Pybites Podcast

In this episode of the Pybites podcast, we dive into the power of stepping back from the daily grind, whether that's coding or career-focused 🧘

Drawing insights from Julian's month-long trip to Canada, we discuss how disconnecting can provide clarity and inspiration for personal growth, and how it can inform decisions in our professional journeys 💡

And of course there are the books we're reading 📚

Join us for a journey of reflection, discovery, and a touch of humor 😎

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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:46 Welcome back (re-introducing) Julian!
01:58 Wins of the week
03:10 Julian's break
06:20 Lessons learned from the break
08:00 Trip reflections
11:34 Reflect on your career
13:22 Hint what's to come
14:40 Holidays no deadlines
15:07 Favorite part of the trip
17:15 Pybites on the road
18:05 Books / what we're reading
20:50 Stoicism
21:30 Wrap up + thanks
22:22 Outro music

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Books:
- Deep work
- Siddhartha
- The Carbon Almanac

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Related article:
- The Importance of Disconnecting as a Developer

In this new podcast episode we are excited to have Chris May back to delve deeper into the intricacies of refactoring.

We talk about the significance of the Flocking Rules, a set of guidelines derived from "99 Bottles of OOP" by Sandi Metz and Katrina Owen.

These rules provide developers with a systematic approach to refine their code by focusing on recognizing similarities, identifying minimal differences, and making straightforward changes.

We also talk about the importance of taking small, incremental steps in refactoring, ensuring code health while mitigating the risks of accumulating technical debt. We reference some useful resources along the way.

Last but not least, we talk about the book Chris recommended last time (episode 119): Building a Second Brain, and how it helps him stay organized and be more productive.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:20 Chris May and refactoring topic intro
01:10 25% ratio refactoring
02:14 Flocking rules (99 bottles of OOP)
05:30 Continuously managing technical debt / Slack channel
06:14 Why the flocking rules are great + 99 bottles backstory
08:30 Code towards a design pattern vs go with the flow
09:57 First draft - we often don't know the design upfront
10:37 Python Design Patterns resource by Brandon Rhodes
12:32 Take the smallest possible steps when refactoring
13:57 Advantages of taking small steps
15:18 'Building a second brain' book and how it works for you
19:10 Obsidian as favorite note taking tool
20:02 More inspiration and stories from the book
22:16 Check out Refactoring Toolkit + how to reach out + thanks
23:44 Outro

Resources:
- 99 bottles of OOP book
- Python Design Patterns
- Building a second brain
- Chris' Refactoring Toolkit
- Previous episode with Chris

Reach out to Chris:
- Website
- Mastodon
- Twitter
- LinkedIn
- Pybites Community (we have a dedicated #refactoring channel 😍)

This is the third and last mindset series episode with Alejandro Briceño.

In this episode we talk about the Pygmalion Effect. What is it and what impact it can have in the work place and on people's performance.

Alejandro also shares his 3 favorite mindset books. Enjoy!

Chapter:
00:00 Intro episode
00:46 Intro guest + topic
01:18 What is the Pygmalion Effect + its impact?
02:40 A practical work example
03:50 Positive feedback = Pygmalion rise / code reviews
04:52 How to use the Pygmalion Effect in our daily lives?
06:37 The role of communication / interpersonal relations
07:57 Toxicity in the workplace
10:02 Are there tools to implement this?
11:07 How can we manage other people's expectations
12:28 Be yourself / authentic (you cannot control others)
13:03 Personal story where the Pygmalion Effect helped you
15:30 It's all about mindset
16:33 Favorite books and resources (Goleman, Ferriss, Factfulness)
20:28 How do you measure mindset?
21:54 Wrap up and thanks
22:46 Outro

Books:
- Emotional Intelligence
- The 4-Hour Work Week
- Factfulness

Join our Pybites Community

Reach out to Alejandro:
- LinkedIn
- Pybites community

Previous episodes in this series:
- #124 - Building Confidence and Overcoming Challenges by Using Positive Self-Talk
- #125 - The Importance of Having a Growth Mindset

Today part II with Alejandro Briceño joining us to talk about growth mindset.

What does it mean, why is it so important and how has it been extremely helpful in Alejandro's career?

Enjoy!

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:29 What does it mean to have a growth mindset?
03:00 Things take time
05:06 Personal vs professional development
06:58 Being curious
08:03 Strategies to cultivate a growth mindset
10:23 Join the Pybites Community / commitment to code
11:05 How a growth mindset can help with setbacks?
13:00 You learn more from failures
13:50 Personal success story / public speaking
17:20 Getting out of your comfort zone
18:10 Next episode ...
18:30 Wrap up
18:56 Outro

Previous episode: #124 about positive self-talk

Reach out to Alejandro:
- LinkedIn
- Pybites community

In this episode we are joined by Alejandro Briceño, a chemical engineer turned HR professional and innovation consultant.

We delve into the power of positive self-talk and its impact on facing challenges and fostering a growth mindset.

We discuss the importance of reframing negative thoughts, practicing self-compassion, and surrounding yourself with supportive and motivating individuals.

Alejandro shares personal experiences where positive self-talk played a crucial role in making important life decisions.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro snippet and music
00:40 Introducing a mindset 3-parter
01:21 Intro guest and topic
02:35 Alejandro's background and working with people
06:07 What do you do day to day
07:05 Teaching other people soft skills
09:00 Importance of positive self-talk
10:50 Carol Dweck and fixed vs growth mindset
11:20 You might not even be aware
12:30 Positive self affirmations
13:55 Strategies to foster positive self-talk
16:06 Using a wins file / brag wall
16:35 Being too hard on yourself
17:55 Overcome difficulties maintaining a positive internal dialogue
20:43 Tim Ferriss information diet
22:25 Positive self-talk impact on well-being
24:14 Personal experiences with positive self-talk
26:12 Wrap up + what's coming in next episode
26:43 Outro music

Reach out to Alejandro:
- LinkedIn
- Pybites community

Next week we continue talking with Alejandro about having a growth mindset ...

This week we talk with James Dycus about his journey from teacher to Python software developer.

We talk about his background as a teacher and how het got into Python.

How he joined our PDM program a few months ago and the amazing growth he has experienced since by building out a mature real world application using Django 🐍

We talk about the idea behind his app, something he always wanted to build and now has accomplished, a functional MVP on the brink of being officially launched 🎉

The app (product) addresses an important need in society: supporting men with mental struggles, a problem James deeply cares about 😍

We're proud how James has grown in PDM with us and how he has built out this cool project earning the skills + confidence to pivot into a developer, an inspiring story 🔥

Last but not least we discuss some inspirational books related to mindset + self development.

Enjoy this episode with James!

Chapters:
00:00 Intro snippet + music
01:08 Episode and guest intro
02:30 Intro James to the audience
06:00 Inspiration by Sean (Teaching Python podcast)
08:50 James PDM journey and app / idea he built out with us
14:20 The benefit of building one big complex app / project
17:20 ChatGPT and becoming resourceful after the fundamentals
19:10 Name of the app: Bonded Brotherhood
21:00 Next steps with the app (product)
22:40 The value of having a real world project in your porfolio
24:50 Python in the real world + living in fortunate times
26:53 Book tip #1: The Discovery of Being (Rollo May)
29:04 Book tip #2: Man's Search For Meaning
30:10 Book tip #3: How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
31:10 Wrap up and thanks
32:27 Outro music

Reach out to James on LinkedIn.

Books mentioned.
- The Discovery of Being
- Man's Search For Meaning
- How to Think Like a Roman Emperor

Check out the PDM program here.

In this podcast episode, Robert Young, the director of an analytical chemistry lab at New Mexico State University, shares his unique journey from being a lawyer to becoming a chemist and a Python programmer.

He explains how his passion for environmental causes led him to study chemical analysis and mass spectrometry, initially focusing on the breakdown of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment.

Robert discusses the challenges of analyzing complex data sets with thousands of molecules and how he learned to use Python and FastAPI to make the analysis more efficient.

He also introduces his current project, studying Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also known as Forever Chemicals, which do not degrade easily and have adverse health effects.

Robert's goal was to develop an app using FastAPI +that SQLModel that allows non-programmers to explore PFAS data and filter molecules based on specific criteria.

A goal he achieved with us in our Pybites Developer Mindset (PDM) program in which he got this app done (MVP status), enhanced his coding skills, and found a supportive community.

He mentions the guidance he received from his coach in architectural design, project planning, and best practices for developer collaboration.

Robert plans to deploy his app soon and hopes to involve more contributors in the future.

Last but not least, Robert's project showcases the power of Python, FastAPI, and PDM in solving real-world scientific challenges (Forever Chemicals!) and making data analysis accessible to a broader audience.

Enjoy our interview with Robert Young!

Chapters:
00:00 Intro snippet and music
00:42 Guest and episode intro
01:20 Introducing Robert Young
04:08 Current research field
08:12 PFAS or "forever chemicals"
09:05 The effects of PFAS
12:00 PDM journey and PFAS project
16:36 FastAPI + SQLModel
19:44 Other wins and takeaways from project + PDM
23:24 Tutorial paralysis / Pybites approach
24:50 Using same approach for new tech / next steps app
28:28 How to reach out to Robert
30:00 Book: Manufacturing Consensus
32:00 How do we good information (social media)
35:00 Thanks for joining us today
35:33 Outro music

Links:
- Reach out to Robert via email
- PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
  - EPA website
  - ECHA website 
  - Australian government website
- SERDP podcast (sponsors of Robert's PFAS research)
- Book mentioned: Manufacturing Consensus
- The PDM program

This week we have Emily Wilcock on the show, recruitment manager and Pybites career coach 😍

Emily delves into a topic close to her heart: navigating the job search journey after a redundancy. She was affected herself by a recent layoff and has distilled 7 practical tips that helped her, and will help you, get back on track faster.

Summary of Emily's 7 tips:
1) After been laid off, take a break to reset.
2) Make the most of your job search time.
3) Seek a support group.
4) Your CV! Get feedback, use "outplacement" + friends / family.
5) LinkedIn: post + leverage your wider network.
6) Always be networking.
7) Interview prep / practice.

Of course, there are cool wins + books too :)

Enjoy!

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Chapters:
00:00 Intro snippet
00:22 Intro music
00:46 Julian episode intro
02:35 Introducing Emily and topic of the episode
05:56 Wins of the week
07:33 Tips from Emily who was affected by redundancy
08:15 1. Take a break, take some time to reset
10:42 2. Make the most of the time when you search for a job
13:33 3. Have a support group around you
17:48 4. Work on your CV (practical tips!)
21:09 Tip: use a brag sheet!
22:04 5. LinkedIn: use it! + some tips
27:18 6. Always be networking
31:05 7. Interview prep / practice
35:00 Wrap up and thanks
36:10 Books
38:46 Reach out to Emily
39:40 Outro music

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Books:
- STFU
- Cosmos

Reach out to Emily on LinkedIn or on Pybites.

This week we talk with Sambhavi Dhanabalan about productivity as a developer. She shares 11 tips from her experience: 3 around planning and 8 generic tips.

We also talk about her background, wins and a book she's reading.

Enjoy this insightful conversation with Sambhavi. We're sure that if you follow her tips, you will make strides in your productivity as a Python developer!

Chapters:
00:00 Intro fragment, don't sit on a bug
00:22 Intro music
00:47 Episode and guest intro, meet Sambhavi
01:30 Sambhavi's background
02:53 Round of wins
03:55 Brand building and sharing your work
04:33 Topic intro: productivity tips
05:33 Why did you write this article?
07:30 P for Planning ...  #1 - Create a weekly planner
09:32 #2 - Use Github/Gitlab project
11:48 #3 - Review your planned work
13:46 Reviewing tactics using your calendar
15:17 P for Productivity ... #1 - Deep focus time
17:57 #2 - Pomodoro technique
19:58 #3 - Walk for 30 minutes
21:47 #4 - Spend not more than 30 minutes on a bug/issue
23:55 Team leaders, protect your people from this
24:25 #5 - Use GitHub CoPilot, if there is an option
27:30 #6 - Integrate git in your IDE (VS Code)
29:47 #7 - Timebox a few tasks (not directly related to work)
31:47 #8 - Wind off time (prevent burnout)
33:55 Reach out to Sambhavi if this helped
34:24 Book tip: Four Thousand Weeks (Oliver Burkeman)
36:05 Thanks, final words and wrap up
37:18 Outro music

Links:
- Sambhavi's article
- Reach out to Sambhavi on LinkedIn
- Recommended book: Four Thousand Weeks
- Our PDM coaching program
- Our Pybites Productivity course

Thanks for listening and we'll be back next week with a fresh new episode ...

In this episode we talk with Chris May, Python developer and coach, about his background and passion for refactoring.

This turned into a beautiful love letter 💌 to refactoring and we think you should take notice, because adopting the mindset he teaches will improve your code. A lot!

Enjoy and as always reach out if you have any feedback, including direct refactoring questions to us, on Slack and/or to Chris (contact details below).

Chapters:
00:00 Intro snippet and intro music
00:41 Episode / guest intro
01:28 Who is Chris May? (and how we met)
02:53 What do you and how did you get into Python
05:22 Link between creativity and programming
06:30 How did you get to into refactoring (3 quotes)
08:05 Slatkin's quote about devs spending 50% refactoring
09:10 Software as a craftsmanship / ROI of refactoring
11:06 Cunningham's quote / idea about simplifying
13:11 Working in smaller increments
13:42 Schlawak's quote about making refactoring a habit
15:15 Chris' PyTexas talk / the power of refactoring
17:12 The need of having a test suite
18:19 PDM ad segment
19:30 Being pragmatic about testing / approval test
22:22 About Chris' Refactoring Toolkit (Obsidian vault)
25:05 The importance of mindset for a developer
27:20 Software has to be malleable, change is constant
27:48 Books - Building a second brain
28:50 Note taking / GitHub issues (productivity tools)
30:30 Final shout-out / how to connect with Chris
32:00 Thanks + wrap up (there will be a part II ...)
33:48 Outro music

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Links / resources:

- Chris' PyTexas talk: Improving code without losing your mind
- Refactoring Toolkit
- Mentioned Book: Building a Second Brain

Reach out to Chris:
- Website
- Mastodon
- Twitter
- LinkedIn
- Pybites Community

Pybites coaching: The PDM program