Anycast - Audio Edition

Podcasting trailblazer Elsie Escobar, a Hall of Fame inductee and the Director of Community and Content at Libsyn, joins us to share her journey and insights into the world of podcasting. Elsie takes us back to her innovative beginnings in 2006, with a yoga podcast that flipped the script on teaching visual classes through audio. Her passion for fostering understanding and accessibility in podcasting beyond individual shows is contagious, as she emphasizes the medium's potential to open new worlds to its audience. Elsie advocates for a collective effort among podcasters to demystify the art of podcasting and reach out to those who might not yet understand its benefits. Throughout our conversation, Elsie reflects on her experiences as an immigrant from El Salvador and the transformative power of podcasting in amplifying diverse and often underrepresented voices. Her personal journey illustrates the medium's capacity to expand worldviews and build community connections. Elsie challenges misconceptions, urging podcasters to share their enthusiasm for this dynamic medium in a way that highlights its inclusivity and potential to bridge cultural gaps. Join us for an inspiring discussion with one of the most influential voices in the podcasting industry.     Elsie Escobar on Instagram Marketing Over Coffee Podcast Syndicating Web Sites with RSS Feeds For Dummies by Ellen Finkelstein theanycast.com/s2e2

Matt Levine talks to Elsie Escobar, an 18-year-plus podcasting veteran, mentor, strategist, and inductee to the Academy of Podcasters Hall of Fame. They discuss the history of podcasting, what you must do to thrive in the new age of podcasting, and how to stand out in a world where thousands of creators are doing the exact same thing you’re doing. Elsie starts the conversation by describing what a podcasting advocate is and how podcasting has evolved from 2006 to now. She shares what a podcast is not and why there is still a lot of confusion around podcasting. Matt and Elsie discuss how podcasting started, the evolution of the space, and where the industry will be in the next five years. According to Elsie, the competition for podcasting is not radio or other podcasts; it’s anything people can do instead of listening to a podcast--this includes YouTube, movies, video games, etc. Elsie shares how she started her very first podcast, what it was like hosting an audio-only podcast, and the type of people who consumed her content. How podcasting went from being odd and weird to becoming cool and hype. Elsie and Matt agree that the constant demand to be visible, to be creating content, and to be pushing things out is what makes creators miserable. How to stand out in a world where thousands of creators are doing the exact same thing you’re doing. Elsie breaks down ways podcasters can be successful in today’s ultra-competitive market and the difference between building an audience today and building an audience in 2005. Podcasting is super competitive. Elsie’s advice for new podcasters is to focus on serving a small but engaged audience instead of trying to be the next big thing. When we create content online, everybody’s dream scenario is to go viral. According to Elsie, virality is not real because it’s almost impossible to replicate the virality that people crave. Elsie talks about the complexity of managing extremely large audiences. Once you start reaching millions of people, the freedom of saying and doing whatever you want goes away. Matt and Elsie talk about the identity challenge--and why most podcasters cannot separate their creative side from their personal life. Elsie describes what it’s like to be a woman in podcasting and why we need more diversity in podcasting--diversity of thought, language, and voice. Elsie explains what makes a podcast popular and whether there is a formula for becoming famous online. Why podcast metrics are not too different to those of broadcast television. What will podcasting look like 10 years from now? Elsie talks about the future of podcasting and why podcasts need to evolve to meet the expectations of the newer, younger generation. Matt describes how the model for publishing podcasts has changed. Right now it’s less about publishing content and more about making sure people see enough ads. Is it possible to get rid of ads in the content we consume? Matt and Elsie agree that it’s almost impossible because we live in a world where ads pay for everything. Elsie goes through the pros and cons of online ads and why she doesn’t like social media algorithms. According to Matt, the main reason social media sites use algorithms is so that you can keep seeing the stuff that you want to see without paying. For Matt, people love being sold to. They just don’t like being sold stuff they don’t want. Elsie talks about AI, how it will change the podcasting space, ways to use AI in your content creation process, and how to stay relevant in a world full of AI-generated content.      Mentioned in This Episode: Elsie Escobar on Instagram Marketing Over Coffee Podcast Syndicating Web Sites with RSS Feeds For Dummies by Ellen Finkelstein theanycast.com/s2e2

