DonTheDeveloper Podcast

Lane Wagner, the brains behind Boot.dev, shares his journey from backend developer to educational innovator. He reveals how gamification has transformed online coding education, making it more engaging and effective. Lane discusses the challenges of retaining students and emphasizes the importance of foundational knowledge in backend development. He also explores the intriguing role of AI in mentoring and how it can enhance learning, urging educators to foster critical thinking over rote solutions.

Thinking about starting a side hustle or launching your own app? In this episode, I chat with the founders of Little Planets about their journey from idea to execution. We dive into their challenges, tech stack choices, marketing struggles, and valuable lessons learned along the way. Perfect for developers looking to turn their passion projects into reality!James Ebentier (guest):Twitter - https://x.com/jebentierLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jebentierWebsite - https://jamesebentier.comDanny Peck (guest):Twitter - https://x.com/upwithdannyLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannypeckWebsite - https://www.dannypeck.com---------------------------------------------------🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloperDisclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. ===========================WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

Danny Peck, a seasoned programmer and musician, and John Ostler, co-founder of Golden Record and web design expert, share their fascinating journey of launching the Golden Record app. They discuss turning personal memories into audio time capsules while navigating unexpected challenges like technical issues and marketing hurdles. The duo emphasizes the importance of genuine passion in product development, the complexities of building a Ruby backend, and innovative marketing strategies that resonate emotionally with audiences. Their candid insights on transforming side projects into sustainable ventures offer invaluable advice for aspiring developers.

Here's where I share my goals, failures from last month, and what I'm going to do about it next month. The goal of this is to just provide some transparency into my own struggles with trying to grow and provide community updates.---------------------------------------------------🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloperDisclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. ===========================WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

This episode explores why many aspiring developers who start with intense excitement and motivation often end up quitting. Overexcitement can lead to unrealistic expectations and burnout, derailing your coding journey. Learn how to recognize this pattern, set achievable goals, and build sustainable habits to successfully navigate the path to becoming a developer.---------------------------------------------------🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloperDisclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. ===========================WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

Are your personal projects failing to get you hired? In this video, I break down the common mistakes aspiring developers make with their projects and why they aren't standing out to employers. Many think that just building a variety of projects is enough, but the scattershot approach often misses the mark. I’ll guide you through a more strategic way to approach personal projects that will resonate with hiring managers.We’ll dive into the importance of targeting your projects towards the industry you care about, building meaningful and professional-looking projects, and understanding the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) concept to know when a project is truly "done." I'll also discuss how unfinished projects on your GitHub can send the wrong signals about your commitment and consistency.Throughout the video, I encourage you to think beyond just coding for the sake of it. You need to create something that solves real problems, adds value, and even gains users. I'll share tips on showcasing your projects effectively to signal your potential as a valuable developer who can contribute real results.If you're tired of your personal projects feeling like wasted efforts, watch this video to learn how to build projects that actually catch the eye of employers. Don't just build—build with purpose, build with strategy, and start turning your ideas into assets that move your career forward.---------------------------------------------------🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloperDisclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. ===========================WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

Feeling stuck in your dev job? You’re not alone. In this, I’m breaking down why so many developers end up in dead-end positions and, more importantly, how you can break free. No fluff, just real talk about what’s holding you back and what you can do about it.I’ve been there—comfortable, bored, and not growing. If your job is sucking the life out of you, it’s time to shake things up. We’ll chat about why personal projects are game-changers, how to push for more responsibility at work, and why networking isn’t just for extroverts (even if it feels awkward as hell).---------------------------------------------------🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloperDisclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. ===========================WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

In this video, I’m going over three key ways you can level up as a junior developer. These aren’t magic tricks or quick fixes; they’re real strategies that many successful developers have adopted.First, we’ll talk about why mastering the fundamentals matters more than you think and how it sets you up for success beyond just following tutorials. Then, I’ll cover the importance of improving your process and why planning your work can set you apart from other juniors. Finally, we’ll dig into soft skills—how to build better relationships with your team and why this often overlooked aspect can make or break your career.This isn’t just about coding; it’s about becoming a developer who understands the bigger picture. Let me know in the comments if these resonate with you or if you have other ways you’ve leveled up in your journey.---------------------------------------------------🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloperDisclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. ===========================WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

Breaking into tech is tougher than it looks. Many people succumb to misconceptions about salaries and the commitment required. The learning curve can be steep, and simply knowing how to code isn't enough to guarantee success. It's crucial to prepare mentally for the journey and temper your expectations. This candid discussion centers on the reasons aspiring developers give up and offers invaluable advice to keep you motivated during tough times.

In this video, I’m diving into why senior developers often refuse to mentor junior developers. If you’ve been struggling to find a mentor, it might be because of some common mistakes that are easy to fix but often overlooked. I’ll share five harsh truths that explain why senior devs aren’t jumping at the chance to help you—and, spoiler alert, it’s not just about them being too busy.This isn’t about sugarcoating; I’m here to call out some real issues that might be holding you back, like not taking the initiative, showing inconsistent effort, and having unrealistic expectations. If you’re serious about growing as a developer, this video is for you. Let’s break down what it takes to truly earn mentorship and become the kind of developer others want to help.---------------------------------------------------🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloperDisclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. ===========================WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper