5 of the best cloud computing podcasts and YouTube channels

 One of the most exciting things about working in cloud tech is that it's constantly changing. With new software and hardware continually being deployed and fine-tuned, it feels like the possibilities are endless. 

The flip side of that is that even the experts can feel a little lost at times. There's just so much new information to get your head around and so little time to do it in. 

One great way to keep on top of it all is via podcasts and YouTube channels. But even picking a podcast to listen to can lead to analysis paralysis or just, well, listening to a bad podcast. 

That's why we've put together this list of podcasts and channels for you to explore. It's by no means exhaustive (life's too short) but we hope it will point you in the right direction. 

But first – why bother with podcasts and YouTubers at all? 

Podcasts and YouTube channels – part of a "cloud-first culture"? 

The business case for cloud computing is easy to make. But getting staff to embrace it with open arms is another thing. 

This is why many business analysts push the importance of a "cloud-first culture". This is a workplace culture where information about cloud technologies is shared – and sharing is encouraged. 

It could take the form of webinars, or knowledge-sharing sessions, or having a member of staff who's the first port of call for cloud questions. 

Wherever you are in your hierarchy, learning more about the cloud via podcasts and YouTube channels can help to build this culture – and contribute, even in a small way, to a business that rallies around its technologies rather than resists them. 

Here, then, are five of the best. 

1. This is My Architecture 

AWS is one of the biggest players in the cloud game today. In 2023, it was estimated to have a market share of 34% in the world's cloud infrastructure. So, if you want to learn something new about how cloud infrastructures work, you could do worse than ask someone at AWS. 

Its YouTube video series This is My Architectureis the closest you'll get to sitting in with the experts without flying out to a conference. Each bite-size episode spotlights an AWS customer and partner, focusing on how they've built their cloud architecture. 

There are more than 400 videos to sink your teeth (and ears) into, covering everything from Taco Bell's use of middleware to Airbnb's multi-tenant Kubernetes clusters. The channel even posted a cute blooper reel.

 If you want to find out how large companies use the building blocks of cloud technology to create powerful infrastructures, this could be the YouTube channel for you. 

2. NetworkChuck 

If there are two criticisms you could level against a lot of cloud computing podcasts, articles and videos, the first would be that they're jungles of jargon. The second would be that they're dry. 

Not so NetworkChuck, whose enthusiasm shines in every video he makes. His enthusiasm isn't just about sharing a private passion but also about educating the viewer to become an IT expert. Take, for instance, his 30-day certification challenge.

 Whether he's sharing cybersecurity tools, building his own browser, or exploring the ins and outs of subnetting, his videos are engaging, clear, and – above all – enthusiastic. And with 3.67 million subscribers, he must be doing something right. 

Oh, and he also has his own coffee brand. Given the critical role that caffeine plays in IT, it seems like a sensible move. 

3. Google Cloud Tech 

Today, Google Cloud Tech has an emphasis on AI for cloud engineers. But it's also a rich archive of how-to videos, product news, developer tools and demos. Some of these are gathered into handy playlists. 

If you want to find out more about migrating workflows to Google Cloud, you can get a head start withGet Cooking in Cloud and This Week in Cloud. 

At the more expert end of things is Cloud Minute, which focuses on programming languages, cloud tools and APIs.

 Google is, of course, one of the biggest players in the cloud game, so its resources are always worth investigating if you want to know what's new – and there are hours of content to choose from. 

4. Software Defined Talk 

This weekly podcast covers topics relating to enterprise software and cloud computing in a lighthearted, accessible way. 

If you want a dose of off-topic banter with your deep dives, Software Defined Talk is the podcast for you. It covers Kubernetes, DevOps, serverless, security and coding along with industry news from AWS, Azure, GCP and CNCF. 

5. Screaming in the Cloud 

With a prolificity to rival Software Defined Talk, Screaming in the Cloud with Corey Quinn focuses on interviews with cloud experts. It takes in the major cloud players, circling back to the question, "What can the cloud do for businesses?" 

To take topics almost at random, Screaming in the Cloud has looked at company culture, the "open-source mindset" and how to teach tech. 

So, if you're a business owner looking for case studies of how the cloud gets put to work, this could be the podcast for you. 

How we can help 

Here at Ascend, we're passionate about sharing our knowledge of the cloud with our customers. We're not interested in trying to blind you with science. We want you to understand your options and at least a bit about the technology behind them. 

That's why we've built up a bank of free resourcescovering all manner of cloud topics – and it's why we want to share some of the best cloud computing podcasts and YouTube channels out there. 

Cloud computing is an endlessly shifting and dynamic place to be. We hope that these recommendations teach you something new and keep you abreast of the latest industry news. 

Ascend is an Ireland-based cloud solutions provider that specialises in managed migration and VMware cloud consultancy. Want to find out more?Get in touchtoday for an informal chat.