenges in Migrating Legacy Systems
  • The Role of AI in Modernization
  • Navigating Lift and Shift Mistakes
  • Deciding Between VM, Container, and Serverless
  • Prioritizing Legacy Portfolio Migration
  • Building a Collaborative IT Culture

Support the show

]]> S1E09 Navigating Cloud Native Challenges - From Legacy to Cloud Native with Luke Badgerow

In this episode of The Wired Garage, host Pops welcomes Luke to discuss the evolving landscape of cloud computing, particularly the concept of 'cloud native' as we approach 2026. Luke shares insights from his extensive experience in cloud migrations and modernizations, emphasizing the shift from simple lift-and-shift strategies to more sophisticated, serverless architectures. He highlights the importance of understanding application architecture and the challenges of managing workloads in a cloud environment, especially when dealing with legacy systems. The conversation also touches on the integration of AI into cloud platforms and the necessity of aligning business goals with technological capabilities.

As they delve deeper, Luke discusses the common pitfalls organizations face when transitioning to the cloud, such as assuming that on-premise systems will function identically in a cloud environment. He stresses the need for thorough analysis and planning to ensure successful migrations, including considerations for data management and system observability. The episode concludes with a reflection on the cultural shifts required within organizations to adapt to these technological changes, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across teams to achieve a seamless transition to cloud-native solutions.

Keywords: cloud native, cloud computing, AI integration, cloud migration, serverless architecture, legacy systems, Kubernetes, data management, technology transformation, DevOps


Takeaways

  • Cloud native is disintegrating the application architecture.
  • The biggest gotcha is assuming on-prem systems will behave the same in the cloud.
  • You need to cover people, process, and technology to succeed in cloud migrations.
  • AI is a real hype cycle; we need to manage expectations.
  • Observability is crucial; you can't just lift and shift without understanding the architecture.



Chapters

  • The Evolution of Cloud Native Architecture
  • Challenges in Migrating Legacy Systems
  • The Role of AI in Modernization
  • Navigating Lift and Shift Mistakes
  • Deciding Between VM, Container, and Serverless
  • Prioritizing Legacy Portfolio Migration
  • Building a Collaborative IT Culture

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding Buzzsprout-18579108 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0500 2392 cloud native, cloud computing, AI integration, cloud migration, serverless architecture, legacy systems, Kubernetes, data management, technology transformation, DevOps 1 9 full false Everyday AI - How You Can Use Claude, ChatGPT, and More Everyday AI - How You Can Use Claude, ChatGPT, and More S1E08 Everyday AI - How You Can Use Claude, ChatGPT, and More 

In this episode of The Wired Garage, Pops and Steele delve into the practical applications of AI tools for personal use. They explore popular AI platforms like Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and Claude, discussing their functionalities and how users can leverage them for various tasks. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding AI capabilities, best practices for usage, and the evolving role of AI as an integrated part of daily life. The hosts also highlight the need for caution regarding privacy and the accuracy of AI-generated information, encouraging listeners to experiment with these tools while being mindful of their limitations.

Keywords: AI tools, personal use, Google Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude, AI capabilities, best practices, AI integration, operating system, future of AI

Takeaways

  • AI tools are now integral to everyday tasks.
  • Experimenting with AI can save time and enhance creativity.
  • Understanding AI capabilities is crucial for effective use.
  • Best practices include validating outputs and protecting personal information.
  • AI is evolving into a new operating system for users.
  • Integration of AI into daily life is becoming seamless.
  • Privacy concerns are paramount when using AI tools.
  • Prompt engineering is essential for accurate results.
  • AI can assist in various tasks from writing to coding.
  • Continuous learning and adaptation are key in the AI landscape.

Chapters

  • Introduction to AI Tools for Personal Use
  • Exploring AI Tools: Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and Claude
  • Understanding AI Capabilities and Best Practices
  • AI as a New Operating System
  • The Future of AI Integration in Daily Life

Support the show

]]> S1E08 Everyday AI - How You Can Use Claude, ChatGPT, and More 

In this episode of The Wired Garage, Pops and Steele delve into the practical applications of AI tools for personal use. They explore popular AI platforms like Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and Claude, discussing their functionalities and how users can leverage them for various tasks. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding AI capabilities, best practices for usage, and the evolving role of AI as an integrated part of daily life. The hosts also highlight the need for caution regarding privacy and the accuracy of AI-generated information, encouraging listeners to experiment with these tools while being mindful of their limitations.

