General Musings with Kevin Powell

Get your tickets (with a nice discount) for Smashing Conf Amsterdam: https://ti.to/smashingmagazine/smashingconf-amsterdam-2026/discount/wehopeyoullbejoiningusThe Cassidy Williams video I mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5VzL256te4In this episode, I talk about my upcoming content strategy, which includes experimenting with more shorts, balancing long-form and short-form content, sharing CSS tips, and remixing interview content. I also talk about the challenges of content planning and scheduling, emphasizing my preference for simple tools like pen-and-paper calendars over an excess of apps, and cautioning against tool sprawl and maintenance.My primary YouTube channel where I teach frontend development, with a strong focus on CSS: https://youtube.com/@kevinpowell✉ The written version of my newsletter: https://www.kevinpowell.co/newsletter💬 Come hang out with other dev's in my Discord Community: https://discord.gg/nTYCvrKHelp support my channel👨‍🎓 Get a course: https://www.kevinpowell.co/courses👕 Buy a shirt: https://teespring.com/stores/making-the-internet-awesome💖 Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kevinpowell

In this episode, I talk about some of the new stuff happening with CSS and how it's starting to do things we used to rely on JavaScript for. I dive into how some people think this is CSS overstepping its bounds, but I see it in a bit of a different light.The codepen by Temani: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-3tPDZCk2ox64 emulator with CSS by Rebane: https://lyra.horse/x86css/The original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-3tPDZCk2o

The video I was watching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZUp5nY7BWUCSS Demystified: https://thecascade.dev/courses/css-demystified/

Interop 2026: https://wpt.fyi/interop-2026The webkit article I mentioned: https://webkit.org/blog/17818/announcing-interop-2026/In this episode I talk about the announcement of Interop 2026.

Check out The Cascade: https://thecascade.dev/More info on Smashing Conf Amsterdam: https://smashingconf.com/amsterdam-2026 Get your ticket for Smashing conf (includes discount): https://ti.to/smashingmagazine/smashi...My primary YouTube channel where I teach frontend development, with a strong focus on CSS: https://youtube.com/@kevinpowell✉ The written version of my newsletter: https://www.kevinpowell.co/newsletter💬 Come hang out with other dev's in my Discord Community: https://discord.gg/nTYCvrKHelp support my channel👨‍🎓 Get a course: https://www.kevinpowell.co/courses👕 Buy a shirt: https://teespring.com/stores/making-t...💖 Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kevinpowell

Get updates on CSS Demystified here.Bramus' post: Using 100vw is now scrollbar-aware (in Chrome 145+, under the right conditions)Sorry for the click-baity title, but it is true! 😅Chrome has just changed how 100vw works, though it’s very unlikely to affect any of your old projects, if you “opt-in” to it, so to speak, it will now take into account the scrollbar.I’m of two minds of this… it’s nice that it’ll work as intended, but hopefully it doesn’t lead to people overusing 100vw either. Overall, I do think it’s a good change though, since it actually makes 100vw useable now.

This week I talk about the transition from enjoying coding for fun to facing the challenges and grind of doing it as a job. It's hard to find that balance between finding meaning in your job, and how you can loose your passion when it turns into a career.

In this episode I share some insights from a recent workshop with Smashing, discussing the adoption and support of CSS features like 'has', 'subgrid', and 'container queries', and how I was surprised by the awareness and usage of some features.Container Queries TalkCSS Wrapped 2025

In this episode I dive into the world of modern CSS. I start with a bit on the masonry to grid lanes change, discuss the new range syntax for style queries, and share my thoughts on the evolving landscape of CSS.🔗 LinksMy video about the switch to display: grid-lanes: https://youtu.be/yikbSQ6tvlEThe article on the range syntax coming to container queries and if(): https://css-tricks.com/the-range-syntax-has-come-to-container-style-queries-and-if/Chris’ blog post on random(): https://frontendmasters.com/blog/more-css-random-learning-through-experiments/

