When Amazon Web Services' US-East-1 region went dark in October 2025, half the internet felt it. In this episode of The IT XP, Chuck breaks down what really happened — from the DNS and DynamoDB race condition that triggered the AWS outage to the cascading effects across global systems.

He explains the technical side of DNS at scale in plain language, then connects it to bigger lessons for IT professionals: why multi-cloud strategies matter, how infrastructure teams can partner better with the business, and what aging technologists must do to stay relevant in the era of AI.

Whether you manage cloud platforms, build resilient architectures, or just want to understand why "it's always DNS," this is a must-listen.

The I.T. XP Returns: Navigating IT Careers in 2025—AI, Layoffs, and Staying Relevant

After a six-month hiatus, The I.T. XP podcast is back with unfiltered insights for IT professionals navigating today's rapidly changing tech landscape. Chuck returns to the audio format to tackle the biggest challenges facing sysadmins, IT engineers, and technology managers in 2025.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

In this no-nonsense discussion, Chuck addresses the realities IT professionals face today: ongoing tech layoffs, AI transformation pressure from leadership, constant organizational restructuring, and the skills gap between operations and engineering roles. Whether you're a systems administrator, network engineer, or IT manager, this episode delivers actionable career advice for staying competitive.

Key Topics Covered:

• AI in IT careers: Why learning AI and automation is as critical now as cloud computing was ten years ago
• Offshoring myths vs. reality: What's actually happening with remote work and global IT teams
• Ageism in technology: Navigating career longevity as an experienced IT professional
• Proving your value: How to demonstrate human judgment and expertise in increasingly automated environments
• Career transition strategies: Moving from IT operations to engineering roles

Chuck also introduces his new project, Corporate Hardcore—a satirical take on workplace culture that uses humor to teach real IT career lessons.

Perfect for: IT professionals experiencing burnout from constant change, anyone concerned about job security in the age of AI, and technology workers looking for honest career guidance without the corporate spin.

Ready to hear the truth about IT careers in 2025? Listen now and join the conversation—share your own experiences and connect with IT professionals who keep the infrastructure running.

Subscribe to The I.T. XP for authentic conversations about real IT careers.

The Crowdstrike Falcon issue was an eye opener for a lot of IT organizations on the readiness of their BCP or DR plans. This isn't the first time we've seen this, but it's been a while where such a large outage has been seen across a number of different industries. I discuss how you can leverage this as an opportunity for you to be more visible within your organization and finding opportunities to get ahead in your career.

Crowdstrike PIR: https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/falcon-content-update-preliminary-post-incident-report/

What is a post incident review: https://www.cybereason.com/resources/post-incident-review

Strap in as I take you back to my adventure at Western Governors University, where I crushed my Master of Science in Management and Leadership in one term (six months). Riding on the wisdom from a pivotal Reddit thread and armed with the solid gold insights from the Purdue OWL, I'm here to lay it all out bare: the good, the bad, and the brutally honest truths about speeding through WGU's competency based learning program. In this episode, I'm not just reminiscing about my academic grind during those intense months; I'm breaking down the strategies that could help you blaze through your own program even faster. But let's cut through the noise for a second, will this degree be your golden ticket to the executive suite? Probably not on its own.

Coming at you with nothing but the truth, I want to talk about what a degree really means for us folks who've seen a bit more of life. As we dive into the realities of adult education, career pivots in a mid-life context, and the looming shadow of AI in our professional lives, I'm here to show you not just how to earn that diploma, but how to make it truly count in the hustle of real life. So, for anyone out there contemplating hitting the books again, eyeing a career change, or simply curious about the evolving role of academic credentials in an age dominated by technology, you're in the right place. Remember, success isn't just about the accolades; it's about the drive and determination you bring to the table. Let's unpack how to get that degree to open doors and create opportunities, no matter where you are in life's journey. Join me, and let's get into it.

My MBA Journey: https://youtu.be/I3ibA8S1DyI

The Reddit Article that started me on this journey: https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU_MBA/comments/gmxkxo/mba_master_of_business_administration_course_mega/

My Favorite Online Writing Lab that shows you how to format your paper in different styles: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/graduate_writing/introduction_graduate_writing/index.html

In this episode I discuss two paid platforms for your multi-cloud learning. These platforms I have leveraged in my own journey and I stand behind them. I know times are tough, but for those looking for a paid option to learn the various cloud platforms, these two may interest you.

A Cloud Guru: https://www.pluralsight.com/cloud-guru

Adrian Cantrill's Learning Platform (AWS and Azure only): https://learn.cantrill.io/

The cloud started off with well intentions of bringing more products to market faster, but it has turned into a competing race on how to optimize costs while deploying products at break neck speeds. I talked about how you can begin your multi-cloud journey because it is no longer a one provider show. Most organizations have gone multi-cloud and others are following suit. This show aims to help guide you on how you should approach learning all the clouds; well at least AWS, Azure, and GCP. Pardon the rant earlier in the episode. I started using a new service called Riverside.fm (Not sponsored) and it was challenging to say the least.

Being laid off is a gut punch. I know, I've been there twice. But guess what? I turned those lemons into lemonade (metaphorically, of course - who has the energy for a real lemonade stand after that?).

My 9/11 Story: https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/theitxp/498529485-theitxp-my-9112001-story.mp3

FreeCodeCamp: https://www.youtube.com/c/Freecodecamp

Cybrary.it: https://www.cybrary.it/

HomeLab Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/homelab/comments/10v6aip/guide_how_to_deploy_the_servarr_stack_on/

In this video, I'm spilling the tea on:

My personal layoff rollercoaster: How I went from "OMG, I'm jobless" to "Okay, new beginnings!" (Spoiler alert: there were tears, but also tacos. ) Actionable tips to navigate the layoff storm: From spotting the early signs to bouncing back like a boss. Free resources to future-proof your career: Say goodbye to layoff anxiety with intel on potential mass layoffs and upskilling tools you NEED. Whether you're facing layoff fears or just want to be prepared, this video is your Layoff Survival Kit. Hit play and let's turn lemons into opportunities!

P.S. Don't forget to smash that like button and subscribe for more career hacks!

Ditch the tech-coma and slay your 2024 goals! ⚔️

Procrastination got you in a chokehold? Career stuck in the buffering zone? Time to unleash the SMART goal secret weapon and rocket-boost your IT game. This ain't no burnout bonanza. We're talking consistent progress, confidence levels on fire, and finally unlocking your inner tech titan. 2024 is your year for IT domination, and SMART goals are your key to the kingdom. Ready to: Crush deadlines like bugs Code like a caffeine-fueled keyboard ninja Level up your skills faster than a viral tweet Leave burnout in the dust and watch your confidence soar ✨

Then hit that subscribe button and join the SMART goal revolution. We'll be cracking the code on career success, sharing epic wins, and proving to your mom you don't just "fix computers." This is your year to dominate, tech fam. Let's make 2024 legendary!