Afleveringen
-
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 Whatnot
https://www.youtube.com/@UCogup1kGwxzjKjkAwUhVYEw
https://open.spotify.com/show/19jiuHAqzeKnkleQUpZxDf
Follow Robbie!
https://x.com/RobbieTheWagner
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiethewagner/
https://bsky.app/profile/robbiethewagner.dev
Stay in Touch:
📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?
Email us at [email protected]!
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 [email protected]!
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 Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Meet Robbie Wagner (Netflix, Apple, Amazon, HashiCorp)
02:00 – The “Manoma” Acronym Explained
03:42 – AI Will Write 90% of Code? Our Hot Takes
07:00 – Where AI Fails and Why Documentation Still Matters
10:55 – How AI is Changing the Code Economy
13:17 – EmberJS, Framework Evolution & Why React Might Be Subpar
18:30 – Are We Chasing Hype Instead of Building Real Things?
21:00 – Working at Amazon, Apple, Netflix: Pros & Cons
26:35 – The Toxic Culture That Made Him Quit
29:00 – Interview Prep for Big Tech (LeetCode, STAR, and Strategy)
32:45 – What HashiCorp’s Interview Process Got Right
34:00 – Advice for People Who See FAANG as the Dream
36:00 – Defining Success Later in Your Career
37:10 – Mentorship, Scaling Help, and Developer Growth
39:08 – Preparing for a “Manoma” Interview
41:40 – Final Thoughts & Closing Thanks
-
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 [email protected]!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 [email protected]!────────────────────────────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────────────────────────────
-
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
-
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 Planning
Changing 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 [email protected]!
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 [email protected]!
🚀 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 Noel
1:21 - Behind-the-scenes: Our approach to unscripted podcasting
2:19 - How networking is the secret weapon for job seekers
4:26 - The power of real-world projects – How to stand out in interviews
7:33 - Why most personal projects fail to impress hiring managers
9:59 - Technical interview mistakes that cost you the job
12:13 - The importance of coffee chats & how to make them work
16:00 - Success stories: Breaking out of your comfort zone
20:27 - Why just applying online won’t work (and what to do instead)
25:30 - How to fix your LeetCode & technical interview struggles
31:28 - Breaking the “No Degree” barrier – What companies really mean
37:41 - DSA strategy: The only 14 patterns you need to know
42:00 - How to communicate effectively in a coding interview
46:10 - Ask Danny & Leon: Avoiding burnout & time management tips
52:00 - Final thoughts: The real grind behind success
-
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/jamesqquick
https://www.youtube.com/c/jamesqquick
https://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 [email protected]!
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 [email protected]!
🔥 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 tech
And much more!
⏰ Chapters & Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction & What Networking Really Means
2:10 - James Q Quick Joins the Podcast
5:50 - The Power of Work-Life Balance in Tech
10:21 - Overcoming Fear & The Impact of Taking Action
15:08 - The Importance of Being Vocal About Your Work
19:50 - James Q Quick’s Journey to Full-Time Content Creation
25:26 - The Challenges & Reality of Content Creation
30:45 - Why Networking is a Cheat Code for Career Growth
35:41 - Real Stories of How Networking Landed Jobs
38:12 - How to Overcome Fear in Technical Interviews
42:27 - Practical Strategies for Crushing Coding Interviews
47:03 - Closing Thoughts & Commit Your Code Conference Announcement
📌 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more career advice, tech insights, and programming discussions! 🚀
-
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 Planning
Changing 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 [email protected]!
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 [email protected]!
🚀 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 mentorship
If 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 Solving
2:44 – Seeing the Bigger Picture: Jeep Wranglers, Coffee & Coding
4:06 – The Key to Nailing Technical Interviews: Process Over Syntax
8:02 – Scaling Up: Thinking Beyond the Code You Write
12:17 – Sponsor Break: Level Up Financial Planning
14:00 – Why System Design Matters & How to Get Started
16:00 – How to Improve Your Debugging & Researching Skills
25:04 – The Role of Community & Networking in Becoming a Stronger Dev
32:02 – Q&A: My Boss Said I Need to Be More Independent—What Should I Do?
