Welcome back to Is That How It Happened? — the show where we explore the real stories behind innovation, resilience, and the people driving transformation in technology and beyond.

Today, I’m joined by Jason Buffington, the founder of Data Protection Matters — and one of the industry’s most trusted voices when it comes to data resiliency, backup, and business continuity. Jason’s decades of experience—from leading data protection strategy at some of the biggest names in the industry to shaping how organizations think about safeguarding their information—make this a conversation you won’t want to miss.

We’ll dive into what inspired Jason to start Data Protection Matters, how the landscape of cyber resilience is evolving, and what every organization should be doing right now to prepare for the future of data protection - as well as some pretty interesting views on life, and how we walk though itl

So grab your coffee, plug in your headphones, and let’s get into it—because this is Is That How It Happened? with my guest, Jason Buffington.

LinkedIn = https://linkedin.com/in/JasonBuffington .

DPM on LinkedIn = https://linkedin.com/company/DataProtectionMatters .

Twitter = https://X.com/JBuff  

All of Jason's prior blogs, including all previous episodes of Two Minute Mondays and Data Protection Matters topics = https://JasonBuffington.com  

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Welcome back to Is That How It Happened? — I’m your host, Van Flowers.

Today’s episode is a special re-broadcast of a conversation that many of you have asked me to bring back — and for good reason. My guest is Rick Vanover, one of the most recognizable voices in the world of data protection and IT resilience, and a long-time leader at Veeam.

Rick’s passion for technology, his ability to make complex ideas accessible, and his deep understanding of how data drives business continuity make this a conversation worth hearing again. Whether you’re an IT professional, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the evolving landscape of data management — this episode delivers insights that are as relevant today as they were when we first recorded it.

So sit back and enjoy this encore presentation of my discussion with Rick Vanover of Veeam — a conversation that continues to resonate across the data protection community.

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Welcome back to Is That How It Happened? — I’m your host, Van Flowers.
Today’s episode is a special re-broadcast of a fascinating conversation that so many of you have asked me to bring back.

My guest is Jeff Lanza — a former FBI Special Agent and one of the nation’s leading cyber-crime and security experts. Jeff spent over two decades with the Bureau investigating everything from organized crime to identity theft and computer intrusions. His insight into how criminals exploit technology — and how we can protect ourselves — is just as relevant today as it was when we first spoke.

This is one of those timeless conversations that reminds us how fast the digital world is changing — and how important it is to stay informed, alert, and resilient.

So sit back and enjoy this encore presentation of my discussion with Jeff Lanza, FBI Agent and Cyber Crime Expert.

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Welcome back to Is That How It Happened? — today we’re revisiting an incredible conversation from a few months back that absolutely deserved a place on our new platform. My guest is none other than Michael Stafford, a true Veeam Guru and one of the most insightful minds in the world of data protection, backup, and recovery.

Michael brings not only deep technical expertise but also genuine authenticity, humility, and passion for what he does. He’s the kind of guest who reminds us that technology isn’t just about systems and storage — it’s about people, innovation, and the drive to make things better every single day.

If you missed this episode the first time around, you’re in for a treat. And if you’ve heard it before, it’s absolutely worth another listen. So sit back, relax, and enjoy my conversation with the one and only Michael Stafford — Veeam Guru and all-around incredible human being.

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Welcome to today’s episode of Is that how it Happened,  where we dive into the ideas, innovations, and leaders shaping the future. Our guest today is Paul J. Scaini, a driving force at Lenovo, where he plays a pivotal role in bringing cutting-edge technology solutions to businesses and industries around the world. With years of expertise in strategy, leadership, and transformative tech, Paul brings unique insight into how Lenovo is reimagining what’s possible in today’s digital-first landscape. From AI to enterprise innovation, he’s here to share not only Lenovo’s vision but also his perspective on where technology is headed next. Get ready for a conversation full of strategy, innovation, and forward-looking ideas with Paul J. Scaini of Lenovo.

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We’re honored to welcome Kyoshi Roger Dabney — a 9th Degree Black Belt in American Open Style Karate and a 7th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. With decades of dedication, discipline, and teaching experience, Kyoshi Dabney has shaped countless students through his martial arts journey.

From philosophy to physical mastery, this episode dives into what it really means to live the way of the martial artist — and why the lessons go far beyond the dojo.

Stay tuned… this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!

