S1E15 Welcome to a new era in technology where artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool but a transformative partner in software development. In a recent discussion on the Wired Garage podcast, Matt Coatney shared insights into how AI has shifted from basic chatbots to advanced agents capable of executing complex coding tasks with minimal human intervention. This evolution promises to revolutionize the way we approach software engineering and project management.

• Understanding the Shift in AI Capabilities - The journey of AI began with rudimentary chatbots, which served as basic assistants performing predefined tasks. However, as highlighted in the podcast, the introduction of advanced models like Codex and ChatGPT-5.2 marks a significant turning point. Matt Coatney described his experience using these tools, noting that what once required active micromanagement has transitioned into a more autonomous process. Now, developers can provide high-level specifications and allow AI to generate functioning codebases that are tested and deployed within hours.
• The Impact on Software Development - Matt reflects on his past experiences where he had to closely manage AI tools, which provided a mere 10-20% productivity boost. Fast forward to today, and he emphasizes the dramatic shift in productivity—now, AI can build entire mobile applications from scratch based on simple directives. This newfound efficiency can drastically reduce development timelines and improve project outcomes, allowing teams to focus on more strategic tasks rather than mundane coding chores.
• The Importance of Clear Specifications - One of the key takeaways from the podcast is the necessity for clear specifications when working with AI. Just as a manager would provide detailed instructions to a team member, Matt suggests that the same principle applies to AI agents. He shares an example of how he was able to generate a mobile app by simply outlining the screens and features, showcasing the AI's ability to interpret and execute complex tasks with minimal input.
• Challenges and Limitations - While the advancements in AI are impressive, there are still significant limitations. For instance, Matt points out that AI can struggle with managing dependencies between software libraries, often implementing outdated or incompatible versions. Additionally, the importance of human oversight cannot be overstated; AI should not be used in high-stakes environments like HR or legal fields where bias and accuracy are critical.
• Ethical Considerations and Future Potential - As AI tools continue to evolve, ethical considerations must come to the forefront. Matt raises important questions about the role of human workers and the potential for AI to take over tasks that should remain human-centric. He emphasizes that not every task that can be automated should be, advocating for a thoughtful approach towards integrating AI into the workplace.
• The conversation with Matt Coatney on the Wired Garage podcast sheds light on the transformative potential of AI in software development. From enhancing productivity to reshaping project management, AI is becoming an integral part of the tech landscape. However, as we embrace these advancements, we must remain vigilant about the ethical implications and ensure that human creativity and oversight remain at the core of our technological innovations. Key takeaways include the importance of clear specifications, understanding AI limitations, and the ethical considerations surrounding automation.

Tags: AI, software development, chatbots, Codex, ChatGPT, productivity, ethics in AI, project management, technology

Chapters

• The Evolution of AI: From Chatbots to Agentic Teammates
• Identifying Use Cases for AI Agents
• AI Management: Skills for the Future
• The Infl

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S1E14 Balancing Fatherhood and Fitness with Michael Alshouse
In this episode of The Wired Garage, Michael Alshouse shares insights on balancing fatherhood, health, and sports. He discusses his ideal day as a dad, which includes early morning workouts, smoking meat, and spending quality time with family. The conversation delves into the importance of family dinners, the challenges of parenting, and how to instill a love for sports in children. Alshouse emphasizes the need for balance in life, the significance of accountability in fitness, and the joy of sharing sports experiences with family.

Keywords
dad life, health, family, sports, parenting, cooking, fitness, balance, traditions, routines

Takeaways
Early morning workouts are essential for personal time.
Cooking meat on a Traeger takes patience and skill.
Family dinners provide energy and connection.
It's okay to have off days in fitness routines.
Involving kids in physical activities fosters family bonding.
Accountability is crucial for maintaining fitness goals.
Balancing health and family requires planning and flexibility.
Sports can be a shared family experience.
Teaching kids about winning and losing is important.
Traditions in sports can create lasting memories.

