Chats with Kent C. Dodds

Aaron builds in public—Laravel roots, education, and now Solo, a terminal multiplexer–style desktop app for organizing agents and dev stacks. This episode is a practical tour of product sense for developers: watching people work, reading support email with empathy, cow paths vs. fences, and why the “right” architecture can still lose if humans go home furious. You’ll hear how Aaron reasons from problem → solution when users ask for worktrees, when to duplicate UI affordances even when the model is “one,” and how introverts can still do discovery by treating outreach like an optimization mission—plus niche opportunities outside the Cursor clone gold rush. Homework When someone asks for a solution (e.g. a feature), slow down and ask what problem they’re really trying to solve—users often lead with implementations. Practice user empathy: imagine someone stressed, trying to finish work; question “technically correct” UX that blames the user instead of protecting them (confirmations, back-button data loss, etc.). If talking to people is hard, reframe discovery as a systematic search (spreadsheet energy, trusted partners, or domain friends)—or pair with someone who loves conversations. Resources Aaron D. Francis — X Jobs to Be Done (Clay Christensen) The Design of Everyday Things (Don Norman) Guest: Aaron D. Francis Company: Solo & Laravel education GitHub: @aarondfrancis 𝕏: @aarondfrancis Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds Youtube: Kent C. Dodds Video Watch this episode on YouTube

Dillon's path runs from internal insurance tools to Vercel Domains to Cloudflare's agent and dashboard work-always with the same through-line: care about the user, get real feedback, and invest in primitives so delighters don't collapse under bad foundations. This episode covers metrics and paging as a product habit, learning from customer escalations, scoping small when AI speeds up coding, and building cross-functional relationships (support, sales, finance) as part of engineering judgment. You'll hear practical parallels with episodes on delighters and onboarding tension, plus why reviewing agent-written code still matters for system intuition when things break at 2 a.m. Homework Try hard and care a lot; more practically, focus on foundations and primitives. Put good feedback systems in place so you know what's going on with your product and where it doesn't feel good-alerting and metrics, customer journey signals, or customer interviews. If you have a customer support team, sit with them and watch them triage cases for your product; get to know support-they're sitting on a gold mine of product signal-and empathize with them like you do with users. Kent's shorthand for the mindset Dillon agreed with: make pain painful-if your users are hurting, you should feel it too. Resources Cloudflare - Developers Cloudflare Agents Dillon Mulroy - site Dillon Mulroy - GitHub Guest: Dillon Mulroy Company: Cloudflare GitHub: @dmmulroy X: @dillon_mulroy Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com X: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds Youtube: Kent C. Dodds Video Watch this episode on YouTube

Wayne blends delivery and product leadership—his stories range from a flagship-adjacent launch that nobody used to the everyday discipline of listening to customers without waiting two weeks for a meeting. This episode connects feedback-loop thinking (familiar from CI) to product discovery, yes-and conversations when someone is married to a feature idea, and the difference between hygiene features, performance features, and delighters when teams ship faster than users can absorb. You'll also hear grounded takes on when "move fast" breaks trust, how AI may reshape search-and-listing UIs, and a concrete reading list: The Mom Test and Crossing the Chasm. Homework Talk to people, ask good questions, and listen—Wayne says that's the biggest hack that's worked in his career. Read The Mom Test: ask how people solved this problem in the past instead of whether they like your idea or would use it—you get far more useful insight (Wayne ties this to caring about the problem, not your solution). Resources The Mom Test (Rob Fitzpatrick) Crossing the Chasm (Geoffrey Moore) Thoughtworks Wayne Allan — LinkedIn Guest: Wayne Allan Company: Thoughtworks 𝕏: @xWayfinder Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds Youtube: Kent C. Dodds Video Watch this episode on YouTube

Dax has spent years building tools developers actually use; on OpenCode he's thinking hard about product process while the space moves at breakneck speed. This episode is a practical look at product deterioration (not just code rot), bottom-up adoption for dev tools, and how coding agents change who decides what gets built—without replacing the need for taste, restraint, and clarity about what problem you're solving. You'll hear concrete examples from OpenCode's terminal UI and onboarding, parallels to Kent's Epic Workshop app, and a grounded take on inference pricing, hype, and when "ship messy and fix later" does and doesn't hold up. Homework Convince yourself that getting good at product really matters—Dax says there's a lot in the culture that tries to tell you it doesn't, and you need that commitment because the belief will be challenged. If you don't already believe it, figure out how to make yourself believe it matters (Kent's recap of the guest's action). Resources OpenCode OpenCode docs Dax Raad (site) Kent C. Dodds — blog Guest: Dax Raad Company: OpenCode GitHub: @thdxr X: @thdxr Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com X: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds Youtube: Kent C. Dodds Video Watch this episode on YouTube

