The Frontend Masters Podcast

In this episode of The Frontend Masters Podcast, Todd Gardner, co-founder of TrackJS and RequestMetrics, discusses his journey from consultant to entrepreneur. He shares insights on bootstrapping SaaS products, competing against VC-backed companies, and the importance of charging customers for your product or service early. Todd delves into technical aspects of his products' stacks, including the use of .NET Core, Clickhouse, and HTMX. He offers advice on public speaking, teaching, and maintaining healthy co-founder relationships. The conversation covers web performance optimization, JavaScript error monitoring, and the challenges of balancing product development with marketing efforts. Todd also reflects on his career philosophy of continuous learning and adaptation in the fast-paced tech industry. Marc has captured his advice on startups in this article, originally an email to Todd in 2014: https://marcgrabanski.com/articles/your-advice-startups/ Check out Todd’s Frontend Masters courses here: https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/todd-gardner/ Frontend Masters Online: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrontendMasters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontend-masters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrontendMasters Instagram: https://instagram.com/FrontendMasters About Us: Advance your skills with in-depth, modern front-end engineering courses — our 150+ high-quality courses and 18 curated learning paths will guide you from mid-level to senior developer! https://frontendmasters.com/?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=home_link&utm_campaign=podcastepisode21

In this 20th episode of The Frontend Masters Podcast, Francesca Sadikin, a software engineer at Netflix, shares her journey from architecture to tech. She discusses her experience at a software engineering consulting firm, rapid career progression, and landing a role at Netflix. Sadikin offers insights on transitioning into tech, the benefits of software consulting for skill accumulation, and the challenges of working at a top-tier tech company. She also delves into her approach to teaching and public speaking, emphasizing the importance of practice and preparation. The conversation covers strategies for managing imposter syndrome, the value of autonomy in Netflix's work culture, and balancing career growth with personal life as a new parent. Check out Francesca’s Frontend Masters courses here: https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/francesca-sadikin/ Frontend Masters Online: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrontendMasters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontend-masters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrontendMasters Instagram: https://instagram.com/FrontendMasters About Us: Advance your skills with in-depth, modern front-end engineering courses — our 150+ high-quality courses and 18 curated learning paths will guide you from mid-level to senior developer!  https://frontendmasters.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=home_link&utm_campaign=podcastepisode20

In this episode, Kadi Kraman, a software developer at Expo, discusses her journey from scientific programming to React Native development. She shares insights on her experiences at companies like Formidable and her work on projects such as the Puma app. Kadi delves into the evolution of Expo, explaining how it has addressed previous limitations and become the recommended framework for React Native. She explores the concept of React Native frameworks, the benefits of Expo Go, and the introduction of development builds. The conversation also touches on emerging trends in React Native, including React Strictum and efforts to align React Native more closely with web standards. Finally, Kadi offers advice on getting into tech speaking and teaching, and reflects on the importance of tackling challenges and continuous learning in software development. Check out Kadi’s Frontend Masters courses here: https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/kadi-kraman/ Frontend Masters Online: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrontendMasters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontend-masters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrontendMasters Instagram: https://instagram.com/FrontendMasters About Us: Advance your skills with in-depth, modern front-end engineering courses — our 150+ high-quality courses and 18 curated learning paths will guide you from mid-level to senior developer! https://frontendmasters.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=home_link&utm_campaign=podcastepisode19

In this episode, Maximiliano Firtman discusses his journey as a web and mobile developer spanning over 20 years. He shares insights on the evolution of mobile web development, from early WAP and J2ME applications to modern Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). Firtman reflects on his experiences teaching, speaking at conferences, and consulting internationally from his base in Buenos Aires. He explores the changing landscape of web technologies, the current state of PWAs, and the industry's shift in terminology from "PWAs" to "web apps." Firtman also delves into the importance of understanding vanilla JavaScript in today's development ecosystem and offers advice for aspiring speakers and teachers in the tech industry.Check out Maximiliano’s Frontend Masters courses here: https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/firt/Find Frontend Masters Online:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrontendMastersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontend-masters/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrontendMastersInstagram: https://instagram.com/FrontendMastersAbout Us:Advance your skills with in-depth, modern front-end engineering courses — our 150+ high-quality courses and 18 curated learning paths will guide you from mid-level to senior developer! https://frontendmasters.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=home_link&utm_campaign=podcastepisode18

