Is that how it happened?

Some people collect titles. Mike McGhee, Senior Vice President at eplus, collects relationships — and after four decades in the technology channel, the return on that investment speaks for itself.In this episode, Van sits down with one of the people who helped shape his own career in technology, a Richmond, Virginia native who has been attending the same church since 1971, still golfs with his high school crew from Freeman, and will tell you without hesitation that faith, family, and friends come before everything else — including the job.But don't let the warmth fool you. This is a guy who helped build Slate Technology into a powerhouse Mid-Atlantic VAR, navigated a Cisco layoff on the eve of 9/11 from a hotel room in San Diego, guided the acquisition of Slate by eplus, and is now overseeing multiple regions — from Southern Virginia deep into Texas — with the same philosophy he's carried his whole career: surround yourself with people smarter than you, never burn a bridge, and always leave it better than you found it.Mike and Van go deep on what it actually means to build a career on relationships rather than resumes, why "who you know" gets you the seat at the table to show "what you know," and how the lesson of a father's dinner bell echoing across a Richmond neighborhood still shapes how Mike thinks about presence, accountability, and showing up.They also get into where AI is really landing with customers right now — and why the honest answer is "all over the map" — before wrapping with the story of a first date involving stuffed grape leaves that Mike's wife has apparently never forgiven him for.If you work in technology sales, if you're early in your career and trying to figure out how the game is actually played, or if you just want to spend 45 minutes with someone who has genuinely lived what he preaches, this one is for you.Support the show

Welcome to Is That How It Happened? -- the podcast where we dig into the real architecture behind the technology headlines. I'm your host, The Vanimal, and today we're talking about one of the most expensive and least-discussed problems in AI infrastructure: the storage wall.As AI models push into the trillions of parameters, the bottleneck isn't compute anymore -- it's data delivery. Traditional TCP/IP networks are choking your pipelines, exhausting your CPUs, and leaving your H100 clusters idle while they wait on checkpoints and training data to load. That is not a networking inconvenience. That is a structural failure at scale.In this episode, we break down how Remote Direct Memory Access -- RDMA -- tears that wall down entirely. We're talking zero-copy data movement, direct paths from storage to GPU memory with the CPU completely out of the loop, and real-world throughput numbers that will reframe how you think about AI infrastructure design.We cover the TCP/IP bottleneck, the RoCEv2 versus InfiniBand debate, NVIDIA GPUDirect Storage, and how DeepSeek's 3FS architecture is hitting 6.6 terabytes per second of aggregate read bandwidth across 180 storage nodes.If you're building, buying, or advising on AI infrastructure, this is not optional listening.Let's get into it.Support the show

Laini isn't just a survivor — she's a warrior. Diagnosed with sarcoma, one of the rarest and most challenging forms of cancer, Laini faced something most of us can't imagine and came out the other side with a story that deserves to be heard. Sarcoma accounts for less than 1% of all adult cancers, which means many patients face this battle with little awareness, limited resources, and far too few people who truly understand what they're going through.But Laini? She turned her experience into something powerful. Today, she's here to share her journey — the diagnosis, the fight, the recovery, and what life looks like on the other side of something that could have taken everything from her.This is one of those conversations that reminds you what strength really looks like. So sit back, listen closely, and get ready to be inspired.As we will discuss in this episode, here are some links to help you navigate your decisions, and conversations should you or someone you love becomes a member of the "C" Club.Massey Cancer Center: https://www.uvahealth.com/specialties/cancerAmerican Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/Sarcoma Foundation of America: https://curesarcoma.org/Support the show

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Colt Knight, Agricultural Extension Agent and Full Professor at the University of Maine, to explore the fascinating intersection of science, craftsmanship, and education behind proper beef and pork butchering.We dig into what it really takes to perform this age-old process safely and skillfully — from understanding muscle structure and meat quality, to mastering hygiene, temperature control, and carcass breakdown. Dr. Knight shares his perspective on how universities and agricultural programs are training the next generation of butchers, why proper technique matters for both food safety and quality, and how education continues to evolve with new research in meat science.Whether you’re a farmer, chef, or simply curious about where your food comes from, this conversation offers a deep look into the science and respect behind one of humanity’s oldest skills.Support the show

Welcome back to Is that how it happened? I'm your host, The Vanimal, and today we are diving deep into a game-changing approach to enterprise data security: Immutable Veeam Backups on Cloudian Hyperstore.If you are an IT manager, you know that ransomware attacks and rising storage costs are two of the biggest threats to your critical assets. That's why we're exploring how the integration of Veeam Backup & Replication v12 with Cloudian Hyperstore is revolutionizing data protection.In this episode, we will unpack the Direct-to-Object storage workflow. We'll explain how this new architecture allows you to write your backup data directly to Cloudian's S3-compatible on-premises object storage in a single step, completely eliminating the need for a costly intermediate primary backup tier. This streamlined approach not only saves time but can also reduce your storage costs by up to 70% compared to traditional enterprise storage or public cloud solutions.Most importantly, we'll discuss the ultimate defense against hackers: S3 Object Lock. We'll detail how this feature creates bullet-proof, immutable backups that make your data 100% tamper-proof. Because this data is made unchangeable for a set period of time, cybercriminals and malware cannot encrypt, alter, or delete it. We will break down how this ensures you always have a clean data copy for a rapid, reliable recovery—without ever paying a ransom.Stay tuned as we explore how to simplify your backup workflow, slash your infrastructure costs, and lock ransomware out for good!Support the show

In this episode of Is That How It Happened?, The Vanimal sits down with Jim O’Brien, Senior Business Development Manager at TalentCraft, where he helps high-growth companies at the intersection of cloud data, AI, and deep tech find the people who actually make transformation happen. We get into how AI infrastructure teams really scale, why great recruiting is more about human signal than hype, and what Jim is seeing on the front lines of hiring in AI, quantum, and next‑gen tech.Support the show

Everyone sees the magic of AI on the surface, but who is talking about the brutal infrastructure actually keeping it alive?Here is a sneak peek into our latest episode:Mr Quiz: "Everyone sees the magic on the surface—like ChatGPT hitting 800 million weekly active users and handling billions of requests a day. But today, we're talking about the invisible superhero doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes." Miss Answer: "Exactly. We're talking about Kubernetes. We are exploring the massive shift toward 'Edge AI,' where models are pushed directly to retail aisles and factory floors to achieve ultra-low latency, stronger data privacy, and offline reliability. Plus, we dig into how advanced scheduling systems like Kant and NVIDIA's Run:ai eliminate GPU fragmentation and allow fractional GPU sharing, letting enterprises squeeze every ounce of power out of their hardware."Running AI across thousands of distributed edge sites or on massive centralized clusters with tens of thousands of heterogeneous GPUs creates an operational nightmare. If you want to know how the industry is fighting back and turning Kubernetes into the unified control plane making it all possible, this episode is for you.Grab your headphones and listen to the full Audio Deep Dive now! #AI #Kubernetes #MLOps #EdgeAI #NVIDIA #GPU #TechPodcast #DeepDiveSupport the show

If your cloud bill feels more like a mortgage payment than an operating expense, you’re not alone. Over the last decade, enterprises rushed into the public cloud for speed and flexibility—only to wake up with a serious cloud hangover: spiraling storage costs, egress fees on every experiment, and compliance teams asking hard questions about where data actually lives.In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the rise of data repatriation—the move to bring data, applications, and AI workloads back from public cloud into on‑prem and private environments. We’ll look at why AI data gravity makes location a first‑class design decision, why metered, remote object storage is such a bad fit for high‑reuse training datasets, and how on‑prem S3 platforms like Cloudian HyperStore turn “backing out of the cloud” from a painful rollback into a long‑term AI strategy.So if you’re trying to feed GPUs without paying a gravity tax on every byte, or you’re wondering which workloads truly belong in the cloud versus at home, stay tuned—we’re going to break down the economics, the architecture, and the playbook for bringing your data back where it works best.Support the show

In this episode, we’re talking about data repatriation—why media, healthcare, and financial services organizations are pulling petabytes out of the cloud and landing them on on‑prem S3 object storage to power their next wave of AI.You’ll meet a global media company that got blindsided by egress fees and latency, a healthcare provider squeezed by compliance and data sovereignty, and a financial services firm that hit an AI cost wall the moment “cheap” cloud storage became “read constantly” AI training fuelAcross all three, the pattern is the same: early cloud enthusiasm, then scale‑driven pain around cost, performance, and governance, and finally a deliberate shift to an on‑prem, cloud‑scale S3 platform sitting right next to their GPUs.So if you’re planning your AI roadmap and wondering where your “high‑gravity” data should really live, stick around—because these stories might sound a lot like your own.  Support the show

