
Code with Jason
On the Code with Jason podcast I discuss technical topics with interesting people. Guests include people from companies like GitHub, Google and Stripe.
Latest episodes

Mar 28, 2025 • 1h 27min
253 - Dave Thomas, Author of The Pragmatic Programmer and Sin City Ruby 2025 Keynote Speaker
Dave Thomas, co-author of The Pragmatic Programmer and keynote speaker at Sin City Ruby 2025, dives into his upcoming book, Simplicity. He unpacks how software development has spiraled into unnecessary complexity and advocates for questioning established norms. The conversation emphasizes cultivating intuition in coding and experimenting with simpler solutions instead of following trends. Dave also reflects on the importance of personal storytelling in writing and encourages developers to embrace complexity as a learning opportunity.

Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 10min
252 - What is Good Code? with Jerad Gallinger
Jerad Gallinger, a software developer and former philosophy major, dives deep into the essence of good code. He emphasizes that while code must function correctly, true quality lies in its understandability and maintainability. The duo discusses how different coding contexts shape quality expectations, and they connect code creation to artistic processes, highlighting the mix of discipline and creativity. They also explore the vital collaboration between developers and UX designers, stressing the importance of user-centric design for effective software.

Mar 7, 2025 • 45min
251 - Databases at Scale with Prarthana Shiva, Sin City Ruby 2025 Speaker
In this episode of Code with Jason, host Jason Swett interviews Prarthana Shiva, a senior software engineer at NexHealth, who shares how her team is handling massive database scaling challenges. Prarthana explains their PostgreSQL database's growth to 24 terabytes (with projections to triple within a year) and details their innovative solutions including read replicas, Elasticsearch implementation, Redis caching, external write-ahead logs, and optimized vacuuming processes. The conversation also touches on Jason's own database challenges with his CI platform and concludes with Prarthana's upcoming presentation at Sin City Ruby 2025, where she'll discuss their transition from schema-based to row-based multi-tenancy for better scalability.Prarthana Shiva on LinkedInSin City Ruby

Feb 21, 2025 • 1h 8min
250 - Nick Schwaderer
This podcast episode features a lively conversation between Jason Swett and Nick Schwaderer, covering a range of topics from Thanksgiving traditions to Ruby conferences, personal philosophies, and even the idea of starting a long-format, freeform podcast. They discuss their approaches to cooking turkey, the quirks of different Thanksgiving side dishes across the U.S., and the experience of celebrating American holidays abroad. The conversation then shifts to Sin City Ruby and Rails World, with Nick reflecting on how conferences create strong community bonds. They also delve into personal growth, handling adversity, and the importance of resilience in career and life.

Feb 13, 2025 • 56min
249 - Neeraj Singh, Founder and CEO of BigBinary and Neeto
The episode explores the challenges of remote work and the opportunities for connection that arise from engaging in community events like the Sin City Ruby conference. Neeraj Singh shares his experiences running a remote consulting agency, highlights unconventional hiring practices, and delves into the benefits of creating clone products, all while emphasizing the value of quality software and a thriving company culture.• Discussing the emotional toll of remote work • Importance of community events for connection • Neeraj's Big Binary: A unique, remote-first agency • Innovatively maintaining talent on the bench for flexibility • The value of creating clones in a saturated market • Hiring challenges and unique strategies • Retaining talent through strong company culture • Quality assurance as a fundamental aspect of software development • A holistic view on building competitive and maintainable productsBigBinaryNeetoSin City Ruby

Feb 5, 2025 • 1h 4min
248 - Ryan Kulp, Founder of TRMNL
In this episode I talk with Ryan Kulp, creator of TRMNL, an e-ink dashboard.TRMNLryanckulp.comRyan Kulp on X

Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 41min
247 - Steven R. Baker, Creator of RSpec
In this podcast episode, Steven R. Baker dives into test doubles like mocks and stubs, discussing their essential role in robust code development and challenging traditional testing practices. The conversation covers the nuances of Test-Driven Development (TDD), including writing failing tests first for better code clarity and test coverage, and explores RSpec's influence on TDD. Additionally, Steven examines Ruby's adaptability and the integration of AI in programming, providing listeners with actionable strategies for more maintainable codebases and a balanced view on AI's evolving role in software development.

Jan 23, 2025 • 57min
246 - John Gallagher
Join us for a conversation with John Gallagher, founder of Joyful Programming, as he shares insights on making programming enjoyable through Ruby, design, and object-oriented practices. We’ll explore the Unison programming language, designed to simplify distributed computing, and discuss the role of AI tools like ChatGPT in adopting new technologies. The episode includes stories about human forgetfulness and the growth opportunities podcasting offers, along with resources from Joyful ProgrammingJoyful ProgrammingSoftware Design Simplified

Jan 16, 2025 • 1h 24min
245 - Irina Nazarova, CEO of Evil Martians and Sin City Ruby 2025 Speaker
Irina Nazarova, CEO of Evil Martians and an active figure in the Ruby community, discusses the rejuvenation of the Ruby landscape. Highlights include the exciting announcement of Sin City Ruby 2025 in Las Vegas, underscoring the value of intimate gatherings for networking. They reflect on past RailsConf memories and emphasize mentorship's role in community growth. Irina also shares insights into blending tech with nature and the importance of fostering connections between job seekers and companies within the Ruby ecosystem.

Jan 14, 2025 • 1h 3min
244 - Jeff Dwyer, Founder & CEO at Prefab
This episode explores how Prefab enhances deployment workflows by integrating feature flags with Java microservices and Ruby on Rails, drawing on Jeff's experiences at HubSpot and EasyCater. We discuss strategies for minimizing deployment risks, improving PR reviews, and mentoring junior developers through clear objectives and constructive feedback. Real-world examples and practical advice offer insights into building efficient development systems and fostering growth in engineering teams.Links:- Prefab- Jeff Dwyer on LinkedIn
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