The Programming Podcast

The Programming Podcast
The Programming Podcast

Leon Noel and Danny Thompson explain technical problems, industry information, career advice and more on The Programming Podcast! Danny Thompson, Director of Technology @ This Dot Labs Leon Noel, Managing Director @ Resilient Coders & 100Devs

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Deepseek made me cancel my ChatGPT subscription?!

    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

    39 min
  2. 30 JAN

    How to ACTUALLY Freelance and get a paying client

    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.

    54 min
  3. 23 JAN

    TAKE ACTION: Overcoming Fear and Building a Tech Career That Lasts

    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 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! If you enjoyed this video, please Like, Share, and Subscribe for more tech career insights and tutorials.

    1h 3m
  4. 16 JAN

    Front-End vs. Full Stack: The TRUTH About Your First Coding Job

    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

    49 min
  5. 9 JAN

    How YOU Can Learn To Code in 2025 Part 2

    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

    57 min
  6. 30/12/2024

    How YOU Can Learn To Code in 2025

    In this episode, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel tackle the hot topic of AI “replacing” developers and why that’s not happening any time soon. They discuss the right mindset for learning to code, tips for staying motivated (even if friends and family don’t get it), and what to focus on in your very first tech job. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the hype or needed clarity on how to progress in your coding journey, this episode is for you. Key Topics: Why just “prompting AI” isn’t enough—and how real coding skills still matter How to stay motivated when your family or friends don’t understand your new path The difference between hype and actual skills needed for a successful tech career Strategies for learning to code efficiently (and what to avoid) What to focus on in your first six months as a developer (the four key pillars) Enjoy the conversation, and let us know if you want a deeper dive in a Part 2! 📧 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! Chapters 00:00 – Intro & The 4 Things in Your First 6 Months Danny outlines the four key items you must focus on when starting your first dev role. 04:15 – How AI Hype Misleads New Developers They share why simply prompting AI tools isn’t a valid substitute for real coding logic. 11:05 – Overcoming Excuses & Bad Advice Learn why AI is the latest excuse stopping people from ever finishing their coding goals. 20:05 – Will AI Replace Devs in 5 Years? A realistic look at timelines, corporate adoption, and why coding skills remain essential. 25:00 – Setting the Stage for Learning Leon shares the mindset shifts you need for effective studying, plus dealing with life pressures. 35:00 – Build Projects to Truly Learn They stress how applying newly learned concepts in your own projects cements long-term knowledge. 49:00 – Part 2? They discuss whether to record a deeper follow-up; share your feedback in the comments. 50:30 – Ask Danny And Leon Danny breaks down code, process, team, and value—crucial focuses for your first six months. 57:40 – Relationship Building & Documentation Leon’s tips on never eating lunch alone, documenting questions, and setting review goals. 1:00:05 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up Closing remarks on staying motivated, focusing on evidence-based growth, and letting them know if you want more.

    1h 1m
  7. 23/12/2024

    The BEST Places to Invest Your Time in Tech Right Now in 2025!

    Where should you invest YOUR time in tech? Are you trying to break into tech, learn to code, or just stay ahead in a rapidly evolving AI landscape? Key Topics Covered: Why consistent, daily coding practice beats “cramming” How to effectively network and stand out at meetups and hackathons The importance of learning fundamentals like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Linux, SQL, and Git Whether (and when) to dive into AI, LLMs, and machine learning Why “free” doesn’t mean “low quality” and how freeCodeCamp remains a top resource for millions How to pace your job search timeline—and why 6 months might be too short The future of AI, job prospects, and how to keep your skills relevant Enjoy the discussion, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into coding, careers, and the tech industry! In this episode of The Programming Podcast, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel sit down with Quincy Larson, founder of freeCodeCamp.org. This is the first guest episode we have ever had! We discuss the realities of learning to code, the importance of fundamentals, how to navigate AI hype, the true value of “free” educational resources, and much more. 📧 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/ 00:00 – Introduction 02:06 – The Power of Consistent Daily Practice 05:21 – Auditing Your Local Job Market 08:03 – Fundamental Skills vs. Frameworks 11:05 – The Evolving Complexity of React & Next.js 13:29 – How Quincy Got His First Dev Job 17:02 – Networking & Meetups: A Game Changer 19:07 – Today’s Job Market & ‘Impossible’ Myths 24:27 – College, Costs & Alternative Pathways 27:24 – “I Need a Dev Job in 6 Months!” 31:06 – Reframing Disappointment & Burnout 35:50 – Why ‘Free’ Doesn’t Mean ‘Low Quality’ 40:08 – Ask Quincy: AI & Building Your Own LLM 44:20 – The Future of AI & Open-Weight Models 48:30 – AI in Search, Ads & Monetization 51:30 – The Bottom Line on AI & Dev Careers 53:00 – Conclusion & Final Shout-Outs 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com!

    55 min
  8. 19/12/2024

    This is how I made the Commit Your Code Conference happen!

    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!

    52 min

About

Leon Noel and Danny Thompson explain technical problems, industry information, career advice and more on The Programming Podcast! Danny Thompson, Director of Technology @ This Dot Labs Leon Noel, Managing Director @ Resilient Coders & 100Devs

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