In this episode, I have a conversation with Anita Ihuman, a developer advocate and technical writer in Nigeria. Anita shares her experiences and insights from her volunteer work in open source communities, particularly her involvement in the CHAOSS and Layer 5 communities. We dive into Anita's contributions to community management, onboarding, documentation, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. She highlights the importance of these efforts in creating welcoming and inclusive spaces for all contributors. Anita also discusses her experiences working with geographically diverse projects and the challenges and opportunities they present. Lastly, we explore the role of research in showcasing the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Join us as we learn from Anita's journey and gain valuable insights into the world of open source communities.

Links:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-ihuman
• https://badging.chaoss.community/project-badging
• https://chaoss.community
• https://podcast.chaoss.community
• https://fosstodon.org/@chaoss 
• https://github.com/chaoss/Chaoss-Africa
• https://twitter.com/chaoss_africa
• https://layer5.io/community/meshmates
• https://layer5.io/cloud-native-management/meshery
• https://sustainoss.org

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In this episode, Terence Eden talks about his project OpenBenches, which aims to create a database of memorial benches around the world. He discusses how the project started, the challenges they faced, and the impact it has had. Terence also shares his thoughts on gamification and the future of mapping with OpenStreetMap and the Fediverse.

Links:

• Tracey_Emin (artist)
• Google Cloud Vision
• Ancestry.com
• Find a Grave
• Street Complete app for Android
• WordPress ActivityPub Plugin
• Terence's blog: shkspr.mobi
• Find or contact Terence: edent.tel 

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Prepare to step into the world of Dragon Con and MomoCon, two multi-genre pop culture conventions that have on massive volunteer teams. I have the pleasure of talking with Dimitri Tarassenko, a software engineer who donates his time and skills to support the media production at these massive events. Dimitri's behind-the-scenes insights will take you on a journey through the intricate operations that make these conventions a reality.

From operating cameras and audio boards to managing production switchers, Dimitri paints a vivid picture of live broadcasting at a grand scale. He'll unveil the technical wizardry needed to stream the conventions' multiple live events, including panels, parades, and concerts. Hear about the use of drones during the parade and the ensuing controversy, the simultaneous broadcasts during the conference, and the rich library of content generated for streaming. Oh, and don't forget about DragonCon.tv that is broadcast to the rooms of hotels as well as online.

My chat with Dimitri doesn't end there. He meticulously compares the unique dynamics of Dragon Con and MomoCon, highlighting the need for different workflows, and the various shows run by Dragon Con's news division. Discover experiences unique to these conventions, like the Barbieheimer and robot battles! As we wrap up, we celebrate the significant contributions of our listeners in supporting these conventions and our show. Today's episode is more than just a peek behind the scenes of Dragon Con and MomoCon, it's an exploration of the fascinating intersection of technology, television production, volunteerism, and pop culture!

Links:

• Dimitri's email: [email protected]
• Volunteer at Dragon Con: dragoncon.org/participate/volunteer/
• Volunteer at MomoCon: momocon.com/volunteers/

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Our journey from the limited use of technology to the now advanced, multifaceted use of digital tools in the church is indeed a remarkable one. Come share the laughter, challenges, triumphs, and a bit of history with my guest Banks Glover: an invaluable member of my church and a life-long technology enthusiast that has been volunteering his skills for since before the turn of the century. In this candid discussion, Banks shares his fascinating journey of introducing the first computer into Central Baptist Church of Newnan, Georgia in 2000 and the transformative implications that followed.

During our conversation, Banks takes us down memory lane from the days of long optical lenses to the current age of digital and streaming technology. He explores the significant contributions of technology to the church, how it has revolutionized our services, and the importance of maintaining a balance with traditional elements.

As we reflect on these strides, we delve into the impact of advanced technology on church services. With the aid of streaming services and cutting-edge software, the church has seen a drastic shift in its technical operations. As Banks points out, our church's output can match any other, barring a few mega-churches.

Before we wrap up the episode, we take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to our supportive listeners and discuss how you can contribute to the show. I hope you enjoy this captivating and insightful episode that explores the intersection of technology and faith.