Welcome back to the show, everyone! Today, I’m joined by someone whose story truly bridges the worlds of sports, precision, and artistry. Dr. Bobby Lenoir is a partner at Brown, Reynolds, Snow, and Lenoir—a leading dental practice here in Richmond, Virginia—where he’s known for transforming smiles through advanced cosmetic dentistry.But before he became one of Richmond’s premier cosmetic dentists, Dr. Lenoir was known for something entirely different: playing ball with the Texas Rangers organization. From the baseball diamond to the dental chair, his journey is a fascinating example of how discipline, performance, and passion can shape an exceptional career.We’ll dive into that transformation—what it takes to go from pro athlete to medical professional, how the mindset of competition translates to cosmetic excellence, and why patient experience is the real game-changer in modern dentistrySupport the show

Today’s guest is Kim Guenther, a stage 4 leukemia survivor whose life was forever changed by a groundbreaking medical treatment trial. After facing odds that would stop most of us in our tracks, Kim said yes to an experimental path that not only helped save her life, but completely reshaped her purpose, her faith, and her perspective on what really matters. In this conversation, we’re going to talk about diagnosis, the brutal reality of treatment, the hope and uncertainty of clinical trials, and how Kim has turned her story into a source of strength for others walking through their own battles with cancer. So let’s dive in—this is Kim’s journey from stage 4 leukemia to survivor and advocate.Support the show

Welcome to “Is that how it happened” — in this episode we rip the lid off the bottlenecks holding your AI infrastructure back and get serious about what's actually moving data at the speed your workloads demand.I'm your host, The Vanimal, and today we're going deep — and I mean deep — on one of the most exciting developments in modern AI data pipelines: S3 RDMA Direct from Cloudian.If you've ever watched your GPU cluster sit idle while it waits for data to feed through an overloaded CPU, this episode is your prescription. We're talking about Remote Direct Memory Access — RDMA — combined with native S3 object storage, eliminating the CPU as the middleman and putting data exactly where your compute needs it, fast.And we're not doing this alone. Joining us today is the team from ePlus and their AI Ignite practice — a services framework purpose-built to help organizations design, deploy, and scale AI infrastructure the right way. These are the engineers and architects living on the front lines of AI deployment, and they've got real-world perspective on how S3 RDMA is changing the game for their clients.Whether you're an infrastructure architect, a data engineer, or just someone trying to figure out how to stop leaving GPU performance on the table — buckle up.Let's bypass the CPU.Support the show

What if the storage layer your organization already owns could become the most powerful asset in your AI strategy? Not someday — right now.Welcome to this episode of  “Is that how it happened”  - Turning S3 Storage into the AI Brain – in the podcast episode we bridge the gap between the data you're already storing and the intelligence you need to unlock.I'm The Vanimal, a Sr. Solutions Architect who lives at the intersection of object storage and AI. Today, we'll dig into how S3-compatible storage isn't just a place to park your data — it's the foundation, the memory, and the muscle behind modern AI workloads.From data lakes to vector stores, from on-prem infrastructure to hybrid cloud pipelines — we're going to show you how to stop thinking of storage as a cost center and start treating it as the brain of your AI operation.Let's get into it.Support the show

Welcome back to the show! I'm the Vanimal, and today we've got a guest who has literally written the playbook on channel sales done right.Our guest is Gil Lowe — Director of Channel Sales at Veeam Software, where he's been the architect of one of the most powerful partner relationships in North America for over a decade. Gil joined Veeam back in 2014 and has spent more than ten years scaling the Veeam-CDW partnership — Veeam's largest Platinum partner account on the continent — into a true powerhouse go-to-market motion.And he's not just showing up — he's dominating. Gil has racked up multiple MVP Channel Awards, the CDW Channel Account Manager of the Year Award, and the Veeam Channel Manager of the Year — all in 2022 alone. He's the kind of guy who doesn't just hit quota — he redefines what's possible in a channel relationship.Before Veeam, Gil honed his craft at ExaGrid, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and CA Technologies — building a career that spans backup, recovery, data resilience, and the art of making partners wildly successful.In today's conversation, we're getting into how elite channel relationships actually get built, what separates good partners from great ones, and where the data protection space is headed. Trust me — if you're in sales, storage, or the channel ecosystem, you do NOT want to skip this one.Gil, welcome to the show — let's get into it!"Support the show

Welcome back to Is That How It Happened?—today’s guest is my friend Dr. Colt W. Knight from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, an Associate Extension Professor and Maine’s state livestock specialist. He runs the Maine Grazing Behavior Lab, where his team designs and manufactures livestock tracking collars and does applied grazing behavior research to help interpret what animals are telling us through their movement and behavior.​But Colt’s also an accomplished luthier—building custom guitars that have found their way into the hands of world-class players, including The Kentucky Headhunters. Today we’re talking about craft, science, and the kind of curiosity that connects a lab bench to a workbench—so let’s get into it.Support the show

