Build skills, not degrees. ft. Madison Kanna | S02 E08

Mar 3, 2025

In this chat, Madison Kanna, a self-taught software developer and community builder, reveals her unique journey from dropping out of college to creating the thriving Code Book Club. She discusses how bypassing traditional education ignited her passion for coding and the importance of mentorship in tech. Madison highlights the challenges of self-learning, shares insights from her experiences building communities, and emphasizes the vital role of genuine connections in navigating today's tech landscape. Plus, get inspired by her book recommendations!

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ANECDOTE

Coding Inspiration

Madison Kanna's interest in coding sparked after visiting her sister, a developer in San Francisco.
Witnessing the creation of a music application firsthand ignited her passion.

INSIGHT

Dropping Out for Success

Madison Kanna dropped out of college because she felt it lacked real-world skills.
She prioritized figuring out her passions and viewed college as a potential later option.

ANECDOTE

Homeschooling and Self-Learning

Madison Kanna's unconventional background includes homeschooling and dropping out of college.
This shaped her perspective on traditional education and self-learning.

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Love and Math

The Heart of Hidden Reality

Edward Frenkel

Edward Frenkel's "Love and Math" is a captivating exploration of the beauty and elegance of mathematics. Frenkel, a renowned mathematician, shares his personal journey, revealing the profound impact mathematics has had on his life. He skillfully demystifies complex mathematical concepts, making them accessible to a broad audience. The book challenges the common perception of mathematics as a dry and esoteric subject, showcasing its inherent creativity and relevance to the world around us. Through engaging anecdotes and insightful explanations, Frenkel inspires readers to appreciate the power and wonder of mathematics.

Cracking the PM Interview

How to Land a Product Manager Job in Technology

Gayle Laakmann McDowell

This book provides valuable insights, strategies, and practical tips to help candidates navigate the product management interview process. It covers various aspects such as the variation of the 'PM' role across companies, necessary experiences, how to translate existing experience, and how to master different types of interview questions including estimation, behavioral, case, product, technical questions, and the 'pitch'. The book is designed to help candidates prepare effectively for product management interviews in startups and larger tech companies.

The Pattern on the Stone

The Simple Ideas that Make Computers Work

W. Daniel (Danny) Hillis

In this book, Danny Hillis explains the fundamental principles of computer science in an easy-to-follow manner. Starting from basic logic and switches, he describes how these simple components combine to perform complex operations. The book covers programming languages, algorithms, memory, and advanced topics such as quantum computing, parallel computing, neural networks, and self-organizing systems. Hillis uses lucid explanations and colorful anecdotes to make the operations of a computer understandable to a broad audience.

Code

The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software

Charles Petzold

In 'Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software', Charles Petzold provides a detailed and accessible explanation of how computers function. The book begins with historical technologies such as Morse code, Braille, and Boolean logic, and gradually builds up to explain vacuum tubes, transistors, integrated circuits, and modern computer architecture. Petzold uses everyday objects and familiar language systems to illustrate the development of computer technology, making the subject understandable for readers of various technical backgrounds. The book covers topics from the construction of logic gates and memory banks to operating systems and high-level languages, providing a thorough understanding of the digital revolution[1][2][5].