Full episode launches on November 7

Ever wondered how podcasting has evolved from its early days to the era of AI? Join us as we sit down with industry veteran Paul Colligan, who has seen it all from the days of Audible's groundbreaking audio vision to co-founding the Podcast Partnership. Paul's journey is a testament to the seismic shifts and growing pains in the podcasting landscape, where the influx of money and new participants has created both opportunities and confusion. We'll take you through the highs and lows of this dynamic medium, reflecting on how technology and timing have shaped its course. What happens when AI meets podcasting? In our second segment, we tackle the ethical and creative dilemmas that editors, writers, and creators face in this brave new world. While the rise of AI brings anxiety about the loss of artistic control, it also offers remarkable tools to enhance quality by automating mundane tasks. We critically examine whether disclaimers for AI usage are necessary, drawing interesting parallels to other forms of digital art. Can AI make podcasting more authentic and meaningful? Paul shares his unique insights into this ongoing debate that is set to redefine creativity itself. Finally, we strip away the myths surrounding podcast success. Discover why timing and luck often trump merit, and why great content alone isn't a guarantee for a massive audience. Through vivid anecdotes and industry secrets, we highlight the importance of understanding your specific audience and setting realistic expectations. Whether you’re an aspiring podcaster or a seasoned pro, you’ll find valuable lessons on audience engagement and growth strategies. Tune in to learn why persistence is key and how to navigate the uncertain middle phases of podcast development, ensuring your journey in this competitive field is both fulfilling and effective.     Mentioned in This Episode: Paul Colligan on X How To Podcast Volume 4.0 by Paul Colligan Podcast Strategies: How to Podcast - 21 Questions Answered by Paul Colligan theanycast.com/s2e1

Matt Levine talks to Paul Colligan, author of the #1 Top Selling "How To Podcast" and CEO of The Podcast Partnership – where he helps people monetize their audience through podcasting. They discuss the evolution of podcasting, ways to make a living from your podcast, and how to give your audience value in exchange for their attention. Guest Paul Colligan shares his podcasting journey from the year 2000--and how his company, Podcast Partnership, partners with people to help get their podcast out the door. Paul starts the conversation by describing where we’re at in the podcasting lifecycle and whether it’s too late to start a podcast.   He believes that although there's a bit of confusion about what podcasting really is, there's still a lot more money in it.  Paul and Matt cover how AI is changing the podcasting landscape. According to Paul, AI is here to stay, and although podcasts will not be replaced with AI podcasts, they will be replaced with podcasts that use AI. For Paul, a podcast is a transaction--you trade value for attention. You give somebody value in exchange for their attention. Paul explains how different types of podcasts make money--and the numerous ways you can make money from your podcast.    Paul and Matt break down the attention war and how other podcasters, Netflix, political parties, media outlets, social media sites, companies, and individuals want a share of your audiences’ attention. To be successful in podcasting, all you have to do is to be better than drive time radio. When solving a problem, people want the most convenient solution in the market. It doesn’t matter if you’re better, cheaper, or just average. You will get customers if you’re convenient. Paul explains why discoverability is crucial for podcasting success. Your podcast needs to be discoverable so that you can be found by the people who are actually looking for you. Paul and Matt talk about the main objective of podcasting and why the primary goal of all podcasts should be getting customers, not getting crazy numbers like Joe Rogan. Paul explains the difference between downloads and consumption. According to Matt, it’s unfortunate that most marketing spend in the world today is on stuff that can't be tracked. Paul shares his thoughts on podcast trackability and the only metrics that matter for podcasting success. Paul talks about where the podcast landscape is right now, where it will be in the next seven years, and how to win in the future of podcasting. Matt shares what the audience can expect from season two of the podcast--and the type of guests he’s looking for.     Mentioned in This Episode: Paul Colligan on X How To Podcast Volume 4.0 by Paul Colligan Podcast Strategies: How to Podcast - 21 Questions Answered by Paul Colligan theanycast.com/s2e1

Full episode launches on October 17

Tech entrepreneur and boat aficionado Kris Beevers joins us for a compelling conversation on Anycast! From his unique lifestyle living on a boat in Singapore to pioneering influential tech startups like NS1 and NetBox Labs, Kris offers an inside look at his extraordinary journey. We unpack the evolution of NetBox, an invaluable open-source network management tool, and its pivotal role in network documentation and automation. Kris delves into the transformative impact of open-source technology on the networking industry, advocating for an ecosystem that fosters innovation and breaks down the barriers of traditional vendor silos. The camaraderie between Kris and Matt shines through in a heartfelt discussion about their enduring friendship and professional adventures. They share memorable moments and the meaningful insights they've gathered over the years. Kris expresses his deep gratitude for joining the conversation and looks ahead to future interactions, whether online or face-to-face. This episode is brimming with connection, appreciation, and excitement for the future of digital networking—tune in for an inspiring and informative dialogue!   Kristopher Beevers on LinkedIn NetBoxlabs.com

Welcome to an engaging episode featuring Tom Daly, the renowned New Hampshire tech guru, who shares his exhilarating journey in the tech landscape. From his humble beginnings with a fascination for dial-up ISPs during high school to his significant role at Metro2000 Internet Services, Tom’s story is one of passion and persistence. Hear firsthand how he transitioned from tech support to Chief Technology Officer at Dyn DNS, where he championed the development of the DynECT Managed DNS platform. Tom also reflects on his impactful tenure at Fastly, where he transformed their global network infrastructure, and his latest endeavor, Big Network, aimed at fortifying connectivity for tier two and tier three ISPs. In this episode, we explore the themes of resilience and reinvention through the evolution of the Dyn platform and its enduring software component, Tutor. Despite Dyn no longer being a public authoritative DNS provider, its innovative technology continues to thrive within Oracle's OCI cloud business, showcasing a testament to Tom’s enduring impact. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of Tom’s work and the continuous advancements in the tech industry, painting a vivid picture of triumph and technological evolution. Whether you’re a tech aficionado or captivated by stories of success, this conversation promises to inform and inspire.   Tom Daly on LinkedIn

Get ready for an extraordinary conversation with Avi Freedman, a trailblazer in the realm of internet infrastructure. Avi recounts his remarkable journey from tinkering with computers in 1978 to launching Philadelphia's first ISP, and his current leadership role at Kentik. With an insider’s view on the transition of Kentik towards enterprise solutions, Avi also shares his profound insights into the contrasting cultures of web companies and traditional enterprises. Managing a growing business, fostering diverse perspectives, and the intricate art of people management are just a few of the rich topics we unpack. And, of course, we couldn't resist delving into how his poker prowess plays a pivotal role in his strategic business decisions. In another enlightening segment, we scrutinize the delicate art of recognition in the workplace. It's a fine line between sincere appreciation and praise that feels forced or patronizing. We explore the evolution of cultural norms around recognition over the past decades and stress the importance of thoughtful and intentional acknowledgment. Striking the perfect balance where recognition feels genuine and motivating, without tipping into the realm of insincerity, forms the crux of our discussion. Tune in for actionable insights that promise to transform your approach to giving and receiving recognition in your professional life.   Avi Freedman on LinkedIn