Chapters
The Dream Day of a Dad
Balancing Health and Family Life
Cherishing Family Moments
Navigating Fatherhood and Family Dynamics
Balancing Health and Family Life
Starting Your Health Journey
Sports Fandom and Team Loyalty
College Basketball Passion
March Madness vs. College Football
The Impact of NIL on College Sports
The Evolution of NFL Offense
Integrating Sports into Family Life
Lessons in Sportsmanship and Team Spirit

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S1E13 Significance of community for IT leaders with Michael Alshouse
In this episode of The Wired Garage, Michael Alshouse from Byteworks joins to discuss insights from leading IT leadership roundtables and the vital role of community among technology leaders. Focusing on healthcare IT, he explores how organizations are tackling evolving cybersecurity threats, mounting compliance demands, and vendor complexity—all while realizing the promise of AI and automation. Alshouse shares practical guidance for CIOs and IT executives on building strong peer networks, avoiding common leadership pitfalls, and aligning strategic priorities with organizational goals. The conversation offers a grounded look at how modern IT leaders can navigate change and empower their teams in a rapidly shifting digital landscape.

Keywords
IT leadership, cybersecurity, healthcare technology, AI automation, peer networking, compliance, vendor management, roundtable discussions, technology insights, cybersecurity, regulations, community, technology adoption, service desk

Takeaways
Community is a cheat code for modern IT.
AI policies help govern the use of technology.
Prioritize strategic work over mundane tasks.
Healthcare organizations face unique cyber risks.
Building trust in peer networks enhances idea sharing.
Community is essential for modern IT leaders.
Healthcare organizations face unique IT challenges.
AI is a hot topic but requires careful governance.
Cybersecurity is a new normal for IT leaders.
Regulatory pressures can be overwhelming; seek peer advice.
Building a peer network can provide valuable support.
Automation can significantly improve IT operations.
Top-down leadership is crucial for technology adoption.
Learning from peers can save time and resources.
Establishing comfort at the leadership level is key.

Chapters
The Importance of Community in IT Leadership
Navigating Healthcare IT Challenges
The Role of AI in IT Operations
Cybersecurity in Healthcare: A New Normal
Understanding Regulations and Best Practices
Leveraging Automation and AI for Efficiency
Building Your Own Network of Peers
The Role of Leadership in Technology Adoption

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S1E12 Lessons from Abroad plus The Excitement of Sim Racing with Toby Phillippe
In this episode of The Wired Garage, Toby shares his experiences from international assignments in Bangladesh and India, discussing the cultural adaptations and career advancements that shaped his journey. He also delves into his passion for sim racing, highlighting the immersive experience of virtual reality racing. Finally, Toby discusses his home lab setup, emphasizing the importance of self-hosting and experimenting with technology in a personal space.

Keywords
career journeys, cultural adaptation, sim racing, virtual reality, home lab, technology, international experience, personal growth, IT practices, innovation

Takeaways
International assignments can accelerate career growth.
Cultural adaptation is crucial when working overseas.
Learning to navigate different environments enhances problem-solving skills.
Sim racing provides a unique outlet for driving enthusiasts.
Virtual reality enhances the immersive experience of sim racing.
Home labs allow for experimentation with technology.
Self-hosting services can save costs and provide control.
Understanding enterprise practices can improve home lab management.
Engaging in hobbies can lead to personal growth and new skills.
Traveling broadens perspectives and fosters appreciation for different cultures.

Chapters
Global Career Journeys and Cultural Adaptation
The Thrill of Sim Racing and Virtual Reality
Home Lab Innovations and IT Practices

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S1E11 Navigating Cloud Native Challenges - From Cloud-Native Back to On‑Prem with Luke Badgerow

In this conversation, Luke shares insights on navigating the complexities of cloud-native technologies, the importance of modernizing platforms with AI, and the common pitfalls of lift and shift migrations. He emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to refactoring legacy systems and the significance of collaboration across teams to ensure successful transitions to cloud environments.

Keywords: cloud native, AI, modernization, lift and shift, legacy systems, migration strategies, Kubernetes, serverless, architecture, data management

Takeaways

• Cloud native is about disintegrating application architecture.
• Modernization now includes AI integration for faster decision-making.
• Lift and shift often leads to unexpected challenges in cloud environments.
• Understanding the unique behaviors of applications in the cloud is crucial.
• Data migration can introduce latency issues affecting user experience.
• Collaboration across teams is essential for successful cloud transitions.
• Observability is key to managing cloud applications effectively.
• Legacy systems require careful analysis before migration.
• Refactoring can provide significant business value over simple lift and shift.
• AI should be integrated thoughtfully to enhance application performance.

Chapters

• The Evolution of Cloud Native Architecture
• Challenges in Migrating Legacy Systems
• The Role of AI in Modernization
• Navigating Lift and Shift Mistakes
• Deciding Between VM, Container, and Serverless
• Prioritizing Legacy Portfolio Migration
• Building a Collaborative IT Culture

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S1E10 Bourbon and music, a perfect blend. Bourbon and Beyond 2025 Festival with Matt Coatney
In this engaging conversation, technology executive Matt Coatney shares his experiences at music festivals, particularly the Bourbon and Beyond and Louder Than Life festivals. He discusses the unique blend of music, bourbon, and community that these events foster, as well as his personal reflections on travel and the beauty of the Oregon coastline. The discussion highlights the importance of music and shared experiences in bringing people together, and how these festivals serve as a reminder of the positive aspects of life amidst the noise of everyday challenges.

Keywords: Bourbon and Beyond, Louder Than Life, music festivals, community, travel, bourbon, technology, AI, personal stories, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Phish

Takeaways
He attended the Bourbon and Beyond festival after a long hiatus from festivals.
The festival featured a variety of music and bourbon tastings.
Matt enjoyed seeing Fish live for the first time at the festival.
Bourbon was surprisingly affordable at the festival, enhancing the experience.
The community aspect of music festivals is vital for connection and joy.
Traveling to Oregon revealed the stunning beauty of the coastline.
Matt's road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway was a memorable experience.
Music festivals can create a sense of belonging and shared joy among diverse groups.
The conversation emphasizes that life is better when shared with music, food, and community.

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S1E09 Navigating Cloud Native Challenges - From Legacy to Cloud Native with Luke Badgerow

In this episode of The Wired Garage, host Pops welcomes Luke to discuss the evolving landscape of cloud computing, particularly the concept of 'cloud native' as we approach 2026. Luke shares insights from his extensive experience in cloud migrations and modernizations, emphasizing the shift from simple lift-and-shift strategies to more sophisticated, serverless architectures. He highlights the importance of understanding application architecture and the challenges of managing workloads in a cloud environment, especially when dealing with legacy systems. The conversation also touches on the integration of AI into cloud platforms and the necessity of aligning business goals with technological capabilities.

As they delve deeper, Luke discusses the common pitfalls organizations face when transitioning to the cloud, such as assuming that on-premise systems will function identically in a cloud environment. He stresses the need for thorough analysis and planning to ensure successful migrations, including considerations for data management and system observability. The episode concludes with a reflection on the cultural shifts required within organizations to adapt to these technological changes, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across teams to achieve a seamless transition to cloud-native solutions.

Keywords: cloud native, cloud computing, AI integration, cloud migration, serverless architecture, legacy systems, Kubernetes, data management, technology transformation, DevOps


Takeaways

• Cloud native is disintegrating the application architecture.
• The biggest gotcha is assuming on-prem systems will behave the same in the cloud.
• You need to cover people, process, and technology to succeed in cloud migrations.
• AI is a real hype cycle; we need to manage expectations.
• Observability is crucial; you can't just lift and shift without understanding the architecture.

Chapters

• The Evolution of Cloud Native Architecture
• Challenges in Migrating Legacy Systems
• The Role of AI in Modernization
• Navigating Lift and Shift Mistakes
• Deciding Between VM, Container, and Serverless
• Prioritizing Legacy Portfolio Migration
• Building a Collaborative IT Culture

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S1E08 Everyday AI - How You Can Use Claude, ChatGPT, and More 

In this episode of The Wired Garage, Pops and Steele delve into the practical applications of AI tools for personal use. They explore popular AI platforms like Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and Claude, discussing their functionalities and how users can leverage them for various tasks. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding AI capabilities, best practices for usage, and the evolving role of AI as an integrated part of daily life. The hosts also highlight the need for caution regarding privacy and the accuracy of AI-generated information, encouraging listeners to experiment with these tools while being mindful of their limitations.

Keywords: AI tools, personal use, Google Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude, AI capabilities, best practices, AI integration, operating system, future of AI

Takeaways

• AI tools are now integral to everyday tasks.
• Experimenting with AI can save time and enhance creativity.
• Understanding AI capabilities is crucial for effective use.
• Best practices include validating outputs and protecting personal information.
• AI is evolving into a new operating system for users.
• Integration of AI into daily life is becoming seamless.
• Privacy concerns are paramount when using AI tools.
• Prompt engineering is essential for accurate results.
• AI can assist in various tasks from writing to coding.
• Continuous learning and adaptation are key in the AI landscape.

Chapters

• Introduction to AI Tools for Personal Use
• Exploring AI Tools: Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and Claude
• Understanding AI Capabilities and Best Practices
• AI as a New Operating System
• The Future of AI Integration in Daily Life

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S1E07 - Unlocking the Power of the CMDB. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the significance of Configuration Management Databases (CMDB) in managing IT assets and data. They explore the definition of configuration items, the importance of data management and security, and the role of data repositories. The discussion also covers what should be included in a CMDB, how to identify a dumping ground, and the necessity of using tools for effective data management. The conversation emphasizes the importance of automation, measuring business value, and engaging stakeholders to drive adoption and success in CMDB initiatives.

Takeaways

• A CMDB is essential for tracking configuration items.
• Understanding what belongs in a CMDB is crucial for effective management.
• Data management and security are intertwined with CMDB practices.
• Identifying a dumping ground in a CMDB can help improve data quality.
• Automation can enhance the efficiency of data management processes.
• Engaging stakeholders is vital for the success of CMDB initiatives.
• Measuring business value from CMDB usage is important for ongoing support.
• A strategic approach to CMDB implementation can prevent data overload.
• Data repositories need to be protected to ensure compliance and security.
• Effective communication of wins can drive further investment in CMDB efforts.

Keywords
CMDB, Configuration Management, Data Management, IT Security, Configuration Items, Data Repositories, Automation, Business Value, Stakeholder Engagement, IT Infrastructure

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:01 Understanding CMDB and Configuration Items
03:18 The Importance of Data in CMDB
06:01 Defining What Belongs in a CMDB
08:21 The Role of Data Repositories and PII
11:00 Using CMDB for Vulnerability and Compliance
12:59 Identifying Symptoms of a CMDB Dumping Ground
15:39 Best Practices for Managing CMDB Data
18:21 The Value of Automation in CMDB Management
21:22 Leveraging CMDB for Strategic Decision Making
23:36 Sharing Success Stories and Building Stakeholder Buy-in

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S1E06 - Challenges with Projects of Scale. In this episode of The Wired Garage, Pops and Steele discuss the complexities and challenges of managing large-scale projects, particularly in the context of automation and governance. They explore the barriers organizations face when trying to implement new technologies and processes, emphasizing the importance of adapting to change and evolving processes to meet the demands of scaling. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding the interplay between people, processes, and technology, and how effective governance and risk management are crucial for successful IT operations. The episode concludes with insights on project management tools and frameworks that can aid organizations in navigating these challenges.

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Find the full episodes on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and iHeart.  Shorts and other content can be found on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

Keywords: large scale projects, automation, governance, process management, technology, risk management, IT operations, scaling, manual processes, project management

Takeaways:
Scale creates noise and anything not enforced falls apart.
The thinking that got you where you are is not going to be the thinking that gets you to where you're trying to go.
You can only carry so much of a load.
If we don't automate, we will be overwhelmed.
Are you ready to think differently?
It's not just a tool failing; it's a process failing.
You have to have a holistic understanding of the process.
Processes need to be built that can evolve.
You need to think through your risk list.
You have to get up out of the trenches.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Challenges in Large Scale Projects
02:55 The Impact of Scale on Processes
06:01 Barriers to Automation and Change
08:59 Technology and Process Fit for Scale
11:45 Evolving Processes for Continuous Improvement
14:31 Managing Process Health and Effectiveness
17:27 Governance and Risk Management in Scaling IT Ops
20:38 The Role of Manual Processes in Scaling
23:16 Communicating Value and Gaining Buy-In
26:12 Tools and Frameworks for Project Management
29:16 Closing Thoughts on People, Process, and Technology

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