What does a Technical Program Manager actually do & and why is the role so often misunderstood?
In this episode of Dev Life, Brooke and Matt go inside Technical Program Management — unpacking the misconceptions, the mindset shift from engineer to TPM, and how engineers can work more effectively with the role.
We explore:
• What a TPM really owns (and what they don’t)
• Where engineers misunderstand the role
• Fair criticisms TPMs need to hear
• What great TPM support actually feels like
• Staying technical without writing production code
• When making the switch makes sense — and when it doesn’t
Whether you're considering the move to TPM or simply want to collaborate better with one, this conversation brings clarity to one of the most misunderstood roles in tech.

CONNECT WITH US:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedibravery/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbchristiansen/


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The Angular Plus Show and The DevLIfe Podcast are a part of ng-conf. ng-conf is a multi-day Angular conference focused on delivering the highest quality training in the Angular JavaScript framework. Developers from across the globe converge  every year to attend talks and workshops by the Angular team and community experts.

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Come listen to the SignalStore creator himself, Marko Stanimirović. We discuss NgRx, SignalStore and more importantly the new Events plugin, think NgRx Effects but purpose built for NgRx SignalStore.

More about Marko:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarkoStDev/ 
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/markostanimirovic/

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Follow us on
X: @DevLifePodcast
X: @AngularShow
Bluesky: @theangularplusshow.bsky.social

The Angular Plus Show and The DevLIfe Podcast are a part of ng-conf. ng-conf is a multi-day Angular conference focused on delivering the highest quality training in the Angular JavaScript framework. Developers from across the globe converge  every year to attend talks and workshops by the Angular team and community experts.

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Tired of building amazing tools that nobody can find? In this high-energy episode, Brooke & Matt chat with SEO mastermind Scott Harward to bridge the gap between clean code and online visibility!
Scott breaks down why SEO is far more than just “marketing fluff” and shares three essential moves every developer should make before launching their next side project. From collaborating smoothly with marketing teams to leveraging AI for distribution, you’ll learn how to turn your technical skills into a data-driven growth machine. Don’t let your hard work stay hidden - tune in and learn how to make your projects impossible to ignore!

CONNECT WITH US:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-harward/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedibravery/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbchristiansen/


Follow us on
X: @DevLifePodcast
X: @AngularShow
Bluesky: @theangularplusshow.bsky.social

The Angular Plus Show and The DevLIfe Podcast are a part of ng-conf. ng-conf is a multi-day Angular conference focused on delivering the highest quality training in the Angular JavaScript framework. Developers from across the globe converge  every year to attend talks and workshops by the Angular team and community experts.

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What does it mean to be a "Pragmatic Programmer" when AI can write the code for you? This week, Brooke & Matt welcome the legendary Dave Thomas, co-author of the "developer's bible" (aka - The Pragmatic Programmer) and a pioneer of the Agile Manifesto, to discuss the state of our craft in 2026. Dave challenges us to rethink our relationship with AI "coworkers," explains his "Orient-Step-Learn" framework for staying sharp, and even reveals which piece of his classic advice he’d delete in this new era of automation. Whether you’re a junior dev looking for "scar tissue" or a veteran engineer navigating AI-generated complexity, this is a must-watch conversation with a true industry provocateur!

CONNECT WITH US:
https://pragdave.me/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedibravery/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbchristiansen/


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X: @DevLifePodcast
X: @AngularShow
Bluesky: @theangularplusshow.bsky.social

The Angular Plus Show and The DevLIfe Podcast are a part of ng-conf. ng-conf is a multi-day Angular conference focused on delivering the highest quality training in the Angular JavaScript framework. Developers from across the globe converge  every year to attend talks and workshops by the Angular team and community experts.

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Ready to stop watching the future happen and start building it yourself? In this powerhouse episode, Brooke & Matt sit down with Nick Smith, an entrepreneur and leadership coach who is proving that anyone can master the world of AI to scale their impact. Nick pulls back the curtain on the exact AI tools he’s using to build a thriving business, but more importantly, he reveals the "human" secret to his success: how mental, emotional, and physical health are the true foundations of a sustainable career. Whether you’re looking to launch a side project or find a better balance in your "dev life," Nick’s infectious energy and practical roadmap will show you how to turn your unique life experience into a technical superpower!
CONNECT WITH US:
Nick Smith - https://www.my12journeys.com/post/the-12-journeys-the-path-to-real-change
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedibravery/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbchristiansen/


Follow us on
X: @DevLifePodcast
X: @AngularShow
Bluesky: @theangularplusshow.bsky.social

The Angular Plus Show and The DevLIfe Podcast are a part of ng-conf. ng-conf is a multi-day Angular conference focused on delivering the highest quality training in the Angular JavaScript framework. Developers from across the globe converge  every year to attend talks and workshops by the Angular team and community experts.

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Unlock the secrets of career longevity and technical mastery in this powerhouse episode of The Dev Life! Brooke & Matt are joined by Sander Elias, a Senior Principal Engineer and long-time GDE, to dissect the "Angular Renaissance" and what’s coming in v21. Sander pulls back the curtain on the move from coding in the trenches to driving strategy across entire organizations, sharing the exact skills you need to bridge the gap between mid-level and Staff or Principal Engineer. Whether you're curious about the true impact of AI on problem-solving or looking for a roadmap to technical leadership, this conversation is packed with the veteran wisdom you need to architect your ultimate career!

CONNECT WITH US:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanderelias/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedibravery/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbchristiansen/


Follow us on
X: @DevLifePodcast
X: @AngularShow
Bluesky: @theangularplusshow.bsky.social

The Angular Plus Show and The DevLIfe Podcast are a part of ng-conf. ng-conf is a multi-day Angular conference focused on delivering the highest quality training in the Angular JavaScript framework. Developers from across the globe converge  every year to attend talks and workshops by the Angular team and community experts.

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X
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Tired of building amazing tools that nobody can find? In this high-energy episode, Brooke & Matt chat with SEO mastermind Scott Harward to bridge the gap between clean code and online visibility!
Scott breaks down why SEO is far more than just "marketing fluff" and shares three essential moves every developer should make before launching their next side project. From collaborating smoothly with marketing teams to leveraging AI for distribution, you'll learn how to turn your technical skills into a data-driven growth machine. Don't let your hard work stay hidden - tune in and learn how to make your projects impossible to ignore!

Connect with Us:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-harward/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedibravery/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbchristiansen/

Follow us on X:
@DevLifePodcast

The DevLIfe Podcast  is a part of ng-conf. ng-conf is a multi-day Angular conference focused on delivering the highest quality training in the Angular JavaScript framework. Developers from across the globe converge  every year to attend talks and workshops by the Angular team and community experts.

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Stop being "just another dev" and start being the person your CEO can't live without!
This week, Brooke & Matt sit down with serial entrepreneur Wyatt Ernst to bridge the gap between code and the boardroom. Wyatt breaks down exactly how to pitch your ideas to non-technical leaders, why understanding basic marketing can skyrocket your value, and the specific mindset shifts you need to make the jump from software engineer to founder.
If you're ready to sharpen your "product sense" and navigate your career with a business owner's perspective, this episode is your secret weapon for professional growth!

Connect with Us:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sirwyatternst/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedibravery/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbchristiansen/

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X: @AngularShow
Bluesky: @theangularplusshow.bsky.social

The Angular Plus Show and The DevLIfe Podcast are a part of ng-conf. ng-conf is a multi-day Angular conference focused on delivering the highest quality training in the Angular JavaScript framework. Developers from across the globe converge  every year to attend talks and workshops by the Angular team and community experts.

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Are you stuck in a cycle of "work, crash, repeat"? This week, Brooke & Matt take to the skies with entrepreneur and world-traveling paramotor pilot Eric Farewell! Eric shares incredible parallels between the risks of flight and the pressures of the tech world, offering a fresh perspective on how to redefine success beyond just shipping code.
You'll learn the secrets of somatic coaching to stay grounded, how to push through the fear of launching your side projects, and practical steps to reclaim your joy without losing your edge. Tune in for a high-flying conversation that will inspire you to build a life - and a career - that truly feels like an adventure!

Connect with Us:
https://ericfarewell.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedibravery/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbchristiansen/

Follow us on
X: @DevLifePodcast
X: @AngularShow
Bluesky: @theangularplusshow.bsky.social

The Angular Plus Show and The DevLIfe Podcast are a part of ng-conf. ng-conf is a multi-day Angular conference focused on delivering the highest quality training in the Angular JavaScript framework. Developers from across the globe converge  every year to attend talks and workshops by the Angular team and community experts.

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Ever felt like you could make a bigger impact by solving the systems around the software? This week, Brooke & Matt sit down with Nicole Oliver from Nx to explore the bold transition from software engineer to Program Manager. Nicole opens up about her "aha" moment, how she overcame the fear of losing her identity as a dev, and the surprising ways her engineering background now helps her solve the frustrations that slow developers down. If you’ve ever been curious about a career pivot or just want to understand the "magic" behind project vs. program management, this episode is your roadmap to finding success in a whole new seat!

Connect with Us:
https://x.com/nixcodes
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedibravery/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbchristiansen/
https://gdg.community.dev/gdg-salt-lake-city/

Follow us on
X: @DevLifePodcast
X: @AngularShow
Bluesky: @theangularplusshow.bsky.social

The Angular Plus Show and The DevLIfe Podcast are a part of ng-conf. ng-conf is a multi-day Angular conference focused on delivering the highest quality training in the Angular JavaScript framework. Developers from across the globe converge  every year to attend talks and workshops by the Angular team and community experts.

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