Ardan Labs Podcast

Bill Kennedy
  • 5.0 (8)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

This podcast features intimate conversations with engineers who are in the forefront of building or teaching technology. Join us as we learn how our guests got started in tech, the type and level of education they've obtained, their work history, and personal stories about their journey. We publish the show on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and the Web biweekly on Wednesdays at 12pm US Eastern Time. Subscribe and STAY TUNED!

  1. FEB 4

    Hardware, Innovation, and The Space Safe with Oscar Hedaya

    In this episode of the Ardan Labs Podcast, Ale Kennedy debuts as host in her first episode, sitting down with Oscar Hedaya, founder of SPACE, to discuss building startups, navigating uncertainty, and launching innovative products. Oscar shares his journey from New Jersey to Miami, the childhood financial challenges that shaped his work ethic, and the lessons learned from college, job searching, and early setbacks. The conversation explores what it takes to start a company, develop a physical product in a competitive market, and turn setbacks into momentum. Together, Ale and Oscar examine persistence, partnership dynamics, and how identifying gaps in the market led to the creation of The Space Safe. 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:13 Smart Safes and Security Innovation 07:14 Childhood and Early Influences 12:57 College Applications and Transitions 28:51 College Decisions and Academic Paths 42:15 Graduation and Job Market Reality 54:26 Starting a Business 59:43 Restarting the Entrepreneurial Journey 01:10:29 The Birth of The Space Safe 01:18:48 Product Development Challenges 01:23:49 Launching SpaceSafe Connect with Oscar:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohedaya/ Mentioned in this Episode: The Space Safe Website: https://www.thespacesafe.com Want more from Ardan Labs? You can learn Go, Kubernetes, Docker & more through our video training, live events, or through our blog! Online Courses : https://ardanlabs.com/education/  Live Events : https://www.ardanlabs.com/live-training-events/  Blog : https://www.ardanlabs.com/blog  Github : https://github.com/ardanlabs

    1h 29m

  2. JAN 7

    AI, Legacy, and Reflekta with Miles Spencer

    In this episode of the Ardan Labs Podcast, Bill Kennedy talks with Miles Spencer, founder of Reflekta, about using AI to preserve the stories and legacies of loved ones. Miles explains how Reflekta enables meaningful, ongoing conversations with elders through AI while prioritizing privacy, ethics, and emotional responsibility. They explore the technical foundations of the platform, the challenges of building trust around deeply personal data, and the business model behind Reflekta. Miles also shares his journey from high school to entrepreneurship and reflects on how technology can foster genuine human connection rather than replace it. 00:00 Introduction  02:35 How Reflekta Uses AI 05:10 Media Processing and Conversations 08:26 Privacy, Security, and Ethics 13:25 Miles’ Background and Journey 27:57 Early Entrepreneurship and Family Challenges 36:49 Finance, Venture Capital, and Media 44:57 New Ventures and Career Shifts 56:54 COVID-19 and Business Impact 01:00:04 The Birth of Reflekta 01:09:03 Ethical Challenges and the Road Ahead Connect with Miles:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milesspencer/ Mentioned in this Episode: Reflekta: https://reflekta.ai/ Want more from Ardan Labs? You can learn Go, Kubernetes, Docker & more through our video training, live events, or through our blog! Online Courses : https://ardanlabs.com/education/  Live Events : https://www.ardanlabs.com/live-training-events/  Blog : https://www.ardanlabs.com/blog  Github : https://github.com/ardanlabs

    1h 15m

  3. 12/17/2025

    AI, Toilville, and Adaptability with Peter Swimm

    In this episode of the Ardan Labs Podcast, Bill Kennedy talks with Peter Swimm, founder of Toilville, about the future of AI and workplace automation. Peter shares insights from his long career in technology—from Microsoft to building large-scale conversational AI systems—and discusses the growing need for strong governance around AI usage. They explore privacy and IP concerns, the pitfalls of “vibe coding,” and why documentation and trust logs are essential for safe and effective AI adoption. The conversation also dives into generational shifts in education, the impact of COVID-19 on the job market, and how AI can enhance productivity without replacing authenticity. 00:00 Introduction 03:09 AI and Workplace Automation 05:51 Privacy, IP, and Safety Concerns 08:50 Vibe Coding and Development Challenges 12:04 Governance and Compliance 14:49 Evolution of AI Tools 20:53 Early Tech Experiences 31:28 Cultural Perspectives on AI 36:31 AI and the Future of Education 42:44 Career Paths and Experience 50:54 Early Conversational AI 56:15 COVID-19 and Contact Centers 59:00 AI’s Future in Business 01:02:42 From Microsoft to Entrepreneurship 01:13:44 Navigating the AI Landscape 01:28:02 Empowering Businesses with AI Solutions Connect with Peter:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterswimm/ Mentioned in this Episode: Toilville: https://www.toilville.com/ Want more from Ardan Labs? You can learn Go, Kubernetes, Docker & more through our video training, live events, or through our blog! Online Courses : https://ardanlabs.com/education/  Live Events : https://www.ardanlabs.com/live-training-events/  Blog : https://www.ardanlabs.com/blog  Github : https://github.com/ardanlabs

