
Modern Web
The modern web is changing fast. Front-end frameworks evolve quickly, standards are emerging and old ones are fading out of favor. There are a lot of things to learn, but knowing the right thing is more critical than learning them all. Modern Web Podcast is an interview-style show where we learn about modern web development from industry experts. We’re committed to making it easy to digest lots of useful information!
Latest episodes

Jun 6, 2024 • 37min
“Pretty Reasonable” Takes on RSC, Next.js, Type Enforcement, + More with Colby Fayock
Colby Fayock joins hosts Ben Lesh, Adam Rackis, and Tracy Lee to talk about their latest takes on React Server Components, Next.js, and performance optimization. If you want to learn more about the React Server Components conversations on the web, the intricacies of caching in web development, the ins and outs of SDK development for Next.js, the power of type enforcement with tools like Zod and TypeScript, and the art of async programming, check out this podcast. The four also talk about performance optimization and the complexities of integrating new technologies into existing applications.
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May 30, 2024 • 37min
Are you an AI Engineer? What is RAG? AI Implemented with Tracy Lee and Rob Ocel
Tracy Lee and Rob Ocel discuss their excitement for AI's industry impact and the ease of implementing RAG with databases and large datasets. Tracy also mentions upcoming tech conferences like City JS, Cascadia JS, and Render, emphasizing the value of attending in-person events.
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May 17, 2024 • 39min
What’s New with Astro in 2024 with Matthew Phillips, CTO of Astro
On this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, Tracy Lee, Adam Rackis, Ben Lesh, and guest Matthew Phillips discuss what’s going on in the world of Astro. They explore the concept of 'Islands' and how Astro allows seamless integration of components from different frameworks like React or Vue. The conversation covers technical details like client directives for selective rendering and the challenges of collecting metrics. They also discuss the importance of type safety and the development of server actions in Astro, including the introduction of AstroDB for database integration.
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May 10, 2024 • 43min
Local-First Application Development is Back? with Dev Agrawal
Dev Agrawal talks about the newfound interest in building 'local first' applications, which is often seen as an outdated paradigm. With Rob Ocel, he discusses how these apps prioritize user devices as the primary data source, allowing for offline access and user control. The conversation highlights the benefits of local-first architecture in creating personalized experiences and seamless synchronization, and the importance of data ownership and Conflict-free Replicated Data Types (CRDTs) for collaborative environments. They also discuss what meta frameworks are ideal for local-first development, signals, and server components.
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Apr 23, 2024 • 48min
6 Steps to AI Adoption: Benefits of SLMs vs LLMs
AI adoption experts Rob Ocel and Jerome Hardaway discuss the differences between Small Language Models (SLMs) and Large Language Models (LLMs), advancements in AI chips by tech giants, evolving role of engineers in AI, and ethical implications of AI implementation.

Apr 17, 2024 • 48min
How to Go from Software Engineer to AI Engineer with Shawn Wang
Tracy Lee and Rob Ocel host an exciting episode featuring guest Shawn Wang, who shares insights on the emergence of AI engineering as a distinct field. Shawn emphasizes the importance of core knowledge and skills in AI engineering, and outlines a systematic approach to education and development. He envisions a future where AI engineering becomes a recognized profession, highlighting the rising demand for AI engineers. The conversation also explores the use of advanced AI technology in software development, showcasing tools like GPT vision for automating tasks and generating code efficiently.
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Apr 15, 2024 • 35min
6 Steps to AI Adoption: Building with AI APIs
Tracy Lee, Jerome Hardaway, and Rob Ocel continue their six part series on the six steps for AI adoption. In this episode they discuss AI API integration and better building with AI models. They discuss the importance of choosing the right tools for specific tasks, such as APIs for filtering inappropriate content. Jerome emphasizes the role of AI in enhancing coding abilities and problem-solving, while cautioning against using AI tools where they may not be beneficial. The conversation also explores the challenges of working with API documentation, the impact of AI on different engineering levels, and the importance of efficient resource management in AI development.
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Apr 12, 2024 • 35min
The Future of JavaScript Package Handling and Open Source with Darcy Clarke
Darcy Clarke shares vlt.sh, a new package manager which he has been building with npm Creator Isaac Schlueter and Node TSC member Ruy Adorno. Along with hosts Tracy Lee, Ben Lesh, and Adam Rackis, he shares insights on emerging developer tools, pair programming, and sustainability in open source.
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Apr 3, 2024 • 44min
Why Every Developer Should Try Elm + Are We Abandoning JavaScript? with Lindsay Wardell
Lindsay Wardell, senior software engineer at NoRedInk, shares her opinions on Elm, and explains why every software engineer should give it a try. She and Rob Ocel also discuss trends in fullstack development away from JavaScript, and why developers should broaden their experience with multiple languages to stay adaptable.
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Apr 1, 2024 • 46min
6 Steps to AI Adoption: Prompt Engineering for Workflow Optimization with Jerome Hardaway
Tracy Lee, Rob Ocel, and Jerome Hardaway continue their six part series on adopting AI technology into your workflow. In this episode, they discuss the importance of prompt engineering in optimizing AI interactions, emphasizing the need for clear communication, task breakdown, and effective tooling. Jerome highlights the significance of understanding AI prompts, avoiding humanization of AI, and leveraging prompt patterns for code quality enhancement.
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