
Build it Better - Advanced Web Development Topics
Build it Better is a podcast that focuses on advanced architecture and web development. In each episode, experts in these fields share their insights and knowledge on the latest technologies, techniques, and trends in the industry. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, including exploring various architecture patterns and web development frameworks. Whether you’re a seasoned architect or web developer, or just curious about the latest advances in these fields, Build it Better has something for you. Listen in and learn how to push the boundaries of what’s possible in architecture and web development.
Latest episodes

Apr 17, 2023 • 46min
Testing (Our Patience) with Dustin Goodman | Build IT Better S01E10
Our very own Dustin Goodman, Engineering Manager at This Dot Labs, joins Jesse Tomchak and Adam L. Barrett to talk about the path from individual contributor to people manager.
They reminisce about the Build IT Better multiverse building an e-commerce platform. Then, they tackle testing for the JavaScript ecosystem. They discuss how the 'cold start' to testing is just too high for JavaScript, what it lacks, what developers really want for testing, what they should actually be testing.
Panel
Jesse Tomchak @jtomchak
Adam L. Barrett @adamlbarrett
Dustin Goodman @dustinsgoodman
Build IT Better is presented by This Dot: https://www.thisdot.co/
Follow This Dot Labs on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisDotLabs
Follow This Dot Media on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisDotMedia

Apr 10, 2023 • 28min
Defining Server-driven UI with Jay Phelps | Build IT Better S01E09
In this episode of Build IT Better, Tracy Lee and Ben Lesh sit down with Jay Phelps, a senior software engineer at Netflix, who works at the forefront of the company's multi-faceted re-architecture with Server Driven UI. Jay provides a useful definition of Server-driven UI, and discusses the benefits and trade-offs of using Server Driven UI, including the challenges of maintaining a consistent user experience across multiple devices.
Panel
Tracy Lee @ladyleet
Ben Lesh @BenLesh
Jay Phelps @_jayphelps
Build IT Better is presented by This Dot: https://www.thisdot.co/
Follow This Dot Labs on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisDotLabs
Follow This Dot Media on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisDotMedia

Apr 3, 2023 • 1h 34min
Make IT Fast: How Ambitious Product Requirements Impact Decision Making | Build IT Better S01E08
In this episode of Build IT Better, Matt Hargett joins Jesse and Adam to talk about open source contribution from the enterprise, all the way down to individual contributor, level. They discuss improving website performance, and how persistent technical problems are really workplace organization problems that can be addressed at the managerial level.
Panel
Adam L. Barrett @adamlbarrett
Jesse Tomchak @jtomchak
Matt Hargett @syke
Build IT Better is presented by This Dot: https://www.thisdot.co/
Follow This Dot Labs on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisDotLabs
Follow This Dot Media on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisDotMedia

Mar 27, 2023 • 41min
Serverless! What is It Good For? | Build IT Better S01E07
In this episode of Build IT Better, Jesse Tomchak and Adam Barrett dive into the world of Serverless architecture. They discuss the pros and cons of using a Function as a Service (FaaS) category of cloud architecture as the core pattern for building an entire app. They explore the commonly touted benefits and tradeoffs of Serverless. Join Jesse and Adam as they provide an analysis of Serverless and help you decide if it's the right choice for your next project.
Panel
Adam L. Barrett @adamlbarrett
Jesse Tomchak @jtomchak
Build IT Better is presented by This Dot: https://www.thisdot.co/
Follow This Dot Labs on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisDotLabs
Follow This Dot Media on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisDotMedia

Mar 20, 2023 • 31min
Getting Started with XState in Angular & SolidJS | Build IT Better S01E06
Build IT Better is back with Tracy Lee and Ben Lesh, featuring David Khourshid from XState and Stately! David will be sharing the challenges in implementing XState in Angular, and SolidJS and will walk us through what XState is, and how to use it in different libraries. He'll also discuss the nuances and trade-offs in choosing technologies for building the diagraming tool for a state machine editor, and the interesting problems he had to solve along the way. So, grab a cup of coffee and get ready to build IT better!
Panel
Tracy Lee
Ben Lesh
David Khourshid
Build IT Better is presented by This Dot: https://www.thisdot.co/
Follow This Dot Labs on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisDotLabs
Follow This Dot Media on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisDotMedia

Mar 13, 2023 • 25min
What is the ActivityPub Protocol? | Build IT Better S01E05
In this episode of Build IT Better, we're diving into the ActivityPub protocol, the backbone of Mastodon and the Fediverse. Tune in for an informative and entertaining episode that will leave you wanting to build in the Fediverse. Join us as we build IT better, together!
Panel
Tracy Lee
Adam L. Barrett
Jesse Tomchak
Build IT Better is presented by This Dot: https://www.thisdot.co/
Follow This Dot Labs on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisDotLabs
Follow This Dot Media on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisDotMedia

Mar 7, 2023 • 24min
Talking About The Actor Model | Build IT Better S01E04
Tune in to the latest episode of Build IT Better as Adam L. Barrett, Tracy Lee, Ben Lesh, and Jesse Tomchak discuss the Actor Model, and where the pattern is seen in modern web development. These panelists will delve into the ins and outs of the model, examining its advantages and challenges, and how it can be applied in modern web architecture.
Panel
Ben Lesh @BenLesh
Tracy Lee @ladyleet
Adam L. Barrett @adamlbarrett
Jesse Tomchak @jtomchak
Build IT Better is presented by This Dot: https://www.thisdot.co/
Follow This Dot Labs on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisDotLabs
Follow This Dot Media on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisDotMedia

Feb 27, 2023 • 27min
Let’s Talk Event-Driven Architecture | Build IT Better S01E03
Join Ben Lesh, Tracy Lee, Adam Barrett, and Jesse Tomchak on the Build it Better podcast as they take on the topic of Event-Driven Architecture. In this episode, the team is put to the test as they must choose between diving into the technical details of Event-Driven Architecture or giving into their propensity to goof off. Emotions run high as they discuss the definition, benefits, and challenges of Event-Driven Architecture and how it differs from other architectural patterns.
Panel
Ben Lesh @BenLesh
Tracy Lee @ladyleet
Adam L. Barrett @adamlbarrett
Jesse Tomchak @jtomchak
Build IT Better is presented by This Dot: https://www.thisdot.co/
Follow This Dot Labs on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisDotLabs
Follow This Dot Media on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisDotMedia

Feb 20, 2023 • 23min
What Are Microfrontends? | Build IT Better S01E02
Join Ben Lesh, Tracy Lee, Adam Barrett, and Jesse Tomchak as they return to the Build IT Better podcast to dive into the world of modern web architectures. In this episode, the team tackles the hot topic buzzword, micro-frontends.
Panel
Ben Lesh
Tracy Lee
Adam L. Barrett
Jesse Tomchak
Build IT Better is presented by This Dot: https://www.thisdot.co/
Follow This Dot Labs on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisDotLabs
Follow This Dot Media on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisDotMedia

Feb 13, 2023 • 25min
What Is Software Architecture? | Build IT Better S01E01
Join our hosts as they kick off the show with a discussion on Software Architecture. In this pilot episode, they delve into the definition of software architecture, and the role of the architect in the design and development process. If you're interested in the world of software development and architecture, be sure to check it out. Tune in to hear expert insights and valuable perspectives, but also just to have fun!
Panel
Ben Lesh
Tracy Lee
Adam L. Barrett
Jesse Tomchak
Sponsored by This Dot Labs
Find more JavaScript content from the team behind Build IT Better.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.