The Programming Podcast

In this episode, hosts Danny Thompson and Leon Noel dive deep into the AI revolution with a special focus on DeepSeek—a tool that impressed Danny so much he canceled his subscriptions to ChatGPT and Claude within just one hour of use! They explore how DeepSeek’s unique approach—especially its transparent, visible reasoning process—sets it apart from other AI models and what this means for developers and the broader tech industry. In this episode, you'll learn about: - How DeepSeek’s performance and cost-effectiveness challenge established AI tools - The importance of visible AI reasoning in reducing reprompts and increasing accuracy - Market implications, including reactions around Nvidia’s valuation and the future of AI investments - The potential shift from traditional SaaS products to dynamic agent-based models - How automation is transforming routine tasks—from code generation to call center operations - What this means for software developers and why strong problem-solving skills remain essential Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com! Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction: Meet Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This Dot Labs) and Leon Noel(Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders) 1:14 – DeepSeek’s First Impressions: Danny explains why DeepSeek outperformed ChatGPT & Claude 2:19 – Visible AI Reasoning: Discover how seeing the AI’s thought process can refine code generation 3:38 – Market Impact: Discussing market swings, Nvidia’s valuation, and cost-effectiveness 6:04 – Technical Integration: How DeepSeek works seamlessly with existing APIs 10:29 – Agent AI & Automation: The future of automated tasks and AI agent models 12:35 – The SaaS Evolution: Is this the beginning of the end for traditional SaaS products? 16:56 – Impact on Work & Jobs: How AI-driven automation could reshape industries like call centers 25:40 – Future of AI Agents: Exploring next-generation applications and agent models 32:33 – Developer Skills in the AI Era: Why coding and problem-solving remain critical 41:26 – Upcoming Episodes & Guests: Sneak peek at special guests like Dev Agrawal and Shruti Kapoor 42:23 – Closing Remarks: Final thoughts and a call for community engagement

In this episode, Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at ThisDot Labs) and Leon Noel (Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders) dive deep into the realities of freelancing as a web developer. They discuss how to land your first clients, effectively communicate your value, set prices (and get paid!), use contracts to protect yourself, and grow your network so that freelancing becomes a reliable source of income. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your freelance hustle to the next level, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and real-world experiences. What You’ll Learn: - Why the hardest part of freelancing isn’t coding—it’s finding clients. - Proven strategies to identify potential clients in your existing network and local community. - How to confidently discuss budgets and pricing (including when and how to ask for deposits). - Why clear communication and regular updates with clients are crucial. - How to scale your freelance business from small gigs to larger, high-paying projects. - Tips on contracts, scope, and protecting yourself legally. - Balancing building new features vs. maintaining projects—and deciding which is best for you. - If you’ve been unsure about how to start freelancing or how to level up your current freelance work, this video is for you. Shout out to our Sponsor Level Up Planning, Lucas Casarez https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/ Stay in Touch: 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com! Danny Thompson https://x.com/DThompsonDev https://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDev www.DThompsonDev.com Leon Noel https://x.com/leonnoel https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/ https://100devs.org/ 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com! Chapters & Timestamps 0:00 – Intro & The Hardest Part of Freelancing Danny and Leon share their thoughts on why actually getting clients is tougher than the coding or deployment work itself. 2:01 – Why Freelancing is a Crucial Skill Leon explains why freelancing can be life-changing and why every developer should consider it. 3:05 – Cold Calling & First Client Strategies They discuss the reality of cold calling, the grit required, and how to improve your pitch to win your first projects. 4:00 – Start with Your Existing Network Learn why your friends, family, and local connections are often the best way to find your initial freelancing gigs. 8:01 – Figuring Out Budgets & Pricing How to talk about money without scaring away clients—and why you should ask the client for their ballpark budget. 9:00 – Danny’s First Paid Gig Story Hear how Danny sold his very first website to a local restaurant and what he learned in the process. 11:55 Sponsor Lucas Casarez 18:25 – Transitioning from Small to Large Projects Danny shares how his freelancing evolved from smaller projects to more complex (and better-paying) contracts. 23:30 – Setting Payment Terms & Deposits Why you should always ask for a deposit and how it filters out difficult clients. 28:00 – Contracts & Legal Protection Key contract clauses to include, such as ownership of work until final payment and liability protection. 33:10 – Maintaining vs. Delivering & Walking Away Deciding whether you want to offer ongoing maintenance plans or simply provide a project handoff. 40:00 – Turning One-Off Clients into Evergreen Clients Practical tips on establishing long-term relationships and retaining clients for continuous work. 47:00 – Q&A: Being the Solo Dev in a Company Advice for someone struggling with skill growth when they’re the only developer at their workplace. 52:02 – Final Tips: Tackle the Hard Stuff First Danny shares his strategy for handling the most challenging tasks early in the day to boost productivity and confidence.

In this episode of The Programming Podcast, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel dive deep into the topics of consistency, networking, and the actionable steps that can help you achieve your career goals in tech. Whether you’re trying to break into the industry, level up to a senior role, or simply stay on track with your New Year’s resolutions, this episode is packed with advice, real-world anecdotes, and motivational insights to keep you moving forward.We cover:The power of networking: Why building connections is critical, how to send effective messages, and what you should avoid.Consistency and goal-setting: How writing down your goals and staying accountable can create lasting change.Overcoming fear and self-doubt: Tips to push through the fear of rejection and take the first step toward success.Real-life success stories: Hear how people have transformed their careers with simple but effective actions.The importance of action: Why taking even small steps daily can create exponential growth over time.If you’ve ever wondered how to get a coffee chat, write a cold message that gets a response, or break through the mental blocks holding you back, this is the episode for you.Stay in Touch:📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonspodcast@gmail.com!If you enjoyed this video, please Like, Share, and Subscribe for more tech career insights and tutorials.Chapters0:00 -Introduction: Learning from ConversationsDanny and Leon reflect on their experiences helping thousands of people and how common trends emerge in success and failure.1:05 -Welcome to The Programming PodcastDanny and Leon introduce themselves, the podcast, and how listener feedback fuels their motivation.2:12 -Leon’s Wildfires and Community SupportLeon shares his experience dealing with wildfires, his community’s incredible support, and the value of consistency in building trust.4:35 -The Power of Showing Up ConsistentlyLeon explains how consistency has been the foundation of his success, even in difficult situations.6:08 -How Your Goals Reflect Your ActionsDanny and Leon discuss the importance of keeping your goals visible to stay motivated and accountable.10:05 -Why People Break Their New Year’s ResolutionsExploring the concept of "Quitter’s Day" and common mistakes people make when building habits.13:02 -Identity and Goal Setting: Key to ConsistencyLeon dives into how adopting an identity tied to your goals helps maintain motivation.16:30 -Making Your Goals VisibleDanny shares his system for writing goals on index cards and keeping them in sight as a daily reminder.20:00 -Planning Your Days with IntentWhy planning your days, weeks, and years intentionally is crucial for long-term success.23:06 -Networking: A Game-Changer for Your CareerThe importance of networking and how it’s helped people land jobs, build opportunities, and grow professionally.27:14 -Overcoming Fear and Taking ActionLeon discusses how fear and self-doubt hold people back and why taking that first step is critical.30:00 -Danny’s First Freelance ProjectDanny shares how a conversation at a restaurant led to his first freelance web development project.40:52 -How to Write a Great Coffee Chat MessageTips and strategies for crafting personalized, effective messages that get responses.50:00 -Consistency in Podcasting and Helping OthersDanny and Leon talk about their commitment to showing up for the podcast and scaling their impact.54:01 -Final Thoughts and Call to ActionDanny and Leon encourage listeners to take action & network.