Dive deep into the world of cloud infrastructure and innovative technology sales with our special guest, Greg Moss. From his roots in the Bronx to founding Hook Safe, Greg’s journey is an inspiring tale of perseverance and success. Learn about his transition into technology recruiting and his influential roles at Upstack and CloudAdvise. Greg demystifies the complex landscape of cloud infrastructure, discussing its definitions and real-world applications. He also sheds light on the rising trend of de-clouding, providing essential questions to consider when evaluating cloud solutions. In another insightful segment, Greg offers practical advice for those aspiring to excel in infrastructure sales. Discover the importance of selecting relevant and urgent technologies to enhance the efficiency and profitability of your sales efforts. Greg shares invaluable tips and strategies to help you thrive in the dynamic world of infrastructure sales and cloud solutions. Don't miss this opportunity to gain wisdom from Greg Moss's remarkable journey and actionable insights. Tune in to elevate your career and business acumen with this enriching episode!   Greg Moss on LinkedIn

Mehmet Akcin, a seasoned IT veteran from industry giants like Microsoft and Yahoo, joins us on The Anycast to share his riveting journey into entrepreneurship. His inspiring story reveals how personal challenges, such as his son's heart condition and his own eyesight issues, led him to establish EdgeUno, a company that specializes in cloud services and metro networks throughout Latin America. Mehmet opens up about the trials and triumphs of funding his venture through loans and the support of friends and positioning EdgeUno uniquely against larger tier-one providers. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in the nuances of breaking into a niche market and the resilience it demands. In this episode, we also explore the essence of workplace motivation, particularly for young employees. Learn how conveying the crucial mission of the company, emphasizing the life-saving importance of their services in remote areas reliant on low orbit satellite connectivity, can instill a sense of purpose and energy within the team. By sharing compelling real-world impacts, we aim to inspire and energize our workforce.  We conclude with a  heartfelt thanks to Mehmet for his invaluable contributions and hint at future collaborations, reinforcing our mutual commitment to excellence and quick problem-solving. Tune in for a blend of heartfelt stories and professional wisdom that promises to leave you inspired.   EdgeUno.com Mehmet Akcin

What if your skepticism about a medium turned into admiration? Join us on The Anycast as we sit down with Kurt Mackey, CEO of Fly.io, to explore the transformative journey of podcasting. Kurt revisits the early days of the medium, sharing his invaluable experiences in the startup world. He reveals the delicate balance between fostering autonomy and establishing essential processes within a company. We dive into the rewarding, yet challenging, aspects of hiring junior staff and creating an environment where they can thrive. Kurt’s insights on leadership in fast-growing tech companies are not to be missed. From the frustration of digital input methods to the inefficacies of remote work technology, we hold nothing back. We discuss the struggle of converting physical drawings into digital formats and the disappointing performance of pin-based inputs. And yes, we even question the necessity of AirPods in today's tech ecosystem. Our heated conversation highlights the disconnection between our thoughts and the tools at our disposal. Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with personal anecdotes and forward-thinking perspectives on the current state of technology.   Fly.io  Fly.io on Twitter (@FlyDotIO)

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jay Adelson, a long-time friend and esteemed business leader, as we navigate the complex world of running a business and the pivotal role of venture capital. We reflect on our own journeys, delving into the essence of passion and dedication that drives successful enterprises. Jay demystifies the often misunderstood concept of a "lifestyle business" and underscores the rarity of venture-funded companies, offering a candid look at how venture capital can either propel a business to new heights or introduce significant risk, contingent on its management. This episode also tackles the practical challenges of managing a development team under tight resource constraints. We share personal anecdotes about the balance of multiple responsibilities, such as sprint management without formal Agile certification, and the nuances of hiring the right talent, especially a savvy CTO. The discussion highlights the necessity of gradual progress before reaching for loftier goals and emphasizes the importance of cultural and skill-based fit in hiring for long-term success. We wrap up with a heartfelt moment of gratitude, underscoring the vital role of friendship and support in our professional lives.   Jay on Twitter (@JayAdelson) - https://twitter.com/jayadelson View The Anycast's full episode with Jay at https://www.theanycast.com/s1e1  

In this episode of The Anycast, Matt talks to Kristopher Beevers, the CEO of NetBox Labs, a solution that helps companies build and manage complex networks. Previously, Kris co-founded and led NS1, which was acquired by IBM in 2023. They discuss the remarkable rise of open-source projects, why many networking businesses are shifting towards cloud-based solutions, and the opportunities to watch out for in the networking space. What is NetBox, and what makes it unique? It’s a tool used for network documentation and automation, serving as a source of truth for network configurations. NetBox's business model differs from other open-source ventures because they focus more on alleviating the burden of software management for network engineers. Networking is evolving at a fast pace. Kristopher shares what you can do today to keep up and take advantage of future opportunities. The difference between building a company from zero to one, the startup experience, and one to N.  Kristopher breaks down the economics of the cloud and the type of companies that could save a lot of money by going to the cloud.  How open-source companies make money and stay in business.  According to Kristopher, hiring great people often comes down to impact. For example, engineers want to work on cool tech, but they also want to see that the tech they're working on has an impact on the world. Kristopher shares how being a parent changed his approach to leadership.  Matt and Kristopher discuss the resurgence of Nokia and how their decision to go the open-source route could restore their status as a tech and networking giant.  Matt and Kristopher agree that most network services will shift towards cloud-based solutions. Kristopher discusses the need to strike a balance between community-driven development and commercial support to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of open-source solutions. What is the sustainability of open-source projects like NetBox?  Matt and Kristopher agree that such projects can be widely adopted but often rely on volunteer contributions. This poses challenges in long-term maintenance, development, and profitability.  The pros and cons of building a company in public and transparently sharing the behind scenes of how you do it. Matt highlights the benefits of aligning employee development goals with the company's objectives. Companies must design roles that cater to an individual’s career paths and aspirations, while ensuring alignment between personal growth and organizational goals. Kristopher predicts that open-source solutions will disrupt traditional vendor ecosystems. More open-source solutions will gain traction and challenge established norms in the networking industry. For Kris, the reason AWS can give you the “cattle not pets” experience is purely scale. Even the biggest cloud providers can't deliver that experience because the scale isn't there. Mentioned in This Episode: Kristopher Beevers on LinkedIn NetBoxlabs.com ns1.com

Full episode launches on March 21

In this episode of The Anycast, Matt talks to Thomas Daly, an experienced technologist and the CEO of Big Network, a connectivity platform that securely connects networks and services between people, places, clouds and devices. They discuss where the edge of the internet is located, why DynDNS is still operational, and what Google’s announcement about egress fees means for cloud consumers.  Tom, a New Hampshire tech guru, shares his journey from the late '90s working as a managed service provider to establishing firms that focus on scaling technology and business growth.  Tom breaks down the difference between a physical network and a logical network.  According to Matt, it’s fiduciarily irresponsible to not build on the cloud if you’re starting a startup from zero. How people feel about you is based on how you made them feel on day one and how you made them feel on the last day.  Matt believes it’s crucial for service providers to give their customers a great experience the day they sign up and the day they part ways.  Why is DynDNS still operational? According to Tom, if DynDNS were to go away tomorrow, the global IP video surveillance business would crumble. Tom talks about the importance of efficient networking and the benefits of delivering resilient connectivity solutions for your customers. Tom and Matt define the edge of the internet. They agree that the edge is an abstract term for the point where a service provider gains or loses control over the routing policy based on user topology. Tom goes through the pros and cons of working in the networking space.  Matt and Tom discuss the internet supply chain, emphasizing how a problem for any provider affects the entire internet user experience.  They explore the common components provided by cloud providers and the potential drawbacks of building solely on the cloud. Tom shares his thoughts on the financial aspects of networking, from cloud credits, egress fees, and Google's decision to waive egress fees for users leaving their platform.  Tom questions the practical impact of egress fee waivers and how the charges discourage companies from transferring data to other cloud providers or on-premise systems. The discussion emphasizes the diverse opportunities in the industry. Some providers will focus on offering unlimited bandwidth, while others focus on services like space, power, compute, and storage. Tom reveals the impressive arsenal in his home lab, which includes three cabinets, dedicated air conditioning, a 16 KVA UPS, a Kohler propane generator, a Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro, and numerous other networking equipment. Matt and Tom discuss the evolution of internet speeds, reminiscing on the transition from 2400 Baud modems to the modern high-speed connections with 1000+ megabits per second. For Tom, space, power, cooling, and connectivity are all required to have a functional data center environment. Every player in that ecosystem will optimize and maximize different dimensions of that four-legged stool.   Mentioned in This Episode: Tom Daly on LinkedIn Bignetwork.com Oxide Computer Company

Full episode launches on February 8

In this episode of The Anycast, Matt interviews Avi Freedman, the co-founder and CEO of Kentik. Avi has decades of experience as a technologist and networking executive, and he is also a professional poker player. They talk about the future of cloud networking, how to uncover what your customers really want, and the one skill every leader should have.  Matt and Avi start the conversation by discussing Avi’s networking career and how he plans to shake things up in the network monitoring space. What is networking? According to Avi, networking is lots of little simple things that converge in complex ways mixed with vendor bugs. Avi’s advice for people early in their tech careers: document your learning process. It will not make you look stupid, it will make you look curious. Avi shares his journey to becoming the CEO of a multi-million dollar company.  How Matt and Avi approach learning and teaching - as soon as you have to teach something, it helps solidify your ideas. Avi talks about recognition and praise. He reveals the importance of recognizing and praising employees' efforts as well as the best way to find a balance between acknowledging achievements and avoiding unnecessary praise. If you listen, the customers will guide you to what they want. For Avi, you don’t have to be 95th percentile at everything. If you’re 80th percentile at ten different things, you’re pretty super-powered. Matt talks about the value of diversity in problem-solving and decision-making.  Leaders today believe telling people what to do is easier than asking questions. However, Avi and Matt believe being skillful at asking great questions can unlock opportunities you didn’t even realize existed.  Avi shares how Kentik delivers reliable, cost-effective network infrastructure at scale.  You need to figure out what’s interesting and make that a career versus learning all skills hoping that someone will give you a job. Avi and Matt break down the art of reading people and negotiating.  Avi talks about his love for poker and the powerful strategic tools that business leaders can use to build efficient company cultures and strong corporate strategies. Mentioned in This Episode: Avi Freedman on LinkedIn Kentik.com

Full episode launches on January 25

In this episode of The Anycast, Matt interviews Greg Moss, the CEO of CloudAdvise and Managing Director of UPSTACK.  They talk about cloud infrastructure and why it’s important, when to adopt the cloud for your business, and the sales skills to master for a successful career. Greg shares his journey from biomedical engineering to sales, and later founding his own business. What is the cloud? Greg defines the cloud as a global network of servers, each with its own unique function.  Greg talks about his two companies, CloudAdvise and UPSTACK. He shares how they deliver technology solutions that change lives, streamline business operations, and yield a competitive advantage for customers. If time is money, then Matt believes how you spend your time can be a big hidden cost for your business. Greg and Matt discuss the benefits of having the right relationships in business.  Greg explains how cloud governance ensures a company’s cloud environment is secure, efficient, and cost-effective. According to Matt, sometimes the cloud is not the answer, even when it seems like it could be. Matt and Greg agree that the biggest competitive advantage you can have as a business is not using the same cloud infrastructure as your competition. Gregg goes through the types of companies that should use the cloud and the ones that shouldn’t.  Learning to catch up is an essential life skill. Unfortunately, schools don’t teach it. Not all companies should be in the cloud. Businesses should build a cloud infrastructure only when it makes sense.  The number one skill a salesperson can have is to make the buyer feel something. Matt and Greg discuss the type of students they were, how best to raise your kids to be successful in the future, and why not all rules should be followed.  Advice to young sales professionals - sell only what’s relevant and urgent. If you’re going to spend 60 hours a week selling something, sell the things that will be the easiest to sell and yield the most fruit.  Greg talks about the future of tech and why AI will not be the end of humanity. Mentioned in This Episode: Greg Moss on LinkedIn ChatGPT UPSTACK.com