In this episode of the Pybites podcast, we dive into the power of stepping back from the daily grind, whether that's coding or career-focused 🧘Drawing insights from Julian's month-long trip to Canada, we discuss how disconnecting can provide clarity and inspiration for personal growth, and how it can inform decisions in our professional journeys 💡And of course there are the books we're reading 📚Join us for a journey of reflection, discovery, and a touch of humor 😎---Chapters:00:00 Intro00:46 Welcome back (re-introducing) Julian!01:58 Wins of the week03:10 Julian's break06:20 Lessons learned from the break08:00 Trip reflections11:34 Reflect on your career13:22 Hint what's to come14:40 Holidays no deadlines15:07 Favorite part of the trip17:15 Pybites on the road18:05 Books / what we're reading20:50 Stoicism21:30 Wrap up + thanks22:22 Outro music ---Books:- Deep work- Siddhartha- The Carbon Almanac---Related article:- The Importance of Disconnecting as a Developer

In this new podcast episode we are excited to have Chris May back to delve deeper into the intricacies of refactoring.We talk about the significance of the Flocking Rules, a set of guidelines derived from "99 Bottles of OOP" by Sandi Metz and Katrina Owen. These rules provide developers with a systematic approach to refine their code by focusing on recognizing similarities, identifying minimal differences, and making straightforward changes. We also talk about the importance of taking small, incremental steps in refactoring, ensuring code health while mitigating the risks of accumulating technical debt. We reference some useful resources along the way. Last but not least, we talk about the book Chris recommended last time (episode 119): Building a Second Brain, and how it helps him stay organized and be more productive.Chapters:00:00 Intro00:20 Chris May and refactoring topic intro01:10 25% ratio refactoring02:14 Flocking rules (99 bottles of OOP)05:30 Continuously managing technical debt / Slack channel06:14 Why the flocking rules are great + 99 bottles backstory08:30 Code towards a design pattern vs go with the flow09:57 First draft - we often don't know the design upfront10:37 Python Design Patterns resource by Brandon Rhodes12:32 Take the smallest possible steps when refactoring13:57 Advantages of taking small steps15:18 'Building a second brain' book and how it works for you19:10 Obsidian as favorite note taking tool20:02 More inspiration and stories from the book22:16 Check out Refactoring Toolkit + how to reach out + thanks23:44 OutroResources:- 99 bottles of OOP book- Python Design Patterns- Building a second brain- Chris' Refactoring Toolkit- Previous episode with ChrisReach out to Chris:- Website- Mastodon- Twitter- LinkedIn- Pybites Community (we have a dedicated #refactoring channel 😍)

This is the third and last mindset series episode with Alejandro Briceño.In this episode we talk about the Pygmalion Effect. What is it and what impact it can have in the work place and on people's performance.Alejandro also shares his 3 favorite mindset books. Enjoy!Chapter:00:00 Intro episode00:46 Intro guest + topic01:18 What is the Pygmalion Effect + its impact?02:40 A practical work example03:50 Positive feedback = Pygmalion rise / code reviews04:52 How to use the Pygmalion Effect in our daily lives?06:37 The role of communication / interpersonal relations07:57 Toxicity in the workplace10:02 Are there tools to implement this?11:07 How can we manage other people's expectations12:28 Be yourself / authentic (you cannot control others)13:03 Personal story where the Pygmalion Effect helped you15:30 It's all about mindset16:33 Favorite books and resources (Goleman, Ferriss, Factfulness)20:28 How do you measure mindset?21:54 Wrap up and thanks22:46 OutroBooks:- Emotional Intelligence- The 4-Hour Work Week- FactfulnessJoin our Pybites CommunityReach out to Alejandro:- LinkedIn- Pybites communityPrevious episodes in this series:- #124 - Building Confidence and Overcoming Challenges by Using Positive Self-Talk- #125 - The Importance of Having a Growth Mindset

Today part II with Alejandro Briceño joining us to talk about growth mindset.What does it mean, why is it so important and how has it been extremely helpful in Alejandro's career?Enjoy!Chapters:00:00 Intro01:29 What does it mean to have a growth mindset?03:00 Things take time05:06 Personal vs professional development06:58 Being curious08:03 Strategies to cultivate a growth mindset10:23 Join the Pybites Community / commitment to code11:05 How a growth mindset can help with setbacks?13:00 You learn more from failures13:50 Personal success story / public speaking17:20 Getting out of your comfort zone18:10 Next episode ...18:30 Wrap up18:56 OutroPrevious episode: #124 about positive self-talkReach out to Alejandro:- LinkedIn- Pybites community

In this episode we are joined by Alejandro Briceño, a chemical engineer turned HR professional and innovation consultant. We delve into the power of positive self-talk and its impact on facing challenges and fostering a growth mindset. We discuss the importance of reframing negative thoughts, practicing self-compassion, and surrounding yourself with supportive and motivating individuals. Alejandro shares personal experiences where positive self-talk played a crucial role in making important life decisions.Chapters:00:00 Intro snippet and music00:40 Introducing a mindset 3-parter01:21 Intro guest and topic02:35 Alejandro's background and working with people06:07 What do you do day to day07:05 Teaching other people soft skills09:00 Importance of positive self-talk10:50 Carol Dweck and fixed vs growth mindset11:20 You might not even be aware12:30 Positive self affirmations13:55 Strategies to foster positive self-talk16:06 Using a wins file / brag wall16:35 Being too hard on yourself17:55 Overcome difficulties maintaining a positive internal dialogue20:43 Tim Ferriss information diet22:25 Positive self-talk impact on well-being24:14 Personal experiences with positive self-talk26:12 Wrap up + what's coming in next episode26:43 Outro musicReach out to Alejandro:- LinkedIn- Pybites communityNext week we continue talking with Alejandro about having a growth mindset ...

This week we talk with James Dycus about his journey from teacher to Python software developer.We talk about his background as a teacher and how het got into Python. How he joined our PDM program a few months ago and the amazing growth he has experienced since by building out a mature real world application using Django 🐍We talk about the idea behind his app, something he always wanted to build and now has accomplished, a functional MVP on the brink of being officially launched 🎉The app (product) addresses an important need in society: supporting men with mental struggles, a problem James deeply cares about 😍We're proud how James has grown in PDM with us and how he has built out this cool project earning the skills + confidence to pivot into a developer, an inspiring story 🔥Last but not least we discuss some inspirational books related to mindset + self development.Enjoy this episode with James! Chapters:00:00 Intro snippet + music01:08 Episode and guest intro02:30 Intro James to the audience06:00 Inspiration by Sean (Teaching Python podcast)08:50 James PDM journey and app / idea he built out with us14:20 The benefit of building one big complex app / project17:20 ChatGPT and becoming resourceful after the fundamentals19:10 Name of the app: Bonded Brotherhood21:00 Next steps with the app (product)22:40 The value of having a real world project in your porfolio24:50 Python in the real world + living in fortunate times26:53 Book tip #1: The Discovery of Being (Rollo May)29:04 Book tip #2: Man's Search For Meaning30:10 Book tip #3: How to Think Like a Roman Emperor31:10 Wrap up and thanks32:27 Outro musicReach out to James on LinkedIn.Books mentioned.- The Discovery of Being- Man's Search For Meaning- How to Think Like a Roman EmperorCheck out the PDM program here.

In this podcast episode, Robert Young, the director of an analytical chemistry lab at New Mexico State University, shares his unique journey from being a lawyer to becoming a chemist and a Python programmer. He explains how his passion for environmental causes led him to study chemical analysis and mass spectrometry, initially focusing on the breakdown of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment.Robert discusses the challenges of analyzing complex data sets with thousands of molecules and how he learned to use Python and FastAPI to make the analysis more efficient. He also introduces his current project, studying Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also known as Forever Chemicals, which do not degrade easily and have adverse health effects.Robert's goal was to develop an app using FastAPI +that SQLModel that allows non-programmers to explore PFAS data and filter molecules based on specific criteria.A goal he achieved with us in our Pybites Developer Mindset (PDM) program in which he got this app done (MVP status), enhanced his coding skills, and found a supportive community. He mentions the guidance he received from his coach in architectural design, project planning, and best practices for developer collaboration. Robert plans to deploy his app soon and hopes to involve more contributors in the future. Last but not least, Robert's project showcases the power of Python, FastAPI, and PDM in solving real-world scientific challenges (Forever Chemicals!) and making data analysis accessible to a broader audience.Enjoy our interview with Robert Young!Chapters:00:00 Intro snippet and music00:42 Guest and episode intro01:20 Introducing Robert Young04:08 Current research field08:12 PFAS or "forever chemicals"09:05 The effects of PFAS12:00 PDM journey and PFAS project16:36 FastAPI + SQLModel19:44 Other wins and takeaways from project + PDM23:24 Tutorial paralysis / Pybites approach24:50 Using same approach for new tech / next steps app28:28 How to reach out to Robert30:00 Book: Manufacturing Consensus32:00 How do we good information (social media)35:00 Thanks for joining us today35:33 Outro musicLinks:- Reach out to Robert via email- PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)  - EPA website  - ECHA website    - Australian government website- SERDP podcast (sponsors of Robert's PFAS research)- Book mentioned: Manufacturing Consensus- The PDM program