In this episode, Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This Dot Labs) and Leon Noel (Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders) tackle a big question: Is front-end development alone enough to land your very first job in tech? They discuss the pros and cons of front-end–only roles, why understanding the full stack can open more doors, and how crucial it is to balance skill-building with networking. They also share common mistakes junior developers make—from not reading error messages to failing to ask questions on the job—and offer strategies for building a strong portfolio and passing the “smell test” in interviews. Plus, they answer a listener’s question about average recruiter response times and how to handle being left in the dark after an initial screen. Whether you’re just starting your coding journey or already in a junior role, this conversation will help you navigate the job hunt and thrive in your first developer position. Stay in Touch: 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! Danny Thompson https://x.com/DThompsonDev https://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDev www.DThompsonDev.com Leon Noel https://x.com/leonnoel https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/ https://100devs.org/ 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! If you enjoyed this video, please Like, Share, and Subscribe for more tech career insights and tutorials. CHAPTERS 0:00 – Why Your Summary Statement Matters 1:07 – Meet the Hosts (Danny & Leon) + Episode Introduction 1:45 – Is Front-End Development Enough for a First Tech Job? 9:50 – Skills vs. Networking: Which Unlocks More Opportunities? 14:30 – Building Fundamentals & Avoiding ‘Tutorial Hell’ 17:00 – Common Junior Mistake: Not Reading Error Messages 20:00 – Why ‘Calculator Apps’ & ‘Weather Apps’ Aren’t Enough 21:00 – Perception & Passing the ‘Smell Test’ 27:00 – Reading Documentation & Understanding the Full System 33:00 – Ask Questions or Lose Your Job: Communication Is Key 36:00 – Finding Your Niche & Taking Ownership 38:00 – Q&A: Average Wait Time for Recruiter Responses 45:10 – Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts

In this Part 2 discussion, Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This.Dot Labs) and Leon Noel (Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders & founder of 100Devs) share their insights on how to start learning to code, the best free resources, and the power of community. They tackle whether coding bootcamps are worth it, why free platforms like FreeCodeCamp and 100Devs can be game-changers, and how to overcome the common pitfalls (like tutorial hell). They also talk about building real projects, finding your support network, and carving out time to invest in your future self. Topics Covered in This Video: Why you don’t have to break the bank to learn to code The pros and cons of bootcamps Essential resources like FreeCodeCamp, 100Devs, CS50, and more Learning how to learn: active recall, spaced repetition, and building projects Setting aside “4% of your day” to code The importance of community and cohort-based learning Overcoming fear, anxiety, and impostor syndrome to reach your goals Mentioned Resources & Links: FreeCodeCamp 100Devs (Discord: discord.gg/100Devs) CS50 (Harvard’s Intro to Computer Science) Learning How to Learn (Coursera) Anki (Spaced Repetition Software) The Odin Project MOOC.fi (University of Helsinki) About the Speakers: Danny Thompson: Director of Technology at This.Dot Labs, previously worked in gas stations, self-taught coding journey, and now a community leader helping others break into tech. Leon Noel: Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders, founder of 100Devs, and former Distinguished Faculty at General Assembly. Dedicated to making coding education accessible to everyone. Stay in Touch: 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com!Danny Thompsonhttps://x.com/DThompsonDevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDevwww.DThompsonDev.comLeon Noelhttps://x.com/leonnoelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/https://100devs.org/📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! If you enjoyed this video, please Like, Share, and Subscribe for more tech career insights and tutorials. Chapter Timestamps 0:00 Introduction & Part 2 Overview 1:07 Why Bootcamp Owners Get Mad About Free Options 2:20 The Value of Free Resources (FreeCodeCamp, 100Devs, CS50) 8:05 Beware of Predatory Bootcamps & ISAs 12:35 Cohort-Based Learning & Community Support 19:10 Tools for Learning: Git, Terminal, & UI Tools 26:00 The “4% Rule” – Making Yourself a Priority 31:40 Building Real Projects (Avoiding Tutorial Hell) 35:10 Additional Free Resources (MOOC.fi, etc.) 36:20 Importance of Community & Finding Your Tribe 43:00 Work Ethic, Motivation, & Overcoming Obstacles 49:00 Q&A: Doing It Afraid vs. Honoring Your Feelings 56:45 Closing Thoughts & Goodbyes

The hosts dive into the misconception that AI will replace developers anytime soon, emphasizing the continued need for real coding skills. They offer valuable tips for staying motivated, even when friends and family may not understand your tech journey. The discussion covers essential strategies for efficient coding, the importance of foundational skills, and what new developers should focus on during their critical first months. Listeners are encouraged to embrace personal growth and build meaningful projects as they navigate their careers.

