Andrew Pla avatar

Andrew Pla

PowerShell MVP, podcast host, and Community Director of PowerShell Summit

Andrew Pla avatar

Andrew Pla

0 articles  •  234 podcast episodes

I’m a technical educator and community builder. I’m a Microsoft PowerShell MVP, podcast host, speaker, and Community Director of PowerShell Summit. I also work at PDQ alongside sysadmins and IT pros every day.

Community isn’t just what I do. It’s where I get my energy. I genuinely light up when I see someone land a new job, level up a skill, or show up to their first conference. I love sharing that passion with others.

Every week I host a live podcast and stream on YouTube covering PowerShell, automation, and the humans behind the keyboards.

If you’re on your IT journey and need someone in your corner, you’re in the right place. Find more at andrewpla.tech/links.

The PowerShell Podcast Breaking Down Barriers in PowerShell and Management with Kevin Cefalu
Podcast Episode 1 min

The PowerShell Podcast Breaking Down Barriers in PowerShell and Management with Kevin Cefalu

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we engage in a dynamic discussion with Kevin Cefalu. Kevin shares managerial insights, valuable lessons from the Summit, and the workings of Azure Durable Functions. The conversation shifts to the power of Pair Programming and Call for Presentations (CFP) and how this involved Andrew. We explore the usage of the .vscode folder and Plaster for workspace customization and conclude with Kevin’s intriguing thoughts on AI applications. A powerful blend of knowledge, experience, and technology.

The PowerShell Podcast PowerShell Summit & More: A Chat with James Petty
Podcast Episode 2 min

The PowerShell Podcast PowerShell Summit & More: A Chat with James Petty

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we were joined by Microsoft MVP and PowerShell.org CEO James Petty. We dove into the core of what PowerShell.org brings to the community and James’ instrumental role in driving this platform forward. James shared insightful details about the future of the eagerly awaited PowerShell Summit, highlighting the significant and welcome changes in store for next year. The conversation also hailed his latest literary creation, ‘Learn PowerShell Scripting in a Month of Lunches,’ as we explored the evolution in content and approach compared to its predecessor. Adding to this rich mix were James’ anecdotes from his time as a professor teaching PowerShell at a college, providing a truly riveting podcast that celebrates the wide-reaching influence of PowerShell.

The PowerShell Podcast In Code We Trust: Being Thankful for PowerShell
Podcast Episode 2 min

The PowerShell Podcast In Code We Trust: Being Thankful for PowerShell

In this special gratitude-filled episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we take time to appreciate the wonderful world of PowerShell - where tech and community coalesce. We highlight some splendid community projects, highlighting their large impacts and innovative approaches. As we recall our podcast journey, we revel in a nostalgic look back while also envisioning a powerful future. From personal anecdotes revealing how PowerShell has shaped our tech lives to a thought-provoking expose on error handling, the episode is a wholesome tableau of learning, reflection, and connection. It’s a delightful mix of the cerebral and the personal - with plenty to be thankful for!

The PowerShell Podcast Emil Larsson: Creating Communal Tech Waves with PowerShell
Podcast Episode 1 min

The PowerShell Podcast Emil Larsson: Creating Communal Tech Waves with PowerShell

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we had Emil Larsson join us! We had a healthy amount of community blogs in this episode, with lots of great conversation all throughout. We discussed how helpful contributing to PowerShell docs can be. We learned about Emil’s evolution with PowerShell and how the industry has changed in his 10+ years of experience. Emil and Andrew revisited their early IT days of grappling with upgrades from Windows XP to Windows 7, making all of us a bit nostalgic. We also had a fair bit of discussion around what the PowerShell community is all about.

The PowerShell Podcast Entra Insights and Merrill Fernando’s Toolbox: Powering the Community
Podcast Episode 2 min

The PowerShell Podcast Entra Insights and Merrill Fernando’s Toolbox: Powering the Community

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we had an enlightening conversation with Merrill Fernando, a Principal Product Manager on Microsoft’s Entra team. Our discussion unveiled an in-depth look at Microsoft Entra, providing listeners with tips and tricks. Merrill generously shared his journey in becoming a PM, emphasizing the pivotal role of learning and sharing knowledge within our tech community. We also delved into the emerging importance of transitioning from the AzureAD module towards a more streamlined approach using Graph. Not to miss, Merrill spotlighted his widely acclaimed tools such as akasearch.net, idPowerToys, and entra. news, and more, opening up an array of exciting possibilities for our listeners. Join us as we explore these topics and a whole lot more in yet another riveting session of the PowerShell Podcast.

