MSP Chat

Erick and Rich discuss ConnectWise’s new AI-native platform, the fate of its earlier Asio platform, and why today’s most successful MSPs solve business problems, not technology problems. Then they’re joined by Tony Anscombe of ESET for an insightful conversation about ESET’s 2026 SMB Cyber Readiness Index. And finally, one last thing: how a single recent incident proves both that a memory stick could save your life and that dogs are more dangerous than you think. Discussed in this episode:ConnectWise Unveils the Industry’s First Predictive Intelligence Platform to Lead the Era of Predictive ITESET Finds that SMBs Currently Leverage Cyber Insurance to Arm Against Attacks, Report Incidents and Improve ResilienceGaming PC saves owner from bullet fired by neighbor’s dog Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.

Erick and Rich discuss why the channel’s AI maturity is stuck in a three-year rut according to IDC and what MSPs can do about it, plus strategies for converting focus and discipline into accelerated growth. Then they’re joined by the managing director of partner programs for Google Cloud, Phil Larson, for an insider’s take on opportunities for MSPs in cloud and AI. And finally, one last thing: how a real-life Jimmy Neutron produced nuclear fusion in his home lab. Discussed in this episode:AI is a Growing Business Yet Risky Bet for Channel PartnersIDC North America Partner Landscape 2025: Vendor Relations, Cloud Marketplaces, and DistributionIntroducing Google Cloud Partner Network: What partners should knowDallas 12-year-old achieves nuclear fusion after four years of effort Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.

Erick and Rich discuss the impact that security and AI maturity are having on MSP valuations and three concrete techniques for increasing valuations by increasing EBITDA. Then they’re joined by Michael Assraf, CEO and founder of Flamingo, to explore that company’s unconventional open-source approach to MSP tooling. And finally, one last thing: A data-based look at the most overused buzzwords in email, and a confession by Erick and Rich that they use most of them. Discussed in this episode:Flamingo home page (including links to OpenMSP and OpenFrame)Flamingo’s Unorthodox Plan to Turn MSP Systems of Record into Loss LeadersThe Top 10 Most Overused Email Buzzwords Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.

Erick and Rich discuss the easily overlooked opportunity for MSPs in AI prep work like implementing infrastructure and how MSPs can prepare themselves operationally to meet rising end user demand for AI services and solutions. Then they’re joined by Dave Sobel of The Business of Tech podcast to discuss his recent acquisition of an MSP community and education resource, and what it says about the current and future needs of smaller MSPs at a time when larger ones are commanding more attention. And finally, one last thing: How deepfake monkeys conquered St. Louis. Discussed in this episode:Ingram Micro’s Crawl, Walk, Run Strategy for Partner AIOmdia: Data centre, AI services and cloud marketplaces to drive partner growth in 2026Gartner Forecasts Worldwide IT Spending to Grow 9.8% in 2026, Exceeding $6 Trillion For the First TimeThe Business of Tech podcastMSP Radio Acquires Small Biz Thoughts and IT Service Provider UniversityA Welcome Investment in the Spirit of MSP CommunityMonkeys are on the loose in St. Louis and AI is complicating efforts to capture them Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.

Erick and Rich discuss overcoming the gap between employer enthusiasm toward AI and employee mistrust, plus strategies MSPs can use for transitioning from IT provider to business consultant. Then they’re joined by Jason Ulacio of informer to explore the thinking behind Microsoft’s Intune for MSP program and the opportunity that initiative presents MSPs. And finally, one last thing: guess what the Merriam-Webster dictionary’s world of the year for 2025 was. Discussed in this episode:AI’s potential excites executives and investors, but general public remains skeptical, survey saysCEOs to Keep Spending on AI, Despite Spotty ReturnsFathom Insights: Rising AI Use, Rising Calls for ActionHow People Around the World View AIMicrosoft Discovers MSPs. Again.Microsoft Intune Blog: Addressing multi-tenant management challenges for MSPs with Microsoft Intune and partner innovationsMerriam-Webster names ‘slop’ the word of the year Some guests on this podcast are clients of Channel Mastered. Compensation plays no part in their appearance or the content of the discussion unless the episode they appear on is a “bonus episode” explicitly labeled as sponsored.