Microsoft Community Insights Podcast

We explore how real-time analytics in Microsoft Fabric turns raw events into decisions within seconds while keeping the strength of batch for complete, trusted reporting. From OneLake layering to agentic AI, we share practical patterns, pitfalls, and skills to get started fast.• OneLake bronze, silver, gold layering for reliability• Event Hubs to OneLake pipeline setup• real-time dashboards, monitoring and alerting• hybrid architecture for BI and operational analytics• data quality rules, schema checks and replay• skills to start with Fabric using SQL• common streaming pitfalls and latency issues• roadmap to agentic AI that lets users talk to data• personal journey, community work and speaking plansText Us About the Show

11/2/25 • 19:47

We break down Blazor’s render modes in plain language. Server side rendering for instant first paint, streaming SSR for progressive content, interactive Server with SignalR for low latency, and Blazor WebAssembly when you want client side execution and near native speed. With the .NET 8 Blazor Web App template, you can pre render for speed, attach Server for responsiveness, and hydrate WASM in the background so returning visits feel instantaneous. If desktop or mobile is on the roadmap, Blazor Hybrid with .NET MAUI lets the same components run across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.Text Us About the Show

11/2/25 • 63:48

Brian shares his fascinating journey from certification skeptic to exam developer, explaining how Microsoft's approach to testing has evolved from simple multiple-choice questions to complex, hands-on lab scenarios that reflect real-world challenges. Drawing on his experience working with retail and consumer goods organizations, Brian reveals how businesses are implementing AI solutions that transform inventory management, supply chain operations, and customer experiences.Text Us About the Show

9/19/25 • 51:55

Santosh Kumar, Azure MVP in Networking and Cloud Security, explains why Zero Trust isn't just a product but a critical security strategy for the modern workplace. He breaks down how organisations can implement this approach to protect against the dramatic rise in cyber threats.Follow the Microsoft Community Insights Podcast on social media so you never miss an episode.Text Us About the Show

8/24/25 • 22:41

Syntax in security might sound technical and dry, but as Mona Ghadiri reveals, it's actually the secret sauce that determines whether your AI security tools deliver inconsistent results or game-changing efficiency.This eye-opening conversation explores how treating Security Co-Pilot prompts as code transforms security operations. Mona, a Microsoft MVP in Security Co-Pilot and Vice President at Capgemini, introduces her innovative "Mad Lib Method" - creating templated prompts with specific variables that security analysts can populate. This approach addresses a fundamental challenge: not everyone using these tools is a native English speaker, and subtle differences in syntax dramatically impact AI outputs.Text Us About the Show

8/8/25 • 67:38

The rapidly evolving field of generative AI can be intimidating, especially for those looking to implement enterprise-ready solutions. That's precisely the gap Amit sought to fill with his book "Azure OpenAI Essentials," co-authored with technical reviewers who ensured quality and accuracy throughout.Amit, who has spent years helping healthcare organizations build scalable generative AI applications, explains that his motivation came from witnessing firsthand the understanding gaps among both customers and Microsoft's own technical field community. Rather than continuing with ad-hoc office hours and one-off explanations, he decided to create a comprehensive, structured resource that would guide readers from absolute basics to enterprise implementation.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Azure-OpenAI-Essentials-generative-AI-powered/dp/1805125060/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38OL3QSMWSH61&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Two8KJuL7o49WDLqLKnYMQ.GpWKMJUYmgTXpREOqvSsE8U0Gl_JHEQ5JnPskwnI47U&dib_tag=se&keywords=azure+openai+essentials&qid=1753463035&sprefix=azure+openai+essentials%2Caps%2C69&sr=8-1Text Us About the Show

7/25/25 • 27:42

Daniel takes us through the unsustainable habits that led to his collapse: working late shifts to avoid interruptions, surviving on takeaway meals and six energy drinks daily, and completely neglecting self-care. The turning point came when he discovered a three-part approach to recovery—the BOSH technique: movement (Bewegen), relaxation (Ontspanning), and social connection (Social).What makes this episode particularly valuable is Daniel's practical, tested advice for maintaining mental wellbeing in high-pressure tech environments. He explains why walking in nature without technological distractions fundamentally changes how our brains process stress, and shares his precise methodology for power naps that rejuvenate rather than drain energy (hint: it's all about avoiding deep sleep cycles).Text Us About the Show

7/16/25 • 54:02

What does it mean to build true belonging in a digital age? Heather Cook, a 25-year Microsoft veteran and community champion, takes us on a remarkable journey through the evolution of technology communities and how artificial intelligence is reshaping connection rather than replacing it.https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathernewman/https://www.communitydays.org/https://aka.ms/MGCIhttps://aka.ms/MondaysatMicrosofthttps://www.communitydays.orgText Us About the Show

7/4/25 • 45:07

Dive into the world of functional programming with Simon Painter, a  .NET developer with 20 years of experience who literally wrote the book on functional C#. Simon breaks down this powerful programming paradigm in refreshingly accessible terms, comparing it to connecting Lego bricks to create increasingly complex systems.Beyond his professional work, Simon shares his passion through teaching children Python at a code club, speaking at conferences worldwide, and authoring "Functional Programming with C#" (O'Reilly). Whether you're curious about a different programming approach or seeking more reliable, testable code, this episode provides a compelling introduction to thinking functionally.Ready to explore functional programming? Follow us on social media to catch more expert insights and expand your developer toolkit!Read more about it here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Functional-Programming-Simon-J-Painter-ebook/dp/B0CHXS6BWBText Us About the Show

6/17/25 • 20:49

Harshavardhan shares his journey as an Associate Product Manager working with Azure AI solutions, from development challenges to community engagement. He discusses creating AI-powered interview systems and adaptive mock tests that serve millions of users while explaining how combining Azure and Gemini enables more robust solutions than using either platform alone.  • Seven-time Microsoft certified professional working with AI solutions at Unstop • Developed an AI interview system that responds like a human and challenges vague answers • Created adaptive mock tests that generate personalized learning roadmaps for users • Combined Azure AI services with Google's Gemini to leverage strengths of both platforms • Faced challenges with documentation and support when working with preview services • Recommends Azure's prompt shielding feature for securing AI implementations • Hosted 55 community events teaching AI implementation in the past year • Focuses on helping students understand when and how to implement AI solutionsText Us About the Show

5/28/25 • 20:58

In this episode, we speak with software developer Jokey about his extensive experience with .NET, the challenges of integrating legacy systems, and the importance of continuous learning in the tech industry. Jokey shares insights on his journey in software development, his contributions to open source, and the innovative projects he has undertaken, including the creation of a unified SDK for Google Gemini. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community engagement, personal growth, and the evolving landscape of software development.Joki shares his fascinating journey of building the Google Gemini SDK for NET from scratch—a project that now approaches 50,000 downloads and caught the attention of Microsoft engineers who contribute to its development. You'll discover how he unified Google's AI interfaces before Google themselves implemented a similar approach in their official SDKs, demonstrating the innovation possible within the NET ecosystem.Link to the Repo https://github.com/mscraftsman/generative-aiText Us About the Show

5/4/25 • 36:32

What does it mean to be a storyteller at one of the world's largest technology companies? In this captivating conversation with Miri Rodriguez, Senior Storyteller at Microsoft and co-author of the forthcoming book "The Women of Microsoft," we discover how narrative shapes the way we understand technology, transformation, and human connection in the digital age.Text Us About the Show

4/18/25 • 24:58

Josh walks us through the powerful combination of open-source CNCF projects that address different aspects of container supply chain security. Learn how Trivy scans for vulnerabilities, Copasetic performs targeted patching when base image updates aren't possible, Notation provides digital signatures to verify trust, and Ratify enforces security policies at deployment time. Together, these tools create a comprehensive approach to securing containers from build to runtime.Ready to strengthen your container security posture? Listen now and discover how these tools can integrate into your existing workflows. Remember to follow us on social media to stay updated with more insights from community experts and share your thoughts on this episode!Text Us About the Show

4/6/25 • 33:37

Security has become the cornerstone of modern technology infrastructure, and understanding how to implement effective observability within DevSecOps pipelines is crucial for organizations of all sizes. In this revealing conversation with Neel—a developer, educator, and middleware expert—we uncover the critical role observability plays in creating secure, resilient systems.Text Us About the Show

