Episodes

  • 193 | Technical Leadership: Bridging the IC-Manager Gap
    Jan 7 2025
    In this episode of Compressed FM, Dustin Goodman shares insights from his journey from IC to engineering manager at companies like ClickUp and This Dot. The conversation explores the nuances of technical leadership, team dynamics, and the importance of understanding personal values in management. The discussion then shifts to a deep dive into React Server Components, examining their implementation challenges and potential impact on the framework ecosystem. SponsorsWix Studio combines the best of both worlds—intuitive design tools for clients and full-stack flexibility for developers. Customize every detail with your own code and take control of your projects.Chapter Marks00:00:00 - Intro00:00:42 - Sponsor: Wix Studio00:01:33 - Engineering Management Journey00:05:11 - Managing Different Experience Levels00:07:14 - Technical Skills in Management00:09:27 - Should Managers Code?00:12:19 - Managing Up vs Managing Down00:17:27 - Team Values Discussion00:20:11 - Strengths and Management Styles00:26:07 - React Server Components Introduction00:29:27 - RSC Implementation Challenges00:34:34 - GraphQL and Server Components00:39:13 - Future of React Frameworks00:43:10 - Vite 6 Discussion00:47:52 - React Community Evolution00:51:21 - Picks and PlugsAmy Dutton:Pick: Browse AI (web scraping tool with AI capabilities)Plug: Advent of CSS and Advent of JavaScript (24 coding challenges in December)Dustin Goodman:Pick: Cursor (AI-powered code editor)Plug: "Engineering Management for the Rest of Us" by Sarah DrasnerBrad Garropy:Pick: Helldivers 2 (video game)Plug: Raycast extension for Stripe (automatically fills checkouts with test cards)01:00:14 - Show Wrap-upLinksBooks Mentioned:"The Manager's Path" by Camille Fournier"Engineering Management for the Rest of Us" by Sarah DrasnerTools & Software:Wix StudioBrowse AICursor (code editor)RaycastRaycast Stripe extensionVite 6Next.jsSocial/Community:BlueSky (Brad and Amy)Bytes NewsletterConnectTech conferencePeople Referenced:Ryan BurgessGergely OroszTracy LeeDan AbramovTanner LindsleyJohn LindquistDavid KhourshidAssessment Tools:Clifton StrengthsFinderAPIs/Documentation:Stripe test cards documentationReact Server Components documentationVite documentationProjects:Advent of CSS (adventofcss.com)Advent of JavaScript (adventofjs.com)
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    1 hr
  • 192 | 2024: The Tech That Changed Our Game
    Dec 31 2024

    Brad and Amy dive into their year-end tech reflections, discussing goal-setting strategies and Amy's ambitious Build 12 project for 2025. The hosts explore various database hosting solutions, share their favorite hardware purchases including cameras and peripherals, and examine how AI tools are reshaping development workflows. The episode concludes with insights into emerging tech trends and anticipated developments for 2025.

