CoRecursive: Coding Stories

A software engineer turned compassionate leader shares her journey through unexpected layoffs at Shopify. She recounts the emotional challenges of informing a colleague about their job loss and the subsequent feelings of guilt and uncertainty. The discussion highlights the importance of empathy and resilience in leadership, especially during tough times in the tech industry. Personal stories reveal the impact of abrupt layoffs not only on those let go but also on those who remain, stressing the need for supportive workplace relationships.

The podcast dives into the tumultuous life of Hans Reiser, a brilliant but troubled software developer behind ReiserFS. It explores the twists of his career paralleled with personal struggles, including a shocking murder conviction following his wife's disappearance. The technical innovations of ReiserFS, such as tailpacking, are discussed alongside the moral implications of his story. Ultimately, it serves as a stark reminder of how personal integrity can impact one's legacy in the tech world, showcasing the need for empathy and collaboration.

In this engaging discussion, guest Yoshio shares his remarkable journey from scaling Mount Everest to carving a niche in tech and communication skill training. He reflects on how a harrowing climb reshaped his identity and ignited a passion for coding and adventure. With humor, he recounts the unpredictable startup landscape and the vital role of adaptability. Yoshio also delves into overcoming public speaking fears and the importance of self-care as he prepares for fatherhood, highlighting a commitment to becoming a positive role model.

Tim Chen, a former software engineer at Microsoft and contributor to open-source projects like Kafka and Docker, shares his inspiring journey into venture capital. He discusses the disillusionment with corporate life that led him to startups, where he found fulfillment. Tim reflects on the cultural challenges faced in the VC world and emphasizes the importance of supporting founders for meaningful change. His transition highlights the unique dynamics of venture funding, contrasting emotional belief with data-driven decisions, illustrating the fulfilling yet complex life of a VC.

Adam Gordon Bell, a seasoned software developer and communication enthusiast, dives into the art of conveying ideas in tech. He shares personal experiences that underscore the significance of storytelling during tech interviews. The discussion reveals insights into navigating guest outreach for podcasts and the transformational journey of storytelling in podcast creation. Adam also explores balancing a demanding software career with podcasting, emphasizing how effective communication can enhance both skills and connection in the tech world.

Meet Jeffrey Snover, the Microsoft architect behind PowerShell, who transformed Windows administration with a command tool. Despite facing skepticism and resistance, his persistence and clear vision led to a tool now fundamental in modern enterprise environments. Learn how one person's determination can challenge the status quo and revolutionize an industry.

Professor Felienne Hermans shares her inspiring journey of creating Hedy, a programming language to break language barriers in coding. She discusses challenges faced in teaching coding to underserved students and highlights the importance of engaging languages for young learners. Her story emphasizes the impact of following passion and intuition in revolutionizing coding education.

Join past show regulars Don, Krystal, and Adam as they dive into a compelling fictional tale of a compromised compiler. They unravel the complexities of trust in computing, collaborative debugging, compiler mysteries, fixing bugs, and exploring the implications of backdoors in software. Celebrate the 100th episode milestone with this riveting discussion.

Join Mick West in a journey from creating games in Manchester to Neversoft in California. Learn about the challenges in game development, asset creation, and the intense process of crafting Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. Explore Mick's resilience, adaptability, and the behind-the-scenes of game innovation.

A software engineer, Chris, shares his story of choosing engineering excellence over expediency while working at LinkedIn. The podcast delves into his challenges with remote work, company culture, and a critical incident. It explores the clash between innovation and project health, leading Chris to decide between compromising his beliefs or pursuing work aligned with his principles.