Develop Yourself

Matt Watson, who scaled VIN Solutions to a $150 million exit, shares his journey from coding to building products that make a real impact in the business world.We talk about:Why most developers fail at launching productsWhat it means to be a product-minded engineerHow AI is exposing weak developersThe importance of sales, customer empathy, and learning in public“Your code isn't the product. Solving real problems is.”“If I have to write requirements down to the detail… I might as well just give it to AI.”Want to develop the product engineer's mindset? Grab Matt's book here : http://productdriven.com/bookMatt's newsletter for product driven engineers: https://newsletter.productdriven.com/Send us a textShameless Plugs

This episode introduces a weekend project that will give you authentic experience working with existing code—a crucial skill that most tutorials and coding platforms simply don't teach. Using Kyle Simpson's YouPeriod GitHub repository, you'll learn to navigate a codebase written by someone else, which is exactly what you'll do in your first development job. This particular project is perfect for beginners because it uses fundamental web technologies (HTML, CSS, and vanilla JavaScript) rather than complex frameworks like React or TypeScript.Here's the Github repo: https://github.com/getify/youperiod.appThis weekend project will teach you more about real development work than weeks of guided exercises. If you're completely new to JavaScript, check out our Dev30 program at dev30.xyz, where you can learn the fundamentals and beyond.Send us a textShameless Plugs

Have you ever wondered what data scientists and engineers actually do all day? Forget what you've seen in movies – it's not all neural networks and fancy algorithms.Ryan Varley, Engineering Fellow at Magnite and experienced data leader, pulls back the curtain on the rapidly evolving world of data science and engineering. The real work often involves what he colorfully describes as "really complex plumbing" – making processes more efficient, reliable, and scalable in ways that directly impact business outcomes.Whether you're considering a career pivot into data, trying to understand how these roles fit within your organization, or simply curious about the mechanics behind today's AI revolution, this episode provides an accessible window into a complex and increasingly crucial field. Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn .Read Ryan's Newsletter for engineering leaders facing the hardest problem in scaling their impact: https://newsletter.ryanvarley.com/Send us a textShameless Plugs

Interviewing is arguably the highest paying skill you can have as a developer.I don't think this is fair but it is reality.I've taken part in well over 100 interviews both as an interviewee and interviewer. I've worked with dozens of developers to ace their interviews and increase their salaries by tens of thousands of dollars.This is not for developers looking to get into Big Tech. This episode is for the 99%.We're going to cover the 4 most common stages of the tech interview from recruiter filtering to technical interview to "tell me about yourself" and finally the offer stage.Here's the unit testing course I mentioned in the episode that you seriously need to check out if you don't know how to write a test: https://github.com/CodeCoachJS/js_pro_unit_testingSend us a textShameless Plugs

These principles don't just create pretty code—they reduce bugs, simplify updates, and prevent real-world problems like the $10,000 mistake I made early in my career.Yeah, that was not a fun one.Check out https://www.dofactory.com/javascript/design-patterns/adapter if you want to learn more patterns.PS - I write unfiltered advice for early career developers here:

In this Office Hours Q&A, I got some pretty interesting questions:Should you lie on your resume to trick the ATS and get more interviews?If you're building websites with tools like Squarespace, does it count as real experience—or are you cheating yourself?Is a master's degree in computer science worth it if you already have some tech skills?I also share thoughts on how to get experience that actually helps you land a dev job and why every learner should have a side project that they control.Whether you're self-taught, in school, or just figuring things out, this one's packed with advice you won't hear in most coding bootcamp brochures.Send us a textShameless Plugs

The software development market didn't die, it's just unrecognizable.Let's go over 8 harsh pieces of advice that will help you as a career changer to make a successful switch into a career as a software developer.PS. If you're a front-end developer looking to expand your skills, grab the Node Express Starter Kit here.Have a question for the Friday Q&A show? Submit it through the form in the show notes, and I'll shout you out or keep you anonymous.Send us a textShameless Plugs

Whatever you do, don't learn to code.The market is over-saturated.AI took your job.There is no hope.But then you meet someone like Jacob, a young dad who was delivering food a year ago and just landed his first dev job without submitting a single application.Is his story typical? No. But then few stories are.At Parsity.io, we've seen CS grads take up to a year to get hired. We've seen people go from zero to hired in 6 months or less.There is no formula. What works for one person might work for you and it might not.Not a great marketing tactic eh? It's just the truth.Jacob shares how he landed a role with ZERO applications and juggling a tight schedule as a new father while learning to build complex software. Send us a textShameless Plugs

Got a question you want answered on the show?Drop it here: Ask Your QuestionOn today's show:"I'm currently a mid-level product manager thinking of switching to software engineering. Is that too ambitious?"“Where do I get good at interview practice? Leetcode seems unrealistic. Is there something more practical?”“Should I go all in on C# or .NET instead? Or maybe get a CS degree from WGU?”“As an early career dev, should I be building side projects with AI tools like Cursor—or is that risky before I know how to code well?”Send us a textShameless Plugs

Learning data structures and algorithms (DSA) isn't JUST a smart interview skill, it will boost your confidence as a software engineer, give you a deeper understanding of computer science fundamentals and they can even be fun once you know how to use them.If you're self teaching or just starting out with code, they can be intimidating.They don't have to be.I break down a pretty comprehensive guide here for learning DSA as well as a video on Binary Search Trees (BST)DSA Study Guide  My popular guide to DSAVideo on Binary Search Trees (Source Code included in the comments)PS. Zubin and I are building stuff for Parsity. What should we build next? Take 15 seconds and tell us here: Quick SurveySend us a textShameless Plugs

Check out this beginner project to use AI with HTML and JS

Have you ever felt like the weakest link on your development team? You're not alone.The moment you land your first developer job, you're likely to face the crushing weight of comparison. Your teammates seem to know everything while your mind fills with doubts about your abilities. Seven years ago, this pressure nearly drove me out of the industry despite earning more money than ever before. The stress was paralyzing - I faced panic attacks each morning and received direct feedback about my inadequate skills.I developed a powerful three-step system that transformed my approach to professional growth that I want to share with you.Shameless Plugs

What do engineering leaders really think about bootcamp grads?Why are so many developers so stressed?Is it even worth learning to code in 2025?Michael Greenspan pulls back the curtain on the realities of engineering leadership, interviewing and the state of the industry, drawing from his extensive experience as both a software engineer and engineering manager before becoming a coach for burnt-out tech professionals."Moving into management is a job change," Michael emphasizes, describing how this transition often comes with minimal guidance and significant imposter syndrome. Both Michael and host Brian share their personal experiences of feeling lost when first stepping into leadership positions.Find Michael at TheCompleteEngineer.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.Shameless Plugs

I spent a few years as an engineering manager, and my buddy Zubin, a former Google engineer, is currently hiring developers at his company. Between the two of us, we've seen the good, the bad, and the totally avoidable when it comes to technical interviews.In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what really happens during interviews. What are hiring managers actually looking for? What are the most common mistakes that cost people the job? And how can you stand out even if you're early in your journey?Interviews are high stakes, high pressure, and if done right, high reward. We cover:Why trust matters more than being perfectHow AI has changed the interview processWhat to do when you don't know the answerHow likability can make or break your chancesThe worst way to prep, and what to do insteadAs always - hope it's helpful!Shameless Plugs

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Send us a textJeremy spoke with a couple mentees at Parsity which led to a conversation where I learned about his unusual (and long) journey into software.If you're a career changer and you're dealing with impostor syndrome or tutorial hell and need some practical advice on breaking into tech, you're going to get a lot out of this episode.Connect with Jeremy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrobinparker/Shameless Plugs

Send us a textWith the rise of AI and Python's dominance, is JavaScript still worth learning?In this episode, I break down why JavaScript remains the best starting language for new developers, how it sets you up for success in web development, and even why it's still relevant for AI. Plus, I introduce a new AI developer course for those looking to leverage AI in real-world projects.Sign up hereShameless Plugs

Send us a textI started off 2025 knowing jack sh*t about LLMs besides how to ask Chat-GPT questions.Since then, I've built a multi-agent app for work, learned some linear algebra to understand how LLMs work at a basic level and started using a new tech stack for working with these LLMS. In this episode, I lay out the technologies you need to learn to keep up with AI as a full stack JavaScript developer and a project to up skill yourself.Resources mentioned:3Blue1Brown's Linear Algebra seriesLLM Engineer's HandbookBuilding a Large Language Model (from scratch)I'll be working with 20 developers in a 30 day style cohort to up-skill with AI.Apply here: https://www.parsity.io/ai-developer

Send us a textCursor is an AI-powered text editor for coders. Let me be honest - if I was a junior developer, I'd feel a little nervous looking at what it's capable of doing.But I'm not. So I'm not.Let's explore why Cursor is an amazing tool that will cause a ton of headaches when used improperly and what you can do as a junior developer to to create a technical moat to be "AI-proof."Shameless Plugs

Send us a textI've been using AWS Q Developer for a few months now but it turns out I've barely scratched the surface.Srini, Director of Generative AI Applications and Developer Experiences at Amazon Web Services, who leads the team behind Q, agreed to be interviewed by me.We discuss:• How AWS Q Developer helps software engineers with coding, testing, and debugging• How Amazon used AI to save 4,500 years of development time• Why AI won't replace developers—but developers using AI will dominate• The future of AI in software development and how beginners can stay ahead

Send us a textYou're learning about JavaScript arrays all wrong.For loops, zero-indexing, blah blah blah.But WHY? What makes arrays so damn important?Let's break down why arrays and objects are the backbone of the internet and a couple common problems that JS beginners should work towards solving.A video on using APIs with JavaScript: https://youtu.be/4naH4qczQCgShameless Plugs

Send us a textDon't worry - this won't become a fitness podcast... or I dunno, maybe it will.Seriously, I know how much exercise has changed my life and directly contributed to my ability to debug code, stay sane during stressful periods and make me feel a bit more confident.Next episode we'll be back to tech focused content but I sincerely hope you find this show useful.Grab Your simple fitness guide 

Send us a textThere are enough stories out there about how to be a 10x developer, whatever the hell that means.I want to share with you the 3 worst developers I ever worked with and what made them so awful.The names have been changed to protect the innocent.Except for the first one…Shameless Plugs

Send us a textHenry Ngo is a tech recruiter who wants to see you win the game of job hunting. We chat about:• The Importance of a compelling hero section in resumes• Utilizing technology and AI in the recruitment process• Tips for effective communication during interviews• Addressing myths about the competition in job applicationsYou can connect with Henry on LinkedInShameless Plugs

Send us a textI might be in the minority on this one but I cannot stand these types of interviews.IF you must participate, you might as well give it your best shot.Let's go over 3 ways I've personally seen mentees at Parsity crush the take home assignment so you can do the same.Here's a short unit testing course that yours for free: Grab it here.

Send us a textI used to roll my eyes when someone talked about "prompt engineering."Then Dr. Toth showed me what's possible in a video where he created facial recognition software in under 9 minutes.Toth is the CEO of an AI Medical Tech company with decades of coding experience. He's a smart cookie.He schooled me on how to use new coding tools like Cursor, writing better prompts and what he sees in the future for software developers.Here's his Cursor file for you to steal: https://github.com/Theta-Tech-AI/llm-public-utils/blob/production/system_prompts/cursor.mdYou can read his articles here: https://substack.com/@thetatechrob or find him on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robtoth/Shameless Plugs

Send us a textLet's cut to the chase.Here's the video for building a side project: Watch on YTGrab the cheat sheet for side projects here.Here's the waitlist for the AI Mentorship Program: Apply hereSee ya!Shameless Plugs

Send us a textCan you believe I never asked Zubin about his interview at Google?I failed the Google interview a couple times (so far) but Zubin crushed it.And he did it without studying hundreds of LeetCode problems, using an approach which no one really talks about.I hope you find this episode useful whether you're trying to nail the big tech interview or get a job at the local startup.Here's the article mentioned in the episode

Send us a textYour most powerful skill as a software developer isn't how many languages you know or what technology you've used.You're real power is in how fast you can learn.Tech changes quick. You got to keep up.I break down a method I've used to learn that you might not like. It's effective as hell.Here are the tools I mention in this episode:Loom.comExcalidraw.comShameless Plugs

Send us a textWant to get hired faster? Start thinking like a salesperson.Developers often struggle with the job search—not because they lack skills, but because they don't know how to sell themselves. Meanwhile, ex-salespeople seem to land jobs faster, even with less experience. What's their secret?In this episode, Jeremy Smith shares how his background in sales gave him an unfair advantage when breaking into tech (without a CS degree or even a high school diploma). From handling rejection like a pro to networking the right way, we break down five key lessons that can help you stop spinning your wheels and finally land a dev job.Why rejection is just part of the process—and how to get over itThe “numbers game” of job hunting (most devs quit too soon)Why networking beats cold applications every timeHow to position yourself as a top candidate—even if you're self-taughtWhy urgency & persistence will get you hired faster than perfect codeYou can connect with Jeremy here:InstagramShameless Plugs

Send us a textA student at Parsity recently bombed a tech interview—and it wasn't just their fault. The hiring process in tech is broken, with endless interview rounds, AI filtering out candidates, and companies that don't even know what they're looking for. In this episode, we break down why tech interviews are so flawed, what really happens behind the scenes, and how you can play the game to win.Shameless Plugs