SolarWinds TechPod

Join the brightest SolarWinds minds and IT industry influencers, as they cut through the jargon and give you the tools you need to grow and keep your tech knowledge razor-sharp. Come with questions—leave with actionable steps and practical insights. Have ideas for future episodes or topics? Tweet us @ SolarWinds using #TechPod.

Monitoring, Observability, and Operational Resilience 04/08/2025

Monitoring, Observability, and Operational Resilience In this episode of SolarWinds TechPod, hosts Chrystal Taylor and Sean Sebring explore the key differences between monitoring and observability with guest Jeff Stewart, GVP of Product Management at SolarWinds. Observability goes beyond traditional monitoring, offering AI-driven insights and a holistic view of system health. Like understanding the anatomy of the body, observability reveals how IT systems are interconnected—where one issue can ripple across the entire environment. They discuss how businesses can leverage observability to reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. © 2025 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/35747910

The Prompt Journey 03/11/2025

The Prompt Journey Engage your meat computers with this philosophical discussion about the transformative impact of generative AI, prompt engineering, and beyond with Doug Bennett, Senior Global Partner Development Manager with Amazon Web Services, and hosts Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor. They delve into the future of generative AI, the potential for innovation, and the changing nature of coding and application development. © 2025 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/34970945

The Power of Lifelong Learning 02/18/2025

The Power of Lifelong Learning It's never been easier to learn new things, but the options can be overwhelming. TechPod hosts Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor discuss continuing education in the context of IT careers in 2025. They explore the value of interpersonal skills alongside technical skills, the variety of learning resources available, and the significance of mentorship in guiding professional development. © 2025 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/35289115

IT Trends and Predictions for 2025 01/14/2025

IT Trends and Predictions for 2025 SolarWinds Evangelists Sascha Giese and Kevin Kline join hosts Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor to discuss Gartner's (and their own) predictions for the technology world in 2025. They explore the potential disruptions AI may bring to various sectors, including healthcare, education, legal professions; the future of AR and VR technologies; and the implications of quantum computing in relation to AI. © 2025 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/34839275

Ghosts of Tech Past and Future 12/10/2024

Ghosts of Tech Past and Future Who's ready for wetware? TechPod host Sean Sebring is! From the Zune to Henry Cavill's upper lip, he and co-host Chrystal Taylor talk with Movies and Mainframes host Andy Garibay about what tech we got right, what they can't wait for, and what they'll never speak of again. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/34294895

Understanding the Role of Security in Business 11/12/2024

Understanding the Role of Security in Business Security expert Josh Vanhoose joins the podcast to discuss his journey into cybersecurity, the importance of real-world experience, and how to humanize security, with hosts Chrystal Taylor and Sean Sebring. They explore how to transition into cybersecurity, the significance of entry-level certifications, and the tools available for learning. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/33852092

IT's Not Easy Being Green 10/08/2024

IT's Not Easy Being Green In this episode of SolarWinds TechPod, hosts Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor discuss sustainability in technology with SolarWinds Evangelist Sascha Giese. They explore the energy consumption of data centers, innovative green initiatives, and the importance of circular IT practices. The conversation also touches on the concept of greenwashing and the responsibility of corporations and individuals in reducing their carbon footprints. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/33281527

Ooo Shiny Shiny — Keeping IT Projects In Check 09/10/2024

Ooo Shiny Shiny — Keeping IT Projects In Check Mark Roberts, Technical Director of Prosperon Networks, joins hosts Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor to salute the unique challenges of IT project management. From the joys of scope creep to the intricacies of wrangling leadership buy-in, they cover the life of a project from initial discovery process all the way through to project handover. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/32895307

Transitioning From the Military to a Tech Career 08/13/2024

Transitioning From the Military to a Tech Career SolarWinds Director of Corporate Communications Dillon Townsel joins hosts Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor to talk about his journey from the military to civilian life. He provides insights on how to navigate the transition process and offers advice for those looking to transition into the technology field. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/32448407

Don't Make IT Awkward 07/09/2024

Don't Make IT Awkward MOVE! Just kidding. Interpersonal skills can be just as vital to your IT role as technical skills, and there’s far less training. SolarWinds IT Manager Tara Bourke joins hosts Chrystal Taylor and Sean Sebring to share what she’s learned about conflict resolution, problem-solving, and effective communication with the whole spectrum of end users. Get the strategies you need to avoid becoming a Saturday Night Live skit. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/32001677

Digital Detoxing 06/11/2024

Digital Detoxing Have you ever tried to scroll up a piece of paper? Have you described a GIF during an actual conversation? To save you from these embarrassing situations, hosts Chrystal Taylor and Sean Sebring identify some telltale signs that it’s time to Log Off (trumpets blaring) and suggest some new ways to spend your time as you wean from the screen. Touch grass, smell the roses, give your thumbs a much-needed break right after this episode. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/31551462

Marketing Stigmas Destigmafied! 05/14/2024

Marketing Stigmas Destigmafied! Terms like marketing* are often associated with a long list of negative connotations and an image of a cartoon thief sneaking around a corner with a huge bag of cash over his shoulder. Why does the word marketing make people want to delete their banking apps and bury their wallets? How has the perception of this simple concept changed over time? In this episode, SolarWinds Chief Marketing Officer, Brian Goldfarb, explains how marketing drives education, broadens perspectives, and enhances communication when it is used with integrity. Learn how marketing techniques will continuously evolve with the rapid pace of technological advancement and the challenges of predicting the future. *This description’s marketing verbiage was purely coincidental. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/31112773

Pardon our Dust: Bringing THWACKcamp to You 04/09/2024

Pardon our Dust: Bringing THWACKcamp to You Get a peek behind the scenes of THWACKcamp, the free virtual learning event for SolarWinds customers. Hosts Chrystal Taylor and Sean Sebring talk to THWACKcamp Executive Producer Matt Murray about the extensive preparation, creativity, and deep knowledge that goes into this year’s “love letter” to the THWACK community. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/30674188

AI Pipeline: Surfing From Concept to Product Reality 03/12/2024

AI Pipeline: Surfing From Concept to Product Reality In this conversation, hosts Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor talk with Derek Daly, Principal AIOps Product Manager at SolarWinds. He discusses his career journey and the role of AI and machine learning in the company's products. He shares insights into the process of introducing AI and machine learning into product features, the impact of AI on jobs, and the considerations for on-premises vs cloud deployment. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/30172023

Underdog vs. Top Dog 02/13/2024

Underdog vs. Top Dog They say the grass is always greener in another office. Right? In an era of job hopping and layoffs, working for a startup versus an established global company is an evergreen debate. Chrystal Taylor and Sean Sebring talk pros and cons of both. Tune in to help yourself find your ideal patch of grass. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/29700443

IT Trends and Predictions for 2024 01/09/2024

IT Trends and Predictions for 2024 I wonder what’s next? Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor discuss the tech trends and predictions published by Gartner, Forrester, and VMblog, with Global Tech Evangelist for Observability Sascha Giese. Can they predict the future? © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/29247728

A Very Merry TechPod 12/12/2023

A Very Merry TechPod The SolarWinds podcast crossover event you’ve all been waiting for: Chrystal Taylor and Sean Sebring talk with Movies & Mainframes host Andy Garibay about the best, weirdest, and most confusing tech gifts you can give your loved ones (or, let’s be honest, yourself) this year. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/28990648

IT's Event Season 11/14/2023

IT's Event Season If you think attending a tech industry event is chaotic just imagine trying to organize one. SolarWinds’ Senior Manager of Events Valerie Rivir chats about the ins and outs of trade shows. From the history to the horror stories, she’s seen it all. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/28549469

Exploring the Summer of Zero-Days 10/09/2023

Exploring the Summer of Zero-Days Join host Sean Sebring as he talks to SolarWinds CISO Tim Brown about the 2023 threat landscape after an unprecedented number of cyberattacks. You’re going to want to buckle up, type in the code, scan your retinas, say Beetlejuice three times, and download this episode. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/28105499

Howdy, Partner! 09/05/2023

Howdy, Partner! Going it alone is ok sometimes, but having a partner with skills and experience will make any rodeo better and more efficient. Aldo Masoni, Observability Practice Lead with longtime SolarWinds Partner SHI, joins hosts Sean Sebring and Ashley Adams to explain the “value” in value-added resellers. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/27565059

The Future of AIOps 08/08/2023

The Future of AIOps Do you ever get the feeling that your computer has gained self-awareness and is trying to take over the world? AIOps expert Aswin Kumar joins hosts Ashley and Sean to talk about AI's impact today, tomorrow, and beyond, as well as some of the ethical questions we will need to answer before it’s too late. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/27564996

THWACK's 20th Anniversary Spectacular! 07/11/2023

THWACK's 20th Anniversary Spectacular! THWACK, the SolarWinds community, is 20-years-old and thriving. Two former THWACK MVPs and current SolarWinds employees, Kevin Sparenberg and Michael Kent, join hosts Ashley Adams and Sean Sebring to talk about what makes this community so successful. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/27402546

Because I’m All About That (Data)base II 05/02/2023

Because I’m All About That (Data)base II As data infrastructure gets more complex, clarity is more important than ever. Our guest Blythe Morrow talks with hosts Sean Sebring and Ashley Adams about the importance of communication for Data pros, and how to speak so that people will listen. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/26510094

Because I’m All About That (Data)base.... 04/04/2023

Because I’m All About That (Data)base.... Is your database a junk drawer? Is it more like a black hole? If you’re afraid to look in there, join TechPod hosts Ashley Adams and Sean Sebring as they demystify Database with the help of Head Geek and resident Database expert Thomas LaRock. This episode will discuss the challenges database administrators face, and the tools they can use to address them. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/26384769

TechPod: Are you Observe-Able-IT? 02/28/2023

TechPod: Are you Observe-Able-IT? Observability: Industry buzzword, or the next evolution of IT? Our hosts, Chris Bowie and Sean Sebring discuss with SolarWinds Staff Product Marketing Manager Ashley Adams what it means and what it can do for you. © 2023 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/26025387

Trends and Predictions—2023 and Beyond 01/13/2023

Trends and Predictions—2023 and Beyond A new year means a new wave of tech trends and predictions, and though some may use a crystal ball or a good guess to make their predictions, our hosts have something better: Head Geeks™ Chrystal Taylor and Sascha Giese. Listen in as the group discusses the latest technology trends and makes projections on everything from tool sprawl to the rise of artificial intelligence. Who will be right? Only time will tell. © 2022 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/25590567

A Very Merry TechPod 12/13/2022

A Very Merry TechPod TechPod gets into the holiday spirIT as hosts Sean Sebring and Chris Bowie are joined by THWACK® Community Manager Kristen Piña-Flores to discuss what's on their IT wishlists for the upcoming year. Listen in as Sean and Chris reflect on their past year in IT, what they’re thankful for, and what their IT Resolutions are for 2023. © 2022 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/25251768

It's All Tech to Me: Adjusting to an IT Career 11/08/2022

It's All Tech to Me: Adjusting to an IT Career In today's ever-expanding job market, many people find themselves on a career path they never originally planned for - IT. So how do those "non-technical" people become "technical"? Join TechPod hosts Sean and Chris as they dissect their own experiences working in tech, learning how to grapple with unknowns, Observability, and the importance of diversity and unique thought in the tech world. © 2022 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/24908022

Hybrid IT...It's Trendy? 10/13/2022

Hybrid IT...It's Trendy? The IT Trends report is released by SolarWinds every year with predictions on what will be the most popular trends in IT during the upcoming months. As we enter the second half of 2022, hosts Sean Sebring and Chris Bowie unpack the SolarWinds 2022 IT Trends report with Professor Dr. Sally Eaves. The three discuss findings from the report, getting hybrid IT right, managing complexity, Observability, and even... time travel? © 2022 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/24658110

IT Pro Day ’22—The Evolution of the IT Pro 09/13/2022

IT Pro Day ’22—The Evolution of the IT Pro TechPod™ hosts Chris Bowie, Sean Sebring, and special guest Head Geek™ Chrystal Taylor talk about IT Pro Day, the evolution of the IT pro, and how roles have changed in an increasingly distributed and complex IT landscape. Tune in as they share their thoughts on “what makes an IT pro” and why IT pros deserve their day in the sun! © 2022 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved /episode/index/show/msptechpod/id/24325119

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