What does it take to dedicate your life to fighting blood cancer? And what keeps a clinician going when the stakes are life and death, day after day?In this week's episode, we sit down with Dr. Keri Maher, a cutting-edge hematology-oncology clinician whose work is saving and extending the lives of blood cancer patients. But this isn't just a conversation about clinical trials and treatment protocols—it's an intimate look at the person behind the practice.Dr. Maher brings us into her world with refreshing honesty and humor, revealing the moments that shaped her calling, the patients who taught her what truly matters, and the driving force behind her relentless pursuit of breakthroughs. We explore the emotional weight of this work, the hope that sustains it, and why she believes we're entering a new era in blood cancer treatment.This episode tackles the big questions: What motivates someone to chase cures when setbacks are inevitable? How do you balance clinical excellence with genuine human connection? And what can Dr. Maher's journey teach us about resilience, purpose, and the power of refusing to accept "incurable"?Whether you're a healthcare professional, a patient or caregiver navigating a cancer diagnosis, or simply someone who wants to understand what drives remarkable people to do extraordinary work—this conversation will move you, challenge you, and leave you inspired.Listen now to discover the brilliant, determined, and deeply human side of cancer care.Support the show

Welcome back to Is That How It Happened? — the show where we explore the real stories behind innovation, resilience, and the people driving transformation in technology and beyond.Today, I’m joined by Jason Buffington, the founder of Data Protection Matters — and one of the industry’s most trusted voices when it comes to data resiliency, backup, and business continuity. Jason’s decades of experience—from leading data protection strategy at some of the biggest names in the industry to shaping how organizations think about safeguarding their information—make this a conversation you won’t want to miss.We’ll dive into what inspired Jason to start Data Protection Matters, how the landscape of cyber resilience is evolving, and what every organization should be doing right now to prepare for the future of data protection - as well as some pretty interesting views on life, and how we walk though itlSo grab your coffee, plug in your headphones, and let’s get into it—because this is Is That How It Happened? with my guest, Jason Buffington.LinkedIn = https://linkedin.com/in/JasonBuffington .DPM on LinkedIn = https://linkedin.com/company/DataProtectionMatters .Twitter = https://X.com/JBuff  All of Jason's prior blogs, including all previous episodes of Two Minute Mondays and Data Protection Matters topics = https://JasonBuffington.com  Support the show

Welcome back to Is That How It Happened? — I’m your host, Van Flowers.Today’s episode is a special re-broadcast of a conversation that many of you have asked me to bring back — and for good reason. My guest is Rick Vanover, one of the most recognizable voices in the world of data protection and IT resilience, and a long-time leader at Veeam.Rick’s passion for technology, his ability to make complex ideas accessible, and his deep understanding of how data drives business continuity make this a conversation worth hearing again. Whether you’re an IT professional, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the evolving landscape of data management — this episode delivers insights that are as relevant today as they were when we first recorded it.So sit back and enjoy this encore presentation of my discussion with Rick Vanover of Veeam — a conversation that continues to resonate across the data protection community.Support the show

Welcome back to Is That How It Happened? — I’m your host, Van Flowers. Today’s episode is a special re-broadcast of a fascinating conversation that so many of you have asked me to bring back.My guest is Jeff Lanza — a former FBI Special Agent and one of the nation’s leading cyber-crime and security experts. Jeff spent over two decades with the Bureau investigating everything from organized crime to identity theft and computer intrusions. His insight into how criminals exploit technology — and how we can protect ourselves — is just as relevant today as it was when we first spoke.This is one of those timeless conversations that reminds us how fast the digital world is changing — and how important it is to stay informed, alert, and resilient.So sit back and enjoy this encore presentation of my discussion with Jeff Lanza, FBI Agent and Cyber Crime Expert.Support the show

Welcome back to Is That How It Happened? — today we’re revisiting an incredible conversation from a few months back that absolutely deserved a place on our new platform. My guest is none other than Michael Stafford, a true Veeam Guru and one of the most insightful minds in the world of data protection, backup, and recovery.Michael brings not only deep technical expertise but also genuine authenticity, humility, and passion for what he does. He’s the kind of guest who reminds us that technology isn’t just about systems and storage — it’s about people, innovation, and the drive to make things better every single day.If you missed this episode the first time around, you’re in for a treat. And if you’ve heard it before, it’s absolutely worth another listen. So sit back, relax, and enjoy my conversation with the one and only Michael Stafford — Veeam Guru and all-around incredible human being.Support the show

