Best Netops Podcasts (2025)

1
NAN100: A Retrospective On 100 Episodes of Network Automation Nerds 1:02:56

Play Pause

1h ago1:02:56

1:02:56

Network Automation Nerds has reached a special milestone: episode 100! Eric Chou looks back on 5 years of conversations with network automation pioneers, practitioners, and visionaries. Drew Conry-Murray from the Packet Pushers joins Eric, along with online guest Ioannis Theodoridis, to find out why Eric started the podcast, his goals for all these…

1
NAN099: Bridging the Gap Between Innovative Tech and Everyday Users 53:29

6d ago53:29

53:29

New technologies, tools, and innovations help move IT forward, but it can be hard for users to keep up. Network Automation Nerds welcomes guest William Collins, a dynamic force in the world of technology. As a passionate tech evangelist, he helps to bridge the gap between emerging technologies such as AI and everyday users with... Read more »…

1
Mean Time To Insight - Episode 17 13:05

20d ago13:05

13:05

Shamus McGillicuddy, VP of Research, Network Infrastructure and Operations, at Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) discusses cloud network observability.By Enterprise Management Associates + APMdigest

1
NAN098: Democratizing the Learning Environment for Network Engineers 52:33

27d ago52:33

52:33

Democratizing the learning environment is a passion for Deepak Ahuja. So much so, he founded CloudMyLab, a company that provides hands-on, cloud-based labs and networking environments. His goal is to offer an affordable lab-as-a-service for two groups of people: network engineers seeking certifications, and network engineers and automators that nee…

1
NAN097: Automating Optical Networks 1:05:54

1M ago1:05:54

1:05:54

Optical networks are an essential component of networking, but don’t get much attention. Today we shine a spotlight on the intersection of optical networks and the software that automates them. Our guest is Michal Pecek, consultant and teacher in optical communication, whose work has transformed organizations including Google and Alcatel-Lucent (no…

1
Mean Time To Insight - Episode 16 14:42

1M ago14:42

14:42

Shamus McGillicuddy, VP of Research, Network Infrastructure and Operations, at Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) discusses the challenges of DIY network automation, and what vendors can do to help.By Enterprise Management Associates + APMdigest

1
NAN096: NautobotGPT – An AI Assistant for Network Automation 55:35

2M ago55:35

55:35

NautobotGPT is a new AI assistant for Nautobot that helps engineers with network automation, answers questions, recommends tooling, and delivers working code. We discuss the user experience of NautobotGPT with Matthew Schwen, Associate Director of Network Automation at Humana, CoFounder and CTO of PortalCX; and Brad Haas, VP of Professional Service…

1
NAN095: Certification Deep Dive – The New Cisco Automation Track 52:29

3M ago52:29

52:29

Cisco recently announced a major evolution to its certification roadmap: starting February 2026, the popular DevNet certifications will transition to a brand-new Automation track. Joining us today is Francois Caen, Product Manager at Cisco, also an expert in network automation and a recognized voice in the Cisco Learning and Certification Community…

1
Mean Time To Insight - Episode 15 20:59

3M ago20:59

20:59

Shamus McGillicuddy, VP of Research, Network Infrastructure and Operations, at Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) discusses DIY network automation.By Enterprise Management Associates + APMdigest

1
Leveling Up Learning: How NASEF is Powering Education Through Esports 22:50

3M ago22:50

22:50

In this episode, we explore how esports is reshaping education with Claire LaBeaux, Chief Advancement Officer at NASEF (Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations). Now partnered with Ativion, NASEF is leading the charge in using competitive gaming as a powerful tool to teach teamwork, leadership, and digital citizenship. Tune in to dis…

1
NAN094: Automate and Iterate With the NetBox Labs Community 44:56

3M ago44:56

44:56

On today’s show, we’re joined NetBox Labs co-founders Mark Coleman and Kris Beevers. They recount how they founded NetBox Labs and discuss its growth and how it’s being used. We also delve into the NetBox Labs community and its importance for users. And of course, there’s the ever-present AI discussion. Mark and Kris also talk... Read more »…

1
NAN093: Network Automation – There Must Be a Better Way! 51:10

4M ago51:10

51:10

“There must be a better way!” is guest Bart Dorlandt’s motto, which he applies to network automation, among other things. In today’s episode, Bart shares what he’s learned about network automation, explains why he focuses on process over tools, and reflects on the importance of mentorship. Bart and Eric also discuss why even if listeners... Read mo…

