We also welcome Red Hat VP Mike McGrath for an in‑depth conversation about Lightwell - a new approach to simplifying modern infrastructure, improving predictability, and supporting open source ecosystems at scale. Mike shares insights on AI’s rapid rise, open source economics, partnerships with industry heavyweights, and how Lightwell helps developers, sysadmins, and researchers in real‑world environments.

Along the way, we cover Session chat updates, website security improvements, and reflect on the origins of Destination Linux with Rocco. We wrap with a fun lightning round.

Below are the full timestamps for this episode:

00:00:00 Welcome to Destination Linux
00:01:22 Community Feedback
00:06:44 Sponsored by Sandfly Security
00:08:14 Thanks to Our Supporters
00:10:37 Session Chat and Website Security
00:16:23 Rocco and the Origins of Destination Linux
00:28:31 Meet Mike McGrath
00:32:28 AI’s Rapid Rise
00:41:00 Open Source Economics
00:47:47 Introducing Lightwell
00:49:55 Why Lightwell Exists
00:53:15 Predictable Security at Scale
00:56:59 Keeping It Simple for Developers
01:00:43 Real-World Security Scenarios
01:02:47 Palo Alto Networks Partnership
01:05:47 What Lightwell Does
01:09:58 Helping Researchers
01:12:40 Getting Started with Lightwell
01:13:45 Roadmap and New Ecosystems
01:17:19 The Lightning Round
01:21:57 Closing Thoughts

Destination Linux is a weekly show where Ryan, Jill, and guests share their passion for Linux and Open Source. Destination Linux is a show for all experience levels, whether you’re a beginner to Linux and Open Source or a long time user, this is the podcast for you. Destination Linux covers a wide range of topics from the latest news, discussions on Linux and Open Source, Linux distributions, Linux applications, security, privacy, AI, gaming on Linux, and unique in-depth interviews with Linux developers and leaders and much more.

Destination Linux website
https://deviantairwaves.com

Become a Patron
https://patreon.com/destinationlinux

Buy Me a Coffee
https://buymeacoffee.com/destinationlinux

Merch
https://shop.deviantairwaves.com

EFF x Destination Linux
https://eff.org/destinationlinux

Sandfly Security
https://sandfly.com/?utm_source=destinationlinux&utm_medium=youtube&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=yt-description

The 5% Milestone: We analyze the data behind the massive surge in Linux desktop adoption and why gaming is the secret weapon.

The UpTech Project: Máirín Duffy introduces us to a student-led initiative bridging the digital divide with Linux.

2026 Predictions: From RISC-V taking over wearables to the COSMIC desktop challenging the status quo, we look at where the "Time Machine" is headed.

And so much more!

00:00:00 Intro: Linux Time Machine to 2026
00:01:50 Extended Intro: Meet Captain Ryan, Jill & Mo
00:02:20 Show Schedule Update: New Flight Plan
00:02:59 Community Feedback: The Great Cranberry Sauce Debate
00:12:40 AI and Energy: Hungry Models, Huge Power Bills
00:15:51 Empowering Youth Through Linux & Tech
00:29:11 2025 Highlights: Linux Market Share Levels Up
00:33:18 Outtake: Technical Turbulence in the Time Machine
00:34:16 Shifting to Linux & AI: Hype, Hope, and Worry
00:40:38 Steam Machines Dream: PC Gaming’s Second Chance
00:43:38 SteamOS on ARM: Deck Power Everywhere
00:45:34 Wayland Takes the Bridge: Desktop Evolution
00:49:07 Red Hat Lightspeed: AI Co‑Pilot for Sysadmins
00:56:58 Destination Linux Grew: 2025 Community Wins
00:58:32 Linux 2026: Bold Predictions & Future Trends
01:03:00 Cosmic Becomes the Top DE?
01:06:41 Windows’ AI Future: Copilot All the Things
01:09:13 Linux Desktop Market Share: Past 5%, Aiming Higher
01:09:38 Subscription Backlash: Users Hit Unsubscribe
01:11:27 Return to Physical Ownership: Discs, Devices & Freedom
01:15:28 Old Is Better: Vintage Gear vs Disposable Tech
01:21:09 AI’s Role in Linux Development: Help or Hassle?
01:24:57 A Bold Prediction: Jill’s 2026 Mohawk
01:26:19 Future Show Tease: More Linux, Less Bloat
01:26:44 Thanks Mo: Red Hat Wisdom in the Time Machine
01:27:07 Outro: See You in 2026

00:00:00 Intro
00:01:54 Community Feedback
00:07:34 Testing Out VDO Ninja: Open Source or Bust
00:09:15 Sandfly Security
00:11:37 AI Sends RAM Prices to the Stratosphere
00:19:46 DasGeek’s 2025 Ultimate Geek Gift Guide
00:33:21 Linus Tech Tips vs Linux: Reaction from the Highlands
01:01:50 Outro
01:03:20 Post-Show Shenanigans

Hosted by:
Ryan (DasGeek) = dasgeek.net
Jill Bryant = jilllinuxgirl.com

Hosted by:
Ryan (DasGeek) = dasgeek.net
Jill Bryant = jilllinuxgirl.com
And Special Guest = Sherard Griffin
https://www.redhat.com/en/authors/sherard-griffin

00:00:00 Intro

00:02:59 Community Feedback

00:13:02 Sandfly Security Segment

00:15:53 Main Topic: Linux, AI, and the End of Distro Wars?

00:47:32 Ryan’s Essential Linux Apps: Must Installs on Every Setup

01:02:59 OMG! A new Steam Machine

01:15:55 Outro