Welcome to today’s episode of Is that how it Happened,  where we dive into the ideas, innovations, and leaders shaping the future. Our guest today is Paul J. Scaini, a driving force at Lenovo, where he plays a pivotal role in bringing cutting-edge technology solutions to businesses and industries around the world. With years of expertise in strategy, leadership, and transformative tech, Paul brings unique insight into how Lenovo is reimagining what’s possible in today’s digital-first landscape. From AI to enterprise innovation, he’s here to share not only Lenovo’s vision but also his perspective on where technology is headed next. Get ready for a conversation full of strategy, innovation, and forward-looking ideas with Paul J. Scaini of Lenovo.Support the show

We’re honored to welcome Kyoshi Roger Dabney — a 9th Degree Black Belt in American Open Style Karate and a 7th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. With decades of dedication, discipline, and teaching experience, Kyoshi Dabney has shaped countless students through his martial arts journey.From philosophy to physical mastery, this episode dives into what it really means to live the way of the martial artist — and why the lessons go far beyond the dojo.Stay tuned… this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!Support the show

Welcome back to another episode of "Is That How That Happened" with your host, Van "The Vanimal" Flowers! I'm fired up for today's conversation because we're diving deep with some folks who are absolutely crushing it in the ISP and data center world.Today I've got the incredible team from C3 Complete joining us—and when I say "complete," I mean these guys are like the Swiss Army knife of internet service providers. But calling them just an ISP is like calling a Ferrari just a car. These are ISPs on steroids with legitimate superpowers.We're talking about a full-service operation that doesn't just connect you to the internet—they architect, they protect, they scale, and they do it all with the kind of reliability that makes disaster recovery planners sleep soundly at night. And trust me, in my 30-plus years in this business, from IBM to Bell Labs to where I am now with Cloudian, I know the difference between companies that talk a good game and those that actually deliver the goods.Now, here's what I love about today's show—yes, we're going to geek out about disaster recovery strategies and why having the right data center partner can make or break your business. But we're also going to find out what these tech superheroes do when they're not busy saving the digital world. Because let's be honest, some of the best insights come when you discover what drives people outside the server room.So whether you're an IT director trying to figure out your disaster recovery strategy, a CTO looking for that bulletproof data center partnership, or you're just curious about what makes successful tech companies tick when they're off the clock, this episode is packed with value.C3 Complete brings the kind of expertise and innovation that reminds me why I love this industry so much. These aren't just service providers—they're problem solvers, relationship builders, and the kind of partners you actually want in your corner when things go sideways.So buckle up, grab your favorite beverage, and let's dive into a conversation about superpowered ISPs, bulletproof disaster recovery, and maybe a few surprises along the way. This is going to be fun!Alright, C3 Complete team, welcome to "Is That How That Happened!" Let's start with the fun stuff—tell our listeners what you do when you're not busy being internet superheroes...https://c3-complete.comSupport the show

Welcome back to another episode in our series, Cancer: The Gift That Keeps Giving. Today, I’m honored to introduce a truly inspiring guest: Mindy Fast. Mindy is not only a survivor of Multiple Myeloma, but also a powerful voice of resilience, courage, and hope. Her story shines a light on the realities of facing cancer head-on, while also celebrating the strength it takes to keep moving forward.In this conversation, Mindy opens up about her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and the ways she’s found purpose through adversity. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or simply someone looking for a dose of perspective and perseverance, Mindy’s story is one that will stay with you long after the episode ends.Let’s dive in.Mindy is one of the gifted leaders in the Richmond, VA Multiple Myeloma Support Group, and you can contact her and the support group here. https://www.myeloma.org/richmondva?_gl=1%2A19l790i%2A_gcl_au%2ANjI5NTQ4OTU4LjE3NTU2MzI4OTkuODQ0MzA0ODQzLjE3NTU2MzI5MTkuMTc1NTYzMjkxOQ..%2A_ga_2EJEFWRS4D%2AczE3NTU2MzI4OTkkbzEkZzEkdDE3NTU2MzI5MTkkajQwJGwwJGgxNzIzNjUxODE0&check_logged_in=1Support the show

What does it take to redefine how modern teams work with data?In this episode of Is That How It Happened?, we sit down with Joe Dabrowski of dbt Labs, the company behind the modern standard for data transformation. With a mission to empower analytics engineers and streamline data workflows, dbt Labs is leading a revolution in how businesses transform raw data into actionable insights.Joe brings his expertise and passion to the mic as we explore the rise of the modern data stack, the cultural shift in data teams, and why dbt isn’t just a tool — it’s a movement. From tech strategy to the human side of data, this conversation is packed with real-world insights and forward-thinking ideas.Support the show

