Network Automation Nerds
Packet Pushers
Network Automation Nerds is for network engineers and infrastructure professionals eager to learn more about automation. Join host Eric Chou as he explores how to take advantage of modern network programmability to automate tasks, build robust systems, and get more done in less time. You’ll hear from a lineup of seasoned engineers, avid learners, industry leaders, and tool creators as they share tips, best practices, and hard-won advice.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 1, 2026 • 43min
NAN118: The Importance of the Data Behind AI in Networks (Sponsored)
When applying AI to network operations and automation, a strong data foundation is essential. In this sponsored episode, Eric Chou and Scott Robohn are joined by Surya Nimmagadda, Chief Data Scientist; and Joby Rudolph, Senior Distinguished Engineer, both from Selector. They discuss the importance of transparency in their data and how it can instill confidence... Read more »
Mar 25, 2026 • 1h 1min
NAN117: What You May Have Missed from AutoCon 4
Eric Chou is joined by returning guest, Danny Wade a.k.a. Devnet Dan, to unpack everything you missed from AutoCon 4. AutoCon 4 had a heavy focus on AI’s role in network automation and Danny was there in person, has already blogged about his insights, and is here to break down the trends, takeaways, and key... Read more »
Mar 18, 2026 • 57min
NAN116: From NSoT to Operational Automation: Fast Time-to-Value with Nautobot Cloud (Sponsored)
Eric Fetty, a network engineer who automated his way through CCIE and now drives automation at The Standard. He discusses using Nautobot Cloud and source-of-truth platforms for fast operational automation. He covers prebuilt discovery scripts, Nautobot jobs and Git-driven triggers. He also touches on scaling with managed cloud, separating data from syntax, and future moves toward workflows and AI agents.
Mar 11, 2026 • 56min
NAN115: Simplifying Network Automation with Wingpy
Andreas Baekdahl, a network engineer and automation specialist who built WingPy, shares why he created an abstraction for messy Cisco APIs. He outlines WingPy’s auth, session, concurrency and rate-limiting features. He talks about testing, refactoring to v1.0, documentation for developer ergonomics, and practical advice for starting automation safely.
Feb 25, 2026 • 1h
NAN114: Demystifying Automation Tools, Processes, and Culture Gates
Eric sits down with David Henderson, Principal Architect for NetDevOps at Presidio, to discuss the practical journey for network engineers transitioning from manual CLI operations to scalable NetDevOps and automation. They discuss how traditional networking knowledge and certifications are foundational, and suggest essential tools and habits for beginning your automation journey. David also shares a... Read more »
Feb 11, 2026 • 1h
NAN113: What Works, and What Doesn’t, in Network Automation Projects
Matt Remke, Senior Engagement Manager at Network2Code who leads large-scale network automation delivery. He shares tales from complex migrations, common anti-patterns that stall projects, and practical strategies to break silos. Expect tips on conservative planning, showing working increments early, and building cohesive teams through rotating responsibilities.
Jan 28, 2026 • 59min
NAN112: Inside the CU Boulder Network Engineering Master’s Program
Eric sits down with two graduates from the CU Boulder Networking Engineering Master’s Program to discuss what they learned during their time in the program and how that translated into real world opportunities and experiences. They also offer some invaluable career advice from the “seven plus one” formula and the value of asking “dumb questions.”... Read more »
10 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 40min
NAN111: Automation, AI, and the Future of Branch Networking: Inside Cisco Unified Branch (Sponsored)
Lee Peterson, VP of Product Management for Secure WAN at Cisco, leads product strategy for Cisco Unified Branch and secure WAN. He defines the modern branch, explores scaling with automation and security, outlines closed-loop AI for remediation, describes Branch as Code and validated designs, and highlights vertical needs and new skills like network prompt engineering.
Jan 14, 2026 • 59min
NAN110: Bridging Industry, Academia, and the Future of Network Automation with Dr. Levi Perigo
Eric Chou is joined by Dr. Levi Perigo, Scholar in Residence and Professor of Network Engineering at the University of Colorado, Boulder. They discuss Levi’s non-traditional career path from being in the network automation industry for 20 years before shifting to academia and co-founding QuivAR. Levi also dives into the success of the CU Boulder... Read more »
Dec 17, 2025 • 49min
NAN109: Simplify Your Network Operations with Extreme (Sponsored)
Today Eric Chou dives deep into network automation and operational simplicity with guest Hardik Ajmera, VP of Product Management at Extreme Networks. In this sponsored episode, they talk about the ‘network fabric’, Extreme Platform ONE, and, of course, what’s next with AI in the world of enterprise networking. Hardik also shares how customers in complex... Read more »
