Distinguished Software Engineer Ryan Spletzer joins The PowerShell Podcast to talk about building a long-term career in tech through curiosity, continuous learning, and strong community connections. Ryan shares how PowerShell helped shape his path from early work in SharePoint, automation, and identity management to leading AI initiatives at Autodesk, where his team built an internal ChatGPT-style solution using Azure OpenAI before enterprise ChatGPT options existed. They also dig into AI-assisted coding, mentorship, and how foundational software engineering skills still matter more than ever. Ryan offers practical guidance for using AI tools responsibly, overcoming imposter syndrome, and growing by learning adjacent domains like authentication, networking, and data engineering.   Key Takeaways:• AI is a force multiplier for experienced engineers, but mentorship is critical to help early-career engineers learn how to ask the right questions and avoid “blind troubleshooting.”• Breadth matters as you level up. Understanding adjacent domains and collaborating well with others becomes a key differentiator at senior and staff levels.• PowerShell remains a career accelerator. Ryan explains how PowerShell led him into infrastructure automation, identity, and modern auth—and why it’s still his go-to tool for quick, high-impact scripting today.   Guest Bio:Ryan Spletzer is a Distinguished Software Engineer at Autodesk, where he works in an internal organization focused on AI, data, and automation. With a background spanning SharePoint development, .NET engineering, identity systems, and enterprise automation, Ryan has spent years building tools that scale across organizations. He’s also a strong advocate for continuous learning and mentorship.   Resource Links: Ryan links - https://www.spletzer.com/about/ Ryan's blog - https://www.spletzer.com/ Andrew's links - https://andrewpla.tech/links PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ PowerShell Wednesdays – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1mL90yFExsix-L0havb8SbZXoYRPol0B The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ryZ7OdvCNZo

Jorge Suarez joins The PowerShell Podcast to share his journey into PowerShell, automation, and community contribution. From attending his first MMS conference to building creative and practical PowerShell projects, Jorge talks about how PowerShell became the primary driver of his career growth. The conversation covers his popular Intune Hydration Kit, creative TUI projects inspired by shows like Severance, and how curiosity and experimentation led him to build tools he wished existed earlier in his career.   Beyond tooling, Jorge opens up about imposter syndrome, learning in public, and using PowerShell as a force multiplier to automate work, stand out professionally, and think differently about problem solving.   Key Takeaways: PowerShell accelerates careers – Automating repetitive work and forcing yourself to use PowerShell daily builds fluency and opens new opportunities. Build what you wish you had – Jorge’s projects, including Intune Hydration Kit and multiple TUI tools, came from solving his own real-world problems. Imposter syndrome is fuel – When managed well, it can drive curiosity, learning, and long-term growth instead of holding you back. Guest Bio:Jorge Suarez is an Endpoint Platform Engineer and PowerShell enthusiast. Jorge is known for building creative PowerShell solutions—including terminal user interfaces and Intune automation projects. He’s an active community contributor who blogs, shares code on GitHub, and advocates for learning in public.   Resource Links: Jorge Suarez on GitHub – https://github.com/jorgeasaurus Jorge’s Blog – https://www.jorgeasaur.us/ Intune Hydration Kit – https://github.com/jorgeasaurus/IntuneHydrationKit Connect with Andrew - https://andrewpla.tech/links PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ PowerShell Wednesdays – https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=PowerShell+Wednesdays The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NEDX_3kDhZQ

PowerShell legend Jeff Hicks joins The PowerShell Podcast to talk about what it really means to live in PowerShell every day. From running his entire workflow in the console to building highly polished terminal tools, Jeff shares how PowerShell can be used far beyond infrastructure management—to organize your day, automate personal tasks, and multiply productivity. The conversation also dives deep into learning PowerShell long-term, embracing small wins, investing in your own career growth, and making yourself “available to luck.” Jeff introduces his newest project, PSIntro, designed to help absolute beginners get started with PowerShell through interactive, localized tutorials and a welcoming splash experience.   Key Takeaways: PowerShell fluency comes from time and repetition, not talent. Use it daily, even for small personal tasks, and progress will follow. PowerShell is a force multiplier. Thoughtful use of color, terminal UIs, verbose output, and helper functions can dramatically improve productivity. Investing in your own learning outside of work gives you career freedom. Your job is not your career—your skills are. Guest Bio:Jeff Hicks is a PowerShell author, educator, and community icon with nearly two decades of experience teaching automation to IT professionals. A long-time Microsoft MVP, Jeff has written multiple books, created countless tools and modules, and spoken at conferences around the world. Known for his practical approach and passion for teaching, Jeff continues to shape how people learn, use, and think about PowerShell.   Resource Links: Jeff Links - https://jdhitsolutions.github.io/ PSIntro Project – https://github.com/jdhitsolutions/PSIntro Spectre.Console for PowerShell – https://pwshspectreconsole.com/ PowerShell Summit – https://powershellsummit.org PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ PowerShell Wednesdays – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztKT2wK6EW4&list=PL1mL90yFExsix-L0havb8SbZXoYRPol0B&pp=gAQB The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lKKfmdDtBOU