Welcome to Cancer: The Gift That Keeps Giving — a series where we explore the raw truth, resilience, and revelation found in the cancer journey.Today’s guest is... me.I’m Van Flowers, also known as The Vanimal, and in this special episode, I’m stepping out from behind the mic to share my own story — a story of survival, surrender, and surprising gifts that came from facing one of life’s toughest battles.I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Burkitt’s Lymphoma, an aggressive and fast-moving cancer that brought my world to a standstill — but it didn’t take me out.In this conversation, I open up about:The moment everything changedThe brutal honesty of treatment and recoveryThe emotional, spiritual, and mental toll — and growthAnd why I now see cancer, in a strange way, as a giftThis isn’t just about survival. It’s about perspective, purpose, and turning pain into power.Whether you're a survivor, caregiver, or just someone trying to make sense of it all — I hope this episode speaks to you.Let’s begin.Support the show

🎙️ Podcast Intro – "Is That How It Happened?" Guest: Mike Tso, Co-Founder & CEO, Cloudian Episode Release: July 10thWelcome to Is That How It Happened? — the podcast where we sit down with the innovators, disruptors, and leaders shaping our world.In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into the most transformative shift in modern technology: Artificial Intelligence — and the data infrastructure fueling it.My guest today is Mike Tso, Co-Founder and CEO of Cloudian — a company that’s not just responding to AI’s rise but leading the charge into a new era of data management and storage.We’ll explore:How Cloudian is redefining data architecture for the AI ecosystemThe breakthrough speeds and unmatched scalability now powering AI workloadsWhat it takes to build a company that’s helping enterprises keep pace with the insatiable demand for AI-ready dataIf you're a technologist, innovator, or business leader navigating the AI revolution — this conversation will change the way you think about data.Let’s get into it.Support the show

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Emily Ragland, BSN/RN, a critical care oncology nurse at the Massey Cancer Center, who shares what it’s like to serve on the front lines of cancer care.Emily opens up about the emotional and physical toll of caring for patients battling some of the most aggressive blood cancers, and the profound responsibility that comes with walking beside individuals and families in their most vulnerable moments. With compassion, clarity, and courage, Emily offers listeners a raw and heartfelt look into a caregiver's world—where life, death, and everything in between converge daily.Whether you’re a patient, survivor, caregiver, or advocate, this episode will deepen your appreciation for the unsung heroes who fight quietly, every day, in the background of cancer care.Support the show

Welcome back to Is That How It Happened? — the show where passion meets purpose and stories are told from the heart.Today’s guest is someone who lives and breathes music — Dee J Nelson, a gifted guitarist and rising producer who’s chasing his dream of becoming an unforgettable force in the world of rock, rhythm, and creativity.From the first time he picked up a guitar to the long hours grinding in the studio, DJ’s journey is all about commitment, craft, and carving your own path in a tough industry. We talk about inspiration, hustle, stage energy, and the deep love that keeps him plugged in and turned up — even when the road gets hard.If you’ve ever had a dream and wondered what it takes to really go for it — this one’s for you. Let’s turn the volume up — and dive in.Social Media: https://deejnelson.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DJNMusicStudiohttps://www.sullyguitars.com/Support the show

Welcome back to Cancer: The Gift That Keeps Giving, a series that shines a light on the raw, real, and resilient journeys of those touched by cancer — survivors, caregivers, and the incredible professionals who walk beside them.In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Pastor Owen Taylor, a faith leader and grief counselor who has spent years supporting cancer patients and their families through some of life’s darkest and most sacred moments.Pastor Taylor shares with us the emotional and spiritual weight that comes with a cancer diagnosis — not just for patients, but for the loved ones walking the road beside them. We explore how faith, vulnerability, and compassionate presence can help people find meaning, peace, and even strength in the face of suffering.Whether it’s comforting a caregiver who’s at the end of their rope or guiding a patient through fear and uncertainty, Pastor Taylor brings a perspective that’s deeply human — and deeply healing.This conversation is for anyone who's ever felt overwhelmed by loss, grief, or the long shadows cancer can cast. It’s about finding light in the unlikeliest places, and the power of simply being there when words aren’t enough.American Cancer Society - cancer.orgLeukemia & Lymphoma Society - LLS.orgNational Cancer Institute - cancer.govInternational Myeloma Foundation - myeloma.orgNational Comprehensive Cancer Institute - nccn.orgChemo Experts (chemo calendar templates for patients to use) - https://www.chemoexperts.com/calendar.htmlSupport the show