Keywords: AI tools, personal use, Google Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude, AI capabilities, best practices, AI integration, operating system, future of AI

Takeaways

  • AI tools are now integral to everyday tasks.
  • Experimenting with AI can save time and enhance creativity.
  • Understanding AI capabilities is crucial for effective use.
  • Best practices include validating outputs and protecting personal information.
  • AI is evolving into a new operating system for users.
  • Integration of AI into daily life is becoming seamless.
  • Privacy concerns are paramount when using AI tools.
  • Prompt engineering is essential for accurate results.
  • AI can assist in various tasks from writing to coding.
  • Continuous learning and adaptation are key in the AI landscape.

Chapters

  • Introduction to AI Tools for Personal Use
  • Exploring AI Tools: Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and Claude
  • Understanding AI Capabilities and Best Practices
  • AI as a New Operating System
  • The Future of AI Integration in Daily Life

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding Buzzsprout-18534200 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 2001 AI tools, personal use, Google Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude, AI capabilities, best practices, AI integration, operating system, future of AI 1 8 full false Unlocking the Power of the CMDB Unlocking the Power of the CMDB S1E07 - Unlocking the Power of the CMDB. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the significance of Configuration Management Databases (CMDB) in managing IT assets and data. They explore the definition of configuration items, the importance of data management and security, and the role of data repositories. The discussion also covers what should be included in a CMDB, how to identify a dumping ground, and the necessity of using tools for effective data management. The conversation emphasizes the importance of automation, measuring business value, and engaging stakeholders to drive adoption and success in CMDB initiatives.

Takeaways

  • A CMDB is essential for tracking configuration items.
  • Understanding what belongs in a CMDB is crucial for effective management.
  • Data management and security are intertwined with CMDB practices.
  • Identifying a dumping ground in a CMDB can help improve data quality.
  • Automation can enhance the efficiency of data management processes.
  • Engaging stakeholders is vital for the success of CMDB initiatives.
  • Measuring business value from CMDB usage is important for ongoing support.
  • A strategic approach to CMDB implementation can prevent data overload.
  • Data repositories need to be protected to ensure compliance and security.
  • Effective communication of wins can drive further investment in CMDB efforts.


Keywords
CMDB, Configuration Management, Data Management, IT Security, Configuration Items, Data Repositories, Automation, Business Value, Stakeholder Engagement, IT Infrastructure

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:01 Understanding CMDB and Configuration Items
03:18 The Importance of Data in CMDB
06:01 Defining What Belongs in a CMDB
08:21 The Role of Data Repositories and PII
11:00 Using CMDB for Vulnerability and Compliance
12:59 Identifying Symptoms of a CMDB Dumping Ground
15:39 Best Practices for Managing CMDB Data
18:21 The Value of Automation in CMDB Management
21:22 Leveraging CMDB for Strategic Decision Making
23:36 Sharing Success Stories and Building Stakeholder Buy-in

Find on us your favorite podcast and video streaming platforms:

  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WiredGaragewithPops
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiredgaragewithpops/
  • X: https://x.com/thewiredgarage
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WiredGaragePops
  • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wiredgaragepops
  • Buzzsprout: https://thewiredgaragewithpops.buzzsprout.com/
  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/wired-garage-with-pops/id6756588549
  • Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b7fc5975-6908-4ff8-8507-e481d80f63bd/the-wired-garage-with-pops
  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cEtyqNTecZGHIPFGCKhrl
  • iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-wired-garage-with-pops-312835198/

Support the show

]]> S1E07 - Unlocking the Power of the CMDB. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the significance of Configuration Management Databases (CMDB) in managing IT assets and data. They explore the definition of configuration items, the importance of data management and security, and the role of data repositories. The discussion also covers what should be included in a CMDB, how to identify a dumping ground, and the necessity of using tools for effective data management. The conversation emphasizes the importance of automation, measuring business value, and engaging stakeholders to drive adoption and success in CMDB initiatives.

