
Pybites Podcast
The Pybites Podcast is a podcast about Python Development, Career and Mindset skills. Hosted by the Co-Founders, Bob Belderbos and Julian Sequeira, this podcast is for anyone interested in Python and looking for tips, tricks and concepts related to Career + Mindset. For more information on Pybites, visit us at https://pybit.es and connect with us on LinkedIn:Julian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliansequeira/Bob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbelderbos/
Latest episodes

Sep 18, 2023 • 31min
#132 - How to Be a Productive Content Creator?
This week Hugh Tipping interviews Bob Belderbos about how he manages to get so much content produced on a weekly basis.They discuss daily routines, the content planning process, tools, content quality assurance, how to avoid burnout and more general tips.Enjoy and hopefully it helps you put more content out there yourself and be more productive overall!Chapters:00:00 Intro music00:21 Intro of our host Hugh and topic01:30 Typical Pybites day03:30 Taking breaks04:10 Setting boundaries04:45 Content planning process05:53 Pybites Organic content tool + reviewing process07:00 GitHub issues, Kanban, and feedback as input09:34 Tools for creating content11:20 IronScribe for transcriptions and video clippings13:40 Ad segment: Pybites Productivity Course14:46 JIT (just in time) learning15:58 How to ensure the quality of the content17:05 Shift in code clinics / making mistakes live coding18:50 Dropping perfectionism20:00 More confidence == more fluency20:35 How to avoid burnout - take breaks (diffused mind)22:35 Learn to say no / shiny new object syndrome23:40 Read and embrace deep work24:00 Always be learning / stay curious, capture ideas25:10 Reduce friction / automations25:40 Talk with other people / get feedback26:30 Always keep coding27:50 Set realistic goals, don't be too hard on yourself29:15 Wrap up, ask us further questions ...30:32 Outro musicResources:- Deep Work by Cal Newport- Maker's Schedule, Manager's Schedule by Paul GrahamHosted by Hugh Tipping.Check out our Pybites Productivity Course here.

Sep 15, 2023 • 16min
#131 - Write more maintainable Python code, avoid these 15 code smells
This week we talk about code smells. 💡Code smells are characteristics in the code that might indicate deeper issues or potential problems. While they're not necessarily bugs, they can be a sign of poor code quality or maintainability issues. 😱We distilled 15 common smells ranging from generic programming to Python specific issues. We hope it will make your more conscious of your code as well as code you'll review. 🐍 💪If you have any feedback, hit us up on:- LinkedIn- X- Email(Also for any podcast topic requests ...)Mentioned Dictionary Dispatch Pattern videoAnd to write cleaner, more maintainable code, in the context of (complex) real world applications, check out our 1:1 coaching options.Chapters:00:00 Intro music00:20 What are code smells?01:11 1. Long functions or classes01:46 2. Duplicated code02:25 3. Data Clumps03:13 4. Using the global space03:52 5. Magic numbers04:38 6. Primitive obsession05:06 7. Overusing comments06:23 8. Too deep nesting07:36 9. Switch statement or long if-elif-elif-else chains08:41 10. Too deep inheritance09:45 11. Dead code10:21 12. Misusing (nested) listcomps11:03 13. Single letter variable names12:03 14. Mutable Default Arguments13:05 15. Error Silencing14:04 Wrap up14:56 Outro musicThanks for tuning in as always 🙏 and next week we'll be back with a brand new episode ... 🎧

Sep 8, 2023 • 22min
#130 - Excel Embraces Python, Opening Doors to New Roles and How PDI Can Help
In this episode, we delve into the groundbreaking integration of Python within Microsoft Excel and its transformative impact on non-tech professions. 💪📈Discover how this evolution empowers professionals across diverse fields and the dynamic opportunities it presents for career advancement.We also shine a spotlight on the achievements of people through our Pybites Developer Initialization (PDI) program, illustrating how it's shaping the next generation of Python enthusiasts 🐍 😍Celebrate with us as Python broadens its horizons. 🎧🎉Chapters:00:00 Intro music00:55 Wins (productivity / mindset)03:58 Python is getting even bigger and is for everyone 📈06:00 Excel chose Python 😍 / non-techie people adopting Python08:18 How can we help? Pybites Developer Initialization (PDI)09:07 The kind of people that join PDI and their results12:37 Some amazing PDI wins15:28 Spread the word: who can benefit from Python in their career?17:08 AI tools becoming more pervasive17:45 Books (The Carbon Almanac + The Four Agreements)19:30 Wrap up: thank you + homepage update20:34 Next episode hint21:00 Outro music--Seeking a career pivot with Python? Facing challenges as a beginner or bridging the initial developer gap?Discover our Pybites Developer Initialization (PDI) - a 6-week immersive journey.Transition from novice to confident coder with hands-on guidance and dedicated 1:1 mentorship.---Books:- The Four Agreements- The Carbon AlmanacOther links:- Why weekly wins tracking mattersThanks for tuning in every week and we'll be back next week with a fresh new episode ...

Aug 31, 2023 • 17min
#129 - Empower Your Python Ambitions - From Idea Paralysis to Real-World Projects
In this podcast episode we talk about the significance of building real-world Python applications. Bob highlights the importance of breaking away from tutorial paralysis and creating genuine software solutions to understand and confront real-world complexities. He also emphasizes the career benefits of showcasing tangible Python projects on your portfolio / GitHub / resume. As an actionable step, listeners are introduced to the Pybites Portfolio Assessment tool. Through a fictional character, Alex, listeners are guided on how to use the tool identifying their passions, strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately leverage Python to realize their goals through real world app building.Take the assessment here (your submission will be emailed to Pybites). If you go the manual pen + paper route, then just send it via emial - good luck!

Aug 23, 2023 • 23min
#128 - Harnessing Downtime: The Power of Disconnecting
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

Aug 10, 2023 • 24min
#127 - How the Flocking Rules Can Help You Refactor Your Code
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 😍)

Aug 4, 2023 • 23min
#126 - How the Pygmalion Effect can improve your team's performance
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

Aug 1, 2023 • 20min
#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

Jul 28, 2023 • 27min
#124 - Building Confidence and Overcoming Challenges by Using Positive Self-Talk
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 ...

Jul 19, 2023 • 33min
#123 - From Teacher to Python Developer by Building a Community Platform Using Django
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.