    Chapter Marks

    00:00 Episode introduction and host intros

    00:41 Year-end goals discussion and 12-week planning

    02:02 Amy's Build 12 project announcement

    03:01 Goal setting strategies and focus

    04:25 Brad's 2024 goals review

    05:35 Travel plans and New York City trips

    06:58 More 2024 goals: fitness, career, and finances

    08:21 Technical stack discussion

    13:22 AI tools and development workflows

    17:19 Database hosting options comparison

    25:45 Tech gear and hardware updates

    33:47 Notable tech purchases review

    43:29 AI tools and future tech discussion

    Links
    • Build Twelve, by Brian P. Moran - Amy's upcoming project
    • The 12 Week Year (book)
    • Atomic Habits, by James Clear (book)
    • The Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigg (book)
    • Supabase
    • Neon database
    • Digital Ocean
    • Turso
    • Cursor IDE
    • Remarkable Tablet (v2)
    • Oura Ring
    • Razer Basilisk V3 Pro mouse
    • Swish app for Mac
    • Nuphy Air 75 keyboard
    • Drop keyboard
    • Insta360 One camera
    • Insta360 Go 3 camera
    • Nikon ZFC camera
    • Ray Deck - Episode 182: Low-Code as a Medium For High-Speed Developers
    • Marc Lou
    • Pieter Levels
    • WorkOS
    • The Best Way to Add Authentication to Your Astro Website (Amy’s YouTube Video)
    • Comparing Frameworks - Amy's project
    • GitHub Copilot
    • Claude
    • convertkit.com
    • loops.so
    • Prisma
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    53 mins
  • 191 | Team Dynamics in Development: More Than Just Writing Code
    Dec 24 2024

    In this episode, we dive deep into the dynamics of working solo versus being part of a development team. From the ideal team composition at large companies to the challenges of maintaining open source projects, our hosts share their experiences and insights. Learn about the crucial roles of designers and product managers, the importance of documentation, and why even senior developers still Google Git commands. Whether you're a solo developer looking to collaborate or a team player wanting to improve your workflow, this episode has something for everyone.

    Chapter Marks

    00:00 - Introduction

    01:16 - The Perfect Team Composition

    02:44 - Different Approaches to Team Building

    04:37 - Working Without Designers: The FedEx Experience

    08:10 - Documentation and Project Requirements

    12:30 - The Role of Documentation in Team Success

    14:47 - Documentation's Impact on Career Growth

    15:14 - Onboarding and Documentation Connection

    16:51 - Open Source Project Management

    19:45 - Automation in Open Source

    22:34 - Deals for Devs: Managing Contributors

    25:29 - Branch Management and PR Workflows

    29:59 - Solo Development Practices

    31:21 - Git Commands and Team Workflows

    35:14 - Open Source Knowledge Barriers

    38:02 - The Importance of Admitting What You Don't Know

    39:15 - Episode Wrap-up

    Links
    • Nick Taylor's Blog Post about GitHub Code Owners - https://dev.to/opensauced/supercharge-your-repository-with-code-owners-4clg
    • B Dougie's GitHub Action for the "Take" command - https://github.com/bdougie/take-action/blob/main/action.yml
    • Chantastic's Git Course on Epic Web - https://www.epicweb.dev/tutorials/git-fundamentals
    • GitHub Documentation on Squash Merging vs Rebase Merging - https://docs.github.com/en/pull-requests/collaborating-with-pull-requests/incorporating-changes-from-a-pull-request/about-pull-request-merges
    • Merge vs Rebase vs Squash - https://gist.github.com/mitchellh/319019b1b8aac9110fcfb1862e0c97fb
    • GitHub Issue Forms Documentation - https://docs.github.com/en/communities/using-templates-to-encourage-useful-issues-and-pull-requests/syntax-for-issue-forms
    • GitHub Pull Request Templates Guide - https://docs.github.com/en/communities/using-templates-to-encourage-useful-issues-and-pull-requests/creating-a-pull-request-template-for-your-repository
    • GitHub Code Owners Documentation - https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/managing-your-repositorys-settings-and-features/customizing-your-repository/about-code-owners
    • Virtual Coffee's Hacktoberfest Resources - https://hacktoberfest.virtualcoffee.io/
    • OpenSauce - https://opensauced.pizza/
    • The "Working Genius" Assessment - https://www.workinggenius.com/
    • Gun.io Work Personality Quiz - https://gun.io/workstyle/
    • Deals for Devs Project - https://www.dealsfordevs.com/
    • GitHub Actions Documentation on Release Management - https://docs.github.com/en/actions/sharing-automations/creating-actions/releasing-and-maintaining-actions
    • Conventional Commits Documentation - https://www.conventionalcommits.org/en/v1.0.0/
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    40 mins
  • 190 | React 19: Quality of Life Updates & What They Mean for Developers
    Dec 18 2024

    Join Amy and Brad as they break down the latest developments in the React ecosystem following React Conf 2024. From quality-of-life improvements in React 19 to the introduction of the new React compiler, they analyze how these changes will impact everyday development. The episode features an in-depth discussion about Remix's strategic decision to focus on React Router, the ongoing debate between JavaScript frameworks and traditional backend frameworks, and thoughtful insights into choosing the right tools for your projects. Whether you're a seasoned React developer or just getting started, this episode offers valuable perspective on the future of web development.

