The freeCodeCamp Podcast

Abbey Perini, a self-taught developer who embarked on her programming journey at 27 after working in recruitment, shares valuable insights. She discusses tackling large legacy codebases and highlights tips for onboarding junior developers. Abbey reveals how her late ADHD diagnosis reshaped her work habits and productivity strategies, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and creativity drawn from her hobbies like knitting and cosplay. Her spirited take on interview follow-ups and networking adds a refreshing perspective for job seekers.

Patrick Hartley, a self-taught developer with nearly a decade of experience, shares his journey from college dropout to founding engineer. He turned down a job with Amazon to prioritize his family's needs. The discussion covers self-teaching programming while raising kids, networking as an introvert, and the evolving landscape of remote work. Patrick emphasizes the importance of soft skills over pure technical prowess for job readiness and offers insights on finding the right job fit and managing productivity in meetings.

Eric Carlson, a self-taught software engineer at Cisco, shares his inspiring journey from teacher to developer at 45. He discusses mastering programming while raising kids and emphasizes just-in-time learning. Eric describes how he transitioned to backend work by volunteering and taking on projects that saved his company thousands. He also offers tips on building mental stamina for coding and the importance of note-taking for retention. Tune in for insights on pivoting careers and embracing new technologies, like AI, in the tech world!

Kaleb Garner is a self-taught software engineer and former college baseball player whose career was derailed by a knee injury. He shares his surprising journey from sports to tech, discovering programming through resources like freeCodeCamp and the 100Devs community. Kaleb discusses the challenges of job hunting after a layoff, emphasizing the importance of targeted applications and community support. He also highlights lessons on overcoming imposter syndrome and the benefits of community college for aspiring developers, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to break into tech.

Evan You, the self-taught creator of the Vue framework and Vite build tool, shares his journey from art school to coding legend. He discusses how design principles influenced his development tools, making them more user-centric. Evan delves into the rapid adoption of Vite and why he created Rolldown, a new Rust-based bundler. He also reflects on the Chinese open source scene and offers insights into collaborating with developers there. Lastly, he highlights AI's role as a brainstorming aid, stressing its limits in tackling complex legacy bugs.

Thomas Gooch, a self-taught software engineer, transitioned from years in manufacturing to his first developer role at 43. He shares the realities of 12-hour shifts and how freeCodeCamp's free curriculum helped him learn programming. Thomas discusses the challenges of switching from JavaScript to Java, the importance of networking, and running meetups to support junior developers. He also reflects on using AI in coding, emphasizing the value of foundational skills over reliance on tools. Thomas's journey is an inspiring testament to perseverance and community.

Tom Mondloch, an open-source contributor and freeCodeCamp staff member, shares his journey from quitting programming to becoming a key architect for the relational databases curriculum. He discusses tips for brushing up on coding skills after a break, the importance of contributing to open source, and sensibly using AI coding tools. Tom also dives into his love for the outdoors and remote work, and shares insights on creating daily coding challenges that enhance interactivity and learning.

Ihechikara Abba, a software engineer with an impressive ELO chess rating of 2285, shares insights on how chess enhances creativity and problem-solving skills for developers. He discusses his personal journey from childhood hardships to finding success in tech through open source contributions. Ihechikara also delves into mechatronics and Arduino projects, emphasizing their importance in embedded systems. His practical advice encourages recovering from trauma by connecting with community, staying healthy, and maintaining patience in learning.

Danny Thompson, a self-taught developer who once worked at Google, and Leon Noel, founder of the charity 100Devs, share their inspiring journeys into tech. They discuss misconceptions about job searches, the significance of networking, and how to tackle applicant tracking systems. The duo emphasizes showcasing problem-solving skills and highlights the thriving opportunities in the developer job market. They also preview the Commit Your Code conference, aimed at empowering aspiring coders through community support and charity.

Ania Kubów, a talented software engineer and YouTube programming teacher, dives into the significance of building core skills in technology. She discusses the creative process of game development using JavaScript as an entry point, and shares her take on balancing AI tools with fundamental techniques. Ania also reflects on her experiences growing up in Dubai, her local coffee shop, and offers tips for maintaining focus amid distractions. The conversation is sprinkled with insights on cultural exchanges and the benefits of community in the tech world.