Code To Cloud

What if meal planning could save you money, reduce food waste, and make grocery shopping smarter with AI?
In this episode of the Code to Cloud Podcast, Kevin sits down with Jacob Deinum, systems programmer and founder of Annona, to discuss how he's rethinking the way we shop, cook, and manage food. Built with Rust, TypeScript, PostgreSQL, and Docker Compose, Anona is an AI-powered meal planning platform designed to optimize grocery shopping, reduce food waste, and help families save money.
Jacob shares the story of building Anona from scratch on a single basement server, creating a scalable architecture with minimal dependencies, and using AI to solve practical, everyday challenges. From determining whether it's more cost-effective to buy pre-made guacamole or make it from scratch, to generating optimized weekly meal plans based on budget, nutrition, pantry inventory, and time, Anona demonstrates how thoughtful software engineering can improve daily life.
During the conversation, we discuss:
Jacob's background in systems programming
Why Rust is the foundation of Anona
Building scalable software with a small, efficient tech stack
Using AI to personalize meal planning
Reducing household food waste through technology
Creating new revenue opportunities for recipe creators
Lessons learned building a startup as a solo founder
The future of programming and AI-assisted software development
This episode is for software developers, entrepreneurs, startup founders, and anyone interested in AI, sustainability, food technology, and building products that solve real-world problems.
About Jacob Deinum
Jacob Deinum is a systems programming expert and startup founder focused on food technology, artificial intelligence, and open-source software. Through Anona, he is building technology that helps make food more affordable while reducing waste across the food supply chain.
Links
Code to Cloudhttps://codetocloud.io
Code to Cloud Podcasthttps://codetocloud.io/podcast
Anonahttps://annona.ca/

Accelerating DevOps and AI Integration with Paul Duvall In this episode of Code to Cloud, Kevin Evans talks with Paul Duvall, award‑winning author, software engineer, and AI‑driven DevOps leader.
They explore how AI agents, automation, and modern engineering practices are reshaping software development, testing, and deployment. Learn how to build trust in AI systems, accelerate feedback loops, and deliver more reliable software at scale.
--- Episode Highlights
• Paul’s journey from building large systems to founding Redacted Ventures
• Why static analysis, testing, and early feedback loops remain essential
• Harness engineering and codifying best practices with Claude Code and Claude MD
• The evolution of CI and the value of trunk‑based development • Progressive delivery, feature flags, and trust scores for safer deployments
• How AI can monitor production, assist in bug fixes, and feed telemetry back into development
• Reducing friction and shrinking queues to speed up delivery
• Recommended DevOps resources from Jez Humble, Gene Kim, Martin Fowler, and others
• Upcoming industry events including the AI Engineer World Fair
Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and guest credentials 02:00 – Paul’s early days in software engineering and the rise of DevOps 07:15 – The impact of AI on coding and automation practices 12:30 – Implementing harness engineering and codifying best practices 17:00 – Progressive delivery techniques and deployment strategies 22:00 – Resources for DevOps and CI mastery 28:45 – Building trust with AI in production environments 33:00 – Streamlining code review and PR processes with AI agents 38:30 – The importance of feedback loops and shrinking queues 43:00 – Future of AI in software delivery and recommendations --- Resources and Links • Continuous Integration — Paul Duvall https://www.amazon.ca/Continuous-Inte... • The DevOps Handbook — Gene Kim, Jez Humble, et al. https://www.amazon.ca/DevOps-Handbook... • Accelerate — Nicole Forsgren https://www.amazon.ca/Accelerate-Soft... • Martin Fowler’s blog on Continuous Integration https://www.martinfowler.com/articles... • Redacted Ventures https://www.redactedventures.com • AI Engineer World Fair (San Francisco) https://www.ai.engineer/worldsfair/2026

Code To Cloud Presents:
Most developers don’t realize how close we are to running powerful, personalized AI models locally without sacrificing privacy, performance, or control.
If you’re frustrated with oversized cloud models, rising costs, or AI systems flooding the internet with low‑quality content, this episode offers a grounded perspective on what’s possible today.
Kevin Evans sits down with Chris Williams, AWS Hero and Field CTO at Six Feet Up, to explore the future of local AI, open‑source tooling, and ethical development.
Chris shares how he moved from traditional data centers to building AI systems that support real societal needs, including climate research, healthcare, and disaster prediction.
They discuss how smaller, smarter models can run on everyday hardware, from a MacBook Pro to a single server, eliminating cloud dependency and reducing environmental impact.
You’ll hear how a small AI dev shop helped NASA detect lightning strikes within 200 feet, why massive models are often overhyped, and how open‑source projects like OpenCode are reshaping local development.
The conversation covers the AI hype cycle, security concerns, deepfakes, and the ethics of autonomous systems, along with practical advice for building your own local AI setup.
This episode is ideal for developers, cloud professionals, and anyone interested in building AI that is efficient, ethical, and genuinely useful.
Kevin and Chris offer a balanced view of AI’s potential to improve healthcare, fight climate change, and empower individual creators when used responsibly.
Guest Bio: Chris Williams is an AWS Hero and the first Field CTO at Six Feet Up, recognized for his work in cloud architecture, AI ethics, and community‑driven technology education. 

Most fintech startups dream of building a bank, but Neo Financial is redefining what’s possible by starting in the cloud.
 
In this episode of the Code to Cloud podcast, host Kevin Evans sits down with Fahad Zaidi, Director of Software Development at Neo Financial, to discuss how a Calgary startup scaled into one of Canada’s most ambitious digital banks using a tech-first, customer-focused approach.
 
Fahad shares how Neo Financial built a cloud-native platform designed for speed, scalability, and innovation without the limitations of legacy banking systems. The conversation explores how modern engineering practices, strong developer experience, and disciplined execution allow Neo to serve millions of customers while continuously evolving its products.
 
In this episode, we discuss:
 
How Neo Financial built its banking platform using cloud-native infrastructure and microservices architectureHow the team reduced developer onboarding from weeks to hoursBalancing innovation with compliance, regulation, and security requirementsHow partnerships with established financial institutions enable rapid fintech growthThe role of AI and automation in fraud detection, personalization, and customer experienceWhy a customer-obsessed mindset is central to Neo’s long-term vision
 
This episode is ideal for fintech founders, engineering leaders, software developers, and technology enthusiasts interested in modern banking, cloud architecture, and large-scale software systems.
 
HostKevin Evanshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinevans01
 
GuestFahad Zaidihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/fahadzaidi/
 
Code to Cloud Podcasthttps://codetocloud.io
 
If you’re interested in building faster, smarter, and more customer-centric financial platforms, this conversation offers practical insights into what it takes to challenge established banking models and build the future of finance.

Most AI discussions focus on the technology itself—what's new, what's powerful, what's next. But what if the real transformation lies in how we think about AI, workflows, and our entire approach to problem-solving?
Kevin Evans teams up with AI strategist and developer Adam Cooke to explore a revolutionary perspective: AI as an extension of our decision-making architecture rather than just another tool.Adam shares how he visualizes AI agents as non-deterministic state machines—powerful, adaptable, and akin to human reasoning—blurring the lines between workflows, infrastructure, and intelligence.
You’ll discover:• How AI-powered workflows mirror the architecture of long-running, resilient systems—scaling, retrying, and decision points integrated into a seamless process
• The surprising analogy between agentic workflows and traditional deterministic processes like document indexing or infrastructure automation
• Why the future of AI may revolve around creating adaptable, standard-driven agent frameworks—think of AI containers that can be interpreted and rendered in countless ways, breaking down barriers between application and user interface
• Practical insights into testing, refining, and trusting AI agents—covering multi-agent orchestration, avoiding bloat, and improving accuracy using innovative frameworks
• The counterintuitive importance of focusing on your core problem*—not just the shiny tech—ensuring AI accelerates your goal, not distracts from it
This episode is perfect for developers, architects, product teams, and AI enthusiasts looking to rethink what’s possible. Adam’s innovative approach unlocks a vision where AI is not static but a platform-agnostic, decision-making entity that evolves with your needs.
Whether you're building AI-driven tools or just curious about the big picture, you’ll walk away with a new lens on AI’s potential—and practical tips to make it real.
Follow Adam on LinkedIn, where he's working on upcoming projects to bring these concepts to life. Dive in now to challenge your assumptions and discover how to turn AI from an exotic addition into a fundamental part of your digital architecture.
Code To Cloud
 