In this episode of The PowerShell Podcast, Shannon Eldridge-Kuehn returns to discuss her journey since becoming a Microsoft MVP, her experiences at Microsoft Ignite, and her evolving views on technology, communication, and personal growth. Shannon shares stories from Ignite, including Mark Russinovich’s fascinating demo on optical computing, and offers insight into how AI is reshaping IT work, both in efficiency and responsibility.The conversation expands beyond tech, touching on mentorship, emotional intelligence, and the importance of grace, empathy, and connection in professional and personal life. Shannon and host Andrew Pla explore how better communication, mental health awareness, and authentic collaboration can transform careers and communities alike.   Key Takeaways: AI as a partner, not a replacement – Shannon views AI as a powerful companion that amplifies human creativity, not a threat to jobs or individuality. Communication is the real superpower – Technical skills open doors, but empathy, curiosity, and active listening sustain success and build trust. Find your community and give grace – Whether mentoring or learning, everyone benefits from patience, understanding, and a supportive network. Guest Bio: Shannon Eldridge-Kuehn is a Principal Solutions Architect at AHEAD and a Microsoft MVP with a unique blend of technical depth and strong communication roots. A University of Nebraska–Lincoln graduate in Communication Studies with a minor in English, she began her journey into tech through DJing and audio troubleshooting, which sparked a passion for problem-solving. Over time, she progressed from help desk roles into advanced infrastructure and cloud engineering, with experience spanning Windows systems, VMware, Exchange, Office 365, and Azure. Her career includes roles at Microsoft and 10th Magnitude, where her love for cloud truly flourished. Shannon leverages her background in public speaking and writing to bridge the gap between business needs and technical solutions.   Resource Links: Shannon’s Blog – https://shankuehn.io Shannon on X (Twitter) – https://twitter.com/shankuehn Connect with Andrew - https://andrewpla.tech/links Microsoft Ignite – https://ignite.microsoft.com PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ PowerShell Wednesdays – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBLDfE1aiuE&list=PL1mL90yFExsix-L0havb8SbZXoYRPol0B The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/okVO33wX5xY

In this episode of The PowerShell Podcast, host Andrew Pla welcomes Dr. Al Carlson, a cryptographer, mathematician, and engineer whose career spans more than four decades in military intelligence, embedded systems, and advanced encryption research. Dr. Carlson explains how set theory and mathematical patterns underpin all cryptography, breaking down complex systems like AES into understandable concepts. He discusses his groundbreaking work on isomorphic cipher reduction, polymorphic encryption, and how simplicity, not complexity, is often the key to true security.   Key Takeaways: All encryption is patterns – Dr. Carlsen explains how every cipher, including AES, can be viewed as a substitution cipher, allowing for new ways to analyze and strengthen encryption. Simplicity creates strength – Complexity doesn’t guarantee security. By distilling systems to their fundamentals, cryptographers can identify weaknesses faster and design better ciphers. Quantum computing and cryptography’s future – Quantum computing's potential to break current encryption standards highlights the need for polymorphic and post-quantum approaches to secure data. Guest Bio:Dr. Al Carlson is a cryptographer, mathematician, and educator with over forty years of experience in electronic warfare, military cryptography, and advanced encryption systems. His work in set theory-based cryptographic analysis and polymorphic encryption has influenced how researchers think about code-breaking and data protection. A longtime IEEE member and mentor, Dr. Carlson continues to publish papers on approaches to information security and encryption theory.Resource Links IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) – https://www.ieee.org Breaking CBC Def Con Talk by Dr. Carlson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0IsYNDMV7A Connect with Andrew - https://andrewpla.tech/links PowerShell Wednesdays – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1mL90yFExsix-L0havb8SbZXoYRPol0B PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gWmlvKFduP8

Newly minted Microsoft MVP, pentester, and returning guest Spencer Alessi joins The PowerShell Podcast to talk about growth, giving back, and building security through PowerShell. Spencer shares lessons from his journey from sysadmin to pen tester, including the importance of learning from mistakes, documenting wins, and advocating for yourself in your career. He also introduces his latest open-source project, AppLocker Inspector, and discusses tools like Locksmith, Pink Castle, and Purple Knight that help IT pros secure their environments and build confidence in automation and defense.   Key Takeaways: Grow through mistakes – Learn from both your own missteps and those of others; every lesson strengthens your technical and professional skills. Security tools for sysadmins – Free PowerShell-based tools like AppLocker Inspector, Locksmith, and Purple Knight offer practical wins for securing Active Directory. Advocate for yourself and give back – Track your wins, share your work, and pay forward the mentorship and generosity that helped you grow. Guest Bio:Spencer Alessi is a Microsoft MVP, penetration tester, and community educator passionate about helping sysadmins strengthen their environments. Known online as @TechSpence, he creates approachable content and tools focused on helping sysadmins o improve security. Spencer is also a podcast host, public speaker, and strong advocate for mentorship, authenticity, and continuous learning in tech.   Resource Links: Spencer on PDQ Live - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j33dN2bELPU AppLocker Inspector – https://github.com/techspence/AppLockerInspector Purple Knight – https://www.semperis.com/purple-knight/ Ping Castle – https://www.pingcastle.com/download/ Locksmith (ADCS Auditing Tool) – https://github.com/jakehildreth/locksmith ADeleginator – https://github.com/techspence/ADeleginator Spencer’s Links – https://links.spenceralessi.com Cyber Threat Perspective Podcast – https://offsec.blog Connect with Andrew - https://andrewpla.tech/links PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ PowerShell Wednesdays – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPoc8X7t0hY&list=PL1mL90yFExsix-L0havb8SbZXoYRPol0B&pp=0gcJCbAEOCosWNin The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/E4ji0-rmsuA

Recorded live from SpiceWorld 2025 in Austin, Texas, this special PowerShell Podcast bar session brings together community members Jeffery Hayes, Stephen Engler, Sean Wheeler, and Steven Judd for a fun and insightful celebration of PowerShell and community. Host Andrew Pla reflects on reaching the 200-episode milestone while sharing stories about growth, learning, and the value of connection. From early PowerShell journeys to the power of conferences, mentorship, and even a few bar-side life lessons, this lively session captures the heart of the PowerShell community.   Key Takeaways: Community is everything – Attending conferences and connecting with peers accelerates growth, provides mentorship, and reminds you that learning is a shared journey. Learn by doing and asking – Don’t fear mistakes or questions; curiosity and collaboration are the real career accelerators. AI, documentation, and PowerShell’s future – The guests discuss Copilot, parameter validation, and the need for high-quality documentation to improve the next wave of AI-assisted development. Guests:Stephen Engler, Jeffery Hayes, Sean Wheeler, Steven Juddhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-engler/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefferyhayescoa/https://seanonit.org/https://blog.stevenjudd.com/https://andrewpla.tech/links   Resource Links: PowerShell Wednesdays – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPoc8X7t0hY&list=PL1mL90yFExsix-L0havb8SbZXoYRPol0B PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ Powershell.org– https://powershell.org Microsoft Learn PowerShell Docs – https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell Azure PowerShell Documentation – https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/azure The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UrsbTkR6jg8

In this episode, PowerShell Podcast host Andrew Pla chats with Dan Cunningham, Strategic Innovation Leader for PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit (PSADT), about the history, architecture, and evolution of the open-source framework used for enterprise software deployment. Dan explains how PSADT simplifies installs, improves logging, enhances user experience with UI dialogs, and provides consistency across environments. He also discusses the latest release, v4.1, which removes the need for Microsoft’s ServiceUI, boosting both security and usability for Intune and SCCM deployments.   Key Takeaways: Smarter software deployments – PSADT provides a structured, battle-tested framework for automating installs, repairs, and removals, saving IT teams time while improving consistency and reliability. Security and stability first – The 4.1 release replaces the risky ServiceUI dependency, strengthening system security and making UI deployments safer and easier. Open source with enterprise value – With over a decade of community use, PSADT continues to evolve through collaboration, defensive coding, and lessons learned from real-world enterprise use. Guest Bio:Dan Cunningham is the Co-Founder and Strategic Innovation Leader behind the PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit (PSADT) at Patch My PC. A long-time open-source contributor and frequent conference speaker, Dan has held leadership roles at several orgs, helping Fortune 500 companies secure and manage complex IT environments. His 15-year tenure at PwC in Ireland and Canada laid the groundwork for PSADT’s creation — where it was first put to the test.   Resource Links: PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit (PSADT) – https://psappdeploytoolkit.com Dan Cunningham on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sintaxasn/ Dan on BlueSky – https://x.com/sintaxasn Connect with Andrew - https://andrewpla.tech/links PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ PowerShell Wednesdays – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-d16gi3VEc 2026 State of SysAdmin Form - https://conjointly.online/study/627204/sdzoxv8vtq41rshsbtly The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/y3zWcb8ulVw

