Overcommitted

SummaryJoin us for a conversation with Kate Holterhoff, an industry analyst at Redmonk who tracks developer trends from Reddit threads to conference halls. Kate shares her unique journey from earning a PhD in Victorian literature to becoming a self-taught developer and analyst, and discusses Redmonk's "new kingmakers" philosophy that recognizes developers as key decision-makers in tech adoption. We explore current industry trends including JavaScript bundlers, the real story behind AI and developer jobs, why communication skills matter as much as technical expertise, and her experiments with vibe coding across different IDEs.TakeawaysDeveloper-led adoption is the future - Redmonk's "new kingmakers" philosophy recognizes that developers, not executives, are increasingly making purchasing decisions for development tools and platforms.AI tools are becoming standard practice - Most developers now use AI code assistants and agentic IDEs, forcing organizations to adapt with proper guardrails and company plans rather than fighting adoption.AI isn't taking jobs (yet) - Current tech layoffs are more attributable to post-ZIRP (zero-interest-rate phenomenon) economics and offshoring than AI displacement, though AI has become a convenient scapegoat.JavaScript is getting massive - The recent explosion of bundlers like TurboPack, Vite, RS Pack, and Rolldown signals that JavaScript packages have grown significantly since Webpack's creation 10 years ago.Industry analysts live in developer watering holes - Understanding real developer sentiment means spending time where developers actually talk: Reddit, Hacker News, Bluesky, conferences, and podcasts.Communication skills are as critical as technical skills - Engineers who can bridge technical expertise with business communication and customer interaction have significant advantages in their careers.Alternative paths into tech are valuable - Kate's journey from Victorian literature PhD to developer analyst shows how diverse backgrounds bring unique perspectives to understanding technology and its cultural impact.Teaching can make coding accessible - Using engaging content like comic books, steampunk, and Victorian literature can make technical concepts more approachable and help students see connections across disciplines.Vibe coding is promising but unpredictable - AI-powered development tools show incredible potential but remain inconsistent, with success depending on unclear factors like IDE choice, prompting technique, and model capabilities.We need more casual learning communities - The tech industry would benefit from more informal, non-commercial spaces for developers to share experiences, especially around emerging technologies like vibe coding.LinksThe Monkcast: https://redmonk.com/blog/2023/12/07/the-monkcast/Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateholterhoff/Kate on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kateholterhoff.comDwarkesh podcast with Andrej Karpathy: https://www.dwarkesh.com/p/andrej-karpathyHosts:Bethany Janos: https://github.com/bethanyj28Brittany Ellich: https://brittanyellich.com

SummaryIn this episode, Matt Sinclair, former partner and VP of Engineering at BCG Digital Ventures, explores the critical role of storytelling in effective leadership and shares his journey from building high-performance payment systems to coaching the next generation of engineering leaders. The conversation covers Matt's passion for Elixir as "the most future-proof and AI-aligned language," diving deep into functional programming, immutable data structures, and how modern coding assistants like Claude Code are revolutionizing developer productivity. Matt emphasizes that the first job of leadership is to tell a compelling story that inspires smart people to collaborate, while the art of good management lies in getting out of the way and letting talented engineers solve problems their own way.TakeawaysLeadership starts with storytelling: The primary job of leadership is explaining why smart people should get out of bed and contribute to your mission, because without a good story, people will create their own narrativesFunctional programming improves code quality: Immutable data structures and pure functions eliminate approximately 50% of common bugs and make code easier to test and reason aboutElixir offers comprehensive out-of-the-box solutions: Unlike other tech stacks requiring multiple tools (Kubernetes, Redis), Elixir provides a complete ecosystem that reduces decision fatigue and technical complexityAI-assisted coding amplifies productivity: Using Claude Code with Elixir can make a single developer feel like they have a team of five engineers, especially when working with functional programming's predictable patternsManagement should focus on "what," not "how": Leaders should collaborate with their teams to determine objectives, then trust smart people to figure out implementation details on their ownProgramming language choice impacts team quality: There's a strong correlation between functional programming adoption and high-quality software engineers, possibly due to the steeper learning curve and problem-solving mindset requiredDeveloper joy matters for sustainability: Working with languages that feel elegant and "just click" reduces exhaustion and maintains long-term passion for coding throughout a careerFunctional code is LLM-friendly: Pure functions with no side effects make it dramatically easier for AI coding assistants to reason about, refactor, and improve code automaticallyUpfront design time pays dividends: Modern AI-assisted development enables more thorough design discussions and rubber duck debugging sessions that lead to better architecture before implementation beginsCombat surveillance capitalism through decentralization: The future of the web should return to RSS feeds, web rings, and federated networks of special interest communities rather than algorithm-driven data monopolies.LinksMatt's Website: https://matthewsinclair.com/Matt Sinclair on Medium: https://matthewsinclair.medium.com/ Intent: https://github.com/matthewsinclair/intentI'm a software engineer - What next? podcast: https://whatnext.dev/An elegant puzzle by Will Larson: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6872433.Will_LarsonElixir: https://elixir-lang.org/Laksa: https://laksa.io/Hosts:Bethany Janos: https://github.com/bethanyj28Brittany Ellich: https://brittanyellich.comEggyhead: https://github.com/eggyhead

SummaryIn this episode of Overcommitted, hosts Erika and Brittany interview Adrienne Braganza, the author of the book Looks Good to Me. The conversation delves into the critical role of communication in code reviews, emphasizing that misunderstandings often lead to issues. It highlights the importance of understanding the purpose behind code reviews rather than just focusing on tools and speed.TakeawaysMisunderstandings are at the heart of code reviews.It's important to understand the purpose of code reviews.Focusing on tools can distract from the main goals.Collaboration is key in software development.Clear communication can prevent many issues.Taking time to reflect on processes is valuable.Agreeing on objectives enhances team alignment.Code reviews should foster learning and improvement.Understanding each other's perspectives is crucial.Effective communication leads to better outcomes.LinksAdrienne’s Website: https://adrienne.io/Adrienne on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/abt.bsky.socialAdrienne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennetacke/Book: Looks Good to Me: https://www.manning.com/books/looks-good-to-me HostsOvercommitted Website: https://overcommitted.devBrittany Ellich: https://brittanyellich.comEggyhead: https://github.com/eggyhead

SummaryIn this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, host Bethany and co-hosts Erika and Brittany welcome Rick Turoczy, a veteran in the Portland tech startup scene. They discuss Rick's journey from a hobbyist developer to a key supporter of startup founders, the unique culture of Portland's tech community, and the importance of mental health for founders. Rick shares insights on the challenges of being a founder, the evolution of startup culture, and the role of PIE in supporting startups. The conversation also touches on local recommendations and the vibrant community in Portland.Takeaways- Learning how to learn is a crucial skill for navigating the startup world.- Portland's tech scene is characterized by a unique culture of humility and creativity.- Founders often face significant mental health challenges and need support systems.- The PIE initiative aims to foster collaboration between startups and established organizations.- Mistakes are a part of the learning process for founders, and experimentation is key.- The startup landscape has evolved, making it easier to build products but harder to sell them.- The challenges of being a founder are often underestimated, leading to burnout.- Understanding the difference between wanting to build a product and wanting to build a company is crucial for founders.LinksRick's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/turoczy/Rick's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/turoczy.bsky.socialRick's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@turoczy_PIE Cookbook: https://github.com/piepdx/pie-cookbook/blob/master/docs/pie-cookbook-0.9.mdPowell’s City of Books: https://www.powells.com/bookstore/powells-city-of-books?srsltid=AfmBOoqCGKjvdY5g6DowX0ReNqRlLARxeI5WKwGyc8P0Pq3O8j9Fd0NQ Deadstock Coffee: https://deadstockcoffee.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopNiNhvGUigNJxASlm97jUCcSb6l36xCJ6sZF6mRIkyIseejJQyPodcast recommendation from Erika ​​https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/237-mistake-it-till-you-make-it-learn-faster-and-fail-smarter/id1494989268?i=1000732814742HostsBethany Janos: https://github.com/bethanyj28Brittany Ellich: https://brittanyellich.comEggyhead: https://github.com/eggyhead

