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The Programming
Podcast

Deep dives into programming, technology, and career growth with Leon Noel and Danny Thompson. Real talk about AI, career advice, and everything developers need to thrive.

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#58
•59 min•Multi-Platform

Why Even Staff Engineers Feel Behind on AI Right Now! (You are not alone!)

The “prompt-and-pray” era is over — and that’s a good thing.In this episode, we break down why AI “magic” collapses under real production traffic (edge cases, hallucinations, messy inputs, and even infrastructure-level failures)… and what replaces it: actual AI engineering.Danny frames the shift with four architectural pillars that make LLM features shippable and reliable:- State orchestration (stop treating models like employees — they’re stateless CPUs)- Constraint generation (JSON forcing, schema-driven outputs, type-safe sampling)- Infrastructure reliability (retries, backoff, fallbacks — because inference can and will fail)- Regression testing & evals (measure prompts like code, break builds when quality drops)SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDev / dthompsondev www.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoel / leonnoel https://100devs.org/📧 Have questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!We also hit the reality of agent “throughput” vs human review bottlenecks (Phoenix Project vibes), why monolithic agents are a trap, and a listener question about networking + credibility after pitching an MVP that isn’t fully shipped yet.If you’re building AI features for real users — not demos — this is the blueprint.00:00 — The “prompt-and-pray” era is over02:49 — AI hype fades: guardrails + reality06:34 — Deterministic software vs probabilistic models07:29 — The 4 pillars of AI engineering (overview)11:37 — Pillar 1: state orchestration (FSM, stateless models)20:26 — Pillar 2: constraint generation (JSON, schemas, type safety)28:28 — Pillar 3: infra reliability (retries, fallbacks, failures)32:21 — Pillar 4: evals + regression testing (LLM-as-judge)43:40 — Listener question: networking, MVP pressure, and credibility

SpotifyYouTube
#57
•42 min•Multi-Platform

Production Error EXPOSED: Internal Variables Leaked Public (Software Developers React)

We caught a massive production error during the new Steam Machine launch that exposed internal database IDs and undefined variables to the public. In this episode, we break down exactly what went wrong, how a simple try/catch or React Error Boundary could have saved them, and why "testing in production" is terrifying when millions of dollars are on the line.Plus, we answer a listener's question about getting stuck on "perfecting" projects. Danny explains why building a "Discord Clone" might actually be hurting your resume and why you need to stop obsessing over your navbar and just SHIP.SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/💡 Sponsor: Level Up Financial PlanningChanging careers or increasing your income? Get financial clarity with Level Up Financial Planning—helping early and mid-career tech professionals secure their financial future. Visit LevelUpFinancialPlanning.com for a free consultation!https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!In this episode:The Steam Machine Incident: How a launch page leaked internal naming conventions.Frontend Defense: Using Zod, Optional Chaining, and Error Boundaries to fail gracefully.The "Clone" Trap: Why recruiters don't care about your Discord clone (and what to build instead).The 95% Rule: How to stop letting small features kill big projects.Chapters: 0:00 - The Steam Machine Production Error 03:15 - Leaking Database IDs & Console Logs 06:28 - The Fix: React Error Boundaries & Fallback UIs 10:50 - Frontend Defense: Optional Chaining, Zod & Defaults 13:06 - Sponsor: Level Up Financial Planning 15:32 - The Power of Try/Catch & Environment Variables 18:57 - Root Cause Analysis: How did this hit Prod? 26:19 - HackerOne & Getting Paid for Bugs 29:50 - Q&A: "I can't finish my projects" (The Navbar Trap) 37:36 - Why "Clone Projects" Are Hurting Your Resume 41:00 - Conclusion: Let it die on a small feature

SpotifyYouTube
#56
•59 min•Multi-Platform

We Need To Talk About The React Hack... (I’ve Never Seen A Vulnerability This Bad.)

🚨 Severity 10/10: The React Exploit That Shocked the Web Dev WorldImagine waking up to find your server blocked for mining crypto for a stranger.That’s exactly what happened to developers this week, thanks to a critical vulnerability in React and Next.js that enabled full root-level server takeover.In this episode of The Programming Podcast, we break down the “Perfect Hack” step-by-step, how Vercel burned $750,000 in a single weekend to contain it, and the one line in your Dockerfile that might be leaving your environment exposed.Then we shift gears into a tough career conversation:Are you a “Tourist Developer”, constantly learning, never shipping?If you’ve got 50 tabs open and 0 deployed code… the second half of this episode is for you.SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/💡 Sponsor: Level Up Financial PlanningChanging careers or increasing your income? Get financial clarity with Level Up Financial Planning—helping early and mid-career tech professionals secure their financial future. Visit LevelUpFinancialPlanning.com for a free consultation!https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!What We Cover- The “React to Shell” exploit (Non-technical AND technical explanations)- Why running Docker as root is a catastrophic security mistake- How Cloudflare accidentally broke part of the internet trying to patch this- The Parking Lot Method to finally stop getting derailed by side quests- How to identify if you’re stuck in Tourist Developer Mode⏱️ CHAPTERS0:00 – The Nightmare: Server hijacked for crypto mining2:29 – CRITICAL WARNING: Update React Now3:55 – Anatomy of the Attack (361% CPU Spikes)6:50 – The Fatal Mistake: Docker as Root12:43 – The “Restaurant” Analogy (Explaining the Hack)17:08 – Sponsored Segment18:20 – Technical Deep Dive: Flight Protocol & Serialization20:59 – The One Line of Code That Fixes It23:44 – Vercel’s $750,000 Weekend Response40:17 – How Cloudflare Accidentally Broke the Internet42:33 – Career Q&A: “I keep getting distracted by side quests”48:36 – Are You a Tourist in Your Own Career?51:08 – The Parking Lot Method for Focus54:27 – The Index Card System for Goals🔗 ResourcesGuillermo Rauch’s Full Breakdown – https://x.com/rauchg/status/1997362942929440937Eduardo’s Original Report – https://x.com/duborges/status/1997293892090183772🔔 45% of you aren’t subscribed.If you like content that makes our moms proud, hit that subscribe button.

SpotifyYouTube
#55
•1h 1m•Multi-Platform

The Job Search Crisis: Why 3.3 Million People Are Failing (And How To Fix It)

“I f*cking give up. May these companies rot.”That one Reddit post cracked open the real state of the 2025 tech job market. Why are Master’s degree grads and senior engineers going months without a single offer, while others are quietly doubling their income with one strategic question?SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/💡 Sponsor: Level Up Financial PlanningChanging careers or increasing your income? Get financial clarity with Level Up Financial Planning—helping early and mid-career tech professionals secure their financial future. Visit LevelUpFinancialPlanning.com for a free consultation!https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!In this episode, Leon and I break down why applying to big tech has turned into The Hunger Games, the hidden way internal hiring blocks you before you even start, and the psychological “Pattern Disrupt” technique that makes recruiters remember you instantly — even in a market that’s drowning in resumes.Your code gets you into the room.Your communication keeps you in the seat.If you want to survive this market, silence is no longer an option.TIMESTAMPS0:00 – The Crisis: “May These Companies Rot”1:26 – The Reddit Post That Broke The Internet6:50 – The “Trough of Sorrow” & The 1-in-60 Rule11:55 – The Google Trap (3.3M Applicants for 5k Jobs)16:42 – The Truth About Internal Hiring & “Soft No’s”22:00 – The “Pattern Disrupt”: How To Hack The Interview30:00 – The Pickleball Strategy (Networking Without Being Cringe)41:30 – Rejection Therapy: Training Your Brain at Starbucks49:00 – “Pre-Season” Prep: Why You Are Failing Technical Rounds55:00 – Case Study: How She Doubled Her Income Overnight58:34 – “You Are Not Saint Jude” (Stop Donating Your Skills)

SpotifyYouTube
#54
•1h 0m•Multi-Platform

Did Google Just KILL Cursor with Gemini 3 Pro?!?

Google just dropped a bombshell with Gemini 3 Pro and their new AI editor, Antigravity. Is this the "reset moment" the AI industry desperately needed, or is it another fleeting hype cycle? In this high-energy episode, join Danny and Leon as they dive deep into the mind-blowing benchmarks of Gemini 3 Pro, including the "Humanity's Last Exam" and the insane "Vending Bench."But the real game-changer might be Antigravity, Google's audacious new AI editor. We explore how Antigravity isn't just another VS Code fork – it's a paradigm shift, transforming developers into "agent managers" and introducing parallel AI workflows with automatic testing and UI generation. Could this be the end of traditional coding as we know it, or is Google moving too fast?We also discuss the brewing "AI War," the strategic plays of tech giants like Apple and Google, and how OpenAI's significant burn rate might put them in a precarious position. Is the future of AI about who has the smartest model, or who owns the default settings on your phone? Plus, don't miss our hot takes on whether developers need to embrace AI for efficiency, or risk being left behind. This episode is packed with strategic insights, technical breakdowns, and a glimpse into the future of software development.Chapters:0:00:00 - The Gemini 3 & Antigravity Drop: A New Era?0:00:51 - Why OpenAI's Monopoly is Under Threat0:01:39 - The Impact of Antigravity on Developers0:02:54 - Setting the Stage: The AI "Reset Moment"0:03:55 - Mind-Blowing Benchmarks: Gemini 3 Pro's Dominance0:06:23 - The Vending Bench: Long-Term Business Value for AI Agents0:08:05 - The Pelican on a Bike: Proving AI Progress0:09:15 - Gemini 3 vs. ChatGPT & Claude: Understanding the Nuances0:11:00 - Gemini 3 Pro's UI Design & Intuition0:12:21 - The Multimodal & Reasoning Power of Gemini0:14:57 - The AI War: Five Paths for Dominance0:16:31 - The "Genius Ceiling" & Distribution Advantage0:17:30 - The Default Setting Path: Apple, Google & Siri's Future0:21:09 - Google's Ecosystem Advantage & Deep Integration0:22:20 - The War Chest: OpenAI's Burn Rate vs. Google/Apple0:24:36 - The Antitrust Pickle & Browser Wars 2.00:26:29 - The Intermingling & Fear of Being Left Behind0:28:35 - Diving into Antigravity: The "Agent Manager" Paradigm Shift0:29:53 - Manager Mode: From Coding to Orchestrating AI Agents0:31:15 - Antigravity's Auto-Testing & UI Generation Capabilities0:32:18 - The Human-in-the-Loop & Parallel Workflows0:33:43 - Why Cursor Isn't "Killed" (Yet) & Antigravity's Potential0:35:06 - The Headless Browser & Customizable UI's for the Future0:37:09 - Antigravity's Jank, Missing Features & Release Theory0:38:28 - Sundar Pichai's Playful Release & Public Hype0:41:06 - Antigravity's Automatic In-Depth Testing Blown Minds0:42:37 - Gemini's Incremental Improvements & Real Use Cases0:44:27 - The IDE Integration: Bringing All Tools into One0:45:30 - Addressing Glitches: Google's Strategy for a "Big Bang" Release0:46:58 - Our Unsponsored Take: Don't Get Gapped Out0:47:57 - Adapting to Change: Why Opinions Evolve in AI0:49:10 - The Consultant's Edge: Rapid Prototyping with Antigravity0:50:54 - Ask Danny & Leon: Can You Get By Without AI?0:51:09 - AI in Hiring: The Growing Expectation for Engineers0:52:51 - The "Pickleball Paradox" & The Art of Prompting0:55:55 - Why Bad Prompts Lead to Mediocre Results0:56:35 - AI Streamlining: Tiny Teams vs. Giants0:58:01 - Embracing the Process: From System Languages to JavaScript0:58:59 - Work vs. Passion: Finding Joy in the AI Era01:00:10 - Conclusion

SpotifyYouTube
#53
•1h 0m•Multi-Platform

"I'm a Principal Engineer and I'm Miserable" (When the Dream Job Isn't Enough)

You did everything you were “supposed” to do. You climbed from junior to senior to staff to principal. You have the title, the salary, the prestige, and a calendar full of meetings. And somehow, you feel empty. You are highly paid, deeply experienced, and still sitting at your keyboard wondering, “What should my fingers actually be doing right now?”Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!In this episode, Danny and Leon dig into what happens when the dream job stops feeling like a dream. They talk about the loss of that early-career magic, the tension between strategy and hands-on building, and why so many principal and staff engineers quietly feel stuck, bored, or like frauds. You will hear how to think about the value of your time, how to shift from “hero developer” to multiplier, and how to build systems, cultures, and people instead of just features.They also tackle the difference between impostor syndrome and an apathy crisis, how to keep your skills sharp without clinging to every ticket, and how to design a team culture where learning and ownership are normal. In the Ask Danny and Leon segment, they close with a deep dive on job search frustration, referrals that still end in rejection, why your resume and presence are probably working against you, and how to use volume, networking, and better communication to actually see results.Perfect for principal, staff, and senior engineers who feel like they have made it and yet feel miserable, and for earlier career devs who want to avoid ending up in the same place.Chapters00:00 – The principal engineer who feels lost02:15 – Remembering the first time code felt like magic07:25 – The three types of senior engineers10:30 – What your time really costs at the principal level16:10 – Trading magic for meetings and how to get it back19:00 – Scaling yourself through docs, videos, and systems20:45 – Building a culture of experiments and continuous learning22:30 – Aligning the team on mission, not just tickets23:30 – This isn’t impostor syndrome, it’s an apathy crisis24:30 – Becoming a multiplier instead of the hero developer29:40 – Turning your engineers into teachers and leaders32:50 – The five levels of decision autonomy35:30 – Nobody actually knows everything (and that’s okay)35:55 – Ask Danny & Leon: “I have zero prospects, when will I see results?”40:20 – Referrals, rejections, and why volume still wins44:50 – Your resume doesn’t read like a human story49:50 – Visibility, effort, and the gas station promotion story53:40 – Technical skill is not your whole career56:00 – Coffee chats, calendars, and how activity predicts outcomes59:00 – Effort over luck and closing thoughts

SpotifyYouTube
#52
•1h 3m•Multi-Platform

Is PewDiePie Secretly a Coding Genius?

Is PewDiePie a better software developer than you? The answer might shock you (and make you rethink your entire career). While many developers get stuck on "ideas," PewDiePie just shipped an impressive, custom-built AI application.SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/💡 Sponsor: Level Up Financial PlanningChanging careers or increasing your income? Get financial clarity with Level Up Financial Planning—helping early and mid-career tech professionals secure their financial future. Visit LevelUpFinancialPlanning.com for a free consultation!https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!On this episode of The Programming Podcast, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel dive into PewDiePie's journey from gamer to engineer, exploring how he built his own AI chat agent from the ground up to protect his privacy from Big Tech. We break down the tech stack he used (custom UI, RAG, distributed agents), the $20,000 hardware cost, and the "pure joy" of building that many senior devs have lost.But the real lesson isn't about PewDiePie—it's about you.We discuss the hard truth: people with a fraction of your talent are lapping you simply because they build in public and create "public proof" of their skills. Are you hiding your best work in private GitHub repos?Danny shares a powerful analogy: If someone offered you $20,000 to get 10 networking conversations in a week, you'd do it. Why aren't you doing it for the $100,000 job you want?We also cover Danny's new free, open-source project, "Commit Your Talk," designed to help developers conquer public speaking, and how to find the "hidden" junior developer jobs that are never posted on LinkedIn.Plus, we answer a question from the community: "As an introvert, how do I learn to network?"00:00:00 - The Hook: "You're Letting People Lap You"00:01:11 - Is PewDiePie a Better Developer Than You?00:02:11 - PewDiePie is "Living The Engineering Dream"04:47 - Danny's New FREE Project: "Commit Your Talk"05:32 - Why developers get nervous advocating for themselves07:38 - Why Toastmasters doesn't always work for devs08:40 - Leon's "Banky Brunch" for behavioral practice10:10 - Sponsor: Level Up Financial Planning11:15 - Back to PewDiePie: The Power of Just SHIPPING12:22 - The real reason PewDiePie built his own AI app13:33 - The Big Tech Lie: "Delete" Does Not Mean Delete15:37 - Inside PewDiePie's Impressive AI Tech Stack (RAG, Agents)17:18 - The "Pure Joy" of building (and why we lose it)19:14 - The Hard Truth: People With Half Your Talent Are Lapping You21:24 - Your private GitHub repo is worthless (The Power of Public Proof)23:23 - The $20,000 Cost of True AI Privacy25:21 - The local AI hardware arms race (Nvidia 5090s)28:46 - Are we in an AI bubble?31:40 - Why Local Models & SLMs (Small Language Models) are the future35:24 - "You Don't Need to Cure Cancer With Code, Just Build"38:45 - The $20k Challenge vs. Your $100k Career (Leon's Mic Drop)41:46 - How to Find The "Hidden" Junior Dev Jobs (Not on LinkedIn)44:22 - The problem with "hot topics" vs. "accurate" info47:25 - Mailbag: "How Do I Network as an Introvert?"50:30 - Leon's Answer: Networking is about finding a champion53:35 - Danny's Answer: The "Punch in the Face" Analogy57:40 - Stop "networking," start "having conversations"1:01:33 - The Ultimate Networking Cheat Code: A well-placed question1:03:35 - Wrap-up and Sign-off

SpotifyYouTube
#51
•41 min•Multi-Platform

"It's a simple JavaScript fix!" (Spoiler: IT WASN'T)

You know that “it’s a simple fix” task that eats your entire sprint? If you liked this episode or if this saved you a sprint: like, subscribe, and share with your team. Comment your worst “simple fix” story! We’ll feature a few next episode!This episode is about going from “just parse the RSS” to a real system with cron jobs, a database, SSR, caching, pagination, title-matching pain, and a YouTube Data API gotcha where deleted videos still show up and break your counts. We unpack the technical rabbit hole, the product/process mistakes that made it worse, and the practical fixes you can ship today.SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Highlights- Why YouTube RSS only returns ~15 items, and when to switch to the Data API-The sneaky “deleted video” entries that broke episode matching (and the 4-line filter that fixed it)- Cron + DB to avoid on-request parsing delays, with lazy loading/pagination for perf- Levenshtein vs. AI scraping for cross-platform title matching (and tradeoffs)- SSR for SEO: hydration pitfalls, view-source reality checks, and caching strategy- Process: ticket sizing gone wrong, sprint rituals that would’ve saved weeks, and a fallback plan when APIs fail- Career bit (Huntober): the highest-ROI job-hunt moves—ask directly for referrals and quantify your wins so AI can actually write a good resumeWhat You’ll LearnWhen RSS is fine—and when you must use YouTube Data API v3Designing a resilient ingestion path (cron triggers, rate limits, cost control)Secure API key handling and avoiding accidental exposureConcrete heuristics for matching episodes across platformsThe “fallback first” mindset when upstream services go downStack & Tools MentionedNext.js/SSR, Tailwind/CSS (retro radio UI), cron + DB ingest, YouTube Data API v3, Spotify RSS, Levenshtein distance, AI/LLM parsing workflow, lazy loading/pagination, caching.Chapters00:00 It’s “simple”… until it isn’t (cold open)02:00 50 episodes milestone + data-driven intros03:20 New personal site goals (personas, UX, content routing)06:04 Rotary-dial content hub idea07:42 Plan A: “Just use Spotify/YouTube RSS”08:56 Parsing delays → cron + DB ingest11:00 Release cadence (Thurs AM CT) & autosync plan12:07 YouTube RSS ≈ 15 items?!13:19 Enabling YouTube Data API v3 (the missing step)14:22 Title matching fails; publish vs. upload date mismatch16:31 AI scrape workflow vs. deterministic pipelines17:13 Levenshtein distance for fuzzy matching18:53 The painful bug: deleted YouTube videos still in API20:20 Security considerations for API keys21:08 Retro CSS “radio” UI + Tailwind23:01 From 2 points to full sprint (scope creep lessons)24:03 Rate limits, CORS, and API cost control24:54 SSR for SEO, hydration errors, caching26:24 Web creativity is back (experimentation talk)27:29 Sprint Zero / refactor time that saves real sprints28:24 Resilience: API fallback to RSS29:18 Perf: lazy loading & pagination30:01 Tests vs. cowboy deploys (real talk)31:20 Takeaways: when to keep it simple vs. do it right36:01 What is Huntober?37:41 Highest-ROI job hunt move: ask for referrals39:07 Make AI useful: quantify your work41:15 Outro

SpotifyYouTube
#50
•1h 1m•Multi-Platform

Why 95% of Enterprise AI Projects FAIL! CEO of Apollo GraphQL, Matt DeBergalis

AI is writing more code than anyone expected. Some of it is great. A lot of it is just okay. In this episode, Danny Thompson and Leon sit down with Matt DeBergalis, CEO of Apollo GraphQL, to unpack what it will take to move from a gold rush of mediocrity to production-grade agentic experiences that users can trust.Guest Co-Host: Matt DeBergalishttps://www.linkedin.com/in/debergalis/https://www.apollographql.com/ @ApolloGraphQL SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!We dig into the real gap behind AI project failures and it is not the models. Matt explains why agentic development stalls inside enterprises, how microservice sprawl blocks useful AI, and where GraphQL functions as the control plane that unifies data, streaming, and context so agents can actually do work. We cover the early hype around MCP servers, why many of them ship without OAuth, and a concrete checklist for securing costs and credentials before you flip the switch.You will hear where shopping, search, and SEO are headed as prompt boxes replace search boxes. We get into the gravity that pulls models toward stacks with the most public code, what that means for React, Rust, Python, and the long tail, and how developers can future proof their careers by mastering fundamentals like orchestration, context control, and system design instead of chasing every weekly model benchmark.We wrap with a practical path for job seekers. Breadth over tool loyalty. Weekly small projects. Use AI for the first 75 percent, then own the last 25 percent with clear prompts and better workflows.Who this episode is for- Engineering leaders trying to turn AI prototypes into products- Senior and staff engineers learning agent orchestration- Devs curious about MCP, GraphOS, and secure tool callingYou will learn- Why 95 percent of agentic projects fail and what capability is missing- How GraphQL unifies fragmented systems for agents, including streaming and precise context selection- A security and cost control checklist for MCP style tool calling- How hiring rubrics are shifting toward communication, systems thinking, and curiosity- A weekly practice plan to build portfolio proof fastHighlightsGold rush of mediocrity and what to do about itFrom REST to stateful agents and why the old web stack creaksEvery search box becomes a prompt boxThe 75 and 25 rule for productive AI assisted codingTool breadth over tool loyalty for career advantageChapters00:00 Cold open. Why most agentic projects fail01:00 Theme setup. The gold rush of mediocrity01:30 Host and guest introductions03:00 MCP excitement vs reality. From laptop tools to real products06:15 Security and spend. OAuth gaps, scoped keys, rate limits, audit logs09:00 Distribution shift. Generative SEO and agentic checkout13:10 Centralization gravity. Why models favor stacks with more public code18:00 Foundations. Unifying services with GraphQL and streaming tokens24:10 Controlling the context window with field selection26:30 Should developers learn this now31:30 Fundamentals over benchmarks. MCP, RAG, evals42:00 Hiring in the agent era. Communication, systems thinking, curiosity48:00 Prompt quality and the last mile53:00 Audience question. Tools to explore and a weekly practice plan59:30 Closing recap and CTA

SpotifyYouTube
#49
•1h 8m•Multi-Platform

How GREAT Senior Software Engineers Think! (Steal these 9 TIPS!) Kent C. Dodds

Senior engineers don’t “wing it.” They use mental models to turn plans into production—faster, safer, and with less drama. Danny Thompson, Leon Noel, and Kent C. Dodds break down the exact models they use: decision docs, second-order thinking, reducing cognitive load, Occam’s Razor, leaky abstractions, feature flags vs. staging, chaos engineering, AI context windows (and rot), MCP, onboarding docs, blind code reviews, and more. If you’re pushing from mid → senior (or trying to sound senior in interviews), steal these.Guest: Kent C. Dodds!https://kentcdodds.com/https://x.com/kentcdodds @KentCDodds-vids SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!You’ll learn→ How to communicate invisible work like a senior (impact vs activity)→ Decision documents: making tradeoffs explicit→ Second-order thinking to prevent “future bugs”→ When to ship fast with flags vs. slow with staging→ Designing for onboarding—humans and AI assistants→ Using AI without nuking your circle of competence→ Local job tactics (Memphis example), recruiters, and “entry-level” framingIf this helped, hit 👍 and subscribe. Drop your favorite mental model in the commentsChapters00:00 Cold open — “When plans break in prod”00:36 Why mental models matter for seniors02:45 Define “mental model” (map vs. territory)05:22 Intros + episode setup07:05 Decision documents & guiding principles10:48 Coaching moments: easy vs. right solutions12:56 Second-order thinking (caching, short links, spam)15:58 Occam’s Razor in real engineering decisions18:12 Onboarding for Future-You (and your AI)20:44 Tests as guardrails for humans + LLMs22:18 AI context windows, “context rot,” and structure24:55 Circle of competence in the AI era27:18 Should juniors use AI? The real risks30:06 Shipping fast vs. learning deep: when to limit AI31:55 Interviews are changing: system design vs LeetCode33:42 Confidence traps: getting gaslit by your prompts36:00 Too many abstractions → leaky abstractions38:40 Blind code reviews & cross-team learning41:20 Google-style anonymous reviews (tradeoffs)44:00 Feature flags vs. staging (the spicy debate)46:52 Chaos engineering & safe rollouts in prod49:10 Pragmatism over dogma: what actually ships50:58 Kent’s Epic AI cohort & MCP primer54:20 Listener Q&A: local vs. remote, .NET vs. Node1:00:45 Ask Danny, Leon, And Kent!

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#48
•1h 45m•Multi-Platform

The World's Most Popular Teacher Reveals The Secret to Learning ANYTHING.

Are you studying for hours but still not retaining anything? 🧠 It's probably not your fault, you've likely been taught to learn all wrong.In this landmark episode, we sit down with the legendary Dr. Barbara Oakley, a Distinguished Professor of Engineering at Oakland University, a globally recognized expert on the science of learning, and the creator of the world's most popular online course, "Learning How to Learn," which has reached millions worldwide. Dr. Oakley shares her incredible journey from flunking math and hating school to becoming a world-renowned expert on the neuroscience of learning.Get ready to have your mind blown as Dr. Oakley debunks the biggest myths about studying, reveals the simple, science-backed secrets to mastering any subject, and explains how to beat procrastination for good. You'll walk away with actionable techniques to unlock your brain's true potential.She is best known for making complex concepts from neuroscience and cognitive psychology accessible to a mass audience, empowering millions to learn more effectively. Her own life story is a testament to her core message: anyone can learn anything.Dr. Oakley is most famous as the co-creator of "Learning How to Learn: Powerful Mental Tools to Help You Master Tough Subjects," one of the most popular massive open online courses (MOOCs) in the world. Hosted on Coursera, the course has enrolled millions of learners from every country, teaching them practical, science-backed strategies for learning.Her work has been featured in major publications like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. She is also the author of several books, including the bestseller "A Mind for Numbers," which serves as a companion to her course.Places you can follow Dr. Barbara Oakley📚 Dr. Oakley's Book | A Mind for Numbers: https://barbaraoakley.com/books/a-mind-for-numbers/🎓 The "Learning How to Learn" Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-how-to-learnStay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Chapters0:00 - A Teacher's Powerful Introduction to Dr. Barb Oakley4:05 - From "I Will Never Learn Mathematics" to Distinguished Professor5:42 - The Single Most Critical Skill in the Age of AI8:12 - How Learning a Language Unlocks Your Brain for Math & Science9:58 - The #1 Mistake We All Make When Learning a Difficult Subject14:30 - The Unconventional Path to Becoming a Professor23:11 - The 2 Brain Modes You MUST Understand (Focused vs. Diffuse) 🤯29:22 - A Modern, Scientific Twist on the Pomodoro Technique32:38 - WARNING: This Popular Study Method is a Waste of Your Time34:18 - The Surprising Problem with "Student-Centered" Classrooms40:12 - Proof That Your Phone is Destroying Your Ability to Focus45:35 - The Neuroscience of Dyslexia & Autism: Your Brain's Secret Superpower51:11 - The Emotional Side of Learning: Dealing with Fear, Shame & Procrastination56:33 - Why Impostor Syndrome is Actually a GOOD Thing1:07:28 - How to Use Sleep to Supercharge Your Memory 😴1:15:17 - The Future of Learning: How AI Will Change Everything1:23:36 - How to Use AI to Learn (Without Cheating Yourself)1:32:32 - Q&A: The Best Way to Create a Daily Structure for Learning1:44:52 - Dr. Oakley's Final Inspiring Message

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#47
•1h 11m•Multi-Platform

AI That ACTUALLY Ships: JSON, Voice Agents, MCP, and Software Developer Real-World Pitfalls

What do JSON and conversational AI have in common? They are the glue behind ordering coffee, booking flights, and talking to support. In our tests, about 1 out of 3 replies missed the intent until we enforced structured JSON outputs. In this episode, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel break down how to move from “cool demo” to production systems that route, escalate, and self-audit reliably.SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/💡 Sponsor: Level Up Financial PlanningChanging careers or increasing your income? Get financial clarity with Level Up Financial Planning—helping early and mid-career tech professionals secure their financial future. Visit LevelUpFinancialPlanning.com for a free consultation!https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!What you’ll learn- Why freeform paragraphs fail backends and how JSON fields fix routing- A simple schema pattern: department, sentiment, confidence, reply- Confidence floors that trigger automatic retries before users ever see a response- Context windows: why rules are read every call while context gets dropped- MCP basics and how domain context avoids bad translations and metaphors- Where voice agents work today (predictable conversations) and where they do not- Practical tool choices for text, code, and voice workflows- Real labor impacts, retention insights, and reskill advice- Salary negotiation quick hits: the two lines that matterChapters0:00 JSON as the glue + the 1-in-3 miss0:30 Intro & episode promise1:10 Quick defs — JSON / NLG / NLU / MCP3:00 Why structured JSON beats paragraphs7:36 Confidence scores & auto-retries9:02 Sponsor11:34 Prompts for image/video models that actually work15:01 Context windows & durable rules16:32 Repo trees, PRDs & dev logs to reduce spin20:02 MCP in practice, local dialects & domain knowledge26:03 Voice agents, predictable vs unpredictable conversations32:43 Voice mode as a research partner & model picks33:01 Jobs impact, retention stories & reskilling37:10 Conversational AI 101, coffee shop flow to backend40:05 Connectors & phone/drive-thru stacks (Agora, 11 Labs)46:04 Real-world rollouts, employee retention boost48:13 Call centers & debt collection case study51:27 Predictable vs messy conversations — where AI fails53:24 Career CTA, learn JSON, MCP, voice stacks57:01 Ask Danny And Leon A Question1:07:10 The Developer's Guide To AI

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#46
•59 min•Multi-Platform

The Tech Conference Survival Guide For Software Developers!

Stop leaving tech conferences with just a free t-shirt and some stickers. It's time to leave with a job offer. 🚀The difference between a successful conference and a waste of money isn't luck, it's strategy. In this episode, we break down the ultimate conference survival guide for software developers and tech professionals. Learn how to shift from a passive "Tourist Mindset" to a proactive "Architect Mindset" to build real opportunities.SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/💡 Sponsor: Level Up Financial PlanningChanging careers or increasing your income? Get financial clarity with Level Up Financial Planning—helping early and mid-career tech professionals secure their financial future. Visit LevelUpFinancialPlanning.com for a free consultation!https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!We cover everything you need to know to turn your next conference badge into a massive career investment, including:✅ The pre-conference blueprint: How to research, set measurable goals, and connect with speakers before you even arrive.✅ On-site execution: Master the art of the three-minute conversation, ask questions that make you memorable, and build genuine connections.✅ The follow-up formula that actually gets you a response and leads to interviews.✅ Actionable advice for both extroverts and introverts to network with confidence.Whether you're looking for your first tech job or your tenth, this is the playbook you'll want to reference time and time again.YouTube Chapters00:00 - Job Offer vs. Free T-Shirt: The Real Difference01:41 - Turning Online Connections into Real Relationships03:22 - What is Your "Why"? Defining Your Conference Goal04:25 - The #1 Mistake: Don't Get Lost in the Hallway Track05:52 - A Simple Trick to Connect With Any Speaker07:32 - It's Not Luck, It's Strategy08:15 - The "Tourist" vs. "Architect" Mindset09:13 - Sponsor: Level Up Financial Planning10:18 - The True Cost of Attending a Conference ($2,200?!)12:27 - The Pre-Conference Blueprint for Job Seekers13:40 - The Genius "Coffee Chat" Calendar Invite Strategy15:25 - Champions Are Made in the Pre-Season17:13 - How to Research Attendees (Not Just Speakers)18:20 - Mastering the 3-Minute Conversation20:04 - The Secret Magic of Tech Conferences22:34 - Setting Measurable Goals for Your Conference25:22 - How (and When) to Bravely Ask for a Referral28:26 - The Psychology of Asking for a Favor30:38 - How to Talk About Yourself Without Being Salesy33:27 - The Long-Tail Game of Networking34:26 - A Counterintuitive Tip: Don't Introduce Yourself First35:22 - Questions That Make You Unforgettable40:48 - Networking Tips for Introverts43:51 - Pro Tip: Never Eat Alone46:36 - The Most Valuable Part of a Conference: The Follow-Up49:03 - Ask Us Anything: Following Up With a VIP You Met

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#45
•53 min•Multi-Platform

How One Email Nearly Broke the Internet!

One phishy email to an npm maintainer set off a supply-chain scare that could’ve torched the web—yet the real on-chain damage was… cents. In this episode, we break down how a fake npm 2FA reset (from npmjs.help) led to malicious releases of popular packages like chalk and debug, how the payload hijacked browser crypto flows (monkey-patching window.ethereum, fetch, and XHR), why the blast radius stayed small, and what teams did right (shoutout to Aikido & Vercel).We finish with a rapid “Career Corner” on how to follow up after an interview—with copy-ready lines you can use.SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!You’ll learn:- Spotting modern phishing (look-alike TLDs, urgency cues)- What the malware did and why front-end focus limited impact- The minute-by-minute timeline from phish → publish → takedown- Practical defenses: pin versions, lockfiles, audits, password managers, least-privilege tokens- How to write a follow-up email that closesIf this helps, hit 👍 and share with a teammate.Chapters0:00 – The phish that “almost destroyed the internet” (cold open)0:24 – Who clicked: maintainer behind big OSS (chalk, debug)0:44 – Payload in plain English (browser wallet-drainer)1:04 – Actual impact vs. potential blast radius1:20 – Intro + what we’ll cover2:23 – Why this story is everywhere & our plan3:43 – What you’ll know by the end (safety + lessons)4:20 – Act 1: The Email — npmjs.help and urgency tactics6:08 – Phishing 101: quick checks before you click8:25 – Psychology of scams (filtering + anecdotes)12:17 – Act 2: The Payload — monkey-patching fetch/XHR/window.ethereum14:44 – Why front-end focus limited the damage16:41 – How it was caught (Node fetch ReferenceErrors)17:52 – Six–eight hours to fix: containment recap20:04 – Magic links & password managers (practical wins)22:15 – Act 3: The Timeline — 18 packages, what happened when23:39 – Minutes matter: publish → detection → takedown25:12 – Community/GitHub issues light up; npm intervenes26:48 – Root-cause analysis & related accounts28:32 – “System worked” takeaways (+ why that’s good)31:18 – Dev hygiene: pin versions, audits, reduce deps33:10 – Myths debunked (no, every machine wasn’t “fully owned”)35:04 – Shout-outs: Aikido, Vercel, others that responded fast38:22 – Career Corner: following up after interviews (templates)53:22 – Wrap-up & next stepsHelpful links (add your URLs)Aikido write-up / detection notesVercel incident summary + cache purge notesnpm/GitHub advisories for affected packagesPassword manager recommendations / setup guide

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#44
•1h 4m•Multi-Platform

The BIGGEST Reason Some Devs Get More Interviews Than Others

Two devs. Same stack. Same years in. One gets three on-sites a week; the other gets ghosted. The difference isn’t talent—it’s process. We audit your job hunt like production: inputs & controls, bottlenecks, scripts that actually get replies, and the one KPI (MC/W) that predicts interviews.SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!What you’ll learn:- Build a targeted, local-first company list (even if there’s no open req)- Warm outreach that prints: one-to-many LinkedIn, comments → DMs, “6-minute call” & 11:02 invites- Remove bottlenecks: Resume → Recruiter, Phone screen → Behavioral (STAR/CAR), Recruiter → Manager- The THRIVE framework to turn interrogations into conversations- Why proof vs promises (and why you shouldn’t sign exclusive recruiter agreements)- The audit loop: track MC/W, notes, weekly reviews, tiny improvements- If this helped, drop MC/W in the comments so others find it. 👇Chapters00:00 Two devs, same stack—process beats talent02:13 Act I: Inputs & Control (ideal companies, local-first, research, coffee chat prep)05:15 Activity vs quality (don’t just click apply)08:00 Burnout fix: focus on controllables09:35 Don’t sign exclusive recruiter agreements10:48 Warm vs cold outreach; break the pattern14:02 One-to-many on LinkedIn (comments that warm leads)15:54 DM makeovers that get replies17:58 Pattern breakers: 6-minute call, 11:02 invite21:03 Comment → DM handoff without bait-and-switch22:41 Great question → instant referral story24:54 Anti-DMs to avoid (“pick your brain?”, resume dump)27:34 Act II: Bottlenecks in your pipeline28:44 Resume → Recruiter (lead with outcomes, not fluff)33:03 Cut jargon the recruiter can’t repeat34:22 Phone screen → Behavioral (STAR/CAR)37:28 Recruiter → Manager (narrative + “tell me about yourself”)40:32 Act III: The Metric—MC/W (meaningful conversations per week)43:32 Networking beats blind applying45:10 Act IV: Playbook & Audit (THRIVE recap)47:26 Practice w/ AI voice role-play (recruiter, EM, meetup)50:27 Small improvements compound51:04 Tracking system: spreadsheet, notes, weekly reviews53:02 Systems vs motivation (James Clear callback)55:38 Listener Q: “The Chosen One” progress explained1:02:01 Technical skills ≠ job-getting skills1:04:13 Wrap

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#43
•55 min•Multi-Platform

49,000 voted. This is the #1 Software Developer Role in 2025!

49,000 developers just crowned Full-Stack the #1 software developer role of 2025. We dig into the Stack Overflow Developer Survey (2025) and turn the data into an actionable career roadmap: what to learn, what to ignore, and how AI actually fits into your workflow.NEW SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!💡 Sponsor: Level Up Financial PlanningChanging careers or increasing your income? Get financial clarity with Level Up Financial Planning—helping early and mid-career tech professionals secure their financial future. Visit LevelUpFinancialPlanning.com for a free consultation!https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!We break down:- Why Full-Stack leads (and what skills to stack to stay hireable)- The SQL vs NoSQL reality (Postgres on top) and how to pivot if you’re Mongo-first- Languages & frameworks that matter in 2025 (JS/TS, React/Next, .NET/Spring)- Tools to master: Docker (near-universal) + AWS (still the gap)- IDE reality: VS Code dominance, Cursor surge, where JetBrains fits- LLMs in practice: GPT usage, Claude’s rise, and smart model-routing- Agents, “vibe coding,” and where AI saves real time (tests, data, docs)- Pay & jobs snapshot + a blunt Q&A: CSS fundamentals vs TailwindChapters00:00 Cold open — the #1 role reveal00:36 Why this survey still matters (and its biases)01:55 Intros + Commit Your Code plug03:14 Who answered: 49k respondents, pros, age, country07:03 How devs learn in 2025: docs, AI tools, videos, bootcamps11:07 The reveal: Full-Stack is #112:42 What that means for careers (front-end-only is shrinking)14:28 Languages: JS/TS, Python, C#/Java — what to prioritize17:29 Sponsor — Level Up Financial Planning (levelupfinancialplanning.com)18:34 Databases: SQL dominance (Postgres first) + Mongo in context20:27 Cloud & dev tools: Docker as default, the AWS gap21:41 Web frameworks: React/Next, jQuery still huge, .NET & Spring23:11 IDEs: VS Code, Cursor surge, JetBrains, Vim/Neovim24:42 LLMs in practice: GPT vs Claude + model routing29:00 Team tools: GitHub/Jira/Miro + new Git alternatives30:24 OS choices: Windows vs macOS, WSL split31:16 Admired vs used: Rust/Elixir, Supabase, reality check37:02 AI adoption & where it helps most (search, tests, data, docs)41:41 Accuracy, complex tasks, and human-in-the-loop44:20 Dealing with “almost right” outputs (mindset shift)46:40 Agents & “vibe coding” + the Goose demo story50:32 Jobs, remote, US pay snapshot51:34 Q&A: CSS fundamentals → then Tailwind55:12 Outro

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#42
•53 min•Multi-Platform

12 Programming Myths Devs STILL Believe in 2025!

On this episode of The Programming Podcast, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel unpack the biggest programming myths that confuse developers at every level. From “AI will take all dev jobs” to “DRY at all costs,” they separate hype from reality and share hard-won lessons from real teams in production.You will hear why paper Big-O is not the whole story, how cache behavior and data size impact real performance, and why map/reduce vs for loops is a wash on modern engines. We get into testing culture too: why E2E does not replace unit tests, how to use AI for test scaffolding without losing your engineering brain, and what actually improves product reliability. Danny also tackles the myths that Java is slow and GC is always bad, and both hosts talk about the cost curve where cloud is not cheaper than on-prem.The conversation closes with an “Ask Danny and Leon” mailbag on what really separates junior, mid, and senior engineers: independence, guardrails, impact, and the quality of questions you ask.If this helped, drop a comment with a myth you want us to tackle next, and subscribe for more practical, no-fluff engineering talk.Topics include:AI as a productivity tool vs one-click magicBig-O vs real-world performance and memory behaviorjQuery, Deno, Bun, and the hype cycleJavaScript the language vs browser APIsmap/reduce vs for loops on modern enginesUnit tests, integration tests, E2E, and using AI wiselyJava performance and garbage collection tuningDRY vs duplication and over-abstractionAccessibility as a defaultCloud costs vs on-prem at scaleCareer ladder: junior, mid, senior traitsHosts: Danny Thompson (Director of Technology, This Dot Labs; Commit Your Code Conference) and Leon Noel (Managing Director of Engineering, Resilient Coders; instructor at 100Devs)Chapters00:00 Intro and why myths still persist00:58 Host intros and setup for “Gem City” episode02:00 Myth 1: “AI is taking all dev jobs”03:33 When AI image gen goes sideways and why it is a tool, not a replacement06:03 Leon’s motion-blur trick for more believable AI images07:08 Myth 2: Big-O vs real performance in the wild09:52 Cache misses, allocation, data size, and why paper math can mislead11:30 Myth 3: “jQuery is dead” and the reality in legacy estates12:23 Deno and Bun hype vs actual employer adoption13:32 Why jQuery still ships and what we lost chasing complexity15:30 JavaScript the language vs DOM and host environment APIs16:58 Myth 4: “map/reduce are slower than for loops” on modern engines18:11 Myth 5: “E2E replaces unit tests”20:57 When testing cultures go wrong and how to course-correct22:46 Using AI for tests without losing critical thinking25:03 The 80-20 way to use AI on tickets and test suites27:01 Danny gets baited, Leon laughs28:01 Myth 6: “Java is slow” and “GC is always bad”30:30 Region and concurrent collectors, and why allocation patterns matter31:02 Engine differences and mental models across stacks31:58 Myth 7: “Everything must be DRY” vs useful duplication33:01 Strong opinions held weekly and leaving dogma behind34:22 How dev opinions evolve with experience34:52 Accessibility as a default, not a later task36:29 Myth 8: “Cloud is always cheaper than on-prem”37:17 Real-world cost surprises and pulling workloads back38:30 Hype cycles, Jamstack memories, and maintenance pain41:56 On-prem done right and budget realities43:49 Mailbag: junior vs mid vs senior, company variance45:25 Danny’s framework for levels: guardrails, impact, and ownership51:10 The power of high-quality questions at senior and staff levels52:10 Leveling up from mid: own initiatives and become the firefighter53:31 Wrap-up and sign-off

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#41
•1h 10m•Multi-Platform

6,000 Applications. 0 Jobs. What Went Wrong?

6,000 Applications. 0 Jobs. What Went Wrong?In this episode, Danny & Leon break down the recent New York Times article about the collapse of $165,000 tech jobs — and why so many new computer science graduates are struggling to find work.This one gets personal. We dig into salary expectations, the rise of AI coding tools, offshoring, and the real reasons grads are stuck. Plus, we share how bad advice keeps job seekers trapped, and why networking + projects matter more than ever.⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode is heavier than usual. We felt deeply for the people featured in this article — so much so that we reached out to one of them, Zach, who applied to nearly 6,000 jobs, and spent 90 minutes helping him reframe his job search strategy. Our goal isn’t to mock, but to help anyone who feels stuck right now.If you’re in the middle of the job hunt, or just want to understand what’s happening in tech careers in 2025 — this is a must-listen.NEW SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Disclaimer & why this episode is different03:19 – Why we reacted to the NYT article live05:25 – Setting the stage: “Goodbye $165K tech jobs”06:59 – The salary inflation problem08:03 – Networking: why tech is no longer a free pass10:10 – Purdue grad struggles despite strong background15:23 – The promise (and failure) of the CS degree18:18 – The “learn to code = six figures” myth20:22 – FANG vs. reality: most jobs aren’t like that22:01 – Is AI really taking developer jobs? (spoiler: no)23:53 – Offshoring is the real threat25:39 – Headcount growth vs. layoff panic26:32 – Unemployment rates: myth vs. reality29:20 – The hidden flaw in applying to 6,000 jobs32:21 – “Clickers” & why mass-applying doesn’t work34:02 – Bootcamps & the cycle of bad advice35:38 – Ghosting, coding assessments & job search burnout39:02 – Zach’s story: 5,762 applications, 0 jobs41:01 – Why customizing your resume matters43:08 – The wrong vs. right way to job hunt46:13 – Reddit resumes & bad job hunt advice47:23 – Misreporting AI tools (CodeRabbit example)49:24 – The AI doom loop in job search52:12 – Government jobs, hiring freezes & policy shifts53:00 – The Purdue grad pivots to tech sales55:03 – Why the article fails its own subjects57:22 – Offshoring vs. AI (the real culprit)58:00 – What job seekers should be doing now59:32 – Listener Q&A: networking while still learning01:03:46 – The power of small, intentional networking01:06:11 – Balancing a non-tech job & coding journey01:09:49 – Final advice & episode wrap-up

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#40
•1h 2m•Multi-Platform

This is HOW Figma Beat Adobe and Became Worth $58 Billion

In this episode of The Programming Podcast, Leon Noel and Danny Thompson dive deep into the wild, twist-filled journey of Figma, from a college side project that almost became a meme generator to a $58 billion IPO.We break Figma’s story into five acts, uncovering the pivotal moments, technical breakthroughs, and business decisions that made it one of the most beloved design tools in the world. From WebGL wizardry to multiplayer design magic, early skepticism to industry adoption by giants like Uber and Notion, we explore how Dylan Field and Evan Wallace built a browser-based platform that changed design forever.NEW SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!💡 Sponsor: Level Up Financial PlanningChanging careers or increasing your income? Get financial clarity with Level Up Financial Planning—helping early and mid-career tech professionals secure their financial future. Visit LevelUpFinancialPlanning.com for a free consultation!https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!You’ll hear about:- The origin story and near-misses (drones, memes, and more)- Technical innovations with WebGL, WebAssembly, and real-time collaboration- The leadership and hiring lessons learned the hard way- Figma’s breakout moments during Adobe Fireworks’ demise and the pandemic- The $20 billion Adobe acquisition that never happened — and the $1 billion breakup fee- How Figma stayed true to its vision and went public with massive momentumWhether you’re a designer, developer, startup founder, or just curious about how tech products scale from scrappy beginnings to global dominance, this is a masterclass in perseverance, timing, and execution.🎧 Listen in, drop a like, and let us know in the comments if you use Figma!Chapters00:00 – Intro & Setting the Stage01:14 – Figma in Five Acts02:54 – Act 1: The Idea Maze – Drones, Memes, and Crossroads06:13 – The Best Meme Generator Nobody Needed08:56 – WebGL Breakthroughs and Browser-Based Design12:29 – The Power of GPU Rendering & WebAssembly15:53 – Key Performance Tricks – Batch & Delta Rendering17:57 – Building a Custom Text Engine & Multiplayer Vision27:00 – The Adobe Fireworks Discontinuation Moment29:12 – Naming the Product – Why “Figma” Stayed31:13 – Act 2: Building and Struggling with Perseverance33:40 – Early Management Struggles and Leadership Pivot36:33 – Choosing Urgency Over Perfection37:14 – Early Launch Without Multiplayer39:18 – Harsh Early Feedback and User Skepticism40:59 – Securing New Funding & Preparing for Multiplayer41:23 – Act 3: Unlocking Multiplayer Design42:41 – Design Parties and Winning Over Skeptics44:27 – Big-Name Adoption: Uber, Notion, and Market Validation46:44 – Series B & C Fundraising Momentum46:50 – Act 4: Scale and Impact47:04 – Engineers Handling Support for Deep Empathy48:22 – Browser-Based Updates and Rapid Iteration49:43 – Monetization Debate & Investor Pushback51:44 – Act 5: The Pandemic Changes Everything52:57 – Figma’s Remote Collaboration Advantage54:37 – The Launch of FigJam55:39 – Capitalizing on Two Key Market Moments56:39 – Adobe’s $20B Acquisition Attempt58:08 – Regulatory Block & $1B Breakup Fee59:31 – Secondary Funding and IPO Readiness1:00:41 – Dylan Field’s Final Lessons & Closing Thoughts1:02:02 – Outro

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#39
•1h 11m•Multi-Platform

The ONLY JavaScript Roadmap You’ll Ever Need (For Devs in 2025)

If you're learning JavaScript in 2025, **this is the definitive roadmap** you didn’t know you needed. Whether you're just opening your first `.js` file or you’ve been dabbling and finally want to get serious, this episode of *The Programming Podcast* with Danny Thompson and Leon Noel is a *masterclass in what actually matters*.NEW SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!💡 Sponsor: Level Up Financial PlanningChanging careers or increasing your income? Get financial clarity with Level Up Financial Planning—helping early and mid-career tech professionals secure their financial future. Visit LevelUpFinancialPlanning.com for a free consultation!https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!We break down:* ✅ What to learn (and **why** each concept matters)* ✅ How to structure your learning path without getting overwhelmed* ✅ The **hard truths** about JavaScript in the real world* ✅ Mistakes that beginners make (and how to avoid them)* ✅ How to go from *tutorial nightmares* to building projects that actually get you hired “You don’t need 50 tutorials, you need 20 projects that work your brain in the right way.”We cover everything from fundamentals (variables, loops, functions) to advanced topics like async/await, the event loop, testing, and working with frameworks like React and backend tools like Node.js. We don’t just tell you *what* to learn — we tell you *how to think like a developer*.Whether you're headed toward a front-end career, full stack mastery, or just want to build real apps, this roadmap will serve you today and 10 years from now. No fluff. No hype. Just honest, actionable advice from two developers who have taught thousands of devs to land six-figure jobs.Leave a comment with the word (gotta watch to the end) if you made it to the end. We want to shout out the real ones.🔔 Subscribe for more episodes, and drop a like if you got value, it costs nothing but tells us to keep going.Chapters00:00 – Why This Roadmap Had to Be Made03:15 – The Only Reason to Learn JavaScript in 202506:30 – What Companies Actually Use JavaScript For10:00 – The Big 4: Variables, Loops, Conditionals, Functions17:00 – Arrays, Objects, and the Must-Know Methods (Map, Filter, Reduce)23:30 – Practice Over Theory: Codewars, Repetition & Your First 20 Projects29:00 – Async/Await, APIs, and What the Event Loop Actually Does35:00 – DOM Manipulation vs. JavaScript: What’s Really Going On38:30 – When to Learn React, Node, and TypeScript44:00 – Why Testing (Especially Unit Testing) Makes You Stand Out51:00 – Git, GitHub, and Getting Comfortable with Deployment56:00 – Stop Being Scared of Errors — Learn to Debug Like a Dev01:00:00 – Building the Mindset to Learn Forever01:05:00 – Final Thoughts + Community Q&A Prompt

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#38
•1h 10m•Multi-Platform

Why You're Not Winning Job Interviews (Even If You're Qualified)

Struggling to land software engineering interviews—or worse, landing them but not getting the callback? In this game-changing episode of The Programming Podcast, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel break down the THRIVE framework—a strategy designed to help you crush behavioral interviews and stand out as a top-tier candidate.Danny reveals his THRIVE acronym:Targeted ResearchHonest NarrativesResults FocusInteractive EngagementValidation of AlignmentElevate Impact & Extend the DialogueThey walk through real-world examples, mock interview experiences, storytelling mistakes, and practical ways to improve your resume, LinkedIn, one-on-ones, and technical communication.You'll learn how to:Own the “Tell Me About Yourself” questionUse STAR/CAR frameworks to articulate your impactRead between the lines for team pain pointsTurn interviews into conversations, not interrogationsFollow up like a pro and leave a lasting impressionIf you're tired of sending resumes into the void or bombing interviews despite knowing your stuff—this is the episode you bookmark. Whether you’re a junior dev, mid-level engineer, or transitioning into tech, this episode is packed with actionable strategies that can change your job hunt trajectory.🧠 Bonus: We also answer a question on how to break into global remote jobs as a junior developer.🎙️ Subscribe for more developer career advice, technical breakdowns, and real talk from Leon and Danny.📍 Chapters / Timestamps0:00 - Intro: Why You're Not Getting Interview Callbacks1:16 - Real Stories from Struggling Devs2:14 - Why Behavioral Interviews Matter More Than You Think4:55 - Introducing the THRIVE Framework5:17 - T = Targeted Research: Dig Deeper into the Company13:03 - H = Honest Narratives: Tell Stories with Purpose24:00 - Using STAR and CAR Frameworks for Impact28:07 - R = Results Focus: Show Business Impact with Metrics32:26 - The Developer Log: Document Your Wins Weekly35:00 - Use 1:1s to Get Promoted, Not Just Managed36:59 - I = Interactive Engagement: Make It a Conversation43:04 - Practice Interviewing Like Sales Conversations45:03 - Why Sales & Communication Skills Matter in Tech46:11 - V = Validation of Alignment: Are You the Fit They Need?48:22 - Advocating for Yourself in Interviews52:08 - E = Elevate Impact & Extend the Dialogue54:00 - What to Say When They Ask: “Do You Have Any Questions?”56:45 - Bookending Interviews to Leave a Strong Final Impression1:01:27 - Effort-to-Reward Ratios in Job Hunting1:04:01 - Ask Danny & Leon: Can You Land a Global Remote Job?1:10:14 - Final Thoughts & Outro: Play the Game, Don’t Just Watch

SpotifyYouTube
#37
•52 min•Multi-Platform

How We Cut 80% of Dev Time with AI: Our Ultimate Tool Stack

Join hosts Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This Dot Labs) and Leon Noel (Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders) on The Programming Podcast as they dive into the AI-powered tools transforming their daily workflows—everything from productivity boosters and prompt engineering to hands-free coding and customizable models. They reflect on why "strong opinions held weakly" is a winning mindset, the integration of tools like Whisper Flow, Superhuman, Claude Code, Cursor, Warp, and more, each tailored to their distinct working styles and unique needs. Stay tuned as they unpack how AI is not here to replace developers, but to accelerate them, and demystify which tools offer real ROI versus mere hype. Plus, hear insightful advice on re-entering front-end development, guided by real-world experience from the Dallas tech landscape. Whether you’re an entry-level coder or a seasoned engineer, you’ll walk away ready to rethink your toolbox and workflow in today’s AI-infused environment.⏱️ Chapters & TimestampsTime Segment0:00 Intro: expectations & mindset of “strong opinions held weekly”0:51 Hosts’ intros: Danny & Leon—what they do3:34 Why healthy debate matters—on the podcast and in teams4:27 AI adoption: evolve when evidence shows a better way5:21 Overview: today’s topic — their AI stacks6:08 Leon: AI saving him from legacy code headaches7:39 Tools Leon uses: Whisper Flow, prompts, local LLMs10:06 Leon’s AI-enhanced code stack: Canva, Remove BG, Cursor12:54 Danny: voice-to-text workflows, prompt strategy14:00 AI for communication tone-checking18:18 Superhuman: email automation and sponsorship workflow21:51 Concerns & control: bring-your-own AI models at work24:00 Danny’s model breakdown: strengths of GPT, Anthropic30:58 Claude Code: top performer for coding31:59 DIY dev experience: VS Code + Root Code extension34:45 Copilot resurgence: Microsoft’s comeback36:26 Cursor Web wins: background agents & ADHD workflow40:27 Warp terminal: infrastructure that keeps tasks running43:45 How they evaluate AI tools—time savings, not perfection46:56 Context & prompt engineering: build better templates first48:51 Q&A: returning to front-end—React + Next.js advice50:31 Market demand: full-stack vs. front-end only roles51:50 Learn by doing: tutorials + personal projects52:40 Outro & farewell🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Whisper FlowSuperhuman (via Grammarly)Claude Code (Anthropic)Cursor & Cursor WebRoot Code extension (VS Code)GitHub CopilotWarp terminal & AI agentsPrompt templates and AI Dev Task repo👍 If you found this discussion helpful:Hit LikeSubscribe for weekly episodesDrop your thoughts or questions in the commentsFollow us on [Twitter X] for updates & bonus content🎧 Available on: Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Google Podcasts • YouTube

SpotifyYouTube
#36
•54 min•Multi-Platform

Windsurf vs. Tech Giants: OpenAI, Microsoft & Google Showdown

In this special three-act deep dive of The Programming Podcast, hosts Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This Dot Labs) and Leon Noel (Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders) unpack the roller-coaster saga of Windsurf’s attempted acquisition.- Act I covers the OpenAI offer, a jaw-dropping $3 billion deal that promised to supercharge OpenAI’s IDE ambitions, only to be derailed by Microsoft’s pre-existing IP clause granting co-ownership of any new code.- Act II explores Google’s strategic “halo hire”, where Verun Moan sidestepped a full buyout in favor of a $2.4 billion non-exclusive licensing deal that bolsters Gemini without triggering antitrust alarms. - Finally, in Act III, we analyze Cognition.ai’s employee-first acquisition, where key Windsurf engineers joined the Devon team under an ownership-stake model, keeping Windsurf alive and profitable.Stick around for our “Ask Danny & Leon” segment, where we lay out an actionable AI roadmap from advanced prompting techniques and RAG/vector database strategies to core programming principles to help you stay relevant in today’s AI-driven dev landscape.Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!📖 Chapters / Timestamps0:00 Intro & Three-Act Structure Overview 1:04 Act I Meet Windsurf (What & Why It Matters) 3:47 OpenAI’s \$3 B Acquisition Talks & Market Context 6:01 Windsurf’s \$100 M ARR & IDE Wars Dynamics 8:38 Microsoft’s Hidden IP Co-Ownership Clause Explained 11:40 Deal Collapse: 48 Hours to Ruin 12:05 Act II Google’s “Halo Hire” Strategy 13:27 Licensing vs. Acquisition: Financials & Antitrust 19:03 Google’s Non-Exclusive License & Gemini Integration 23:04 Impact on Enterprise Adoption & Customer Base 24:09 Act III Cognition.ai Acquires Key Talent 26:00 “Aqua Hire” vs. Full Buyout: Talent Over IP 29:03 Employee-First Ownership Model & Vesting 30:52 Meta & the Broader AI Talent Arms Race 33:43 What This Means for AI Tooling Market 36:52 “Ask Danny & Leon” Building Your AI Roadmap 44:03 Deep Dive: Prompting, RAG, Caching & Pre-Fetching 49:08 Core Dev Principles for Effective AI Use 53:12 Sneak Peek: *Practical Developer’s Guide to AI* 54:01 Outro, Viewer Giveaway & Next Episode Teaser

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#35
•1h 0m•Multi-Platform

Can You Really Work 4 Tech Jobs at Once?

Is it WRONG to work at 4 different tech companies at the exact same time!? This is a very spicy episode, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel dive into the viral story of Soham Parekh—the engineer who somehow landed four tech jobs at the same time., multiple times. We unpack:Ethics & Overemployment: Is it right or wrong to juggle multiple full-time roles?Viral Playbook: How Soham’s informal outreach email and Harvard-style resume “gamed” early-stage startups.Interview as a Game: Why knowing the rules—and playing them—is your biggest advantage.Networking Secrets: Low-noise, high-signal tactics that beat out 60,000 applicants.Audience Q&A: Your burning questions on representing yourself vs. outright lying in interviews.💡 Want more insider tips? Hit Subscribe, smash that Like button, and drop your questions in the comments below!00:00 Intro & Episode Overview 02:27 Meet Your Hosts: Danny & Leon 04:04 Who Is Soham Par? 05:07 Viral Mixpanel Tweet Breakdown 09:36 Anatomy of the Outreach Email 13:40 Why Early-Stage Startups? 17:05 Can You Really Juggle Four Tech Jobs? 19:28 The Interview Process as a Game 23:50 Deep Dive: Soham’s Resume 29:11 Power of Referrals vs. 60,000 Applicants 32:09 Low-Noise, High-Signal Networking 35:04 Authenticity & Human Connection 46:26 Leading Cohort Teams: Tips & Tactics 55:34 Ask Danny & Leon: Your Questions 56:05 Q&A: Representing Yourself vs. Lying 59:48 Q&A: Humble Bragging & Self-Promotion 1:00:42 Outro & Closing Remarks

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#34
•53 min•Multi-Platform

6 Game-Changers from Vercel Ship 2025: AI Gateway, Rolling Releases & More

In this episode, Danny and Leon are joined by James Quick, Head of Developer Experience at BigCommerce, to unpack all the major announcements from Vercel Ship 2025. We cover:NEW SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!💡 Sponsor: Level Up Financial PlanningChanging careers or increasing your income? Get financial clarity with Level Up Financial Planning—helping early and mid-career tech professionals secure their financial future. Visit LevelUpFinancialPlanning.com for a free consultation!https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!- The new AI Gateway and what “no vendor lock-in” really means- Active CPU pricing and how it can save you real money at scale- Rolling Releases vs. A/B testing for safer, incremental deployments- Bot ID: Vercel’s AI-powered bot protection for logins, checkouts, and expensive LLM endpoints- Micro-frontends and how they fit into your Next.js apps- Sandboxes for isolated testing of AI agents and prototypes- Plus, stick around for our Ask Danny & Leon Q&A on building a stand-out portfolio and getting your first software role👍 If you enjoyed this deep dive, hit Like, Subscribe, and ring the 🔔 to never miss an episode!💬 Drop your questions for the next Ask segment in the comments.🌐 Follow us on Twitter: @DThompsonDev | @LeonNoelTimestamps00:00 – Welcome & Host Introductions01:42 – Overview of Vercel Ship 202507:08 – AI Gateway: One Endpoint for Every Model10:22 – Active CPU Pricing: Pay Only for What You Use14:46 – Rolling Releases: Safer, Incremental Deployments20:52 – Rolling Releases vs. A/B Testing Explained24:47 – Bot ID: Invisible AI-Powered Bot Protection30:03 – Sponsor Break: Level Up Financial Planning33:07 – UX & Partnership: Why Vercel’s Strategy Matters36:05 – Sandboxes: Isolated AI & Code Testing40:03 – The Shift to AI Cloud & Future Workflows44:47 – Ask Danny & Leon: Portfolio, LinkedIn & Landing Jobs53:30 – Wrap-Up & What’s NextEnjoy the show!

SpotifyYouTube
#33
•49 min•Multi-Platform

JavaScript Map(), Vercel, CSS Tricks, & Dev Advice to get you where you need to be!

In this episode of The Programming Podcast, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel dive deep into three key topics that every developer should know right now:Vercel’s Fluid Compute — What it is, why it matters, and how a single toggle can slash your cloud costs.JavaScript .map() explained — Not just for beginners! Real-world enterprise use cases and how it protects your original data.New CSS features — Danny brings in a fresh concept that blew his mind over the weekend.They also share powerful insights on how to build momentum after a tech conference, including actionable tips to turn casual conversations into long-term relationships.Finally, Danny shares his AI prompting technique that radically improves the quality of responses from ChatGPT and other tools — and you’ll want to steal this trick.💡 Whether you're junior or senior, working on side projects or leading enterprise teams, this episode packs in practical advice, strategy, and laughs.👇 Chapters below — don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review (or hit dislike twice 😉)!⏱️ Timestamps / Chapters:0:00 – Intro and janky apps vs. enterprise hacks1:00 – Podcast kickoff & thank you for 219 5-star reviews2:30 – Vercel Fluid Compute: Why this one toggle changes everything4:45 – Multi-threading explained with real examples7:00 – Impact on React apps, cost savings, and AI workloads10:00 – Enterprise-scale architecture shifts11:00 – JavaScript .map() – Real-world usage breakdown13:40 – Map vs. original data: what juniors often miss15:00 – Data protection and use cases with sensitive info16:50 – Why .map() is like let for arrays17:30 – React, enterprise component architecture, and separation of concerns19:00 – CSS concept teaser (covered later or in next episode)37:00 – How to improve your AI prompts dramatically38:10 – Danny’s exact prompt to get better ChatGPT responses39:30 – Ask Danny & Leon: How to keep momentum after a tech conference41:00 – Leon’s tips: Thank-yous, Twitter lists, and coffee chats42:00 – Danny’s pre-conference strategy and post-event follow-up44:00 – Junior vs. senior approaches to networking46:00 – Funny origin story: How this podcast started from a conference joke47:00 – Building genuine relationships with thoughtful follow-ups49:00 – Outro – Thanks for tuning in!

SpotifyYouTube
#32
•1h 6m•Multi-Platform

How To EFFECTIVELY Learn JavaScript FAST in 2025

Struggling to learn JavaScript in 2025? You're not alone—and it's not your fault. In this episode of The Programming Podcast, Leon Noel and Danny Thompson break down the real strategies for mastering JavaScript (and TypeScript) in today’s dev landscape. From avoiding tutorial hell to embracing project-based learning, we cover everything you need to finally make progress.Whether you're just starting out or restarting your coding journey, this episode is packed with hard truths, practical tools, and motivational gems to keep you going—even when it gets tough.We talk about:Learning strategies that actually workWhy visual wins matterWhen to start learning TypeScriptWhy floats still get taught?!How to avoid false expectations (aka thinking you’re job-ready after one birdhouse)🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!🔥 Real advice. Real experience. Real value. Hit that like & subscribe button to support more episodes like this!💡 Sponsor: Level Up Financial PlanningChanging careers or increasing your income? Get financial clarity with Level Up Financial Planning—helping early and mid-career tech professionals secure their financial future. Visit LevelUpFinancialPlanning.com for a free consultation!NEW SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!⏱️ Chapters:0:00 – Intro: Two kinds of projects0:50 – Learning how to learn: Dr. Barbara Oakley4:15 – Active recall & spaced repetition7:30 – Building through pain (the right kind)10:00 – Why JavaScript feels hard12:00 – JavaScript vs HTML/CSS: Mental shift13:10 – Should you start with TypeScript in 2025?16:00 – Project-based learning: The underrated MVP18:30 – Learning through fumbling: Leon’s take on floats21:00 – The ES6/legacy debate: Var vs Let/Const25:00 – Principles over implementation in the AI age28:00 – Starting with early wins and momentum31:00 – Why visual feedback is addictive for beginners34:00 – Learning from different teachers36:00 – Debunking "learning styles"?40:00 – Why some formats (like video) just don’t work for everyone42:30 – Must-know JavaScript resources in 202547:00 – FreeCodeCamp, HeroDev, The Odin Project, Full Stack Open50:00 – Freelancing and the 100-Hour Project52:30 – Aligning effort with expectations54:00 – Birdhouses and burnout: Understanding trade-offs57:30 – Build your learning identity59:00 – Ask Danny & Leon: Should I travel 3 hours for a first-round interview?1:05:00 – How to ask for help (and not sound rude)

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#31
•1h 18m•Multi-Platform

Inside the AI Engineer World’s Fair: How Tiny Teams Built $10M Startups in Months

In this episode, Danny and Leon dive into their firsthand takeaways from the AI Engineer World’s Fair in San Francisco. They share what it felt like to be among the brightest minds shaping the future of AI, why “tiny teams” are the hottest trend right now, and how rapid prototyping tools are changing the game. You’ll hear real-world use cases for AI agents (from meal ordering to personal finance audits), a deep discussion of Model Context Protocol (MCP) and the push for industry standards, plus a glimpse at conversational AI’s next frontier—attaching your bots to phone lines and AR glasses. They also preview the upcoming Commit Your Code conference and cap it off with a listener Q&A on resume and ATS strategies.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!🔥 Real advice. Real experience. Real value. Hit that like & subscribe button to support more episodes like this!💡 Sponsor: Level Up Financial PlanningChanging careers or increasing your income? Get financial clarity with Level Up Financial Planning—helping early and mid-career tech professionals secure their financial future. Visit LevelUpFinancialPlanning.com for a free consultation!NEW SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Chapters0:00 Welcome & AI Engineer World’s Fair Overview4:50 Insights from Tracy Lee & Conference Atmosphere7:00 “Tiny Teams” & Building Million-Dollar Startups11:50 AI Agents in Action: Personalized Meal Planning & Finance Tracking15:54 AI as a Productivity Multiplier, Not a Headcount Cutter20:02 Model Context Protocol (MCP) & the Need for Standards22:55 Advancements in Retrieval, Augmentation & Agentic Flows26:43 This Dot Labs’ New AI Service Offering30:42 Conversational AI Meets Telephony: Easy Phone Integration34:50 AR Glasses, Voice AI & the Future of Human–Machine Interaction35:58 Evaluating Prompts & Information Quality: Why It Matters37:45 Preview: Commit Your Code Conference Growth & What’s Next38:08 Listener Q&A: Ask Danny & Leon Segment42:00 Resume Rescue: ATS Tips & Bullet-Point Best Practices45:03 Closing Thoughts & Next Episode Teaser

SpotifyYouTube
#30
•54 min•Multi-Platform

Is HTML, CSS & JavaScript STILL Enough in 2025?

Is HTML, CSS, and JavaScript still enough to land a job in 2025 — especially with AI reshaping everything? Danny and Leon go all in on this question with unfiltered, experience-backed advice that every aspiring developer needs to hear.🔥 Topics we dive into:The real expectations for entry-level devs in today’s marketWhy listing HTML on your resume might actually hurt youHow to develop confidence through "evidence"Why AI tools aren’t the shortcut you think they areWhat actually sets you apart from the competitionAnd why taste, design, and judgment are becoming the new moatWhether you're just starting out or trying to level up, this is the episode that clears the fog and gives you direction.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you found value!00:00 - The Job Market Is a Fight — Are You Ready?01:20 - The Cost of Wasting Resume Real Estate02:00 - What Employers Assume You Know03:45 - Danny and Leon Introduce the Show05:00 - The Big Question: Is HTML/CSS/JS Still Enough in 2025?06:30 - Leon’s Take: “Yes, but...”08:20 - Danny’s Take: “No, and here’s why...”10:00 - Why Most People Asking This Question Are Stuck in JS11:00 - The Decline of Frontend-Only Roles12:20 - Fullstack Is the New Baseline13:30 - What Grads from 100Devs & Resilient Coders Are Actually Learning14:15 - HTML/CSS on Resumes? It’s a Red Flag16:00 - Focus on Achievements, Not Basics17:30 - Why TypeScript and Deeper Skills Matter More Than Ever19:00 - If You’re Missing Resume Wins… Go Make Them20:00 - Why We're Blunt: It's About Getting You Hired21:00 - AI Tools Won’t Replace Hard Work22:30 - Designers & Frontend Devs Are About to Thrive Again24:00 - Taste and Judgment Will Be the Competitive Edge25:00 - Software’s Moat Is Still There — Use It to Your Advantage26:45 - Ask Danny & Leon: “How Do I Fit In as a 19-Year-Old?”28:00 - Confidence Comes from Evidence29:40 - Stop Applying for Internships if You're Not in College31:00 - New Blood and Enthusiasm Are Valuable in Tech32:00 - Final Words: Be Unapologetically Hungry

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#29
•32 min•Multi-Platform

Google Just Changed Everything. Here's What You Missed from I/O

In this episode of The Programming Podcast, Leon Noel and Danny Thompson dive deep into how to get the most out of tech conferences — including unique strategies used at Commit Your Code, what it really takes to build a network from scratch, and how AI is completely changing the developer landscape.From portable mini golf to prompt cards that kickstart conversations, Danny unveils how CYC is engineered to spark real connections — not just QR-code scans. Then, the duo unpacks Google I/O 2025, including wild use cases for AI-generated video, Android XR glasses, and what companies are really doing with AI budgets (spoiler: it’s not layoffs).Whether you're a developer looking to network better, a freelancer trying to close more deals, or just someone curious about how AI is disrupting everything — this episode is for you.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!🔥 Real advice. Real experience. Real value. Hit that like & subscribe button to support more episodes like this!💡 Sponsor: Level Up Financial PlanningChanging careers or increasing your income? Get financial clarity with Level Up Financial Planning—helping early and mid-career tech professionals secure their financial future. Visit LevelUpFinancialPlanning.com for a free consultation!NEW SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Chapters:00:00 - Strategy for Building Real Connections at Conferences 01:45 - Introducing Commit Your Code & This Year’s Upgrades 03:10 - Mini Golf as a Networking Tool? Here’s Why 04:30 - Free Professional Headshots & The Morning Connect 05:25 - Prompt Cards & the “Start in the Middle” Philosophy 06:15 - The 5-Minute Pass System for Intros 07:50 - How Employers Are Involved at CYC 09:40 - Leon’s Early Networking Strategy: Never Eat Alone 11:00 - The Power of Volunteering at Conferences 13:00 - Shifting the Focus from Collecting Contacts to Creating Relationships 14:15 - “Read the Room” & Breathers During Conversations 15:30 - Making Conferences Less Awkward and More Genuine 16:55 - Transitioning from Online to In-Person Relationships 18:00 - From CYC to Google I/O: Huge Shifts in Tech 20:10 - AI-Generated Video and the Wild Future of Media 21:55 - AI Search and the Changing Behavior Around Google 23:30 - Real-Time Translation with Android XR Glasses 25:05 - Will Smart Glasses Finally Go Mainstream? 27:00 - Google’s Ecosystem Advantage in AI Integration 29:00 - Why Google Glass Was Too Early 30:50 - Stripe Sessions & Corporate AI Investments 32:30 - AI as a Productivity Tool, Not a Layoff Excuse 34:15 - Freelance Client Discovery: Ask the Right Questions 36:00 - What Makes a $30K+ Project Work 37:40 - From $1.8K Projects to $275K+ Consulting Deals 39:10 - Auditing AI-Generated Code Responsibly 40:15 - Why Now Is the Time to Learn AI Tools as a Developer 42:00 - Final Thoughts: Real Problems great than Shiny Tech 43:00 - Ask Danny & Leon: Questions to Ask Freelance Clients

SpotifyYouTube
#28
•45 min•Multi-Platform

Devs Are Losing Job Offers Due to THESE Common Mistakes!

In this power-packed episode of The Programming Podcast, Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This Dot Labs) and Leon Noel (Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders) break down everything you need to know to get your first job in tech.We go deep on:- Recruiter secrets- Nailing behavioral interviews- Technical interview mindset- Salary negotiation mistakes- Job hunt strategy- Real stories from our own journeysWhether you're just getting started or stuck mid-hunt, this episode is your ultimate job search survival guide—with no fluff, just the actionable truth.We also share what it's like building free communities like 100Devs and Commit Your Code, why most people aren't prepared for their interviews, and how vibes (yes, vibes!) play a bigger role in hiring than you think.NEW SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!🎙️ Subscribe for more real talk about tech, careers, and making it in software.⏱️ Timestamps / Chapters00:00 – Intro: Why We’re Still Not Monetized01:03 – Do NOT Sign Exclusive Recruiter Agreements02:17 – Why Some Get Jobs Fast (And Most Don’t)03:36 – Reflections on the Biggest Guest Episode Ever05:00 – What Recruiters Really Do & Why They Can’t Mentor You09:48 – How to Prepare for Interview #112:00 – What “Being One of the Two” Really Takes14:45 – Honest Audit: Are You Actually Job Ready?17:00 – How to Strategize Your Resume & LinkedIn for Interviews21:00 – Behavioral Interview Tips That Actually Work23:00 – The Power of “Tell Me About Yourself”26:00 – Why You Must Research Companies Before Interviewing28:00 – Turning Interviews into Conversations30:00 – Asking the Right Questions (and the Wrong Ones)34:00 – How to Practice Behavioral Interview Questions36:00 – The Ball Rolling: Following Up the Smart Way38:00 – Momentum is Everything (Don’t Overinvest in One Job)40:00 – The Sales Mentality Behind a Successful Job Hunt42:00 – Technical Interviews: Think Out Loud or Fail Silently45:00 – The Real Point of the “Soft Tech / Half-Behavioral” Round48:00 – Storytime: Danny’s YouTube Startup Interview51:00 – Salary Negotiation on Your First Job54:00 – Why Your 3rd Job Will Always Outpay Your First58:00 – The Six-Figure First Job Trap (And Why It’s Misguided)1:01:00 – Optimize for the Long Game, Not the Big Number1:04:00 – Listener Question: Finding Your Why & Your Path1:07:00 – Time Management & Tech as a Launchpad1:10:00 – Why You’re Struggling with JavaScript Right Now1:13:00 – Building Something Real While Still Learning1:15:00 – Never Overpromise to Clients1:17:00 – Why Motivation Won’t Save You—Discipline Will1:18:20 – Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts

SpotifyYouTube
#27
•1h 0m•Multi-Platform

The Software Developer's AI Cheat Sheet Revealed

In this episode of The Programming Podcast, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel are joined by special guest Santiago, a machine learning engineer and teacher of the Machine Learning School cohort, for one of the most actionable and grounded AI discussions in tech today.We cut through the hype and dive deep into:- How AI is (and isn’t) replacing developers- Using AI as a co-pilot vs letting AI drive- Vector databases, embeddings, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)- Model Context Protocol (MCP), agent-based systems, and why no one agrees on what an agent is- The underhyped power of edge ML and TinyML- Real-world agent use cases (like automating DocuSign workflows)- Getting started with AI as a developer today — beyond building chatbotsFollow our Guest Co-host:https://x.com/svpinohttps://www.ml.school/https://www.youtube.com/@UCgLxmJ8xER7Y7sywMN5SfWg This episode is loaded with insights for junior devs, industry veterans, and anyone curious about building real AI-enhanced applications.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more developer-first conversations!⏱️ Timestamps & Chapters:0:00 – Will AI Replace Software Developers?0:45 – Embracing AI as a Developer Tool2:00 – Meet the Hosts and Guest (Danny, Leon, Santiago)3:20 – Leon’s AI Skepticism Journey4:30 – Why “AI Won’t Replace You, But Someone Using It Might”6:30 – Becoming a Solo Builder at Scale with AI8:15 – Real Examples of Using AI to Get More Done9:45 – AI and the Power of Prototyping11:00 – AI Co-pilot vs. You Co-piloting AI13:00 – Future of Tools Built for AI (MCP, A2A)14:40 – Shifting Between Developer Modes with AI17:00 – Intro to Vector Databases & Embeddings20:45 – What is Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)?23:00 – Large Context Windows vs RAG: Is RAG Still Relevant?25:30 – Indexing Speed & Clustering Explained with Spice Rack Analogy27:50 – Why Grounding Matters (Reducing Hallucinations in LLMs)31:00 – The Importance of the Ingestion Layer32:10 – Other Crucial AI Trends: MCP, Agent-to-Agent33:00 – Defining AI Agents (Why No One Agrees)35:00 – The Browser Wars of Agent Definitions36:30 – Overhyped vs Underrepresented AI Concepts38:00 – Specialized Tools for AI Builders39:45 – Agents Will Be the Next Microservices41:00 – Real-World Example: AI + DocuSign + Slack + Asana Integration43:00 – Underhyped: TinyML and AI on Edge Devices45:00 – Apple’s Adapter Strategy with LoRA Models47:00 – Companies Aren’t Ready to Train Custom Models Yet48:30 – Santiago’s Current AI Stack: Cursor, Windsurf, Tracer, and More50:30 – Specialized Tools for GitHub Issues, Jupyter Notebooks52:20 – Fine-Tuning Tools & Lightweight Model Training (DPO, RLHF)54:00 – Ask Danny, Leon & Santiago: How to Get Started in AI55:00 – First Project Ideas: RAG with YouTube, Building MCP Servers58:00 – Easy Agent Idea: Email Filter for Promotions59:00 – Leon’s Learning Stack: FastAI, MCP Docs, Replicate1:00:00 – Danny’s Favorite Beginner Project: Alt Text Generator1:00:25 – Wrap-Up and Goodbye

SpotifyYouTube
#26
•40 min•Multi-Platform

The Truth About Breaking Into Tech (They’re Not Telling You This)

"It's Not Just You!" This is one of our most powerful episodes yet.🔥 Real advice. Real experience. Real value. Hit that like & subscribe button to support more episodes like this!Follow our guest cohosts!Jeremy Parker:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrobinparker/Pariss Chandler:https://www.linkedin.com/in/pariss-chandler/Black Tech Pipeline: https://blacktechpipeline.com/Leah Thompson:https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahtcodeshttps://x.com/leahtcodeshttps://twitch.tv/leahtcodes/Yoo Jin (Yoon) Bae: - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bae-yoojin/Zac Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachery-wilson-792bb01b5/https://seedgeni.usNEW SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!In this episode of The Programming Podcast, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel are joined by an all-star panel of developers who broke into tech from completely non-traditional paths. From wax specialists and restaurant managers to teachers and project managers, this group didn’t just survive—they thrived.We get raw, real, and ridiculously honest:The lowest moments in their journeyWhy failing interviews was the best thing that ever happenedHow to navigate the AI wave without getting left behindThe truth about DevRel, layoffs, and today’s job marketHow networking, community, and building in public changed everythingIf you're learning to code, changing careers, or struggling to break into tech—this episode is for you. You'll walk away with not just hope, but a blueprint.🔥 Subscribe to The Programming Podcast for more real talk like this.🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.⏱️ YouTube Chapters0:00   The Truth About Breaking into Tech  1:14   Meet the Co-Hosts & Guests  3:21   How Everyone Got Into Tech  13:14  “Rock Bottom” Moments That Changed Everything  25:01  What They Wish They Learned Earlier (Hint: Testing & Fundamentals)  30:46  How AI Is Changing Tech Careers (And What to Do About It)  32:23  Smart Ways to Upskill with AI  39:17  Mental Health, Burnout, and Bad Weeks in Tech  45:47  How to Actually Break Into Tech in 2025  48:53  The Power of Networking & Building in Public  51:05  Unexpected Job Wins Through Community  54:00  Real Talk: The Market Has Changed (And Won’t Go Back)  58:45  Are You Ready for the New Reality of Tech Hiring?  1:04:00  “You Just Bombed Your Interview”—What We’d Say on the Bus  1:11:55  Final Stories, Motivation, and Getting That Bread

SpotifyYouTube
#25
•1h 13m•Multi-Platform

Stop Blaming Git! You’re Just Not Using It Right (Here’s How)

qIn this episode of The Programming Podcast, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel dive into the challenges of learning and teaching coding, especially in the era of AI-assisted development and vibe coding. From real stories inside their cohorts to practical Git strategies (merge vs rebase), they unpack what it takes to grow as a developer, the dangers of disconnection as you level up, and why some tools can actually hurt your learning if used incorrectly.They also take a passionate stance on the AI hype cycle, including a fiery response to the claim that “AI will write 100% of code in a year.” Tune in for a raw, thoughtful, and energizing conversation that covers practical dev advice, community insight, and why mentorship still matters more than ever.🔍 What You'll Learn in This Episode- The real difference between Git merge vs Git rebase — with analogies that finally make sense- How to teach complex technical concepts without "drawing the owl"- Why junior developers struggle with AI tools (and how to actually learn from them)- The rise of vibe coding and where it actually works — and where it fails- How to write effective commit messages using professional Git conventions- The danger of using Git GUIs without understanding terminal commands- How AI falls short when it comes to code maintenance and debugging- Why most AI-generated code isn’t production-ready without developer intervention- The role of structured team collaboration in mastering version control- What real-world developer workflows look like in enterprise-level software development- Why companies still haven’t adopted AI — and what that says about AI in the workplace- A breakdown of how to use AI terminals like Warp.dev to avoid Git mistakes- Honest commentary on the AI hype cycle, vibe coding trends, and the future of development⏱️ Chapters0:00 – The Disconnection of Expertise: Remembering what it’s like not to know1:18 – Vibe Coding and the "Death of Excuses"2:03 – Inside the Cohort: Crunch Time & Team Struggles3:01 – Weekly Demos and Learning Through Exposure3:53 – Merge Conflict Chaos: Why Git Rebase vs Merge5:14 – Teaching Git Rebase: Deck of Cards Analogy9:01 – Git for Teams: Saving Points, Commit Hygiene & Strategy12:46 – Push Your Commits! And Why Local-Only Isn’t Enough14:58 – The Merge vs Rebase Breakdown (Visual Metaphor)17:00 – When Rebase Becomes Default: Real Org Examples18:49 – Don’t Fear Git: Every Dev Messes It Up Sometimes20:05 – Learn Git in Context: Work with Teams, Not Solo21:19 – Commit Message Best Practices (And Why They Matter)24:26 – GitHub Integration Tips & the Power of Structured Messages25:03 – Should Juniors Use GUI Git Tools? Pros & Cons25:52 – How to Use AI Correctly as a Junior Developer27:00 – The Rise of Vibe Coding: What Works, What Doesn’t28:03 – Maintenance with AI? Not Even Close Yet29:16 – The Anthropic CEO Hot Take & Dev Skepticism30:29 – AI Hype and the Dev Community’s Trust Problem31:06 – Devs Know Better: Why AI Claims Don’t Land32:07 – Shoutout to Indian Rapper Whankind & Community Uplift32:49 – $25/Week Discord Groups?! Rant Incoming34:03 – Free is better than Paid: Why We’re Building a Better Community35:03 – Real Vibe Coding Test at This Dot Labs36:40 – Vibe Coding Is Fun, But Logic Is Still King38:00 – Final Thoughts on Vibe Coding: MVPs vs. Long-Term Projects39:01 – What’s Next: Choosing Tools That Help You Grow

SpotifyYouTube
#24
•1h 13m•Multi-Platform

The Art of the DM: Proven Networking Hacks That Actually Get Replies

In this episode of The Programming Podcast, hosts Danny Thompson and Leon Noel dive deep into the art and science of professional networking. Whether you’re just building relationships or in “hit listing” mode to land your next job, learn why cold DMs rarely work—and what does. From warming up prospects with genuine engagement and “nerd bait” to volunteering and shared interests, Danny and Leon share real-world examples of outreach tactics that actually get responses. Plus, discover how to add value in every interaction, transition seamlessly from casual conversation to asking for a call, and keep your network “hot” even when you’re not job hunting. Stick around for our Ask Danny & Leon segment, where we tackle listener questions on maintaining strong connections during turbulent times.🔥 Real advice. Real experience. Real value. Hit that like & subscribe button to support more episodes like this!NEW SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!What you will learn in this episode:- Networking Modes: Understand the two distinct phases—general networking for relationship-building vs. hit listing when you’re actively job hunting- Cold DM Strategy: Learn why cold outreach often flops and how to avoid the “ask-first” pitfall- Lead Warming: Master warming up leads via strategic content engagement (likes, comments) before sliding into DMs- Value-Driven Outreach: Craft value-first messages that show clear benefits to your contact- Visibility Amplification: Boost your presence and social proof through consistent public engagement- Long-Term ROI: Discover why ongoing relationship building drives outsized returns over time🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and hit the bell icon for more insights from industry leaders.Chapter0:00 Intro & Networking Modes 1:31 Messaging Mistakes & Disconnects 5:04 Warming Up: The Art of the DM 12:17 Volunteering & Shared Interests 15:03 Nerd Bait: Sparking Conversations 20:52 Value-Driven Outreach 28:01 Hit Listing: Job-Seeker Phase 37:55 Ask Danny & Leon: Keeping Networks Warm 44:27 Outro & Key Takeaways

SpotifyYouTube
#23
•45 min•Multi-Platform

Angular Isn’t Dead. You Just Stopped Paying Attention.

In this powerhouse episode of The Programming Podcast, hosts Danny Thompson and Leon Noel sit down with Mark Techson — DevRel at Google and a longtime educator — to dive deep into Angular, DevRel, tech education, and how to create transformational learning experiences. From Google I/O prep to why Angular still thrives in enterprise environments, Mark opens up about his journey from teaching in churches to influencing thousands of developers globally. Whether you're React-curious, Angular-biased, or figuring out your tech journey — this episode will challenge how you think about frameworks, developer growth, and what success really looks like in this industry.🔥 Real advice. Real experience. Real value. Hit that like & subscribe button to support more episodes like this!NEW SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!💡 Topics covered:What DevRel actually does at GoogleAngular’s evolution and futureSignals, hydration, and bleeding-edge web techDeveloper education and breaking down hard conceptsThe mindset shift from junior to impactful developerPowerful personal stories on teaching, mentorship, and legacy in tech0:00 Intro01:05 - Meet Your Hosts: Danny, Leon, and Mark02:00 - What is DevRel *Really*?05:00 - A Day in the Life of DevRel at Google08:00 - Why Fortune 500 Companies Still Use Angular10:35 - Modernizing Angular: Signals, Hydration & More13:10 - How Google Listens to the Developer Community15:25 - Angular's Opt-In Philosophy & Avoiding Breaking Changes16:45 - What Caused the Angular Perception Problem?19:45 - Rebuilding Angular’s Image & Modern Relevance22:00 - Transformational Education: Teaching Angular Differently25:00 - Creating Talks That Change Worldviews27:00 - From Church to Code: The Roots of a Great Communicator29:00 - Evolving Notions of Success in Tech Careers32:00 - Life Lessons: From Struggle to Strategic Planning36:30 - Impact Through Mentorship & Developer Cohorts40:10 - Cohort Project Spotlight: Smart Tenant Solution42:00 - The Power of Being a Hard Worker with a Plan44:00 - Learning to Learn: Avoiding Accidental Days46:05 - Teaching Moments: Students Who Were Meant for This47:00 - Listener Question: How Far Down the JavaScript Rabbit Hole?50:00 - Why JavaScript + TypeScript Still Makes Sense54:00 - Danny’s Rant: Don't Just Trust Random Internet Advice56:30 - Final Thoughts & Farewell

SpotifyYouTube
#22
•39 min•Multi-Platform

Software Engineer at Meta Shares Career Advice You Won’t Hear Elsewhere

Welcome to this power-packed episode of The Programming Podcast featuring hosts Leon Noel and Danny Thompson with special guest Andy Wong. In this in‐depth conversation, the trio dives into what it really means to be a mature engineer—one who not only masters technical skills but also leads by advocating for junior engineers. They share personal experiences from diverse tech backgrounds (from startups and boot camps to big tech giants like Meta, Google, Amazon, and Wayfair), discuss the art of “two‐way door engineering” (making decisions that are reversible versus irreversible), and explore career strategy in an ever-evolving industry.🔥 Real advice. Real experience. Real value. Hit that like & subscribe button to support more episodes like this!NEW SITE https://www.programmingpodcast.com/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Throughout this 73‑minute episode, you’ll hear about:• Mentorship & Advocacy: How investing in your juniors and empowering teams can drive both personal and organizational success.• Career Growth & Decision-Making: The importance of taking risks, learning iteratively, and knowing when a decision is reversible—what Andy calls “two‑way door engineering.”• Navigating Different Work Cultures: The trade-offs between startup agility and the structure of big tech, including insights into job hopping and innovation.• Work-Life Balance & Burnout Prevention: Real talk about managing your time, setting boundaries, and keeping the passion alive without burning out.• Listener Q&A: A candid response to a listener’s question about whether it’s too late to start learning tech later in life.If you’re passionate about personal growth, leadership in engineering, and practical career advice—all delivered with honesty, humor, and a genuine commitment to helping others—this episode is for you.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and hit the bell icon for more insights from industry leaders.Chapters0:00 – Intro1:16 – Meet the Hosts & Guest: Andy Wong2:47 – Why Andy Was Requested (and Requested Himself)4:10 – The Many Faces of Andy Wong6:05 – The Boston Connection & Early Days7:00 – Mentorship Through Wayfair & Lab Zero10:46 – Teaching SQL and Explaining Backends13:18 – Internal Advocacy and Following Up15:20 – The Senior Engineer's Real Role: Advocacy18:29 – Defining Seniority vs. Management19:48 – Startups vs. Big Tech: Myths & Trade-offs25:17 – Job-Hopping and Career Longevity26:32 – Startups and the Illusion of Innovation30:06 – The Power of Risk: Two-Way Door Engineering33:32 – How Meta Encourages Fast Iteration38:05 – Personal Risk Tolerance & Career Strategy41:06 – Keeping Your Head on Straight44:42 – Avoiding Burnout & Setting Boundaries46:09 – The Grind for Early-Career Devs50:58 – The Truth Behind 1:1s & Early Confidence54:00 – You Don’t Need Permission to Grow56:03 – Rest vs. Recovery: Knowing the Difference58:17 – Motivation, Momentum & Being Petty1:05:00 – Building Projects for Impact (and Spite)1:08:03 – Too Old To Code?!

SpotifyYouTube
#21
•57 min•Multi-Platform

How Top Learners Pick What to Learn First?

You asked. We answered.In this very special Q&A episode, Danny and Leon tackle real questions from listeners about getting hired, staying motivated, and managing your learning and tasks as a developer. Whether you're applying to 20 jobs a day with no response, feeling overwhelmed by your dev role, or trying to bounce back after a layoff — this is the real talk you need to hear.🔥 Real advice. Real experience. Real value. Hit that like & subscribe button to support more episodes like this!💡 Sponsor: Level Up Financial PlanningChanging careers or increasing your income? Get financial clarity with Level Up Financial Planning—helping early and mid-career tech professionals secure their financial future. Visit LevelUpFinancialPlanning.com for a free consultation!Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!🚀 What You'll Learn in This Episode:✔️How to stop being a “click apply” job hunter✔️The tools and strategies to learn more effectively (and not forget everything)✔️Recovering after a layoff with structure and momentum✔️Why your calendar is the ultimate productivity weapon✔️Pomodoro, Anki, space repetition, and real talk on burnoutChapters0:00 - All good things come from consistency 0:36 - Stop using your calendar wrong 0:53 - How to learn more effectively with less effort 1:06 - Welcome to the Q&A episode! 2:10 - How the podcast is doing (stats + milestones) 3:02 - The Programming Podcast website is live 4:07 - Just keep showing up 5:00 - Surprise questions for Leon 5:51 - “I apply to 20 jobs a day and only get scam responses” 6:58 - The problem with just clicking “apply” 8:01 - Resume audit and using ATS checkers 9:01 - Auditing your job hunt process 10:17 - Fill your calendar with value (even for job hunting) 11:28 - Being a connector in your network 12:00 - SPONSORED13:07 - “I landed a junior DevOps role… how do I manage my workload?” 15:09 - Why note-taking doesn’t actually work 17:17 - How we forget what we just learned 18:00 - Take questions, not notes (active recall tip) 18:58 - How to use Anki & spaced repetition 19:28 - Duolingo, language learning & space repetition 20:57 - Learn your priorities 22:01 - Block your work on the calendar like tasks 23:09 - Defend your learning time like a meeting 24:43 - Recharge hard: why scheduling helps your mental health 26:07 - A packed calendar = progress 27:26 - Work/life balance with non-negotiables 27:33 - “I was laid off and I’m feeling lost. What now?” 28:34 - How to build a structured recovery after layoff 30:00 - Break big goals into daily tasks to avoid burnout 31:20 - Network, connect, talk to people 33:43 - What does “laser focused” job hunting actually mean? 35:00 - Don’t get distracted by hype tech — learn what matters 36:40 - Closing thoughts + how to reach us 37:32 - Spotify shoutouts + where to subscribe 38:34 - Why value per minute is the goal of this podcast

SpotifyYouTube
#20
•42 min•Multi-Platform

He has worked at Netflix, Apple, Amazon and now... 🤯

What’s it like working at Netflix, Apple, Amazon, AND now??? 🤯In this episode of The Programming Podcast, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel sit down with Robbie Wagner—Ember core team member, Staff Engineer at HashiCorp, and co-host of Whiskey Web and Whatnot—to talk about his journey through some of the world’s most recognized tech companies.Grab a glass (of whiskey or water), and let’s go deep on career, code, and community.🎧 Follow Robbie and his podcast: Whiskey Web and Whatnothttps://www.youtube.com/@UCogup1kGwxzjKjkAwUhVYEw https://open.spotify.com/show/19jiuHAqzeKnkleQUpZxDfFollow Robbie!https://x.com/RobbieTheWagnerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiethewagner/https://bsky.app/profile/robbiethewagner.devStay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!They cover:- The future of AI-generated code (and whether it’s useful)- Why Robbie still loves EmberJS- What it actually feels like to leave your "dream job"- How to prepare for FAANG (or Manoma) interviews- Why mentorship may be the real key to success⏱️ Chapter Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Meet Robbie Wagner (Netflix, Apple, Amazon, HashiCorp)02:00 – The “Manoma” Acronym Explained03:42 – AI Will Write 90% of Code? Our Hot Takes07:00 – Where AI Fails and Why Documentation Still Matters10:55 – How AI is Changing the Code Economy13:17 – EmberJS, Framework Evolution & Why React Might Be Subpar18:30 – Are We Chasing Hype Instead of Building Real Things?21:00 – Working at Amazon, Apple, Netflix: Pros & Cons26:35 – The Toxic Culture That Made Him Quit29:00 – Interview Prep for Big Tech (LeetCode, STAR, and Strategy)32:45 – What HashiCorp’s Interview Process Got Right34:00 – Advice for People Who See FAANG as the Dream36:00 – Defining Success Later in Your Career37:10 – Mentorship, Scaling Help, and Developer Growth39:08 – Preparing for a “Manoma” Interview41:40 – Final Thoughts & Closing Thanks

SpotifyYouTube
#19
•53 min•Multi-Platform

What Recruiters Won't Tell You: How to Stand Out and Get Hired in Tech

Break down why you might not be getting hired—and what you can do about it! They share actionable insights on everything from personalized coffee chats and networking strategies to optimizing your LinkedIn profile, resume, and interview approach. Whether you’re a junior developer or a seasoned pro, you’ll discover practical tips to refine your outreach, communicate your value effectively, and tap into hidden job opportunities beyond the usual boards.Key Takeaways:• Coffee Chats & Networking: Learn how to craft genuine, personalized messages that open doors instead of closing them.• LinkedIn & Profile Optimization: Find out why a strong online presence is critical, and how to audit your messaging and profile to stand out.• Resume & Interview Strategy: Discover the importance of clear, confident self-presentation—from your resume’s first bullet point to actively engaging during technical interviews.• Job Boards & Beyond: Get insider advice on leveraging company career pages and alternative strategies to traditional job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed.Remember, every little tweak—from your messaging to the way you present your experience—can tip the scales in your favor. Tune in for a deep dive into these strategies and start making your job search work for you!Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!────────────────────────────Chapters:0:00 – Introduction & Community Shout-Out2:00 – Episode Topic: Why You Haven't Been Hired?3:00 – Coffee Chats & Networking Strategies10:00 – Leveraging LinkedIn: Messaging & Engagement Tips25:00 – Resume & Profile Optimization: Make a Great First Impression41:00 – Interview Strategies: Engaging & Communicating Your Value51:00 – Job Boards & Finding Opportunities57:00 – Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts────────────────────────────

SpotifyYouTube
#18
•53 min•Multi-Platform

The 4 Programming Projects You Can Build To Get A Job In Tech

Dive deep into the realities of technical interviews, networking, and the mindset needed to land a job in tech.We break down real-world one-on-one coaching experiences, analyze why some candidates struggle despite getting interviews, and share practical strategies to level up your job search and technical prep.💡 Sponsor: Level Up Financial PlanningChanging careers or increasing your income? Get financial clarity with Level Up Financial Planning—helping early and mid-career tech professionals secure their financial future. Visit LevelUpFinancialPlanning.com for a free consultation!Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!🚀 What You'll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Why networking gets you interviews, but skills land the job✔️ The importance of coffee chats & how to get them✔️ How to approach technical interviews (LeetCode, system design & more)✔️ The one mistake that keeps candidates from getting hired✔️ Mindset shifts that separate successful job seekers from the rest💬 Drop a comment below with your biggest takeaway from the episode! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform: [Insert Links]📱 Follow us on Twitter: @DThompsonDev | @LeonNoel🔗 Join the 100Devs & Resilient Coders communities: [Insert Links]📌 Timestamps & Chapters:0:00 - Intro: Welcome to The Programming Podcast!0:48 - Meet your hosts: Danny Thompson & Leon Noel1:21 - Behind-the-scenes: Our approach to unscripted podcasting2:19 - How networking is the secret weapon for job seekers4:26 - The power of real-world projects – How to stand out in interviews7:33 - Why most personal projects fail to impress hiring managers9:59 - Technical interview mistakes that cost you the job12:13 - The importance of coffee chats & how to make them work16:00 - Success stories: Breaking out of your comfort zone20:27 - Why just applying online won’t work (and what to do instead)25:30 - How to fix your LeetCode & technical interview struggles31:28 - Breaking the “No Degree” barrier – What companies really mean37:41 - DSA strategy: The only 14 patterns you need to know42:00 - How to communicate effectively in a coding interview46:10 - Ask Danny & Leon: Avoiding burnout & time management tips52:00 - Final thoughts: The real grind behind success

SpotifyYouTube
#17
•47 min•Multi-Platform

The Career Advice Every Software Developer NEEDS to Hear! - with James Q Quick

Ever felt overlooked at work? Struggled with technical interviews? Wondering how to stand out in your career? We’ve got you covered!📢 In this episode of The Programming Podcast, hosts Danny Thompson, Leon Noel, and special Co-host James Q Quick dive deep into overcoming fear, taking action in your career, and the immense value of networking in tech. 🚀Connect with James Q Quick!https://x.com/jamesqquickhttps://www.youtube.com/c/jamesqquickhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesqquick/https://www.jamesqquick.com/https://www.compressed.fm/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!🔥 Topics Covered:- The importance of being vocal about your work- Why quiet wins often go unnoticed in the workplace- How networking changed our careers (and how it can change yours)- Preparing for technical interviews & overcoming fear- James Q Quick’s journey into full-time content creation & the struggles behind it- The reality of career ups and downs in techAnd much more!⏰ Chapters & Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction & What Networking Really Means2:10 - James Q Quick Joins the Podcast5:50 - The Power of Work-Life Balance in Tech10:21 - Overcoming Fear & The Impact of Taking Action15:08 - The Importance of Being Vocal About Your Work19:50 - James Q Quick’s Journey to Full-Time Content Creation25:26 - The Challenges & Reality of Content Creation30:45 - Why Networking is a Cheat Code for Career Growth35:41 - Real Stories of How Networking Landed Jobs38:12 - How to Overcome Fear in Technical Interviews42:27 - Practical Strategies for Crushing Coding Interviews47:03 - Closing Thoughts & Commit Your Code Conference Announcement📌 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more career advice, tech insights, and programming discussions! 🚀

SpotifyYouTube
#16
•39 min•Multi-Platform

How To Problem Solve More Effectively As A Software Engineer

Today we break down why problem-solving skills—not just syntax—get you hired and how you can level up your ability to tackle challenges on your own. This is how to problem solve in a better way!💡 Sponsor: Level Up Financial PlanningChanging careers or increasing your income? Get financial clarity with Level Up Financial Planning—helping early and mid-career tech professionals secure their financial future. Visit LevelUpFinancialPlanning.com for a free consultation!Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!🚀 Key topics include:✅ How to shift from "asking for help first" to independent problem-solving✅ The importance of system design for career growth✅ Why reading code, exploring open-source projects, and practicing real-world coding scenarios is crucial✅ How to improve your technical interview strategy with step-by-step breakdowns✅ The power of community, learning resources, and mentorshipIf you're looking to stand out as a developer, whether you're a junior breaking into tech or a mid-career dev leveling up, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to develop the mindset of a problem-solver!📌 Chapters & Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Are You Over-Reliant on Help?1:04 – Meet the Hosts: Danny & Leon’s Take on Problem Solving2:44 – Seeing the Bigger Picture: Jeep Wranglers, Coffee & Coding4:06 – The Key to Nailing Technical Interviews: Process Over Syntax8:02 – Scaling Up: Thinking Beyond the Code You Write12:17 – Sponsor Break: Level Up Financial Planning14:00 – Why System Design Matters & How to Get Started16:00 – How to Improve Your Debugging & Researching Skills25:04 – The Role of Community & Networking in Becoming a Stronger Dev32:02 – Q&A: My Boss Said I Need to Be More Independent—What Should I Do?38:00 – Final Thoughts: Building Long-Term Career Success

SpotifyYouTube
#15
•56 min•Multi-Platform

React 19! Some features explained + Networking with Shruti Kapoor

Join hosts Danny Thompson, Leon Noel, and Shruti Kapoor as they dive into the secrets of professional growth in tech. In this episode, they explore why networking is your greatest asset—even if you only have 15–30 minutes a day—and how to stay relevant in today’s fast-paced industry. From navigating the hidden job market to leveraging React 19’s game-changing features like streamlined forms, actions, and the useOptimistic hook, this episode is packed with actionable tips for developers at every level.Connect with Shruti!https://x.com/shrutikapoor08https://www.youtube.com/@shrutikapoor08https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrutikapoor08/Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Learn how to:- Maintain and grow your network even with a busy schedule- Use React 19’s new capabilities to simplify your code and improve UI responsiveness- Strategically migrate legacy codebases to React 19 without major disruptions- Adopt better design patterns and custom hooks to write scalable, maintainable code- Build a personal “brag book” and living document to track your career achievements- Find fulfillment both at work and beyond by taking ownership of your professional growthWhether you’re a junior developer looking to break into tech or a seasoned pro aiming to stay ahead, these insights will help you navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape.Chapters & Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: The Power of Networking & 15-Minute Growth Hacks1:09 – Host Introductions & Email Story: Losing Momentum in Your Network4:33 – Why Maintaining Your Network is Crucial for Job Opportunities5:39 – Networking Strategies: 15-Minute Daily Tasks to Stay Top of Mind9:01 – The Hidden Job Market: How Networking Opens Doors in Tech14:03 – React in 2025: Is It Still the Go-To Technology?18:55 – React 19 Spotlight: Streamlining Forms with Actions24:05 – Understanding useOptimistic: Instant UI Feedback & Faster Experiences27:03 – Migrating to React 19: A Step-by-Step Approach for Large Codebases31:01 – Design Patterns & Custom Hooks: Building Better, Scalable Code36:42 – Optimizing Performance: React Profiler & Avoiding Excessive Prop Drilling42:58 – Audience Q&A: Improving Yourself in a Small Company46:03 – Brag Book & Living Document: Tracking Your Achievements48:02 – Finding Fulfillment Beyond Your Day Job: Mentorship & Volunteering50:00 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up: Taking Ownership of Your Career

SpotifyYouTube
#14
•49 min•Multi-Platform

Response Time CUT IN HALF With This JavaScript Feature!

"Single flight mutations can literally cut your app’s response time in HALF!""Web performance should come first—everything else is secondary."Welcome to The Programming Podcast! In this episode, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel are joined by Dev Agrawal, core maintainer of Solid JS and organizer of Momentum Conference. This conversation dives deep into modern web development, performance optimizations, and community building.Connect With Dev Agrawal!https://www.youtube.com/@UCDXzM8ijdxkVA6NbQiQCKaghttps://x.com/devagrawal09https://www.linkedin.com/in/dev-agr/Solid JS Docshttps://www.solidjs.com/Topics Covered in This Episode:- Why Volunteering at Conferences is a Cheat Code – Learn how volunteering can help you level up in tech.- Solid JS vs. React – A deep dive into why Solid JS is shaking up frontend development.- Single Flight Mutations – A game-changing performance technique that reduces request latency by 50%.- The Rise of Signals – What makes Signals so revolutionary in web frameworks like Angular and Solid?- Conference Organization & Sponsorships – Insights into running a successful developer conference.- Using AI for Learning – Should you feel bad for using ChatGPT to learn coding? (Spoiler: Absolutely not!)- How to Stay on the Cutting Edge of Tech – The mindset and resources that keep top engineers at the forefront.Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Whether you're a frontend developer, a conference organizer, or just passionate about new trends in web development, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and real talk from some of the best minds in tech.📖 Chapters & Timestamps:⏱️ 0:00 – Volunteering at Conferences: The Ultimate Cheat Code⏱️ 1:03 – Meet Your Hosts & Guest: Danny, Leon, & Dev⏱️ 2:01 – The Tweet That Started It All: The Importance of Nuance in Dev Discussions⏱️ 2:17 – Why Should You Use Solid JS? A Core Maintainer’s Perspective⏱️ 4:04 – React’s Mental Model vs. Solid’s Fine-Grained Reactivity⏱️ 6:18 – Why Solid JS Isn’t Mainstream (Yet) & Its Developer-First Approach⏱️ 8:09 – Performance-First Development: The Ryan Carniato Philosophy⏱️ 8:55 – Single Flight Mutations: How They Double Your Performance⏱️ 10:16 – Web Frameworks are Like a D&D Party: Why We Need Different Approaches⏱️ 11:38 – Why Top Devs Are Excited About Signals⏱️ 12:04 – Explaining Signals: The Future of State Management⏱️ 17:48 – The Angular Signals Effect: How It Revitalized Angular’s Reputation⏱️ 20:17 – The Story of Commit Your Code Conference: Running a Dev Conference on a Budget⏱️ 24:26 – The Reality of Sponsorships: Why Companies Struggle to Define ROI⏱️ 28:42 – Organizing a Developer Conference: Lessons from the Field⏱️ 32:07 – Should You Feel Bad for Using ChatGPT to Learn Code?⏱️ 42:45 – The Best Way to Learn Advanced Concepts in Programming⏱️ 46:37 – How to Stay on the Cutting Edge: Reading, Coding, & Experimentation⏱️ 49:09 – Wrap-Up: Final Thoughts & Podcast Outro

SpotifyYouTube
#13
•39 min•Multi-Platform

Deepseek made me cancel my ChatGPT subscription?!

In this episode, hosts Danny Thompson and Leon Noel dive deep into the AI revolution with a special focus on DeepSeek—a tool that impressed Danny so much he canceled his subscriptions to ChatGPT and Claude within just one hour of use! They explore how DeepSeek’s unique approach—especially its transparent, visible reasoning process—sets it apart from other AI models and what this means for developers and the broader tech industry. In this episode, you'll learn about: - How DeepSeek’s performance and cost-effectiveness challenge established AI tools - The importance of visible AI reasoning in reducing reprompts and increasing accuracy - Market implications, including reactions around Nvidia’s valuation and the future of AI investments - The potential shift from traditional SaaS products to dynamic agent-based models - How automation is transforming routine tasks—from code generation to call center operations - What this means for software developers and why strong problem-solving skills remain essential Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com! Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction: Meet Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This Dot Labs) and Leon Noel(Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders) 1:14 – DeepSeek’s First Impressions: Danny explains why DeepSeek outperformed ChatGPT & Claude 2:19 – Visible AI Reasoning: Discover how seeing the AI’s thought process can refine code generation 3:38 – Market Impact: Discussing market swings, Nvidia’s valuation, and cost-effectiveness 6:04 – Technical Integration: How DeepSeek works seamlessly with existing APIs 10:29 – Agent AI & Automation: The future of automated tasks and AI agent models 12:35 – The SaaS Evolution: Is this the beginning of the end for traditional SaaS products? 16:56 – Impact on Work & Jobs: How AI-driven automation could reshape industries like call centers 25:40 – Future of AI Agents: Exploring next-generation applications and agent models 32:33 – Developer Skills in the AI Era: Why coding and problem-solving remain critical 41:26 – Upcoming Episodes & Guests: Sneak peek at special guests like Dev Agrawal and Shruti Kapoor 42:23 – Closing Remarks: Final thoughts and a call for community engagement

SpotifyYouTube
#12
•53 min•Multi-Platform

How to ACTUALLY Freelance and get a paying client

In this episode, Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at ThisDot Labs) and Leon Noel (Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders) dive deep into the realities of freelancing as a web developer. They discuss how to land your first clients, effectively communicate your value, set prices (and get paid!), use contracts to protect yourself, and grow your network so that freelancing becomes a reliable source of income. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your freelance hustle to the next level, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and real-world experiences. What You’ll Learn: - Why the hardest part of freelancing isn’t coding—it’s finding clients. - Proven strategies to identify potential clients in your existing network and local community. - How to confidently discuss budgets and pricing (including when and how to ask for deposits). - Why clear communication and regular updates with clients are crucial. - How to scale your freelance business from small gigs to larger, high-paying projects. - Tips on contracts, scope, and protecting yourself legally. - Balancing building new features vs. maintaining projects—and deciding which is best for you. - If you’ve been unsure about how to start freelancing or how to level up your current freelance work, this video is for you. Shout out to our Sponsor Level Up Planning, Lucas Casarez https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/ Stay in Touch: 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com! Danny Thompson https://x.com/DThompsonDev https://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDev www.DThompsonDev.com Leon Noel https://x.com/leonnoel https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/ https://100devs.org/ 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com! Chapters & Timestamps 0:00 – Intro & The Hardest Part of Freelancing Danny and Leon share their thoughts on why actually getting clients is tougher than the coding or deployment work itself. 2:01 – Why Freelancing is a Crucial Skill Leon explains why freelancing can be life-changing and why every developer should consider it. 3:05 – Cold Calling & First Client Strategies They discuss the reality of cold calling, the grit required, and how to improve your pitch to win your first projects. 4:00 – Start with Your Existing Network Learn why your friends, family, and local connections are often the best way to find your initial freelancing gigs. 8:01 – Figuring Out Budgets & Pricing How to talk about money without scaring away clients—and why you should ask the client for their ballpark budget. 9:00 – Danny’s First Paid Gig Story Hear how Danny sold his very first website to a local restaurant and what he learned in the process. 11:55 Sponsor Lucas Casarez 18:25 – Transitioning from Small to Large Projects Danny shares how his freelancing evolved from smaller projects to more complex (and better-paying) contracts. 23:30 – Setting Payment Terms & Deposits Why you should always ask for a deposit and how it filters out difficult clients. 28:00 – Contracts & Legal Protection Key contract clauses to include, such as ownership of work until final payment and liability protection. 33:10 – Maintaining vs. Delivering & Walking Away Deciding whether you want to offer ongoing maintenance plans or simply provide a project handoff. 40:00 – Turning One-Off Clients into Evergreen Clients Practical tips on establishing long-term relationships and retaining clients for continuous work. 47:00 – Q&A: Being the Solo Dev in a Company Advice for someone struggling with skill growth when they’re the only developer at their workplace. 52:02 – Final Tips: Tackle the Hard Stuff First Danny shares his strategy for handling the most challenging tasks early in the day to boost productivity and confidence.

SpotifyYouTube
#11
•48 min•Multi-Platform

TAKE ACTION: Overcoming Fear and Building a Tech Career That Lasts

In this episode of The Programming Podcast, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel dive deep into the topics of consistency, networking, and the actionable steps that can help you achieve your career goals in tech. Whether you’re trying to break into the industry, level up to a senior role, or simply stay on track with your New Year’s resolutions, this episode is packed with advice, real-world anecdotes, and motivational insights to keep you moving forward.We cover:The power of networking: Why building connections is critical, how to send effective messages, and what you should avoid.Consistency and goal-setting: How writing down your goals and staying accountable can create lasting change.Overcoming fear and self-doubt: Tips to push through the fear of rejection and take the first step toward success.Real-life success stories: Hear how people have transformed their careers with simple but effective actions.The importance of action: Why taking even small steps daily can create exponential growth over time.If you’ve ever wondered how to get a coffee chat, write a cold message that gets a response, or break through the mental blocks holding you back, this is the episode for you.Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!If you enjoyed this video, please Like, Share, and Subscribe for more tech career insights and tutorials.Chapters0:00 -Introduction: Learning from ConversationsDanny and Leon reflect on their experiences helping thousands of people and how common trends emerge in success and failure.1:05 -Welcome to The Programming PodcastDanny and Leon introduce themselves, the podcast, and how listener feedback fuels their motivation.2:12 -Leon’s Wildfires and Community SupportLeon shares his experience dealing with wildfires, his community’s incredible support, and the value of consistency in building trust.4:35 -The Power of Showing Up ConsistentlyLeon explains how consistency has been the foundation of his success, even in difficult situations.6:08 -How Your Goals Reflect Your ActionsDanny and Leon discuss the importance of keeping your goals visible to stay motivated and accountable.10:05 -Why People Break Their New Year’s ResolutionsExploring the concept of "Quitter’s Day" and common mistakes people make when building habits.13:02 -Identity and Goal Setting: Key to ConsistencyLeon dives into how adopting an identity tied to your goals helps maintain motivation.16:30 -Making Your Goals VisibleDanny shares his system for writing goals on index cards and keeping them in sight as a daily reminder.20:00 -Planning Your Days with IntentWhy planning your days, weeks, and years intentionally is crucial for long-term success.23:06 -Networking: A Game-Changer for Your CareerThe importance of networking and how it’s helped people land jobs, build opportunities, and grow professionally.27:14 -Overcoming Fear and Taking ActionLeon discusses how fear and self-doubt hold people back and why taking that first step is critical.30:00 -Danny’s First Freelance ProjectDanny shares how a conversation at a restaurant led to his first freelance web development project.40:52 -How to Write a Great Coffee Chat MessageTips and strategies for crafting personalized, effective messages that get responses.50:00 -Consistency in Podcasting and Helping OthersDanny and Leon talk about their commitment to showing up for the podcast and scaling their impact.54:01 -Final Thoughts and Call to ActionDanny and Leon encourage listeners to take action & network.

SpotifyYouTube
#10
•1h 2m•Multi-Platform

Front-End vs. Full Stack: The TRUTH About Your First Coding Job

In this episode, Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This Dot Labs) and Leon Noel (Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders) tackle a big question: Is front-end development alone enough to land your very first job in tech? They discuss the pros and cons of front-end–only roles, why understanding the full stack can open more doors, and how crucial it is to balance skill-building with networking. They also share common mistakes junior developers make—from not reading error messages to failing to ask questions on the job—and offer strategies for building a strong portfolio and passing the “smell test” in interviews. Plus, they answer a listener’s question about average recruiter response times and how to handle being left in the dark after an initial screen. Whether you’re just starting your coding journey or already in a junior role, this conversation will help you navigate the job hunt and thrive in your first developer position. Stay in Touch: 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! Danny Thompson https://x.com/DThompsonDev https://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDev www.DThompsonDev.com Leon Noel https://x.com/leonnoel https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/ https://100devs.org/ 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! If you enjoyed this video, please Like, Share, and Subscribe for more tech career insights and tutorials. CHAPTERS 0:00 – Why Your Summary Statement Matters 1:07 – Meet the Hosts (Danny & Leon) + Episode Introduction 1:45 – Is Front-End Development Enough for a First Tech Job? 9:50 – Skills vs. Networking: Which Unlocks More Opportunities? 14:30 – Building Fundamentals & Avoiding ‘Tutorial Hell’ 17:00 – Common Junior Mistake: Not Reading Error Messages 20:00 – Why ‘Calculator Apps’ & ‘Weather Apps’ Aren’t Enough 21:00 – Perception & Passing the ‘Smell Test’ 27:00 – Reading Documentation & Understanding the Full System 33:00 – Ask Questions or Lose Your Job: Communication Is Key 36:00 – Finding Your Niche & Taking Ownership 38:00 – Q&A: Average Wait Time for Recruiter Responses 45:10 – Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts

SpotifyYouTube
#9
•56 min•Multi-Platform

How YOU Can Learn To Code in 2025 Part 2

In this Part 2 discussion, Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This.Dot Labs) and Leon Noel (Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders & founder of 100Devs) share their insights on how to start learning to code, the best free resources, and the power of community. They tackle whether coding bootcamps are worth it, why free platforms like FreeCodeCamp and 100Devs can be game-changers, and how to overcome the common pitfalls (like tutorial hell). They also talk about building real projects, finding your support network, and carving out time to invest in your future self. Topics Covered in This Video: Why you don’t have to break the bank to learn to code The pros and cons of bootcamps Essential resources like FreeCodeCamp, 100Devs, CS50, and more Learning how to learn: active recall, spaced repetition, and building projects Setting aside “4% of your day” to code The importance of community and cohort-based learning Overcoming fear, anxiety, and impostor syndrome to reach your goals Mentioned Resources & Links: FreeCodeCamp 100Devs (Discord: discord.gg/100Devs) CS50 (Harvard’s Intro to Computer Science) Learning How to Learn (Coursera) Anki (Spaced Repetition Software) The Odin Project MOOC.fi (University of Helsinki) About the Speakers: Danny Thompson: Director of Technology at This.Dot Labs, previously worked in gas stations, self-taught coding journey, and now a community leader helping others break into tech. Leon Noel: Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders, founder of 100Devs, and former Distinguished Faculty at General Assembly. Dedicated to making coding education accessible to everyone. Stay in Touch: 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! If you enjoyed this video, please Like, Share, and Subscribe for more tech career insights and tutorials. Chapter Timestamps 0:00 Introduction & Part 2 Overview 1:07 Why Bootcamp Owners Get Mad About Free Options 2:20 The Value of Free Resources (FreeCodeCamp, 100Devs, CS50) 8:05 Beware of Predatory Bootcamps & ISAs 12:35 Cohort-Based Learning & Community Support 19:10 Tools for Learning: Git, Terminal, & UI Tools 26:00 The “4% Rule” – Making Yourself a Priority 31:40 Building Real Projects (Avoiding Tutorial Hell) 35:10 Additional Free Resources (MOOC.fi, etc.) 36:20 Importance of Community & Finding Your Tribe 43:00 Work Ethic, Motivation, & Overcoming Obstacles 49:00 Q&A: Doing It Afraid vs. Honoring Your Feelings 56:45 Closing Thoughts & Goodbyes

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#8
•1h 1m•Multi-Platform

How YOU Can Learn To Code in 2025

In this episode, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel tackle the hot topic of AI “replacing” developers and why that’s not happening any time soon. They discuss the right mindset for learning to code, tips for staying motivated (even if friends and family don’t get it), and what to focus on in your very first tech job. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the hype or needed clarity on how to progress in your coding journey, this episode is for you. Key Topics: Why just “prompting AI” isn’t enough—and how real coding skills still matter How to stay motivated when your family or friends don’t understand your new path The difference between hype and actual skills needed for a successful tech career Strategies for learning to code efficiently (and what to avoid) What to focus on in your first six months as a developer (the four key pillars) Enjoy the conversation, and let us know if you want a deeper dive in a Part 2! 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! Danny Thompson https://x.com/DThompsonDev https://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDev www.DThompsonDev.com Leon Noel https://x.com/leonnoel https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/ https://100devs.org/ 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! Chapters 00:00 – Intro & The 4 Things in Your First 6 Months Danny outlines the four key items you must focus on when starting your first dev role. 04:15 – How AI Hype Misleads New Developers They share why simply prompting AI tools isn’t a valid substitute for real coding logic. 11:05 – Overcoming Excuses & Bad Advice Learn why AI is the latest excuse stopping people from ever finishing their coding goals. 20:05 – Will AI Replace Devs in 5 Years? A realistic look at timelines, corporate adoption, and why coding skills remain essential. 25:00 – Setting the Stage for Learning Leon shares the mindset shifts you need for effective studying, plus dealing with life pressures. 35:00 – Build Projects to Truly Learn They stress how applying newly learned concepts in your own projects cements long-term knowledge. 49:00 – Part 2? They discuss whether to record a deeper follow-up; share your feedback in the comments. 50:30 – Ask Danny And Leon Danny breaks down code, process, team, and value—crucial focuses for your first six months. 57:40 – Relationship Building & Documentation Leon’s tips on never eating lunch alone, documenting questions, and setting review goals. 1:00:05 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up Closing remarks on staying motivated, focusing on evidence-based growth, and letting them know if you want more.

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#7
•54 min•Multi-Platform

The BEST Places to Invest Your Time in Tech Right Now in 2025!

Where should you invest YOUR time in tech? Are you trying to break into tech, learn to code, or just stay ahead in a rapidly evolving AI landscape? Key Topics Covered: Why consistent, daily coding practice beats “cramming” How to effectively network and stand out at meetups and hackathons The importance of learning fundamentals like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Linux, SQL, and Git Whether (and when) to dive into AI, LLMs, and machine learning Why “free” doesn’t mean “low quality” and how freeCodeCamp remains a top resource for millions How to pace your job search timeline—and why 6 months might be too short The future of AI, job prospects, and how to keep your skills relevant Enjoy the discussion, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into coding, careers, and the tech industry! In this episode of The Programming Podcast, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel sit down with Quincy Larson, founder of freeCodeCamp.org. This is the first guest episode we have ever had! We discuss the realities of learning to code, the importance of fundamentals, how to navigate AI hype, the true value of “free” educational resources, and much more. 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! Danny Thompson https://x.com/DThompsonDev https://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDev www.DThompsonDev.com Leon Noel https://x.com/leonnoel https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/ https://100devs.org/ 00:00 – Introduction 02:06 – The Power of Consistent Daily Practice 05:21 – Auditing Your Local Job Market 08:03 – Fundamental Skills vs. Frameworks 11:05 – The Evolving Complexity of React & Next.js 13:29 – How Quincy Got His First Dev Job 17:02 – Networking & Meetups: A Game Changer 19:07 – Today’s Job Market & ‘Impossible’ Myths 24:27 – College, Costs & Alternative Pathways 27:24 – “I Need a Dev Job in 6 Months!” 31:06 – Reframing Disappointment & Burnout 35:50 – Why ‘Free’ Doesn’t Mean ‘Low Quality’ 40:08 – Ask Quincy: AI & Building Your Own LLM 44:20 – The Future of AI & Open-Weight Models 48:30 – AI in Search, Ads & Monetization 51:30 – The Bottom Line on AI & Dev Careers 53:00 – Conclusion & Final Shout-Outs 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com!

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#6
•52 min•Multi-Platform

This is how I made the Commit Your Code Conference happen!

Ever wondered what it takes to plan a tech conference in just THREE MONTHS? 🤯 Join Danny Thompson and Leon Noel as they break down their experience organizing the Commit Your Code conference – from shoestring budgets and last-minute speakers to the surprising strategies that led to its success! Join Leon Noel (Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders) and Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This Dot Labs) as they take you behind the scenes of organizing a tech conference from scratch! 🚀 Last week we just hosted the Commit Your Code Conference with over 60 speakers! We trended Globally even though we were doing our conference the same week as AWS Re:invent! Here's how Danny Thompson did it. In this episode, Danny shares the journey of planning the Commit Your Code Conference, highlighting the challenges, lessons, and surprises along the way. From securing sponsors to managing a $11K budget, and ensuring accessibility for all attendees, this episode is packed with insights for aspiring community organizers and tech enthusiasts. 🖥️✨ 🔍 What we cover: How a one-time idea turned into a game-changing conference 💡 The secrets to creating an inclusive, affordable event! Unique strategies that kept the vibes fun and the networking meaningful 🤝 Hilarious behind-the-scenes moments and lessons learned along the way 🎉 Whether you're a conference attendee curious about what happens behind the curtain, or someone considering starting your own tech event, this episode has something for everyone. Plus, stay tuned for exciting updates about Commit Your Code 2025! 🎉 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! Danny Thompson https://x.com/DThompsonDev https://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDev www.DThompsonDev.com Leon Noel https://x.com/leonnoel https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/ https://100devs.org/ 0:00 Intro 1:18 The Spark: How It All Began 2:51 One and done conference, The Logistics 5:01 One speaker at the conference went through our cohort 6:25 Conference Sponsorships are not for the faint of heart 8:20 The Food and logistics for it 10:10 How can We create MORE organic conversations? 13:50 Shorter speaking times 17:01 Three Track Conference, Java, JavaScript and Cloud 18:30 We Trended Globally! 21:00 Community Building: Networking and Engagement 19:30 Two Conversations: Chris DeMars aka Saltnburn & Ghana Speaker Nii! 21:00 I want to address all pain points I have had at a conference 27:00 My strategy in planning 31:00 professional photographer giving headshots to attendee 35:35 Leon and Danny Laughing with an attendee 38:15 The Sponsors felt like they were PART of the event and not salesy 38:55 Educational Resources should be available for everyone 41:13 Ideas that were cut because of budget that we hope to do at CYC 2543:00 What if someone wants to start their own conference?51:06 Won't be shocked if this episode does bad lol 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com!

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#5
•38 min•Multi-Platform

Is Hiring Broken in tech?!

Are you struggling to stand out in today’s competitive tech job market? In this episode, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel discuss why companies claim there isn’t a “talent shortage” but rather a shortage of qualified talent. They dig into the importance of business use cases, how to continue growing your skills (both on and off the job), and why knowing the local tech stack matters. Plus, they introduce a new segment—Ask Danny & Leon—answering questions on how to leave a new job for a better opportunity and how to land your first freelance client. If you want to fast-track your career in tech, this is the episode for you! Topics Covered: Why there’s no shortage of junior developers—but there is a shortage of “qualified” devs How to demonstrate your qualifications and meet business needs The importance of continuous growth and staying current with market demands Navigating the 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year benchmarks in a new tech role Choosing the right tech stack based on your local market How to (tactfully) leave a brand-new job for a better offer Proven strategies to land your first freelance client 🔍 What you'll learn: - Why businesses often struggle with hiring "qualified" talent - How to align your skills with the needs of the market - Insights into creating a network of tech leaders and decision-makers - The importance of solving business problems as a developer - Real stories about freelancing, landing clients, and building value 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! Danny Thompson https://x.com/DThompsonDev https://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDev www.DThompsonDev.com Leon Noel https://x.com/leonnoel https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/ https://100devs.org/ 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! Chapters & Timestamps 0:00 Intro & Welcome 1:02 Forming a Meetup for CTOs & CEOs 3:15 Talent Shortage vs. Qualified Talent Shortage 6:04 The Cost of a Bad Hire 8:07 Landing a Job vs. Building a Career 11:59 Understanding 3, 6, and 9-Month Benchmarks 14:21 Aligning Skills with Local Tech Demands 20:03 New Segment: Ask Danny & Leon 20:58 Q1: Leaving a Job After Only 1 Month 29:20 Q2: Finding Your First Freelance Client 37:00 Wrap-Up & Next Steps Join hosts Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This Dot Labs) and Leon Noel (Managing Director of Resilient Coders) as they dive into the challenges and strategies of breaking into the tech industry and building a lasting career. 🚀 In this episode, Danny and Leon tackle one of the most pressing issues in tech today: the gap between available talent and qualified talent. They explore what it means to be a "qualified" candidate at all levels—junior, senior, and beyond—and share actionable tips for improving your marketability and career growth. 💡 Whether you're a new developer looking to get hired, a seasoned dev seeking to level up, or someone interested in the intersection of community building and career growth, this episode is packed with valuable advice and engaging stories. 💼✨

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#4
•40 min•Multi-Platform

HUGE Software Developer Mistakes That COST You Job Opportunities!

In this episode, Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This Dot Labs) and Leon Noel (Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders and Founder of 100Devs) dive deep into how to stand out in today’s competitive tech job market. They discuss common mistakes, the importance of qualifying yourself before you even get to the technical interview, the power of referrals, and what hiring managers are really looking for. They also share practical tips on: Customizing your résumé for every job application Leveraging LinkedIn and networking strategically Building real, impactful projects instead of generic tutorials Using volunteering and freelancing to strengthen your credibility Navigating Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) If you’re frustrated by endless applications and zero callbacks, this conversation is a must-watch. It’s time to learn how to play the game—rather than be mad at it—and land that role you’ve been dreaming about! Highlights: Why being “mad at the game” isn’t going to help (and what to do instead) How to ensure your résumé, GitHub, and portfolio align with your desired role Why networking and asking for genuine referrals can change your career The importance of real-world projects and problem-solving in your job hunt A preview of the Commit Your Code Conference, benefitting charitable causes 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! Danny Thompson https://x.com/DThompsonDev https://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDev DThompsonDev.com Leon Noel https://x.com/leonnoel https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/ https://100devs.org/ 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! Chapter Timestamps 0:00 – Intro & “Learn to Play the Game” 0:36 – Meet Danny & Leon 1:07 – Why Job Seekers Are Frustrated 2:03 – Common Mistakes with Résumés & Portfolios 3:19 – How to Stand Out Quickly 5:00 – Why Generic Projects Hurt You 9:02 – Referrals & Building Proof 11:45 – De-Risking Yourself for Recruiters 14:01 – Freelancing vs. Volunteering vs. Open Source 18:02 – Networking & Meetups: The Game-Changer 24:00 – ATS: Applicant Tracking Systems Explained 26:57 – Customizing Your Résumé (Stop Spray & Pray!) 32:01 – Insights from CEOs & CTOs on Hiring 36:02 – Qualifying Yourself Beyond Skills 38:04 – Commit Your Code Conference & Final Thoughts 39:55 – Wrap-Up & Next Episode Preview

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#3
•37 min•Multi-Platform

Feature Flags, Start ups vs Enterprise Level Organizations

In this episode of The Programming Podcast, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel dive deep into the world of feature flags—what they are, why they matter, and how to use them to ship faster and smarter. They cover real-world examples of rolling out new features in production, the debate around staging environments vs. testing in production, and the pros and cons of unit testing. They also tackle freelance pitfalls—especially those 50/50 payment splits—and share practical tips on ensuring you always get paid. Whether you’re a startup engineer or working at a Fortune 500, you’ll find valuable insights on scaling, testing, and collaborating in modern software development. Listen to The Programming Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts! Spotify link https://open.spotify.com/show/6d59PZ138KeoKfq5hoVvyQ Danny's GitHub demo https://github.com/TheDThompsonDev/featureFlagDemo 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! Learn about the huge software developer mistakes that could cost you job opportunities in the hiring process. Don't make these critical errors! Join Leon Noel and Danny Thompson as they discuss how to get a job in today's market as a software developer! Danny Thompson https://x.com/DThompsonDev https://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDev CommitYourCode.Com Leon Noel https://x.com/leonnoel https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/ https://100devs.org/ 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! Chapters & Timestamps 0:00 Intro & Catching Up 1:22 Leon’s Updates: 100 Devs & Job Hunt 2:40 Danny’s Updates: Building a Conference 4:05 Chasing Yeses (4,000 Emails!) 6:00 Introducing Feature Flags 9:00 Enterprise Use Cases for Feature Flags 13:00 Testing in Production vs. Staging 18:00 The Debate: Staging Environments 20:00 Edge Cases, QA, & Best Practices 23:00 Unit Testing Pros & Cons 28:00 Best Tools for Feature Flag Management 31:00 Freelance Question: 50/50 Payouts 34:50 Ensuring You Get Paid as a Subcontractor 37:10 Outro & Next Steps

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#2
•42 min•Multi-Platform

How long does it ACTUALLY take to get a job in tech, Tech interviews and AI!

In this episode of The Programming Podcast, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel discuss the future of tech interviews in an AI-driven world. They share their thoughts on whether data-structure-and-algorithm (DSA) interviews are effective, how pair-programming or take-home tests can reveal a candidate’s real skills, and why many employers worry about AI “cheating.” They also explain why cold applying might be a huge waste of time and how networking is more crucial than ever in today’s tech job market. Finally, they dive into real-world AI coding assistants like Cursor IDE and Cody AI—highlighting what’s hype versus what actually delivers productivity gains. Listen to The Programming Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts! Spotify link https://open.spotify.com/show/6d59PZ138KeoKfq5hoVvyQ 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! Danny Thompson https://x.com/DThompsonDev https://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDev https://www.DThompsonDev.Com Leon Noel https://x.com/leonnoel https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/ https://100devs.org/ 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! Chapters & Timestamps 0:00 Cold Applying & Why Networking Is Better 1:02 Welcome & Podcast Intros 1:28 AI Take-Home Tests & Cheating Concerns 6:00 DSA Interviews vs. Real-World Skills 8:56 Best Tech Interview Experience (AutoZone) 11:00 Behavioral Rounds & Project-Based Hiring 15:18 AI in Interviews & Prompt Engineering 21:04 Networking vs. Cold Applying 23:00 AI Arms Race: Resumes & Branding 25:00 Commit Your Code Conference for Charity 31:01 Cursor IDE & Building Apps with AI 40:55 Cody AI & Training on Your Codebase 42:35 Outro

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#1
•34 min•Multi-Platform

How To Get Your First Job In Tech As A Software Developer - The Programming Podcast

In this episode of The Programming Podcast, Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This Dot Labs) and Leon Noel (Managing Director of Engineering for Resilient Coders & Founder of 100 Devs) explain why the old days of “just apply online and hope” are gone. They break down how local networking opens doors, what your portfolio should really showcase (hint: not just YouTube tutorials), and why you should highlight impact over tasks on your resume. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about how to stand out among millions of devs, this conversation is for you. Listen to The Programming Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts! Spotify link https://open.spotify.com/show/6d59PZ138KeoKfq5hoVvyQ 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! Danny Thompson https://x.com/DThompsonDev https://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDev CommitYourCode.Com Leon Noel https://x.com/leonnoel https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/ https://100devs.org/ 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! Chapters & Timestamps 0:00 Why Local Matters & Getting Started 1:02 Meet Danny & Leon 2:31 Training to Get Hired vs. Becoming a Problem Solver 3:53 Local Networking vs. Competing Globally 7:21 Playing the Hiring “Game” 8:55 Market Shifts & The End of Instant Hires 11:00 Building Projects That Show Real Value 14:17 Networking & Overcoming Self-Doubt 19:08 Leveraging Meetups & Standing Out 22:00 Transforming YouTube Tutorials into Original Work 26:41 Freelancing & Authentic Client Projects 28:39 Resume Tips: Highlighting Impact, Not Duties 33:40 Future Topics & Wrap-Up

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