Welcome to a lively conversation where we turn the spotlight on the oft-overlooked powerhouse of web development - state machines. We'll share our insights, experiences, and the reasons why we think state machines are the secret sauce to simplifying complex logic. If you've ever felt bogged down by the complexity of transitioning systems between states, you're in for a treat as we illustrate how state machines can be your knight in shining armor in the realm of code development and maintainability.

We're thrilled to welcome Elise Schaefer, our new podcast host, who has stepped into her role with immense enthusiasm and a deep passion for Ruby. She brings with her a fresh perspective and an eagerness to shape engaging conversations with members of the Ruby community. As she doffs her hat to the well-structured platform left behind by Brittany Martin, Elise also shares how she's tweaking it to align with her style. 

So, what's the magic formula to recognize the need for a state machine? We believe the answer lies in the presence of state in a database column or the use of enums. Listen as we traverse through the use of timestamps and callbacks in state machines and how they capture crucial nuances in the code. We also share our excitement on the immense potential of future changes in languages and how this could revolutionize web development. So, buckle up and join us on this exciting adventure as we unravel the power of state machines and the future of programming.

• Jason Charnes X/Twitter
• Chris Oliver X/Twitter
• Andrew Mason X/Twitter