In this roundtable, the hosts and guests, Miriam, Geoff, and Hidde, dig into the messy overlap between mental health and technology. We talk about the real human consequences of modern tooling, from the ethics of AI and how it’s changing labor, to the ongoing fight for web accessibility and the moral obligations designers and engineers carry.

The conversation ranges from personal stories about precarious work and layoffs to concrete acts of care, mutual aid, community organizing, and practices that help when cynicism or nihilism creeps in.

Expect candid takes, practical coping strategies, and debate about whether the systems we build are designed to help or to extract. Pull up a chair if you care about ethics, accessibility, and how to keep people, not just products, at the center of engineering.

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.

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Photo by Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash

What happens when the work you love starts to drain the life out of you, or disappears altogether? In this episode, the two Schalks sit down with Kate van Niekerk (She Can Do), design strategist, researcher, and wordsmith, for an honest and compassionate conversation about burnout, identity, and navigating the messy middle of tech careers.

Kate shares her story of being laid off, the emotional weight of suddenly losing direction, and the very real challenges that come with being stuck in between jobs, not just financially, but personally. From the struggle to find meaningful work to the pressure to stay “productive,” this episode explores what it means to pause, recalibrate, and rediscover your value outside of a job title.

Along the way, Kate reflects on the power of mentorship, the quiet strength of setting boundaries, and the importance of building a career that supports your well-being.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, burnt out, or uncertain about your next step, this conversation is for you.

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.

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Photo by Verne Ho on Unsplash

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Mental Health in Tech, we’re joined by developer, entrepreneur, and educator Saron Yitbarek. Saron opens up about her experience living with bipolar disorder, confronting the fear that her manic highs were tied to her creativity and identity, and the emotional journey toward accepting medication and treatment.

“I was scared that if I took medication, it would cure the parts of me I actually liked. What would be left of me?” - Saron Yitbarek

We explore the intersection of mental health and self-worth, how the tech industry’s culture can complicate healing, and what it means to be whole, even when some of the traits we cherish come from places of pain. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who has wrestled with internalized stigma, self-doubt, or the myth of productivity equaling value.

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.

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Photo by Bagus Renaldy on Unsplash

In this episode of "Mental Health in Tech," Geoff Graham, alongside hosts Schalk Neethling and Schalk Venter, delves into the complexities of content creation in the age of AI, reflecting on the challenges of maintaining quality and authenticity in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Geoff shares his personal and professional journey, marked by the emotional impact of the CSS-Tricks acquisition by DigitalOcean, his subsequent layoff, and the ensuing mental health struggles.

Geoff's story is one of resilience. When CSS-Tricks, a beloved web development resource, was acquired by DigitalOcean, a turbulent period began in his career. The subsequent layoffs not only stripped him of a job he loved but also triggered a profound identity crisis. Like many in tech, Geoff had poured his heart and soul into his work, only to have it pulled away abruptly. This loss led to a period of deep self-reflection, where he questioned his place in the industry and his true passions.

Through candid discussions, he explores how these experiences led him to rediscover his passion for writing, teaching, and the ongoing efforts to revive CSS-Tricks and the importance of community in the web development world.

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.

Links

* Geoff Graham on LinkedIn

* Geoff Graham’s Personal Blog

* TheBasics.dev

* CSS Tricks

* Mental Illness Happy Hour Podcast

* Schalk Venter on LinkedIn

* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

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Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Geoff Graham, known for his work with CSS Tricks and Smashing Magazine joins hosts Schalk Neethling and Schalk Venter for this episode of the Mental Health in Tech podcast. As has become customary, they start with a simple yet powerful practice that sets the stage for a candid conversation about the often-overlooked mental health struggles faced by many in the tech industry.

Geoff shares his journey, discussing how he balances work, family, and personal interests while managing different aspects of his life. He highlights the facade of happiness he maintained for years, leading to burnout and severe depression, and his decision to openly discuss his struggles.

The conversation covers the pressures of high performance in the tech industry, the role of openness in building support networks, and the need for more accessible entry points for beginners in web development. Geoff also emphasizes recognizing and managing internal critical voices and finding humor in coping mechanisms to improve mental health.

In conclusion, the conversation with Geoff Graham is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health in the tech industry. It calls for a cultural shift towards greater openness and support, encouraging professionals to be honest about their struggles and seek help when needed. By embracing vulnerability and fostering a supportive community, we can create a healthier, more sustainable tech industry for everyone.

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.

Links

* Geoff Graham on LinkedIn

* TheBasics.dev

* CSS Tricks

* Smashing Magazine

* A List Apart

* Cris Coyier - Spoons

* Hidden Brain, Being kind to yourself

* Mission Save A Life

* Schalk Venter on LinkedIn

* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn

* Mechanical Ink Studio

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Help Others Find The Podcast

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Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

 In this episode of the Mental Health in Tech podcast, hosts Schalk Neethling and Schalk Venter are joined by Kai Katschthaler to discuss the profound mental health impact of the various challenges faced by those who work in the tech industry.

The conversation delves into the immense pressures tech professionals face, including the challenges of finding employment in an oversaturated job market and the exhaustion of constantly having to "put yourself out there". They highlight the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the workplace and emphasize the importance of support networks.

The episode also critiques the broken culture within the tech industry, which includes issues of ableism and a capitalist mindset, and calls for a significant cultural overhaul. Throughout the discussion, the hosts and Kai underscore the critical need for greater mental health awareness and support in navigating the complex landscape of tech employment calling on everyone to recognize the importance of creating a supportive culture and implementing fair hiring practices.

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.

Links

* Kai Katschthaler on LinkedIn

* Schalk Venter on LinkedIn

* 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

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Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

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 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

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This episode of the Mental Health in Tech podcast features Erik Andersen, also known as the world’s happiest software engineer, who delves into the mental health challenges faced by developers in the tech industry, and the importance of supporting junior developers and fostering a supportive tech community. Erik shares that while he does call himself the world’s happiest software engineer, this is more of a goal and a means to keep himself accountable. Erik continues to highlight the strategies he employs to not only cope with, but thrive while living with anxiety, and depression, dealing with burnout, and fostering a work-life balance.

The conversation also explores the role of employers in creating a supportive work environment that values work-life balance and invests in their employee's mental health and professional development. Eric emphasizes the importance of finding a job that aligns with one's values, provides a sense of purpose, and allows for a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, the impact of AI on the job market and its potential effect on the mental health of junior developers is discussed, underscoring the need for support and empowerment within the tech community.

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.

Links

* Erik Andersen on LinkedIn

* The Junior Jobs podcast

* Book: Extreme Ownership

* Schalk Venter on LinkedIn

* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn

* Mechanical Ink Studio

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Continue the conversation on GitHub or here on Substack

* Support the podcast on Patreon

* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Help Others Find The Podcast

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Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

In this episode of the Mental Health in Tech podcast, Schalk Venter and I spoke with Russ Jones about the mental health landscape from a broader perspective. Russ, known for his ADHD Big Brother podcast, opened up about his late ADHD diagnosis and its profound impact on his life and career decisions. With a backdrop of personal anecdotes and a collective understanding of mental health challenges, this conversation was both enlightening and deeply humanizing.

We explored the complexities of mental health challenges, sharing our own experiences with anxiety, depression, and the incessant pressures of the tech world. Together, we delved into the importance of community support, accountability, and the need for open conversations about mental well-being.

Our dialogue, rich with personal insights and collective wisdom, highlighted that mental health struggles in tech are a common thread that binds many of us. This episode serves as a reminder that our shared vulnerabilities are what make us stronger, and in acknowledging them, we pave the way for healing and growth.

Join Schalk, Russ, and myself as we unravel the silent struggles of mental health in tech, reminding listeners that they're not alone in this journey.

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.

Links

* Russ Jones - ADHD Big Brother

* Descending to the top e-book

* Schalk Venter on LinkedIn

* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn

* Mechanical Ink Studio

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Continue the conversation on GitHub or here on Substack

* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Help Others Find The Podcast

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Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink - Open Source - Open Web - Open Startup! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

The episode features a deep dive into Darko Arnautovic's professional journey in the tech industry, highlighting the challenges and growth he experienced. It covers his transition from initial technician roles to more senior roles in web development and management.

A recurring theme in the podcast was Darko's mental health struggles, particularly in the context of his professional life. He spoke candidly about feeling unsupported and isolated in certain roles, leading to his decision to leave positions where he felt he wasn't set up to succeed. Darko's narrative highlighted the importance of mental health support in the workplace, especially in high-stress environments like the tech industry.

The conversation also touched on the difficulty of balancing work with personal life. Darko reflected on the impact of his professional struggles on his home life, emphasizing the need for a supportive home environment and the challenges of navigating mental health while maintaining a career and family life.

Additionally, the episode explores Darko's background as an immigrant in South Africa, shedding light on how cultural identity and personal experiences shape one's professional journey. The hosts, Schalk Neethling and Schalk Venter contribute their perspectives on the tech industry's dynamics, further enriching the conversation about the impact of this fast-paced sector on individuals' mental well-being.

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.

Links

* Darko Arnautovic on LinkedIn

* Schalk Venter on LinkedIn

* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn

* Mechanical Ink Studio

Community

* Join the community on Slack

* Continue the conversation on GitHub or here on Substack

* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)

Help Others Find The Podcast

* Rate and review on Spotify

* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts