
Defense Unicorns, A Podcast · 2025-05-05 · 45 min
On this episode of The Defense Unicorns Podcast , host Rebecca Lively chats with Case Wylie, Software Engineering Lead, about building security-minded software that keeps up with developer velocity. From his early days at Red Hat to architecting open-source tools at Defense Unicorns, Case shares how Pepr - a TypeScript-based operator framework - is redefining how Kubernetes clusters are secured and managed in airgapped environments. It’s not just about enforcing policy; it’s about enabling developers to move faster, safer, and smarter. Through real-world metaphors (ever been to a nightclub with strict bouncers?), Case breaks down the roles of admission controllers, operator frameworks, and how Pepr works seamlessly with GitOps without adding friction. He explains why Pepr isn’t just a tool, but part of a broader movement to standardize security postures, reduce configuration drift, and empower app teams to focus on delivering real value. With a human-first API and open-source DNA, Pepr is built to be accessible to all, not just Kubernetes power users.