In this milestone 200th episode of The PowerShell Podcast, Frank Lesniak returns to chat with Andrew Pla about automation, community, and what it means to “bet on yourself.” Frank shares his experiences leading cybersecurity and enterprise architecture projects, using PowerShell for AWS security automation, and developing tools to simplify complex data exports. He also discusses the upcoming PowerShell Summit, his work with DuPage Animal Friends, and the value of giving back through mentorship, community involvement, and open source.   Key Takeaways: PowerShell in the cloud – Frank dives deep into AWS automation and explains how PowerShell can simplify security and configuration management at scale. From console to community – After years of speaking and mentoring, Frank emphasizes how collaboration and consistent effort lead to career growth and confidence. Giving back through leadership – As VP of DuPage Animal Friends, Frank highlights the power of using your professional skills for good beyond tech. Guest Bio:Frank Lesniak is a Sr. Cybersecurity & Enterprise Technology Architect at West Monroe, where he leads a 45-member team focused on Microsoft's M365/Modern Work platform. His team specializes in navigating the technical complexities of corporate M&A, executing at-scale divestitures and integrations centered on Azure, Microsoft 365, Entra ID, Active Directory, and Windows. An active contributor to the tech community, Frank is a published author, open-source contributor, and a frequent speaker at conferences and user groups on topics including PowerShell, artificial intelligence, and offbeat technical talks related to his hobbies. In his local community, he serves as the Vice President of DuPage Animal Friends, a non-profit dedicated to supporting DuPage County's sole open-admission animal shelter.   Resource Links: Connect with Frank -https://linktr.ee/franklesniak Frank Lesniak on X (Twitter) – https://x.com/FrankLesniak Frank on LinkedIn – https://linkedin.com/in/flesniak Connect with Andrew - https://andrewpla.tech/links DuPage Animal Friends – https://dupageanimalfriends.org Previous Podcasts with Frank - https://powershellpodcast.podbean.com/?s=Frank%20Lesniak PowerShell Wednesdays – YouTube Playlist PDQ Discord (PowerShell Scripting Channel) – https://discord.gg/PDQ PowerShell Summit OnRamp Scholarship – https://www.powershellsummit.org/on-ramp/ The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cQvs5s3T1DA

Andrew's longtime friend, mentor, and PowerShell legend Josh King joins The PowerShell Podcast to celebrate the tenth anniversary and version 1.0 release of his popular open-source module BurntToast, which powers customizable Windows toast notifications. Josh shares the story behind the project’s evolution, the challenges of maintaining an open-source module with millions of downloads, and the balance between community expectations and personal well-being.   In addition to diving into BurntToast’s new actionable notifications and real-world use cases, Josh and host Andrew Pla reflect on their shared history in the PowerShell community, the importance of mentorship, and how taking small steps (like creating a GitHub repo or sharing a script) can lead to huge career growth.   Key Takeaways: BurntToast hits version 1.0 – After ten years of development, BurntToast now includes support for actionable notifications, letting users interact directly through PowerShell-based Windows alerts. Open-source and burnout – Josh discusses the pressures of maintaining a high-profile module and the importance of setting boundaries while giving back to the community. Mentorship and community matter – Simple encouragement, open sharing, and small contributions can transform careers and strengthen the PowerShell ecosystem. Guest Bio:Josh is a Senior Infrastructure Operations Engineer at Chocolatey Software and a former Microsoft MVP. He has a long history working within Windows and VMware environments and has a passion for all things PowerShell and automation.Resource Links BurntToast Module (PowerShell Gallery) – https://www.powershellgallery.com/packages/BurntToast Josh’s Blog – https://toastit.dev Josh King on GitHub – https://github.com/Windos Connect with Andrew - https://andrewpla.tech/links Josh on BlueSky – https://bsky.app/profile/toastit.dev Josh's PowerShell Wednesday BurntToast Presentation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD1VaxXWcXA Learn about #requires - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.core/about/about_requires?view=powershell-7.5 PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wi7Ijo9Od-k