1
Mean Time To Insight - Episode 14 18:00

4M ago18:00

18:00

Shamus McGillicuddy, VP of Research, Network Infrastructure and Operations, at Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) discusses Hybrid Multi-Cloud Network Observability.By Enterprise Management Associates + APMdigest

1
NAN092: From Stealth to Scale – Decoding Network Data Management with Damian Garros 43:29

4M ago43:29

43:29

Damien Garros, CEO and co-founder of OpsMill is with us once again for today’s podcast. Since we last spoke with Damien, OpsMill has emerged from stealth mode and is making progress as one of the leaders in network source of truth in the field. Today, we’ll talk through the progress Infrahub has made and get... Read more »…

1
NAN091: The Future of Autonomous Networking With Jeff Doyle 46:52

5M ago46:52

46:52

Today’s guest is Jeff Doyle, an expert in the networking industry with over 30 years of experience as a consultant, instructor, architect, author, and speaker. Eric chats with Jeff about his background and how he got into networking (spoiler: it was not a computer science degree!). The conversation explores Jeff’s current work and delves into... Re…

1
Mean Time To Insight - Episode 13 13:56

5M ago13:56

13:56

Shamus McGillicuddy, VP of Research, Network Infrastructure and Operations, at Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) discusses hybrid multi-cloud networking strategy.By Enterprise Management Associates + APMdigest

1
NAN090: Examining Network Automation’s Present and Future With Chris Grundemann 45:16

5M ago45:16

45:16

Today we explore the current state of network automation with Chris Grundemann, a co-founder of Network Automation Forum. Chris gives the history of the Network Automation Forum and AutoCon conference, which aims to blend technology and community. He shares ideas for advancing network automation, and invites other network engineers to participate i…

1
NAN089: A Career Journey of Exponential Learning 59:00

5M ago59:00

59:00

“If you don’t feel nervous in front of a challenge, you are not exponentially learning” is how today’s guest Christian Adell describes his own approach to career growth. Christian chats with us first about how he got started in IT, his various experiences in both networking and DevOps and then network automation. He leads a... Read more »…

1
NAN088: See Something, Improve Something – An Iterative Approach to Automation Success 47:33

6M ago47:33

47:33

On today’s Network Automation Nerds, industry veteran Michael Bushong talks about lessons learned from failure. As the network industry grapples with automation and network engineers confront yet another cycle of upskilling and grinding out new certs, he warns against executives and practice leads aiming for the biggest, shiniest project. His advic…

1
Mean Time To Insight - Episode 12 14:27

6M ago14:27

14:27

Shamus McGillicuddy, VP of Research, Network Infrastructure and Operations, at Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) discusses network observability tools.By Enterprise Management Associates + APMdigest

1
NAN087: Modular Network Management with Slurp’it and Netpicker 48:28

6M ago48:28

48:28

In this episode of the Network Automation Nerds podcast, we talk network management with Wim Gerrits and Pieter van Os, co-founders of Slurp’it and Netpicker. These tools aim to simplify network inventory and discovery, and ensure compliance and security. We talk about what drove them to build these tools, what problems they solve, and how... Read …

1
NAN086: A Reality Check On AI for Network Operations 53:24

7M ago53:24

53:24

On today’s episode, we get a reality check on all the hype surrounding AI with guest Phil Gervasi. Phil provides background on Large Language Models (LLMs) and their applications, as well as the current state of AI technology. We also delve into practical use cases for AI in network operations, from AI as an assistant... Read more »…

1
NAN085: Embrace Change to Thrive in the Tech Industry 59:54

7M ago59:54

59:54

Embracing change is sometimes easier said than done. Today we talk with Monika Machado, who has held significant roles at companies like Microsoft and Oracle. She shares her story of learning and personal growth. Monika highlights the value of mentor-mentee relationships, continuous learning, understanding the difference between leadership and mana…

1
NAN084: From GitNops Zero to Hero 45:26

8M ago45:26

45:26

Are you ready to go from zero to hero in GitNops? On today’s podcast, we talk with Tom McGonagle, who shares and explains git, CI/CD and DevOps and how that all fits into network engineering. The conversation also covers the evolution of containerization and Kubernetes, highlighting their roles in modern network automation. Tom also encourages... R…

1
NAN083: Cox Gets Network Automation Right, and Proves It at DEF CON (Sponsored) 1:01:22

8M ago1:01:22

1:01:22

Today’s Network Automation Nerds episode discusses Cox Communications’ journey to getting network automation right. We also talk about how they used network automation to support operating the network at the DEF CON hacker convention. Our guests are David Ezell, Joshua Watkins and Eric Hansen from Cox Communications. We dive into initial steps and …

