Stories from the Hackery

In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, we explore the emerging field of data engineering with NSS alumni Teresa Whitesell and Joshua Rio-Ross. They share their career journeys and how their education in data analytics and data science set a solid foundation for their data engineering roles. Teresa discusses the critical role of data engineering in healthcare, while Joshua describes his experiences in both healthcare and FinTech data engineering. They also delve into the distinctions between data engineering, data analytics, data science, and software engineering, and offer advice for those considering a career in data engineering.

00:00 Introduction to Stories from the Hackery

01:27 Meet Teresa Whitesell: From A Desire to Work with Data to a Career in Data Engineering

05:52 Joshua Rio-Ross: From Academics to Data Engineer

12:20 What is Data Engineering

17:55 The Overlap of Data Engineering and Software Engineering

20:48 The Importance of Analytics in Data Engineering

28:16 Systems Building vs. Answering Questions

31:03 Understanding Industry-Agnostic Data Engineering Skills

32:18 NSS’s Data Engineering Bootcamp

33:23 Choosing Between Data Engineering and Other Pathways

36:35 The Role of Data Engineers in Organizations

40:36 The Impact of Generative AI on Data Engineering

53:55 Technology Guilty Pleasures

58:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, we learn about Code Campfire, a new community initiative founded by NSS grad Preston Robbins. Joined by Lynn Samuelson, they discuss how Code Campfire supports Nashville Software School graduates and other juniors in tech with projects, mock interviews, and gamified job search tactics. Preston shares how the idea came to life from a simple need for peer support, while Lynn dives into how hands-on projects are equipping participants with the practical experience to keep their skills sharp. We also discuss Code Campfire's weekly sessions, where mock interviews, resume reviews, and collaborative problem-solving sessions keep participants engaged and building connections.

Whether you’re a recent bootcamp grad or an experienced tech professional looking to give back, Code Campfire is the place to grow your community and your skills. Tune in to learn how you can join in.

00:00 Introduction to Stories from the Hackery

01:50 Meet the Guests: Preston Robbins and Lynn Samuelson

05:57 What is Code Campfire?

09:57 Challenges and Iterations

15:02 The Importance of Projects

20:13 Project Structure and Roles

25:23 Projects Beyond Tier 1

31:25 Gamification of the Job Search

33:03 How to Get Involved with Code Campfire

41:18 Final Thoughts and Technology Guilty Pleasures

Links from the show:

Nashville Software School: https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com

Code Campfire: https://codecampfire.org

In the latest episode of Stories from the Hackery, we catch up with Steve Brownlee, Nashville Software School’s lead full-stack software development instructor, for a behind-the-scenes look at how he rebuilt an application we used for pre-work that was discontinued several years ago using an open-source agentic AI tool. The result? A working prototype that would’ve taken much longer to code by hand—and a glimpse at how AI is reshaping software development.

Watch Steve's Demo here: https://youtu.be/RWhONVTO2oQ?si=KmC8cxhHyCVARKI0&t=1855

00:00 Intro: Meet Steve Brownlee

01:16 Case Study: Building an Application with Roo Code

04:17 The Pre-work Application's Background and Purpose

06:58 Initial Prompts and First Impressions

09:33 Refining the Code and Overcoming Challenges

18:55 Adding Features and Enhancements

22:38 The Role of Experience in Using AI Tools

26:14 Future of Junior Developers in an AI-Driven World

30:55 Interlude - You can view Steve’s demo here: https://youtu.be/RWhONVTO2oQ?si=KmC8cxhHyCVARKI0&t=1855

31.21 The Role of AI in Software Development

34.47 Future of Software Development

50:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links:

Nashville Software School: https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com

Roo Code: https://github.com/RooVetGit/Roo-Code

Anthropic/Claude LLM: https://claude.ai

Monaco Code Editor: https://microsoft.github.io/monaco-editor/

Life-long learning can open doors you never imagined. In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, we talk with Chris Miller, an NSS alumnus who pivoted into software development after studying jazz composition and bass performance in college and recently tackled a high-stakes project supporting one of the largest live-streaming events in the world.

Chris shares how skills he developed as a musician provided the foundation for a growth-filled software development career. We also explore the value of knowing how to learn—whether it’s troubleshooting backend systems, understanding new technologies, or embracing generative AI as another tool in the developer's toolbox.

Whether you're just starting your NSS bootcamp, navigating unfamiliar technologies, or simply inspired by stories of growth, this episode highlights the power of continuous learning. It’s a story about how curiosity, adaptability, and the willingness to step into unknown territory can shape an extraordinary career.

