In this video, I dive into one of my favorite topics: CI/CD (Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery), also known as pipelines. Whether you're new to automation or looking to level up your DevOps skills, I'll break down the core concepts, share real-world examples (including some fun unicorn analogies!), and give you practical tips to start building your own pipelines. If you're ready to make your workflow smoother, more efficient, and more collaborative, this episode is for you. Let me know in the comments what tools or resources you're using, and let's keep learning together!
Join me on Thoughtfully Critical as I share insights and practical strategies for effective systems design. Drawing from years of experience building large-scale systems, I outline a three-phase process: Prototype, Scale, and Polish, to achieve elegant and maintainable solutions. Discover how to navigate common pitfalls, the importance of iteration, and how to transform raw ideas into robust, scalable systems. Perfect for anyone looking to advance their career in systems architecture or build better, more reliable solutions. Comments and community sharing encouraged!
My journey through the world of DevOps! From the early days of breaking down silos between developers and operations to the current complexities of cloud-native environments. I'll talk about my personal experiences, the challenges we faced, and how the role of a DevOps engineer has evolved.More: https://wahlnetwork.com/2025/05/13/the-evolution-of-devops-and-why-it-matters-now-more-than-ever/
It's quite ironic that businesses exist to help you cancel subscriptions, which are essentially recurring payments you've likely signed up for. The core issue often stems from a lack of awareness or proactive management on the user's part. We willingly subscribe to services, sometimes forgetting about them or not realizing the cumulative cost over time. The idea of then paying another subscription fee to manage and cancel these original subscriptions highlights this irony. You are essentially subscribing to a service to unsubscribe from other services.
At the heart of the digital advertising model lies a fundamental tension between the desire for effective, data-driven targeting and growing user demands for privacy and control over their personal information.
Today, I start with some spring positivity before diving into two main topics. First, I share my strong preference for wired tech over wireless in the wired vs. wireless debate, highlighting the frustrations of device charging. Then, I discuss the often overlooked but crucial topic of maintenance, stressing its importance throughout the lifecycle of a system, from deployment to eventual retirement. I also touch on the challenges faced by companies failing to adapt their maintenance strategies over time.đ Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:05 Wireless vs Wired02:30 Maintenance07:57 Updates
In this episode, I share impactful advice that has shaped my career success, primarily through a systems perspective. This presentation revolves around three crucial habits that can enhance your thinking and approach to your career and life. From maintaining a comprehensive portfolio, documenting your solutions publicly, to upholding a single source of truthâthese strategies not only streamline your workflow but also ensure consistent improvement and clarity in your professional journey. Join me as I delve into practical examples and insights that you can implement for your long-term success.Thoughtfully Critical is a weekly podcast created by Chris Wahl. You can find out more about Chris by reading his newsletter atâ â â â â â â Wahl Networkâ â â â â â â â . Please subscribe and leave a review to help shape the conversation.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:42 The Importance of a Portfolio06:32 Enhancing Your GitHub Profile09:50 Documenting Solutions Publicly12:24 Maintaining a Single Source of Truth16:09 Final Thoughts and EncouragementLinks & Resources:When Shit Hits the Fan Podcast
I share insights from my recent solo business trip to California. I attended the Southern California Linux Expo (SCALE 22), visited Rubrik's headquarters, and reconnected with old friends. We'll explore the unique challenges of planning a self-funded business trip, the inspiring environment of SCALE 22, and the importance of reconnecting with loved ones.Thoughtfully Critical is a weekly podcast created by Chris Wahl. You can find out more about Chris by reading his newsletter atâ â â â â â â Wahl Networkâ â â â â â â â . Please subscribe and leave a review to help shape the conversation.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:00 Planning a Solo Business Trip02:30 Experiences and Reflections from the Trip04:42 Reconnecting with Friends and Former Colleagues09:12 Attending the Southern California Linux Expo14:37 Final Thoughts and Personal ReflectionsLinks & Resources:SCaLE Page