38:00 – Final Thoughts: Building Long-Term Career Success
-
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/shrutikapoor08
https://www.youtube.com/@shrutikapoor08
https://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 [email protected]!
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 [email protected]!
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 growth
Whether 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 Hacks
1:09 – Host Introductions & Email Story: Losing Momentum in Your Network
4:33 – Why Maintaining Your Network is Crucial for Job Opportunities
5:39 – Networking Strategies: 15-Minute Daily Tasks to Stay Top of Mind
9:01 – The Hidden Job Market: How Networking Opens Doors in Tech
14:03 – React in 2025: Is It Still the Go-To Technology?
18:55 – React 19 Spotlight: Streamlining Forms with Actions
24:05 – Understanding useOptimistic: Instant UI Feedback & Faster Experiences
27:03 – Migrating to React 19: A Step-by-Step Approach for Large Codebases
31:01 – Design Patterns & Custom Hooks: Building Better, Scalable Code
36:42 – Optimizing Performance: React Profiler & Avoiding Excessive Prop Drilling
42:58 – Audience Q&A: Improving Yourself in a Small Company
46:03 – Brag Book & Living Document: Tracking Your Achievements
48:02 – Finding Fulfillment Beyond Your Day Job: Mentorship & Volunteering
50:00 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up: Taking Ownership of Your Career
-
"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/@UCDXzM8ijdxkVA6NbQiQCKag
https://x.com/devagrawal09
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dev-agr/
Solid JS Docs
https://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 [email protected]!
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 [email protected]!
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
-
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 essentialStay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at [email protected]!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 [email protected]!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 & Claude2:19 – Visible AI Reasoning: Discover how seeing the AI’s thought process can refine code generation3:38 – Market Impact: Discussing market swings, Nvidia’s valuation, and cost-effectiveness6:04 – Technical Integration: How DeepSeek works seamlessly with existing APIs10:29 – Agent AI & Automation: The future of automated tasks and AI agent models12:35 – 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 centers25:40 – Future of AI Agents: Exploring next-generation applications and agent models32:33 – Developer Skills in the AI Era: Why coding and problem-solving remain critical41:26 – Upcoming Episodes & Guests: Sneak peek at special guests like Dev Agrawal and Shruti Kapoor42:23 – Closing Remarks: Final thoughts and a call for community engagement
-
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 [email protected]!
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 [email protected]!
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.
-
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 [email protected]!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 [email protected]!If you enjoyed this video, please Like, Share, and Subscribe for more tech career insights and tutorials.
Chapters
0:00 -Introduction: Learning from Conversations
Danny 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 Podcast
Danny and Leon introduce themselves, the podcast, and how listener feedback fuels their motivation.2:12 -Leon’s Wildfires and Community Support
Leon 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 Consistently
Leon explains how consistency has been the foundation of his success, even in difficult situations.6:08 -How Your Goals Reflect Your Actions
Danny and Leon discuss the importance of keeping your goals visible to stay motivated and accountable.10:05 -Why People Break Their New Year’s Resolutions
Exploring the concept of "Quitter’s Day" and common mistakes people make when building habits.13:02 -Identity and Goal Setting: Key to Consistency
Leon dives into how adopting an identity tied to your goals helps maintain motivation.16:30 -Making Your Goals Visible
Danny shares his system for writing goals on index cards and keeping them in sight as a daily reminder.20:00 -Planning Your Days with Intent
Why planning your days, weeks, and years intentionally is crucial for long-term success.23:06 -Networking: A Game-Changer for Your Career
The importance of networking and how it’s helped people land jobs, build opportunities, and grow professionally.27:14 -Overcoming Fear and Taking Action
Leon discusses how fear and self-doubt hold people back and why taking that first step is critical.30:00 -Danny’s First Freelance Project
Danny shares how a conversation at a restaurant led to his first freelance web development project.40:52 -How to Write a Great Coffee Chat Message
Tips and strategies for crafting personalized, effective messages that get responses.50:00 -Consistency in Podcasting and Helping Others
Danny and Leon talk about their commitment to showing up for the podcast and scaling their impact.54:01 -Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Danny and Leon encourage listeners to take action & network. -
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 [email protected]!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 [email protected]!If you enjoyed this video, please Like, Share, and Subscribe for more tech career insights and tutorials.CHAPTERS0:00 – Why Your Summary Statement Matters1:07 – Meet the Hosts (Danny & Leon) + Episode Introduction1:45 – 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 Messages20:00 – Why ‘Calculator Apps’ & ‘Weather Apps’ Aren’t Enough21:00 – Perception & Passing the ‘Smell Test’27:00 – Reading Documentation & Understanding the Full System33:00 – Ask Questions or Lose Your Job: Communication Is Key36:00 – Finding Your Niche & Taking Ownership38:00 – Q&A: Average Wait Time for Recruiter Responses45:10 – Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts
-
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 codeThe pros and cons of bootcampsEssential resources like FreeCodeCamp, 100Devs, CS50, and moreLearning how to learn: active recall, spaced repetition, and building projectsSetting aside “4% of your day” to codeThe importance of community and cohort-based learningOvercoming fear, anxiety, and impostor syndrome to reach your goalsMentioned Resources & Links:FreeCodeCamp100Devs (Discord: discord.gg/100Devs)CS50 (Harvard’s Intro to Computer Science)Learning How to Learn (Coursera)Anki (Spaced Repetition Software)The Odin ProjectMOOC.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 [email protected]!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 [email protected]!If you enjoyed this video, please Like, Share, and Subscribe for more tech career insights and tutorials.Chapter Timestamps0:00 Introduction & Part 2 Overview1:07 Why Bootcamp Owners Get Mad About Free Options2:20 The Value of Free Resources (FreeCodeCamp, 100Devs, CS50)8:05 Beware of Predatory Bootcamps & ISAs12:35 Cohort-Based Learning & Community Support19:10 Tools for Learning: Git, Terminal, & UI Tools26:00 The “4% Rule” – Making Yourself a Priority31:40 Building Real Projects (Avoiding Tutorial Hell)35:10 Additional Free Resources (MOOC.fi, etc.)36:20 Importance of Community & Finding Your Tribe43:00 Work Ethic, Motivation, & Overcoming Obstacles49:00 Q&A: Doing It Afraid vs. Honoring Your Feelings56:45 Closing Thoughts & Goodbyes
-
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 matterHow to stay motivated when your family or friends don’t understand your new pathThe difference between hype and actual skills needed for a successful tech careerStrategies 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 [email protected]!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 [email protected]!Chapters00:00 – Intro & The 4 Things in Your First 6 MonthsDanny outlines the four key items you must focus on when starting your first dev role.04:15 – How AI Hype Misleads New DevelopersThey share why simply prompting AI tools isn’t a valid substitute for real coding logic.11:05 – Overcoming Excuses & Bad AdviceLearn 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 LearningLeon shares the mindset shifts you need for effective studying, plus dealing with life pressures.35:00 – Build Projects to Truly LearnThey 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 LeonDanny breaks down code, process, team, and value—crucial focuses for your first six months.57:40 – Relationship Building & DocumentationLeon’s tips on never eating lunch alone, documenting questions, and setting review goals.1:00:05 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-UpClosing remarks on staying motivated, focusing on evidence-based growth, and letting them know if you want more.
-
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 hackathonsThe importance of learning fundamentals like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Linux, SQL, and GitWhether (and when) to dive into AI, LLMs, and machine learningWhy “free” doesn’t mean “low quality” and how freeCodeCamp remains a top resource for millionsHow to pace your job search timeline—and why 6 months might be too shortThe future of AI, job prospects, and how to keep your skills relevantEnjoy 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 [email protected]!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/00:00 – Introduction02:06 – The Power of Consistent Daily Practice05:21 – Auditing Your Local Job Market08:03 – Fundamental Skills vs. Frameworks11:05 – The Evolving Complexity of React & Next.js13:29 – How Quincy Got His First Dev Job17:02 – Networking & Meetups: A Game Changer19:07 – Today’s Job Market & ‘Impossible’ Myths24:27 – College, Costs & Alternative Pathways27:24 – “I Need a Dev Job in 6 Months!”31:06 – Reframing Disappointment & Burnout35:50 – Why ‘Free’ Doesn’t Mean ‘Low Quality’40:08 – Ask Quincy: AI & Building Your Own LLM44:20 – The Future of AI & Open-Weight Models48:30 – AI in Search, Ads & Monetization51:30 – The Bottom Line on AI & Dev Careers53:00 – Conclusion & Final Shout-Outs📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at [email protected]!
-
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 [email protected]!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/0:00 Intro1:18 The Spark: How It All Began2:51 One and done conference, The Logistics5:01 One speaker at the conference went through our cohort6:25 Conference Sponsorships are not for the faint of heart8:20 The Food and logistics for it10:10 How can We create MORE organic conversations?13:50 Shorter speaking times17:01 Three Track Conference, Java, JavaScript and Cloud18:30 We Trended Globally!21:00 Community Building: Networking and Engagement19:30 Two Conversations: Chris DeMars aka Saltnburn & Ghana Speaker Nii!21:00 I want to address all pain points I have had at a conference27:00 My strategy in planning31:00 professional photographer giving headshots to attendee35:35 Leon and Danny Laughing with an attendee38:15 The Sponsors felt like they were PART of the event and not salesy38:55 Educational Resources should be available for everyone41:13 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 [email protected]!
-
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” devsHow to demonstrate your qualifications and meet business needsThe importance of continuous growth and staying current with market demandsNavigating the 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year benchmarks in a new tech roleChoosing the right tech stack based on your local marketHow to (tactfully) leave a brand-new job for a better offerProven 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 [email protected]!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 [email protected]!Chapters & Timestamps0:00 Intro & Welcome1:02 Forming a Meetup for CTOs & CEOs3:15 Talent Shortage vs. Qualified Talent Shortage6:04 The Cost of a Bad Hire8:07 Landing a Job vs. Building a Career11:59 Understanding 3, 6, and 9-Month Benchmarks14:21 Aligning Skills with Local Tech Demands20:03 New Segment: Ask Danny & Leon20:58 Q1: Leaving a Job After Only 1 Month29:20 Q2: Finding Your First Freelance Client37:00 Wrap-Up & Next StepsJoin 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. 💼✨
-
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 applicationLeveraging LinkedIn and networking strategicallyBuilding real, impactful projects instead of generic tutorialsUsing volunteering and freelancing to strengthen your credibilityNavigating 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 roleWhy networking and asking for genuine referrals can change your careerThe importance of real-world projects and problem-solving in your job huntA 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 [email protected]!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevDThompsonDev.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 [email protected]!Chapter Timestamps0:00 – Intro & “Learn to Play the Game”0:36 – Meet Danny & Leon1:07 – Why Job Seekers Are Frustrated2:03 – Common Mistakes with Résumés & Portfolios3:19 – How to Stand Out Quickly5:00 – Why Generic Projects Hurt You9:02 – Referrals & Building Proof11:45 – De-Risking Yourself for Recruiters14:01 – Freelancing vs. Volunteering vs. Open Source18:02 – Networking & Meetups: The Game-Changer24:00 – ATS: Applicant Tracking Systems Explained26:57 – Customizing Your Résumé (Stop Spray & Pray!)32:01 – Insights from CEOs & CTOs on Hiring36:02 – Qualifying Yourself Beyond Skills38:04 – Commit Your Code Conference & Final Thoughts39:55 – Wrap-Up & Next Episode Preview
-
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 [email protected]!
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 [email protected]!
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
-
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 linkhttps://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 [email protected]!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevhttps://www.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 [email protected]!Chapters & Timestamps0:00 Cold Applying & Why Networking Is Better1:02 Welcome & Podcast Intros1:28 AI Take-Home Tests & Cheating Concerns6:00 DSA Interviews vs. Real-World Skills8:56 Best Tech Interview Experience (AutoZone)11:00 Behavioral Rounds & Project-Based Hiring15:18 AI in Interviews & Prompt Engineering21:04 Networking vs. Cold Applying23:00 AI Arms Race: Resumes & Branding25:00 Commit Your Code Conference for Charity31:01 Cursor IDE & Building Apps with AI40:55 Cody AI & Training on Your Codebase42:35 Outro
-
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 [email protected]!
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 [email protected]!
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