1
NAN082: Mastering Python One Bite at a Time 40:18

8M ago40:18

40:18

How do you master Python? One bite at a time. On today’s show we talk with Bob Belderbos, co-founder of PyBites, a community and learning platform for Python. Bob shares his philosophy for learning Python in small bites with practical exercises, hands-on learning, and daily coding for improvement. We discuss the importance of small wins,... Read mo…

1
NAN081: We’re Going To Talk Python To You 1:05:52

9M ago1:05:52

1:05:52

On today’s episode, we’re going to talk Python. Host Eric Chou is joined by Michael Kennedy, the founder of Talk Python Training and host of the Talk Python To Me podcast. The discussion covers the evolution of Michael’s podcast and training business, the impact of platforms like TikTok on learning, and the importance of community... Read more »…

1
NAN080: Elevating Your Network Automation Skills and the DevNet Expert Track 39:12

10M ago39:12

39:12

Ongoing education and training is a constant in a networking career, especially if you want to advance. And certifications are a common path forward. On today’s episode, guest Andreas Baekdahl shares his journey from traditional networking to automation architect and certification instructor. Along the way, he’s had his share of challenges and fail…

1
NAN079: From Network Monitoring to Observability: Make the Leap for Better NetOps 1:05:59

10M ago1:05:59

1:05:59

Traditional network monitoring was built around SNMP and logs. And while there’s still a role for these sources, network observability aims to incorporate more data to help you build a holistic picture of the network and its behavior and performance. These sources can include flows, streaming telemetry, APIs, NETCONF, the CLI, deep packet inspectio…

1
Mean Time To Insight - Episode 11 14:26

10M ago14:26

14:26

Shamus McGillicuddy, VP of Research, Network Infrastructure and Operations, at Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) discusses Secure Access Service Edge (SASE).By Enterprise Management Associates + APMdigest

1
NAN078: The Evolution of Ostinato: From Open Source to a Sustainable Business 44:58

11M ago44:58

44:58

Ostinato is a network traffic generator aimed at network engineers who need test traffic, whether in a lab or production, to do things such as test circuit bandwidth, determine if SD-WAN or load balancing rules are working as intended, investigate packet drops, and more. Originally released as an open-source project, Ostinato is now offered as... R…

1
NAN077: Network Observability: Tools, Automation, and Insights 47:42

11M ago47:42

47:42

Network optimization starts with observing, but how are networks observed and what tools are used? Joining the podcast today are the authors behind the book “Modern Network Observability.” Eric Chou welcomes David Flores, Christian Adell, and Josh VanDeraa to help uncover practical strategies and real-world case studies for network observability. E…

1
NAN076: Innovating Healthcare IT: Automating NetOps at RUSH University Medical Center (Sponsored) 41:56

11M ago41:56

41:56

Uzair Khan from RUSH University Medical Center is today’s guest on the Network Automation Nerds podcast. Uzair discusses the complexities of healthcare technology and the critical role of automation in enhancing operational efficiency and patient safety. He provides examples of how Itential’s automation and orchestration products have given his tea…

1
NAN075: Mastering Networking in the Age of AI: Advice for Aspiring Engineers 1:01:24

12M ago1:01:24

1:01:24

Ivan Pepelnjak joins host Eric Chou to reflect on his extensive career, his decision to reduce his content creation, and offer advice for young engineers. They discuss the evolution of networking technologies, emphasizing the importance of mastering Linux and obtaining relevant certifications. Ivan highlights the significance of creating profession…

1
Mean Time To Insight - Episode 10 15:45

12M ago15:45

15:45

Shamus McGillicuddy, VP of Research, Network Infrastructure and Operations, at Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) discusses Generative AI.By Enterprise Management Associates + APMdigest

1
NAN074: Integrate and Collaborate with Codespaces and Containerlab 42:20

12M ago42:20

42:20

GitHub Codespaces aims to simplify spinning up a developer environment in the cloud. Containerlab, which provides virtual lab environments for network engineers, is now integrated with Codespaces to make it easy to set up and share network labs. On today’s Network Automation Nerds show, we delve into this innovative use of GitHub Codespaces and con…

1
NAN073: Some Final Words of Wisdom from Greg Ferro 1:15:35

1y ago1:15:35

1:15:35

This episode was recorded with Greg Ferro, co-founder of Packet Pushers, just days before his retirement in July 2024. Greg and Eric reflect on Greg’s influential career in network engineering and the evolution of the industry. Greg discusses the challenges of maintaining open-source projects amid increasing commercialization and corporate exploita…

1
NAN072: Exploring Internet2’s Network Automation for University and Research Networks 50:06

1y ago50:06

50:06

On today’s episode we delve into Internet2’s mission to advance research and education through high-speed connectivity. University and research networks may have more complicated designs, requirements, and restrictions than you’d expect. We talk about these challenges, along with innovative network automation solutions. The discussion emphasizes th…

1
NAN071: Understanding the Infrastructure Requirements for AI Workloads (Sponsored) 31:42

1y ago31:42

31:42

On today’s Network Automation Nerds, we get into the infrastructure required to support AI workloads. We discuss key considerations including bandwidth, the substantial power and cooling requirements of AI infrastructure, and GPUs. We also talk about InfiniBand and Ethernet as network fabrics for AI workloads, cabling considerations, and more. This…

1
NAN070: FakeNOS – An Open Source NOS for Network Testing 46:00

1y ago46:00

46:00

Today we spotlight an open-source project called FakeNOS. Whether you’re a network engineer looking to experiment in a controlled environment, or a DevOps engineer wanting to run a network testbed for your processes, you can use FakeNOS for your projects. My guests are FakeNOS creator Denis Mulyalin and the maintainer of this project, Enric Pitarch…

1
Mean Time To Insight - Episode 9 21:34

1y ago21:34

21:34

Shamus McGillicuddy, VP of Research, Network Infrastructure and Operations, at Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) discusses customer support for network observability solutions.By Enterprise Management Associates + APMdigest

1
NAN069: Lessons On the Journey From NOC to Aerospace Networking 56:03

1y ago56:03

56:03

Today, Lexie Cooper shares her journey from a NOC environment to networking engineering in the aerospace industry. Along the way, the discussion makes stops at the importance of medium skills, and the role of humor and relatability in attracting and educating younger professionals in networking. Finally, Lexie relates her challenges when working on…

1
Mean Time To Insight - Episode 8 26:16

1y ago26:16

26:16

Shamus McGillicuddy, VP of Research, Network Infrastructure and Operations, at Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) discusses AutoCon with the conference founders Scott Robohn and Chris Grundemann.By Enterprise Management Associates + APMdigest

1
NAN068: Is Cloud Networking the Future for Network Engineers? 39:39

1y ago39:39

39:39

On today’s episode, host Eric Chou and guest Kyler Middleton discuss the transition from on-prem network engineering to cloud networking; the importance of adapting to new platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Terraform; and the future of cloud versus on-premises solutions. We also discuss Kyler’s background, navigating the journey from a farm upbringi…

1
NAN067: AI and Total Network Operations with Scott Robohn 30:36

1y ago30:36

30:36

This is the final episode of a series of interviews with Scott Robohn (for now). We discuss AI in networking operations and how it’s still too early to tell exactly how much, if any, value will be created. We also dig into Scott’s Total Network Operations framework, what it consists of and how he wants... Read more »…

1
Mean Time To Insight - Episode 7 16:13

1y ago16:13

16:13

Shamus McGillicuddy, VP of Research, Network Infrastructure and Operations, at Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) continues the theme of network automation, asking the question: Build or Buy?By Enterprise Management Associates + APMdigest

1
Mean Time To Insight - Episode 6 17:18

1y ago17:18

17:18

Shamus McGillicuddy, VP of Research, Network Infrastructure and Operations, at Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) discusses network automation.By Enterprise Management Associates + APMdigest

1
NAN066: Operationalize Your Automations With torero (Sponsored) 28:34

1+ y ago28:34

28:34

When you’re trying to share your cool new network automation with your co-workers, the last thing you want to do is deal with other systems’ different libraries and dependencies gumming it up. That’s where our episode sponsor torero comes into play. As an “automation gateway,” torero dynamically creates an execution environment based on what has...…

1
NAN065: The Excitement and Trepidation of Automation with Scott Robohn 25:53

1+ y ago25:53

25:53

In part two of Scott Robohn’s interview, Scott tells us about his experience starting his own business and co-founding the Network Automation Forum and the AutoCon conference series. He describes the strong desire among many engineers to drive network automation forward, and how AutoCon creates a community to help make that happen. He and Eric... R…

1
Day Two Cloud Crossover: When the Cloud was Born 45:10

1+ y ago45:10

45:10

Welcome to a crossover episode with the Day Two Cloud podcast! Eric Chou was there for the birth of the public cloud. Before DevOps or SREs were a thing, before Azure was Azure, Eric was a network engineer for Amazon, helping them build out their retail technology platform. Of course, that platform evolved into the... Read more »…