The PowerShell Podcast DSC, Community, and PowerShell: A conversation with Michael Greene
Podcast Episode 1 min

The PowerShell Podcast DSC, Community, and PowerShell: A conversation with Michael Greene

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we were joined by Michael Greene, a prominent figure from the PowerShell team at Microsoft. Our enlightening discussion revolved around his instrumental role in the progression from DSC 2.0 to 3.0, largely influenced by invaluable customer feedback. Greene’s key involvement in co-authoring the Infrastructure Release Pipeline whitepaper with Steven Murawksi was another topic of conversation. Catapulting to being a Product Manager, he shared his journey, highlighting the importance of being accessible, empathetic, and staying focused on the community. Furthermore, the conversation took an intriguing turn toward the future, debating the possibilities of AI and terminal experiences in the future.

The PowerShell Podcast The eye of the Tyger: Clayton Tyger, A PowerShell Rising Star
Podcast Episode 1 min

The PowerShell Podcast The eye of the Tyger: Clayton Tyger, A PowerShell Rising Star

In the latest episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we dove deep into the world of guest Clayton Tyger, a rising figure in the PowerShell community. Clayton shared his intriguing journey into the world of PowerShell, shedding light on his first steps and his continuous involvement in the community. Of particular significance was our discussion about his experience developing the impactful 365AutomatedLab module. Also, Clayton’s “Getting Started with 365AutomatedLab module” blog received special attention, serving as a fantastic resource for fellow developers. The episode provided remarkable insights, demonstrating Clayton’s expertise and his dedication to sharing knowledge with the community.

The PowerShell Podcast Joe Houghes; Soft Skills, Community, and Professional Growth
Podcast Episode 2 min

The PowerShell Podcast Joe Houghes; Soft Skills, Community, and Professional Growth

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we were thrilled to sit virtually with none other than Joe Houghes, engaging him in an insightful discussion about his dynamic journey and participation in community activity. Woven throughout with humor and knowledge, our ponderings with Joe centered around the significance of building relationships within the community. We ventured further into the dialogue surrounding the emphasis on soft skills and their interaction with professional growth. The conversation pivoted towards effective communication as an investment into one’s self, bringing about palpable value in the workplace. Walk away with a newfound reflective insight and tangible advice for involvement in the community, all courtesy of Joe’s enlightening experiences.

The PowerShell Podcast From Console to GitOps: Gilbert Sanchez Breaks It Down
Podcast Episode 1 min

The PowerShell Podcast From Console to GitOps: Gilbert Sanchez Breaks It Down

On the latest engrossing edition of The PowerShell Podcast, we had the unique pleasure of discussing the intricate world of cross-platform terminal setups with none other than Gilbert Sanchez. Providing some much-needed clarification and sparking a few laughs, Gilbert unveiled the legitimate pronunciation of the ‘mdgrs.’ As we delved further, we explored the distinctions between console and terminal, unraveling their complexities and feature sets. We also dove into the trending concept of GitOps, breaking down its structure, benefits, and its growing influence in our operations. Hold on tight, as this episode is stocked with fascinating discourse, enriching knowledge, and an added element of Gilbert’s quirky and amusing style.

The PowerShell Podcast Navigating the IT Landscape: A Conversation with Joel ’Jaykul’ Bennett
Podcast Episode 1 min

The PowerShell Podcast Navigating the IT Landscape: A Conversation with Joel ’Jaykul’ Bennett

In the latest episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we delve deep into the world of IT with our distinguished guest, Joel “Jaykul” Bennett. From plumbing the depths of GitOps basics to demystifying the role of Kubernetes, Joel leaves no stone unturned. By sharing his journey of self-discovery in finding empowering employers and honing his IT skills, he offers invaluable insights for professionals in the tech sector. Joel also speaks about his all-time favorite conference talks, revealing the nuggets of wisdom he’s gained from his prolific career. But what’s a PowerShell Podcast without diving into the nitty-gritty? Joel also shares about knowing one’s worth in the IT field and gives us a peek into his favorite modules.