Convos.dev

Convos.dev

Convos.dev is a podcast for nerdy people who love digging into what’s happening in tech. Each week, Chris and Jess (2 devrel engineers) share their takes on new tools, industry shifts, and the quirks of developer life. If you like thoughtful conversations and staying plugged into what’s next in software, you’ll feel right at home here.

  1. 4 days ago

    021: Navigating the World of Side Projects and Automations

    In this episode of Convos.dev, Chris and Jess delve into the intricacies of side projects—why they do them, how they find the time, and the various motivations behind each endeavor. They explore the balance between professional commitments and personal passions, highlighting how side projects serve as a playground for learning new skills and tackling intriguing challenges. Whether it's vibe coding a fun app for their kids or automating tasks to boost productivity, the duo shares how these projects fuel their creativity and technical growth.The conversation also touches on the tools and frameworks they use to streamline their side projects, including CLAWed automations and Raycast extensions. They discuss the challenges of managing numerous automations without losing track, emphasizing the importance of creating systems that are both effective and easy to maintain. If you've ever struggled with finding time for side projects or wondered how to make your automations work for you, this episode is filled with practical advice and relatable insights.Chapters:00:00 Intro02:15 The Motivation Behind Side Projects05:45 Solving Complex Problems with Consulting10:30 Balancing Consulting with Creative Projects14:00 The Role of Automations in Side Projects18:20 Tools for Task Management and Productivity22:45 Using Keyboard Maestro for Efficiency27:00 Challenges with AI and Automations31:15 Allocating Time for Side Projects36:40 Exploring OpenCLAWed and Cloud Automations41:20 Fun with French Beaded Flowers45:30 Recommended Reads: "How to Think" by Alan Jacobs50:00 Outro and Listener EngagementLinks / tools mentioned:- Raycast: URL- Hazel: https://www.noodlesoft.com/- Keyboard Maestro: https://www.keyboardmaestro.com/main/- Advent of Astro: https://adventofastro.com/- How I Built This podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-built-this-with-guy-raz/id1150510297- How to Think by Alan Jacobs: https://www.amazon.com/How-Think-Survival-Guide-World/dp/0451499603

    25 min

  2. 28 May

    020: Avoiding DevRel Burnout

    In this episode of Convos.dev, the Chris and Jess reflect on their growth since their first discussion on the topic, especially in the context of AI's impact on tech startups. Both hosts share the unique challenges of being the only DevRel in their teams, highlighting the importance of automating repetitive tasks to reduce friction and free up time for more strategic projects. From creating scripts for video content to automating changelog processes, they reveal how AI tools have become indispensable in their daily routines.The conversation also delves into the personal side of DevRel, discussing the art of prioritizing tasks and the power of saying no. They explore how personal interests can drive career growth and prevent burnout, drawing inspiration from industry peers and their own experiences. Whether you're a DevRel pro or just curious about the role, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for thriving in the fast-paced tech world.Timestamps:00:00 Intro02:45 Revisiting DevRel in the Age of AI06:30 Automating with AI: From SRT Files to Changelogs11:50 The Challenge of Being a Solo DevRel15:40 Conversation with an AI Researcher from Apple20:15 Balancing Multiple Roles in DevRel24:50 The Importance of Saying No in DevRel30:25 Personal Growth and Career Development in Tech35:40 Taking Breaks and Avoiding Burnout40:15 Hiring Challenges and Lessons Learned46:00 Tool Show and Tell: GSD and Paper.design51:20 Fun Projects and Side Hustles56:00 Closing Thoughts and Community Feedback RequestLinks / tools mentioned:- Resend: resend.com- GSD (Get Shit Done):https://github.com/open-gsd/get-shit-done-redux- Paper.design: paper.designSubmit questions and feedback at https://convos.dev

    26 min

  3. 23 Apr

    019: How we're using OpenClaw

    In this episode of convos.dev, Jess and Chris dig into how they're actually using OpenClaw — at work, at home, and in some weirdly elaborate personal setups. Chris walks through his team's multi-agent deployment at Resend, his personal Obsidian-vault task manager run entirely over Signal text messages, and the Mac OS "Claudagotchi" app he built in a weekend to babysit Claude Code. Jess shares her more permissions-cautious approach, pushes back on the complexity, and they compare notes on context, cost, and where this stuff actually earns its keep.

    33 min

  4. 9 Apr

    018: Our first dev talks

    In this episode of convos.dev, Jess and Chris share what they learned giving their first dev talks. They trade tips on prep, managing nerves, and why giving people something tangible to take away matters more than you think.

    27 min

  5. 26 Mar

    017: On the ethics of using AI

    In this episode of convos.dev, Jess and Chris tackle the gray areas of AI ethics — not the big global questions, but the personal ones. When is it okay to use AI for writing? What do you lose when you stop crafting sentences yourself? They get into the guilt of using AI-generated art, whether companies should get a pass on AI ads, and whether "taste" is the new differentiator when everyone can build anything.

    35 min

  6. 13 Mar

    016: How to interview to get the job you want

    In this episode of convos.dev, Jess and Chris dive into the world of hiring and interviewing for tech roles. Chris shares what he's learning from screening 300+ applicants for a technical writer role at Resend — from red flags in applications to the culture-fit questions he's found most revealing. Jess brings the skeptic's take, drawing on her experience with mock interviews and candidates who game the system. They also discuss AI in interviews, the difficulty of predicting long-term fit, and why hiring is one of the most expensive decisions a startup makes. Plus: a rant about the lack of good AI slide tools, Claude Island, and some fun show & tell.

    33 min

  7. 26 Feb

    015: Building A Learning Mindset Framework

    In this episode of convos.dev, Jess and Chris tackle a listener question about building mindset (so exciting)! They share their contrasting learning styles: Chris's approach of curating high-quality inputs and using Obsidian as a second brain, versus Jess's ADHD-ish osmosis method of consuming high volumes of content in the background. They also discuss the underrated role of empathy in product work, fiction as a tool for personal growth, and friction logs for improving developer experience. Plus: a dive into the Ralph Wiggum AI agent technique, AI skills for React Email, and some fun show & tell picks. Submit questions and feedback at ⁠Convos.dev⁠.

    21 min

  8. 12 Feb

    014: Tips For Starting A New Job

    In this episode of Convos.dev, Jess and Chris share their tips for starting a new role. They discuss how to understand company dynamics, identify what's working (and what isn't), and the importance of maintaining fresh eyes during onboarding. Chris shares Resend's friction log practice, and they debate the balance between building work relationships and maintaining work-life boundaries. Links - Moledisk cleanup CLI tool - Otter.ai: transcription app Submit questions and feedback at Convos.dev.

    27 min
See All (22)

Trailer

About

Convos.dev is a podcast for nerdy people who love digging into what’s happening in tech. Each week, Chris and Jess (2 devrel engineers) share their takes on new tools, industry shifts, and the quirks of developer life. If you like thoughtful conversations and staying plugged into what’s next in software, you’ll feel right at home here.

Information

  • Creator
    Convos.dev
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Convos.dev
  • Show Website
    Convos.dev