Voices of the Code

Karl Murray & Steven Fox

5.0 (2)
TECHNOLOGY
UPDATED WEEKLY

Karl & Steven interview different members of the wider Laravel community.

MAR 26

From World of Warcraft to Software Development with Kevin Ullyott

Kevin's socials : https://github.com/Orrisonhttps://bsky.app/profile/kevinullyott.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-ullyott-9b206460/ In this episode, Karl and Steven welcome Kevin Olliot, who shares his journey into programming, starting from his early gaming days to his current role as Software Development Director at Canyon GBS. The conversation explores Kevin's experiences with Laravel, the differences between agency and corporate development, and the importance of mentorship in the tech industry. They discuss the concept of source available software, technical debt, and the strategies used at Canyon GBS to train new developers. The episode wraps up with insights on deployment strategies and the future of their developer handbook. Takeaways Kevin's programming journey began with gaming and building computers.He discovered Laravel while working on advanced processing tasks.Kevin emphasizes the importance of curiosity in programming.Agile development allows for quick iterations and learning from mistakes.Technical debt is tracked and managed consciously at Canyon GBS.The developer handbook serves as a resource for new developers.Open communication and mentorship are key to team success.Kevin's team operates in one-week sprints to maintain agility.Source available software can benefit the community by sharing knowledge.Deployment strategies are tailored to the needs of the organization.Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction03:26 Kevin's Journey into Programming06:17 First Encounter with Laravel09:21 Current Role and Responsibilities12:32 Agency vs Corporate Work15:13 Source Available Software Discussion24:00 Mentorship and Resource Sharing24:29 Learning from Open Source Projects25:38 Database Choices: The Case for Postgres26:42 Understanding Foreign Data Wrapping29:51 Performance Insights: Postgres vs MySQL31:11 Postgres Features and Limitations36:41 Strategies for Managing Large Datasets41:41 Working with Prominent Developers43:09 Independent Operations and Collaboration with Filament46:21 Agile Development and the Concept of Wet Code47:25 Managing Technical Debt in Agile Sprints50:02 Team Structure and Mentorship in Software Development53:17 Strategies for Onboarding Junior Developers57:00 Creating a Developer Handbook and Community Engagement01:01:20 Future Plans and Open Source Aspirations01:08:26 New Chapter

1h 9m
12/09/2024

Journey to Philsquare with Phil Mareu

In this episode of Voices of the Code, Karl Murray and Steven Fox interview Phil Mareu, who shares his journey from a small farming town in Kansas to becoming a successful web developer and entrepreneur. Phil discusses his early exposure to technology, his transition from mechanical engineering to programming, and the challenges he faced while building his own web development company. He also talks about his passion for disc golf and how it influenced his career, culminating in his work with the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA). In this conversation, Phil Mareu discusses his journey in the tech industry, focusing on his experiences with developing a live scoring app for disc golf, navigating corporate challenges, and rebuilding his company, PhilSquare. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the power of modern development tools like Filament, and shares insights on maintaining a DIY mindset. Phil also offers valuable advice for new developers, highlighting the significance of mastering fundamentals and building side projects. Takeaways Phil's early exposure to technology shaped his programming journey.He transitioned from mechanical engineering to web development.Phil's passion for coding began with a TI-99 computer.He built a successful web development company focusing on customer service.Phil's experience with Laravel transformed his approach to web applications.He faced challenges while working with legacy systems at PDGA.Phil's entrepreneurial spirit drove him to start his own business.His love for disc golf led to the creation of related software.Phil emphasizes the importance of client relationships in business.He learned to adapt and grow through various challenges in his career. The Lawyer of El was a game changer for disc golf scoring.Digital solutions can significantly improve tournament experiences.Navigating corporate environments can be frustrating for developers.Building a business requires a clear vision and consistent clientele.Engaging with the community is crucial for professional growth.Filament has transformed Phil's approach to development.DIY projects can enhance problem-solving skills and creativity.Fundamentals in development are essential for long-term success.Side projects help in gaining practical experience and confidence.It's important to maintain a balance between client demands and personal skill sets.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Voices of the Code03:00 Phil Mareu's Background and Early Technology Experiences06:21 The Journey into Programming and Early Coding Experiences09:12 Transitioning from Mechanical Engineering to Web Development12:02 Starting a Web Development Company15:23 The Evolution of Web Development Skills18:04 Building a Unique Web Development Business21:08 Adapting to New Technologies and Frameworks26:51 Transitioning to Laravel31:22 The Journey into Disc Golf36:50 Building for the PDGA41:41 Challenges with Legacy Systems51:17 Reimagining PhilSquare with New Tools56:06 Leveraging Technology for Rapid Development59:08 Navigating Client Expectations and Solutions01:01:49 Re-engaging with the Community at Laracon01:06:57 Building a Presentation Portfolio01:11:11 Fundamentals for New Developers01:18:21 The Journey of Self-Employment01:21:44 New Chapter

1h 22m
11/29/2024

From Reverse Engineering to Software Development with Jayson Lindsley

Summary In this episode of Voices of the Code, host Karl Murray and co-host Steven Fox welcome guest Jayson Lindsley, who shares his unique journey into programming. Jayson discusses his early experiences with computers, the challenges of working with time zones in software development, and the lessons learned from breaking computers. The conversation highlights the importance of hands-on experience in tech and the various paths one can take in a programming career. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the importance of curiosity and hands-on learning in technology, discussing their experiences with breaking systems to understand them better. They explore the tools they use for coding, the challenges of front-end frameworks, and the complexities involved in building a chat application, particularly focusing on performance issues and reactivity in Vue. In this conversation, Jayson L. discusses the challenges and intricacies of app development, particularly focusing on the use of Tauri for building lightweight applications. He contrasts the benefits of custom-built solutions against off-the-shelf products, emphasizing cost efficiency and resource management. The discussion also touches on the future of mobile development and the importance of community resources for aspiring developers. Jayson shares his personal experiences and insights, making a case for the advantages of using Tauri in modern software development. Takeaways Jayson describes himself as a jack of all trades in programming.His original career path was in reverse engineering.Time zones present significant challenges in software development.Breaking his first computer sparked his interest in technology.Hands-on experience is crucial for learning programming.He transitioned from C# to PHP without guidance.Jayson emphasizes the importance of understanding frameworks.He learned valuable lessons from his early mistakes.The conversation touches on the complexities of time zone management.Breaking things can lead to valuable learning experiences. Start up a Linux VM and break it to learn.Curiosity drives problem-solving in engineering.Hands-on experience is crucial for understanding technology.Using cheap computational devices can enhance learning.Debugging skills are essential for developers.Laravel is favored for its speed and efficiency.Component libraries can introduce performance issues.Understanding reactivity is key in front-end development.Optimizing performance requires careful consideration of components.Scaling applications effectively is a continuous challenge. App development can be challenging, especially with resource management.Custom solutions can save costs compared to off-the-shelf products.Tauri offers a lightweight alternative to Electron for app development.Community resources are invaluable for learning and growth in tech.Cost efficiency is crucial when scaling software solutions.Integrating chat features into existing apps can enhance productivity.The future of mobile development is promising with Tauri.Developers should consider the user experience when building applications.Learning from community experiences can streamline development processes.Engaging with tech communities can provide support and insights.

1h 21m
11/19/2024

Flight Sims and O&G with Trevor Varwig

In this episode of Voices of the Code, hosts Karl Murray and Steven Fox welcome Trevor Varwig, a developer with a rich background in software development. Trevor shares his journey from creating mods for Microsoft Flight Simulator to working in various industries, including LNG and education software. The conversation delves into Trevor's current role, his interest in security, and the nuances of red team hacking. They also discuss the Houston Laravel Meetup, Trevor's passion for smoking meats, and his enthusiasm for Microsoft Flight Simulator. The episode wraps up with insights on development practices and the importance of understanding the tools we use. Takeaways Trevor started developing at a young age, starting with Microsoft Flight Simulator mods.Security is a growing focus in software development, with Trevor studying for security certifications.Red team hacking involves testing the security of applications by attempting to breach them.The Flipper Zero is a tool for demonstrating security vulnerabilities in physical devices.Trevor enjoys smoking meats and experimenting with different flavors and techniques.The Houston Laravel Meetup aims to connect local developers and grow the community.The oil and gas industry often relies on outdated software, presenting challenges for modernization.Trevor emphasizes the importance of understanding code and not relying solely on AI for developmentChapters 00:00 Introduction to Development Journeys06:12 Transitioning to Laravel and Full Stack Development11:26 Exploring Programming Languages: Go, PHP, and Beyond18:10 Diving into Security: Best Practices and Learning24:28 Understanding RFID Security Risks31:24 The Evolution of Microsoft Flight Simulator39:36 Challenges in the Oil and Gas Software Industry44:59 Remote Work Trends Post-COVID52:05 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights57:45 Programming Tips for New Developers

1 hr
11/11/2024

Math Teacher to Web Dev with Leah Thompson

In this episode, Leah Thompson shares her journey from being a math teacher to becoming a developer, her experiences with Laravel, and her transition into the tech community through Twitch streaming. She discusses the challenges she faced while learning Laravel, her experiences at Laracon, and her current project of building a multiplayer math quiz app. Leah emphasizes the supportive nature of the Laravel community and the resources she finds valuable for her learning. In this engaging conversation, Leah Thompson shares her journey from teaching to tech, discussing the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. The discussion covers various topics including the importance of community in tech, the role of certifications, and the struggles of email development. The hosts and Leah also explore unique keyboard features, the course business in tech education, and the significance of key mapping for productivity. Leah emphasizes the value of building in public and connecting with others in the tech community as essential for growth and success. Leah's Socials: https://x.com/LeahTCodeshttps://www.twitch.tv/leahtcodeshttps://www.youtube.com/@leahtcodeshttps://github.com/leahthompson01Takeaways Leah transitioned from teaching math to becoming a developer.She started learning web development through a free bootcamp called 100 Devs.Streaming on Twitch helped Leah solidify her learning and connect with others.Laravel simplifies many aspects of development compared to the MERN stack.Leah enjoys the Laravel community for its support and friendliness.She is currently working on a multiplayer math quiz app.Leah faced challenges with nested JSON structures in Laravel.She values resources like Laracasts and the official documentation for learning.Attending Laracon inspired Leah to engage more with the Laravel community.Leah's journey highlights the importance of community and continuous learning in tech. Solving tech problems can be a puzzle that challenges the mind.Unique keyboards can enhance the coding experience but may require adjustment.Key mapping is crucial for productivity in coding tasks.Gatekeeping in tech education can hinder access to knowledge.The course business can be lucrative, but often lacks substantial content.Certifications may not be necessary for all tech roles, especially in programming.Building a community in tech can provide support and encouragement during challenges.Email development presents unique challenges that can be frustrating for developers.Sharing your journey in tech can attract support and opportunities from others.It's important to find joy in coding and not get bogged down by difficult tasks.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leah Thompson02:18 From Math Teacher to Developer05:08 The Journey of Streaming on Twitch07:47 Transitioning from JavaScript to Laravel09:35 Working at Rugged Software10:37 Tools of the Trade: Text Editors12:06 Learning Resources for Laravel13:30 Experiences at Laracon20:14 FOMO from Laracon AU23:33 Exploring Travel Experiences25:04 Diving into Personal Projects and YouTube27:44 Building a Multiplayer Math Quiz App33:50 Keyboard Preferences and Challenges38:27 The Course Creation Conversation41:02 Certifications and Career Paths in Tech44:57 Navigating Certifications and Programming Paths45:29 Experiences with WordPress and Beaver Builder47:03 Coding Snacks and Productivity Tips48:33 Transitioning into Tech: Building in Public49:31 Engaging with Tech Communities51:16 Learning Through Public Struggles53:20 The Challenges of Email Development55:22 Reflections on Career Choices and Future Aspirations

59 min
11/04/2024

MIRC to Laravel with Biker Bogdan Kharchenko

In this episode of Voices of the Code, hosts Karl Murray and Steven Fox welcome Bogdan Kharchenko, who shares his journey into coding, his experiences with Laravel, and insights into the development community. They discuss the importance of not over-engineering applications, the benefits of using Laravel's ORM, and the value of community engagement through meetups. Bogdan also shares his personal interests, including motorcycle racing and mountain biking, highlighting the balance between work and life. The conversation emphasizes the significance of developer experience and practical advice for new Laravel developers. UpstatePHP: https://upstatephp.com/Over Engineered Podcast: https://overengineered.fm/ Takeaways Bogdan's journey into coding began with a computer gifted by his parents.Laravel's documentation was a key factor in Bogdan's choice to use it.The importance of community engagement through meetups is highlighted.Over-engineering applications can hinder progress; focus on delivering value.Mastering Laravel's ORM can significantly enhance development efficiency.Pair programming fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing among developers.Legacy code migration requires careful planning to avoid disruptions.Developer experience is crucial for productivity and satisfaction.Balancing work with personal interests leads to a fulfilling life.The Laravel community remains strong and supportive. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context02:44 Bogdan's Coding Journey05:30 Transition to Laravel08:40 Working with Laravel and Developer Experience11:20 Current Work at InterNACHI17:21 Migrating Legacy Code to Laravel20:12 Handling Web Traffic and Legacy Systems24:02 Tools and Developer Environment26:11 Remote Collaboration Tools and Pair Programming28:23 The Importance of Meetups in a Remote World32:43 Key Takeaways from Laracon36:29 Valuable Tips for New Laravel Developers42:44 Balancing Coding with Extreme Sports46:23 The World of Custom Keyboards49:50 The Impact of Thumb Clusters50:56 Custom Key Commands and Efficiency52:05 Programming Keyboards for Personal Use52:26 The Gateway to Advanced Keyboards53:16 Meetup Insights and Community Engagement54:18 Sign Off and Future Guests

54 min
10/14/2024

F1 to Fountain Pens with Alex Six

In this episode of Voices of the Code, Steven Fox and Karl Murray welcome Alex Six, a senior software engineer at Zillow Group, to the show. The conversation covers Alex's journey into programming, his experiences with the Laravel framework, and the dynamics of working within a small team inside a large organization. They discuss the collaborative nature of the Filament project and Alex's favorite development tools. The episode also touches on the differences between using Linux and Mac for development, highlighting the advantages and challenges of each environment. In this engaging conversation, Alex Six and the hosts discuss various topics ranging from the challenges of onboarding in NixOS, the choice of Linux distributions, the future of Laravel in light of WordPress community dynamics, and the importance of documentation in development tools like Filament. They also touch on personal hobbies such as Formula One and fountain pens, and conclude with valuable advice for new developers about practical learning experiences. Takeaways Alex Six works as a senior software engineer at Zillow Group.Alex transitioned from engineering to web development through an internship.Laravel was chosen for its productivity and enterprise-level results.The Filament project is developed asynchronously with a strong team dynamic.Alex's early career involved significant learning experiences in a small startup.Kirschbaum's relationship with Filament was influenced by Alex's advocacy.Vim is a preferred tool for efficient coding.Linux offers a reliable development environment despite some challenges.Choosing the right Linux distribution can impact development.Laravel's future may see an influx of WordPress developers.Community dynamics can affect the perception of technologies.Documentation is crucial for user experience in development tools.Side projects can be a great way to explore new ideas.F1 is awesome.Fountain pens is, somehow, a common interest between Steven, Karl, and Alex.Hands-on experience is more valuable than passive learning.Building something meaningful can enhance learning. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Voices of the Code02:55 Hurricane Helene and Community Resilience05:44 Journey into Programming and Laravel12:00 Working at Zillow: A Unique Perspective17:53 The Filament Team and Open Source Collaboration23:58 Career Progression and Filament's Impact29:53 Tools of the Trade: Development Preferences30:08 Mac vs. Linux: Personal Preferences32:50 The Reliability of Linux for Development36:30 NixOS: A New Frontier for Developers40:26 The Future of Laravel on Linux44:32 Community Dynamics in the PHP World50:59 Skill Issues and Tool Discussions52:02 Side Projects and Hobbies53:04 Formula One Fandom56:47 MotoGP Insights59:54 Fountain Pens and Personal Interests01:03:55 Advice for New Developers

1h 8m
10/07/2024

Welcome to Our New Podcast

In this inaugural episode of Voices of the Code, hosts Karl Murray and Steven introduce themselves and share their journeys into the world of Laravel and programming. They discuss their experiences at Laracon, the importance of community, and their shared passion for keyboards. The conversation also touches on their collaborative project, LaraBets, and their personal hobbies, including rock climbing and coffee roasting. The episode wraps up with insights on networking at tech conferences and plans for future episodes. Takeaways Voices of the Code aims to highlight lesser-known figures in the Laravel community.Both hosts have unique journeys into programming, with Steven starting from a business need and Karl transitioning from retail.Networking at events like Laracon is crucial for building community and collaboration.The hosts share a passion for custom keyboards and their impact on productivity.LaraBets is a fun project that combines predictions and betting in a light-hearted way.Personal hobbies, such as rock climbing and coffee roasting, enrich the hosts' lives outside of coding.The importance of community and shared experiences in the tech world is emphasized.The hosts plan to bring on guests to share their stories and insights in future episodes.Justin Jackson's involvement highlights the supportive nature of the tech community.The hosts are committed to producing weekly episodes to engage with their audience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Voices of the Code03:05 Getting to Know the Hosts06:05 The Journey into Laravel12:00 The Keyboard Enthusiasts18:03 Projects and Collaborations23:59 LaraBets: A Fun Betting Project30:01 Hobbies and Personal Interests36:03 Networking at Laracon40:58 Wrap-Up and Future Plans

43 min

8 Episodes

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

Karl & Steven interview different members of the wider Laravel community.

Creator

Karl Murray & Steven Fox
Years Active

2024 - 2025
Episodes

8
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2025 Karl Murray & Steven Fox