Amy, KBall, and Nick chat about how the current economy is shaking up tech careers and what you can do to stay resilient. They get into why it’s smart to keep learning, share your work publicly, and stay connected—especially when things feel uncertain. They also talk about the weird mix of excitement and dread around AI, the rise of LLMs, and how those tools can actually make you more productive if you use them right. Plus, they share what they’re learning right now, swap thoughts on new frameworks, and give some real talk on job hunting and staying steady in a rocky market.

Don't agree with me prompt

- Question my assumptions. What am I treating as true that might be questionable? 
- Offer a skeptic's viewpoint. What objections would a critical, well-informed voice raise? 
- Check my reasoning. Are there flaws or leaps in logic I've overlooked?
- Suggest alternative angles. How else might the idea be viewed, interpreted, or challenged?
- Focus on accuracy over agreement. If my argument is weak or wrong, correct me plainly and show me how. 
- Stay constructive but rigorous. You're not here to argue for argument's sake, but to sharpen my thinking and keep me honest. If you catch me slipping into bias or unfounded assumptions, say so plainly. Let's refine both our conclusions and the way we reach them.

Creators & Guests

KBall and Nick dive into the chaotic world of AI-powered coding! They swap stories about how tools like Cursor and Neovim are completely changing their day-to-day work life and making them question what it even means to be a developer in 2025.

Between sharing their favorite productivity hacks and window management tricks, they get real about the excitement and anxiety of watching AI transform coding from a craft into something entirely new where developers might spend more time directing AI than writing code themselves.

Neither holds back on the exhausting parts either – like the mental drain of non-deterministic AI responses and the never-ending tech learning curve that has them constantly balancing new tools against trusted skills. It's like eavesdropping on a coffee break conversation between two friends who are both thrilled and terrified about their coding future.

Recorded on March 26th, 2025.

Creators & Guests

In this conversation, the Nick, Amy, Chris, and KBall discuss the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in software development, exploring its definitions, mechanics, and applications. They delve into the tools available for programmers, the implications of AI on job security, and the changing dynamics of work in the tech industry. The discussion highlights both the potential benefits and limitations of AI, emphasizing the importance of human oversight and decision-making in leveraging these technologies effectively.

Takeaways

• AI is transforming the way we approach programming and software development.
• Understanding AI's mechanics is crucial for effective use in coding.
• AI tools can significantly enhance productivity for developers.
• Job roles in tech are evolving due to the integration of AI.
• AI can automate repetitive tasks, allowing for more creative work.
• The future of work will involve more decision-making and less manual coding.
• AI's limitations necessitate human oversight and critical thinking.
• Effective documentation is key to improving AI's performance in coding tasks.
• AI can assist in generating context and understanding user needs.
• The relationship between AI and job security is complex and evolving.

Recorded on March 5th, 2025

In this episode of the Dysfunctional Developer podcast, KBall and guests discuss the intricacies of pull requests and code reviews in software development. They explore various practices, the importance of reviews, and the balance between speed and quality in coding. The conversation highlights different team dynamics, the necessity of reviews in security contexts, and the challenges of managing pull requests effectively. The guests share their experiences with code review processes, stacked PRs, and the tools they use to facilitate collaboration and maintain code quality. In this conversation, the participants delve into the intricacies of code reviews and pull request processes, discussing various strategies for providing feedback, the importance of timely reviews, and the challenges faced in dysfunctional review systems. They share personal experiences and insights on how to create a more effective and collaborative environment for code reviews, emphasizing the need for clear communication and trust among team members. The discussion culminates in brainstorming ideas for an ideal pull request process that fosters team engagement and efficiency.

Recorded on February 26, 2025

Starring

In the inaugural episode of the Dysfunctional Developer podcast, KBall, Amy Dutton, Chris "Boneskull" Hiller, and Nick Nisi introduce themselves and share their backgrounds in software development. They discuss the origins of the podcast, stemming from the discontinuation of the JS Party podcast, and their desire to address the often overlooked dysfunctions in the tech industry. The conversation delves into their current roles, the challenges they face in their jobs, and the common dysfunctions present in workplaces. They also explore coping mechanisms for dealing with workplace stress and dysfunction, and conclude with a discussion on potential future topics for the podcast.

This episode was recorded on February 5th, 2025.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.

The Dysfunctional Developer, a new tech podcast from former JS Party hosts Nick Nisi, KBall and Amy Dutton, takes an honest look at the messy reality of modern web development. Moving beyond the polished narratives of Tech Twitter and trending articles, this show tackles the authentic challenges developers face daily. From the impact of AI on entry-level positions to the unique experience of coding in flyover country, the podcast explores the often-overlooked aspects of software development. Each episode features candid conversations with developers and industry experts who share real-world insights about debugging in production, managing the constant flood of new technologies, and navigating the actual experience of building software in 2025 and beyond. The Dysfunctional Developer aims to cut through the hype and connect with developers where they really are – in the sometimes chaotic but always genuine world of practical software development.