The Cloud Gambit

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The Cloud Gambit is joining the Packet Pushers Network! Launched in 2023 as an independent podcast, The Cloud Gambit was created for engineers who lead, leaders who build, and founders who need both perspectives. We are thrilled at the opportunity to continue our podcasting journey on the Packet Pushers Network. To keep following the show, you will need to resubscribe on your favorite pod catcher. You can find updated links below!

New Podcast Links!

• The Cloud Gambit: https://packetpushers.net/podcast/the-cloud-gambit/
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cloud-gambit/id1823741017
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23UdyZ3ZwCKB7clwULXyeS
• Pocketcasts: https://pocketcasts.com/podcasts/43146260-380d-013e-acd1-0e87279210d5
• RSS Feed: https://feeds.packetpushers.net/thecloudgambit/

Other Links from the Show

• A2A to Linux Foundation: https://developers.googleblog.com/en/google-cloud-donates-a2a-to-linux-foundation/
• OpenAI Google Deal?: https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/openai-taps-google-unprecedented-cloud-deal-despite-ai-rivalry-sources-say-2025-06-10/
• Tech Giants Emission Surge: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/tech-giants-indirect-emissions-rose-150-three-years-ai-expands-un-agency-says-2025-06-05/

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Search is changing. Tried and true methods of old are no longer effective. In this episode, Don MacKinnon, CTO and Co-Founder of Searchcraft, joins us to discuss this rapidly changing area that has been disrupted by AI. Don shares his journey from the publishing industry to building a modern search solution, and discusses how AI is fundamentally changing content discovery. We explore why traditional SEO strategies are becoming less effective as Google search referrals decline, and how content creators need to rethink their discoverability strategies. Don also provides a fascinating look at the technical decisions behind Searchcraft, including their choice to build with Rust instead of Java or C++, and how they're positioning their product in an increasingly AI-dominated funding environment. Whether you're a developer looking for better search solutions or a content creator concerned about the future of discovery, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating the changing digital landscape.

Where to Find Don MacKinnon

• Website: https://donmackinnon.dev/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmackinnon/
• BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/donmackinnon.dev/
• Searchcraft: https://www.searchcraft.io/

Show Links

• Plausible Analytics: https://plausible.io/
• ClickHouse Database: https://clickhouse.com/
• Rust Programming Language: https://www.rust-lang.org/
• Elasticsearch (Comparison): https://www.elastic.co/

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The world of product marketing is fascinating. Andy Lapteff, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Nokia and host of the Art of Network Engineering podcast joins us to dive in. Andy shares his journey from traditional network engineering to product marketing, revealing the crucial differences between what makes technical marketing and product marketing tick. We dive deep into the psychology of marketing, the power of storytelling in technical sales, and how companies like Apple have mastered the art of connecting with customers emotionally rather than just listing features. Andy also discusses Nokia's innovative approach to open source projects like Container Lab, the challenges of communicating complex technical solutions to different audiences (from network engineers to C-suite executives), and practical advice for technical professionals interested in transitioning to marketing roles. This episode is packed with valuable insights about bridging the gap between technical excellence and market success.

Show Links

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andylapteff/
• Twitter: https://x.com/andylapteff
• Website: https://www.permitipandyandy.com/
• Podcast: https://artofnetworkengineering.com/
• Container Lab: https://containerlab.dev/
• Nokia: https://www.nokia.com/

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In this episode, we dive deep into the world of digital transformation and cloud-native architecture with Madoc Batters, Head of Cloud, Network and IT Security at Warner Hotels. Madoc shares his remarkable journey from washing 100 cars at age 11 to buy his first ZX81 computer to leading enterprise-scale cloud migrations. We explore the challenges of organizational culture change, the bold decision to migrate their most complex system first, and the importance of shifting left with security and FinOps practices. Madoc also shares insights on modern networking solutions like Alkira, the role of AI in transformation, and how his ultra-marathon mindset (including a 105-mile run) applies to pushing through digital transformation challenges. Whether you're starting your cloud journey or looking to accelerate your transformation efforts, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and inspiring leadership insights.