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Welcome back to another episode of "Is That How That Happened" with your host, Van "The Vanimal" Flowers! I'm fired up for today's conversation because we're diving deep with some folks who are absolutely crushing it in the ISP and data center world.

Today I've got the incredible team from C3 Complete joining us—and when I say "complete," I mean these guys are like the Swiss Army knife of internet service providers. But calling them just an ISP is like calling a Ferrari just a car. These are ISPs on steroids with legitimate superpowers.

We're talking about a full-service operation that doesn't just connect you to the internet—they architect, they protect, they scale, and they do it all with the kind of reliability that makes disaster recovery planners sleep soundly at night. And trust me, in my 30-plus years in this business, from IBM to Bell Labs to where I am now with Cloudian, I know the difference between companies that talk a good game and those that actually deliver the goods.

Now, here's what I love about today's show—yes, we're going to geek out about disaster recovery strategies and why having the right data center partner can make or break your business. But we're also going to find out what these tech superheroes do when they're not busy saving the digital world. Because let's be honest, some of the best insights come when you discover what drives people outside the server room.

So whether you're an IT director trying to figure out your disaster recovery strategy, a CTO looking for that bulletproof data center partnership, or you're just curious about what makes successful tech companies tick when they're off the clock, this episode is packed with value.

C3 Complete brings the kind of expertise and innovation that reminds me why I love this industry so much. These aren't just service providers—they're problem solvers, relationship builders, and the kind of partners you actually want in your corner when things go sideways.

So buckle up, grab your favorite beverage, and let's dive into a conversation about superpowered ISPs, bulletproof disaster recovery, and maybe a few surprises along the way. This is going to be fun!

Alright, C3 Complete team, welcome to "Is That How That Happened!" Let's start with the fun stuff—tell our listeners what you do when you're not busy being internet superheroes...

https://c3-complete.com

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Welcome back to another episode in our series, Cancer: The Gift That Keeps Giving. Today, I’m honored to introduce a truly inspiring guest: Mindy Fast. Mindy is not only a survivor of Multiple Myeloma, but also a powerful voice of resilience, courage, and hope. Her story shines a light on the realities of facing cancer head-on, while also celebrating the strength it takes to keep moving forward.

In this conversation, Mindy opens up about her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and the ways she’s found purpose through adversity. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or simply someone looking for a dose of perspective and perseverance, Mindy’s story is one that will stay with you long after the episode ends.

Let’s dive in.

Mindy is one of the gifted leaders in the Richmond, VA Multiple Myeloma Support Group, and you can contact her and the support group here. https://www.myeloma.org/richmondva?_gl=1%2A19l790i%2A_gcl_au%2ANjI5NTQ4OTU4LjE3NTU2MzI4OTkuODQ0MzA0ODQzLjE3NTU2MzI5MTkuMTc1NTYzMjkxOQ..%2A_ga_2EJEFWRS4D%2AczE3NTU2MzI4OTkkbzEkZzEkdDE3NTU2MzI5MTkkajQwJGwwJGgxNzIzNjUxODE0&check_logged_in=1

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What does it take to redefine how modern teams work with data?

In this episode of Is That How It Happened?, we sit down with Joe Dabrowski of dbt Labs, the company behind the modern standard for data transformation. With a mission to empower analytics engineers and streamline data workflows, dbt Labs is leading a revolution in how businesses transform raw data into actionable insights.

Joe brings his expertise and passion to the mic as we explore the rise of the modern data stack, the cultural shift in data teams, and why dbt isn’t just a tool — it’s a movement. From tech strategy to the human side of data, this conversation is packed with real-world insights and forward-thinking ideas.

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Welcome to Cancer: The Gift That Keeps Giving — a series where we explore the raw truth, resilience, and revelation found in the cancer journey.

Today’s guest is... me.

I’m Van Flowers, also known as The Vanimal, and in this special episode, I’m stepping out from behind the mic to share my own story — a story of survival, surrender, and surprising gifts that came from facing one of life’s toughest battles.

I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Burkitt’s Lymphoma, an aggressive and fast-moving cancer that brought my world to a standstill — but it didn’t take me out.

In this conversation, I open up about:

• The moment everything changed
• The brutal honesty of treatment and recovery
• The emotional, spiritual, and mental toll — and growth
• And why I now see cancer, in a strange way, as a gift

This isn’t just about survival. It’s about perspective, purpose, and turning pain into power.

Whether you're a survivor, caregiver, or just someone trying to make sense of it all — I hope this episode speaks to you.

Let’s begin.

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