Software keeps changing, and a lot of the spotlight is on AI—but the shift Kent cares about is bigger than models and agents. Implementation is increasingly delegated to tools that will keep improving; quality, review, and craft still matter, but the gap that won’t go away is product: understanding users, clarifying problems, and shipping what actually helps. This season is a deliberate tour of product engineering: conversations with people who blend product judgment with technical depth—including PMs and engineers who’ve crossed that line. The goal is the same as it’s always been for Kent’s teaching: give you durable skills. Right now, that means leveling up how you think about product, not just how you type code. Homework Write down one product decision you influenced (or wish you had) in the last month—what would you validate earlier next time? Pick an app you use weekly: what problem is it really solving for you, and where does it feel like the team lost the plot? Subscribe or follow Chats with Kent so you don’t miss the guest episodes in season 7. Resources Chats with Kent on kentcdodds.com Video Watch this on YouTube

Kent says goodbye at the end of another season of the "Chats with Kent" podcast, which featured interviews with speakers for the upcoming Epic Web Comp 2025 conference in Salt Lake City. The host, Kent C. Dodds, expresses excitement about the lineup of speakers and encourages listeners to attend the conference in March 2025. He also mentions that the talks will be available on the EpicWeb.dev platform for those who miss the live event. Meet at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Kent C. Dodds sits down with Jason Lengstorf to discuss his talk at Epic Web Conf, Of Things Epic, where he dives into the principles behind effective decision-making in web development. Rather than focusing on which tools to pick, Kent emphasizes the need for a framework that enables developers to make confident decisions that scale. He draws from his experience with the Epic Stack, highlighting the importance of clear reasoning behind technical choices. Key topics in this conversation include: Why decision paralysis is unnecessary in modern web development. How the Epic Programming Principles provide a solid foundation for making smart tech choices. Why Laravel's opinionated approach has been so successful and what we can learn from it. The importance of structuring your projects so they can evolve without unnecessary rewrites. How in-person conferences create opportunities for career growth and deeper relationships. Kent also shares his excitement about the hallway track at Epic Web Conf, encouraging attendees to come talk to him about real-world experiences with the Epic Stack, scaling web apps, and even personal interests like family life, one-wheeling, and snowboarding. Watch this episode. Meet Kent at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev Host: Jason Lengstorf Website: CodeTV.dev 𝕏: @jlengstorf GitHub: @jlengstorf YouTube: CodeTV

Andre Landgraf joins Kent to discuss his talk at Epic Web Conf, Epic Image Optimization. In this conversation, they explore the challenges and trade-offs of optimizing images for the web, particularly when handling large numbers of event photos or user-generated content. Andre shares how building his own image optimization pipeline gave him a deeper understanding of the process, allowing him to make more informed decisions when choosing external services. Kent and Andre also discuss: The evolution of All Things Web, a meetup Andre organizes in the Bay Area. The importance of community in web development and how in-person meetups have shaped his career. His experience working with Ember at LinkedIn and his upcoming career shift. Why diving deep into a problem—like image optimization—makes you a better engineer. How Epic Web Conf has become a must-attend event for those passionate about web technologies. Andre brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the conversation, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to level up their approach to image handling in modern web applications. Watch this episode. Meet Andre at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Andre Landgraf Website: andrelandgraf.dev 𝕏: @andrelandgraf94 GitHub: @andrelandgraf Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

In this conversation, Jason Lengstorf, creator of CodeTV and the Web Dev Challenge, joins Kent to discuss: His background in engineering, developer relations, and open-source at companies like IBM, Gatsby, and Netlify. The Web Dev Challenge, a fast-paced, team-based competition that brings developers together to solve unique coding challenges in just four hours. The free Epic Web Conf hackathon happening the day before the conference, where attendees can join the challenge, build something cool, and showcase their work. His philosophy on career growth, taking calculated risks, and building a career you truly enjoy. Why in-person conferences are critical for networking and how making friends, rather than “networking,” can be the key to long-term success. Jason shares why he prioritizes being in physical spaces with other developers, how meaningful relationships have shaped his career, and why he believes success comes from showing up, trying hard, and having the courage to take chances. Watch this episode. Meet Jason at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Jason Lengstorf 𝕏: @jlengstorf GitHub: @jlengstorf BlueSky: jason.energy Website: codetv.dev Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

In this conversation, Ryan Florence, co-creator of Remix and React Router, joins Kent to talk about the evolving landscape of web development. He shares insights on: The motivation behind moving core Remix features into React Router. The rising importance of AI-driven development and how it affects frameworks. Betting on the web platform as a long-term strategy for performance, portability, and future-proofing applications. How Remix is being reimagined with a focus on web-native capabilities. The role of conferences in building meaningful career relationships. Ryan also shares his personal reflections on balancing career, family, and the desire to step back from the spotlight. Whether you're a Remix user, a React developer, or just curious about where the web is heading, this discussion offers a fascinating look at the future of frameworks and the web. Watch this episode. Meet Ryan at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Ryan Florence 𝕏: @ryanflorence GitHub: @ryanflorence Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Annie Sexton joins Kent to talk about her upcoming talk at Epic Web Conf, JavaScript: The Origin Story. In this discussion, she shares her love for history and why documenting the evolution of programming languages is so important. They dive into: The rushed creation of JavaScript and how it shaped the language. Competing languages of the era and how JavaScript won out. The unexpected ways JavaScript evolved into a web powerhouse. Why software history often gets overlooked and why it matters today. How understanding the past helps developers write better code for the future. Annie’s talk will be a must-watch for developers who want to gain a deeper appreciation of JavaScript and its unique journey. Expect to walk away with a richer perspective on the language that powers the modern web. Watch this episode. Meet Annie at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Annie Sexton 𝕏: @anniebabannie Website: anniesexton.com Bluesky: anniesexton.com Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Zackary Jackson joins Kent to discuss his upcoming talk at Epic Web Conf, Epic Federation: Scaling Web Infrastructure. As an expert in large-scale web architecture, Zack has helped build critical tools like Module Federation and RSPack, both of which power ByteDance’s global infrastructure. In this conversation, Kent and Zack cover: The challenges of managing thousands of developers and repos across multiple teams. Why ByteDance chose to build its own bundler in Rust instead of adopting an existing solution. The impact of slow build times on product velocity and how tooling improvements significantly reduce development friction. The role of Module Federation in solving organizational scale problems, allowing teams to ship independently. How AI-powered tools are shaping the next generation of developer workflows. Zack also shares his thoughts on why meeting open-source maintainers and industry leaders in person can unlock collaboration opportunities that aren’t as easily accessible online. Watch this episode. Meet Zackary at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Zackary Jackson 𝕏: @ScriptedAlchemy GitHub: @ScriptedAlchemy Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Aaron Francis joins Kent to discuss his talk at Epic Web Conf, Epic Bets: Practical Tips for Betting on Yourself. In this conversation, Aaron reflects on his non-traditional path into tech, his experience being laid off, and how he prepared himself to be resilient in the face of career uncertainty. He shares insights on why developers should focus on skill stacking, personal branding, and long-term sustainability in their careers rather than chasing trends. Kent and Aaron also explore: How to future-proof your career without falling into the trap of chasing hype. Why writing and sharing your knowledge can open unexpected doors. The importance of building a professional network before you need it. How to balance ambition with family life and personal values. Why giving your absolute best—both professionally and personally—is always worth it. Aaron’s perspective is both practical and inspiring, offering a roadmap for developers who want to take control of their future without sacrificing what truly matters. Watch this episode. Meet Aaron at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Aaron Francis 𝕏: @aarondfrancis GitHub: @aarondfrancis Website: aaronfrancis.com Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Fran Zekan, an engineer from Croatia with experience in hardware, robotics, and web development, joins Kent to discuss his talk, Shipping Reusable Full-Stack Components. Fran explains how React Server Components (RSCs) allow developers to build truly self-contained, reusable full-stack features—something that has long been a staple in the Rails ecosystem with Rails Engines. In this conversation, Fran and Kent discuss: How RSCs simplify full-stack development by eliminating the need for multiple setup steps. Comparisons between RSCs and Rails Engines, and how they bring backend-like encapsulation to React. Real-world examples, including a Stripe Checkout component that can be dropped into any app. The evolution of scaling strategies across different web frameworks, from serverless to Astro’s CDN-first approach. The future of modular, scalable web apps and the potential for Rails-to-React migration. Fran also shares why he prioritizes in-person conferences, the value of deep technical discussions, and why he believes the Epic Web Conf community is a perfect space for these conversations. Watch this episode. Meet Fran at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Fran Zekan 𝕏: @Zeko369 GitHub: @Zeko369 Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Josh Cirre, a developer advocate and content creator, joins Kent to discuss his talk at Epic Web Conf: "Learning-Driven Development." Josh shares his philosophy on learning by doing—where the best way to master new technologies is by applying them to real-world projects rather than passively consuming tutorials. Josh and Kent discuss: The importance of curiosity in learning and how small observations can spark deeper exploration. Why focusing on what you want to build rather than what you want to learn leads to better retention. The challenges of transitioning from acting and comedy to tech, and how performance skills translate into developer advocacy. The power of in-person conferences in forging deeper relationships and improving professional growth. Josh also shares his love for Svelte, cameras, music, and Broadway musicals—so be sure to find him at Epic Web Conf to geek out on any of those topics! Watch this episode. Meet Josh at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Josh Cirre 𝕏: @joshcirre YouTube: Josh Cirre Website: joshcirre.com Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

In this episode, Kent is joined by Kira Corbett, an AI-focused developer educator with deep experience in robotics, simulation, and human-computer interaction. Kira discusses her background in building real-world systems and how her transition to web development has shaped her approach to optimizing user experiences. Her talk at Epic WebConf, "Building an AI Assistant to Deliver Your Best Presentations," explores how AI can enhance communication skills, streamline productivity, and create better engagement in various fields—not just software engineering. Without spoiling too much, Kira hints at an interactive experience that will challenge the audience’s expectations about AI-powered tools. They also discuss the benefits of conferences, from gaining fresh insights to making meaningful professional and personal connections. As an avid mountain biker and skier, Kira is also excited to hit the slopes at the unofficial Epic WebConf ski day. Watch this episode. Meet Kira at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Kira Corbett 𝕏: @TheRealKiraAI Website: kiracorbett.com GitHub: @TheRealKiraAI Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Taylor Desseyn, VP of Global Development at Torque.dev and host of the Guidance Counselor 2.0 podcast, joins Kent to discuss his role as an emcee at Epic WebConf and the importance of networking in tech. Taylor shares insights on how developers can maximize their time at conferences, from preparing in advance to actively building meaningful connections. Taylor emphasizes the value of in-person events, explaining how they provide an opportunity to deepen online relationships, connect with industry leaders, and open doors to new career opportunities. He also shares practical career advice, including how to effectively network, follow up after events, and leverage platforms like LinkedIn to build professional relationships. Kent and Taylor also discuss the role of an emcee in setting the tone for a conference, the importance of humor and energy in engaging an audience, and Taylor’s excitement to bring his hosting experience to Salt Lake City for Epic WebConf. Watch this episode. Meet Taylor at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Taylor Desseyn LinkedIn: Taylor Desseyn 𝕏: @tdesseyn Bluesky: @tdesseyn Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Mark Techson, a developer advocate at Google working on Angular, joins Kent to discuss the intersection of AI and developer productivity. His Epic WebConf talk, "Beyond Code Assist: Driving Impact as a Next-Gen Developer," explores how developers can go beyond using AI for simple code assistance and instead integrate AI into their workflows to accomplish more. Mark emphasizes that the world of software development is evolving, and AI tools are becoming integral to the way we work. He shares insights on how developers can position themselves to thrive, avoid stagnation, and embrace the opportunities AI provides. Kent and Mark also discuss the importance of standing out in an increasingly automated world, the power of adding a personal touch (like Mark’s unique video talk proposal), and why in-person conferences like Epic WebConf provide irreplaceable professional connections. Watch this episode. Meet Mark at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Mark Techson 𝕏: @marktechson YouTube: Mark Techson Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Shruti Kapoor, a frontend engineer at Slack and an Epic Web instructor, joins Kent to dive into the intricacies of accessibility in web development. With over a decade of experience, Shruti has dedicated herself to educating developers on building accessible and inclusive applications. Her Epic WebConf talk, "Building Accessible Web Apps," will focus on real-world accessibility challenges, showcasing a live demo where she transforms a web app to improve usability for all users. She emphasizes how accessibility is more than just ARIA labels—it requires a thoughtful UX approach, including proper focus management, screen reader behavior, and inclusive interaction patterns. Kent and Shruti also discuss her experience traveling globally for conferences, how different regions approach web development, and why she prioritizes in-person events like Epic WebConf. They wrap up by exploring imposter syndrome, mentorship, and how developers can take their first steps into public speaking. Watch this episode. Meet Shruti at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Shruti Kapoor 𝕏: @shrutikapoor08 YouTube: Shruti Kapoor Website: shrutikapoor.dev Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Eva Ferreira, a frontend engineer, educator, and design systems expert, shares insights into what makes or breaks a design system. As a tech lead at Mable and a long-time web development instructor, Eva brings years of experience building UI components, optimizing accessibility, and implementing robust frontend architectures. Her talk at Epic WebConf, "Bulletproof Design Systems," dives into the biggest challenges teams face when adopting a design system. She covers topics like onboarding new users, proving the system’s value with measurable success metrics, and avoiding the trap of a single maintainer. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to make their design systems more sustainable and widely adopted. Kent and Eva also discuss the importance of sharing failures as well as successes in tech, the struggle of maintaining focus while learning online, and why in-person conferences provide an unmatched experience for both education and networking. Watch this episode. Meet Eva at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Eva Ferreira 𝕏: @evaferreira92 LinkedIn: Maria Evangelina Ferreira Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Eve Porcello, an experienced educator and speaker, shares her insights on AI-powered presentation tools and communication skills for developers. With years of experience teaching JavaScript, React, and GraphQL, Eve now focuses on how AI can assist in learning, teaching, and public speaking. Her Epic WebConf talk, co-presented with Kira Corbett, explores the development of an AI assistant to enhance presentation delivery. They’ll showcase AI-powered tools like ml5 for voice recognition and interactive elements that can make presentations more engaging and accessible. Kent and Eve also discuss the evolving role of AI in web development, the importance of strong communication skills for engineers, and why in-person conferences provide an unmatched experience. Plus, they talk about skiing in Utah and the unofficial ski day after Epic WebConf! Watch this episode. Meet Eve at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Eve Porcello 𝕏: @eveporcello Website: moonhighway.com GitHub: @eveporcello Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Jared Forsyth, a front-end infrastructure engineer at Khan Academy, shares insights into type inference and programming language design. With nearly a decade of experience working with React and React Native, Jared has a deep appreciation for tooling and developer experience. His Epic WebConf talk, "Hindley and Milner Walk Into a Bar," will break down type inference algorithms and how they improve developer ergonomics by reducing the need for excessive type annotations. Jared and Kent discuss the practical benefits of understanding language internals, including how it can improve debugging, enhance problem-solving skills, and make learning new languages easier. They also talk about Jared’s passion for local-first web development, functional programming, and how in-person conferences help build lasting relationships. Watch this episode. Meet Jared at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Jared Forsyth 𝕏: @jaredforsyth Bluesky: @jaredforsyth.com Website: jaredforsyth.com Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Madison Kanna, a full-stack developer and community builder, shares her insights on the importance of learning out loud and building an authentic personal brand. In her Epic WebConf talk, “Why You Should Learn Out Loud in 2025,” Madison emphasizes the growing need to differentiate yourself in an AI-driven world by sharing your work and building genuine connections. She discusses her experiences as a full-stack developer using TypeScript and Python, as well as her journey running coding communities and fostering accountability. Madison highlights how meeting people at conferences has transformed her online relationships into real friendships and career opportunities. Watch this episode. Meet Madison at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Madison Kanna 𝕏: @Madisonkanna Substack: madisonkanna.substack.com Website: learn0utloud.com Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Leah Thompson, known online as LeahTCodes, shares her experience as a career switcher and how live streaming on Twitch became a vital part of her career journey. Leah explains how streaming not only helped her connect with others in tech but also directly led to job opportunities. Her talk at Epic WebConf will explore the unique value of Twitch for building professional relationships and standing out in the tech industry. Leah also touches on her love of math, her background as a high school teacher, and her passion for helping others break into tech. Whether you're looking for ways to build a network, share your learning journey, or feel more connected in a remote-first world, Leah's insights offer actionable steps to use Twitch as a tool for growth and connection. Watch this episode. Meet Leah at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Leah Thompson 𝕏: @LeahTCodes Website: leahtcodes.com Twitch: LeahTCodes Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Dax Raad, known for his work on SST and the creator of OpenAuth, shares his passion for improving the developer experience with authentication and infrastructure. OpenAuth offers developers an alternative to AWS Cognito, enabling self-owned, spec-compliant OAuth systems that are easy to deploy and maintain. In this episode, Dax talks about: The problems with AWS Cognito and the motivation behind OpenAuth. The simplicity and power of constrained environments like terminal UIs. The value of focusing on infrastructure and developer control over essential services. Dax also touches on his upcoming talk at Epic WebConf and shares his excitement about meeting other developers in person. Watch this episode. Meet Dax at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Dax Raad 𝕏: @thdxr Website: thdxr.com GitHub: thdxr Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Brooks Lybrand, Developer Relations Manager for Remix at Shopify, joins Kent to explore the impact of React 19 on React Router and modern web development. In his talk "What React 19 Means for React Router," Brooks will highlight React 19's integration with server components, web component support, and simplified APIs for meta tags, links, and more. These updates promise to enhance developer experience and streamline app-building processes. Brooks shares his insights on the evolution of Remix, Shopify's stewardship of the project, and the shift towards unifying React paradigms for better portability. He also discusses his passion for building communities, user feedback, and the importance of in-person connections for professional growth. Watch this episode. Meet Brooks at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Brooks Lybrand 𝕏: @BrooksLybrand GitHub: @brookslybrand YouTube: Brooks Lybrand Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Alex Anderson, a local Salt Lake City developer and creator of the spaceship simulation game Thorium Nova, shares his passion for pushing the limits of web technologies. Alex previews his Epic WebConf talk, "The Weird Web," which showcases creative uses of web APIs such as the GamePad API, Web Serial API, and Web Audio API. These tools allow developers to build interactive, user-friendly, and immersive experiences. Alex explains how these APIs can be leveraged in both creative and practical ways, from video games to more accessible web applications. He also highlights the value of in-person conferences, emphasizing the connections and inspiration gained from engaging with the developer community. Watch this episode. Meet Alex at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Alex Anderson 𝕏: @ralex1993 Website: thoriumsim.com GitHub: @alexanderson1993 Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Devon Neill, a software developer and solopreneur from Cape Town, South Africa, shares his experience navigating solopreneurship, including learning the ropes of marketing, user engagement, and copywriting. Devon highlights the importance of streamlining development workflows with AI tools and introduces his Epic WebConf talk. His talk explores diving into the AI hype, comparing various tools, and integrating them with the Epic Stack to take ideas from concept to production in just 20 minutes. Devon and Kent also discuss the benefits of attending in-person conferences, from building meaningful connections to feeling part of the tech community. Devon shares how attending Epic WebConf and similar events has inspired his career and provided invaluable opportunities. Watch this episode. Meet Devon at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Devon Neill 𝕏: @devneill Website: devneill.com GitHub: @devneill Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Joel Hooks, a seasoned software developer and co-organizer of Epic WebConf, delves into his experience building personalized AI workflows. Joel introduces his talk on constructing a “hoard of AI minions” to enhance productivity and automation, using his app JoelFit.app as a case study. The app integrates AI routers and workflows for managing health and fitness goals, demonstrating how developers can adopt similar approaches for professional and personal projects. Joel emphasizes the importance of attending in-person events like Epic WebConf to foster meaningful human connections and exchange ideas. As a veteran of conferences, he shares how relationships built at these events have significantly impacted his career, providing inspiration, professional opportunities, and friendships. Watch this episode. Meet Joel at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Joel Hooks Website: joelhooks.com 𝕏: @jhooks GitHub: @joelhooks Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Bree Hall, a frontend software engineer and developer advocate at HubSpot, emphasizes the role of creativity in coding and professional growth. Bree discusses how personal projects like CSS art, including her recreation of a Nintendo Switch, help her stay inspired and improve her technical skills. She and Kent reflect on the unique value of in-person conferences for building professional and personal relationships, highlighting Epic WebConf as a hub for inspiration and community. As one of the emcees for Epic WebConf 2025, Bree looks forward to connecting with attendees and hearing from an incredible lineup of speakers. Bree also shares her passion for video games, board games, and connecting with women in tech. Whether the conversations center on technical topics, career growth, or shared hobbies, Bree invites everyone to reach out at the conference. Watch this episode. Meet Bree at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Bree Hall 𝕏: @bytesofbree Website: bytesofbree.com YouTube: Bytes of Bree Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Kent introduces a new season of the "Chats with Kent" podcast, which will feature interviews with speakers for the upcoming Epic Web Comp 2025 conference in Salt Lake City. The host, Kent C. Dodds, expresses excitement about the lineup of speakers and encourages listeners to attend the conference in March 2025. He also mentions that the talks will be available on the EpicWeb.dev platform for those who miss the live event. Meet at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com 𝕏: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

In this final episode of season five, Kent C. Dodds recaps the enriching conversations with the speakers of Epic WebConf 2024, expressing gratitude and excitement for the upcoming event in April. He encourages listeners, whether planning to attend the conference or not, to revisit the season's episodes for timeless web development advice. While season six remains unplanned, Kent thanks his audience for their continued support and hints at future engagements, urging them to stay tuned.Meet Kent at Epic Web Conf.Guest: Kent C. DoddsWebsite: kentcdodds.comTwitter: @kentcdoddsGitHub: @kentcdoddsHost: Kent C. DoddsWebsite: kentcdodds.comTwitter: @kentcdoddsGitHub: @kentcdoddsYouTube: Kent C. DoddsEpic Web: epicweb.dev

In this episode, Kent C. Dodds interviews Dan Farrelly, the CTO and co-founder of Jest, about his journey from front-end engineer to CTO, the challenges of scaling a tech company, and the importance of staying small to maintain agility and innovation. Farrelly shares insights into the evolving challenges of a tech team, from infrastructure to front-end development, and emphasizes the value of a generalist approach in a small, dynamic team. The conversation also delves into Farrelly's upcoming conference talk on improving long-standing APIs and his enthusiasm for learning from and contributing to the developer community. Watch this episode. Meet Dan at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Dan Farrelly Twitter: @djfarrelly GitHub: @djfarrelly Website: danfarrelly.com Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com Twitter: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

In this podcast, Zeno Rocha, open-source advocate and founder of Resend, joins host Kent to discuss the dynamic world of web development and the shift towards SDK-first strategies. They reflect on the evolution of developer tools and the significance of user experience in product development. Rocha and Kent stress the necessity of high standards to stand out in web development, and they also touch upon the value of developer conferences for fostering relationships and collaborations. They look forward to engaging with peers at an upcoming event in Park City, Utah, and consider potential topics like the tech industry comparison between Brazil and the US, initiating open-source projects, and strategies for growing a user-base. Watch this episode. Meet Zeno at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Zeno Rocha Twitter: @zenorocha GitHub: @zenorocha Website: zenorocha.com Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com Twitter: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

In the podcast, Simon, an advocate for Tailwind CSS, shares his insights on its impact on web development and design. Tailwind CSS serves as a facilitator between design and development teams, streamlining collaborations and enabling quick translation of design concepts into code. He highlights how it enhances learning, boosts efficiency, and, despite some tradeoffs, provides significant workflow benefits by integrating design tool shortcuts. Simon also teases an upcoming conference where the potential of Tailwind CSS will be further explored. Watch this episode. Meet Simon at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Simon Vrachliotis Twitter: @simonswiss GitHub: @simonswiss Website: simonswiss.com Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com Twitter: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

In this episode, host Kent and Madison Kanna, the upcoming MC for Epic WebConf, discuss the benefits of attending conferences like Epic WebConf beyond just the informational content. They delve into how conferences can be a goldmine for networking, transforming online contacts into real-world connections. Madison explains her path and how initiatives such as her Sunday book club can cultivate community and continuous learning. Kent offers advice to introverts on navigating networking at these events, and together, they highlight their excitement for the Epic WebConf, underscoring the professional and personal growth opportunities it promises, further amplified by Madison's promotional efforts for the conference. Watch this episode. Meet at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Madison Kanna Twitter: @MadisonKanna YouTube: @MadisonKanna GitHub: @MadisonKanna Website: madisonkanna.com Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com Twitter: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

In this episode, Tyler Benfield, a staff software engineer at Prisma, joins Kent to explore the world of databases and their critical role in full-stack development. Tyler shares insights from his journey from front-end development to mastering database performance and optimization, while also touching on the trend of front-end developers upskilling to become full-stack, leveraging languages like JavaScript and TypeScript. The conversation concludes with a preview of Tyler's session at the upcoming Epic Web Conference where he will cover topics such as SQLite, varying database types, performance tuning, and share personal anecdotes, offering an engaging learning opportunity for web developers. Watch this episode. Meet Tyler at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Tyler Benfield Twitter: @rtbenfield GitHub: @rtbenfield Website: tylerbenfield.me Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com Twitter: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

In the podcast episode featuring Sunil Pai, a former member of the React.js core team and developer at Cloudflare, the focus is on PartyKit, his new project set to transform real-time application development. PartyKit introduces features like real-time updates and server-rendering, aimed at facilitating the creation of dynamic, chat-GPT-like AI experiences. Sunil intends to showcase real-time apps and PartyKit at Epic WebConf, emphasizing the event's value in fostering networking and the exchange of industry insights for enhancing user experiences. Watch this episode. Meet Sunil at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Sunil Pai Twitter: @threepointone GitHub: @threepointone Website: sunilpai.dev Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com Twitter: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

In a conversation with Kent, Una, an expert in UI and a presenter at the upcoming EpicWebConf, delves into the dynamic world of modern web development. She underscores the importance of keeping up with the advances in UI capabilities and CSS, the shift towards more declarative techniques, and the necessity of adapting to new web standards. Una champions the vital role of community input in shaping web development and looks forward to the invaluable exchanges that come from in-person interactions, especially as the industry anticipates returning to face-to-face events post-pandemic. Her discussion calls on developers to remain adaptive, engage actively with their peers, and embrace the continual evolution of the web. Watch this episode. Meet Una at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Una Kravets Twitter: @Una GitHub: @una Website: una.im Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com Twitter: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

In the latest podcast, Glauber Costa, CEO of Turso and an ex-Red Hat contributor, speaks with Kent about the often overlooked yet robust SQLite database technology. Sharing their personal experiences with SQLite, they discuss its functionality, suitability in production, and the importance of version control in document evolution. Costa encourages developers to recognize SQLite's potential and looks forward to learning more about real-world challenges at the upcoming web development conference, promising insights into effectively utilizing databases in technology projects. Watch this episode. Meet Glauber at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Glauber Costa Twitter: @glcst GitHub: @glommer Website: turso.tech Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com Twitter: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

In the podcast hosted by Kent C. Dodds, Michael Chan, celebrated as Chantastic, shares his insights on the evolution of web development and the critical role of design systems. He discusses how design systems should evolve with product development, the importance of documentation, and the dynamic nature of design systems contrary to the belief that they are static. Michael advocates for the empowering aspect of creating personal software and looks forward to the future where emerging tools will not only prevent breaks but also enhance development workflows. The conversation ends with a positive outlook on the web’s future and the excitement for the Epic WebConf, seen as a springboard for new ideas and community engagement. Watch this episode. Meet Michael at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Michael Chan Twitter: @chantastic GitHub: @chantastic Website: chan.dev Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com Twitter: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

In a conversation with Kent, Ryan Florence, co-creator of Remix and React Router, discusses how web development and user experience intersect, and the impact of personal interaction at events like the upcoming Epic WebConf. He updates listeners on the Remix singles project, which integrates extensive open-source work with his business ventures, and tackles the complexities developers face when merging existing React applications with new frameworks. Ryan also addresses the double-edged nature of bundlers in web development, providing performance benefits while obscuring the underlying API. The episode concludes with a call for web applications to prioritize reliability, speed, and intentional design, as Ryan emphasizes the consequences of misleading UX design, highlighting the overarching goal of enhanced user experiences in the web development sphere. Watch this episode. Meet Ryan at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Ryan Florence Twitter: @ryanflorence GitHub: @ryanflorence Website: ryanflorence.com Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com Twitter: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev

In a thought-provoking dialogue, Front-end Engineer Sandrina Pereira explores the importance of web accessibility and how remote work is shaping the future of the tech industry. She discusses her role in crafting server-side validations for forms and her company's initiative to formalize a web accessibility statement, underscoring Remote.com's commitment to standards and improvement. Pereira also teases her upcoming presentation at Epic WebConf, aiming to demystify web accessibility with real-world examples and advocate for the consideration of diverse user abilities. Additionally, she reflects on the positive impact of remote work on inclusive hiring practices and the democratization of the tech field, as well as the significance of personal interactions at tech conferences. Watch this episode. Meet Sandrina at Epic Web Conf. Guest: Sandrina Pereira Twitter: @a_sandrina_p GitHub: @sandrina-p Website: sandrina-p.net Host: Kent C. Dodds Website: kentcdodds.com Twitter: @kentcdodds GitHub: @kentcdodds YouTube: Kent C. Dodds Epic Web: epicweb.dev