SolarWinds TechPod

In this special mini episode of SolarWinds TechPod, hosts Chrystal Taylor and Sean Sebring sit down again with Matai Wilson to unpack the latest AI innovations announced during SolarWinds Day. Discover how SolarWinds is building the future of autonomous IT operations, from proactive remediation and Root Cause Assist (RCA) to an Agentic Framework that will transform how IT pros interact with systems.

Matai Wilson, Senior Director for Product Management at SolarWinds, joins TechPod to explore the evolving landscape of AI technology. The conversation delves into the challenges of building AI technology, the exciting future of AI in IT operations, and the upcoming features and tools SolarWinds is developing to enhance user experience and operational efficiency.

It's CSOC o'clock! In this episode, we dive into the high-stakes world of cyber defense with the manager of cybersecurity operations at a critical infrastructure organization. From ransomware threats and zero-day exploits to the rise of nation-state-backed Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), our guest reveals how security teams manage 24/7 threats, the mindset it takes to thrive in cybersecurity, and why community collaboration is becoming essential in cyber warfare. Whether you're an IT pro, a security hopeful, or just curious about what keeps defenders up at night, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and the real grit of the job.

It’s the 100th episode of SolarWinds TechPod! Join hosts Chrystal Taylor and Sean Sebring as they celebrate this milestone by going behind the scenes of the podcast. From the infamous "host curse" to their favorite guests, funniest moments, and the magic of production, this candid conversation reveals what it really takes to bring TechPod to life. Whether you’re a long-time listener or new to the pod, you’ll enjoy hearing about the evolution of the show, the power of community, and what’s coming next.  © 2025 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved

In this episode, hosts Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor engage with actual rock star Chris Greer, a Security Engineering Manager at SolarWinds, to explore the multifaceted world of cybersecurity. Chris shares his unconventional journey from being a musician to entering the IT field, emphasizing the importance of certifications and the mindset shift required when transitioning from IT operations to security. Topics covered: The significance of communication skills in tech roles The value of networking The challenges of leadership in the security domain © 2025 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved

This episode explores the intersection of gaming, particularly MMOs, and its impact on workplace dynamics. Dr. Melika Shirmohammadi and Mostafa Ayoobzadeh join hosts Chrystal Taylor and Sean Sebring to discuss their motivations for studying the positive aspects of gaming, the skills that can be transferred to professional environments, and the social stigma surrounding gaming as a hobby. © 2025 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved

In this episode of SolarWinds TechPod, hosts Chrystal Taylor and Sean Sebring explore the key differences between monitoring and observability with guest Jeff Stewart, GVP of Product Management at SolarWinds. Observability goes beyond traditional monitoring, offering AI-driven insights and a holistic view of system health. Like understanding the anatomy of the body, observability reveals how IT systems are interconnected—where one issue can ripple across the entire environment. They discuss how businesses can leverage observability to reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. © 2025 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved

Engage your meat computers with this philosophical discussion about the transformative impact of generative AI, prompt engineering, and beyond with Doug Bennett, Senior Global Partner Development Manager with Amazon Web Services, and hosts Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor. They delve into the future of generative AI, the potential for innovation, and the changing nature of coding and application development. © 2025 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved

It's never been easier to learn new things, but the options can be overwhelming. TechPod hosts Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor discuss continuing education in the context of IT careers in 2025. They explore the value of interpersonal skills alongside technical skills, the variety of learning resources available, and the significance of mentorship in guiding professional development. © 2025 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 

SolarWinds Evangelists Sascha Giese and Kevin Kline join hosts Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor to discuss Gartner's (and their own) predictions for the technology world in 2025. They explore the potential disruptions AI may bring to various sectors, including healthcare, education, legal professions; the future of AR and VR technologies; and the implications of quantum computing in relation to AI. © 2025 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 

Who's ready for wetware? TechPod host Sean Sebring is! From the Zune to Henry Cavill's upper lip, he and co-host Chrystal Taylor talk with Movies and Mainframes host Andy Garibay about what tech we got right, what they can't wait for, and what they'll never speak of again.   © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 

Security expert Josh Vanhoose joins the podcast to discuss his journey into cybersecurity, the importance of real-world experience, and how to humanize security, with hosts Chrystal Taylor and Sean Sebring. They explore how to transition into cybersecurity, the significance of entry-level certifications, and the tools available for learning. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved   

In this episode of SolarWinds TechPod, hosts Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor discuss sustainability in technology with SolarWinds Evangelist Sascha Giese. They explore the energy consumption of data centers, innovative green initiatives, and the importance of circular IT practices. The conversation also touches on the concept of greenwashing and the responsibility of corporations and individuals in reducing their carbon footprints. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 

Mark Roberts, Technical Director of Prosperon Networks, joins hosts Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor to salute the unique challenges of IT project management. From the joys of scope creep to the intricacies of wrangling leadership buy-in, they cover the life of a project from initial discovery process all the way through to project handover. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 

SolarWinds Director of Corporate Communications Dillon Townsel joins hosts Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor to talk about his journey from the military to civilian life. He provides insights on how to navigate the transition process and offers advice for those looking to transition into the technology field. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 

MOVE! Just kidding. Interpersonal skills can be just as vital to your IT role as technical skills, and there’s far less training. SolarWinds IT Manager Tara Bourke joins hosts Chrystal Taylor and Sean Sebring to share what she’s learned about conflict resolution, problem-solving, and effective communication with the whole spectrum of end users. Get the strategies you need to avoid becoming a Saturday Night Live skit. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 

Have you ever tried to scroll up a piece of paper? Have you described a GIF during an actual conversation? To save you from these embarrassing situations, hosts Chrystal Taylor and Sean Sebring identify some telltale signs that it’s time to Log Off (trumpets blaring) and suggest some new ways to spend your time as you wean from the screen. Touch grass, smell the roses, give your thumbs a much-needed break right after this episode. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved   

Terms like marketing* are often associated with a long list of negative connotations and an image of a cartoon thief sneaking around a corner with a huge bag of cash over his shoulder. Why does the word marketing make people want to delete their banking apps and bury their wallets? How has the perception of this simple concept changed over time? In this episode, SolarWinds Chief Marketing Officer, Brian Goldfarb, explains how marketing drives education, broadens perspectives, and enhances communication when it is used with integrity. Learn how marketing techniques will continuously evolve with the rapid pace of technological advancement and the challenges of predicting the future. *This description’s marketing verbiage was purely coincidental. © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 

Get a peek behind the scenes of THWACKcamp, the free virtual learning event for SolarWinds customers. Hosts Chrystal Taylor and Sean Sebring talk to THWACKcamp Executive Producer Matt Murray about the extensive preparation, creativity, and deep knowledge that goes into this year’s “love letter” to the THWACK community.    © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved 

In this conversation, hosts Sean Sebring and Chrystal Taylor talk with Derek Daly, Principal AIOps Product Manager at SolarWinds. He discusses his career journey and the role of AI and machine learning in the company's products. He shares insights into the process of introducing AI and machine learning into product features, the impact of AI on jobs, and the considerations for on-premises vs cloud deployment.      © 2024 SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC. All rights reserved