00:00 - Intro: Meet Chris Miller

02:34 - From Music Major to Software Developer

06:01 - Early Career Experiences at Aspire and CareBridge

15:00 - Moving to HCA and Tackling Large-Scale Healthcare Data

18:52 - Joining Tubi: Initial Projects and Technical Curiosity

21:02 - Scaling Challenges: Preparing to Stream a Major Live Event

24:37 - Musicianship, Mindset, and the Art of Continuous Learning

29:38 - Tubi Scaling Project

36:21 - Key Lessons from Scaling Under Pressure

39:50 - Generative AI: Skepticism, Practicality, and Future Outlook

51:26 - The Role of Understanding in Software Development

56:54 - Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Links from the show:

Nashville Software School – https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com

Tubi – https://tubitv.com

HCA Healthcare – https://hcahealthcare.com

CareBridge Health – https://www.carebridgehealth.com

Aspire Health – https://www.aspirehealthcare.com

Generative AI Levels the Playing Field for Neurodiverse Technologists | Stories From The Hackery by Nashville Software School

In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, John Wark, founder and CEO of Nashville Software School, talks with Charlie Apigian, a well-known figure in Nashville's tech community with a significant academic background. Charlie discusses his journey from academia to consulting, the importance of bridging the gap between education and real-world application, and how his company, Data Inspire, integrates eager new coders into meaningful projects. The episode dives into the evolving roles in tech, particularly data engineering, and the impact of generative AI. Charlie also emphasizes the importance of teamwork, community building, and continuous learning in the fast-paced tech world.

00:00 Introduction to Stories from the Hackery

01:51 Meet Charlie Apigian: From Detroit to Data Science

04:13 The Value of Skills

05:39 NSS Success Story: From Musician to Developer

11:22 The Role of AI in Accelerating Projects

23:52 The Importance of Data Engineering

27:57 Evolution of Data Roles

29:11 Challenges in Data Engineering

29:37 Importance of Reliable Data

31:24 Complex Data Architectures

34:30 Learning and Adapting in Tech

37:33 Teamwork and Project Management

43:20 Community and Future of AI

46:01 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

Links from the show:

Nashville Software School: https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com

Data Inspire: https://datainspire.co/

Data Science Nashville Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/data-science-nashville/

LBMC: https://www.lbmc.com/

Belmont University: https://belmont.edu

Middle Tennessee State University: https://datascience.mtsu.edu/

Nashville Technology Council: https://technologycouncil.com/

In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, we hear from Jordan Rosas, a graduate of Nashville Software School's Web Development Cohort 29. Jordan shares his journey from working at an Amazon warehouse to becoming a Software Engineer and building SocialWaive, a social media management application. Jordan shares insights into his career progression, the challenges of creating a social media management tool, and how he leverages various AI technologies including generative AI, machine learning, and NLP. He discusses using tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT in both his professional and side projects, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving skills, building for real users, and the evolving nature of tech roles. Jordan also touches on the business aspects of developing a product and offers advice for newcomers to the tech industry.

00:00 Introduction to Stories from the Hackery

00:38 Meet Jordan Rosas: From an Amazon warehouse to Software Engineer

04:22 Jordan's Side Project: Building SocialWaive

06:02 Using Generative AI in Development

11:38 Challenges and Benefits of AI Tools

19:02 Learning and Implementing Machine Learning

24:18 Exploring AI Capabilities for SocialWaive

29:11 The Importance of Prompt Engineering

38:30 Lessons Learned from Building a SaaS Product

41:41 Advice for Aspiring Tech Professionals

44:01 Closing Thoughts

Links from the show:

Nashville Software School: https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com

How are NSS Alumni Using Generative AI Tools on the Job (Survey 2024): https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/2024/06/26/how-are-nss-alumni-using-generative-ai-tools-on-the-job

SocialWaive: https://www.socialwaive.com/

GitHub CoPilot: https://github.com/features/copilot

Hugging Face: https://huggingface.co/

“The End of Programming as We Know It” by Tim O’Reilly: https://www.oreilly.com/radar/the-end-of-programming-as-we-know-it/

In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, we talk to Ryan Bishop, a Nashville Software School (NSS) graduate, about his journey into software development and his experiences with generative AI. Ryan shares how prompt engineering has become a critical part of his work, discussing its applications in both coding and management. He provides insightful advice for new developers and emphasizes the importance of keeping a growth mindset. Tune in to learn how generative AI tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot are reshaping the way developers work, and how Ryan has integrated these tools into his daily workflow.

01:33 Meet Ryan Bishop: From Self-Learner to Software Developer

06:18 Prompt Engineering and Contextual Use

12:20 Use Cases for Generative AI

24:53 Coding with AI: Benefits and Challenges

30:52 Learning to Write Prompts

33:01 Navigating the Overwhelming World of AI Resources

35:14 Teaching Generative AI to Beginners

42:11 Generative AI as a Learning Buddy

49:24 The Influence of Christopher Alexander

57:29 Rediscovering Art with Technology

01:00:38 Final Thoughts

Links from the show:

Nashville Software School: https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com

How are NSS Alumni Using Generative AI Tools on the Job (Survey 2024): https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/2024/06/26/how-are-nss-alumni-using-generative-ai-tools-on-the-job

A Pattern Language - Christopher Alexander: https://a.co/d/9g7vSp8

Telehack.org - https://telehack.org

In this episode of Stories From The Hackery, we chat with Spencer Sharpe and Jack Parsons, two NSS graduates and lead software developers. We catch up on their journeys of transitioning from music to tech and explore the impact and utilization of generative AI tools in their current roles. They also share their insights on the evolving landscape of software development. Listen in for their advice on leveraging AI tools, maintaining code quality, and shaping a career in tech today.

SHOW NOTES

00:00 Introduction to Stories from the Hackery

00:37 Meet the Guests: Spencer Sharpe and Jack Parsons

02:34 Musical Backgrounds and Career Shifts

9:52 Generative AI Tools and Productivity

17:31 Generative AI for Unit Testing

19:21 Quality and Context in AI-Generated Code

29:12 AI in Code Review

29:29 The Required Human Element

31:53 Training and Assessing Junior Developers

37:52 Resources for Learning to Use Generative AI

42:18 Advice for Aspiring Tech Professionals

44:06 The Future of Software Engineering

50:33 Technology Guilty Pleasures

52:19 Final Thoughts

Links from the show:

Nashville Software School: https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com

How are NSS Alumni Using Generative AI Tools on the Job (Survey 2024): https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/2024/06/26/how-are-nss-alumni-using-generative-ai-tools-on-the-job

Ethan Mollick: 15 times to Use AI and 5 Not to

https://www.oneusefulthing.org/p/15-times-to-use-ai-and-5-not-to

Prompt Engineering LLMs by John Berryman and Albert Ziegler

https://www.amazon.com/Prompt-Engineering-LLMs-Model-Based-Applications/dp/1098156153/

In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, John Work, founder and CEO of Nashville Software School, sits down with NSS graduates Pemberton Heath and Rob Schulteis to discuss their careers post-NSS. They share insights on how they have integrated generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude into their daily work routines, focusing on generative AI as a learning and productivity aid. The conversation also delves into the evolving skills needed for tech careers and the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on generative AI for learning when you’re first starting out. Tune in to hear real-world applications and thoughtful reflections on the impact of generative AI on professional growth and learning in the tech industry.

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to Stories from the Hackery

00:33 Meet our Guests: Pemberton Heath and Rob Schulteis

02:23 Pemberton Heath's Journey to Full Stack Development

06:39 Rob Schulteis' Path from the Music Industry to Data Analytics

14:00 Using Generative AI Tools for Learning

33:21 Prompt Engineering and Effective Generative AI Use

38:25 Adding A Human Touch & Generative AI's Infinite Patience

42:00 A Tool To Fight Imposter Syndrome

43:45 Using Generative AI to Write Code

47:18 Challenges of Generative AI in Learning Environments

51:06 Understanding Codebases with Generative AI

58:52 The Evolving Role of Developers

01:05:04 Integrating Generative AI in Education

01:18:36 Final Thoughts

Links from the show:

Nashville Software School: https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com

How are NSS Alumni Using Generative AI Tools on the Job (Survey 2024): https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/2024/06/26/how-are-nss-alumni-using-generative-ai-tools-on-the-job

The Effects of Generative AI on High Skilled Work: Evidence from Three Field Experiments with Software Developers: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4945566

Can GenAI Actually Improve Developer Productivity?: https://resources.uplevelteam.com/gen-ai-for-coding

The Impact of Large Language Models on Programming

Education and Student Learning Outcomes: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/10/4115

Coding on Copilot: 2023 Data Suggests Downward Pressure on Code Quality: https://www.gitclear.com/coding_on_copilot_data_shows_ais_downward_pressure_on_code_quality

Onboarding to a 'legacy' codebase with the help of AI: https://martinfowler.com/articles/exploring-gen-ai.html#memo-09