This week we have Emily Wilcock on the show, recruitment manager and Pybites career coach 😍Emily delves into a topic close to her heart: navigating the job search journey after a redundancy. She was affected herself by a recent layoff and has distilled 7 practical tips that helped her, and will help you, get back on track faster.Summary of Emily's 7 tips:1) After been laid off, take a break to reset.2) Make the most of your job search time.3) Seek a support group.4) Your CV! Get feedback, use "outplacement" + friends / family.5) LinkedIn: post + leverage your wider network.6) Always be networking.7) Interview prep / practice.Of course, there are cool wins + books too :)Enjoy!---Chapters:00:00 Intro snippet00:22 Intro music00:46 Julian episode intro02:35 Introducing Emily and topic of the episode05:56 Wins of the week07:33 Tips from Emily who was affected by redundancy08:15 1. Take a break, take some time to reset10:42 2. Make the most of the time when you search for a job13:33 3. Have a support group around you17:48 4. Work on your CV (practical tips!)21:09 Tip: use a brag sheet!22:04 5. LinkedIn: use it! + some tips27:18 6. Always be networking31:05 7. Interview prep / practice35:00 Wrap up and thanks36:10 Books38:46 Reach out to Emily39:40 Outro music---Books:- STFU- CosmosReach out to Emily on LinkedIn or on Pybites.

This week we talk with Sambhavi Dhanabalan about productivity as a developer. She shares 11 tips from her experience: 3 around planning and 8 generic tips.We also talk about her background, wins and a book she's reading.Enjoy this insightful conversation with Sambhavi. We're sure that if you follow her tips, you will make strides in your productivity as a Python developer!Chapters:00:00 Intro fragment, don't sit on a bug00:22 Intro music00:47 Episode and guest intro, meet Sambhavi01:30 Sambhavi's background02:53 Round of wins03:55 Brand building and sharing your work04:33 Topic intro: productivity tips05:33 Why did you write this article?07:30 P for Planning ...  #1 - Create a weekly planner09:32 #2 - Use Github/Gitlab project11:48 #3 - Review your planned work13:46 Reviewing tactics using your calendar15:17 P for Productivity ... #1 - Deep focus time17:57 #2 - Pomodoro technique19:58 #3 - Walk for 30 minutes21:47 #4 - Spend not more than 30 minutes on a bug/issue23:55 Team leaders, protect your people from this24:25 #5 - Use GitHub CoPilot, if there is an option27:30 #6 - Integrate git in your IDE (VS Code)29:47 #7 - Timebox a few tasks (not directly related to work)31:47 #8 - Wind off time (prevent burnout)33:55 Reach out to Sambhavi if this helped34:24 Book tip: Four Thousand Weeks (Oliver Burkeman)36:05 Thanks, final words and wrap up37:18 Outro musicLinks:- Sambhavi's article- Reach out to Sambhavi on LinkedIn- Recommended book: Four Thousand Weeks- Our PDM coaching program- Our Pybites Productivity courseThanks for listening and we'll be back next week with a fresh new episode ...

Python developer and coach Chris May discusses the importance of refactoring. Topics include the link between creativity and programming, the ROI of refactoring, the power of refactoring, the need for a test suite, productivity tools like note taking and GitHub issues, and the importance of mindset for developers.