SummaryIn this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, Erika and Brittany delve into the concept of flow state in software development, exploring its significance for productivity and job satisfaction. They share personal experiences of achieving flow, discuss the balance between challenge and skill, and highlight the importance of psychological safety and team dynamics. The conversation also touches on managing interruptions, the role of pair programming, and strategies for improving flow state within teams. The episode concludes with a fun quiz to engage listeners in reflecting on their own flow experiences.TakeawaysFlow state is linked to enhanced productivity and job satisfaction.A balance between challenge and skill is essential for achieving flow.Cognitive overload can hinder the ability to enter flow state.Immediate control over tasks contributes to maintaining flow.Psychological safety within teams fosters better performance.Managing interruptions is crucial for maintaining focus.Pair programming can facilitate flow but may introduce challenges.Team dynamics significantly impact individual flow experiences.Investing in tools and environments can enhance flow state.Regular reflection on flow experiences can lead to improved productivity.LinksDeveloper flow article: https://leadership.garden/developer-flow/ Podcast: Neuroscience and Developer Productivity: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prefrontal-by-cortex/id1760813899?i=1000676601346Vibe Engineering by Simon Willison: https://simonwillison.net/2025/Oct/7/vibe-engineering/SPACE Metrics: https://getdx.com/blog/space-metrics/HostsOvercommitted Website: https://overcommitted.devBrittany Ellich: https://brittanyellich.comEggyhead: https://github.com/eggyhead

SummaryIn this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, host Brittany Ellich and co-hosts Bethany and Erika welcome Thomas Dohmke, former CEO of GitHub. They discuss Thomas's journey in software development, pivotal moments in his career, the importance of passion and continuous learning, and advice for overcoming career stagnation. The conversation also touches on the future of software development, particularly the impact of AI, and concludes with a fun round of questions about LEGO.TakeawaysThomas grew up in East Germany and discovered coding through a school lab.His passion for software development has been a constant throughout his career.Mentorship played a crucial role in his transition from university to the automotive industry.The importance of continuous learning in a fast-paced tech environment.Developers often feel stuck in their careers, but a growth mindset can help overcome this.Asking for help and having open conversations with managers can lead to new opportunities.Reading books on engineering and leadership can provide valuable insights.AI is set to revolutionize the software development landscape again.The journey of a developer is filled with ups and downs, but passion keeps them motivated.Thomas encourages developers to embrace change and stay curious.LinksThomas on GitHub: https://github.com/ashtomThomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashtom/Thomas on X: https://x.com/ashtomThe Great Mental Models book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44245196-the-great-mental-modelsAn Elegant Puzzle by Will Larson: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45303387-an-elegant-puzzleStaff Engineer by Will Larson: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56481725-staff-engineerThe Engineering Executive's Primer: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199699997-the-engineering-executive-s-primerBricklink: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/main.pageHost: Bethany Janos: https://github.com/bethanyj28Host: Brittany Ellich: https://brittanyellich.comHost: Eggyhead: https://github.com/eggyhead

SummaryIn this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, host Erika and co-hosts Bethany and Brittany Ellich engage in a conversation with Don McKinnon, founder of Searchcraft. They discuss Don's journey in software engineering, the challenges faced while building Searchcraft, and the unique features that make it accessible for developers of all levels. The conversation also touches on the integration of AI, market competition, and the path to founding a startup, concluding with a fun segment about walkout songs.TakeawaysSearchcraft aims to reduce complexity in search infrastructure.Rust was chosen for its efficiency and performance benefits.Building Searchcraft took two years of development before launching as a product.Searchcraft allows non-technical users to manage search relevancy through a GUIAI integration is crucial for modern applications, especially in search.The market for search tools is evolving with the emergence of AI.Founding a startup involves learning and adapting to new challenges.Identifying pain points is key to developing a successful product.It's important to focus on solving real problems rather than perfection.The journey of building a product can lead to unexpected opportunities.LinksDon MacKinnon⁠⁠: https://donmackinnon.dev/Searchcraft⁠⁠: ⁠https://www.searchcraft.io/⁠Article: Improving trust in AI systems⁠: ⁠  / improving-trust-in-ai-systems  ⁠HostsOvercommitted: https://overcommitted.devBethany Janos⁠⁠: https://github.com/bethanyj28Brittany Ellich⁠⁠: ⁠https://brittanyellich.com⁠Eggyhead⁠: ⁠https://github.com/eggyhead⁠

SummaryIn this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, hosts Brittany Ellich and Erika engage with Brad Heller, co-founder and CTO of Tower, discussing his journey from software engineer to startup founder. They explore the evolution of software engineering careers, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the skills necessary for success in the tech industry. Brad shares insights on the importance of aligning passions with work, the realities of startup life, and advice for aspiring engineers. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on coding and the importance of understanding the fundamentals of software development.TakeawaysBrad's journey from corporate life to startups was driven by a desire for impactful work.Working at startups can provide invaluable learning experiences compared to big tech.Entrepreneurship requires aligning your passions with your work for true success.Delegating tasks is a crucial skill for founders, but often difficult to master.Understanding the entire business process is essential for engineers in startups.The tech landscape has changed, with many entering the field for financial reasons rather than passion.AI is transforming the coding landscape, but understanding the fundamentals remains critical.Networking skills developed in big tech can be beneficial in startup environments.It's important to recognize when to hire and delegate responsibilities as a founder.The romanticized view of entrepreneurship often overlooks the hard work involved.LinksBrad Heller on LinkedInTower.DevPaul GrahamWill Larson - A forty-year careerPIE PDXRick TuroczyHostsOvercommitted.devBrittany EllichEggyhead

SummaryIn this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, hosts Bethany and Brittany discuss their experiences at recent tech conferences, including Cascadia JS and GopherCon. They reflect on their goals from the past quarter, sharing successes and challenges, and set new objectives for the upcoming quarter. The conversation also touches on the importance of community engagement and personal development in the tech industry, culminating in a fun segment where they share ideas for potential TED talks.TakeawaysThe importance of community in tech events.Reflecting on past goals helps in personal growth.Engagement in newsletters can shift focus from self-promotion to sharing others' work.Attending conferences can provide fresh insights and networking opportunities.Setting realistic goals is crucial, especially during busy times.Public speaking can be a rewarding experience despite initial anxiety.Finding enjoyment in activities is essential for long-term commitment.Quarterly retrospectives can help realign personal and professional goals.Exploring new interests can lead to unexpected opportunities.Community engagement is vital for mental well-being in remote work environments.Links⁠CascadiaJSGopherConMagnoliaConf⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tech book club Repo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcommitted Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hosts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcommitted.dev⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bethany Janos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brittany Ellich⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

SummaryIn this episode of the Overcommited podcast, the hosts engage in a deep conversation with Indrajith Premanath, an engineer at GitHub, who shares his journey of transitioning from an individual contributor to an engineering manager during an interim manager role while his manager was on leave. Indrajith discusses the challenges and lessons learned during his six-month stint as an interim manager, emphasizing the importance of team dynamics, transparency, and personal growth. The conversation also touches on career aspirations, technical interests, and the significance of building strong relationships within a team. Indrajith offers valuable advice for future managers and reflects on his childhood aspirations, providing a well-rounded perspective on his career journey.TakeawaysThe shift from coding to management requires a change in mindset and priorities.Building relationships with team members is crucial for effective management.Transparency in decision-making fosters trust within the team.Indrajith found that he became a better individual contributor after his management experience.Understanding team members' career goals enhances team dynamics.Indrajith emphasizes the importance of long-term planning in management.He advocates for rotation programs for aspiring managers to gain experience.The role of AI in coding is changing the landscape of software development.Indrajith's childhood aspiration was to be a theater kid, not a software engineer.LinksIndrajith Premanath LinkedInCharity Majors Engineer/Manager Pendulum Article⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tech book club Repo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcommitted Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hosts⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcommitted.dev⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brittany Ellich⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eggyhead⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jonathan Tamsut⁠

SummaryIn this episode of the Overcommitted podcast, host Brittany Ellich and co-hosts Erika, Bethany, and Jonathan Tamsut engage in a conversation with Annie Sexton, a developer advocate at fly.io. They explore Annie's unique journey into developer advocacy, her approach to education and community building, and the importance of teaching techniques in the tech industry. The discussion also delves into the role of AI in learning and development, as well as personal interests outside of software engineering, highlighting the multifaceted lives of software professionals.TakeawaysAnnie Sexton transitioned from software engineering to developer advocacy through her passion for education.Developer advocacy involves community building, education, and marketing to developers.Education is a powerful tool for building trust with an audience.Asking basic questions is crucial for effective teaching and learning.AI can be a valuable resource for research and learning, but fact-checking is essential.Understanding the audience's knowledge level is key to effective communication.Annie emphasizes the importance of storytelling in education and advocacy.The journey to becoming a developer advocate can be unconventional and varied.Engaging content can attract a wider audience beyond just product promotion.Personal interests and hobbies contribute to a well-rounded life as a software engineer.Links⁠fly.iofly.io YouTube channelAnnie’s YouTube channelBook: Deep Learning A Visual ApproachBook: A City on MarsShow/Book: The ExpanseBluesky: @anniesexton.comBluesky: for Annie’s comics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tech book club Repo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcommitted Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hosts⁠⁠Overcommitted.dev⁠⁠⁠Bethany Janos⁠⁠Brittany Ellich⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eggyhead⁠⁠⁠⁠Jonathan Tamsut

SummaryIn this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, Brittany, Erika, and Jonathan delve into the complex relationship between software engineering, social media, and ethics. They explore their personal experiences with social media, the evolution of algorithms, and the monetization strategies that have transformed platforms into profit-driven entities. The conversation highlights the societal impacts of social media, particularly on mental health, and discusses the responsibilities of engineers in creating user-centered designs. They also consider potential regulatory measures, such as profit caps, and the need for a code of ethics in software engineering to mitigate harm.TakeawaysThe promise of social media was to increase social connection.Algorithms have shifted from social interaction to maximizing engagement.Monetization strategies have created a creator economy.Social media platforms often prioritize profit over user well-being.The societal impact of social media is profound and concerning.Engineers have a responsibility to consider the human impact of their work.Regulation may be necessary to address the harms of social media.Profit caps could help redirect funds towards community projects.An information diet can help mitigate negative effects of social media.A code of ethics for software engineers could guide responsible development.LinksVideo: Why everyone is quitting social mediaCareless PeopleInterview on information diet with HerariBill in 1996ACM Code of Ethics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tech book club Repo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcommitted Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hosts⁠Overcommitted.dev⁠⁠⁠Brittany Ellich⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eggyhead⁠⁠Jonathan Tamsut

SummaryJoin Bethany, Erika, and Brittany as they dive into the art of storytelling in tech — and discover why your next presentation or documentation doesn't have to be boring! From the visual wizardry of Astro's docs to Julia Evans' beloved wizard zines, this episode explores how great technical communication combines compelling narratives with clear information. Whether you're crafting a lightning talk (like Bethany's upcoming NeoVim presentation at GopherCon!), writing PR descriptions that tell a story, or trying to hook your audience from the very first sentence, you'll learn practical techniques for making complex concepts engaging and accessible. Plus, hear why AI-generated content might be "an act of war" on people's time, discover the power of self-deprecation and visual storytelling, and enjoy a hilarious developer-themed mad libs featuring thrown staplers and flappy outcomes. Perfect for anyone who wants to level up their technical communication game!TakeawaysTechnical storytelling can make complex concepts relatable.Visual elements enhance engagement in documentation and presentations.Approachability is key for technical documentation.Understanding the audience's needs is crucial for effective communication.A strong hook captures attention in presentations.Emotional connections can enhance technical storytelling.Documentation should be clear and scannable for users.Using a glossary can help bridge knowledge gaps in presentations.Empathy towards the audience improves the storytelling experience.AI tools should enhance, not replace, human storytelling.Links⁠Astro docsJulia EvansGitHub Blog Post: Documentation done right - A developer's guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tech book club Repo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcommitted Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HostsOvercommitted.dev⁠⁠Bethany Janos⁠Brittany Ellich⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eggyhead⁠

SummaryIn this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, the hosts discuss the role of gamification in software development, exploring how it can influence learning, creativity, and project management. They delve into the psychological aspects of fear of failure, the importance of trial and error, and the balance between external and internal motivation. The conversation also touches on the potential trade-offs of gamification and the significance of celebrating efforts within a team culture. The episode concludes with a fun segment where the hosts share their favorite video game characters.TakeawaysGamification can reduce the fear of failure in learning.The Super Mario Effect illustrates how failure can be framed positively.Trial and error is essential in software engineering.Gamification strategies can include sandbox environments and quests.Balancing external and internal motivation is crucial for engagement.Metrics can sometimes misrepresent true productivity and impact.Gamification can lead to unintended consequences if not managed carefully.LinksFeel good productivity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tech book club Repo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcommitted Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hosts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcommitted.devBethany JanosBrittany Ellich⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eggyhead⁠Jonathan Tamsut⁠

SummaryIn this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, hosts Jonathan, Brittany, and Erika delve into the exciting world of AI agents. They explore the potential of AI agents in software engineering, their functionality, and the challenges of building and categorizing them. The conversation also touches on the future of job searching and personal development through AI, emphasizing the need for a more personalized and effective approach to technology and learning.Takeaways- AI agents represent a new paradigm in problem-solving.- AI agents can offload cognitive tasks.- User experience with AI agents needs to be redefined.- AI agents can be tailored to specific domains for better results.- Defining success metrics is crucial when building AI agents.- Job searching processes are outdated and need innovation.- AI can assist in personal development and career growth.- Customizable search engines could enhance information retrieval.- The role of human bias in hiring processes is significant.Links⁠Building effective agents⁠Balanced Engineer NewsletterPlausible SchemesEmbedding modelsObsidian Copilot⁠⁠⁠⁠Tech book club Repo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcommitted Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hosts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcommitted.devBrittany Ellich⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eggyhead⁠Jonathan Tamsut⁠

SummaryIn this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, the hosts discuss the concept of personal branding for software developers. They explore what a personal brand means, the importance of authenticity, and how to build visibility within the tech community. The conversation highlights the balance between promoting oneself and staying true to one's values, as well as the challenges faced by individuals in a male-dominated industry. The hosts also share their thoughts on admired personal brands in tech, emphasizing the significance of community and mentorship.TakeawaysPersonal branding encompasses your values and how you want to be perceived.It's important to be authentic when developing a personal brand.Building a personal brand can help in career advancement and visibility.Sharing your work and interests is crucial for building a personal brand.The perception of personal branding can differ based on gender and identity in the workplace.It's valuable to recognize what you want to be known for in your career.Engaging with your community can enhance your personal brand.Maintaining authenticity while sharing your work is a challenge for many.Finding platforms that align with your values is important for personal branding.Admiring others' personal brands can inspire your own branding journey.LinksStaff Engineer by Will LarsonJulia EvansCassidy WilliamsGergely OroszCharity Majors⁠⁠⁠Tech book club Repo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcommitted Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hosts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcommitted.dev⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bethany Janos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brittany Ellich⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eggyhead⁠⁠Jonathan Tamsut⁠

SummaryIn this episode of the Overcommitted podcast, hosts Bethany, Brittany, and Erika engage with guest Nick Gerakines to explore the intricacies of the AT Protocol, its implications for user data ownership, and the evolution of social media platforms. They discuss the importance of user control, the concept of a credible exit from platforms, and the development journey of applications built on the AT Protocol. The conversation also touches on the complexities of OAuth in modern applications and the significance of community involvement in open source projects.TakeawaysNick Gerakines is a software engineer with a rich background in online education and infrastructure.AT Protocol focuses on identity and data ownership, allowing users to control their data.Decentralized identifiers (DIDs) are crucial for user identity in the AT Protocol ecosystem.User mobility is a key feature of AT Protocol, enabling users to move their data across platforms.The concept of a credible exit allows users to leave platforms without losing their data.Development on AT Protocol has been a rewarding journey for Nick, leading to innovative applications.The future of social engagement is promising with new tools and communities emerging.OAuth presents unique challenges in the context of agent-based systems.Building community and engaging in open source projects is essential for developers.Diversity of thought enhances problem-solving and innovation in technology.Links⁠⁠Connect with Nick GerakinesWhy AT Protocol blog postSmoke Signal Presentation at ATmosphere Conf⁠⁠Tech book club Repo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcommitted Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠Hosts⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcommitted.dev⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bethany Janos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brittany Ellich⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eggyhead

SummaryIn this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, hosts Erika, Bethany, and Brittany Ellich interview Alec Breton, Cole Hartman, and Doris Wang, a mentor and two summer interns from GitHub, to discuss the importance of mentorship in tech internships. They explore what defines a successful internship, the structure of the internship program, and the dynamics of mentorship relationships. The conversation also delves into the significance of psychological safety in fostering a productive learning environment, the balance between using AI tools and personal learning, and offers advice for aspiring interns and mentors. The episode concludes with a fun segment where guests share their ideal mentors.TakeawaysA successful internship is about learning and contributing.Interns should feel comfortable asking questions.Psychological safety is crucial for growth.Being a good mentee is also important.Use AI as a tool, not a crutch.Be your authentic self in interviews.Building trust is essential in mentorship.Understanding the product is key before coding.Mentorship is about leading and learning together.Links⁠Connect with Alec BretonConnect with Cole HartmanConnect with Doris Wang⁠Tech book club Repo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcommitted Discord⁠⁠⁠Hosts⁠⁠⁠Overcommitted.dev⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bethany Janos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brittany Ellich⁠⁠⁠Eggyhead

SummaryIn this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, host Jonathan Tamsut and co-hosts Brittany Ellich and Bethany engage in a deep conversation with Jennifer Harris, founder and CEO of Technology Management Concepts. They explore Jennifer's journey into entrepreneurship, the evolution of her role as a CEO, and the unique challenges faced by women in tech. The discussion touches on imposter syndrome, the importance of networking, and the dynamics of gender in the workplace, particularly in relation to AI and technology. Jennifer shares valuable insights and advice for women in tech, emphasizing the need for self-advocacy and the importance of building relationships. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of AI and the opportunities it presents for women in business.TakeawaysJennifer's journey began with a passion for solutions and technology.Entrepreneurship requires resilience and adaptability.Imposter syndrome is a common challenge for folks in leadership.Women often face unique challenges in the tech workplace.Self-advocacy is essential for folks in tech.Building relationships is key to professional growth.LinksConnect with Jennifer HarrisTech book club Repo⁠⁠⁠⁠Overcommitted Discord⁠⁠Hosts⁠⁠Overcommitted.dev⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bethany Janos⁠⁠⁠⁠Brittany Ellich⁠⁠⁠⁠Jonathan Tamsut

SummaryIn this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, Brittany Ellich and her co-hosts engage with Ross Brodbeck, a software engineer at GitHub, to explore the critical topic of software availability. They discuss the definitions of availability, reliability, and uptime, and delve into frameworks for improving availability in software systems. The conversation covers proactive versus reactive approaches to availability, the business impact of availability, and the hidden costs associated with downtime. Ross shares insights on creating effective availability programs, the role of incident commanders, and emerging technologies that may shape the future of availability in software engineering. The episode concludes with book recommendations for software engineers looking to deepen their understanding of the field.TakeawaysAvailability is subjective and varies by organization.Observability is crucial for understanding production behavior.Proactive measures can help prevent availability issues.On-call burnout is a significant cost to organizations.Understanding business needs is key to defining availability.SLOs help in measuring and reporting availability effectively.Incident commanders play a vital role in managing incidents.Game days and playbooks are essential for preparedness.Hidden costs of downtime include loss of customer trust.Emerging technologies like AI may change availability management.LinksRoss’s BlogGoogle SRE Bookhttps://sreweekly.com/https://uptime.is/Catchpoint SRE ReportSoftware engineer’s guidebookDesigning data-intensive applicationsThinking in systemsThe best software writing one - Joel on Software Algorithms to live byThe Staff EngineerClean CodePragmatic Engineer Podcast - Thomas Dhomke interviewDistributed systems by Martin van SteenPractical object-oriented design in RubyLooks Good To MeTech book club Repo⁠⁠Overcommitted Discord⁠Hosts⁠Overcommitted.dev⁠⁠⁠⁠Bethany Janos⁠⁠Brittany Ellich⁠⁠Eggyhead⁠⁠Jonathan Tamsut