Quincy Larson, founder of freeCodeCamp.org and author of "Learn to Code," discusses effective ways to invest your time in tech. He emphasizes the value of consistent coding practice over cramming. Networking at meetups is crucial for standing out in the tech scene. Larson covers essential programming skills like HTML and Python, as well as the importance of understanding AI and machine learning. He also highlights that free resources can be high quality and urges listeners to have realistic job search timelines.

Ever wondered what it takes to plan a tech conference in just THREE MONTHS? 🤯 Join Danny Thompson and Leon Noel as they break down their experience organizing the Commit Your Code conference – from shoestring budgets and last-minute speakers to the surprising strategies that led to its success! Join Leon Noel (Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders) and Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This Dot Labs) as they take you behind the scenes of organizing a tech conference from scratch! 🚀 Last week we just hosted the Commit Your Code Conference with over 60 speakers! We trended Globally even though we were doing our conference the same week as AWS Re:invent! Here's how Danny Thompson did it. In this episode, Danny shares the journey of planning the Commit Your Code Conference, highlighting the challenges, lessons, and surprises along the way. From securing sponsors to managing a $11K budget, and ensuring accessibility for all attendees, this episode is packed with insights for aspiring community organizers and tech enthusiasts. 🖥️✨ 🔍 What we cover: How a one-time idea turned into a game-changing conference 💡 The secrets to creating an inclusive, affordable event! Unique strategies that kept the vibes fun and the networking meaningful 🤝 Hilarious behind-the-scenes moments and lessons learned along the way 🎉 Whether you're a conference attendee curious about what happens behind the curtain, or someone considering starting your own tech event, this episode has something for everyone. Plus, stay tuned for exciting updates about Commit Your Code 2025! 🎉 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! Danny Thompson https://x.com/DThompsonDev https://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDev www.DThompsonDev.com Leon Noel https://x.com/leonnoel https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/ https://100devs.org/ 0:00 Intro 1:18 The Spark: How It All Began 2:51 One and done conference, The Logistics 5:01 One speaker at the conference went through our cohort 6:25 Conference Sponsorships are not for the faint of heart 8:20 The Food and logistics for it 10:10 How can We create MORE organic conversations? 13:50 Shorter speaking times 17:01 Three Track Conference, Java, JavaScript and Cloud 18:30 We Trended Globally! 21:00 Community Building: Networking and Engagement 19:30 Two Conversations: Chris DeMars aka Saltnburn & Ghana Speaker Nii! 21:00 I want to address all pain points I have had at a conference 27:00 My strategy in planning 31:00 professional photographer giving headshots to attendee 35:35 Leon and Danny Laughing with an attendee 38:15 The Sponsors felt like they were PART of the event and not salesy 38:55 Educational Resources should be available for everyone 41:13 Ideas that were cut because of budget that we hope to do at CYC 2543:00 What if someone wants to start their own conference?51:06 Won't be shocked if this episode does bad lol 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com!

The discussion dives into the gap between available tech candidates and the lack of qualified talent, especially for junior roles. Listeners will discover key strategies to enhance their qualifications and align with market demands. The challenges of presenting resumes are explored, with an emphasis on overcoming biases. Freelancers will learn effective client-attraction tactics, the importance of local outreach, and how small projects can lead to bigger opportunities. Finally, the role of strong online presence for small businesses is highlighted as a critical factor for success.

Discover critical mistakes that can hinder job opportunities for software developers. Learn about the importance of a polished resume and the impact of attitude during the hiring process. Explore networking strategies and how to effectively present yourself in interviews. Understand the value of self-awareness and industry alignment in job applications. Plus, gain insights into the Commit Your Code Conference, promoting inclusivity for all developers.