Most organizations overlook the superpower hidden in their teams—translating technical language into business value. Keran McGuire, SVP of AI and Technology Platforms at Canadian Tire, reveals how mastering the art of communication can accelerate your career and solve the toughest tech challenges.
Host: Kevin Evans
n this episode, Keran shares her unconventional journey from startup innovation to leading AI initiatives at a household name. She dives into how challenging industry silos and embracing empathy through simple gestures—like breaking bread—can create unexpected breakthroughs. You'll discover her proven approach to navigating complex, highly regulated environments like finance, and how to turn communication barriers into opportunities for collaboration and success.We break down the importance of understanding the full-stack tech landscape—not just specialists, but versatile "ninjas" who can adapt across infrastructure, cloud, security, and AI.
Keran explains why the future belongs to those who can see the big picture without losing sight of the details. She emphasizes the value of humility, curiosity, and a genuine desire to understand others’ perspectives—key traits that transform team dynamics and drive innovation.The stakes are clear: organizations that fail to bridge the communication gap risk stagnation, lost opportunities, and unresolved crises.
Meanwhile, those who master empathy and versatile skills stand to unlock new levels of efficiency, resilience, and growth—especially as AI and cloud technologies accelerate change.If you’re a tech leader, aspiring professional, or someone passionate about making complex ideas accessible and impactful, this episode is your blueprint.
Keran’s practical wisdom on leadership, adaptability, and culture will inspire you to reframe challenges as pathways to progress—and remind you that the simplest act of understanding can be transformative.
Connect with Keran McGuire on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and advocacy for women in tech. Prepare to rethink your approach to technology and communication—because in today’s fast-changing digital landscape, the best skill you can develop is your ability to relate and translate.
 
 

Discover how cloud enablement, AI, and automation are transforming modern businesses. Join Kevin Evans and Jim Spignardo as they explore practical use cases, governance, and future trends in AI adoption.Key Topics:
The evolution of AI in enterprise cloud strategies over the past nine years
How Microsoft’s AI and Agent 365 improve visibility, security, and control
Practical use cases: from law firms to energy sector automation
Building effective AI centers of excellence across organizations
Common pitfalls, including misaligned use cases and over-engineering
The role of governance, data hygiene, and low-resistance solutions
Future outlook: autonomous workflows, agent maturity stages, and blending IoT with AI

When “State-of-the-Art” Backups Fail | Cybersecurity Lessons with Dom Vogel
Most organizations assume their backups, disaster recovery plans, and security controls will work during a cyberattack.
 
But what happens when those systems have never actually been tested?
 
In this episode of Code to Cloud — Firewall Fridays,  Host Kevin Evans sits down with cybersecurity expert Dom Vogel breaks down a real-world incident where a mid-sized construction company lost nearly $500,000 after discovering their “state-of-the-art” backup system failed when it mattered most.
 
This wasn’t caused by advanced ransomware or elite hackers.
 
It was caused by a common organizational mistake: trusting technology without validating it.
 
If you lead IT, manage risk, oversee finance, or run a business dependent on digital systems, this conversation explores the practical realities of cybersecurity, backup testing, and organizational resilience.
What You’ll Learn
Why modern backup systems still fail during ransomware incidents
The hidden risk behind untested disaster recovery plans
How cybersecurity myths create operational blind spots
Why continuous validation is replacing traditional security audits
How everyday devices and jailbroken streaming boxes become enterprise attack vectors
The shift from top-down cyber threats to bottom-up vulnerabilities
Leadership, governance, and accountability in cybersecurity decision-making
Practical ways organizations can strengthen cyber resilience today
Who Should Listen
This episode is designed for:
Business owners and executives
CFOs and risk leaders
IT directors and managed service providers
Cybersecurity professionals and CISOs
Organizations operating cloud, on-premise, or hybrid environments
Anyone responsible for business continuity, data protection, or cyber risk management will recognize challenges discussed in this conversation.
Why This Episode Matters
Cyber incidents rarely happen because organizations lack technology.
 
They happen because systems are assumed to work instead of being proven to work.
 
Dom Vogel explains why cybersecurity must evolve from compliance checklists and tool purchases toward continuous testing, systemic thinking, and organizational accountability.
 
Cyber resilience is not built during an incident — it is validated long before one occurs.
 
