From Blinky Lights to Avocado OS: Justin Schneck on Building the Future of Embedded Linux

In this highly engaging episode, Jillian Kaplan talks with Justin Schneck, co-founder of Peridio, whose path to embedded systems engineering started not in a lab—but behind a drum kit in Hollywood. Justin shares his journey from musician and recording engineer to embedded Linux expert and open-source innovator.The episode dives deep into Justin’s early work building a remote-start motorcycle (complete with a blinky light jacket), his passion for building developer-friendly tools, and how he’s helping modernize embedded Linux with Avocado OS—a new platform designed to simplify and secure the next generation of edge and AI-powered devices.Key Takeaways:True innovation is often born from curiosity and obsession, not a roadmap.The best tools are ones that make complexity beautiful and approachable.Embedded Linux needs a new paradigm—one that supports composability, security, and AI workloads.Creative backgrounds (like music) can fuel visionary thinking in engineering and product design.Building embedded devices in 2025 means managing multiple software domains—not just one firmware image.Episode Highlights:The origin story of Peridio and Avocado OSWhy Justin walked away from the music industry and into techThe motorcycle that started it all (with custom LEDs, of course)Lessons from building and scaling the open-source Nerves projectWhy traditional firmware delivery no longer scales for modern hardwareMaking secure boot, encryption, and OTA updates developer-friendlyQuotable Moment:“Security shouldn’t be an afterthought—it just needs someone to make it beautiful.” – Justin SchneckResources & Links:Learn more about PeridioExplore Avocado OS