3/15/25 • 23:01

Are we on the verge of having AI do our chores? Join us as we explore this intriguing question with Kellen Gorman, a seasoned AI technologist who has experience in groundbreaking projects across different sectors. Dive into discussions about Kellyn unexpected journey into the AI field, highlighting the critical importance of quality data—from origins in Azure to wildlife conservation efforts with the London Zoological Society. Throughout the episode, Kellyn candidly shares her insights on the ethical implications of AI, the projects currently shaping our interactions with technology, and practical advice for anyone looking to enter the AI landscape. She draws upon her experiences, showcasing how AI can drive positive change while warning against the pitfalls of data poisoning that can sabotage even the most innovative projects. Text Us About the Show

2/25/25 • 29:32

In this episode of the Microsoft Community Insights podcast, host Nicholas  speaks with Erlend Rushfeldt, a consultant manager at Innofactor, about the intricacies of cost optimization in cloud migration, particularly within Azure. They discuss common mistakes organizations make in managing Azure costs, strategies for effective cost management, and the importance of creating a culture of cost awareness. Erlend shares insights on the challenges faced by organizations in understanding their Azure bills and emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and optimization. The conversation also highlights resources available for learning more about Azure cost management and the role of the FinOps Foundation in providing frameworks and training.Text Us About the Show

2/20/25 • 22:37

Azure AI Foundry is reshaping the way developers approach AI solutions, providing an intuitive platform with numerous models and features tailored to user needs. Bhuvi Vatsey shares vital insights on maximizing AI effectiveness and the importance of a creative mindset in adopting these technologies.• Discussion on the mission and importance of Azure AI Foundry • Overview of available models and how to choose them • Introduction to the Azure AI agent service and its functionalities • Emphasis on creativity and small-scale implementation in AI projects • Recommendations for resources to learn more about Azure AI FoundryText Us About the Show

2/8/25 • 18:56

What if the key to unlocking your IT career lies in embracing failure and exploring diverse domains? Join us as we uncover this intriguing possibility with Ian Schreier, a principal architect and the mastermind behind Help my IT Career. With nearly three decades of experience, Ian opens up about his journey through the ever-evolving landscape of IT and the vital importance of aligning career paths with personal interests and strengths. His unique insights promise to inspire IT professionals and newcomers alike to broaden their skill sets and refine their career strategies.Text Us About the Show

2/2/25 • 32:57

Unlock the future of data analytics with insights from Javier Villegas, a Microsoft MVP, as he unpacks the game-changing features of Microsoft Fabric. This episode promises to transform your understanding of data management by exploring how this SaaS platform revolutionizes the way we handle data ingestion, storage, and analysis. Say goodbye to the cumbersome and costly traditional data methods, and discover how Microsoft Fabric integrates effortlessly with Power BI to provide a robust, scalable solution.Text Us About the Show

1/21/25 • 31:00

In our conversation, Haji emphasizes the power of community engagement within the tech industry. As a former MVP and current leader for Windows MVPs, he highlights the critical role of feedback in shaping Microsoft's products and solutions. From advocating for accessibility features to navigating the evolution of cloud technologies like Windows 365 and Copilot, Haji's journey underscores the importance of being a bridge between tech creators and the community. His passion for helping customers embrace new technologies demonstrates the profound impact of collaboration and mutual learning.Text Us About the Show

12/29/24 • 34:02

Join us as Microsoft MVP Susheeta Kaldi unveils her secrets to mastering Azure administration in the fast-paced world of healthcare. Promising insights into resource management, security, and automation, Susheeta discusses the critical balance between performance and cost optimization with a focus on tools like Azure Key Vault and Azure Monitor. As a listener, you'll gain practical knowledge about the skills necessary for effective Azure administration, and learn how this role is evolving with the integration of AI tools such as Copilot, which are transforming task automation and security enhancement.Text Us About the Show

12/21/24 • 26:05

Microsoft Sentinel has long been one of Microsoft security flagships. It launched in 2019 as one of the first pure cloud security monitoring solutions out there. 5 years on, what's the verdict? We will explore the gamebreaking bugs, infuriating errors, smooth solutions and much more in this security monitoring trip down memory leak lane.If you're not familiar with security monitoring solutions, fear not. In this talk you will learn the basics of security monitoring, explore the development of Microsoft Sentinel and get a quick introduction on how you can set it up for your own team and start detecting bad actors in your stack!Text Us About the Show

12/13/24 • 41:22

In this episode we interview Femke Cornelissen about Microsoft Copilot Femke Cornelissen is Technical Evangelist at Wortell. She is also the co-founder of Dutch Women in Tech (DWIT). Femke's goal with DWIT is to connect women in tech and help to inspire young women to choose a job in IT. Women can connect through the community in Microsoft Teams and various on- and offline events.You can view her details here https://www.linkedin.com/in/femcornelissen/https://x.com/FemkedebruinText Us About the Show