Cybersecurity Guide
Practical cybersecurity guidance for Canadian organizations:
 
Code To Cloud Guide
 
Subscribe to Code to Cloud
Code to Cloud explores real cybersecurity incidents, leadership decisions, risk management strategies, and lessons learned from the front lines of IT and security.
 
New episodes released regularly.
 
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction — Code to Cloud & Firewall Fridays
01:20 The Myth of “State-of-the-Art” Backups
02:00 The $500K Backup Failure Case Study
05:15 Why Testing and Validation Matter
09:30 Cloud vs On-Prem Backup Reality
12:45 Leadership, Accountability & Cyber Risk
16:40 Fixing Organizational Security Culture
20:00 The Jailbroken “Super Box” Story
24:30 Hidden Hardware Security Risks
28:30 Key Cybersecurity Lessons & Wrap-Up

Join Kevin Evans & Kent Weare as they explore how Microsoft's Logic Apps integrate with AI-powered agents to automate complex business processes, connect legacy systems, and accelerate digital transformation. Perfect for professionals seeking to understand modern cloud-native automation.
 
What You'll Learn
What Logic Apps are and their core value in system integration
The evolution from middleware to cloud-native orchestration
How connectors enable seamless connection to diverse systems — SAP, mainframes, and SaaS solutions
The role of agentic development and AI models in automating decision-making
Practical use cases: Order-to-Cash, HR onboarding, and ServiceNow ticket audits
Deploying MCP servers and configuring connectors dynamically
Why scope narrowing leads to higher accuracy in AI-driven processes
Leveraging knowledge bases to enhance agent capabilities
The integration landscape: Using Foundry with Logic Apps for enterprise connectivity
What You'll Learn
What Logic Apps are and their core value in system integration
The evolution from middleware to cloud-native orchestration
How connectors enable seamless connection to diverse systems — SAP, mainframes, and SaaS solutions
The role of agentic development and AI models in automating decision-making
Practical use cases: Order-to-Cash, HR onboarding, and ServiceNow ticket audits
Deploying MCP servers and configuring connectors dynamically
Why scope narrowing leads to higher accuracy in AI-driven processes
Leveraging knowledge bases to enhance agent capabilities
The integration landscape: Using Foundry with Logic Apps for enterprise connectivity
What You'll Learn
What Logic Apps are and their core value in system integration
The evolution from middleware to cloud-native orchestration
How connectors enable seamless connection to diverse systems — SAP, mainframes, and SaaS solutions
The role of agentic development and AI models in automating decision-making
Practical use cases: Order-to-Cash, HR onboarding, and ServiceNow ticket audits
Deploying MCP servers and configuring connectors dynamically
Why scope narrowing leads to higher accuracy in AI-driven processes
Leveraging knowledge bases to enhance agent capabilities
The integration landscape: Using Foundry with Logic Apps for enterprise connectivity

Most tech careers aren’t linear—and yours doesn’t have to be either. Dr. Jason Bernard shares his unconventional journey from programming video games at age 11 to pioneering AI algorithms that could revolutionize biotech and urban planning.
In this eye-opening episode, Jason reveals how his diverse experiences—from military service to music composition—fuel groundbreaking research in process modeling and data science. You'll discover:
How early programming and limited hardware shaped his approach to elegant, resource-efficient algorithms
The real difference between machine learning, AI, and data analytics—and why understanding this distinction is key to future-proof skills
The fascinating world of modeling biological processes, like gene-expression for drought-resistant crops, using reverse engineering in data science
Why simplicity and human insight remain essential in an era dominated by neural networks and language models The future of data science careers in a rapidly evolving tech landscape and practical advice for new professionals
This episode is perfect for tech enthusiasts, data scientists, and students eager to learn how a curious mind can make an impact across industries—from agriculture to telecommunications—and why adaptability and a deep understanding of algorithms are the secret weapons for success. With over 18 years of research and real-world experience, Jason is an assistant professor at Athabasca University, known for pushing the boundaries of process modeling and optimization. His work on inferring computational models from real data has been called the “holy grail” by leading experts. If you're looking for inspiration on how to navigate a non-traditional tech path or want to understand the core principles behind cutting-edge AI research—this episode will change the way you see your career.
Hit play and unlock your potential today.
 
Host Kevin Evans