In this episode, Evgenii Ray discusses his journey from a remote, economically challenged region to becoming a software engineer at Meta and a Frontend Masters instructor. He shares insights on transitioning from backend to frontend development, the importance of persistence in learning, and his experience creating educational content on YouTube. Ray emphasizes the value of internships, studying abroad, and continuous learning in advancing one's tech career. He also touches on his work at JetBrains and his current role at Meta, his preparation for technical interviews, and his passion for teaching and sharing knowledge with the developer community. The conversation covers topics such as system design for frontend, the benefits of teaching as a learning tool, and the challenges of overcoming significant cultural and geographic barriers for career growth.Check out Evgenii’s Frontend Masters courses here: https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/evgenii-ray/Find Frontend Masters Online:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrontendMastersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontend-masters/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrontendMastersInstagram: https://instagram.com/FrontendMastersAbout Us:Advance your skills with in-depth, modern front-end engineering courses — our 150+ high-quality courses and 18 curated learning paths will guide you from mid-level to senior developer! https://frontendmasters.com/?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=home_link&utm_campaign=podcastepisode17

In this episode, Marc sits down with Charlie Gerard as she shares her cutting-edge experiments, including hacking a car using JavaScript, tracking live data from airplanes, and controlling interfaces with brain sensors. Charlie also discusses using machine learning with TensorFlow.js, her creative projects during the pandemic like detecting running movements to play videos, and her journey from marketing to coding. This episode offers deep insights into the practical applications of JavaScript and the importance of mentorship in a tech career.Check out Charlie’s Frontend Masters courses here: https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/charlie-gerard/Find Frontend Masters Online:Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrontendMastersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontend-masters/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrontendMastersInstagram: https://instagram.com/FrontendMastersAbout Us:Advance your skills with in-depth, modern front-end engineering courses — our 150+ high-quality courses and 18 curated learning paths will guide you from mid-level to senior developer! https://frontendmasters.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=home_link&utm_campaign=podcastepisode16

In this episode, Marc Grabanski speaks with Paul Boag, a veteran web designer with over 20 years of experience. We talk about the early days of podcasting with the Boagworld podcast. Marc explores Paul’s transition from traditional web design to modern practices, focusing on CSS adoption and the impact of web standards. Paul also shares insights from his shift away from agency life towards a more flexible, travel-oriented work style. The discussion covers technical evolutions in web design, the critical importance of accessibility, and practical challenges faced by web professionals today. Check out Paul’s Frontend Masters courses here:  https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/paul-boag/ Find Frontend Masters Online: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrontendMasters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontend-masters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrontendMastersInstagram: https://instagram.com/FrontendMasters About Us: Advance your skills with in-depth, modern front-end engineering courses — our 150+ high-quality courses and 18 curated learning paths will guide you from mid-level to senior developer! https://frontendmasters.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=home_link&utm_campaign=podcastepisode15

In this episode, we talk with Melkey, a popular Twitch streamer (and Twitch employee) with a unique background in robotics, machine learning, and a wide range of sports. We talk about the technical challenges of machine learning, wrestling to rugby, his first job fixing go-karts, and eventually getting into software dev and landing at Twitch. Expect tech and career advice mixed with lighthearted banter as Melkey shares his experiences and insights, significantly impacting tech and streaming content.  Check out Melkey’s Frontend Masters courses here: https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/melkey/ Find Frontend Masters Online: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrontendMasters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontend-masters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrontendMasters Instagram: https://instagram.com/FrontendMasters About Us: Advance your skills with in-depth, modern front-end engineering courses — our 150+ high-quality courses and 18 curated learning paths will guide you from mid-level to senior developer! https://frontendmasters.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=home_link&utm_campaign=podcastepisode14

(Video Podcast available on Spotify and Youtube) In this episode Marcy Sutton Todd shares her deep dive into web accessibility, emphasizing the critical role of foundational HTML and CSS, and the nuanced application of ARIA for enhancing web user experiences. With her background in working on the Axe accessibility tool, Sutton Todd underscores the importance of screen reader testing and leveraging accessibility tools to identify and rectify common web accessibility issues. She reflects on her journey into accessibility, marked by a pivotal moment at the CSUN conference, which solidified her commitment to advocating for digital access rights. The episode also explores Sutton Todd's creative side, revealing how her visual skills and passion for photography have influenced her web development career. She discusses the evolving job market, highlighting how expertise in accessibility can distinguish developers and the strategic importance of contributing to open source projects to gain visibility and experience. Sutton Todd's narrative is a blend of technical guidance, career advice, and personal insights, offering listeners a comprehensive view of the importance of accessibility in web development and the potential paths for professional growth in this field. Check out Marcy’s Frontend Master’s courses here: https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/marcy-sutton/ Find Frontend Masters Online: Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/FrontendMasters⁠  LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontend-masters/⁠  Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/FrontendMasters⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/FrontendMasters⁠ About Us: Advance your skills with in-depth, modern front-end engineering courses — our 150+ high-quality courses and 18 curated learning paths will guide you from mid-level to senior developer! ⁠https://frontendmasters.com/

(Video Podcast available on Spotify and Youtube) In Episode 12, Lydia Hallie takes us through her tech journey, from early coding experiments to becoming a prominent figure in the developer community as a Staff Developer Relations Engineer for Vercel. Lydia shares her unique approach to tech talks, emphasizing authenticity and leveraging visual storytelling to make complex concepts accessible. She discusses the challenges of public speaking, her collaboration with Addy Osmani on patterns.dev, and her strategies for engaging with her audience beyond conventional presentation styles. Lydia also opens up about her personal struggles with burnout, highlighting the critical need for balance between work intensity and self-care. Her story is not just about her technical achievements but also about her insights into maintaining passion and productivity in tech. Lydia's reflections offer valuable lessons on the importance of self-awareness and the courage to prioritize well-being alongside professional growth. Check out Lydia Hallie’s Frontend Master’s courses here: https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/lydia-hallie/ Find Frontend Masters Online: Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/FrontendMasters⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontend-masters/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/FrontendMasters⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/FrontendMasters⁠ About Us: Advance your skills with in-depth, modern front-end engineering courses — our 150+ high-quality courses and 18 curated learning paths will guide you from mid-level to senior developer! ⁠https://frontendmasters.com/

Episode Description:(Video Podcast available on Spotify and Youtube) Episode 11 of the Frontend Masters Podcast welcomes Anjana Vakil, a distinctive voice in software development. In this engaging conversation with Marc, they delve into the philosophy and linguistics behind coding, exploring its purpose and broader implications in computer science. Anjana takes us on a journey from her beginnings in philosophy and English teaching to her current role in the tech world, emphasizing the profound connection between human communication and software. She delves into the essence of functional programming and its power to model complex ideas simply, while also exploring the social implications of technology. This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of how coding transcends mere syntax, touching on societal issues and the importance of sharing knowledge. Anjana's reflections inspire listeners to consider not just the code they write, but also the impact it has on the world and the people around them.Check out Anjana Vakil’s Frontend Master’s courses here: https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/anjana-vakil/ Find Frontend Masters Online: Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/FrontendMasters⁠  LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontend-masters/⁠  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrontendMasters⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/FrontendMasters⁠ About Us: Advance your skills with in-depth, modern front-end engineering courses — our 150+ high-quality courses and 18 curated learning paths will guide you from mid-level to senior developer! ⁠https://frontendmasters.com/

(Video Podcast available on Spotify and Youtube)In Episode 10, Mark Techson shares his inspiring journey from an early fascination with coding to becoming an influential figure in Google’s Angular team. Mark shares how he learned programming at a public school in Chicago. In college, he was interested in game development but eventually got a web development job. He started teaching at a boot camp on top of his day job to pay for unexpected family medical expenses, which opened the door to teaching for Harvard’s extension school. He shares his gripping story of interviewing at Google and landing his job on the Angular team for the last 3 1/2 years. All along the way, he emphasizes service to others and building a positive community. This is an inspiring episode – we can all learn so much from Mark’s journey! Check out Mark Techson’s Frontend Master’s courses here: https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/mark-techson/ Find Frontend Masters Online: Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/FrontendMasters⁠  LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontend-masters/⁠  Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/FrontendMasters⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/FrontendMasters⁠ About Us: Advance your skills with in-depth, modern front-end engineering courses — our 150+ high-quality courses and 18 curated learning paths will guide you from mid-level to senior developer! ⁠https://frontendmasters.com/

(Video Podcast available on Spotify and Youtube) Episode 9 of the Frontend Masters Podcast features ThePrimeagen, Netflix engineer and NeoVim enthusiast (by the way). In this episode he discusses the challenges of developer productivity, his experience with various programming roles, and his passion for Vim, and tooling. ThePrimeagen also delves into balancing work with personal life, the intricacies of content creation, and his excitement for future projects, including live reacting to tech conferences. Additionally, ThePrimeagen reflects on his journey, offering a rare glimpse into the life lessons learned along the way. Check out ThePrimeagen’s Frontend Master’s courses here: https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/the-primeagen/ Find Frontend Masters Online: Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/FrontendMasters⁠  LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontend-masters/⁠  Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/FrontendMasters⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/FrontendMasters⁠ About Us: Advance your skills with in-depth, modern front-end engineering courses — our 200+ high-quality courses and 18 curated learning paths will guide you from mid-level to senior developer! ⁠https://frontendmasters.com/

(Video Podcast available on Spotify and Youtube)In this 8th episode of "The Frontend Masters Podcast," Marc interviews Jem Young, a seasoned software engineer and engineering manager at Netflix. We talk about the evolution of frontend development, teaching technical skills, and the impact of emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing on our industry. Jem shares his journey from organizing college LAN parties to his tenure at Netflix, emphasizing the importance of public speaking and communication in tech roles. This episode will give you insights on navigating your career and enhancing your skills. Check out Jem Young’s Frontend Master’s courses here: https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/jem-young/ Check out Jem Young’s Frontend Master’s courses here: https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/jem-young/ Find Frontend Masters Online: Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/FrontendMasters⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontend-masters/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/FrontendMasters⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/FrontendMasters⁠ About Us: Advance your skills with in-depth, modern front-end engineering courses — our 150+ high-quality courses and 18 curated learning paths will guide you from mid-level to senior developer! ⁠https://frontendmasters.com/

Episode Description:(Video Podcast available on Spotify and Youtube)In this 7th episode of The Frontend Masters Podcast, host Marc Grabanski chats with Mike North, Developer Platform Tech Lead at Stripe, in a deep dive into the evolution of web development. The conversation traverses Mike's journey from tinkering with TI-83 calculators to mastering frontend development and beyond. They discuss the intricacies of working with large-scale projects, the transition from frontend to full-stack development, and the importance of TypeScript in modern web development. Mike also shares his insights on developing effective APIs and his approach to teaching and mentoring in the tech space. This episode is a treasure trove for developers looking to deepen their understanding of frontend technologies and career progression in software engineering. Check out Mike North’s Frontend Master’s courses here: https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/mike-north/Find Frontend Masters Online: Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/FrontendMasters⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontend-masters/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/FrontendMasters⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/FrontendMasters⁠About Us: Advance your skills with in-depth, modern front-end engineering courses — our 150+ high-quality courses and 18 curated learning paths will guide you from mid-level to senior developer! ⁠https://frontendmasters.com/

(Video Podcast available on Spotify and Youtube)Join us as we delve into a candid conversation with Scott Moss, a seasoned instructor and investor with a unique trajectory from the military to the forefront of tech education and startup investment. Scott shares his comprehensive insights on the transformative power of teaching, the rigorous journey through Y Combinator, and the strategic approach to tech investment. This episode is a deep dive into the practicalities of tech career progression, the long game of startup success, and the continuous learning cycle fueled by teaching. Whether you're a tech veteran or an aspiring entrepreneur, Scott's experiences and advice offer valuable perspectives on navigating the tech landscape. Check out Scott’s Frontend Masters courses online here: https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/scott-moss/Find Frontend Masters Online: Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/FrontendMasters⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontend-masters/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/FrontendMasters⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/FrontendMasters⁠About Us: Advance your skills with in-depth, modern front-end engineering courses — our 150+ high-quality courses and 18 curated learning paths will guide you from mid-level to senior developer! ⁠https://frontendmasters.com/