    1h 29m

  4. 12/03/2025

    Cybersecurity, Resilience, and Business with Caleb Mattingly

    In this episode of the Ardan Labs Podcast, Bill Kennedy talks with Caleb Mattingly, Founder and CEO of Secure Cloud Innovations, about his journey through cybersecurity, compliance, and entrepreneurship. Caleb shares insights into navigating complex compliance frameworks, the importance of vulnerability management, and building trust in the cybersecurity space. Beyond tech, he discusses his passion for linguistics, communication, and music—and how personal interests shape professional growth. The conversation also explores Caleb’s entrepreneurial story, from a chance encounter at a swing dance club to building a thriving business during COVID-19, highlighting lessons in resilience, niche marketing, and the value of relationships in business. 00:00 Introduction 01:50 Cybersecurity and Compliance 05:56 Vulnerability Management 19:39 Education and Career Exploration 26:35 Linguistics and Language Learning 36:42 College Life and Personal Growth 40:15 Music, Hobbies, and Self-Expression 55:51 Balancing Work and Love 01:12:08 Entering Cybersecurity 01:23:05 Career Changes and New Beginnings 01:26:49 Founding Secure Cloud Innovations 01:39:56 Building Trust and Customer Relationships Connect with Caleb:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-h-mattingly/ Mentioned in this Episode: Secure Cloud Innovations: https://trysci.co/ Want more from Ardan Labs? You can learn Go, Kubernetes, Docker & more through our video training, live events, or through our blog! Online Courses : https://ardanlabs.com/education/  Live Events : https://www.ardanlabs.com/live-training-events/  Blog : https://www.ardanlabs.com/blog  Github : https://github.com/ardanlabs

    1h 43m

  5. 11/19/2025

    Data, Innovation, and Passion with Catherine Johnson

    In this episode of the Ardan Labs Podcast, Bill Kennedy talks with Catherine Johnson, VP of Global Solutions Engineering at Hydrolix, about her career journey through data management, scalability, and innovation. With a background spanning leadership roles at Hydrolix, Grafana Labs, and Oracle, Catherine shares insights into balancing engineering, entrepreneurship, and mentorship. She discusses the evolution of real-time data systems, the economics of storage, and the importance of data-driven decision-making. Catherine also opens up about taking a break from tech to teach dance, and how her passion for innovation and continuous learning fuels her leadership today. 00:00 Introduction 03:03 Data Management and Scalability 05:58 Explosion of Data and Storage Needs 09:01 Real-Time Data in Business 14:49 Economics of Data Storage 20:41 Education and Early Career 31:09 Career Transitions and Growth 46:10 Teaching Dance and Finding Balance 53:16 Returning to Tech at Oracle 01:08:10 Joining Elastic and Facing Burnout 01:15:45 Leadership and Innovation at Hydrolix 01:27:07 AI in Tech and Its Limitations Connect with Catherine:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catjopdx/ Mentioned in this Episode: Hydrolix: https://hydrolix.io/ Want more from Ardan Labs? You can learn Go, Kubernetes, Docker & more through our video training, live events, or through our blog! Online Courses : https://ardanlabs.com/education/  Live Events : https://www.ardanlabs.com/live-training-events/  Blog : https://www.ardanlabs.com/blog  Github : https://github.com/ardanlabs