Podcast Episode Intro:Welcome to another episode of “Is That How It Happened?” — the podcast where we explore the stories and technologies shaping our digital world.Today, I’m joined by Josh Turnbull from Loadbalancer.org, a company that’s made it their mission to keep critical systems online, fast, and resilient. Whether you're in healthcare, finance, education, or cloud infrastructure, chances are your apps depend on reliable traffic distribution — and that’s where load balancing becomes the silent hero.In this episode, Josh unpacks the real-world challenges of application delivery, busts some common myths about load balancers, and shares what it really takes to build infrastructure that just works — even under pressure.From smart simplicity in design to security best practices and deployment strategies, this conversation is packed with insights for tech pros and curious minds alike.Let’s get into it.Support the show

Welcome to another episode of Cancer: The Gift That Keeps Giving, where we share the raw, real, and inspiring journeys of those who face cancer every single day—patients, survivors, and the healthcare heroes who walk beside them.Today, we’re honored to be joined by Dr. Kevin Brigle, a PhD-prepared Adult Nurse Practitioner who has dedicated his career to oncology care. With years of clinical experience, research expertise, and a compassionate heart, Kevin offers a rare and powerful perspective into what it means to care for cancer patients—not just treat them.In this conversation, Kevin shares what brought him into this deeply personal and challenging field, the emotional realities of working with patients in all stages of their cancer journey, and the lessons he’s learned from those who inspire him every day.This episode is a powerful reminder of the humanity in medicine, the impact of connection, and the incredible role that nurse practitioners play in the lives of patients and families.Let’s dive into the conversation with Dr. Kevin Brigle.American Cancer Society - cancer.orgLeukemia & Lymphoma Society - LLS.orgNational Cancer Institute - cancer.govInternational Myeloma Foundation - myeloma.orgNational Comprehensive Cancer Institute - nccn.orgChemo Experts (chemo calendar templates for patients to use) - https://www.chemoexperts.com/calendar.htmlSupport the show

Welcome back to Is That How It Happened? — the series where real stories shape deeper conversations.Today’s episode is part of our special series, Cancer: The Gift That Keeps Giving, and it features an extraordinary guest: David Evelyn, a Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor whose journey through cancer is as courageous as it is inspiring.David takes us through the brutal honesty of a life-altering diagnosis, the emotional and physical battles that followed, and what it means to find hope — and purpose — on the other side. This conversation isn’t just about survival; it’s about transformation, resilience, and the lessons that only hardship can teach.Whether you’ve been through the fight yourself or walked beside someone who has, David’s story will stay with you — because the story doesn’t end with remission.American Cancer Society - cancer.orgLeukemia & Lymphoma Society - LLS.orgNational Cancer Institute - cancer.govInternational Myeloma Foundation - myeloma.orgNational Comprehensive Cancer Institute - nccn.orgChemo Experts (chemo calendar templates for patients to use) - https://www.chemoexperts.com/calendar.htmlSupport the show

Welcome to the premiere episode of “CANCER: The Gift That Keeps Giving,” a special series on the Is That How It Happened? podcast — where we explore the raw, real, and often life-changing journeys of cancer survivors.In this first powerful episode, I’m joined by Tarri Kalhoefer — a Stage 4 lymphoma survivor whose story is nothing short of extraordinary. Tarri opens up about the moment of her diagnosis, the grueling treatment that followed, and what it really means to survive — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.This isn’t just about beating cancer. It’s about discovering resilience, confronting fear, and finding unexpected strength in the darkest moments.Tune in to hear Tarri’s unfiltered story of hope, struggle, and the life that comes after chemo.American Cancer Society - cancer.orgLeukemia & Lymphoma Society - LLS.orgNational Cancer Institute - cancer.govInternational Myeloma Foundation - myeloma.orgNational Comprehensive Cancer Institute - nccn.orgChemo Experts (chemo calendar templates for patients to use) - https://www.chemoexperts.com/calendar.htmlSupport the show

Welcome back to another episode of “Is that how it happened”, where we dive into the real stories behind remarkable careers. Today, we’re sitting down with someone who has climbed the legal ladder all the way to the top — a highly successful attorney and law firm partner whose journey is as demanding as it is inspiring.In this episode, we trace the path from college to law school — through years of intense study, competitive internships, and the pressure-packed environment of firm life. Our guest opens up about the long hours, the high stakes, the sacrifices — including time away from family and the personal toll that often comes with professional ambition.But it’s also a story of achievement. Of making partner. Of building a reputation. And of the opportunities this career has unlocked — from meaningful cases to financial independence to the ability to give back.Whether you’re thinking about a career in law or just curious about what it really takes to succeed at the highest level, this is a raw, honest, and motivating conversation you won’t want to miss.”Support the show

