Overcommitted | Software Engineering and Programming Insights

Summary

In this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, hosts Brittany, Bethany, and Erika dive deep into the realities of software development with guest Robby Russell. They explore the critical challenges of maintaining legacy code and managing technical debt, emphasizing the impact on programmer productivity and long-term sustainability of software projects. Robby shares his extensive experience, including his journey creating Oh My ZSH, highlighting the importance of documentation, testing, and fostering a collaborative engineering culture. The discussion also covers balancing personal and professional commitments, an essential aspect of career growth in tech. Listeners will gain practical insights into navigating software engineering challenges while sustaining work-life balance. The episode wraps up with a fun segment on current tech obsessions from all participants.

Links

• Planet Argon: https://www.planetargon.com/ 

• Oh My Zsh: https://ohmyz.sh/ 

• Maintainable Podcast: https://maintainable.fm/

• On Rails Podcast: https://onrails.buzzsprout.com/ 

• Robby’s Blog: https://robbyonrails.com/ 

• Robby’s Band: https://mightymissoula.com/ 

• Commit Goods Store: commitgoods.com

• d’Oh My Zsh: https://medium.com/free-code-camp/d-oh-my-zsh-af99ca54212c 

• Stop Pretending You’re the Last Developer: https://robbyonrails.com/articles/2025/07/16/stop-pretending-youre-the-last-developer/ 

• Internal Tooling Maturity Ladder: https://robbyonrails.com/articles/2025/08/13/internal-tooling-maturity-ladder/

• Diataxis: https://diataxis.fr/

Hosts

• Overcommitted: https://overcommitted.dev

• Bethany Janos: https://github.com/bethanyj28

• Brittany Ellich: https://brittanyellich.com

• Erika Eggemeyer: https://github.com/eggyhead

Summary

In this insightful episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, hosts Erika, Bethany, and Brittany tackle the critical issue of burnout in software projects and software engineering, especially amid the surge of AI advancements and remote work. They dive into how the evolving programming landscape affects programmer productivity and well-being, highlighting alarming statistics that show 66% of tech workers struggling with burnout symptoms.

The conversation sheds light on the balance required between ambitious career growth in tech careers and maintaining work life balance through clear communication and strong boundaries. They discuss how AI influences software development and collaboration while emphasizing the importance of psychological safety within engineering culture to prevent burnout.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into managing the pressures of tech work, recognizing when to push back against unrealistic expectations, and sustaining passion in programming careers. The episode closes with a fun segment featuring bold predictions about the future of software engineering, reflecting the hosts' camaraderie and forward-thinking outlook.

Takeaways

• 66% of tech workers report burnout symptoms
• Burnout arises from work pressures and intrinsic factors like job insecurity
• Setting boundaries and effective communication are crucial for preventing burnout

Tune in for an honest, relatable discussion about navigating software development challenges and fostering a healthy engineering culture.

Links

• Context > Prompt: https://ruben.substack.com/p/context-is-all-you-need?triedRedirect=true 

• Psychological safety episode: https://overcommitted.dev/imposter-syndrome-in-software-engineering/ 

• Glue work article by Tanya Reilly: https://www.noidea.dog/glue 

• Gas Town article: https://steve-yegge.medium.com/welcome-to-gas-town-4f25ee16dd04

• How they use Claude Code article: https://blog.sivaramp.com/blog/how-creator-of-claude-code-uses-claude-code/ 

Hosts

• Overcommitted: https://overcommitted.dev

• Bethany Janos: https://github.com/bethanyj28

• Brittany Ellich: https://brittanyellich.com

• Erika Eggemeyer: https://github.com/eggyhead

Summary

In this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, hosts Bethany, Brittany, and Erika engage in a rich conversation with Abbey Perini, a web developer and fiber artist. They explore Abbey's current projects, the intersection of fiber arts and programming, and the importance of accessibility in web development. The discussion also delves into personal experiences with ADHD, community building in both knitting and open source, and the challenges and strengths that come with neurodiversity. Abbey shares her insights on how to make coding and web development more inclusive and accessible for everyone, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in the tech industry.

Takeaways

• There is a deep connection between fiber arts and programming.
• Accessibility should be a priority for all developers.
• Community building in knitting can inform open source practices.
• Accessibility is not just a front-end concern; it extends to back-end development.
• ADHD can present challenges but also unique strengths in coding.
• Flexibility in work can benefit everyone, not just those with disabilities.
• Negative self-talk can be harmful, and you are awesome, so stop it.
• Developers should focus on problem-solving skills rather than just technical tools.
• Creating inclusive environments in tech is essential for progress.

Links

• Abbey Perini’s website: https://abbeyperini.dev/
• Abbey on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/abbeyperini.dev
• Abbey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbey-perini/
• Knitting as programming blog post: https://abbeyperini.medium.com/knitting-as-programming-9c34090e4992
• Web Development === Accessibility blog post: https://dev.to/abbeyperini/web-development-accessibility-f8i
• An accessible dark mode toggle blog post: https://dev.to/abbeyperini/an-accessible-dark-mode-toggle-in-react-aop
• Coding and ADHD blog post: https://dev.to/abbeyperini/coding-and-adhd-where-we-excel-454j
• Designing data-intensive applications https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Data-Intensive-Applications-Reliable-Maintainable/dp/1449373321
• Aria article: https://dev.to/abbeyperini/what-the-first-rule-of-aria-really-means-192e
• How to do chores while drowning: https://www.amazon.com/How-Keep-House-While-Drowning/dp/1668002841/ref=sr_1_1?crid=14ND3S4IR3YLG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ue6gifKzpUZ5byIrJ4RUyA.9EOnSDfKG5rpl9Or07gVfVfYityMMWTqBEL4EAsN1Mw&dib_tag=se&keywords=how+to+do+chores+while+drowning&qid=1766080922&s=books&sprefix=how+to+do+chores+while+drowning%2Cstripbooks%2C83&sr=1-1
• Ask Jan: https://askjan.org/
• Study: ADHD powerful strengths - https://scitechdaily.com/adhd-isnt-just-a-deficit-new-study-reveals-powerful-psychological-strengths/

Hosts

• Overcommitted: https://overcommitted.dev
• Bethany Janos: https://github.com/bethanyj28
• Brittany Ellich: https://brittanyellich.com
• Eggyhead: https://github.com/eggyhead

Summary

In this episode, the hosts meet with Christina Martinez, a developer experience engineer from Resend, who shares insights on her creative process and current projects. She shares her delight in building silly software and how she's using that to learn in her current role.

Takeaways

• Christina is the creative mind behind the Gen Z Babel plugin.
• She also developed the Swift commits tool.
• Taking existing tutorials and adding a creative twist can make them more fun.
• Continuous development is important at all parts of your career.

Links

• Christina Martinez: https://christinacodes.dev
• Silly Software Club: https://sillysoftware.club
• Resend: https://resend.com/
• Gen Z slang Babel plugin: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cxvwz76vBus/ | https://github.com/christina-de-martinez/babel-plugin-glowup-vibes
• Taylor Swift themed commit linting tool: https://youtube.com/shorts/eOS5Q2I9LHM?si=LC8JVUKTkLgwKtDF | https://github.com/christina-de-martinez/swift-commits
• CodeTV & Mux's Worst Video Player Competition: https://www.mux.com/blog/actual-worst-video-player
• React Miami: https://www.reactmiami.com/

Hosts

• Overcommitted: https://overcommitted.dev
• Bethany Janos: https://github.com/bethanyj28
• Brittany Ellich: https://brittanyellich.com
• Eggyhead: https://github.com/eggyhead

Summary

In this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, hosts Brittany and Bethany with guest Bassem Dghaidi discuss a range of topics from Bassem's current learning journey in system design to his diverse career path at GitHub. They explore the value of experience over formal education, the challenges of microservices, and the importance of practical knowledge in software engineering. Bassem shares insights from his technical content creation, his philosophy as a de-influencer in the tech space, and memorable conversations with industry leaders.

Takeaways

• Bassem's career has included various roles, enhancing his perspective.
• Experience in different roles provides a broader understanding of software engineering.
• Education is valuable, but practical experience often outweighs formal credentials.
• Bootcamps can bridge the gap for graduates lacking practical skills.
• Bassem's Git content aims to demystify complex concepts.
• Microservices can complicate development if implemented prematurely.
• Content creation in tech requires balancing depth with audience engagement.

Links

• Bassem Dghaidi: https://linktr.ee/glich.stream
• Beyond Coding podcast episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeUUxLRdvho
• Practical System Design Waitlist: https://maven.com/forms/b69857
• Kamran Ahmed's site: https://roadmap.sh
• Ghostty: https://ghostty.org/
• Catppuccin themes: https://catppuccin.com/
• Chezmoi: https://www.chezmoi.io/
• Tmux: https://github.com/tmux/tmux/wiki
• Bethany's dotfiles: https://github.com/bethanyj28/dotfiles

Hosts

• Overcommitted: https://overcommitted.dev
• Bethany Janos: https://github.com/bethanyj28
• Brittany Ellich: https://brittanyellich.com

Summary

In this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, host Erika and co-host Brittany Ellich welcome Tammy Metz, a software engineer at GitHub, who shares her unique journey from teaching and library science to software engineering. The conversation explores the challenges of transitioning careers, the importance of transferable skills, and the value of mentoring in the tech industry. Tammy discusses her involvement in the Women to Women Mentoring Program, offering insights into common struggles faced by students and the significance of giving back. The episode concludes with a fun segment where the hosts share their unexpected teaching skills.

Takeaways

• Tammy transitioned from a librarian to a software engineer.
• Non-traditional paths can lead to successful careers in tech.
• Soft skills from teaching are valuable in engineering roles.
• Job searching can be challenging for career switchers.
• Mentoring can provide guidance and support to students.
• It's common for students to feel lost in their career paths.
• Volunteering can fit into busy schedules and be rewarding.
• Career paths are often not linear and can change over time.

Links

• Tammy Metz on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-metz/⁠
• Girls Who Code: https://girlswhocode.com/
• Woman to Woman Mentoring: https://www.womantowomanmentoring.org/

Hosts

• Overcommitted: https://overcommitted.dev
• Brittany Ellich: https://brittanyellich.com
• Eggyhead: https://github.com/eggyhead

Summary

In this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, hosts Bethany, Brittany, and Erika are joined by Cassidy Williams, Senior Director of Developer Advocacy at GitHub. They discuss Cassidy's journey in the Developer Relations (DevRel) space, her philosophy of lifting others as she climbs, and the evolution of DevRel in the tech industry. Cassidy shares insights on content creation, the importance of community, and her personal experiences with mentorship. The conversation also touches on the challenges and changes in the DevRel landscape, as well as Cassidy's passion for keyboards and her dream typing experience.

Takeaways

• Feedback, even when rough, is a valuable gift for growth.
• DevRel is evolving, adapting to new technologies and community needs.
• Companies should prioritize understanding the developer mindset over follower counts.
• Listening to developers is crucial for effective advocacy and content creation.
• Human problems in tech are often more complex than coding challenges.
• Cassidy's journey showcases the blend of engineering and advocacy roles.
• Mentorship plays a significant role in career development and guidance.

Links

• Cassidy’s website: https://cassidoo.co/
• Microjournal Blog Post: https://cassidoo.co/post/micro-journal/
• Keycaps: https://drop.com/buy/drop-dsa-astrolokeys-keycaps-by-sailorhg-and-cassidoo?defaultSelectionIds=966968
• Cassidy’s mechanical keyboard recs: https://github.com/cassidoo/ama?tab=readme-ov-file#what-mechanical-keyboard-should-i-buy

Hosts

• Overcommitted: https://overcommitted.dev
• Bethany Janos: https://github.com/bethanyj28
• Brittany Ellich: https://brittanyellich.com
• Eggyhead: https://github.com/eggyhead

Summary

In this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, hosts Brittany, Bethany, and Erika engage in a deep conversation with Piotr Sarna, co-author of 'Writing for Developers.' They explore the journey of co-authoring a book, the importance of writing in engineering, and the challenges and joys of technical writing. The discussion also touches on the significance of blogging as a continuation of learning and sharing knowledge, as well as the role of writing culture in engineering teams. The crew kicks off the next book club, where the Overcommitted engineers will be reading Writing for Developers together over the next 2 months!

Takeaways

• Writing a book can be seen as a series of extended blog posts.
• There is a gap in resources for writing engaging blog posts for developers.
• Good writing in tech should have an educational aspect.
• Writing culture in engineering teams enhances clarity and collaboration.
• The book 'Writing for Developers' fills a niche in technical writing resources.
• Embracing cringe-worthy writing experiences is part of the learning process.

Links

• Piotr Sarna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarna-dev/
• Cynthia Dunlop on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiadunlop/
• Piotr and Cynthia's first book: Database performance at scale: https://bookshop.org/p/books/database-performance-at-scale-a-practical-guide-cynthia-dunlop/f384c1f0d973803c?ean=9781484297100&next=t
• Writing for Developers book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/writing-for-developers-blogs-that-get-read-cynthia-dunlop/af343340c60cd806?ean=9781633436282&next=t
• Write that blog!: https://writethat.blog/
• Writing for Developers GitHub Repo: https://github.com/scynthiadunlop/WritingForDevelopersBook
• Discord community for Overcommitted: https://discord.gg/fxvEjs7f

Hosts

• Overcommitted: https://overcommitted.dev
• Bethany Janos: https://github.com/bethanyj28
• Brittany Ellich: https://brittanyellich.com
• Eggyhead: https://github.com/eggyhead

Summary

In this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, hosts Bethany, Brittany, and Erika engage in a deep conversation with Jason Lengstorf about the concept of being unreasonable in the tech industry. Jason shares his journey of embracing unreasonableness to pursue big ideas, the importance of community and networking, and how to navigate risks in career decisions. They discuss the value of non-traditional backgrounds in tech, the process of learning and consolidating information, and the creative approaches that can lead to innovative projects. The conversation wraps up with Jason sharing his future projects and reflections on the tech landscape.

Takeaways

• Being unreasonable and having big audacious goals can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• Surround yourself with ambitious people that can inspire growth.
• Recognize when to pivot in your career.
• Networking is often more valuable than formal education.
• Learning is an active process, not just passive consumption.
• Creative coding can lead to innovative solutions.
• Take (calculated) risks. It can help you achieve your goals.
• Community support is crucial in navigating career changes.
• Being slow to adopt new technologies might not be a bad thing.

Links

• Jason Lengstorf: https://jason.energy
• CodeTV: https://codetv.dev
• All things open talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goVNPN6fVwQ
• Bytes.dev: https://bytes.dev
• Char Stiles: https://www.instagram.com/charstiles
• Builtin: https://builtin.com

Hosts

• Overcommitted: https://overcommitted.dev
• Bethany Janos: https://github.com/bethanyj28
• Brittany Ellich: https://brittanyellich.com
• Eggyhead: https://github.com/eggyhead

Summary

In this episode of the Overcommitted Podcast, Erika and Brittany discuss the evolving landscape of AI agents and their implications for security and identity management. Joined by expert Dan Moore, they explore the challenges posed by non-deterministic agents, the importance of granular permissions, and the need for developers to be aware of security practices as AI technology advances. The conversation also touches on industry standards, the role of developers in navigating these changes, and personal reflections on the future of AI.

Takeaways

• AI agents are changing the landscape of software development.
• Non-deterministic agents present new security challenges.
• Granular permissions are essential for securing AI agents.
• Developers must be aware of security practices in AI.
• Industry standards for AI security are still evolving.
• Separation of concerns can enhance security for agents.
• The role of identity and authorization is critical in AI.
• Business implications of AI agents are significant.
• Developers should stay close to business needs and problem-solving.
• The future of AI will require new skills and awareness.

Links

• Dan Moore on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mooreds/
• Dan Moore on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mooreds.com
• Simon Willison - The Lethal Trifecta: https://simonwillison.net/2025/Jun/16/the-lethal-trifecta/
• FusionAuth: https://fusionauth.io/
• AGNTCY: https://agntcy.org/
• Amazon Bedrock AgentCore: https://aws.amazon.com/bedrock/agentcore/
• FusionAuth Guide to OAuth: https://fusionauth.io/articles/oauth/modern-guide-to-oauth
• MCP and OAuth: https://aaronparecki.com/2025/04/03/15/oauth-for-model-context-protocol
• MCP Specification: https://modelcontextprotocol.io/specification/2025-06-18/basic/authorization

Hosts

• Overcommitted: https://overcommitted.dev
• Brittany Ellich: https://brittanyellich.com
• Eggyhead: https://github.com/eggyhead