Distributed.

Jack Hannah, Tuple
Distributed.

Remote work is here to stay. Whether you’re firmly in the return to office camp or die hard distributed, the cat’s out of the bag for the industry. The Distributed podcast, from Tuple, deconstructs how world-class engineers and their teams navigate the challenges (and opportunities) remote work creates. Host Jack Hannah uncovers stories of teams and individuals overcoming technical challenges, working through interpersonal dynamics, and battling their own distractions. Through these conversations, we’ll unpack the practical side of how folks work together in this new normal, and dig into the social emotional piece so often overlooked in programming.

Episodes

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Dave Farley on remote work, AI, and the future of software engineering

    How does human connection shape the way we build software? In this episode of the Distributed podcast, host Jack Hannah talks with Dave Farley, renowned software engineer, author, and expert in modern software development. Dave shares insights from his 40-year career, covering everything from extreme programming to the role of AI in software engineering. He explains why pair programming is one of the most underrated practices and how fostering trust in remote teams leads to better collaboration and creativity. Dave also explores the trade-offs of remote and hybrid work, the importance of high-quality engineering practices, and why continuous delivery remains essential for building world-class software. Highlights: Why software development is a team game and not a solo endeavorHow pair programming boosts productivity and code qualityLessons from ThoughtWorks on scaling extreme programming with large teamsThe evolving impact of AI on software engineering How remote teams can not only build trust but maintain it In this episode, we cover: (00:00) – Kicking Things Off with Dave Farley (05:00) – Dave’s Journey: From Early Computers to High-Frequency Trading (10:00) – ThoughtWorks and Scaling Extreme Programming (15:00) – Building Trust in Remote Teams Through Connection (20:00) – Why Pair Programming Improves Speed and Quality (25:00) – Debunking Myths About Pairing and Productivity (30:00) – AI and the Future of Software Engineering (35:00) – Test-Driven Development as the Future of Coding (40:00) – The Challenges of Onboarding in Remote Teams (44:00) – Trade-offs of Remote Work and In-Person Time Where to connect further: Connect with Dave Farley on LinkedIn and his website Follow Tuple Want to hear more? Check out distributed.fm Connect with Jack Hannah

    45 min
  2. FEB 13

    Valentina Servile, Lead Software Developer at Thoughtworks, on how to win remote work as an engineer

    How do you foster collaboration and trust in distributed engineering teams?  In this episode of the Distributed podcast, Jack Hannah talks with Valentina Servile, Lead Software Developer at Thoughtworks and author of Continuous Deployment. Valentina shares how her teams leverage practices like pair programming, collective code ownership, and streamlined processes to succeed in a remote-first world. They also discuss managing cognitive load, communicating effectively across time zones, and her strategies for replacing outdated practices like pull requests with more dynamic approaches. Highlights: Why pair programming improves team dynamics and code qualityThe role of trust and alignment in distributed teamsAutomating quality gates for faster, safer workflowsHow to foster collective code ownership in remote teams In this episode, we cover: (00:00) – Kicking Things Off with Valentina Servile (02:00) – Using Kickoffs to Build Trust and Clarity in Remote Teams (06:00) – The Role of Pair Programming in Remote Success (09:00) – Effective Communication Strategies for Distributed Teams (13:00) – The Pitfalls of PR-Driven Workflows in Remote Contexts (18:00) – Building Collective Code Ownership and Its Benefits (24:00) – Automating Quality Gates for Safer Deployments (30:00) – Keeping Cognitive Load Manageable for Developers (37:00) – Final Takeaways: Tips on Disconnecting and Balancing Notifications Referenced: Lean Inception by Paulo Caroli: https://caroli.org/en/livro/lean-inception-how-to-align-people-and-build-the-right-product/ Where to connect further: Connect with Valentina on LinkedIn Check out Valentina’s book, Continuous Deployment Email Valentina at valentina.servile@gmail.com  More about Thoughtworks Follow Tuple Want to hear more? Check out distributed.fm Connect with Jack Hannah

    40 min
  3. FEB 6

    Kent Beck on why software development is an exercise in human relationships

    How do relationships shape success in software development? In this episode of the Distributed podcast, host Jack Hannah talks with Kent Beck, renowned software engineer and signer of the Agile Manifesto, to explore how fostering relationships and psychological safety drives long-term success. Kent shares lessons from his career, including insights from Facebook and Gusto, emphasizing the role of empathy and collaboration in building sustainable practices. Kent also shares his perspective on strengthening team connections, building effective routines for remote work, and balancing productivity with well-being to help teams thrive. Highlights: Building psychological safety by addressing relationship challenges and fostering trustKent’s experiences at Facebook and Gusto: lessons on balancing technical ambition with human connectionEstablishing team rituals like daily and weekly check-ins to strengthen cohesion in remote settingsThe impact of creating an environment where collaboration and empathy drive better outcomesExploring how relationships and thoughtful communication shape software development practices In this episode, we cover: (00:00) – Kicking Things Off with Kent Beck (04:00) – Software Design as Human Relationships: The Tidy First Approach (09:00) – Lessons from Facebook: Managing Relationships and Overcoming Resistance (13:00) – Apprenticeship and Credibility: Building Trust Through Contributions (18:00) – Remote Work Rituals: Fostering Connection and Collaboration (22:00) – Balancing Productivity with Teaching: Strategies for Distributed Teams (27:00) – The Forest vs. The Desert: How Environments Shape Creativity and Output (32:00) – Mentorship in Remote Work: Passing Knowledge Across Generations (38:00) – Creating Time to Refactor, Test, and Build Collaborative Teams (44:00) – Creative Leverage: Big Wins Through Collaboration and Vision Where to connect further: Connect with Kent Beck on LinkedIn and his Website Follow Tuple Want to hear more? Check out distributed.fm Connect with Jack Hannah

    50 min
  4. JAN 30

    Mastering Communication and Teamwork as a Remote Engineer with Callie Buruchara

    How do soft skills shape success in a remote-first world? In this episode of the Distributed podcast, Host Jack Hannah chats with Callie Buruchara, Senior Software Engineer at Uplift Agency, to explore how mastering communication and emotional intelligence (particularly in a remote work setting) can transform your career. Callie shares her journey from high school English teacher to software engineer and how her people-first approach became her superpower.  Plus, hear Callie’s take on balancing deep work, managing expectations, and why some of the toughest lessons often come from unexpected places. Highlights: Navigating remote work dynamics and adapting to different communication styles to foster collaboration and reduce misunderstandingsThe power of emotional intelligence in building trust and resolving conflict within distributed teamsCallie’s strategies for balancing prioritization, managing time effectively, and protecting mental healthWhy addressing friction early and practicing honest communication strengthens team dynamicsHow soft skills, like empathy and vulnerability, often play a pivotal role in technical success In this episode, we cover: (00:00) – Kicking Things Off with Callie Buruchara (03:00) – Why Soft Skills Matter: From Career Transition to Tech Success (08:00) – Adapting to Different Communication Styles in Remote Teams (12:00) – Balancing Prioritization and Mental Health While Working Remotely (18:00) – The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Resolving Workplace Conflicts (23:00) – Building Trust Through Feedback: Addressing Friction Before It Escalates (28:00) – Lessons from Remote Work: Navigating Loneliness and Staying Connected (33:00) – Vulnerability as a Strength: How Honesty Improves Team Dynamics (37:00) – Final Takeaway: Why Soft Skills Are Key to Thriving in Tech Where to connect further: Connect with Callie Buruchara on LinkedIn and her Website Email Callie at callie.buruchara@hey.com  More about Uplift Agency Ltd.  More about firstpromo.dev Follow @tuple

    42 min
  5. JAN 30

    Sufficient Design, Agile and High-Performing Teams with Josh Kerievsky from Industrial Logic

    How do great teams build better software?  In this episode of the Distributed podcast, host Jack Hannah speaks with Josh Kerievsky, founder and CEO of Industrial Logic and one of the earliest pioneers of Agile software development. Josh shares insights into the practices that help teams thrive, including sufficient design, pairing, ensembling, and continuous deployment. He also advocates for a balance between in-person and remote collaboration, the evolving role of AI in software development, and why a focused approach is what matters most for success.  Highlights: The concept of sufficient design and why perfection isn’t always necessaryHow pairing and ensemble programming improve knowledge transfer and help develop stronger teamsThe role of continuous deployment in elevating software delivery practicesBalancing in-person and remote collaboration to support team mental healthThe potential and challenges of AI in software development In this episode, we cover: (00:00) – Kicking Things Off With Josh Kerievsky (03:00) – The Origins of Agile Software Development (07:00) – Sufficient Design: Balancing Perfection and Practicality (12:00) – Navigating Remote and In-Person Collaboration (15:00) – Pairing, Ensembling, and Knowledge Transfer Benefits (20:00) – Lessons From Building High-Performing Teams (25:00) – AI’s Role in the Future of Software Development (30:00) – Final Takeaway: Advice for Building Great Teams Referenced: Agile Manifesto: https://agilemanifesto.org/ Where to connect further: Connect with Josh Kerievsky on LinkedIn More about Industrial Logic Follow @tuple Want to hear more? Check out distributed.fm Connect with Jack Hannah

    35 min
  6. JAN 30

    Structures and tools for effective remote teams with Blake Irvin from SumUp

    How do you maintain a balance between deep work and collaboration in a remote-first world?  In this episode of the Distributed podcast, Host Jack Hannah sits down with Blake Irvin, Observability Engineering Lead at SumUp, for his insights into how developers and teams thrive remotely. Blake shares how SumUp approaches distributed work, the importance of clear communication, and why protecting focus time is critical. From balancing asynchronous and synchronous collaboration to using tools like Honeycomb, Incident.io, and Tuple, Blake offers a practical look at what makes remote teamwork successful. Highlights: Reducing friction - how to choose between synchronous and asynchronous communication Why meaningful connections during work hours can transform team dynamicsBlake’s strategies to protect focus and unlock deeper, more meaningful workHow the right tools can create a culture of seamless collaboration even in distributed environments In this episode, we cover: (00:00) – Kicking Things Off With Blake Irvin (05:00) – Balancing Focus and Communication in Remote Teams (10:00) – Ways to Communicate that Protect Your Team’s Flow (15:00) – Tools That Help Bridge Communication Gaps (20:00) – Async vs. Sync: Picking the Right Approach for Your Team (25:00) – Why Meeting in Person Still Matters for Remote Teams (30:00) – Scaling from Startup to Millions of Users (35:00) – Why Pairing Is Transformational for Teams (38:00) – Building Collaborative Culture with the Right Tools (40:00) – The importance of experimentation Referenced: 37signals blog post: Group Chat: The Best Way to Totally Stress Out Your Team Paul Graham’s essay: Maker’s Schedule, Manager’s Schedule Honeycomb.io for distributed tracing Incident.io for collaborating on incident response Tuple’s Pair Programming Guide Where to connect further: Connect with Blake Irvin on LinkedIn and GitHub More about SumUp Follow @tuple Want to hear more? Check out distributed.fm Connect with Jack Hannah

    40 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Remote work is here to stay. Whether you’re firmly in the return to office camp or die hard distributed, the cat’s out of the bag for the industry. The Distributed podcast, from Tuple, deconstructs how world-class engineers and their teams navigate the challenges (and opportunities) remote work creates. Host Jack Hannah uncovers stories of teams and individuals overcoming technical challenges, working through interpersonal dynamics, and battling their own distractions. Through these conversations, we’ll unpack the practical side of how folks work together in this new normal, and dig into the social emotional piece so often overlooked in programming.

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