Welcome back to another episode of Is That How It Happened? — the podcast where we uncover the real stories behind technology, transformation, and the people driving innovation forward.Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Dave Russell, Vice President of Enterprise Strategies at Veeam Software. With decades of experience shaping the data protection industry, Dave brings a wealth of insight from both the analyst and engineering sides of enterprise IT.From backup and recovery to modern ransomware defense, Dave has been at the forefront of helping organizations keep their data resilient in a world full of threats. In this episode, we dig into what businesses are doing right — and wrong — when it comes to securing their digital assets, the evolving role of cloud and hybrid environments, and where the future of enterprise data strategy is headed.Whether you're a tech leader, a backup admin, or just curious about the critical systems that keep the digital world running — you’re going to want to hear what Dave has to say.🔗 Check out more episodes at www.isthathowithappened.comLet’s get into it.Support the show

Welcome back to Is That How It Happened? — the podcast where we uncover the real stories behind the people shaping tech.Today’s guest is Melissa Palmer — a powerhouse technologist, content creator, and VMware Certified Design Expert. With a career that’s spanned engineering, technical marketing, product strategy, and even the Office of the CTO, Melissa has helped tackle some of the toughest problems in modern IT — from ransomware threats to cloud and data center design.But today, we’re zooming in on a different kind of challenge: certification prep. Melissa breaks down how she approaches high-stakes certs like the VCDX, how she stays focused under pressure, and what anyone pursuing advanced IT credentials needs to know.Whether you’re an aspiring architect, security pro, or just someone who loves a good tech origin story — this one’s for you.Let’s dive in with Melissa Palmer.🎧 Listen now at www.isthathowithappened.comSupport the show

Welcome back to another episode of “Is That How It Happened?” — the show where we dig into the stories behind the people, the paths, and the pivotal moments that shape careers and lives.Today, I’m excited to welcome Fadel Hamed, Senior Vice President of Customer Success at Cloudian. With decades of experience leading customer-focused teams in the tech space, Fadel brings a unique blend of strategic insight, operational excellence, and human-centered leadership.In this conversation, we dive into the core of what customer success really means — not just in theory, but in practice. Fadel shares his journey from the early days of his career to becoming a trusted voice in enterprise technology, and the lessons he's learned about building lasting relationships, scaling global teams, and navigating the ever-evolving demands of customers in the data-driven world.Whether you’re in tech, leadership, or just curious how great customer experiences are crafted and maintained — you’re going to want to hear this.Let’s get into it.Support the show

Welcome back to another episode of “Is That How It Happened?” — the show where we explore the real stories behind the titles, the turning points behind the triumphs, and the paths that brought people to where they are today. I'm your host, Van Vanimal Flowers.Today, I’m joined by someone who’s not only a leader in the world of enterprise data storage, but a strategist, mentor, and innovator — Peter Sjoberg, Vice President of Solution Architects Worldwide at Cloudian.Peter has built a career at the intersection of technology and leadership, helping global teams design scalable, secure, and future-ready storage solutions. But what’s the story behind the title? How did Peter get here? What lessons did he learn along the way? And what’s next for the world of object storage and cloud integration?In this conversation, we dive into Peter’s professional journey, the key moments that shaped his leadership style, and the insights he’s gained from working with organizations around the globe. Whether you’re in tech, management, or just fascinated by how careers evolve, this episode has something for you.Let’s get into it — here’s my conversation with Peter Sjoberg.Support the show

Take a few minutes to get the tips and tricks of the "Trainers Trainer" - this is WELL WORTH your time to get ready for your next examSupport the show

How many exams do we take on a regular basis as "Technical" people - I'm sure I have taken a 100 in my career. Let's see how Bart preps and helps you prep for your next examSupport the show

What a wonderful conversation with a true family man. As dedicated to his wife and boys, as he is to his work at Cloudian. With an IT career spaning over 25 years, I'm sure you will find some great take aways for your role, and your personal relationships.Grab a cup, and sit a bit as I talk with JohnSupport the show

Doug Marks is a musician, guitarist and guitar instructor. He is the founder and owner of Metal Method Video guitar lessons. Marks founded Metal Method in 1982. Metal Method is both one of the longest established and world's most popular video guitar lessons having taught well over 100,000 guitarists to date.https://www.youtube.com/@DougMarksSupport the show

With an amazing career that has brought Skip to over 5 decades of playing the guitar, we discuss his early years, his love of the Blues, his guitars and where he is now as a member of the Blues Guitar Hall of FameSupport the show