I dive deep into various AI tools, market conditions, and exciting topics around AI. I start by discussing the Descript editing tool, its capabilities, and how it streamlines podcast creation. Then I cover Cursor, a fork of VS Code, and its role in automated coding with insights into its privacy and security features. Additionally, I touch on Gartner's Hype Cycle and its stages, offering perspectives on where AI stands today. Finally, catch a preview of upcoming content and an announcement about attending the Southern California Annual Linux Expo.Thoughtfully Critical is a weekly podcast created by Chris Wahl. You can find out more about Chris by reading his newsletter atâ â â â â â â Wahl Networkâ â â â â â â â . Please subscribe and leave a review to help shape the conversation.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:13 New YouTube Content and AWS Course01:58 Exploring Descript for Content Creation06:44 Cursor: AI-Powered Coding Tool12:44 Gartner Hype Cycle and AI Expectations14:50 Upcoming Conference and ConclusionLinks & Resources:AWS and Terraform Essentials Course on YouTubeAWS and Terraform Essentials Course on SlideShareCursor Security Page
A pivotal experience from 1999 involving a PowerMac G4, college, and a costly mistake. This isn't just a trip down memory lane; it's a raw and honest look at a time when a 'personal supercomputer' dream turned into a financial and technical nightmare. I'll detail the financial pitfalls I fell into, the hard lessons I learned about companies and marketing, and how I ultimately took control of the situation. If you've ever felt misled by a company or made a costly tech purchase, this episode offers valuable insights.Thoughtfully Critical is a weekly podcast created by Chris Wahl. You can find out more about Chris by reading his newsletter atâ â â â â â Wahl Networkâ â â â â â â . Please subscribe and leave a review to help shape the conversation.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:27 The Road to Chicago and a Budding Mac Fan06:05 The PowerMac G4 Dream and Disaster10:53 Major lessons learned12:23 Building My Own & Escaping the LemonLinks & Resources:Quote: "âMy biggest issue was counting on future earnings to pay for current costs. Bad idea."
Letâs explore the complexities of choosing and adopting new technical tools in your tech stack. Weâll discuss the importance of evaluating a tool's overall value, including its benefits, drawbacks, and long-term implications. We delve into the essential components of getting buy-in from your team, writing comprehensive Architecture Decision Records (ADRs), and the pros and cons of making versus buying tools. Additionally, we scrutinize the use of Terraform Automation and Collaboration Software (TACOS) and infrastructure wrappers like Terragrunt and Atmos, weighing their potential benefits against the added complexities they introduce.Thoughtfully Critical is a weekly podcast created by Chris Wahl. You can find out more about Chris by reading his newsletter at â â â â â Wahl Networkâ â â â â â . Please subscribe and leave a review to help shape the conversation.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:02 Evaluating the True Value of a Tool01:33 The Ripple Effect of Tool Adoption02:09 Tool Sprawl and Its Impact03:07 Building vs Buying Tools04:31 Getting Team Buy in and Documentation08:14 Exploring Terraform Automation and Collaboration Software13:11 The Case Against Infrastructure Wrappers14:52 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLinks & Resources:Reshape your AWS CloudFormation stacks seamlessly with stack refactoring on AWS BlogQuote: "âTools should enable you to do your job better, not become the job itself."
I'll take you on a nostalgic journey back to the 1980s. We'll explore the early days of computing and gaming, talk about the Apple IIe and Bulletin Board Systems (BBSs), and delve into the exciting world of making games. Whether you're a seasoned tech enthusiast or simply curious about the origins of the digital age, this episode is for you.Thoughtfully Critical is a weekly podcast created by Chris Wahl. You can find out more about Chris by reading his newsletter at â â â â Wahl Networkâ â â â â . Please subscribe and leave a review to help shape the conversation.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction03:02 The Apple IIe05:38 Bulletin Board Systems08:36 Making games10:32 Where to startLinks & Resources:â BASIC Computer Games on WikipediaQuote: "Never stop asking 'why?' and 'how?' The tech and gaming worlds thrive on innovation, and curiosity is the engine of that. Don't be afraid to tinker, experiment, and push the boundaries of what's possible."
