Hanselminutes with Scott Hanselman

Kat Excellence, an early-career software engineer and author of the blog katexcellence.io, shares valuable insights on navigating the tech industry. She discusses the challenges of motivation in coding and the importance of small, consistent progress. Kat emphasizes shipping code early to prove impact and the significance of documenting work. She also highlights the benefits of reviewing PRs daily to enhance learning. With a focus on turning setbacks into growth, Kat offers junior engineers a toolkit for success in their careers.

In this engaging discussion, Mike Rousos, Principal Software Engineer at Microsoft, shares his expertise on modernizing legacy applications and utilizing AI in cloud migration. He highlights the benefits of upgrading to .NET and Azure PaaS, including improved performance and supportability. Mike dives into the role of GitHub Copilot in generating tests and documenting transformations, while addressing common pitfalls in migration. Their conversation also emphasizes how AI can amplify learning for junior engineers and enhance productivity across development teams.

In this engaging discussion, Bobby Lockhart, game designer and coauthor of The Game Designer's Workbook, dives into the art of educational game design. He explores the concept that all games teach something, making subject matter engaging with memorable mechanics. Bobby shares insights on successful games like Code Combat and how context enhances learning. He emphasizes the importance of reflection for game designers and advocates for creativity within constraints, encouraging both aspiring and experienced designers to find their unique voice.

Safia Abdalla, a Principal Engineer at Microsoft, dives into the journey of building competence and confidence in tech. She discusses the value of pair programming, how stepping away from problems can spark solutions, and the pressure new engineers face in today's landscape. Safia highlights the critical role of mentorship in fostering trust and supporting early-career growth. They also explore the evolving relationship between engineers and AI, emphasizing the importance of code review skills in a world where AI-generated code is becoming common.

Mathias Biilmann, CEO of Netlify and a pioneer of the Jamstack movement, shares insights on the future of web development in an AI-driven landscape. He discusses how AI tools can democratize coding and amplify developers' roles, enabling non-developers to prototype changes. Mathias dives into Netlify's new AI Workflow, highlighting features like sandboxed agent runs and deploy previews that enhance collaboration. He emphasizes the need for intentionality in using AI tools to ensure effective results and streamline modern web development.

In this episode of Hanselminutes, Scott Hanselman talks with Tuple engineer Johnny Marler about the craft and culture of pair programming. They explore how intentional collaboration can sharpen problem-solving, reduce context switching, and build trust between teammates—especially in remote environments. Johnny shares lessons from developing Tuple, developing with native code on Windows, insights from the Zig community, and why pairing remains one of the most underrated tools in a developer’s toolkit.https://tuple.app/hanselminutes

In this episode of Hanselminutes, Scott Hanselman sits down with Adam Jacob, co-founder of SystemInit and creator of Chef, to explore the provocative question: Can AI save DevOps? Together, they unpack the growing complexity of modern infrastructure, the limits of human-scale operations, and how AI-driven systems might reshape the way we build, deploy, and maintain software. From declarative intent to autonomous remediation, Adam shares his vision for a future where DevOps isn't just automated—it’s intelligent.https://systeminit.com

In this episode of Hanselminutes, Scott sits down with Noel Berry, co-creator of Celeste, to explore his philosophy and process for making games in 2025, without relying on big commercial engines. Noel shares why he prefers building lightweight, custom tools over heavyweight platforms like Unity or Unreal, how modern C#, SDL3, and open‑source libraries empower small teams, and the creative freedom that comes from owning every layer of the stack. From crafting bespoke level editors to ensuring long‑term portability, Noel offers a candid look at the technical choices and personal values shaping his latest projects, including City of None.https://noelberry.ca/posts/making_games_in_2025/

Tyler Bushnell, founder and CEO of Polycade, is reimagining home arcades with a blend of retro charm and modern design, influenced by his family's Atari legacy. He discusses the success of Polycade's Kickstarter launch and the importance of face-to-face gaming experiences. The conversation highlights innovations in home arcade systems, including customizable controllers and enhanced retro gaming visuals. Tyler also reflects on community engagement and the nostalgia tied to arcade classics, illustrating how gaming's future may be more social.

Dr. Morgan Depenbusch, a people analytics expert at Snowflake, shares her insights on leading with value in the workplace. She emphasizes a mindset shift from self-promotion to actively listening and prioritizing the needs of others. The conversation touches on navigating workplace dynamics and the importance of building meaningful relationships for professional growth. Dr. Depenbusch also discusses the evolving perception of work passion and how supportive environments can align career ambitions with personal values.