Takeaways

  • A CMDB is essential for tracking configuration items.
  • Understanding what belongs in a CMDB is crucial for effective management.
  • Data management and security are intertwined with CMDB practices.
  • Identifying a dumping ground in a CMDB can help improve data quality.
  • Automation can enhance the efficiency of data management processes.
  • Engaging stakeholders is vital for the success of CMDB initiatives.
  • Measuring business value from CMDB usage is important for ongoing support.
  • A strategic approach to CMDB implementation can prevent data overload.
  • Data repositories need to be protected to ensure compliance and security.
  • Effective communication of wins can drive further investment in CMDB efforts.


Keywords
CMDB, Configuration Management, Data Management, IT Security, Configuration Items, Data Repositories, Automation, Business Value, Stakeholder Engagement, IT Infrastructure

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:01 Understanding CMDB and Configuration Items
03:18 The Importance of Data in CMDB
06:01 Defining What Belongs in a CMDB
08:21 The Role of Data Repositories and PII
11:00 Using CMDB for Vulnerability and Compliance
12:59 Identifying Symptoms of a CMDB Dumping Ground
15:39 Best Practices for Managing CMDB Data
18:21 The Value of Automation in CMDB Management
21:22 Leveraging CMDB for Strategic Decision Making
23:36 Sharing Success Stories and Building Stakeholder Buy-in

Find on us your favorite podcast and video streaming platforms:

  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WiredGaragewithPops
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiredgaragewithpops/
  • X: https://x.com/thewiredgarage
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WiredGaragePops
  • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wiredgaragepops
  • Buzzsprout: https://thewiredgaragewithpops.buzzsprout.com/
  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/wired-garage-with-pops/id6756588549
  • Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b7fc5975-6908-4ff8-8507-e481d80f63bd/the-wired-garage-with-pops
  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cEtyqNTecZGHIPFGCKhrl
  • iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-wired-garage-with-pops-312835198/

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding Buzzsprout-18463087 Tue, 06 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0500 1931 CMDB, Configuration Management, Data Management, IT Security, Configuration Items, Data Repositories, Automation, Business Value, Stakeholder Engagement, IT Infrastructure 1 7 full false Challenges with Projects of Scale Challenges with Projects of Scale S1E06 - Challenges with Projects of Scale. In this episode of The Wired Garage, Pops and Steele discuss the complexities and challenges of managing large-scale projects, particularly in the context of automation and governance. They explore the barriers organizations face when trying to implement new technologies and processes, emphasizing the importance of adapting to change and evolving processes to meet the demands of scaling. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding the interplay between people, processes, and technology, and how effective governance and risk management are crucial for successful IT operations. The episode concludes with insights on project management tools and frameworks that can aid organizations in navigating these challenges.

Subscribe or follow to get more content and be alerted to new uploads every Tuesday.

Find the full episodes on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and iHeart.  Shorts and other content can be found on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

Keywords: large scale projects, automation, governance, process management, technology, risk management, IT operations, scaling, manual processes, project management

Takeaways:
Scale creates noise and anything not enforced falls apart.
The thinking that got you where you are is not going to be the thinking that gets you to where you're trying to go.
You can only carry so much of a load.
If we don't automate, we will be overwhelmed.
Are you ready to think differently?
It's not just a tool failing; it's a process failing.
You have to have a holistic understanding of the process.
Processes need to be built that can evolve.
You need to think through your risk list.
You have to get up out of the trenches.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Challenges in Large Scale Projects
02:55 The Impact of Scale on Processes
06:01 Barriers to Automation and Change
08:59 Technology and Process Fit for Scale
11:45 Evolving Processes for Continuous Improvement
14:31 Managing Process Health and Effectiveness
17:27 Governance and Risk Management in Scaling IT Ops
20:38 The Role of Manual Processes in Scaling
23:16 Communicating Value and Gaining Buy-In
26:12 Tools and Frameworks for Project Management
29:16 Closing Thoughts on People, Process, and Technology

Support the show

]]> S1E06 - Challenges with Projects of Scale. In this episode of The Wired Garage, Pops and Steele discuss the complexities and challenges of managing large-scale projects, particularly in the context of automation and governance. They explore the barriers organizations face when trying to implement new technologies and processes, emphasizing the importance of adapting to change and evolving processes to meet the demands of scaling. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding the interplay between people, processes, and technology, and how effective governance and risk management are crucial for successful IT operations. The episode concludes with insights on project management tools and frameworks that can aid organizations in navigating these challenges.

Subscribe or follow to get more content and be alerted to new uploads every Tuesday.

Find the full episodes on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and iHeart.  Shorts and other content can be found on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

Keywords: large scale projects, automation, governance, process management, technology, risk management, IT operations, scaling, manual processes, project management

Takeaways:
Scale creates noise and anything not enforced falls apart.
The thinking that got you where you are is not going to be the thinking that gets you to where you're trying to go.
You can only carry so much of a load.
If we don't automate, we will be overwhelmed.
Are you ready to think differently?
It's not just a tool failing; it's a process failing.
You have to have a holistic understanding of the process.
Processes need to be built that can evolve.
You need to think through your risk list.
You have to get up out of the trenches.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Challenges in Large Scale Projects
02:55 The Impact of Scale on Processes
06:01 Barriers to Automation and Change
08:59 Technology and Process Fit for Scale
11:45 Evolving Processes for Continuous Improvement
14:31 Managing Process Health and Effectiveness
17:27 Governance and Risk Management in Scaling IT Ops
20:38 The Role of Manual Processes in Scaling
23:16 Communicating Value and Gaining Buy-In
26:12 Tools and Frameworks for Project Management
29:16 Closing Thoughts on People, Process, and Technology

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding Buzzsprout-18418762 Tue, 30 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500 2127 large scale projects, automation, governance, process management, technology, risk management, IT operations, scaling, manual processes, project management 1 6 full false Agentic AI Delivers Major Benefits and Challenges Agentic AI Delivers Major Benefits and Challenges S1E05 - Agentic AI Delivers Major Benefits and Challenges. This conversation explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on business operations and workflows. The discussion covers the integration of AI into various sectors, the importance of identifying specific use cases, and the necessity of governance and security measures. The speakers share personal experiences with AI tools, emphasizing their potential to enhance productivity and streamline processes. They also address the challenges businesses face in implementing AI responsibly and effectively, highlighting the need for a strategic approach to harness its full potential.

Chapters
00:00The Rise of AI in Everyday Work
06:56Identifying Business Challenges for AI Implementation
11:52AI Tools and Their Practical Applications
16:49Personal Experiences with AI
21:48Governance and Security in AI
28:53Measuring AI Success in Business
35:47Future of AI and Tailored Solutions

Keywords: AI, artificial intelligence, business transformation, automation, workflows, governance, security, productivity, use cases, technology

Takeaways

  • AI is now accessible to all businesses, not just tech giants.
  • Identifying specific business problems is crucial for AI implementation.
  • AI can automate routine tasks, freeing up human resources for more complex work.
  • Governance and security are essential when integrating AI into business processes.
  • AI tools can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency.
  • Personal experiences with AI highlight its transformative potential.
  • Companies should focus on measurable outcomes when implementing AI.
  • AI can improve customer interactions and reduce friction in service delivery.
  • It's important to keep humans involved in AI processes for quality control.
  • The future of AI in business will require careful consideration of ethical implications.


Find the full Episode on YouTube, iHeart, Apple, and Spotify 

Support the show

]]> S1E05 - Agentic AI Delivers Major Benefits and Challenges. This conversation explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on business operations and workflows. The discussion covers the integration of AI into various sectors, the importance of identifying specific use cases, and the necessity of governance and security measures. The speakers share personal experiences with AI tools, emphasizing their potential to enhance productivity and streamline processes. They also address the challenges businesses face in implementing AI responsibly and effectively, highlighting the need for a strategic approach to harness its full potential.

Chapters
00:00The Rise of AI in Everyday Work
06:56Identifying Business Challenges for AI Implementation
11:52AI Tools and Their Practical Applications
16:49Personal Experiences with AI
21:48Governance and Security in AI
28:53Measuring AI Success in Business
35:47Future of AI and Tailored Solutions

Keywords: AI, artificial intelligence, business transformation, automation, workflows, governance, security, productivity, use cases, technology

Takeaways

  • AI is now accessible to all businesses, not just tech giants.
  • Identifying specific business problems is crucial for AI implementation.
  • AI can automate routine tasks, freeing up human resources for more complex work.
  • Governance and security are essential when integrating AI into business processes.
  • AI tools can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency.
  • Personal experiences with AI highlight its transformative potential.
  • Companies should focus on measurable outcomes when implementing AI.
  • AI can improve customer interactions and reduce friction in service delivery.
  • It's important to keep humans involved in AI processes for quality control.
  • The future of AI in business will require careful consideration of ethical implications.


Find the full Episode on YouTube, iHeart, Apple, and Spotify 

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding Buzzsprout-18403589 Tue, 23 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500 2095 1 5 full false Navigating the Pitfalls of the CMDB Navigating the Pitfalls of the CMDB Summary
S1E04 - Navigating the Pitfalls of the CMDB. In this episode, the hosts discuss the common pitfalls and challenges associated with Configuration Management Databases (CMDBs). They explore key issues such as lack of clear objectives, the importance of relationships within the CMDB, the need for data integrity and automation, and the significance of leadership buy-in. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of governance and continuous improvement to ensure the CMDB remains a valuable asset rather than a liability.

Chapters

  • 00:00Introduction to CMDB Challenges
  • 02:53Understanding the Importance of Relationships in CMDB
  • 05:49The Role of Automation and Data Governance
  • 08:53Value Propositions of a Well-Managed CMDB
  • 12:02Leadership Buy-In and Storytelling for CMDB Success
  • 14:42Navigating Change Management in CMDB
  • 17:31Avoiding Common Pitfalls in CMDB Implementation
  • 20:32The Importance of Starting Small and Focused
  • 23:45Governance and Continuous Improvement in CMDB
  • 26:32Final Thoughts and Future Discussions on CMDB

Keywords

CMDB, Configuration Management Database, data integrity, automation, governance, change management, leadership buy-in, relationships, operational risk, best practices

Takeaways

  • CMDBs can become operational risks if not managed properly.
  • Clear objectives and planning are essential for CMDB success.
  • Leadership buy-in is crucial for effective CMDB implementation.
  • Data integrity and automation are key to maintaining trust in the CMDB.
  • Relationships within the CMDB are vital for understanding dependencies.
  • Avoid importing data that is not actively managed.
  • Storytelling can help gain leadership support for CMDB initiatives.
  • Change management processes must be integrated with CMDB practices.
  • Continuous governance is necessary to keep the CMDB relevant.
  • Focus on meaningful data to avoid overwhelming the system.

Support the show

]]> Summary
S1E04 - Navigating the Pitfalls of the CMDB. In this episode, the hosts discuss the common pitfalls and challenges associated with Configuration Management Databases (CMDBs). They explore key issues such as lack of clear objectives, the importance of relationships within the CMDB, the need for data integrity and automation, and the significance of leadership buy-in. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of governance and continuous improvement to ensure the CMDB remains a valuable asset rather than a liability.

Chapters

  • 00:00Introduction to CMDB Challenges
  • 02:53Understanding the Importance of Relationships in CMDB
  • 05:49The Role of Automation and Data Governance
  • 08:53Value Propositions of a Well-Managed CMDB
  • 12:02Leadership Buy-In and Storytelling for CMDB Success
  • 14:42Navigating Change Management in CMDB
  • 17:31Avoiding Common Pitfalls in CMDB Implementation
  • 20:32The Importance of Starting Small and Focused
  • 23:45Governance and Continuous Improvement in CMDB
  • 26:32Final Thoughts and Future Discussions on CMDB

Keywords

CMDB, Configuration Management Database, data integrity, automation, governance, change management, leadership buy-in, relationships, operational risk, best practices

Takeaways

  • CMDBs can become operational risks if not managed properly.
  • Clear objectives and planning are essential for CMDB success.
  • Leadership buy-in is crucial for effective CMDB implementation.
  • Data integrity and automation are key to maintaining trust in the CMDB.
  • Relationships within the CMDB are vital for understanding dependencies.
  • Avoid importing data that is not actively managed.
  • Storytelling can help gain leadership support for CMDB initiatives.
  • Change management processes must be integrated with CMDB practices.
  • Continuous governance is necessary to keep the CMDB relevant.
  • Focus on meaningful data to avoid overwhelming the system.

Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding Buzzsprout-18402549 Tue, 23 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500 1876 1 4 full false Unboxing ServiceNow Zurich Release Unboxing ServiceNow Zurich Release Summary
S1E03 - Unboxing ServiceNow Zurich Release. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the Zurich release of ServiceNow, highlighting its advancements in AI-driven automation, developer productivity, user experience, and platform security. Key features include machine identity management, AI Connector Utility for virtual agents, MCP client and server capabilities, developer sandboxes, zero copy connectors, AI Control Tower for asset management, and new access control list types. The discussion emphasizes the importance of managing technical debt and the need for a strategic approach to utilizing these new features effectively.

Chapters

  • 00:00Introduction to the Zurich Release of ServiceNow
  • 02:13Machine Identity and Non-Human Accounts
  • 06:00AI Connector Utility and Virtual Agents
  • 08:24MCP Client and Server Capabilities
  • 10:37Centralized Strategy for MCP Servers
  • 13:23Developer Sandboxes and Quality of Life Features
  • 16:03Zero Copy Connectors and Data Management
  • 20:16AI Control Tower and Asset Management
  • 26:02Impact Application and Code Monitoring
  • 31:29Managing Technical Debt and Development Processes

Keywords: ServiceNow, Zurich release, AI-driven automation, machine identity, virtual agents, MCP client, developer sandboxes, zero copy connectors, AI Control Tower, technical debt

Takeaways

  • The Zurich release introduces significant advancements in AI-driven automation.
  • Machine identity management is a key feature for handling non-human  - accounts.
  • AI Connector Utility enhances virtual agents' capabilities.
  • MCP client and server capabilities streamline integration processes.
  • Developer sandboxes allow for isolated development without impacting main instances.
  • Zero copy connectors simplify data management and reduce redundancy.
  • AI Control Tower provides insights into AI asset management and ROI.
  • Impact application aids in code monitoring and technical debt reduction.
  • New ACL types enhance access control at the column level.
  • Managing technical debt is crucial for maintaining platform health.


Support the show

]]> Summary
S1E03 - Unboxing ServiceNow Zurich Release. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the Zurich release of ServiceNow, highlighting its advancements in AI-driven automation, developer productivity, user experience, and platform security. Key features include machine identity management, AI Connector Utility for virtual agents, MCP client and server capabilities, developer sandboxes, zero copy connectors, AI Control Tower for asset management, and new access control list types. The discussion emphasizes the importance of managing technical debt and the need for a strategic approach to utilizing these new features effectively.

Chapters

  • 00:00Introduction to the Zurich Release of ServiceNow
  • 02:13Machine Identity and Non-Human Accounts
  • 06:00AI Connector Utility and Virtual Agents
  • 08:24MCP Client and Server Capabilities
  • 10:37Centralized Strategy for MCP Servers
  • 13:23Developer Sandboxes and Quality of Life Features
  • 16:03Zero Copy Connectors and Data Management
  • 20:16AI Control Tower and Asset Management
  • 26:02Impact Application and Code Monitoring
  • 31:29Managing Technical Debt and Development Processes

Keywords: ServiceNow, Zurich release, AI-driven automation, machine identity, virtual agents, MCP client, developer sandboxes, zero copy connectors, AI Control Tower, technical debt

Takeaways

  • The Zurich release introduces significant advancements in AI-driven automation.
  • Machine identity management is a key feature for handling non-human  - accounts.
  • AI Connector Utility enhances virtual agents' capabilities.
  • MCP client and server capabilities streamline integration processes.
  • Developer sandboxes allow for isolated development without impacting main instances.
  • Zero copy connectors simplify data management and reduce redundancy.
  • AI Control Tower provides insights into AI asset management and ROI.
  • Impact application aids in code monitoring and technical debt reduction.
  • New ACL types enhance access control at the column level.
  • Managing technical debt is crucial for maintaining platform health.


Support the show

]]> Hosted by Brian Clayton and Steele Harding Buzzsprout-18402508 Tue, 23 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500 1958 1 3 full false From Reactive to Proactive - The Rise of Agentic AI From Reactive to Proactive - The Rise of Agentic AI S1E02 - From Reactive to Proactive - The Rise of Agentic AI . In this episode, we explore the fundamentals of agentic AI, contrasting it with generative AI and discussing its implications for productivity and the future of work. The conversation delves into how agentic AI operates autonomously, adapts in real-time, and the importance of building trust in these systems. We also touch on the need for training professionals to effectively integrate AI into their workflows and the potential for AI to enhance human creativity and reduce mundane tasks.

