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

Summary

Join us for a conversation with Kate Holterhoff, an industry analyst at Redmonk who tracks developer trends from Reddit threads to conference halls. Kate shares her unique journey from earning a PhD in Victorian literature to becoming a self-taught developer and analyst, and discusses Redmonk's "new kingmakers" philosophy that recognizes developers as key decision-makers in tech adoption. We explore current industry trends including JavaScript bundlers, the real story behind AI and developer jobs, why communication skills matter as much as technical expertise, and her experiments with vibe coding across different IDEs.

Takeaways

• Developer-led adoption is the future - Redmonk's "new kingmakers" philosophy recognizes that developers, not executives, are increasingly making purchasing decisions for development tools and platforms.
• AI tools are becoming standard practice - Most developers now use AI code assistants and agentic IDEs, forcing organizations to adapt with proper guardrails and company plans rather than fighting adoption.
• AI isn't taking jobs (yet) - Current tech layoffs are more attributable to post-ZIRP (zero-interest-rate phenomenon) economics and offshoring than AI displacement, though AI has become a convenient scapegoat.
• JavaScript is getting massive - The recent explosion of bundlers like TurboPack, Vite, RS Pack, and Rolldown signals that JavaScript packages have grown significantly since Webpack's creation 10 years ago.
• Industry analysts live in developer watering holes - Understanding real developer sentiment means spending time where developers actually talk: Reddit, Hacker News, Bluesky, conferences, and podcasts.
• Communication skills are as critical as technical skills - Engineers who can bridge technical expertise with business communication and customer interaction have significant advantages in their careers.
• Alternative paths into tech are valuable - Kate's journey from Victorian literature PhD to developer analyst shows how diverse backgrounds bring unique perspectives to understanding technology and its cultural impact.
• Teaching can make coding accessible - Using engaging content like comic books, steampunk, and Victorian literature can make technical concepts more approachable and help students see connections across disciplines.
• Vibe coding is promising but unpredictable - AI-powered development tools show incredible potential but remain inconsistent, with success depending on unclear factors like IDE choice, prompting technique, and model capabilities.
• We need more casual learning communities - The tech industry would benefit from more informal, non-commercial spaces for developers to share experiences, especially around emerging technologies like vibe coding.

Links

• The Monkcast: https://redmonk.com/blog/2023/12/07/the-monkcast/
• Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateholterhoff/
• Kate on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kateholterhoff.com
• Dwarkesh podcast with Andrej Karpathy: https://www.dwarkesh.com/p/andrej-karpathy

Hosts:

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

Summary

In this episode, Matt Sinclair, former partner and VP of Engineering at BCG Digital Ventures, explores the critical role of storytelling in effective leadership and shares his journey from building high-performance payment systems to coaching the next generation of engineering leaders. The conversation covers Matt's passion for Elixir as "the most future-proof and AI-aligned language," diving deep into functional programming, immutable data structures, and how modern coding assistants like Claude Code are revolutionizing developer productivity. Matt emphasizes that the first job of leadership is to tell a compelling story that inspires smart people to collaborate, while the art of good management lies in getting out of the way and letting talented engineers solve problems their own way.

Takeaways

• Leadership starts with storytelling: The primary job of leadership is explaining why smart people should get out of bed and contribute to your mission, because without a good story, people will create their own narratives
• Functional programming improves code quality: Immutable data structures and pure functions eliminate approximately 50% of common bugs and make code easier to test and reason about
• Elixir offers comprehensive out-of-the-box solutions: Unlike other tech stacks requiring multiple tools (Kubernetes, Redis), Elixir provides a complete ecosystem that reduces decision fatigue and technical complexity
• AI-assisted coding amplifies productivity: Using Claude Code with Elixir can make a single developer feel like they have a team of five engineers, especially when working with functional programming's predictable patterns
• Management should focus on "what," not "how": Leaders should collaborate with their teams to determine objectives, then trust smart people to figure out implementation details on their own
• Programming language choice impacts team quality: There's a strong correlation between functional programming adoption and high-quality software engineers, possibly due to the steeper learning curve and problem-solving mindset required
• Developer joy matters for sustainability: Working with languages that feel elegant and "just click" reduces exhaustion and maintains long-term passion for coding throughout a career
• Functional code is LLM-friendly: Pure functions with no side effects make it dramatically easier for AI coding assistants to reason about, refactor, and improve code automatically
• Upfront design time pays dividends: Modern AI-assisted development enables more thorough design discussions and rubber duck debugging sessions that lead to better architecture before implementation begins
• Combat surveillance capitalism through decentralization: The future of the web should return to RSS feeds, web rings, and federated networks of special interest communities rather than algorithm-driven data monopolies.

Links

• Matt's Website: https://matthewsinclair.com/
• Matt Sinclair on Medium: https://matthewsinclair.medium.com/
• Intent: https://github.com/matthewsinclair/intent
• I'm a software engineer - What next? podcast: https://whatnext.dev/
• An elegant puzzle by Will Larson: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6872433.Will_Larson
• Elixir: https://elixir-lang.org/
• Laksa: https://laksa.io/

Hosts:

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