The Programming Podcast (The Programming Podcast)

What’s it like working at Netflix, Apple, Amazon, AND now??? 🤯

In this episode of The Programming Podcast, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel sit down with Robbie Wagner—Ember core team member, Staff Engineer at HashiCorp, and co-host of Whiskey Web and Whatnot—to talk about his journey through some of the world’s most recognized tech companies.

Grab a glass (of whiskey or water), and let’s go deep on career, code, and community.

🎧 Follow Robbie and his podcast: Whiskey Web and Whatnot

https://www.youtube.com/@UCogup1kGwxzjKjkAwUhVYEw

https://open.spotify.com/show/19jiuHAqzeKnkleQUpZxDf

Follow Robbie!

https://x.com/RobbieTheWagner

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiethewagner/

https://bsky.app/profile/robbiethewagner.dev

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!

They cover:

- The future of AI-generated code (and whether it’s useful)

- Why Robbie still loves EmberJS

- What it actually feels like to leave your "dream job"

- How to prepare for FAANG (or Manoma) interviews

- Why mentorship may be the real key to success

⏱️ Chapter Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Meet Robbie Wagner (Netflix, Apple, Amazon, HashiCorp)

02:00 – The “Manoma” Acronym Explained

03:42 – AI Will Write 90% of Code? Our Hot Takes

07:00 – Where AI Fails and Why Documentation Still Matters

10:55 – How AI is Changing the Code Economy

13:17 – EmberJS, Framework Evolution & Why React Might Be Subpar

18:30 – Are We Chasing Hype Instead of Building Real Things?

21:00 – Working at Amazon, Apple, Netflix: Pros & Cons

26:35 – The Toxic Culture That Made Him Quit

29:00 – Interview Prep for Big Tech (LeetCode, STAR, and Strategy)

32:45 – What HashiCorp’s Interview Process Got Right

34:00 – Advice for People Who See FAANG as the Dream

36:00 – Defining Success Later in Your Career

37:10 – Mentorship, Scaling Help, and Developer Growth

39:08 – Preparing for a “Manoma” Interview

41:40 – Final Thoughts & Closing Thanks

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

Dive deep into the realities of technical interviews, networking, and the mindset needed to land a job in tech.

We break down real-world one-on-one coaching experiences, analyze why some candidates struggle despite getting interviews, and share practical strategies to level up your job search and technical prep.

💡 Sponsor: Level Up Financial Planning

Changing careers or increasing your income? Get financial clarity with Level Up Financial Planning—helping early and mid-career tech professionals secure their financial future. Visit LevelUpFinancialPlanning.com for a free consultation!

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!

🚀 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why networking gets you interviews, but skills land the job

✔️ The importance of coffee chats & how to get them

✔️ How to approach technical interviews (LeetCode, system design & more)

✔️ The one mistake that keeps candidates from getting hired

✔️ Mindset shifts that separate successful job seekers from the rest

💬 Drop a comment below with your biggest takeaway from the episode! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform: [Insert Links]

📱 Follow us on Twitter: @DThompsonDev | @LeonNoel

🔗 Join the 100Devs & Resilient Coders communities: [Insert Links]

📌 Timestamps & Chapters:

0:00 - Intro: Welcome to The Programming Podcast!

0:48 - Meet your hosts: Danny Thompson & Leon Noel

1:21 - Behind-the-scenes: Our approach to unscripted podcasting

2:19 - How networking is the secret weapon for job seekers

4:26 - The power of real-world projects – How to stand out in interviews

7:33 - Why most personal projects fail to impress hiring managers

9:59 - Technical interview mistakes that cost you the job

12:13 - The importance of coffee chats & how to make them work

16:00 - Success stories: Breaking out of your comfort zone

20:27 - Why just applying online won’t work (and what to do instead)

25:30 - How to fix your LeetCode & technical interview struggles

31:28 - Breaking the “No Degree” barrier – What companies really mean

37:41 - DSA strategy: The only 14 patterns you need to know

42:00 - How to communicate effectively in a coding interview

46:10 - Ask Danny & Leon: Avoiding burnout & time management tips

52:00 - Final thoughts: The real grind behind success

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

In this episode of The Programming Podcast, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel dive deep into the world of feature flags—what they are, why they matter, and how to use them to ship faster and smarter. They cover real-world examples of rolling out new features in production, the debate around staging environments vs. testing in production, and the pros and cons of unit testing. They also tackle freelance pitfalls—especially those 50/50 payment splits—and share practical tips on ensuring you always get paid. Whether you’re a startup engineer or working at a Fortune 500, you’ll find valuable insights on scaling, testing, and collaborating in modern software development.

Listen to The Programming Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts!

Spotify link

https://open.spotify.com/show/6d59PZ138KeoKfq5hoVvyQ

Danny's GitHub demo

https://github.com/TheDThompsonDev/featureFlagDemo

📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?

Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com!

Learn about the huge software developer mistakes that could cost you job opportunities in the hiring process. Don't make these critical errors!

Join Leon Noel and Danny Thompson as they discuss how to get a job in today's market as a software developer!

Danny Thompson

https://x.com/DThompsonDev

https://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDev

CommitYourCode.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 & Timestamps

0:00 Intro & Catching Up

1:22 Leon’s Updates: 100 Devs & Job Hunt

2:40 Danny’s Updates: Building a Conference

4:05 Chasing Yeses (4,000 Emails!)

6:00 Introducing Feature Flags

9:00 Enterprise Use Cases for Feature Flags

13:00 Testing in Production vs. Staging

18:00 The Debate: Staging Environments

20:00 Edge Cases, QA, & Best Practices

23:00 Unit Testing Pros & Cons

28:00 Best Tools for Feature Flag Management

31:00 Freelance Question: 50/50 Payouts

34:50 Ensuring You Get Paid as a Subcontractor

37:10 Outro & Next Steps

Today we break down why problem-solving skills—not just syntax—get you hired and how you can level up your ability to tackle challenges on your own. This is how to problem solve in a better way!

💡 Sponsor: Level Up Financial Planning

Changing careers or increasing your income? Get financial clarity with Level Up Financial Planning—helping early and mid-career tech professionals secure their financial future. Visit LevelUpFinancialPlanning.com for a free consultation!

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!

🚀 Key topics include:

✅ How to shift from "asking for help first" to independent problem-solving

✅ The importance of system design for career growth

✅ Why reading code, exploring open-source projects, and practicing real-world coding scenarios is crucial

✅ How to improve your technical interview strategy with step-by-step breakdowns

✅ The power of community, learning resources, and mentorship

If you're looking to stand out as a developer, whether you're a junior breaking into tech or a mid-career dev leveling up, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to develop the mindset of a problem-solver!

📌 Chapters & Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction: Are You Over-Reliant on Help?

1:04 – Meet the Hosts: Danny & Leon’s Take on Problem Solving

2:44 – Seeing the Bigger Picture: Jeep Wranglers, Coffee & Coding

4:06 – The Key to Nailing Technical Interviews: Process Over Syntax

8:02 – Scaling Up: Thinking Beyond the Code You Write

12:17 – Sponsor Break: Level Up Financial Planning

14:00 – Why System Design Matters & How to Get Started

16:00 – How to Improve Your Debugging & Researching Skills

25:04 – The Role of Community & Networking in Becoming a Stronger Dev

32:02 – Q&A: My Boss Said I Need to Be More Independent—What Should I Do?

38:00 – Final Thoughts: Building Long-Term Career Success

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

Chapters

0:00 -Introduction: Learning from Conversations
Danny and Leon reflect on their experiences helping thousands of people and how common trends emerge in success and failure.

1:05 -Welcome to The Programming Podcast
Danny and Leon introduce themselves, the podcast, and how listener feedback fuels their motivation.

2:12 -Leon’s Wildfires and Community Support
Leon shares his experience dealing with wildfires, his community’s incredible support, and the value of consistency in building trust.

4:35 -The Power of Showing Up Consistently
Leon explains how consistency has been the foundation of his success, even in difficult situations.

6:08 -How Your Goals Reflect Your Actions
Danny and Leon discuss the importance of keeping your goals visible to stay motivated and accountable.

10:05 -Why People Break Their New Year’s Resolutions
Exploring the concept of "Quitter’s Day" and common mistakes people make when building habits.

13:02 -Identity and Goal Setting: Key to Consistency
Leon dives into how adopting an identity tied to your goals helps maintain motivation.

16:30 -Making Your Goals Visible
Danny shares his system for writing goals on index cards and keeping them in sight as a daily reminder.

20:00 -Planning Your Days with Intent
Why planning your days, weeks, and years intentionally is crucial for long-term success.

23:06 -Networking: A Game-Changer for Your Career
The importance of networking and how it’s helped people land jobs, build opportunities, and grow professionally.

27:14 -Overcoming Fear and Taking Action
Leon discusses how fear and self-doubt hold people back and why taking that first step is critical.

30:00 -Danny’s First Freelance Project
Danny shares how a conversation at a restaurant led to his first freelance web development project.

40:52 -How to Write a Great Coffee Chat Message
Tips and strategies for crafting personalized, effective messages that get responses.

50:00 -Consistency in Podcasting and Helping Others
Danny and Leon talk about their commitment to showing up for the podcast and scaling their impact.

54:01 -Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Danny and Leon encourage listeners to take action & network.

Join hosts Danny Thompson, Leon Noel, and Shruti Kapoor as they dive into the secrets of professional growth in tech. In this episode, they explore why networking is your greatest asset—even if you only have 15–30 minutes a day—and how to stay relevant in today’s fast-paced industry. From navigating the hidden job market to leveraging React 19’s game-changing features like streamlined forms, actions, and the useOptimistic hook, this episode is packed with actionable tips for developers at every level.

Connect with Shruti!

https://x.com/shrutikapoor08

https://www.youtube.com/@shrutikapoor08

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrutikapoor08/

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!

Learn how to:

- Maintain and grow your network even with a busy schedule

- Use React 19’s new capabilities to simplify your code and improve UI responsiveness

- Strategically migrate legacy codebases to React 19 without major disruptions

- Adopt better design patterns and custom hooks to write scalable, maintainable code

- Build a personal “brag book” and living document to track your career achievements

- Find fulfillment both at work and beyond by taking ownership of your professional growth

Whether you’re a junior developer looking to break into tech or a seasoned pro aiming to stay ahead, these insights will help you navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Chapters & Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction: The Power of Networking & 15-Minute Growth Hacks

1:09 – Host Introductions & Email Story: Losing Momentum in Your Network

4:33 – Why Maintaining Your Network is Crucial for Job Opportunities

5:39 – Networking Strategies: 15-Minute Daily Tasks to Stay Top of Mind

9:01 – The Hidden Job Market: How Networking Opens Doors in Tech

14:03 – React in 2025: Is It Still the Go-To Technology?

18:55 – React 19 Spotlight: Streamlining Forms with Actions

24:05 – Understanding useOptimistic: Instant UI Feedback & Faster Experiences

27:03 – Migrating to React 19: A Step-by-Step Approach for Large Codebases

31:01 – Design Patterns & Custom Hooks: Building Better, Scalable Code

36:42 – Optimizing Performance: React Profiler & Avoiding Excessive Prop Drilling

42:58 – Audience Q&A: Improving Yourself in a Small Company

46:03 – Brag Book & Living Document: Tracking Your Achievements

48:02 – Finding Fulfillment Beyond Your Day Job: Mentorship & Volunteering

50:00 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up: Taking Ownership of Your Career

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!

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.

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!

Ever felt overlooked at work? Struggled with technical interviews? Wondering how to stand out in your career? We’ve got you covered!

📢 In this episode of The Programming Podcast, hosts Danny Thompson, Leon Noel, and special Co-host James Q Quick dive deep into overcoming fear, taking action in your career, and the immense value of networking in tech. 🚀

Connect with James Q Quick!

https://x.com/jamesqquick

https://www.youtube.com/c/jamesqquick

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesqquick/

https://www.jamesqquick.com/

https://www.compressed.fm/

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!

🔥 Topics Covered:

- The importance of being vocal about your work

- Why quiet wins often go unnoticed in the workplace

- How networking changed our careers (and how it can change yours)

- Preparing for technical interviews & overcoming fear

- James Q Quick’s journey into full-time content creation & the struggles behind it

- The reality of career ups and downs in tech

And much more!

⏰ Chapters & Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction & What Networking Really Means

2:10 - James Q Quick Joins the Podcast

5:50 - The Power of Work-Life Balance in Tech

10:21 - Overcoming Fear & The Impact of Taking Action

15:08 - The Importance of Being Vocal About Your Work

19:50 - James Q Quick’s Journey to Full-Time Content Creation

25:26 - The Challenges & Reality of Content Creation

30:45 - Why Networking is a Cheat Code for Career Growth

35:41 - Real Stories of How Networking Landed Jobs

38:12 - How to Overcome Fear in Technical Interviews

42:27 - Practical Strategies for Crushing Coding Interviews

47:03 - Closing Thoughts & Commit Your Code Conference Announcement

📌 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more career advice, tech insights, and programming discussions! 🚀

In this episode of The Programming Podcast, Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This Dot Labs) and Leon Noel (Managing Director of Engineering for Resilient Coders & Founder of 100 Devs) explain why the old days of “just apply online and hope” are gone. They break down how local networking opens doors, what your portfolio should really showcase (hint: not just YouTube tutorials), and why you should highlight impact over tasks on your resume. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about how to stand out among millions of devs, this conversation is for you.

Listen to The Programming Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts!

Spotify link

https://open.spotify.com/show/6d59PZ138KeoKfq5hoVvyQ

📧 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

CommitYourCode.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 & Timestamps

0:00 Why Local Matters & Getting Started

1:02 Meet Danny & Leon

2:31 Training to Get Hired vs. Becoming a Problem Solver

3:53 Local Networking vs. Competing Globally

7:21 Playing the Hiring “Game”

8:55 Market Shifts & The End of Instant Hires

11:00 Building Projects That Show Real Value

14:17 Networking & Overcoming Self-Doubt

19:08 Leveraging Meetups & Standing Out

22:00 Transforming YouTube Tutorials into Original Work

26:41 Freelancing & Authentic Client Projects

28:39 Resume Tips: Highlighting Impact, Not Duties

33:40 Future Topics & Wrap-Up

In this episode of The Programming Podcast, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel discuss the future of tech interviews in an AI-driven world. They share their thoughts on whether data-structure-and-algorithm (DSA) interviews are effective, how pair-programming or take-home tests can reveal a candidate’s real skills, and why many employers worry about AI “cheating.” They also explain why cold applying might be a huge waste of time and how networking is more crucial than ever in today’s tech job market. Finally, they dive into real-world AI coding assistants like Cursor IDE and Cody AI—highlighting what’s hype versus what actually delivers productivity gains. Listen to The Programming Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts! Spotify link https://open.spotify.com/show/6d59PZ138KeoKfq5hoVvyQ 📧 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 https://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 & Timestamps 0:00 Cold Applying & Why Networking Is Better 1:02 Welcome & Podcast Intros 1:28 AI Take-Home Tests & Cheating Concerns 6:00 DSA Interviews vs. Real-World Skills 8:56 Best Tech Interview Experience (AutoZone) 11:00 Behavioral Rounds & Project-Based Hiring 15:18 AI in Interviews & Prompt Engineering 21:04 Networking vs. Cold Applying 23:00 AI Arms Race: Resumes & Branding 25:00 Commit Your Code Conference for Charity 31:01 Cursor IDE & Building Apps with AI 40:55 Cody AI & Training on Your Codebase 42:35 Outro

Are you struggling to stand out in today’s competitive tech job market? In this episode, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel discuss why companies claim there isn’t a “talent shortage” but rather a shortage of qualified talent. They dig into the importance of business use cases, how to continue growing your skills (both on and off the job), and why knowing the local tech stack matters. Plus, they introduce a new segment—Ask Danny & Leon—answering questions on how to leave a new job for a better opportunity and how to land your first freelance client. If you want to fast-track your career in tech, this is the episode for you! Topics Covered: Why there’s no shortage of junior developers—but there is a shortage of “qualified” devs How to demonstrate your qualifications and meet business needs The importance of continuous growth and staying current with market demands Navigating the 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year benchmarks in a new tech role Choosing the right tech stack based on your local market How to (tactfully) leave a brand-new job for a better offer Proven strategies to land your first freelance client 🔍 What you'll learn: - Why businesses often struggle with hiring "qualified" talent - How to align your skills with the needs of the market - Insights into creating a network of tech leaders and decision-makers - The importance of solving business problems as a developer - Real stories about freelancing, landing clients, and building value 📧 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 & Timestamps 0:00 Intro & Welcome 1:02 Forming a Meetup for CTOs & CEOs 3:15 Talent Shortage vs. Qualified Talent Shortage 6:04 The Cost of a Bad Hire 8:07 Landing a Job vs. Building a Career 11:59 Understanding 3, 6, and 9-Month Benchmarks 14:21 Aligning Skills with Local Tech Demands 20:03 New Segment: Ask Danny & Leon 20:58 Q1: Leaving a Job After Only 1 Month 29:20 Q2: Finding Your First Freelance Client 37:00 Wrap-Up & Next Steps Join hosts Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This Dot Labs) and Leon Noel (Managing Director of Resilient Coders) as they dive into the challenges and strategies of breaking into the tech industry and building a lasting career. 🚀 In this episode, Danny and Leon tackle one of the most pressing issues in tech today: the gap between available talent and qualified talent. They explore what it means to be a "qualified" candidate at all levels—junior, senior, and beyond—and share actionable tips for improving your marketability and career growth. 💡 Whether you're a new developer looking to get hired, a seasoned dev seeking to level up, or someone interested in the intersection of community building and career growth, this episode is packed with valuable advice and engaging stories. 💼✨

In this episode, Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This Dot Labs) and Leon Noel (Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders and Founder of 100Devs) dive deep into how to stand out in today’s competitive tech job market. They discuss common mistakes, the importance of qualifying yourself before you even get to the technical interview, the power of referrals, and what hiring managers are really looking for. They also share practical tips on: Customizing your résumé for every job application Leveraging LinkedIn and networking strategically Building real, impactful projects instead of generic tutorials Using volunteering and freelancing to strengthen your credibility Navigating Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) If you’re frustrated by endless applications and zero callbacks, this conversation is a must-watch. It’s time to learn how to play the game—rather than be mad at it—and land that role you’ve been dreaming about! Highlights: Why being “mad at the game” isn’t going to help (and what to do instead) How to ensure your résumé, GitHub, and portfolio align with your desired role Why networking and asking for genuine referrals can change your career The importance of real-world projects and problem-solving in your job hunt A preview of the Commit Your Code Conference, benefitting charitable causes 📧 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 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! Chapter Timestamps 0:00 – Intro & “Learn to Play the Game” 0:36 – Meet Danny & Leon 1:07 – Why Job Seekers Are Frustrated 2:03 – Common Mistakes with Résumés & Portfolios 3:19 – How to Stand Out Quickly 5:00 – Why Generic Projects Hurt You 9:02 – Referrals & Building Proof 11:45 – De-Risking Yourself for Recruiters 14:01 – Freelancing vs. Volunteering vs. Open Source 18:02 – Networking & Meetups: The Game-Changer 24:00 – ATS: Applicant Tracking Systems Explained 26:57 – Customizing Your Résumé (Stop Spray & Pray!) 32:01 – Insights from CEOs & CTOs on Hiring 36:02 – Qualifying Yourself Beyond Skills 38:04 – Commit Your Code Conference & Final Thoughts 39:55 – Wrap-Up & Next Episode Preview

Break down why you might not be getting hired—and what you can do about it! They share actionable insights on everything from personalized coffee chats and networking strategies to optimizing your LinkedIn profile, resume, and interview approach. Whether you’re a junior developer or a seasoned pro, you’ll discover practical tips to refine your outreach, communicate your value effectively, and tap into hidden job opportunities beyond the usual boards.Key Takeaways:• Coffee Chats & Networking: Learn how to craft genuine, personalized messages that open doors instead of closing them.• LinkedIn & Profile Optimization: Find out why a strong online presence is critical, and how to audit your messaging and profile to stand out.• Resume & Interview Strategy: Discover the importance of clear, confident self-presentation—from your resume’s first bullet point to actively engaging during technical interviews.• Job Boards & Beyond: Get insider advice on leveraging company career pages and alternative strategies to traditional job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed.Remember, every little tweak—from your messaging to the way you present your experience—can tip the scales in your favor. Tune in for a deep dive into these strategies and start making your job search work 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 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 & Community Shout-Out2:00 – Episode Topic: Why You Haven't Been Hired?3:00 – Coffee Chats & Networking Strategies10:00 – Leveraging LinkedIn: Messaging & Engagement Tips25:00 – Resume & Profile Optimization: Make a Great First Impression41:00 – Interview Strategies: Engaging & Communicating Your Value51:00 – Job Boards & Finding Opportunities57:00 – Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts────────────────────────────

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.

"Single flight mutations can literally cut your app’s response time in HALF!"

"Web performance should come first—everything else is secondary."

Welcome to The Programming Podcast! In this episode, Danny Thompson and Leon Noel are joined by Dev Agrawal, core maintainer of Solid JS and organizer of Momentum Conference. This conversation dives deep into modern web development, performance optimizations, and community building.

Connect With Dev Agrawal!

https://www.youtube.com/@UCDXzM8ijdxkVA6NbQiQCKag

https://x.com/devagrawal09

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dev-agr/

Solid JS Docs

https://www.solidjs.com/

Topics Covered in This Episode:

- Why Volunteering at Conferences is a Cheat Code – Learn how volunteering can help you level up in tech.

- Solid JS vs. React – A deep dive into why Solid JS is shaking up frontend development.

- Single Flight Mutations – A game-changing performance technique that reduces request latency by 50%.

- The Rise of Signals – What makes Signals so revolutionary in web frameworks like Angular and Solid?

- Conference Organization & Sponsorships – Insights into running a successful developer conference.

- Using AI for Learning – Should you feel bad for using ChatGPT to learn coding? (Spoiler: Absolutely not!)

- How to Stay on the Cutting Edge of Tech – The mindset and resources that keep top engineers at the forefront.

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!

Whether you're a frontend developer, a conference organizer, or just passionate about new trends in web development, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and real talk from some of the best minds in tech.

📖 Chapters & Timestamps:

⏱️ 0:00 – Volunteering at Conferences: The Ultimate Cheat Code

⏱️ 1:03 – Meet Your Hosts & Guest: Danny, Leon, & Dev

⏱️ 2:01 – The Tweet That Started It All: The Importance of Nuance in Dev Discussions

⏱️ 2:17 – Why Should You Use Solid JS? A Core Maintainer’s Perspective

⏱️ 4:04 – React’s Mental Model vs. Solid’s Fine-Grained Reactivity

⏱️ 6:18 – Why Solid JS Isn’t Mainstream (Yet) & Its Developer-First Approach

⏱️ 8:09 – Performance-First Development: The Ryan Carniato Philosophy

⏱️ 8:55 – Single Flight Mutations: How They Double Your Performance

⏱️ 10:16 – Web Frameworks are Like a D&D Party: Why We Need Different Approaches

⏱️ 11:38 – Why Top Devs Are Excited About Signals

⏱️ 12:04 – Explaining Signals: The Future of State Management

⏱️ 17:48 – The Angular Signals Effect: How It Revitalized Angular’s Reputation

⏱️ 20:17 – The Story of Commit Your Code Conference: Running a Dev Conference on a Budget

⏱️ 24:26 – The Reality of Sponsorships: Why Companies Struggle to Define ROI

⏱️ 28:42 – Organizing a Developer Conference: Lessons from the Field

⏱️ 32:07 – Should You Feel Bad for Using ChatGPT to Learn Code?

⏱️ 42:45 – The Best Way to Learn Advanced Concepts in Programming

⏱️ 46:37 – How to Stay on the Cutting Edge: Reading, Coding, & Experimentation

⏱️ 49:09 – Wrap-Up: Final Thoughts & Podcast Outro

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