Coolest Nerds in the Room

This week, the coolest nerds dissect their personal stances on dreaming verses goal getting. Reggie has visions (not dreams) and is a great planner who values time and building strong habits. Steph has been working on SMART goals and overhauling her personal systems. As usual, gems were dropped!Huge shoutout to Podcorn for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to show them some love! You can start monetizing your podcast and connecting with sponsors here: https://podcorn.com/podcasters/As always, your feedback is greatly appreciated. Have a guest suggestion? Want to provide feedback? Simply want to say 'Hey'? Send us an email at coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.com.Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdResourcesJoin our Patreon community or Buy us a coffee to let show us some love!Smart, But Scattered Guide to SuccessAllDayDevOps.comEssentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of LessGoodbye, Things: The New Japanese MinimalismSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/coolestnerds)

This week's episode, the two coolest nerds sit down to discuss the onboarding process and their experiences with that while navigating careers in tech. CoolBlkNerd shares more about how nicely his new job is treating him. InfoSteph shares how she focuses on what she can control...or tries to. Most importantly, these two cool nerds are dropping some gems on what to expect during the onboarding process and what to do when it goes...unexpectedly. Huge shoutout to Podcorn for being our first sponsor! Be sure to show them some love! You can start monetizing your podcast and connecting with sponsors here: https://podcorn.com/podcasters/As always, your feedback is greatly appreciated. Have a guest suggestion? Want to provide feedback? Simply want to say 'Hey'? Send us an email at coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.com.Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdResourcesJoin our Patreon community or Buy us a coffee to let show us some love!ADHD template from Etsy that Steph discusses in the intro.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/coolestnerds)

This week, Reggie and Steph go over company culture, the lessons they've learned and the battle scars they've earned. What makes a good company culture? What makes a bad one? We explore all of that this week on the Coolest Nerds in the Room. Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdResourcesPatreon and Buy us a coffee.

This week we give everyone a update on exactly where Steph and CoolBlkNerd are at in their careers and what they're looking forward to going into the end of the year!Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdResourcesPatreon and Buy us a coffee.Document filled with resourceshttps://blacklivesmatter.com/

This week, Steph and Coolblknerd talk about cleaning up old habits and bringing in better energy with new habits! Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdResourcesPatreon and Buy us a coffee.Document filled with resourceshttps://blacklivesmatter.com/

This week, Steph and Coolblknerd talk about finding a therapist. From searching for one online to finding the right therapist to solve your specific problem, we chronicle our journeys to finding our therapist and all the speed bumps along the way.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdResourcesPatreon and Buy us a coffee.Document filled with resourceshttps://blacklivesmatter.com/

Every leader isn't a good one.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdResourcesPatreon and Buy us a coffee.Document filled with resourceshttps://blacklivesmatter.com/

Sometimes being the prey comes with benefits.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdResourcesPatreon and Buy us a coffee.Document filled with resourceshttps://blacklivesmatter.com/

Sometimes you have to hit the reset button and this is our story.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdResourcesPatreon and Buy us a coffee.Document filled with resourceshttps://blacklivesmatter.com/

Sometimes it's like looking in some weird-ass mirror...Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdResourcesPatreon and Buy us a coffee.Document filled with resourceshttps://blacklivesmatter.com/

This week we interview with Doug Bryant to talk about his recently released book, "Computer Love: Love Letters and Log Analysis"! Check out the links below to purchase your copy!Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdResourcesComputer Love: Love Letters and Log AnalysisPatreon and Buy us a coffee.Document filled with resourceshttps://blacklivesmatter.com/

Disappointing others is a natural part of life, but what happens when you allow it to run your career or life? This week Steph and CoolBlkNerd talk about how they've dealt with the anxiety of disappointing others in their career and personal life.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdResourcesPatreon and Buy us a coffee.Document filled with resourceshttps://blacklivesmatter.com/

Whether you pay with time or money, you're doing to have to pay up in some way. This week Steph and CoolBlkNerd talk about the importance of not taking shortcuts to building a successful career. Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdResourcesPatreon and Buy us a coffee.Document filled with resourceshttps://blacklivesmatter.com/

Either it's something (or someone) holding you back or you're holding them back, either way, dealing with dead weight is an inevitable part of making progress in life and your career. This week we talk about the importance of recognizing and handling dead weight in life.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdResourcesPatreon and Buy us a coffee.Document filled with resourceshttps://blacklivesmatter.com/

How protected do black women feel by black men? This week we have a honest conversation about why many black women don't feel protected by black men and what is it that black men can do to start making strides towards solving this problem.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdResourcesPatreon and Buy us a coffee.Document filled with resourceshttps://blacklivesmatter.com/

How much of our career is luck vs. us deserving the success we've garnered? We talk about people's perspective on luck and the success of others in this week's episode!Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdResourcesPatreon and Buy us a coffee.Document filled with resourceshttps://blacklivesmatter.com/

This week Steph and CoolBlkNerd take Enneagram test (personality test in layman's terms) and breakdown how accurate their result are. From herd mentality to dealing with depression, they stretch their understanding of themselves and how it fits within their current state.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdResourcesPatreon and Buy us a coffee.Document filled with resourceshttps://blacklivesmatter.com/

Do you feel pressured to be all tech, all the time? Well don't! This week we talk about finding the balance between your tech career and being a human being. From the importance of being multifaceted to embracing your humanity, Steph and Coolblknerd discuss how they find a balance.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdResourcesPatreon and Buy us a coffee.Document filled with resourceshttps://blacklivesmatter.com/

We're back after our hiatus to talk about the state of the world during the social unrest do to the killing of George Floyd. We talk about how we've been doing over our hiatus, what has work-life been like, and what are some things we can do in the community to start helping to make sure things move forward.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdResourcesPatreon and Buy us a coffee.Document filled with resourceshttps://blacklivesmatter.com/

This week we talk about going through life's problem versus avoiding them and the repercussions of both. Reflecting on our life's experiences, we talk about how it's affected our career, relationships, and our mental state.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerd

This week we light some sage and make a green smoothie with Katy Turner as we talk about her journey of wholistic health, stepping out on faith, and being a fake vegan! I hope y'all have your third-eye open for this episode!Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdFake Vegan on Twitter - @_thefakeveganFake Vegan on IG - @_thefakeveganResourcesThe Fake Vegan

We have the #BlackTechTwitter legend herself, Pariss Athena, on with us this week as we talk about how she went from wanting to work in Hollywood to finding her way into tech, the importance of taking risks, and reality of who she is in real life versus what people see on Twitter.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdPariss Athena on Twitter - @ParissAthenaResourcesBlack Tech Pipeline

This week we have Robert Reeves, CTO at Datical, on the show with us talking about economic effects the quarantine will have on businesses, finessing his way through college, becoming a tour manager, and why nobody can relate to Superman anymore! This is definitely a episode for all the tech and comic book nerds out there!Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdRobert Reeves on Twitter - @robertreevesResourcesTitan Open Source Project

This week we talk COVID-19! We're all victims of the life-changing situation that this disease has introduced and we're talking about how it's been affecting our daily lives this! From work to life, we talk about the mental stress that has been the coronavirus!Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerd

What happens when the reality in your mind becomes realer than the reality that you live in? This week we dive into what it's like to get lost in your own thoughts, the difference between being honest and being hard on yourself, and the importance of understanding feelings aren't facts.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerd

This week we have "One Take" Stacy Ike on the show to talk about what it was like to have her own show on OWN (see what we did there?), the importance of staying consistent, and the importance of having a team-first mentality when working in any environment.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdStacy on Twitter - @onetakestaceStacy on IG - @onetakestaceResourcesThe Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ckEgo is the EnemyAtomic HabitsIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Tin Clock Productions

Expressing yourself can be tough in an unforgiving world, however, carrying the burden of never speaking up can be an even heavier load. This week we talk about the importance of having the courage to express yourself. From being at war with yourself to understanding that every idea doesn't need to be expressed, we talk about the up's and down's of expressing yourself.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps:1:40 - When your New Year’s goals don’t start off on the right foot2:40 - All moved out!4:30 - On the job training and ADHD medicine6:10 - The advantage of learning in a stable environment10:10 - New city vibes!16:10 - Finding the courage to express yourself17:50 - Never feeling like we could express ourselves20:00 - “What’s the point of being friends if I can’t express myself?”21:40 - When you don’t realize you’re not expressing yourself24:30 - What it’s like to have a bad habit of not expressing yourself27:00 - Are you at war with yourself, but at peace with the world?32:10 - At some point you have to pick a bed to lie in38:00 - Finding expression through the arts41:10 - Why every idea doesn’t need to be expressed45:30 - How expressing yourself can challenge your friends49:30 - When people resent you for not expressing yourself52:40 - The importance in having courage to express yourself55:30 - Why you have to make the decision to speak up 1:01:40 - When things begin to click in a new environment1:07:10 - Why you need to watch “Love is Blind”1:11:30 - What we’re doing to become cooler nerds this weekSocial MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdResourcesRefactr.TechLinkinLearning social engineering course by StephIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Tin Clock Productions

This week we Christina Morillo comes to hangout with us as we chop it up about how the necessity of code switching, the importance of building a community, and passion isn't necessary to be productive.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps:1:35 - How Steph has become a bridge for meeting cool people5:25 - How Christina became a listening ear6:35 - Bringing street savvy to the tech game7:35 - Why it’s more important to talk about the technical person than the technology10:20 - The game is the game whether it’s on a block or in the boardroom12:10 - How Christina had to learn how to live a dream15:20 - The reality is that all companies are reactive18:25 - Why code switching still is a necessary skill in tech20:35 - How Microsoft is putting their money where their mouth is on Diversity & Inclusion23:50 - Why we’re always examples for our race32:35 - Why we have to champion each other in our careers36:25 - Why it feels like we have to always keep up38:05 - When is it okay to be okay?43:35 - What’s it’s been like to build a career without a community48:35 - Do I have to do this for another 30 years?50:35 - How technology has enabled people to be lazy55:05 - Why you don’t need passionate people to get work done59:20 - Why followers doesn’t make mean you’re good in tech1:04:50 - Why the people before us want to see the new generation win1:07:05 - How money is the motivator for people coming into tech1:13:05 - Why people have to find a good fit for them while in tech1:17:50 - How burnout can turn people’s ambition off1:22:35 - They making how much?1:25:05 - Is the check worth the stress?1:27:35 - What it’s been like to deal with burnout1:36:05 - Why we can’t be the spokespeople for all black people1:40:05 - What are we going to do to become cooler nerds this week?Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecCoolBlkNerd on Twitter - @CoolBlkNerdChristina Morillo on Twitter - @DivineTechyGirlResourcesRefactr.TechLinkinLearning social engineering course by StephIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Tin Clock Productions