Where to Find Madoc

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madoc-batters-aws-machinelearning/
• Sessionize: https://sessionize.com/madoc-batters/

Show Links

• Warner Hotels: https://www.warnerhotels.co.uk/
• Alkira: https://www.alkira.com/
• AWS Bedrock: https://aws.amazon.com/bedrock/
• HashiCorp: https://www.hashicorp.com/
• AWS Summit: https://aws.amazon.com/events/summits/
• FinOpsX: https://www.finops.org/community/finopsx/
• ZX81 Computer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZX81

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• Podcast: https://www.thecloudgambit.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCloudGambit
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecloudgambit
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheCloudGambit
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecloudgambit

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Justin Ryburn is the Field CTO at Kentik and works as a Limited Partner (LP) for Stage 2 Capital. Justin has 25 years of experience in network operations, engineering, sales, and marketing with service providers and vendors. In this conversation, we discuss startup funding,  the challenges that organizations face with hybrid and multi-cloud visibility, the impact of AI on network monitoring, and explore how companies can build more reliable systems through proper observability practices.

Where to Find Justin

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinryburn/
• Twitter: https://x.com/JustinRyburn
• Blog: http://ryburn.org/
• Talks: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRrjaaisdWrYaue9KVLRdq5mlGE_2i0RT

Show Links

• Kentik: https://www.kentik.com/
• Day One: Deploying BGP FlowSpec: https://www.juniper.net/documentation/en_US/day-one-books/DO_BGP_FLowspec.pdf
• Stage 2 Capital: https://www.stage2.capital/
• Doug Madory's Internet Analysis: https://www.kentik.com/blog/author/doug-madory/
• Netflix Tech Blog: https://netflixtechblog.com/
• Multi-Region AWS: https://www.pluralsight.com/resources/blog/cloud/why-and-how-do-we-build-a-multi-region-active-active-architecture
• AutoCon: https://events.networktocode.com/autocon/

Follow, Like, and Subscribe!

• Podcast: https://www.thecloudgambit.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCloudGambit
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecloudgambit
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheCloudGambit
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecloudgambit

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Anthropic introduced MCP (Model Context Protocol) at the tail end of 2024, and Google launched the Agent2Agent Protocol (A2A) just this month. MCP standardizes connections between AI Agents/LLMs and external data/tools, kind of like ‘USB-C for AI’. A2A standardizes communication & collaboration between AI Agents, like a universal language / ‘Lingua Franca’ for Agents. Both of these protocols are groundbreaking in their own right, and John Capobianco joins the podcast to explain why. In this episode, we start with high-level basics and end with doing an unscripted live demonstration. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the impact and applications of these two innovations.

Where to Find John Capobianco

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-capobianco-644a1515/
• Twitter: https://x.com/John_Capobianco
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncapobianco2527
• GitHub: https://github.com/automateyournetwork

Show Links

• Model Context Protocol (MCP): https://modelcontextprotocol.io/
• Agent-to-Agent (A2A) Protocol: https://github.com/google/agent-to-agent
• RFC 4594 (QoS): https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc4594
• Lang Graph: https://github.com/langchain-ai/langgraph
• Agent Development Kit (ADK): https://github.com/google/agent-development-kit
• Selector AI: https://www.selector.ai/

Follow, Like, and Subscribe!

• Podcast: https://www.thecloudgambit.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCloudGambit
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecloudgambit
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheCloudGambit
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecloudgambit

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DevOps dropped on the masses in 2008, but where is it today? In this episode, we dive deep into the evolution of DevOps with Matty Stratton, Solutions Architect at Turbot and Co-Host of the Arrested DevOps Podcast. Matty shares his journey from traditional IT operations to becoming a prominent voice in the DevOps community. We explore how DevOps principles have evolved over the past decade, the challenges of implementing cultural change in organizations, and the rise of platform engineering as a discipline. Matty offers valuable insights on team dynamics, organizational structure, and the importance of understanding incentives when driving technological transformation. Whether you're a seasoned DevOps practitioner or just beginning to explore this space, this conversation provides thought-provoking perspectives on the past, present, and future of how we build and operate technology.

Where to Find Matty Stratton

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattstratton/
• Public Bio: https://speaking.mattstratton.com/bio
• Company: https://turbot.com/
• Arrested DevOps Podcast: https://www.arresteddevops.com/

Show Links

• DevOpsDays Chicago: https://devopsdays.org/events/2025-chicago/welcome/
• Five Love Languages of DevOps: https://speaking.mattstratton.com/A5u6CE/slides
• The Westrum Model: https://itrevolution.com/articles/westrums-organizational-model-in-tech-orgs/
• CALMS Framework: https://www.atlassian.com/devops/frameworks/calms-framework

Follow, Like, and Subscribe!