We're diving deep into the concept of technical debt. I'll explore what it is, where it comes from, and most importantly, how to manage it effectively. I'll discuss strategies for using technical debt as a tool without letting it become a burden, and how to balance the need for progress with the importance of maintaining a healthy codebase. Join me as I navigate the complexities of technical debt and keep projects on track.Thoughtfully Critical is a weekly podcast created by Chris Wahl. You can find out more about Chris by reading his newsletter at â â â â Wahl Networkâ â â â . Please subscribe and leave a review to help shape the conversation.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction04:33 Leveraging debt05:26 Tracking and paying debt11:09 Where to start13:31 Getting your team involvedLinks & Resources:Identifying and Paying Off Technical Debt on Wahl NetworkThe other infinite loop that all coders fear by CommitStripFrequency Reduces Difficulty by Martin FowlerQuote: "âGood ideas on paper don't always translate into good ideas in reality. It's best to nip those debt issues in the bud early. "
From the shocking realities of technical debt in major companies to my first big win as both designer and implementer, this is my origin story as a "Technologist as a Service." I share key lessons for aspiring consultants, including the importance of listening, writing, and networking.Thoughtfully Critical is a weekly podcast created by Chris Wahl. You can find out more about Chris by reading his newsletter at â â â â Wahl Networkâ â â â . Please subscribe and leave a review to help shape the conversation.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:45 The Consulting Life05:26 Learning to Design and Deliver11:09 Key Lessons for ConsultantsLinks & Resources:Technologists as a Service by Wahl NetworkEvery engineer should do a stint in consulting by Forrest BrazealQuote: "I donât need to be the expert in all things; I just need to know who the experts are."
How do platform engineers become the "keymakers" of modern technology? In this episode, I break down the principles of platform engineering through the lens of product developmentâprototyping, scaling, and abstracting. You'll learn how to design platforms that empower teams to build, test, and deploy at scale while maintaining consistency and reliability across environments. From modular design to service contracts and pipelines, this episode dives into creating platforms that truly unlock success.Thoughtfully Critical is a weekly podcast created by Chris Wahl. You can find out more about Chris by reading his newsletter at â â â Wahl Networkâ â â . Please subscribe and leave a review to help shape the conversation.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction04:16 Where to start07:32 Scaling the platform11:16 Abstracting the platformLinks & Resources:How to Improve Documentation Practices in Engineering Teams on Wahl Networkâ Platform Engineeringâ topics on Wahl NetworkThe Matrix Reloaded IMDB PageQuote: "Platforms are the right way to build if you want it done right."
Lessons in leadership, collaboration, resilience, and knowing when to pivotâdrawn from the highs and lows of leading World of Warcraft guilds and raidsâprove that even unexpected experiences can shape your career and life. Thoughtfully Critical is a weekly podcast created by Chris Wahl. You can find out more about Chris by reading his newsletter at â â â Wahl Networkâ â â . Please subscribe and leave a review to help shape the conversation. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:08 Raid leader 05:05 Guild leader 08:25 The pivot Links & Resources: World of Warcraft: Official Site Dragon Kill Points (DKP) Zanzerâs Z Hunter Mod: Archived Mod Information Quote: "Donât take your situation for granted. It can always get worse, and you rarely know you're in the good times until those good times are gone."
Understanding every layer of an organizationâits processes, people, and challengesâunlocks the path to strategic leadership and impactful solutions, blending the power of Kaizen with practical insights for crafting technology strategies and building cohesive teams.Thoughtfully Critical is a weekly podcast created by Chris Wahl. You can find out more about Chris by reading his newsletter at â â Wahl Networkâ â . Please subscribe and leave a review to help shape the conversation.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:55 Nissan and kaizen04:02 Returning to college08:36 Learning the businessLinks & Resources:Gemba Kaizen: A Commonsense Approach to a Continuous Improvement Strategy on AmazonOffice Space IMDB PageDeep Workâ â â by Cal Newport on AmazonQuote: âSurround yourself with good people and success will follow.â
Redefining goals, eliminating distractions, and embracing deep work pave the way for intentional growth, impactful leadership, and a career built on focus and meaningful progress. Thoughtfully Critical is a weekly podcast created by Chris Wahl. You can find out more about Chris by reading his newsletter at â â Wahl Networkâ â . Please subscribe and leave a review to help shape the conversation. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:49 What is deep work? 06:50 Why pursue deep work? 10:59 Where to begin Links and Resources: An Intentional Focus on Deep Work Deep Workâ â by Cal Newport on Amazon Start With Why by Simon Sinek on Amazon Quote: âIf you want to win the war for attentionâŚlet that terrifying longing crowd out everything else.â â Cal Newport
This debut episode dives into the transformative journey of leading a multi-million dollar programâfacing fear, building teams, and harnessing the power of mentorship and collaborationâwhile setting the stage for a podcast dedicated to exploring leadership, tools, and frameworks that drive meaningful change. Thoughtfully Critical is a weekly podcast created by Chris Wahl. You can find out more about Chris by reading his newsletter at â Wahl Networkâ . Please subscribe and leave a review to help shape the conversation. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:45 Podcast goals Links and Resources: Timothy Cain on YouTube Quote: âIf you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.â