Mostly Technical

Ian and Aaron talk about Santa (obviously), do you still need an MBA (maybe not so obvious), why Ian isn't burning as many tokens as possible to get Outro out the door, what people are building with the Telegram API, and more.Sponsored by Bento, Flare, Ittybit, tldraw, OG Kit, Tighten, and NusiiInterested in sponsoring Mostly Technical?  Head to https://mostlytechnical.com/sponsor to learn more.(00:00) - Magically Better (08:59) - Pre-Holiday Adventures (17:17) - Burning The Midnight Tokens (25:35) - Outlasted By AI Agents (38:06) - Thinking Businessy (44:34) - Advent of SQL Update (50:39) - Telegram Bots Links:F150 LightningRivian Digital KeyVW Atlas1995 4 RunnerLos Tacos No. 1Bass Pro Shop's Santa's WonderlandCodex 5.2PHPStanAdvent of SQLJeffrey Way's post on building a Telegram BotNutgram

Ian and Aaron dive into the complexities of orchestrating fly.io boxes for Database School, mixing tech insights with humor. They discuss the ever-evolving role of AI, including the fascinating idea of using AI to enhance AI's capabilities. A passionate resume rant provides job application tips, urging customization and strategic networking. The hosts also explore the joys of family traditions, from model train exhibits to the delights of shopping at Costco. Prepare for a blend of tech wisdom and lively banter!

Dive into the AI realm as the hosts explore the evolution of tools like Claude Max and Gemini. Hear about the surprisingly low barriers for creating bespoke AI tools in just minutes. They tackle the nuances of product distribution and the challenge bootstrappers face. Plus, get insights into Andrew's soccer journey and why job hunting feels like a rigged game. This episode balances tech talk with personal tales, keeping it both insightful and entertaining!

The conversation kicks off with a humorous take on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The hosts dive into the rivalry between Claude Opus 4.5 and Gemini 3, exploring their capabilities for developers. Ian shares a dramatic Thanksgiving tale involving a dog attack, keeping listeners on edge. They also discuss the quirks of park etiquette and the impact of AI on junior developer roles. A unique indie-hacker wedding sponsorship story makes for a fascinating anecdote. Lastly, potential AI-driven tools like TrialDefender are introduced for fraud detection.

Ian and Aaron dive into the launch of Database School, revealing pre-launch rituals and last-minute website tasks. They share their experiences with Stripe's payment integration and discuss pricing strategies, including a $199 annual debate. The duo showcases the role of AI in creating course assets and site management with Gemini, highlighting its efficiency. They also touch on future content and upcoming micro-launches, wrapping up with a light-hearted segment about the championship-winning bagels in their area.

In this engaging conversation, John O'Nolan, founder of Ghost, dives into his passion for side projects and modernizing RSS. He shares insights on his double Laravel New strategy and how he leverages Claude AI for rapid development. John discusses his upcoming RSS reader and the challenges of existing solutions. He also touches on the intricacies of building features, optimizing code, and the balance between leading a sizable team and pursuing personal projects. Plus, a peek into his side-side project—a simpler applicant tracking system!

Ian and Aaron dive into the screen time debate for kids, discussing the balance between tech use and childhood autonomy. They share insights on their family's movie nights and reveal their rules about screens at mealtimes. Excitement builds as they unveil the upcoming Database School, featuring a free intro to Postgres and promotional strategies. Ian also talks about acquiring Bootstrapped.fm to preserve its podcast archive, reflecting on the evolution of media since pre-COVID. The hosts sprinkle in TV recommendations, adding a dash of entertainment to their conversation.

The hosts dive into the 20-year journey of HelpSpot, revealing insights on sustainable SaaS and customer profiles. Aaron shares his surprising Twitter success and the strategies behind it. They discuss the importance of managing customer concentration and how modest subscriber counts can sustain a business. Additional topics include parenting challenges and balancing work with family logistics. The conversation wraps up with exciting updates on Database School and the launch of subscription services.

Ian and Aaron dive into their experiences from the inaugural Wire:live conference. They discuss the exciting new features of Livewire 4, including single-file components and enhanced performance with Blaze. Ian amusingly reveals his decision to start a Laravel project from scratch, only to face challenges when trying to automate the migration with AI. Aaron shares insights on his new reading habits and highlights upcoming projects, including a December SQL challenge. Plus, there's a light-hearted update about Ian's horse, sparking laughter and camaraderie.

Join the hosts as they dive into the unexpected world of leasing show-jumping horses, complete with emergency surgeries and contract dilemmas. Aaron showcases his impressive new studio, featuring a giant chalkboard, which sparks discussions on practical design choices and video production tips. They dissect the unique positioning of Database School in the crowded education market while exploring monetization strategies. With candid reflections on personal stress and motivations, this conversation is both engaging and relatable.