Mechanical Ink Podcast Mechanical Ink Studio

In this episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, Schalk Neethling hosts Chris DeMars, a Senior Developer Advocate at DigitalOcean. Chris shares his journey in the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of community and accessibility in web development. He delves into the role of a Developer Advocate, highlighting the need to bridge the gap between the community and the organization.
Chris discusses his passion for web accessibility, driven by personal experiences, and the evolution of front-end development. He also touches on the significance of open-source contributions, and the value of Hacktoberfest, and offers insights into effective leadership.
Beyond work, Chris enjoys various hobbies, including paintball, fishing, and the paranormal. The conversation concludes with reflections on the responsible use of AI and advice for those navigating their tech careers.
Links
* Chris DeMars on LinkedIn
* Chris DeMars on GitHub
* CSS Tricks Site Editor role at DigitalOcean
* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn
* Mechanical Ink Studio
Community
* Join the community on Slack
* Support the podcast on Patreon
* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)
Help Others Find The Podcast
* Rate and review on Spotify
* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts
Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode, host Schalk Neethling interviews Jennifer Weis, the founder of Mission Save A Life, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness, promoting education, and driving action around mental health and suicide prevention. Jen shares her personal journey and the genesis of Mission Save A Life, which was born out of the tragic loss of her son's friend to suicide.
Take care of yourself while listening. We touch on sensitive topics as part of this podcast. Those topics can include mental illness, depression, suicide ideation, death, and related mental health and mental illness topics. We understand that these subjects can be sensitive and may be triggering for some individuals. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being and mental health while listening. If you feel overwhelmed or need support, please get in touch with a mental health professional or a helpline in your country. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available. Follow the link to find the help you need.

Jen delves into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, highlighting the effects of isolation, loss of identity, and the constant fear signals from mask-wearing (not suggesting that mask-wearing during the pandemic was wrong or bad in any way). She also discusses the double-edged nature of technology and social media, which can exacerbate mental health challenges through rapid change, constant connectivity, and online harassment, but can also be powerful tools for education and support.
Throughout the conversation, Jen emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of suicidal ideation and having open conversations about mental health and suicide. She provides actionable advice on how to approach these conversations in a supportive and non-judgmental manner, emphasizing the need to listen without trying to "fix" the situation.
Jen also explores the significance of finding purpose, not being tied to a single identity, and being open to opportunities, especially during difficult life transitions such as job loss or divorce. She shares her own experiences with manifestation and letting go of control, encouraging listeners to embrace challenges as opportunities for personal growth and development.
The episode also delves into the various ways individuals can contribute to mental health initiatives like Mission Save A Life, regardless of their skills or backgrounds. Jen highlights opportunities for storytelling, fundraising, application development, and more, emphasizing the organization's community-driven approach and the belief that everyone has a role to play in promoting mental wellness.
Links
* Jennifer Weis on LinkedIn
* Mission Save A Life
* Mission Save A Life Community
* Morning Cup
* Mission Save A Life Survey
* Mission Save A Life on LinkedIn
* Mission Save A Life on Instagram
* Mission Save A Life on Facebook
* Mission Save A Life on YouTube
* Mission Save A Life on X
* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn
* Mechanical Ink Studio
Community
* Join the community on Slack
* Support the podcast on Patreon
* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)
Help Others Find The Podcast
* Rate and review on Spotify
* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts
Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, host Schalk Neethling sits down with web accessibility specialist Hidde de Vries. We discuss the NL Design System project, an ambitious open-source initiative by the Dutch government aimed at creating a unified design system and set of components for all government websites and digital services. The project takes a collaborative approach, where different government organizations contribute components, guidelines, and user research, fostering a community-driven effort towards accessibility and inclusivity.
Web accessibility emerges as a central theme, emphasizing the importance of ensuring digital products and services are usable for everyone, including people with disabilities. The discussion delves into the challenges of automated accessibility tools and overlays, highlighting the need for manual testing and a deep understanding of accessibility principles. Additionally, the role of AI and language models in accessibility is explored, recognizing their potential benefits, such as automated transcription, while acknowledging their limitations in understanding context and intent.
The significance of HTML and the evolution of web standards is also highlighted, with Hidde expressing excitement about new features like the `popover` attribute and `invokers` API, which simplify the implementation of accessible components and interactions. Furthermore, the impact of AI-generated code on web accessibility is discussed, emphasizing the need to guide and train these models to prioritize accessibility and produce code that adheres to accessibility standards and best practices.
Links
* Hidde de Vries on LinkedIn
* Hidde de Vries on the Web
* Hidde de Vries on GitHub
* Talk: Could browsers fix more accessibility problems automatically?
* Overlay Fact Sheet
* On popover accessibility: what the browser does and doesn’t do
* Invokers API
* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn
* Mechanical Ink Studio
Community
* Join the community on Slack
* Support the podcast on Patreon
* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)
Help Others Find The Podcast
* Rate and review on Spotify
* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts
Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, Schalk Neethling sits down with Rachel Nabors, whose journey from a cartoonist lost in the world of comics to a beacon in the tech community embodies the spirit of innovation and adaptability. Rachel's story is a testament to the power of embracing change, leveraging one's unique skill set, and the importance of continuous learning in the fast-paced tech industry.
The podcast delves into the evolving landscape of coding jobs, where foundational skills in coding remain indispensable despite the rapid advancements in technology. Rachel's experiences highlight how animation, often perceived through the lens of entertainment, plays a crucial role in enhancing user experience and accessibility in web development.
A focal point of their conversation is the value of open-source contributions and active participation in tech communities. Rachel advocates for the democratization of tech education, emphasizing the need to make learning resources more accessible and to foster environments that encourage mentorship and support.
Moreover, Rachel offers advice for those navigating the uncertainties of the tech industry. She underscores the importance of resilience, finding work that fulfills, and the perpetual pursuit of knowledge. Her insights serve as a guide for not only surviving but thriving in the ever-changing tech landscape.
This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone interested in technology, education, and the intersection of art and science. Rachel Nabors' journey is a compelling narrative of transformation, illustrating the endless possibilities that await those willing to explore the frontiers of digital innovation.
Sponsored By
Reduce time to market without sacrificing your security posture! BoxyHQ’s suite of Open Source, Developer First APIs for security and privacy helps engineering teams build and ship compliant cloud applications faster. Sign up for their SaaS offering and focus on the core value of your product.
Links
* Rachel Nabors on LinkedIn
* Rachel on GitHub
* The Tech Career Survival Guide
* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn
* Mechanical Ink Studio
Community
* Join the community on Slack
* Support the podcast on Patreon
* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)
Help Others Find The Podcast
* Rate and review on Spotify
* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts
Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In a riveting episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, host Schalk Neethling welcomed Matteo Collina, a luminary in the Node.js community whose work has amassed over 22 billion downloads on npm in 2023 for the various open source modules he maintains. This episode was not just a deep dive into the technical intricacies of Node.js but also an enlightening discourse on the security landscape, community engagement, and the future of back-end development with the introduction of Platformatic. Here's a closer look at the discussions that made this episode a must-listen for developers.
Community at the Heart of Technology
Matteo Collina's passion for making technology accessible and fostering community engagement shone through in the conversation. He highlighted the significance of community-driven development and the role of feedback in improving technology. It's clear that for Matteo, the essence of his work extends beyond code; it's about creating a space where people can engage, learn, and contribute to the growth of technology.
Navigating the Security Landscape
Security within the Node.js ecosystem was a critical theme of the conversation. Matteo emphasized the importance of validating and sanitizing data to mitigate security risks. He shared insightful advice on maintaining npm packages, advocating for careful selection and regular updates to avoid vulnerabilities. Additionally, Matteo recommended using NVM for Node.js installation, highlighting the security pitfalls associated with improper package management.
A Call for Maintenance and Updates
One of the striking points Matteo made was the continuous need for software maintenance. He likened open-source projects to maintaining a house, where chores and updates are never-ending. This analogy underscores the dynamic nature of technology and the importance of keeping software up to date to safeguard against security vulnerabilities.
Forward-Looking: The Future of Node.js
Looking ahead, Matteo teased upcoming developments in Node.js, hinting at features that developers have long requested. While specifics were kept under wraps, the excitement for what's to come was palpable. This forward-looking discussion served as a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of technology and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
For developers looking to deepen their understanding of Node.js and security best practices, this episode is an invaluable resource. Engage with the community, heed Matteo's advice on security, and stay tuned for the exciting developments in Node.js. The future is bright, and together, we can build a more secure, efficient, and community-driven tech ecosystem.
Sponsored By
Reduce time to market without sacrificing your security posture! BoxyHQ’s suite of Open Source, Developer First APIs for security and privacy helps engineering teams build and ship compliant cloud applications faster. Sign up for their SaaS offering and focus on the core value of your product.
Links
* Matteo Collina on Linked
* Matteo Collina on the Web
* Platformatic
* You're Installing Node.js Wrong. That's OK, Here Is How To Fix It
* Prototype-Poisoning
* Secure json-parse
* OWASP
* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn
* Mechanical Ink Studio
Community
* Join the community on Slack
* Support the podcast on Patreon
* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)
Help Others Find The Podcast
* Rate and review on Spotify
* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts
Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, Schalk Neethling sits down with Zach Leatherman, a renowned figure in the web development community, best known for his work on the static site generator 11ty. Their conversation takes us through a journey of understanding the intrinsic link between web performance and accessibility, shining a light on the importance of ensuring the web remains an inclusive space for all.
As they delve into the role of open source in the tech ecosystem, Zach shares his perspective on how it serves as a crucial platform for learning and growth, especially for junior developers navigating the complexities of the web. The discussion on web components and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) brings to the forefront the challenges and opportunities that lie in the adoption and development of these technologies, amidst the backdrop of an industry dominated by tech giants and potential harm to the health of the open web.
This episode not only provides a deep dive into the technicalities of web development but also celebrates the spirit of sharing and collaboration that defines the open-source community. Zach's insights into the future of web development, coupled with Schalk's probing questions, make for an enlightening discussion that's as informative as it is inspiring. Whether you're a budding developer or a seasoned pro, there's something in this conversation for everyone who's ever marveled at the power and potential of the web.
Sponsored By
Reduce time to market without sacrificing your security posture! BoxyHQ’s suite of Open Source, Developer First APIs for security and privacy helps engineering teams build and ship compliant cloud applications faster. Sign up for their SaaS offering and focus on the core value of your product.
Links
* Zach Leatherman on LinkedIn
* Zach Leatherman on the Web
* 11ty
* Jamstack Panel: Multiple JavaScript Frameworks Are a Good Thing
* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn
* Mechanical Ink Studio
Community
* Join the community on Slack
* Support the podcast on Patreon
* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)
Help Others Find The Podcast
* Rate and review on Spotify
* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts
Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com