    1h 25m

  6. 11/05/2025

    Go, Medicine, and Adaptability with Salah Mahmud

    In this episode of the Ardan Labs Podcast, Bill Kennedy talks with Salah Mahmud, a medical researcher specializing in epidemiology and medical statistics. Salah shares his journey from growing up in Libya under Gaddafi’s regime to conducting cutting-edge research in Canada on the connection between influenza and heart attacks. He discusses the challenges of running large-scale observational studies, the bureaucratic barriers to accessing medical data, and the importance of diversity in health research. Salah also reflects on his early entrepreneurial ventures, his discovery of programming during medical school, and how resilience and adaptability shaped his personal and professional journey. 00:00 Introduction 02:03 Research on Influenza and Heart Attacks 05:53 Challenges in Data Access 16:51 Life in Libya Under Gaddafi 21:32 From Medicine to Programming 41:18 WHO Collaboration and Education Abroad 57:13 Disappearance and New Beginnings 01:09:33 Immigration and Adaptation in Canada 01:15:45 Balancing Medicine and Technology 01:21:22 Family, Culture, and Reflection 01:25:37 Current Research and Future Goals Connect with Salah:  Email: salah.mahmud@umanitoba.ca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salah-mahmud-4177285a/ Mentioned in this Episode: Golang: https://go.dev/ Want more from Ardan Labs? You can learn Go, Kubernetes, Docker & more through our video training, live events, or through our blog! Online Courses : https://ardanlabs.com/education/  Live Events : https://www.ardanlabs.com/live-training-events/  Blog : https://www.ardanlabs.com/blog  Github : https://github.com/ardanlabs

    1h 27m

  7. 10/22/2025

    Marketing, Innovation, and Averi AI with Zack Holland

    In this episode of the Ardan Labs Podcast, Bill Kennedy talks with Zack Holland, CEO & Founder of Averi AI, about his journey from early life in Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest to building an AI-powered marketing platform. Zack shares lessons from early business ventures, the challenges of running startups, and the evolution of his entrepreneurial mindset. They explore how Averi AI helps marketers become more creative and efficient, the importance of data security and trust in AI, and what it takes to innovate in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. 00:00 Introduction 02:54 Marketing and AI Evolution 05:58 Changing Digital Landscape 09:04 Early Life and Influences 12:02 From Ecuador to Utah 18:00 First Business in High School 29:53 LLMs and Entrepreneurship 39:44 Lessons from Failure 43:46 Starting a Marketing Agency 56:19 Founding Avery AI 01:08:10 Trust and Data Security 01:13:14 Marketing and AI Adoption 01:17:58 AI Challenges and Opportunities 01:26:00 Contact Info  Connect with Zack:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackholland X: https://x.com/zack_holland Mentioned in this Episode: Averi AI: https://www.averi.ai/ Want more from Ardan Labs? You can learn Go, Kubernetes, Docker & more through our video training, live events, or through our blog! Online Courses : https://ardanlabs.com/education/  Live Events : https://www.ardanlabs.com/live-training-events/  Blog : https://www.ardanlabs.com/blog  Github : https://github.com/ardanlabs

    1h 29m

  8. 10/08/2025

    Writing, Technology, and a Nomadic Lifestyle with Mike Elgan

    In this episode of the Ardan Labs Podcast, Bill Kennedy talks with Mike Elgan, technology editorialist, about his journey to becoming a professional writer. Mike reflects on the evolution of journalism, the digital publishing revolution of the 90s, and the role of communication in shaping society. He also shares insights from his nomadic lifestyle, the realities of freelance writing, the impact of AI on creativity, and the importance of adaptability and passion in navigating a rapidly changing technological landscape. 00:00 Introduction  05:54 Growing Up in the 70s and 80s 11:32 Education, Passion & Early Work 31:32 Politics, Journalism & First Writing Roles 45:16 Transition to Technology Journalism 54:30 Digital Media Revolution 01:03:01 Becoming a Freelance Writer 01:05:52 Nomadic Lifestyle & Financial Realities 01:24:36 AI’s Impact on Work, Writing & Education 01:42:56 The Future of Writing & Communication 01:50:52 Cyberpunk Reality & Technology’s Next Era 01:55:11 Finding Passion & Success in Life Connect with Mike:  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeelgan X: https://x.com/MikeElgan Mentioned in this Episode: Mike Elgan’s Newsletter: https://machinesociety.ai/ Gastronomad: https://gastronomad.net Want more from Ardan Labs? You can learn Go, Kubernetes, Docker & more through our video training, live events, or through our blog! Online Courses : https://ardanlabs.com/education/  Live Events : https://www.ardanlabs.com/live-training-events/  Blog : https://www.ardanlabs.com/blog  Github : https://github.com/ardanlabs

    2h 6m
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out of 5
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About

This podcast features intimate conversations with engineers who are in the forefront of building or teaching technology. Join us as we learn how our guests got started in tech, the type and level of education they've obtained, their work history, and personal stories about their journey. We publish the show on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and the Web biweekly on Wednesdays at 12pm US Eastern Time. Subscribe and STAY TUNED!

Information

  • Creator
    Bill Kennedy
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    144
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ardan Labs Podcast
  • Show Website
    Ardan Labs Podcast