Microsoft MVP Hailey Phillips joins The PowerShell Podcast to share her journey from systems engineer to automation innovator. She talks about IntuneStack, her new PowerShell-driven CI/CD project for Intune environments, and how it bridges the gap between systems engineering and DevOps. Hailey also reflects on her path to becoming an MVP, her experiences at MMS, and the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and authenticity in the tech community.   Key Takeaways: Bridging systems and DevOps – Hailey’s IntuneStack helps IT pros apply DevOps principles like CI/CD and Infrastructure as Code to Intune environments. Automate and empower – True success in automation means enabling your team, not bottlenecking them. Collaboration beats perfectionism. Community and authenticity – Sharing knowledge, mentoring others, and showing up as your true self create lasting impact in the PowerShell ecosystem. Guest Bio: Hailey Phillips is a Systems Engineer, Microsoft MVP, and Professional Pokémon Trainer. She specializes in automation, endpoint management, and modern workplace strategy, bridging the gap between traditional IT and DevOps. Hailey’s work focuses on building pragmatic, scalable solutions using tools like PowerShell, Microsoft Graph, Intune, and Azure Arc. When she’s not deep in tech, you’ll probably find her skiing in the Cascades, lifting heavy things, or at a metalcore show with a strong cup of coffee in hand.   Resource Links: Intune Stack Project – https://github.com/AllwaysHyPe/IntuneStack Hailey’s Website – https://www.allwayshype.com/ Hailey on BlueSky – https://bsky.app/profile/allwayshype.com Hailey on GitHub – https://github.com/AllwaysHyPe Hailey's "Rage Coding" Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/692CBjUNRBnSzSsRncQJkn?si=9d8bf7e625104ce8 PowerShell Wednesdays – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-d16gi3VEc&list=PL1mL90yFExsix-L0havb8SbZXoYRPol0B&pp=gAQB PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1YefrFekEJ

PowerShell community leader Constantin Hager joins The PowerShell Podcast to talk about his favorite tools and journey from discovering PowerShell to organizing user groups and speaking at major conferences. He talks about his early inspiration from PowerShell Conference Europe, his involvement with open-source projects like PSFramework and AutomatedLab, and how mentorship and community involvement shaped his career. Constantin also discusses building a portable VS Code setup for his company, leading a PowerShell team, and mentoring the next generation of IT professionals.   Key Takeaways: Community growth through contribution – Open-source projects like PSFramework, DBAtools, and AutomatedLab thrive because of contributors like Constantin who share improvements and ideas. Mentorship and education matter – From supporting apprentices to running user groups, Constantin emphasizes the importance of helping others learn PowerShell and gain confidence. Innovation in the workplace – His work creating a custom portable VS Code environment shows how small automation ideas can scale into powerful company-wide tools. Guest Bio:   Constantin Hager is a PowerShell enthusiast, speaker, open-source contributor, and community organizer based in Germany.   Resource Links: PowerShell User Group Inn-Salzach – https://www.meetup.com/de-DE/powershell-usergroup-inn-salzach/ Speak at PSUG Inn-Salzach Konstantin Hager on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/constantin-hager/ Connect with Andrew: https://andrewpla.tech/links PSFramework – https://github.com/PowershellFrameworkCollective/psframework AutomatedLab – https://github.com/AutomatedLab/AutomatedLab PowerShell Universal AutomatedLab https://github.com/steviecoaster/PowerShellUniversal.Apps.AutomatedLab DBA Tools – https://dbatools.io PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ Constantin on PS Wednesday - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYbTlCrrrUQ The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eC6TlEfV3iA

Cybersecurity, automation, and PowerShell advocate Adil Leghari returns to The PowerShell Podcast to kick off Cybersecurity Month. Adil shares insights from his career journey: from PowerShell and automation to identity and now cloud security at Palo Alto Networks. He discusses creating tools like Cyberdle and QR Check, how AI is reshaping cybersecurity, and the importance of empathy, authenticity, and mentorship in tech and community life.   Key Takeaways: AI in cybersecurity – Adil explains how organizations can protect sensitive data and combat threats using AI Security Posture Management and why we must “fight AI with AI.” Personal projects with purpose – Tools like Cyberdle and QR Check show how small, open-source projects can educate users and strengthen security awareness. Human connection in tech – Adil emphasizes empathy, authenticity, and community as keys to building better workplaces, stronger teams, and more fulfilling careers. Guest Bio:Adil Leghari is a Cloud Solutions Architect at Palo Alto Networks, where he works on the Cortex Cloud platform. With over twenty years of IT experience, Adil’s career spans PowerShell automation, identity management, repositories + packaging, and cloud security. A passionate community contributor and speaker, he is known for his open-source projects, approachable teaching style, and advocacy for authenticity and mentorship in the tech industry. He is a speaker, author, and a really kind human that I like a lot (Andrew wrote this)Resource   Links: Cyberdle (Cybersecurity Wordle Game) – https://cyberdle.adilio.ca QR Check (QR Code Security Tool) – https://qrcheck.ca GitHub Spec Kit: https://github.com/github/spec-kit Adil’s GitHub – https://github.com/adilio Adil’s Website – https://adilio.ca Adil on X/Twitter – https://twitter.com/adilio Adil on BlueSky – https://bsky.app/profile/adilio.ca Find Andrew: https://andrewpla.tech/links PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ PowerShell Wednesdays – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWfSbuYnpFA&list=PL1mL90yFExsix-L0havb8SbZXoYRPol0B The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HpOeZ4LBq9s

Newly minted Microsoft MVP Stephen Valdinger, known as Steviecoaster, joins The PowerShell Podcast to share his journey from IT admin to community mentor and automation advocate. He talks about discovering PowerShell through Exchange, the career-changing power of automation, and his work with AutomatedLab, PowerShell Universal, and WinUI Shell. Stevie also highlights the importance of mentoring, building community, and making PowerShell approachable for everyone.   Key Takeaways: PowerShell as a gateway: Learning PowerShell can unlock career growth, lead to better automation, and even spark new opportunities like blogging, mentoring, and conference speaking. Tools for learning and labs: AutomatedLab, paired with Stevie’s utilities and GUI work, provides a powerful way to build test environments and gain hands-on experience. Community and mentorship matter: Sharing knowledge, mentoring beginners, and creating approachable tools not only help others grow but also strengthen your own skills. Guest Bio:Steven Valdinger (Steviecoaster) is a Microsoft MVP, Customer Success Manager at Chocolatey, and community leader with a passion for automation and mentoring. With years of experience in IT, Stevie has become known for his approachable teaching style, and his contributions to open source. He is also a frequent contributor to community discussions, blogs at steviecoaster.dev, and presents at events like PowerShell Wednesdays and PowerShell Summit.   Resource Links: Steviecoaster’s Blog: https://steviecoaster.dev Steviecoaster on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/steviecoaster.dev Steviecoaster on GitHub: https://github.com/steviecoaster Connect with Andrew: https://andrewpla.tech/links Stevie's AutomatLab UI: https://github.com/steviecoaster/PowerShellUniversal.Apps.AutomatedLab AutomatedLab: https://github.com/AutomatedLab/AutomatedLab PowerShell Universal (by Ironman Software): https://ironmansoftware.com/powershell-universal WinUI Shell: https://github.com/mdgrs1/WinUI-Shell PDQ Discord: https://discord.gg/PDQ Stevie's PowerShell Wednesday WinUIShell talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE1hy0VZXes&list=PL1mL90yFExsix-L0havb8SbZXoYRPol0B&index=5 The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iKYfZBakoBI The PowerShell Podcast Hub: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast 

Thomas Rayner joins The PowerShell Podcast to share his journey from sysadmin and PowerShell MVP to securing Microsoft 365 as a security professional at Microsoft. He reflects on how PowerShell accelerated his career, the importance of blogging and community involvement, and why clear communication with managers is vital for growth. Thomas also offers advice for beginners, highlighting patience, persistence, and the value of mentorship in tech.   Key Takeaways: PowerShell as a force multiplier: Automating repetitive tasks with PowerShell helped Thomas advance his career and opened the door to opportunities at Microsoft. Career growth requires communication: Being candid with managers, demonstrating value, and asking for resources to learn are key to advancement. Community and mentorship matter: Involvement in the PowerShell community, saying yes to opportunities, and supporting peers can transform both careers and personal growth. Guest Bio:Thomas Rayner is a security professional at Microsoft, where he focuses on preventative security solutions in Microsoft 365. A former Microsoft MVP in Cloud and Datacenter Management, Thomas built his career by blogging, speaking, and contributing to the PowerShell community. Originally from Edmonton, Canada, he used PowerShell to accelerate his early career as a sysadmin before moving into security roles at Microsoft. Today, he continues to share career wisdom, mentor others, and advocate for growth mindset thinking in tech.   Resource Links: Thomas Rayner’s Blog: https://thomasrayner.ca Thomas Rayner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasrayner/ Thomas Rayner on GitHub: https://github.com/tlrayner Connect with Andrew: https://andrewpla.tech/links PDQ Discord: https://discord.gg/PDQ The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3H-tMKqlSOs The PowerShell Podcast hub page: The PowerShell Podcast: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast 