    Sponsors

    Sanity delivers content anywhere (just like a headless CMS).

    Beyond that, Sanity gives you total composability. A fully decoupled, real-time content back end. Entirely customizable content workspaces.

    Chapters

    00:00 - Introduction

    00:42 - Sponsor: Sanity

    02:12 - React Conf Experience

    05:00 - Conference Personalities

    08:52 - React Compiler Deep Dive

    13:20 - Remix "Taking a Nap" Discussion

    26:41 - React 19 Features

    33:54 - JavaScript vs PHP/Laravel Debate

    41:11 - Framework Decision Fatigue

    44:45 - Picks & Plugs

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    49 mins
  • 189 | Side Projects & Sustainable Content Creation: Finding Your Creative Energy
    Dec 11 2024

    In this host-only episode of Compressed FM, James Q Quick, Amy Dutton, and Bekah discuss how side projects and creative outlets can paradoxically provide energy rather than drain it. The conversation explores Bekah's ambitious 29-day writing project about open source alternatives, Amy's vlogging journey, and James's streaming experiences. They dive into the importance of finding activities that spark joy, even when juggling busy schedules and family commitments. The hosts share insights about automation tools like PipeDream, discuss the value of downtime for creativity, and emphasize the importance of sustainable work practices in tech.

    Sponsor

    Convex is the backend for founders. Convex is the backend application platform for product-obsessed founders.

    Chapters

    00:00:00 Introduction & Welcome

    00:00:39 Bekah's Open Source Writing Project

    00:02:05 Discussion of PipeDream vs Zapier

    00:05:14 Content Creation Process & AI Tools

    00:08:22 Time Management in Content Creation

    00:10:31 Flexible Work Schedules

    00:11:31 Amy's Vlogging Journey

    00:14:48 Creative Energy & Side Projects

    00:16:47 Work-Life Balance & Productivity

    00:18:20 Importance of Downtime for Creativity

    00:20:34 Efficiency in Daily Life

    00:22:02 Sponsor: Convex

    00:22:49 Deals for Dev Project Discussion

    00:25:40 Picks and Plugs Segment

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    31 mins
  • 188 | How Video Tap Leverages OpenAI for Content Creation
    Dec 4 2024

    In this episode, Chris Sev discusses building SaaS projects with Laravel and AI, detailing his journey from launching Scotch.io to creating VideoTap. Dive into the innovative workflows for automating video marketing content, learn why Laravel remains his go-to framework, and explore insights on the future of AI in development.

    Show Notes

    00:00:00 - Intro

    00:00:33 - Guest Introduction: Chris Sev, DevRel at Sourcegraph

    00:01:08 - Chris's Background and Journey

    00:02:28 - Tech Stack Behind Video Tap

    00:02:55 - Story of Getting the VideoTap.com Domain

    00:05:20 - VideoTap's AI Implementation and Process

    00:14:20 - How VideoTap Uses AI for Content Generation

    00:17:06 - Prompt Engineering Tips and Techniques

    00:21:17 - AI Content Generation Pipeline and Error Handling

    00:22:27 - Handling Large Videos and Context Windows

    00:23:44 - Experimenting with Different AI Models

    00:24:23 - AI Writing Style and Evaluation Techniques

    00:27:44 - Current State of VideoTap: Team and Revenue

    00:30:39 - Future Goals: Integrations and Features

    00:35:27 - Chris's Work at Sourcegraph and Mission

    00:38:20 - Picks and Plugs

    • Amy
      • Pick: Polar Habits
      • Plug: Broken Comb Newsletter
    • Chris
      • Pick: Phind.com and Perplexity.ai
      • Plug: TwinPicks.ai, Richest You Substack
    • James
      • Pick: Kroser TSA Travel Laptop Backpack
      • Plug: Newsletter
    Links
    • VideoTap
    • Anthropic Prompt Engineering Guide
    • Creator Hooks Newsletter
    • Thumbnail Test
    • Codi AI Coding Assistant

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    47 mins
  • 187 | The Latest and Greatest Features in CSS
    Nov 18 2024

    In this episode, Amy, Brad, and guest Alex dive into cutting-edge CSS features that are transforming web development. They explore container queries, logical properties, CSS layers, and scopes, sharing practical applications and browser support updates. The trio also discusses Tailwind CSS and its role in modern web design, offering spicy takes on its implementation.

    Sponsor

    Wix Studio combines the best of both worlds—intuitive design tools for clients and full-stack flexibility for developers. Customize every detail with your own code and take control of your projects.

    Show Notes
    • 00:00 - Welcome and Introductions
    • 01:16 - Shoutout to Wix Studio
    • 03:12 - CSS as a Typed Language
    • 04:10 - The Magic of CSS Layers
    • 07:38 - Logical Properties and Global Support
    • 10:47 - Browser Wars: Who's Leading in CSS?
    • 20:24 - Container Queries in Action
    • 25:37 - CSS Scopes and Their Potential
    • 28:03 - Revolutionizing CSS: Style Queries and Beyond
    • 36:12 - Tailwind CSS: A Spicy Debate
    • 46:13 - Picks and Plugs
      • Alex's Pick: Dropout.tv, especially Gastronauts.
      • Alex's Plug: Speaking at Connect Tech (Atlanta) and Codemash (Ohio). Socials: @fimion (Twitter), @DangitAlex.wtf (Blue Sky)
      • Brad's Pick: Love is Blind season and reunion episodes.
      • Brad's Plug: New to Blue Sky
      • Amy's Pick: Happy Little Dinosaurs board game
      • Amy's Plug: Freaking Full Stack workshop
    Links
    • Raindrop.io
    • Interop 2025 List
    • TailwindCSS
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    51 mins
  • 186 | Breaking into Tech through Open Source
    Nov 8 2024

    In this episode, Chris Nowicki shares his path from aerospace to web development and the unique challenges of transitioning into tech. Chris and James discuss how Chris got involved in the open-source project "Deals for Devs," including the tech stack, managing contributions, and handling obstacles. This episode offers a first-hand look at the value of community in development and tips for new devs on getting started in open source.

    Sponsor

    Postman is an API platform for building and using APIs. Postman simplifies each step of the API lifecycle and streamlines collaboration so you can create better APIs—faster.

    Show Notes

    00:00 - Intro

    01:08 - Chris Nowicki’s Journey into Tech

    02:12 - Bootcamp Experience and Structure

    05:07 - Breaking into Tech Through Community Involvement

    08:38 - Deals for Devs: The Project Origin

    11:10 - Sponsor Message: Postman

    12:06 - Tech Stack Overview for Deals for Devs

    13:22 - Tech Stack: Resend, React Email, Tailwind, and Xata

    17:00 - Prisma Integration with Xata

    20:00 - Challenges in Managing Community Projects

    23:54 - Planning and Issue Management for Deals for Devs

    28:00 - Feature Flags and Release Management

    37:15 - Subscription System Workflow

    45:45 - Creating a Dynamic Email Subscription System

    51:58 - Managing Admin and Approval for Deals

    52:26 - Closing

    Links
    • OpenSauced
    • RedwoodJS
    • Deals for Devs Project
    • Postman
    • React Email
    • Vercel
    • Xata
    • Resend
    • Frontend Mentor
    • LaunchDarkly
    • Grid Iron Survivor
    • Dev.to article on CRON jobs
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    53 mins