Life-long learning can open doors you never imagined. In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, we talk with Chris Miller, an NSS alumnus who pivoted into software development after studying jazz composition and bass performance in college and recently tackled a high-stakes project supporting one of the largest live-streaming events in the world.

Chris shares how skills he developed as a musician provided the foundation for a growth-filled software development career. We also explore the value of knowing how to learn—whether it’s troubleshooting backend systems, understanding new technologies, or embracing generative AI as another tool in the developer's toolbox.

Whether you're just starting your NSS bootcamp, navigating unfamiliar technologies, or simply inspired by stories of growth, this episode highlights the power of continuous learning. It’s a story about how curiosity, adaptability, and the willingness to step into unknown territory can shape an extraordinary career.

00:00 - Intro: Meet Chris Miller
02:34 - From Music Major to Software Developer
06:01 - Early Career Experiences at Aspire and CareBridge
15:00 - Moving to HCA and Tackling Large-Scale Healthcare Data
18:52 - Joining Tubi: Initial Projects and Technical Curiosity
21:02 - Scaling Challenges: Preparing to Stream a Major Live Event
24:37 - Musicianship, Mindset, and the Art of Continuous Learning
29:38 - Tubi Scaling Project
36:21 - Key Lessons from Scaling Under Pressure
39:50 - Generative AI: Skepticism, Practicality, and Future Outlook
51:26 - The Role of Understanding in Software Development
56:54 - Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Links from the show:

Nashville Software School – https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com
Tubi – https://tubitv.com
HCA Healthcare – https://hcahealthcare.com
CareBridge Health – https://www.carebridgehealth.com
Aspire Health – https://www.aspirehealthcare.com