Patrick Meinecke, known as SeeminglyScience, joins host Andrew Pla to share his journey from sysadmin to joining the PowerShell team at Microsoft. He discusses his early community contributions, the inner workings of the PowerShell engine, and powerful but underused features like ETS and type converters. Patrick also highlights helpful modules such as PowerShell Run, ctypes, and Useful Argument Completers, while reflecting on the importance of community engagement and open source collaboration.   Key Takeaways: From community to Microsoft: Patrick’s contributions to PowerShell Editor Services and GitHub repos helped pave the way for his role on the official PowerShell team. Hidden gems in PowerShell: Features like the Extendable Type System (ETS), type converters, and modules such as PowerShell Run, ctypes, and Useful Argument Completers unlock powerful possibilities. Community makes it stronger: Helping others, answering questions, and sharing knowledge not only grows the ecosystem but also helps contributors sharpen their own skills. Guest Bio:Patrick Meinecke, widely known as SeeminglyScience, is a software engineer on the PowerShell team at Microsoft. Before joining the team, he spent over 15 years in sysadmin and tech support roles and is a longstanding contributor to the PowerShell open-source community. Patrick is recognized for his deep technical expertise in the PowerShell engine, his contributions to PowerShell Editor Services, and his passion for solving complex problems. He remains an active community member, often engaging on Discord and GitHub to help others learn and grow.   Resource Links: Patrick Meinecke on GitHub (@SeeminglyScience): https://github.com/SeeminglyScience Connect with Andrew: https://andrewpla.tech/links PowerShell Run (module by MDGRS): https://github.com/nbgrs/PowerShellRun Useful Argument Completers (module by MartinGC94): https://github.com/MartinGC94/UsefulArgumentCompleters ctypes (module by Jordan Borean): https://github.com/jborean93/PSctypes Spectre.Console for PowerShell (community project): https://github.com/PoshCode/PSSpectreConsole Join the PDQ Discord: https://discord.gg/pdq The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Zyj1IdZFf1E The PowerShell Podcast hub: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast

In this episode, host Andrew Pla welcomes back Steven Judd, Microsoft MVP, teacher, and longtime community contributor. Together, they dive into the theme of beginnings, from starting careers in IT, to first encounters with PowerShell, and the importance of resilience while navigating the “valley of despair” in learning. Steven shares his journey from music and business studies into technology, where curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to read the manuals shaped his career.The conversation also explores how community, conferences, and friendships have been essential to Steven’s growth. From humorous “please clap” moments at Nano Conf to building lasting connections, Steven highlights the power of showing up authentically, persevering through challenges, and helping others along the way.Key Takeaways The Power of the Basics: Learning commands like Get-Command, Get-Help, and Get-Member (“the tripod”) forms the foundation of a strong PowerShell journey. Resilience in Learning: Navigating the “valley of despair” in tough topics like PowerShell, certificates, or regex is where growth happens. Persistence pays off. Community is Everything: From user groups to conferences, surrounding yourself with peers and mentors accelerates growth and helps combat imposter syndrome. Guest BioSteven Judd is a Microsoft MVP, educator, and veteran PowerShell enthusiast who has been teaching and sharing knowledge in the community for many years. With a background that spans business, music, and IT, Steven brings a unique perspective on learning, resilience, and humor. Known for his approachable teaching style and dad jokes, Steven has helped countless professionals embrace automation, improve their skills, and find their place in the PowerShell community.Resource Links Steven Judd’s Content Hub: https://shortcutyour.life Steven Judd on YouTube (PowerShell content): YouTube Search Steven Judd on X/Twitter (@StevenJudd): https://x.com/StevenJudd Steven Judd’s Merch Store: https://store.stephenjudd.com PDQ Discord: https://discord.gg/PDQ Connect with Andrew: https://andrewpla.tech/links PowerShell Wednesdays (live community sessions): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oesn0HgGxE&list=PL1mL90yFExsix-L0havb8SbZXoYRPol0B The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yu6RVPwp8KY The PowerShell Podcast hub: The PowerShell Podcast: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast

Microsoft MVP Emanuel Palm joins The PowerShell Podcast to share his journey from managing printers in Sweden to being a Microsoft MVP who is automating the cloud with PowerShell and Azure. He talks about building the AZAuth module for OAuth authentication, using GitHub Actions for CI/CD, and the importance of blogging and community involvement. Plus, Emanuel reveals his unique side hobby... roasting coffee!   Key Takeaways From printers to the cloud: Emanuel’s career shows how PowerShell can open doors, from automating IT tasks to driving cloud automation and DevOps practices. Community and sharing matter: Blogging, presenting, and contributing help you grow your own understanding while creating opportunities for others. Automation and authentication: With tools like GitHub Actions and his AZAuth module, Emanuel demonstrates how to simplify workflows and securely interact with APIs. Guest BioEmanuel Palm is a Microsoft MVP based in Sweden, where he is a consultant focused on Microsoft technologies and is active in the PowerShell community. Emanuel is the creator of the AZAuth module, a lightweight solution for handling OAuth authentication in PowerShell, and a frequent speaker at events like PowerShell Conference Europe. Beyond tech, Emanuel is a coffee enthusiast who even roasts his own beans as a side hobby.   Resource Links Emanuel’s Blog: https://pipe.how GitHub – Emanuel Palm: https://github.com/palmemanuel X / BlueSky: @palmemanuel AZAuth Module on GitHub: https://github.com/PalmEmanuel/AzAuth Emanuel's PS Wednesday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trP2LLDynA0 Arkanum Coffee (Emanuel’s hobby project): https://arkanum.coffee PDQ Discord: https://discord.gg/pdq Connect with Andrew: https://andrewpla.tech/links The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-uHHGVH1Kcc The PowerShell Podcast hub: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast 

James Brundage returns to The PowerShell Podcast to talk about his new project, Turtle, which brings the classic concept of Turtle graphics into PowerShell. From simple shapes to fractals, animations, and more, James shows how PowerShell can be a powerful and fun tool for exploring programming concepts. Tune in for insights on the history of Turtle, its modern applications, and how it can inspire both new learners and seasoned pros.   Guest Bio: James Brundage is a Microsoft MVP who has been heavily involved in PowerShell for over 18 years. He is a former member of the PowerShell team, working there during v2 and v3. He now works as a consultant with Start-Automating, applying his PowerShell expertise to organizations to help solve large-scale problems all around the world. He also has a lot of great projects on GitHub and regularly shares his knowledge at user groups and conferences.   Resource Links: PSTurtle Project & Documentation: https://psturtle.com/ GitHub – Start-Automating: https://github.com/StartAutomating James Brundage on BlueSky (@MrPowerShell): https://bsky.app/profile/mrpowershell.com MrPowerShell.com: https://mrpowershell.com/ PowerShell Web Organization (for PowerShell + Web projects): https://github.com/PowerShellWeb Turtles in PowerShell talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8l_bQRvMkg Follow Andrew: https://andrewpla.tech/links Join the PDQ Discord: https://discord.gg/pdq The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oGG6bKXsdrg The PowerShell Podcast hub: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we’re live from TechMentor at the Microsoft campus with two incredible guests: longtime advocate, educator, and PM on the PowerShell team at Microsoft - Jason Helmick and newcomer Troy Brown. This special episode captures the heart of community, innovation, and the transformative power of PowerShell—from seasoned insight to beginner breakthroughs. Jason drops serious knowledge on two game-changing technologies: AI Shell: Think ChatGPT, but built directly into your terminal. Learn how it enhances shell UX, assists with command building, explains parameters, and keeps you focused without switching contexts. DSC v3 (Desired State Configuration): Now fully cross-platform and decoupled from PowerShell, DSC v3 is lighter, more extensible, and suitable for everything from servers to IoT. Jason walks us through the evolution, real-world use cases (like flipping Windows from dark mode to light mode!), and what’s next for the configuration platform.  Highlights: Microsoft’s hidden campus lore, including a piece of the Berlin Wall! The evolution of PowerShell ReadLine and its impact on productivity AI Shell’s support for OpenAI, Azure Copilot, ollama, Gemini, and even custom agents Exporting configs from existing machines—a long-awaited DSC feature Why DSC v3 might be the most developer- and sysadmin-friendly release yet The cultural backbone of the PowerShell team: being “scrappy” and driven by customer success Troy Brown's First TechMentor ExperienceFirst-time conference-goer Troy Brown shares his experience diving into PowerShell: How a PowerShell workshop with Sean Wheeler, Steven Judd, and Jason Helmick helped him finally understand modules The journey from using PDQ to push basic PowerShell scripts to deeper automation potential Navigating the learning curve with community support His message to fellow newcomers: “Don’t take things personally, and embrace the journey.”   Resource Links: DSC v3 on GitHub Leanpub DSC v3 Book by Gijs https://leanpub.com/thedscv3handbook The Phoenix Project (book) (a must-read for IT pros) https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Project-DevOps-Helping-Business/dp/0988262592 https://discord.gg/pdq The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_f5oYxzkinI The PowerShell Podcast Hub: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast