The Art of Network Engineering

How do cognitive biases shape not only our professional decisions but also our personal interactions? In this episode, Mike Bushong shares his expertise on cognitive biases and his experiences transitioning to Nokia while working within data center technologies. We break down how our brains' natural shortcuts, like confirmation bias, can influence everything from our social media interactions...

Ever wondered how curiosity can reshape your career? Dale Wheeler’s journey from a forklift driver to a network engineer is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, Dale walks us through how his inquisitiveness led him to shadow the IT department at his factory, eventually landing him his first help desk role. Dale’s story doesn’t end there; he later returned to his original employer with a fr...

This episode was recorded March 7, 2024. You're not alone if you've ever felt like a fraud in your own life's story. It's called imposter syndrome, and it's the uninvited guest lurking in the minds of high-achievers everywhere. We tackle this common adversary, laughing in the face of AI-generated podcast intros and recalling Tim's tranquil photography haven to remind...

This episode was recorded on April 11, 2024. Unlock the secrets of a successful career pivot and the art of technical storytelling with our special guest, Alexis Bertholf, a Sales Engineer at Cisco. This episode's highlight is Alexis' inspiring journey from an aspiring aerospace engineer to a thriving tech sales professional. Growing up as a first-generation college student in Scranton,...

This episode was recorded March 21, 2024. Ever wondered how to weave through the labyrinth of network engineering? That's exactly what we're unpacking in this episode with the help of Cisco's Learning and Certifications mavens, Quinn Snyder and Jason Belk. They join our newly minted co-host, Kevin, and resonate with Tim's tales of TikTok trials and mindfulness explorations. Tog...

Recorded April 23, 2024. Kevin's Blog Post: https://adjacentnode.com/2023/03/14/cisco-live-2023-nontechnical-lessons-learned/ Step into the bustling world of Cisco Live with your guides, Tim, Andy, and Kevin, as we chart the course through this electrifying tech event. From the thrill of embarking on your first Cisco Live journey to optimizing the experience for returning veterans, we've...

This episode was recorded February 22, 2024 Ever wondered what lurks behind the blinking lights and tangled cables of network engineering? AJ is joined by mustachioed sidekick Kevin, and together they're peeling back the layers of this tech world with a sprinkle of humor and a dash of wisdom. When the AT&T network wobbled, conspiracy theories abounded, leaving us chuckling at the mayhem w...

This episode was recorded January 4th, 2024 Join the virtual gathering around our tech-infused roundtable as we weave personal holiday tales with the threads of networking expertise. A.J. is  joined by hosts Andy and Tim, who bring their personal flair to the table—Andy with his camera lens capturing life's moments, and Tim as he steps into his new Cisco shoes. This episode is about connectio...

This episode was recorded on February 15, 2024. When you mix the unpredictability of weather with the ever-evolving world of network engineering, you're in for a whirlwind of a journey, much like Tim's recent snowblower escapade. Join us as we chuckle over that tale and warmly welcome our new mustachioed co-host Kevin, who's made waves as AdjacentNode on TikTok. We're also catc...

This episode was recorded November 9, 2023. From an aspiring video game designer to an accomplished network engineer, David Ruess' tale is one of transformation and tenacity, a story we're ecstatic to share with you. Navigating through the maze of certifications like CCNA and CCNP, David unpacks the treasure trove of advice and experiences that cemented his journey. Join us, your hosts T...

The episode was recorded February 8th, 2024. Ever wondered how a network engineer's career trajectory weaves through the fabric of IT? Buckle up and join us as we unpack the personal stories of transformation and growth in the network engineering landscape. With AJ starting his new position as a Demo Architect at Zscaler and Andy stretching his wings as a Technical Marketing Engineer, we&apos...

This episode was recorded November 2, 2023. Discover the fusion of innovation and expertise as Danny Wade, whose enthusiasm for network automation rivals his hoop dreams. We kick things off with a jocular exchange and dive into our own tech sagas, which evolved from household tech wizard to a networking aficionado at Blue Ally. Our conversation is a testament to the symbiotic relationship between...

This episode was recorded October 26, 2023 Ever wonder what it's like to navigate the high-stakes world of military network engineering or to become an authority on the internet's most complex systems? This time around, Doug Madory, of Kentik, joins us to unravel his remarkable journey from the precision of military networks to the forefront of BGP analysis. Alongside Doug, we reminisce...

This episode was recorded on September 28, 2023. This episode is a warm blend of personal reflections and deep dives into the world of network engineering, where laughter and learning go hand in hand.  The digital frontier is expanding, and with it, the universe of IoT devices that touch every corner of our lives. From tracking wayward pets to revolutionizing agriculture, we traverse the intricate...

This episode was recorded on October 19th, 2023. In this episode, featuring enterprise architect Brian aka CryptoKnightUS on TikTok, is your field guide, from navigating career crossroads to the power of mentorship, relentless learning, and neurodivergent. When the security gates at Denver International Airport were left ajar, it wasn't just the contractors who raced against time to seal the...

This episode was recorded on July 20th, 2023.  Get ready to wrestle with the big debate - IPv4 vs IPv6, and we're not just talking technical here; we're talking personas, rivalries, and the occasional wrestling pun. This episode is a thrilling exploration of technology's incredible power during times of crisis. A.J.'s experiences with recent natural disasters in Vermont showcas...

IF YOU DO THE ELF ON THE SHELF AT HOME DO NOT LISTEN AROUND CHILDREN! Strap in for a holiday special like no other as we gather the largest group  ever for an episode filled with warmth, laughter, and reflections. This lively discussion takes us through personal narratives, the stress and jubilation of holiday traditions, and even a chaotic crack at "Jingle Bells." With the room brimming...

Ready to unravel the intricacies of network automation? We've got an insightful conversation lined up for you that promises to enlighten you on this complex topic. We kick off this episode by chatting about our new diverse content, our exciting podcast merchandise, and my upcoming autumn adventures in Vermont. We also welcome our special guest, Tony Dubiel, the Product Solutions Architect for...

This episode was originally recorded March 23, 2023 Meet Ben Schuster, a man who's journeyed from the Air Force to the cutting-edge world of network automation, and the first to bear the title of Cisco Certified DevNet Expert in 2023. His background, inspirations, and career transitions light up our conversation like a well-configured network. As he reminisces about his father's influenc...

Ever wondered about the path that leads someone to work on the communication network of Air Force One? Our guest, John Breth, has done just that, and he's here to share his journey from the military to the cybersecurity field. With a career spanning roles as a network and security administrator at a Tier 1 ISP, and now a well-known content creator, John's journey is a thrilling blend of...

Prepare to be enlightened as we journey into the often-misunderstood realm of media networking with industry expert, Josh Warcop. In this fascinating conversation, Josh demystifies the complexities of the current social media landscape. Have you ever wondered how to packetize voice and video streams into IP packets? Or how digital video and audio from as far back as the 1940s and 1989/1990 are tra...

Imagine, if you will, a world where AI streamlines your network configuration changes, manages your network and even troubleshoots for you. Sounds like a far-off dream, right? Well, the future is here and we're discussing exactly that. We weigh the pros and cons of using AI in network management, touching on issues like data accuracy and false positives. But it's not all gloom and doom a...

Imagine this: you're a tech enthusiast who's just passed the Security Plus exam. You're filled with immense pride, but also a newfound understanding of the importance of failure and taking training seriously. We explore this in depth with Tim Bertino, a fellow tech enthusiast who shares his candid insights and experiences. A.J. also talks about his first USNUA meeting and the local...

Picture yourself acing the CCIE certification exams with confidence and coming out victorious. Seems like a far-fetched dream, right? Not when you have CCIEs Erica Cooper, Tim McConaughey, and Chris Miles sharing their insider tips and strategies on navigating the tough terrain of CCIE certification. Pulling back the curtain on their own journeys, they reveal their motivations, preparation methodo...

This episode is sponsored by Kentik! Ever felt baffled by your network's performance? It's time to join us on a journey into the world of network engineering with our esteemed guest, Phil Gervasi. We'll explore the intricate world of network visibility and discuss the importance of diagnosing network issues. The episode takes an exciting turn as we delve into the intriguing concept...