• Podcast: https://www.thecloudgambit.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCloudGambit
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecloudgambit
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheCloudGambit
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecloudgambit

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In this engaging episode, we dive into Dewan Ahmed's fascinating journey from electrical engineering to becoming a Principal Developer Advocate at Harness. Dewan shares how necessity drove his career transitions - first from renewable energy engineering to software development at IBM, and later to DevOps and Kubernetes. We explore the importance of content creation for career growth, how Toastmasters helped build his public speaking skills, and why job titles truly matter. Dewan also discusses his philosophy on resume reviews, having helped over 1,200 professionals pro bono, and shares insights on the delicate balance developer advocates must maintain between authenticity and company representation. Finally, we learn about his role organizing DevOps Days Halifax and his efforts to build the tech community in Atlantic Canada.

Where to Find Dewan

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diahmed/
• Twitter: https://x.com/dewanahmed
• Blog: https://www.dewanahmed.com/
• Company: https://www.harness.io/

Show Links

• Toastmasters: https://www.toastmasters.org/
• DevOps Days Halifax: https://devopsdays.org/events/2024-halifax/welcome/
• Harness CI/CD: https://www.harness.io/products/continuous-integration
• KubeCon: https://events.linuxfoundation.org/kubecon-cloudnativecon/
• OpenShift: https://www.redhat.com/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift

Follow, Like, and Subscribe!

• Podcast: https://www.thecloudgambit.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCloudGambit
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecloudgambit
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheCloudGambit
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecloudgambit

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In this episode, we dive into the evolving world of network automation with Dan Cruz, Enterprise Architect at Koch Industries. Dan shares his journey from military IT training to enterprise architecture, offering valuable perspectives on transforming network automation from individual scripting to an enterprise-wide strategy. We explore the challenges of justifying automation investments to leadership, the importance of focusing on business outcomes rather than technical solutions, and the delicate balance between building in-house solutions versus purchasing off-the-shelf tools. Dan also provides practical advice on starting small with automation initiatives, avoiding analysis paralysis with data management, and creating cross-functional teams that combine network expertise with development skills to drive successful automation efforts.

Where to Find Dan Cruz

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-cruz-a1427249/
• AWS re:Invent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rSuagETP4I

Show Links

• Koch Industries: https://www.kochindustries.com/
• Open Telemetry: https://opentelemetry.io/
• Netbox (Network Source of Truth): https://netbox.dev/
• InfraHub by OpsMill: https://www.opsmill.com/products/infrahub
• Network to Code (Nautobot): https://networktocode.com/nautobot/

Follow, Like, and Subscribe!

• Podcast: https://www.thecloudgambit.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCloudGambit
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecloudgambit
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheCloudGambit
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecloudgambit

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What happens when you get Eyvonne, William, and our special guest Nick Eberts in the same conversation? You get a GKE party! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of multi-cluster Kubernetes management with Nick Eberts, Product Manager for GKE Fleets & Teams at Google. Nick shares his expertise on platform engineering, the evolution from traditional infrastructure to cloud-native platforms, and the challenges of managing multiple Kubernetes clusters at scale. We explore the parallels between enterprise architecture and modern platform teams, discuss the future of multi-cluster orchestration, and unpack Google's innovative work with Spanner database integration for GKE. Nick also shares his passion for contributing to open source through SIG Multi-Cluster and provides valuable guidance for those interested in getting involved with the Kubernetes community.

Where to Find Nick Eberts

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholaseberts
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/nicholaseberts
• Bluesky: @nickeberts.dev

Show Links

• SIG Multi-Cluster: https://github.com/kubernetes/community/tree/master/sig-multicluster
• Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE): https://cloud.google.com/kubernetes-engine
• Spanner Database: https://cloud.google.com/spanner
• Kubernetes: https://kubernetes.io/
• KubeCon: https://events.linuxfoundation.org/kubecon-cloudnativecon-north-america/
• Argo CD: https://argoproj.github.io/cd
• Flux: https://fluxcd.io/
• CNCF: https://www.cncf.io/

Follow, Like, and Subscribe!

• Podcast: https://www.thecloudgambit.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCloudGambit
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecloudgambit
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheCloudGambit
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecloudgambit