

Book Overflow
Carter Morgan and Nathan Toups
In a world of short-form content, it's important to engage with long-form ideas. Book Overflow is a podcast created for software engineers, by software engineers to discuss the best technical books in the world. Join co-hosts Carter Morgan and Nathan Toups each week as they discuss a new technical book! New episodes every Monday!
Episodes
Mentioned books

8 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 21min
Building a Culture of Candor - Radical Candor by Kim Scott
Carter and Nathan delve into the essential qualities of effective management and the art of giving constructive feedback. They explore building trust through meaningful one-on-one conversations and the importance of specific praise. The discussion also touches on managing diverse team dynamics and preventing burnout. Techniques for distinguishing between debate and decisions are highlighted to enhance team performance. Lastly, they recommend the book for aspiring managers seeking practical feedback systems.

9 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 12min
Your Boss Has Read This Book - Radical Candor by Kim Scott
Dive into the insights of effective management with a focus on Radical Candor. Explore the balance between direct feedback and personal care. Discover the dangers of ruinous empathy and how it can derail careers. Learn the importance of bringing your whole self to work while maintaining professionalism. The hosts share personal anecdotes on navigating workplace culture and the dynamics of constructive disagreement. Plus, find out why a balance between ambitious superstars and steady rock stars is vital for a thriving tech environment.

14 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 1h 25min
The Weirdest Book We've Read? - Finite and Infinite Games by James P. Carse
Discover the intriguing concepts of finite and infinite games, exploring how these ideas can reshape both personal fulfillment and societal expectations. The hosts reflect on the dense prose of Carse's work while linking it to software engineering and the nuances of technology in relationships. Delve into the tension between genuine human connections and digital interactions, and ponder the implications of AI in modern workflows. This conversation is a thought-provoking blend of philosophy and practicality.

25 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 1h 19min
Staff-Level Impact - Staff Engineer by Will Larson
Delve into the world of staff engineers and their unique role beyond traditional management. Discover the importance of strategic influence and how personal values shape career fulfillment. The hosts reflect on the complexities of job titles, compensation, and the trust dynamics in tech teams. They discuss the realities of growth in the industry, sharing personal stories and the significance of mentorship. With a mix of insights and anecdotes, this conversation invites listeners to rethink their approach to career progression.

5 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 1min
Jason Fried Reflects on ReWork
Jason Fried, CEO of 37Signals and author of ReWork, shares his wisdom on product quality and the evolution of remote work. He discusses how simplicity can improve business practices for small companies and champions a shift from speed to meaningful communication. Jason emphasizes the importance of aligning company culture with values and pursuing passion in work for true fulfillment. He reflects on the impact of personal motivation and the significance of storytelling, offering rich insights for entrepreneurs and engineers alike.

Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 5min
Carter's Favorite Book? - Made To Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Dive into the secrets of making ideas stick with insights from the influential 'Made to Stick.' Discover how simplicity, emotional appeal, and storytelling elevate communication. The hosts delve into the intriguing relationship between credibility and anti-authority, emphasizing the power of personal anecdotes. Explore the art of persuasive communication through Maslow's hierarchy and learn how relatable stories enhance engagement, especially in tech and startups. Plus, uncover the fascinating origins of the Subway advertising campaign featuring Jared!

Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 21min
What makes ideas "sticky?" - Made To Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
This podcast dives into the science of sticky ideas, exploring what makes certain concepts memorable. The hosts break down the SUCCESS framework, emphasizing simplicity, unexpectedness, and concreteness in communication. They share insights on ethical considerations in persuasive messaging and discuss the challenges of making complex tech ideas accessible. Real-world examples from marketing and software engineering illustrate the importance of clear communication. There's even a nod to the evolving role of engineers in adopting a product-oriented mindset!

Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 12min
Not For Us! - 99 Bottles of OOP by Sandi Metz, Katrina Owen, & TJ Stankus
Dive into a lively critique of '99 Bottles of OOP,' where the hosts explore coding philosophies and the balance between complexity and simplicity. They tackle the SOLID principles and the significance of proper abstractions for effective testing. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as they discuss AI's role in shaping coding practices, alongside the challenges of plurality in code design. With engaging metaphors and real-world applications, this session offers a thought-provoking look at coding in the modern era.

10 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 1h 16min
How Linus Torvalds Created Linux - Just for Fun by Linus Torvalds and David Diamond
Dive into the fascinating origins of Linux as Linus Torvalds shares his journey and unique philosophy. Discover why he rejected power and money to bring joy to tech. The hosts humorously reflect on his influence within the tech world, and explore the contrasts between community-driven Linux developments and corporate strategies. They also discuss the evolution of content consumption from piracy to subscription models, emphasizing the importance of enjoyment in both work and technology.

Jul 21, 2025 • 1h 8min
Shifting Left on Security - The DevOps Handbook
Discover the crucial role of integrating security early in the software development lifecycle. Learn how to balance security with innovation in DevOps, fostering a blameless culture that encourages learning from failures. Explore the benefits of adopting Terraform and Cloudflare to enhance infrastructure and user experience. Delve into innovative security practices, including the concept of 'shifting left' to streamline compliance while developing features. Finally, witness the transformation of relationships between security and development teams, leading to collaboration and enhanced efficiency.