This week we talk about the issues with having a binary view of what success looks like and how we can begin to make this better. We also on touch on our complicated relationship with being black, how leaving home can add perspective, and why giving solutions doesn't guarantee your demise.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps:1:30 - When you’re ramping up in a completely new industry3:00 - What’s the nerdiest thing we did this week?4:45 - Tech for the Culture’s black history month panelist event!9:45 - How the panel went10:50 - Black lightning motivation12:15 - Getting energy from the people!14:40 - What does the black community have to do to grow past having a binary view of success?20:10 - Having a complicated relationship with being black24:10 - What it means to be called a “Oreo” in the black community25:10 - How moving out of state added perspective on what success could potentially look like30:50 - The limiting belief of success in some communities32:30 - Why giving a solution doesn’t guarantee your demise33:30 - The importance of finding time to give back37:30 - A flimsy version of what community is40:30 - The importance of having a community around45:30 - There’s never one way to success48:30 - What’s the incentive of doing better if you’re not truly forgiven?58:30 - Why communication is a barrier every culture has to push through1:01:30 - When did we discover when we could be more than what the black stereotype is?1:06:30 - When did the black computer help us feel more “at home”?1:07:30 - Black people seeing the importance of technology1:09:00 - Self-Love with Steph1:11:00 - What are we going to do to become cooler nerds?Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanResourcesRefactr.TechLinkinLearning social engineering course by StephIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Tin Clock Productions

If it wasn't for this couple we probably wouldn't have a show! We bring Kiersten and Paul Brager to the show this week to talk about black love in tech this week. It takes a lot to keep a good thing going and these two share with us the up's and down's of keeping a marriage successful with career demands, families, and friends pulling you in all kinds of directions.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps:00:40 - Why Paul & Kiersten mean so much to the show’s existence4:10 - What makes the Bragers the coolest nerds in the room?5:40 - How being a nerd got Kiersten out of poverty7:25 - 30 years of experience and counting11:40 - Walking into the room with a pitbull mentality12:40 - Confidence vs Arrogance from a Black man’s eyes.14:50 - How Kiersten learned to get respect in the workplace16:40 - How we weren’t taught to be assertive in a office environment20:10 - How Paul and Kiersten met at a crawfish boil27:40 - How Paul’s Safari account sealed the deal30:10 - What it feels like to find your intellectual equal35:10 - Finding the middle-ground between different personalities38:10 - How Paul has help influence Kiersten in the workplace42:10 - How friendship precluded a successful relationship44:55 - The challenge of being a working professional couple in tech50:10 - Ensuring you’re ready for a driven or ambitious partner59:00 - Doing the work to know what you want1:02:10 - What do you recommend to people looking for a great partner?1:04:00 - Can you wake up to this person everyday?1:06:00 - Can you handle the way they resolve conflict1:10:20 - Understand where you stand in the equation1:15:40 - What are your opinions on the current dating scene?1:18:10 - Why you can’t bailout when it gets tough1:23:40 - Why a good spouse shouldn’t be a project1:29:10 - What black men need to do to step it up1:38:30 - Has dating culture become too transactional?1:42:30 - Why you have to always make decisions for the best of your family1:43:40 - How there aren’t enough positive influences of love1:48:00 - Where do you find a cool nerd?1:50:00 - Why you should choose values over vanity1:53:30 - When people don’t have good examples of love1:55:10 - Why we should give ourselves some grace1:58:30 - How are we going to be spending our Valentine’s day.Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanResourcesRefactr.TechLinkinLearning social engineering course by StephIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Tin Clock Productions

We've all been one, no need to hide it! This week Steph and CoolBlkNerd talk about their simpin' experiences, how simpin' can bleed into other parts of your life, and what you can do to stop the simpin'. We also dig into apartment hunting, hip hop dance classes, and plate shopping at Target.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps:2:15 - What happens when you can’t sit-down and get work done3:10 - Apartment finding success!3:50 - Growing up around arts & crafts with our parents9:30 - Hip Hop-n-Intimidation13:40 - A very unmotivated dose of life17:10 - When networking outside of your team goes right22:45 - What’s a “simp”?24:45 - Why Steph loves “Love”27:15 - When you F.O.A.P. (foolish overvaluing of another person)28:45 - Overthinking the expectations you have to live up to30:45 - The “Simp” Way32:15 - The perspective of a reformed simp33:45 - Why it’s important to advocate for yourself36:15 - Using simpin to avoid making life decisions21:45 - Can you simp without losing yourself?24:15 - Why you shouldn’t have to compromise everything26:30 - Final words for the simpers51:00 - Google’s Marketing team made us proud54:00 - Self-love w/ Steph!57:00 - How are we going to become cooler nerds this upcoming week?Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanResourcesRefactr.TechLinkinLearning social engineering course by StephDinnnerware from TargetIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Tin Clock Productions

Finally we talk about money this week! Steph and CoolBlkNerd chronicle their salary journey from the time they got into the tech industry until their current roles. From being underpaid, leaving to get a pay bump, and negotiating for more money, they dive into what their experience has been with money in tech the only way cool nerds know how!Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps:02:00 - Did we become cooler nerds this last week?04:30 - When a book is so good you finish it in 3 days11:00 - Book Club and Chill16:30 - The first Tech for the Culture event of the year was a success!19:00 - Listening to the one voice in your head that matters29:40 - What was our starting salaries in tech?35:10 - How much do we make now?37:10 - When you’re one of the first people in your family to make money39:00 - How have we done at the negotiation table?48:00 - Why making good money in tech isn’t guaranteed51:10 - Why you shouldn’t listen to people who try to shoot down what you believe is possible55:40 - What’s the best way for you to get a pay raise?59:10 - Why you shouldn’t believe the salaries you see on sites like Glassdoor1:04:10 - Why you should be asking people with more experience than you how they have navigated their salary1:09:10 - Why black people should be more transparent about their salaries1:16:40 - What are our salary goals?1:29:10 - Workbook of DesireSocial MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanResourcesRefactr.TechLinkinLearning social engineering course by StephAtomic Habits by James ClearGame of DesireIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Tin Clock Productions