Links:

• Central Baptist Church of Newnan, Georgia
• Banks's email: [email protected]
• Kaypro 2000 Microcomputer
• Timeline of web browsers
• The Linux I used daily was Pop!_OS - it is awesome!
• The streaming software mentioned multiple time is OBS, aka Open Broadcaster Software

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Ever wondered about the mechanics of making an app accessible to all users? Journey with us as we explore this important topic with Mitch Downey, the co-founder of the Podverse podcast app. He shares his commitment to enhancing the app's accessibility after consultation with an expert. We plunge into the world of open source platforms, underscoring its vital role in fostering inclusion, especially for the visually impaired, and discuss the significant role color contrast plays in designing an accessible app.

Switching gears, we delve into the innovative 'value for value' model and the bounties program of Podverse. Discover how their premium memberships keep the wheels turning and how they've managed to capture interest without extensive advertisement. Mitch expounds on their cost-effective approach that outshines traditional contractors and corporate environments. He acknowledges key figures like Chris Fisher and the Jupiter Broadcasting Network for their support. We also discuss the various ways dedicated listeners can bolster the show's growth and offer insights on how to actively participate in the project. Tune in and take a deep dive into the fascinating intersection of open source software, accessibility, and podcasting!

Links:

• Contact Mitch on mastodon: podcastindex.social/@mitch
• Contact the Podverse team: podverse.fm/contact
• Podverse bounties: github.com/podverse/podverse-ops/tree/master/bounties
• Podverse source code: github.com/podverse
• Podverse free vs premium: podverse.fm/membership 
• Volunteer Technologist on Podverse
• Jupiter Broadcasting: jupiterbroadcasting.com

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See all the ways to contribute, and what producing this podcast costs, at volunteertechnologist.com/contribute/

You can find me on Mastodon at podcastindex.social/@volunteertechnologist You can also reach me via volunteertechnologist.com/contact/

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Are you drawn to the nostalgia of the early web days and the charm of open-source communities? Checkout this bonus episode from my interview with Chris Miller! In this absorbing dialogue, we float into the realms of mastering new coding languages, the appeal of the maker mentality, and the joy found in creating for the sake of creation, not necessarily for profit.

Listen as we unfold the beautiful concept of giving yourself the freedom to learn and recreate projects, the advantages of reimplementing existing projects in new languages, and how vital the spirit of play is in technological innovation. Chris also unravels the impact of volunteering in tech on community organizations, emphasizing the value of creation over profit. This episode is a true homage to the satisfaction derived from building, learning, and contributing to a community.

This bonus episode was the happy byproduct of a tangent during our chat on mentoring in the last episode. It didn't fit the topic there, but was too good not to share. Enjoy!

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Ever wondered how to bridge the communication gap in the tech world? In my talk with Chris Miller - a tech maestro with an admirable 27-year career - we unravel that and much more! Chris's vast experience ranges from the inception of the first online bookstore to the uprising startup culture in California. His desire to give back has seen him guide numerous budding developers, helping them efficaciously communicate with diverse cohorts and maneuver through their careers.

As we dive into the essence of mentorship, we uncover Chris's perspective on understanding customer needs, building trust, and fostering a successful mentor-mentee relationship. Chris also sheds light on the attributes of a good mentor, emphasizing humility, adaptability, and an insatiable love for learning. With his vast wisdom, Chris explains the significance of self-awareness, choosing a mentor who inspires you, yet works differently, and the power of a good reading list.

His intriguing adventures with podcasting since 2005 and his unwavering commitment to the open-source community through his volunteer moderation work at Fosstodon are equally captivating. As we navigate through the complexities of tech industry communication, we delve into how mentorship can help individuals understand their own competence and communicate efficiently. This episode guarantees to inspire, encourage curiosity, and provide valuable insights that can be applied in your tech journey. So, tune in and let's uncover the world of tech through the eyes of a seasoned expert!

Links:

• Book Stacks Unlimited
• Podiobooks.com, now Scribl
• Fosstodon
• Walkaway by Cory Doctorow
• PyOhio
• TLAs aka Three Letter Acronyms
• Fireship.io
• The Art of War by Sun Tzu
• Crucial Conversations
• The Invisible Spotlight by Craig W. Wasserman
• Benjamin Franklin’s 13 Virtues
• What is a Padawan?
• ctmiller.net

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See all the ways to contribute, and what producing this podcast costs, at volunteertechnologist.com/contribute/

You can find me on Mastodon at podcastindex.social/@volunteertechnologist You can also reach me via volunteertechnologist.com/contact/

Visit volunteertechnologist.com for show notes, transcripts, or more information.

Ever wondered how open source technology is revolutionizing the way we store and share data? Well, you are in for a treat! In my latest conversation with James Sundquist, a landscaper with a techie heart, we get down to the nuts and bolts of Nextcloud, an open source file sharing platform that is shaking up the data storage game. James gives us a peek into the Nextcloud Pi project, a genius solution for self-hosting Nextcloud on devices like a Raspberry Pi and the exciting challenges of generating and maintaining documentation with Discourse.

Our conversation takes an exciting turn as we explore the continuous evolution of Nextcloud Pi, moving beyond just documentation. Its integration with Matrix and Telegram is breaking down barriers making collaboration a breeze. We also get into the adrenaline rush of the Nextcloud Conference and how Nextcloud Pi is a crucial tool for Nextcloud employees. Then, we move on to James's personal journey with open source projects, where he masterfully crafts tools for his theatrical projects. Our episode concludes with a heartfelt shoutout to Kyrin from the Mirror Mortals podcast for their unwavering support. Get ready to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of open source technology!

Links:

• Docs for Nextcloud: docs.nextcloudpi.com
• Nextcloud Pi: github.com/nextcloud/nextcloudpi
• Roadmap of Nextcloud Pi development - github.com/orgs/nextcloud/projects/67
• Noisebridge hacker space: noisebridge.net
• Meta site for Discourse: meta.discourse.org
• Q Light Controller+: qlcplus.org
• Jame's personal website for shows and events: james.network
• Jupiter Broadcasting: jupiterbroadcasting.com
• Inkscape: inkscape.org
• DaVinci Resolve: blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve
• Kdenlive: https://kdenlive.org
• Debian: debian.org
• Let's Encrypt: letsencrypt.org

Correction:
I just wanted to note that Nextcloud was forked from ownCloud, not Open Cloud. 

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Ever wondered how robotics and coding can be accessible and fun for kids of all ages? Join me as I chat with Wendy Hill, co-host of Linux Out Loud, about her experience with FIRST LEGO League, a robotics program for kids ages 4-16. Wendy has been involved with FIRST for two seasons and gives us insights into how each level of the program focuses on teamwork and how different countries around the world come together each year for a championship event. 

Wendy takes us through her journey teaching Python, the competitive schedule that comes with being part of the robotics teams, and the regional, state, and world competitions. We also explore the fascinating inner workings of the kids' robots, which are made with Technic LEGO and what looks like rubber bands, and how crucial accurate programming is for these robots to run autonomously. Wendy also explains the innovation projects associated with the robotics program and shares an amazing story of how the her team's kids' idea will save their community $72,000 a day! This episode is filled with inspiring stories and insights into the world of robotics for kids.

Lastly, we delve into the details of Wendy's team's journey from regionals to Worlds, a global competition in Texas with over 35,000 people. Discover the different levels of robotics competitions and awards, including the encore game that involves working with an alliance partner. Wendy also shares her thoughts on the cancellation of regionals and why she believes it's an essential learning experience for the kids. So, sit back and enjoy this enlightening episode on the exciting world of robotics and the impact it has on young minds! Trust us; you don't want to miss it!

Links mentioned in the show:

• https://www.firstlegoleague.org/
• https://buildingbeasts.org/ (our team website)
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIRST_Championship
• https://pybricks.com/
• https://mastodon.online/@WendyDLN
• [email protected]

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See all the ways to contribute, and what producing this podcast costs, at volunteertechnologist.com/contribute/

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Listen as Jesse Brennan talks about how Raspberry Pi 3's are making a significant impact in his fire department and others across the country. Also, did you now that more than 85% of all fire fighters in the US are volunteers, and that the percentage is significantly higher outside of large cities? Jesse talks about this and how technology is allowing departments to better respond to needs while still being staffed primarily by these volunteers.

Links:

• I Am Responding Kiosk
• You can reach Jesse via email at [email protected]

Support the show via Buy Me a Coffee

Send a boost with a new podcast app such as Fountain or via conshax.app/support/volunteertechnologist

See all the ways to contribute, and what producing this podcast costs, at volunteertechnologist.com/contribute/

You can find me on Mastodon at podcastindex.social/@volunteertechnologist You can also reach me via volunteertechnologist.com/contact/

Visit volunteertechnologist.com for show notes, transcripts, or more information.