  • Agentic AI acts autonomously and adapts in real-time.
  • Generative AI is reactive, waiting for prompts to generate responses.
  • Trust in AI is built through predictable outcomes and understanding.
  • Agentic AI can solve multi-step problems without human intervention.
  • Training professionals is crucial for successful AI integration.
  • AI can free up time for more creative and complex problem-solving.
  • The architecture of agentic AI includes goal setting and context-aware memory.
  • Agentic AI is being adopted across major platforms like AWS and Google.
  • Human creativity can be unleashed by reducing manual maintenance tasks.
  • Organizational change management is essential for AI adoption.

Support the show

]]> S1E02 - From Reactive to Proactive - The Rise of Agentic AI . In this episode, we explore the fundamentals of agentic AI, contrasting it with generative AI and discussing its implications for productivity and the future of work. The conversation delves into how agentic AI operates autonomously, adapts in real-time, and the importance of building trust in these systems. We also touch on the need for training professionals to effectively integrate AI into their workflows and the potential for AI to enhance human creativity and reduce mundane tasks.

  • Agentic AI acts autonomously and adapts in real-time.
  • Generative AI is reactive, waiting for prompts to generate responses.
  • Trust in AI is built through predictable outcomes and understanding.
  • Agentic AI can solve multi-step problems without human intervention.
  • Training professionals is crucial for successful AI integration.
  • AI can free up time for more creative and complex problem-solving.
  • The architecture of agentic AI includes goal setting and context-aware memory.
  • Agentic AI is being adopted across major platforms like AWS and Google.
  • Human creativity can be unleashed by reducing manual maintenance tasks.
  • Organizational change management is essential for AI adoption.

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-18358448 Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500 2034 Agentic AI, Generative AI, AI productivity, autonomous workflows, trust in AI, future of work, AI technology, machine learning, automation, AI in business 1 2 full false Unleashing Human Creativity with Agentic A Unleashing Human Creativity with Agentic A S1E01 - Unleashing Human Creativity with Agentic A. In this episode, we explore the transformative impact of agentic AI on the workplace, emphasizing how it enhances human creativity and collaboration rather than replacing it. Matt Coatney discusses the evolution of AI, the importance of human oversight, and the need for new skills in a rapidly changing technological landscape. The conversation also touches on the future of leadership, the evaluation of AI systems, and the essential balance between technology and human input.

  • Agentic AI enhances human capabilities rather than replacing them.
  • AI is becoming integral to everyone's job roles.
  • Adapting to AI requires a shift in mindset and skills.
  • Human oversight is crucial in AI decision-making processes.
  • Evaluating AI systems should consider both performance and ROI.
  • Creativity can flourish with the support of AI technologies.
  • Essential skills for the future include problem-solving and data literacy.
  • Leadership will evolve to manage ecosystems of intelligence.
  • Collaboration between humans and AI is key to success.
  • Balance between people, process, and technology is essential.

Support the show

]]> S1E01 - Unleashing Human Creativity with Agentic A. In this episode, we explore the transformative impact of agentic AI on the workplace, emphasizing how it enhances human creativity and collaboration rather than replacing it. Matt Coatney discusses the evolution of AI, the importance of human oversight, and the need for new skills in a rapidly changing technological landscape. The conversation also touches on the future of leadership, the evaluation of AI systems, and the essential balance between technology and human input.

  • Agentic AI enhances human capabilities rather than replacing them.
  • AI is becoming integral to everyone's job roles.
  • Adapting to AI requires a shift in mindset and skills.
  • Human oversight is crucial in AI decision-making processes.
  • Evaluating AI systems should consider both performance and ROI.
  • Creativity can flourish with the support of AI technologies.
  • Essential skills for the future include problem-solving and data literacy.
  • Leadership will evolve to manage ecosystems of intelligence.
  • Collaboration between humans and AI is key to success.
  • Balance between people, process, and technology is essential.

Support the show

]]> Buzzsprout-18358472 Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:00:00 -0500 1269 Agentic AI, human-AI collaboration, creativity, leadership, automation, technology, skills, evaluation, ROI, future of work 1 1 full false