We're back and this week we're talking about finding our confidence and remaining humble along the way. Steph and CoolBlkNerd document their journey's of finding their confidence and the lessons that have came with it.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps:1:35 - Strategizing for the new year2:40 - The struggle of a 10 Day green smoothie detox4:10 - Wordpress and Meetup6:15 - Joining the Apple Ecosystem w/ Steph8:40 - Finding the light in the darkness in a new environment13:00 - Why do companies accept shitty processes?17:00 - Finding an environment that inspires you to be better26:40 - Implementing engineering principles and optimizing your life31:10 - Why every company doesn’t have to leave you feeling drained33:40 - The importance of writing down what you want in a job36:10 - What’s BDE?37:40 - The difference between confidence and cockiness41:40 - Faking it till you make it44:10 - Finding the magic in who you are50:10 - When what other people think affects your confidence56:25 - When the cool kids make you feel uncool58:40 - Make sure your confidence is based on things that are unique to you1:02:00 - How just knowing you’re working on yourself helps build confidence1:05:40 - When do you need to just accept your position?1:09:10 - The importance of unplugging from your foundation1:12:10 - How exposure can change your outlook on yourself1:13:40 - Using arrogance as a front to survive1:19:10 - How to baseline your confidence issues and create a plan to improve it1:23:10 - The blessing that food is1:26:10 - A very pajama story1:29:10 - Flushing limiting beliefs down the toiletSocial MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanResourcesRefactr.TechLinkinLearning social engineering course by StephIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Tin Clock Productions

We took some L's, we got some W's, and through it all we're still here. Bye bye 2019, What's up 2020!!Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps:01:15 - Planning for the new year02:40 - Re-evaluating commitments for 202004:30 - What a nerd-less week looks like05:30 - Steph’s LinkedIn Learning course is here!!!10:20 - What’s the best formula to stay motivated in 2020?12:15 - CoolBlkNerd speaking at Refactr.Tech for 2020 again!16:00 - How did 2019 go for us?19:30 - What were the biggest wins and losses for us in 2019?28:30 - What does 2020 mean for us?31:30 - Unlocking the next level in 202035:45 - Are there any new habits you want to pick up on in 2020?40:00 - What are the biggest goals for us in 2020?43:30 - What lessons did we learn in 2019?47:00 - The importance of self-validation and not apologizing for you are53:30 - Putting out the energy you want to receive going into 202057:00 - Catching up with your day 1’s 59:00 - Steph & Sesh: Handling sadness over the holidays 1:02:00 - What are we doing to become cooler nerds this year?Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanResourcesRefactr.TechLinkinLearning social engineering course by StephIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Tin Clock Productions

Boundaries come and go, but one thing is for sure, they always get tested! This week we talk about our experience with setting boundaries, why shifting boundaries is so hard, and if we betray ourselves every time we bend our boundaries.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps:1:30 - Bad documentation + old code = unfinished project3:15 - Prepping for 2020 with uninspiring planners6:00 - Getting better with time and money management in the next year9:45 - Spliting time between gRPC and service mesh11:20 - Shifting habits for 202014:00 - Show Meat14:30 - Why CoolBlkNerd has a hard time keeping up with too many boundaries16:45 - Having hit or miss boundaries 18:30 - Re-establishing boundaries with people from your past20:30 - Getting triggered23:00 - Introducing the idea of self-betrayal25:30 - When you want to make progress you have to be honest about your environment27:00 - Waiting until you’re mentally exhausted to establish a boundary30:00 - The importance of sharing communication style33:30 - When people don’t have any personal investment 35:30 - Making sure you have a why behind your boundaries38:00 - Are boundaries the cornerstone of progress?39:30 - How creating boundaries can be difficult to establish?42:30 - Distancing yourself before establishing a new boundary45:30 - Why shifting boundaries in a relationship can be so difficult48:00 - Why people associate change with big bangs51:00 - Just because you haven’t addressed an issue verbally doesn’t mean you haven’t addressed it52:30 - How men and women look at the “big picture” differently58:30 - Interacting with more people around the office1:00:30 - Why Managers should spend time doing a one-on-one during exit interviews1:02:30 - Using structure to anchor your goals in 20201:04:15 - What are we going to do to become a cooler nerd?Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanResourcesIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Tin Clock Productions

People like negative conversations more than they care to admit and this week we dive into why is it that the tech community (and society) gravitates towards those kinds of conversations. From social media handles biting us in the ass to our employers not having our backs, we discuss moments when we've invited negative energy and incited it in our careers. Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps: 2:00 - Taking it slow with Steph to Austin3:15 - Thanksgiving with CoolBlkNerd5:45 - The last semester for Step 6:30 - Learning about gRPC08:30 - Learning how to cook in 202010:30 - What happens when the side hustle becomes the main hustle?11:15 - Who quit their job???13:30 - Show meat15:00 - The origins of this topic17:30 - Why we still have reality shows19:30 - The definition of insanity23:30 - Why people who tough it out through the rough times will always be valued26:00 - Taking accountability of your feelings28:00 - Accumulating negative feelings during your journey31:00 - When your social media handle bites you in the ass34:00 - Who you are in different aspects of your life36:30 - In order for me to reach my potential I have to be 100% of me39:00 - When your employer doesn’t have your back42:30 - Just because you’re nice doesn’t mean we’re cool45:00 - Why you shouldn’t call someone out at stand-ups50:00 - “I never asked you too…”57:00 - Understanding your ambitions don’t have to match1:00:45 - Do people really care about the journey?1:09:00 - Reflecting on the future1:15:30 - Steph & Sesh: Aligning who you are with the work you doSocial MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanResourcesgRPCIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Tin Clock Productions

This week we step outside our comfort zone with entertainment journalist, Courtney Tezeno! From journalism school to the bright lights of LA, Courtney talks about her journey as a journalist, a woman, and most importantly, a nerd from Houston who has carved out a spot for herself as one of the top 5 black female entertainment journalist under 30 in Hollywood according to Buzzfeed.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps: 01:30 - Introduction to Courtney04:30 - How Steph and Courtney know each other06:30 - What makes Courtney the coolest nerd in the room?08:00 - How pageantry brought out the best in Courtney11:00 - Thuggin’ it out in journalism school16:00 - Transitioning into entertainment journalism23:00 - Courtney’s perspective on technology opening new doors for talent24:00 - How it feels to have someone skip you in line for an opportunity27:00 - How Courtney stays rooted33:00 - The most surprising interviews Courtney has experienced40:00 - How Courtney keeps her perspective fresh?44:00 - The Watchmen bandwagon & Youtube rabbit holes49:00 - Challenges as a black woman in entertainment journalism1:07:00 - Just keep living…1:10:00 - The dating struggle1:18:00 - 2 years of celibacy and a engagement ring later1:25:00 - Breakthrough through break-up1:28:00 - Would you propose for a second time?1:32:00 - The bridge between a man’s logic and a man’s emotions 1:37:00 - How are we going to become cooler nerds this week?Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanCourtney on Twitter - @courtney_tezenoResourcesCourtneyTezeno.comIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Tin Clock Productions

We all come at a crossroads in our lives where we begin to think about what our purpose is and what kind of legacy we're going to leave behind. Steph and CoolBlkNerd are at that crossroad on this episode as they discuss what legacy is, means, and how their actively trying to build towards it now.We also catch-up on Kubernetes operators, the Sims 4, and traveling around the world in three weeks!Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps: 02:30 - Steph’s dope time recording her LinkedIn Learning course!03:30 - The demolishment of CoolBlkNerd’s IG page4:00 - CoolBlkNerd’s first Kubernetes operator7:00 - Going back to college with the Sims9:00 - Conversations with ambitious people10:30 - Relaxing after 3 weeks around the world13:00 - Show Meat - Legacy14:00 - What does legacy mean?14:30 - Legacy on my mind18:00 - Climbing to the top of the hierarchy of needs21:00 - A f*ckboy’s legacy23:00 - When you don’t even know that sh*t you would say26:00 - Starting to make intentional decisions on life31:00 - “What is the reason for my existence?”33:00 - What’s the point of living to a 100 doing nothing?34:00 - Finding purpose in the work we do38:00 - At what point do you satisfy your appetite for legacy?41:00 - Getting IG Love43:00 - Steph & Sesh: Boundaries!50:00 - What are we going to do to become cooler nerds this week?Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanResourcesKubernetes OperatorSims 4 Discover UniversityIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Tin Clock Productions

This week we talk about what it's like to be an introvert in a largely extroverted society. From the annoyance of extroverts to invisible standards, we dive into our experience in tech with introverts and extroverts, as well as, our advice for dealing with both communication styles.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps: 01:00 - Bad, Dope, and Organized Nerds06:00 - Flexing that Microservice Muscle09:00 - Getting tested for ADHD13:30 - The importance of giving back to the tech community22:00 - Comparing yourself to your timeline28:00 - Introvert or Extrovert?32:30 - The hardest part about working with a introvert35:30 - The annoyance of extroverts43:00 - The problem with fake extroverting in tech48:00 - Extroverting while black in tech51:00 - Why we don’t like tip-toeing around issues53:30 - Living up to invisible standards1:00:00 - Why we think women are more direct than men in the workplace1:05:00 - Dealing with people who communicate completely different from you1:12:00 - The importance of inspiring social interactions1:14:00 - Steph & Sesh: How to handle losing a friendSocial MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanResourcesIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Tin Clock Productions

We're getting outside of our comfort zone this week as Steph and CoolBlkNerd talk about their experiences in life and tech dealing with their comfort zones. From working in environments where complacency is status quo to finding glory outside of their own comfort zone, we share our experience and give you some advice on the importance of always pushing yourself past your limits!Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps: 05:15 - How we become lame nerds this week07:30 - From learning everything to learning a few things in your career09:30 - The issue with learning about being an SRE11:00 - Documenting processes for the people coming behind you16:30 - Motivated by a deadline19:00 - When the little sister promotes the big brother22:00 - Show Meat: What is our comfort zone?23:45 - The issue with hitting cruise control on your daily responsibilities 28:30 - Why we don’t want to be stuck in a comfort zone loop32:30 - Getting pushed outside your comfort zone37:00 - What’s understood doesn’t have to be said40:00 - The immediate discomfort of walking outside your comfort zone43:00 - Sometimes just showing up can open up opportunities 46:00 - Getting comfortable with getting uncomfortable49:30 - The importance of learning your boundaries55:00 - Finding comfort in the person you may become01:02:00 - The biggest hurdle for people trying to enter tech01:05:00 - How we don’t notice we’ve been in our comfort zone too long01:07:30 - Cleaning out CoolBlkNerd’s closet01:13:30 - Goal-oriented TherapySocial MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanResources:Programming KubernetesIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Tin Clock Productions

There's nothing like living a life where you're not understood and Steph and CoolBlkNerd both know a little something about that. This week they chat about what it's like to feel unique and the struggles with conforming to what society deems normal. From recognizing their shortcomings to off-putting people through their perspective, we talk about how we've made life work for us even when it feels like we're in it by ourselves.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps:01:00 - Did we become cooler nerds this week?02:30 - One-line-a-day with Golang 04:00 - Hanging your hat on one skill07:00 - If you can’t beat em, join ‘em08:30 - A week of introspection with CoolBlkNerd10:00 - Hater-motivated14:00 - Show mean: Lonely & unique15:00 - The struggle with being authentic in a inauthentic world18:00 - Struggling to be normal22:00 - Being brutally honest about your shortcomings 24:00 - Having to self-validate when you know you’re different26:00 - When you try to conform to your environment despite your differences28:00 - A drug dealer’s philosophy on life30:00 - Growing up trying to conform spiritually38:30 - Trying to conform to what success looks like44:00 - Intensely dating in a unique way52:00 - Off-putting people with your unique energy01:01:00 - Don’t be afraid to trip over your own feet01:12:30 - Steph & Sesh: Everyone is the star of their own showSocial MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanResources:Programming KubernetesIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Tin Clock Productions

This week Steph and CoolBlkNerd dial it back and talk about their time working in call centers before entering into more formal technical roles. From what we learned about ourselves to what we learned about the people we worked with, we tackle our past with open eyes and a sense of humor.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps:03:30 - Hopping back on the passion planner with Steph05:00 - Anxiety 1, CoolBlkNerd 008:00 - All technical, all the time10:30 - Feeling motivated to experiment11:00 - Changing your mental script18:00 - Show Meat - Our history with call centers23:00 - How the call center taught us what kind of people we DON’T want to work with27:00 - Cussin’, fussin’, and apologies 31:00 - Sneaking onto other teams to make a little progress36:00 - Unassigned seating and dirty habits 39:00 - Why everyone needs to work in a customer service role or sales position45:00 - Getting off the script47:00 - Having to dumb it down50:00 - Experiencing socioeconomic discrimination in the call center52:00 - Understanding everyone doesn’t have ambition57:00 - Struggling to study while at work1:07:00 - The low-expectations that gets placed on employees1:11:00 - “Am I crazy for thinking this is a bad job?”1:17:00 - The beauty of screen time on the iPhone1:20:00 - How will we become cooler nerds this week?Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanResources:N/AIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Tin Clock Productions

This week we're throwing our challenge flag and we're calling a flag on a play in homage to all the red flags we see at work, with family, and with friends!Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps:01:00 - What did we do to become cooler nerds this week?01:50 - Steph has ADHD!03:00 - Early morning hustle05:00 - The importance of writing down your personal values09:00 - Steph’s Local News Report14:00 - How to create your one year story18:00 - Dealing with the whirlwind of emotions that follow ADHD21:00 - Why CoolBlkNerd tries to build habits around his ADHD26:00 - How have we noticed red flags in our lives?31:00 - Why do we create excuses for issues we observe34:30 - How bad communication is a red flag in the office37:00 - Bad management red flags 43:00 - Signs of a dead-end Job45:00 - What are red flags in a partner?50:00 - Carrying bags from previous relationships 53:00 - Not having a plan for your life57:00 - Aligning your visions in a relationship1:03:00 - The importance of not compromising1:09:00 - What are some red flags we noticed but ignored1:13:30 - Why you need to always look internally first1:18:30 - Happy Birthday CoolBlkMom!!!1:20:00 - Steph & Sesh: The Value of getting Assessed1:24:30 - What are we going to do to become cooler nerds?Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter & IG - @CoolBlkNerdResources:N/AIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Chicken Social

This week we tap in with Doug Bryant as we talk about how he balance his obsession with getting better, the best habits Doug has picked over the course of his 13-year cybersecurity career, and how he flexes his creative muscle through beat making!Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps:01:30 - Intro of Doug Bryant02:00 - How does Doug find the time to get all these certs?04:00 - What makes Doug the coolest nerd in the room06:00 - Balancing the family life with the tech life08:00 - What does the positive talk do for Doug mentally09:30 - How does Doug find the balance between being obsessed?13:00 - What is the best habit Doug has picked up over the course of his career?15:00 - Was there ever a moment when Doug had to isolate himself to align his focus?18:00 - Has Doug always been the teacher in his circle?21:00 - The importance of discovering your gift early26:00 - When did money start becoming a priority for Doug?30:00 - Learning how to delay gratification 33:00 - Tapping into Doug’s writing muscle38:00 - The struggle of small-talk 41:00 - The struggle of dating shallow people45:00 - Finding the method in Doug’s productivity48:00 - How we can learn to be more methodical in the way we approach problems50:00 - Tapping into your creative side 58:00 - Does someone in security need to be detailed oriented?1:05:00 - What are we going to do to become cooler nerds this week?Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanIDS (Intrustion Diverstiy System) Podcast on Twitter - @IDS_PodcastDoug Bryant on Twitter - @CyberGent_101Resources:N/AIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Chicken Social

Anxiety paralysis is a b*tch and this week we dive into our own issues with it! From staring at screens to overthinking tasks, we chat about what it feels like to have your productivity take a hit because your brain won't let you be great!Also, we talk about furniture shopping, video games, and mental imbalances!Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps:01:30 - What did we do to become cooler nerds?05:00 - Coolblknerd orders the new iPhone07:00 - How your environment can reflect your state of mind11:00 - Finally finishing Kingdom Hearts15:00 - How Coolblknerd held down the team by himself 19:00 - Show meat!23:00 - How anxiety paralysis affects your productivity29:00 - Has technology negatively affected our ability to have delayed gratification?37:00 - The lack of gratification when entering into security42:00 - How do you stay calm as the stakes increase?44:00 - Why Steph doesn’t have work anxiety after a few weeks49:00 - How employer’s are more okay with your skill gaps than you think54:00 - How you see yourself isn’t how others see you58:00 - The downside of being a dreamer when you just want to make progress1:03:00 - The power of taking a break1:06:00 - Why you don’t need to work 8 hours straight to be considered productive1:09:00 - Why clarifying your work with others will help reduce your anxiety1:13:00 - Coolblknerd, what made you happy?1:15:00 - Steph & Sesh: The effect of mental imbalance on loved onesSocial MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanResources:N/AIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Chicken Social

This week we dive into how we found the "great" in ourselves. Through self-discovery and isolation we can discover a lot about ourselves and our motivations. Steph and CoolBlkNerd talk about their own paths to self discovery and how those experiences define who they are today.Also, we chat about Madblkman's name change, morning routines, and meditation.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps:01:20 - Did we become cooler nerds this week?03:30 - What’s the nerdiest thing you did this week?10:00 - Who is CoolBlkNerd?15:00 - What motivated you this week?18:45 - Finding motivation in new beginnings20:30 - Show Meat21:30 - Defining “Isolation” and “Self Discovery”22:00 - Have we found the great in ourselves?23:30 - How greatness comes in phases26:00 - Greatness isn’t a monolithic idea29:30 - When did the journey of self discovering begin for us?38:15 - How getting lost in a relationship can interfere with your self discovery42:30 - How people identify themselves by what they do vs. who they are46:30 - The struggle of decommissioning your old mindset51:00 - Micro-isolating yourself from those around you:56:30 - How moments of isolation drives you toward greatness1:00:30 - Call-to-action: Let us know how you are finding the great in yourself1:02:30 - Seeing the seeds from the past manifest into something in the future1:04:30 - Steph & Sesh: Nailing down a morning routine1:15:30 - What are we going to do to become cooler nerds this week?Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanResources:Google Cloud Developer ProfessionalBalance appElevate appLinux AcademyIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Chicken Social

This week we want all the smoke as we talk about confrontations at work and in life! Conflict is an inevitable part of life and definitely an unavoidable aspect of our careers and it's important we understand how to navigate it. From stepping on toes to learning how to de-escalate, we discuss our experience with confrontations and what we've learned from our lessons.We also talk about goal setting with your friends, the headache of HOA, and how live is filled with full circle moments!Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps:00:27 - Intro03:40 - Did we become cooler nerds this week?07:30 - What’s the nerdiest thing you did this week?16:15 - What motivated us this week?24:00 - How we both have gotten use to confrontation in our careers25:00 - Do you typically initiate conflict?34:00 - How culture teaches us how to read between the lines37:00 - Confrontation becomes just another part of life39:00 - Dealing with the brutal honesty of a Nigerian family45:30 - Understanding the inevitability of confrontation 50:30 - How we like to approach sticky subjects in the workplace54:30 - How Steph has zero tolerance for disrespectful behavior59:20 - Sometimes it's easy to escalate1:05:00 - What’s the worst confrontation we’ve been in that actually got resolved?1:12:00 - The importance of having healthy confrontations with people you trust1:16:30 - Why you can’t tip toe around confrontation even in an uncomfortable environment1:24:45 - If somebody comes to you with an issue how do you deal with it? 1:31:40 - The importance of asking questions for understanding1:38:00 - The mistake of misunderstanding passion for anger1:46:00 - Confrontation is an essential human interaction1:48:30 - What does quality time mean to the people you’re closest to?1:51:00 - Steph & Sesh: Full circle moments, growth, and new experiences1:55:45 - What are we going to do to become cooler nerds?Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanResources:Intro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Chicken Social

O'Shea Bowens pulls up to the show this week to talk shop about where he sees security going, his passion for space and fashion design, as well as, about his podcast, "Intrusion Diversity System".We also talk about meditation and how we use it to visualize success, why all POC's shouldn't feel obligated to push diversity forward, and the uphill battle of starting a business.Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps:02:15 - How do we know Mr. Bowens04:30 - What makes O’Shea a cool nerd?05:00 - How asteroids are going around pollinating the universe09:00 - Why did you choose cybersecurity over astrophysics?10:00 - How O’Shea brings in elements from other facets of creativity into his daily work13:00 - How O’Shea believes security will change in the near future18:00 - Are security people scared about the change coming to the space?23:00 - What “Intrusion Diversity System” is all about?28:00 - What O’Shea thinks about the current state of diversity33:00 - How every contribution counts when pushing for more diversity42:00 - Why POC’s shouldn’t feel obligated to pushing diversity forward44:00 - What was the moment that made O’Shea start pushing for diversity50:00 - How meditation opens our minds to create the world we want to see58:15 - What we can learn from Kanye & Kim1:04:15 - The uphill battle of learning how to be a business owner1:11:15 - How older generations thought process differs from younger generations1:16:45 - The scarcity of security engineers in the cloud & container space1:23:30 - The importance of taking care of your personal spaceSocial MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanO'Shea Bowens on Twitter - @SirMuDbl00dIntrusion Diversity System Podcast on Twitter - @IDS_PODCASTResources:Intro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Chicken Social

We take a moment to have a therapy session about our parents this week! From hiding secrets to overprotection, we dig into how the decisions of our parents affects the way we live our lives and maneuver through our careers.Also, we talk about Def Con anxiety, Madblkman finally writes his blog, and Steph talks about making friends with her sadness in Steph and Sesh! We about to have a good ol' time!Please make sure you rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends! Your kindness helps us make the podcast better for listeners like YOU when you help get the word out!Timestamps:02:10 - Intro03:30 - Who has the better algorithms? Spotify or Apple?06:10 - Just because you see a therapist doesn’t mean something is wrong.08:30 - How budgeting makes you look at your money funny!11:30 - When bad deliveries and good customer service meet.17:30 - Madblkman finally wrote his blog post!20:00 - No news is good news!24:00 - Sometimes you just need to write shit down.25:40 - DCA (Def Con Anxiety!!!)28:15 - SHOW MEAT!!! -- PARENTAL ADVISORY32:00 - Why we felt this was an important topic to discuss.36:00 - From an only child to the oldest of 6.40:45 - The cultural expectations of being a Nigerian-American.54:30 - How Madblkman's girlfriend made his relationship with his mother better.56:15 - When you know your parents aren’t going to change!1:01:00 - 0 tolerance policy for mistakes!1:05:30 - Accepting your parents raised you with limited tools.1:11:30 - Understanding how your parents were raised or what it was like to raise you.1:16:30 - The importance of following through with your commitments.1:21:00 - How B’s will get you disrespected!1:24:00 - Rebelling against your parents ideals.1:28:00 - Learning to take calculated risk!1:33:00 - Why can parents be so protective sometimes?1:37:00 - How technology will change the dynamics of parenthood in the future.1:39:40 - What we hope for ourselves in the future as parents.1:49:30 - What made Madblkman happy this week1:52:20 - Steph & Sesh2:00:25 - What are we going to do to become cooler nerds this week?2:05:00 - OutroSocial MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanResources:My Very, Dope GopherCon ExperienceIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Chicken Social

This week Steph and Madblkman talk about the real mvps...our inner circles! We breakdown the importance of have a strong circle of friends and family, when we decide on if somebody should be in our inner circle, and how we add people to squad!Also, Madblkman hits a drag show in San Diego, Steph talks about how Iyanla fixed her life, and honoring all parts of your personality!Timestamps:02:15 - How did we become cooler nerds this last week?04:00 - Why we killed “what’s the nerdiest thing that happened in the world?”04:45 - Madblkman’s trip to a drag show in San Diego08:50 - Steph gets her life at Iyanla’s show in Houston12:50 - How children are the manifestation of their parents subconscious14:10 - How building relationships and feeling validated motivates you to be better15:25 - Have you left a review or rating for the show yet??16:10 - When you’re okay with your life but your friend’s aren’t18:55 - So how do we define a “inner circle”20:30 - So where do we stand with our inner circle of friends?25:55 - The importance of keeping people who move in the right direction in your circle28:25 - The pusher vs. the pushed31:50 - The difference between passively motivating and aggressively pushing someone35:30 - Why it’s hard to be pushed by people who don’t have proven track records38:10 - Why we typically don’t work with friends41:10 - Separating what someone says about you from how you view yourself as a person44:55 - How people will always show their true colors in the end50:10 - How actions speak louder than words for Steph53:40 - Zero-tolerance for dealing with negative and complacent energy56:40 - How do we re-evaluate our inner circle1:01:40 - The importance of creating memories with your inner circle1:05:40 - What made Madblkman happy this week?1:07:20 - Steph & Sesh: Honoring all parts of your personality1:13:25 - What are we going to do this week to become cooler nerds?1:17:40 - OutroSocial MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanResources:Lips San DiegoGopherCon 2019Act on Faith by Iyanla VanzantPop My Butt/Iyanla Vanzant ClipIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Chicken Social

This week we're shaking tables as we breakdown our issues with diversity & inclusion. From still having to deal with labels, education discrimination, and the importance of allowing people to tell their own story.We even touch on financial planning, float therapy, and self love languages! This a whole lot of episode to unpack! Timestamps:03:20 - How did we become cooler nerds this last week?04:55 - The struggle of finding a balance between work and life05:45 - How you end up wasting time while burned out11:00 - How FaceApp has added themselves to the “head-ass” apps list12:27 - - Steph losses train of thought18:20 - Madblkman’s trip to see a financial advisor and how creating a plan makes him more focused30:18 - When Steph’s procrastination becomes productivity 38:00 - So what’s this float therapy stuff all about?44:00 - Steph’s unmotivated week47:00 - The motivation behind today’s episode49:00 - What does diversity and inclusion mean to us?50:30 - Why is now the right time to have this conversation? 55:00 - How diversity and inclusion has become a catalyst for disingenuous action59:20 - The reality of white privilege1:01:20 - Why we need to let people tell their own story1:05:30 - Diversity isn’t about just black people1:07:30 - Why discriminating against education is forever stupid1:10:00 - Do we feel like we’ve missed out on anything?1:10:45 - How you end up feeling like you’re “bothering” people1:12:35 - Why you won’t find a specific answer to “how to get into security?”1:15:45 - How communication styles can hold you back in technology1:19:20 - Why we feel like we need to get louder to get our point across1:24:45 - Dealing with labels in the office1:28:00 - What can be done to make diversity and inclusion better?1:30:00 - Why we all need to spend times with different people at work1:34:00 - How have we benefitted from D&I?1:40:50 - Good job Reggie!1:43:45 - Steph and Sesh: Self-Love Languages1:51:30 - Outro1: 52:40 - What are going to do to become cooler nerds?Social MediaTwitter - @coolestnerdpodIG - @coolestnerdsintheroomEmail - coolestnerdsintheroom@gmail.comSteph on Twitter - @StephandSecMadblkman on Twitter - @MadblkmanResources:Self Love Love LanguageLove Language TestFaceApp ArticleFloat Tank TherapyIntro/Outro produced by @chaisnuclear of the Chicken Social