

General Musings with Kevin Powell
Kevin Powell
I have a newsletter where I usually start things off with pretty long general musings before I share the content I've created in the previous week, as well as any interesting articles I've stumbled across in the last week. Not everyone likes reading or having more emails in their inbox, though, so this podcast is an audio version of my newsletters. They aren't tutorials or technical explorations like my regular videos are, but instead tend to talk about a wide range of different topics, though they're generally at least somewhat related to front-end development in some way.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 7, 2025 • 15min
Navigating Accessibility Challenges in Web Development
The interview with Salma: https://youtu.be/QYkjgd6_s4oPractical Accessibility: https://practical-accessibility.today/In this episode, I discuss the challenges and importance of accessibility in web development, drawing from a personal conversation with Salma Alam-Naylor. O emphasize the need for firsthand experience in advocating for accessibility, the complexities involved in making websites accessible, and practical steps developers can take to improve accessibility. I also highlight the importance of feedback and education in creating inclusive digital experiences.

Jan 31, 2025 • 14min
Should you use AI to help you learn?
In this episode, Kevin discusses the complexities of using AI tools for learning, particularly in the context of front-end development. He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and careful vetting of information provided by AI, highlighting both the potential benefits and significant pitfalls of over-reliance on these technologies. Kevin shares personal experiences and insights on how to effectively integrate AI tools into the learning process while maintaining a strong foundation in traditional learning methods.

Jan 24, 2025 • 20min
Selective Learning
In this episode, I discuss the concept of selective learning, emphasizing the importance of focusing on foundational skills rather than getting distracted by the latest trends. I explore the impact of social media on learning choices, the significance of understanding job market demands, and the role of documentation and community support in the learning process. I also critique the limitations of learning roadmaps and encourage listeners to build projects that align with their learning goals.

Jan 17, 2025 • 22min
So much new CSS stuff! How can we keep up?!
The article I mentioned: https://www.kevinpowell.co/article/unexpected-achievements/In this episode, I discuss the challenges of keeping up with front-end development, the feelings of imposter syndrome that many developers face, and the importance of focused learning in a rapidly changing tech landscape. I emphasize that it's not necessary to know everything and that developers should focus on a few key features at a time. I also touch on the evolution of search engines and the impact of AI on search results, concluding with strategies for staying updated in the tech world without feeling overwhelmed.

Jan 10, 2025 • 11min
Is productivity a lie?
Delve into the intriguing world of productivity myths and the impact of motivation. Discover how social media skews our views on success, leading to unhealthy comparisons. Gain insights on fostering self-awareness and personalized strategies to counterbalance feelings of demotivation. Recognize and celebrate your own achievements, reminding yourself that you might be accomplishing more than you think.

Jan 3, 2025 • 41min
Nerding out about CSS with Adam Argyle
In this insightful conversation, Adam Argyle, a member of the Chrome DevRel team, shares his expertise on the future of CSS. He discusses exciting new features for 2024, like scroll-driven animations and anchor positioning. Adam delves into the challenges developers face with rapid browser changes and emphasizes the importance of a stable developer experience. The impact of CSS innovations on user experience and accessibility is also explored, along with the complexities of CSS nesting and the need for community feedback in the development process.

Dec 20, 2024 • 44min
Navigating ADHD as a developer
ADHD FTW: https://adhdftw.com/kevin-powellGetting shit done with ADHD: https://adhdftw.com/getting-shit-doneIn this conversation, Chris Ferdinandi shares his personal journey with ADHD, discussing its impact on his life and career as a developer. He explores the prevalence of ADHD in the developer community, signs and symptoms of the condition, and the importance of diagnosis and self-awareness. Chris offers practical strategies for managing ADHD, highlights the positive aspects of the condition, and reflects on how his understanding of ADHD has evolved over time. He also introduces his course, 'Getting Stuff Done with ADHD,' aimed at helping individuals leverage their unique brain wiring for productivity.

Dec 5, 2024 • 7min
Why competition is a good thing
In this episode of General Musings, I dive into the world of content creation and that familiar doubt we all face when looking at a saturated market. Here's the truth - having competitors actually validates that you're onto something worthwhile. I talk about why you should embrace your unique perspective and how to define success on your own terms, whether you're starting a podcast, launching a product, or exploring any creative venture. Remember, you don't need to dominate the entire market to build something meaningful - sometimes the perfect niche is waiting for exactly what you have to offer. Here's the post I mentioned: https://bsky.app/profile/spannersready.bsky.social/post/3lbrk4d5rbs2a My primary YouTube channel where I teach frontend development, with a strong focus on CSS: https://youtube.com/@kevinpowell

Dec 1, 2024 • 8min
Don't overthink it
In this episode of General Musings, I discuss the theme of not overthinking content creation, inspired by Jason and Caroline Zook's Growing Steadily newsletter. I emphasize the importance of focusing on content quality over polish, sharing personal experiences from my own content creation journey. I encourage listeners to learn in public and share their knowledge without the fear of imperfection, highlighting that genuine content is what resonates with audiences.

Nov 22, 2024 • 21min
The beginner mindset
In this episode, I discuss the concept of the beginner mindset, reflecting on my experiences in teaching and creating educational content. I also talk about how it's gotten harder for me over the years. I also talk about the future of my podcast, including my plans for new episodes and a shift towards a more low-effort production style.Find me on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kevinpowell.coAnd/or Mastodon: https://front-end.social/@kevinpowell