12/1/24 • 40:02

Join us as we explore the fascinating intersection of AI and automation with our special guest, Konstantinos Pasad, a solutions architect hailing from Athens, Greece. Kostas shares with us the journey of integrating cutting-edge Microsoft technologies like Azure, OpenAI Assistant, and Logic Apps into real-world projects. Text Us About the Show

11/2/24 • 12:40

Learn the secrets to building an ultra-responsive e-commerce platform with our special guest, Florian Linz, a freelance solution architect with a wealth of experience in Azure Cloud projects. Together, we unravel the intricacies of Azure's high availability features, such as geo-redundancy and zone redundancy, that ensure service stability across data centers. Florian shares invaluable insights into leveraging Azure Front Door to enhance website performance through effective content delivery networks, providing practical guidance on choosing the right resources for load redundancy.Text Us About the Show

10/24/24 • 31:52

Unlock the secrets of cutting-edge threat detection with insights from Ruros Barbic, a security architect and Microsoft MVP, as we navigate the powerful capabilities of Microsoft Sentinel. You'll learn how Sentinel's analytics expertly sift through historical data to detect anomalies and potential threats, providing security teams with the tools to efficiently respond to incidents. Ruros sheds light on the seamless integration of Sentinel with other Microsoft security solutions, enhancing threat detection and facilitating rapid responses to security incidents. Discover best practices to address the human element in cybersecurity and how unified security operations streamline incident response, all while staying ahead of insider threats.Text Us About the Show

10/11/24 • 26:14

Discover why Pulumi could be your new go-to tool for infrastructure as code in our latest episode with Alec Harrison, a Microsoft MVP in AI and Azure. Alec shares compelling reasons to choose Pulumi over other well-known tools like Terraform and Bicep, particularly in light of recent shifts in Terraform’s terms of service and IBM’s acquisition. Learn how Pulumi’s support for multiple programming languages and cloud providers, including AWS, Azure, and GCP, can streamline your multi-cloud deployments with unified scripts and efficient processes.Text Us About the Show

9/15/24 • 19:35

Unlock the secrets to mastering Microsoft Power Platform with Keith Atherton, a Power Platform Solution Architect at ANS Group and a Microsoft MVP. Keith's journey from a seasoned .NET developer to a Power Platform guru showcases the transformation possible by leveraging tools like Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, Power Pages, and Copilot Studio. Gain insights into how these robust tools offer intuitive solutions for both technical and non-technical users, simplifying the development of business applications.Contact Kieth Below https://x.com/MrKeithAthertonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-atherton/Text Us About the Show

8/31/24 • 25:12

Get ready to be captivated by Marlene's remarkable journey from Zimbabwe to Microsoft, as she shares her passion for artificial intelligence and Python on Azure. In this episode, Marlene recounts her beginnings with ZimboPy, a groundbreaking initiative she founded to empower girls through coding in Python. Her deep love for Python's simplicity and versatility shines through as she discusses her extensive involvement in the global Python community and her impactful five-year tenure on the Python Software Foundation Board. Marlene's story is a testament to the power of community and diversity, inspiring listeners to engage and contribute, no matter their technical background.Ever wondered how PyCon Africa came to life? Marlene walks us through the exciting development of this vibrant event, rooted in the Ghanaian Python community and supported by prominent figures like Daniele Porcita from EuroPython. Transitioning into the world of AI, we delve into how Python developers can effortlessly pivot to AI roles, thanks to Python's dominance in the AI landscape and its seamless integration with the Azure ecosystem. Discover innovative Python libraries and tools like Promptflow and Prompti, designed to revolutionize AI projects and make cutting-edge technology accessible to all.Interested to hear more contact Marlene belowhttps://x.com/marlene_zwhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/marlenemhangami/https://github.com/marlenezwText Us About the Show

8/10/24 • 30:04

Ever wondered how you can fast-track your career in tech while still in college? Join us as we promise an inspiring conversation with Rachel Abor and John Aritz, both esteemed Microsoft MVPs. Discover how the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador Program transformed their academic and professional trajectories, providing unique opportunities like mentoring, leading hackathons, and speaking at global events.Text Us About the Show

7/23/24 • 43:08