Episode Description:(Video Podcast available on Spotify and Youtube) Join us in Episode 5 of The Frontend Masters Podcast as we explore Erik Reinert's tech journey from humble beginnings in tech support to his current aspirations as a backend developer. Erik delves into the evolution of his career, highlighting the pivotal transitions and the drive that propelled him from one role to the next. This episode offers a deep dive into the world of tech streaming, community building on Twitch, and the shift from purely educational content to a blend of education and entertainment. Erik discusses the challenges of content creation while managing a full-time tech job, the nuances of engaging a live audience, and the importance of timing and platform choice for content creators. He also shares his personal goals, including his path to becoming a principal engineer and his venture into developing stream tools. For tech enthusiasts and aspiring content creators, Erik provides a blend of practical advice and personal anecdotes, making this a must-listen for those looking to navigate their own path in the tech industry. Check out Erik’s Frontend Masters courses online here: https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/erik-reinert/⁠Find Frontend Masters Online: Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/FrontendMasters⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontend-masters/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/FrontendMasters⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/FrontendMasters⁠About Us: Advance your skills with in-depth, modern front-end engineering courses — our 150+ high-quality courses and 18 curated learning paths will guide you from mid-level to senior developer! ⁠https://frontendmasters.com/

(Video Podcast available on Spotify and Youtube) In Episode 4, we dive deep with Miško Hevery, the mind behind AngularJS / Angular and Qwik, as he takes us on a journey from his early days in computer engineering to his impactful years at Google. Miško is one of the few to transition from hardware design all the way to frontend development. We go over the significance of testing in software development, the birth and philosophy of AngularJS, scalability, and code performance. Get a unique view into the evolution of frameworks and web tools from both hardware and software perspectives in this interview with Misko! Check out Miško's Frontend Masters courses online here: https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/misko-hevery/ Follow and connect with all things @frontendmasters across social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrontendMasters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontend-masters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrontendMasters Instagram: https://instagram.com/FrontendMasters Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontendMasters About Us: Advance your skills with in-depth, modern front-end engineering courses — our 150+ high-quality courses and 18 curated learning paths will guide you from mid-level to senior developer! https://frontendmasters.com/

(Video Podcast available on Spotify and Youtube) Episode 3 is with Jen Kramer, our primary CSS teacher who has experience teaching at the Harvard Extension School and beyond!  This episode is a comprehensive look at Jen's career trajectory, from her initial steps in biology to her current influence in web development and academia. For modern-day developers, this episode offers invaluable insights into the evolution of web technologies. We discuss the transitions from table-based layouts to the advent of CSS and how various shifts have happened (Bootstrap, flexbox, etc.) to create best practices in today's web development landscape. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of effective teaching methods for mastering new technologies and how interdisciplinary skills can be a unique asset in the tech industry. Check out Jen’s Frontend Masters courses online here: https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/jen-kramer/ Follow and connect with all things @frontendmasters across social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrontendMasters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontend-masters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrontendMasters Instagram: https://instagram.com/FrontendMasters Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontendMasters About Us: Advance your skills with in-depth, modern front-end engineering courses — our 150+ high-quality courses and 18 curated learning paths will guide you from mid-level to senior developer! https://frontendmasters.com/

(Video Podcast available on Spotify and Youtube) In this second episode, we talk with Steve Kinney, a tech veteran who's career started in public school teaching, to eventually becoming lead of UI development at Twilio SendGrid and now Head of UI Engineering at Temporal. We delve into Steve's early coding experience and how teaching has influenced his tech career. Check out Steve’s Frontend Masters courses online here: https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/steve-kinney/ Find Frontend Masters Online: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrontendMasters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontend-masters/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrontendMasters Instagram: https://instagram.com/FrontendMasters Follow and connect with all things @frontendmasters across Twitter/X, Linkedin, Instagram and YouTube. About Us: Advance your skills with in-depth, modern front-end engineering courses — our 150+ high-quality courses and 18 curated learning paths will guide you from mid-level to senior developer! https://frontendmasters.com/