In this episode I dive into why I think it’s best to simplify Grid as much as possible, but how that can be a bit at odds with some of the ways I use it, as well as the inherit complexities that subgrid adds to the mix.🔗 LinksThe New CSS Toolkit: https://smashingconf.com/online-workshops/workshops/css-toolkit-kevin-powell/The named grid lines to replace containers/wrappers: https://youtu.be/c13gpBrnGEwCSS Demystified: https://cssdemystified.com/Stripe’s developer site: https://stripe.dev/

In this episode, I reflect on the journey of learning and progress, drawing parallels between my experiences in bouldering, chess, and front-end development. My Discord Community: https://css.community The New CSS Toolkit Workshop: https://smashingconf.com/online-workshops/workshops/css-toolkit-kevin-powell/

In this episode, I sit down with Adam Argyle to discuss the ups and downs of navigating the modern job market. From the challenges of getting noticed to the creative ways Adam has showcased his skills, we delve into the realities of job hunting today. Adam’s resume His Sizzle Rizzle that helped him get noticedFollow Adam: Nerdy.dev Bluesky Mastodon GitHub

In this episode I chat with Henri Helvetica, a performance engineer and active member of the web community. We dive into the significance of conferences and meetups, and how COVID-19 has affected in-person events. Henri offers insights on event organizing, the need for new in-person experiences, and what makes a good event. We also explore the value of community and networking, and how to find events and meetups in today's landscape.Give Henri a follow! - Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/henrihelvetica.bsky.social - Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/henri-helvetica - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/henrihelvetica - X: https://x.com/henrihelvetica

✅ Follow Sara: https://front-end.social/@sarajw | https://bsky.app/profile/sjoy.lol✅ Sara's site: https://sarajoy.dev/✅ Whimsica11y: https://whimsica11y.net/✅ Sara’s CSS Joy web ring: https://cs.sjoy.lol/✅ NeoCities: https://neocities.org/✅ Yesterweb: https://yesterweb.org/✅ Mellonland: https://forum.melonland.net/✅ 32-bit Cafe: https://32bit.cafe/In this episode, I sit down with Sara Joy to explore her passion for CSS and the critical role of accessibility in web development. We dive into her journey from a hobbyist to a professional, discussing the latest CSS trends and the challenges of making the web accessible for everyone. Join us for an insightful conversation that blends creativity with functionality!

✅ The Admin Bar: https://theadminbar.com/In this episode, I sit down with Kyle of The Admin Bar to talk about the evolution of WordPress. We dive into how WordPress has maintained its staying power over the years, and Kyle shares insights on the challenges and opportunities within the WordPress ecosystem, including the impact of page builders. We also touch on the importance of community and collaboration.

Roma's article: https://blog.kizu.dev/dashed-idents-for-everything/

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Sara Soueidan, a renowned expert in web accessibility. Our conversation was a deep dive into the nuances of making the web more inclusive and accessible for everyone.Follow Sara: Her course, Practical Accessibility: https://practical-accessibility.today/ Her newsletter: https://www.sarasoueidan.com/newsletter/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sarasoueidan.com Mastodon: https://front-end.social/@SaraSoueidan Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarasoueidan/ X: https://x.com/SaraSoueidanThings we mentioned during our conversations: Making the web sweeter with Food Network and Cupcakes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2l56RmQAQE Blockquotes in screen readers https://adrianroselli.com/2023/07/blockquotes-in-screen-readers.html The Blockquote element https://heydonworks.com/article/the-blockquote-element/ The HTML Living Standard https://html.spec.whatwg.org/multipage/grouping-content.html WCAG Quick Reference (contains links to Understanding and Techniques docs) https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/quickref/ HTML AAM https://www.w3.org/TR/html-aam-1.0/ ARIA 1.3 https://www.w3.org/TR/wai-aria-1.3/ My course :D https://practical-accessibility.today My newsletter https://sarasoueidan.com/newsletter/

Starting with a dive into an article about the light-dark() function and theming in CSS, I ramble my way through topics of browser support of new features, browsers fixing issues with existing features, and some talk about the spec and how we can all help out in improving the current state of things.✅ Should the CSS light-dark() function support more than light and dark values: https://css-tricks.com/should-the-css-light-dark-function-support-more-than-light-and-dark-values/✅ The game I mentioned: https://css-questions.com✅ Frontend Masters workshop: https://frontendmasters.com/teachers/kevin-powell/?utm_source=powell&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=pro-css&code=powell (affiliate link) ✅ The New CSS Toolkit - Online workshop with Smashing Conference: https://smashingconf.com/online-workshops/workshops/css-toolkit-kevin-powell/✅ Smashing Conf Amsterdam (and in person workshop): https://smashingconf.com/amsterdam-2026✅ Interop Proposers Guide: https://github.com/web-platform-tests/interop/blob/main/proposal_guide.md

This one has nothing to do with front-end! Rather, I ramble a lot about how I might be doing too much, and spend quite a bit of time talking about what I wanted to do, and what I might be doing with my HTML & CSS Tip of the Week.🔗 Links✅ HTML & CSS Tip of the Week: https://html-css-tip-of-the-week.netlify.app/✅ DevTools for Beginners: https://devtoolsforbeginners.kevinpowell.co/✅ CSS Demystified: https://cssdemystified.com/

Why is CSS so weird? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHUtMbJw8iA HTML & CSS Tip of the Week: https://html-css-tip-of-the-week.netlify.app/ The Ben Schwarz post on Bluesky I mentioned: https://bsky.app/profile/benschwarz.bsky.social/post/3lulxryudjs2t My primary YouTube channel where I teach frontend development, with a strong focus on CSS: https://youtube.com/@kevinpowell ✉ The written version of my newsletter: https://www.kevinpowell.co/newsletter 💬 Come hang out with other dev's in my Discord Community: https://discord.gg/nTYCvrK Help support my channel 👨‍🎓 Get a course: https://www.kevinpowell.co/courses 💖 Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kevinpowell

Been having a hard time getting anything done the last few weeks, and as I pull out of it, I talk about some of the issues around productivity culture in general, and how sometimes it seems like we are less productive than we might have realized.

The livestream I mentioned: https://youtube.com/live/r7m3Ka2LmPMState of CSS Survey: https://survey.devographics.com/en-US/survey/state-of-css/2025?source=kevin_powellThe gap decoration demos by Edge: https://microsoftedge.github.io/Demos/css-gap-decorations/In this episode I discuss CSS features I wish existed, like custom media queries, gap in block elements, and the color contrast function.

The articles I read in this episode: The promise that wasn’t kept & EnsloppificationIn this episode, I read through 'The Promise that wasn't Kept' by Salma Alam-Naylor and 'Ensloppification' by David Bushell, and give my thoughts on what they're writing, examining the hype, flaws, and environmental concerns surrounding AI tools in the software industry and discuss the need for a more responsible, human-centered approach to integrating AI into our workflows.

Today I'm tackling a topic that's been on my mind: the perception that Flexbox is easier than Grid. I share my frustrations and insights while revamping my CSS Demystified course.

My upcoming in-person workshop: https://smashingconf.com/workshops/workshops/ny/kevin-j-powell-css/My courses can all be found here: https://kevinpowell.co/coursesIn this episode of General Musings, I dive deep into learning and teaching frontend development. I share my personal experiences, why teaching is the best way to learn, and the importance of addressing roadblocks in learning. I also get into the cognitive overload beginners face and my evolving approach to teaching complex subjects. Plus, I'll touch on why beginners should teach and why it's essential to explain things in a way that makes sense to them.

Welcome to this week's episode of General Musings, where I talk about how, when I'm struggling to do something, I try to find the easiest path to getting started. It can be hard just diving in, and if something is hard, even if you start, you might not want to continue!

My upcoming workshop: https://smashingconf.com/workshops/workshops/ny/kevin-j-powell-css/My video on Figma Sites: https://youtu.be/ZsFIvULxkHIThe full live stream: https://youtube.com/live/JBz68wD9dU8?feature=shareNobody Saves the World: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1432050/Nobody_Saves_the_World/Teja's talk from Smashing Conf last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiZ6dwmVtYUIn this week's episode of General Musings, I discuss the frustrating trend of shipping broken products, with a focus on Figma Sites and their current shortcomings. I also dive into the topic of AI and the hype surrounding it, as well as the challenges faced in the gaming industry. Plus, I share some exciting updates about my upcoming live workshop in NYC and a major revamp of my advanced CSS courses, as well as a few recommendations if you have kids.

The survey link (I lied, it's 3 questions, but they're all super short!): https://3g5kprf8905.typeform.com/to/laWyvkB6In this episode, I talk about why I think we should appreciate browser defaults more when writing CSS, and ended up having a mini lightbulb moment about teaching CSS - maybe we shouldn't introduce width and height properties right away to beginners? It seems like that just creates habits we have to unlearn later.I talk about how block elements naturally want to take up the full width but only be as tall as they need to be, and why working with these behaviors (instead of fighting them) makes for better responsive designs. I go on a bit of a tangent about setting constraints with min/max values rather than forcing exact dimensions.Along the way, I point out some common mistakes I see a lot - like using that universal reset with the star selector (please don't do that!) or declaring the same font-family fifteen times when you could just put it on the body once.

🔗 Links ✅ Piccalilli: https://piccalil.li/✅ Complete CSS (use KEVIN at checkout for 25% off): https://piccalil.li/complete-css/✅ Every Layout: https://every-layout.dev/✅ Follow Andy on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bell.bz✅ Follow Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-bell-347971255I'm really excited to be joined by none other than Andy Bell. We dive deep into the world of front-end development, focusing specifically on CSS. Andy and I discuss the nuances of web development, from the importance of soft skills in CSS to practical collaboration tips with designers. Andy shares his journey from being a designer to a front-end developer and delves into his recent projects like the re-launch of Piccalilli and his 'Complete CSS' course.We also explore the rapid evolution of CSS, new features, and best practices for staying updated. This episode is packed with valuable insights and advice for both beginners and seasoned developers. Join us for an enlightening conversation that will surely enhance your web development skills!

Josh’s article: https://www.joshwcomeau.com/blog/the-post-developer-era/In this episode of General Musings, I’m reading Josh Comeau's most recent article “The Post-Developer Era” and sharing my thoughts on what Josh writes.I discuss whether AI tools are making human developers redundant or simply serving as valuable aids. From adoption rates at companies like Google to the nuanced effectiveness of AI tools like Devin and more. Josh also talks about job hunting tips for aspiring developers in today's challenging market that I thought were pretty insightful.

Miriam's CSS Layout Workshop: https://www.oddbird.net/workshops/cascading-layouts/ This week, is a slight detour from our usual frontend development discussions, I exploring how finding enjoyable activities, like bouldering, can make less pleasant tasks more manageable. I also share strategies to integrate exercise into your routine and relate these concepts back to web development. From organizing your calendar to creating side projects based on personal interests, discover ways to stay motivated and productive.

The article: https://webkit.org/blog/16587/item-flow-part-1-a-new-unified-concept-for-layout/Working Group issue on item-slack/item-tolerence: https://github.com/w3c/csswg-drafts/issues/10884#issuecomment-2764325410Working group issue on the unified properties: https://github.com/w3c/csswg-drafts/issues/11480Rachel's talk on layout and reading order: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6azWrtHS-kIn this episode I explore a new proposal that aims to unify Flexbox and Grid through 'Item Flow' properties. I discuss the current debates around Masonry layouts, the potential for a more cohesive layout system, and the pros and cons of new properties like 'item-wrap' and 'item-slack.' I'll also touch on the importance of maintaining accessibility and logical tab orders.

Inspired by recent articles from Andy Bell and Alex Riviere, I explore a bit of my own dicision making process when deciding between Flexbox and Grid. This leads to a discussion on content-first layouts, and the idea of intrinsic layouts.Alex's article: https://alex.party/posts/2025-03-23-grid-first-flex-third/Andy's article: https://piccalil.li/blog/if-it-works-its-right/Every Layout: https://every-layout.dev/

In this episode I delve into my personal journey of becoming a teacher and the unexpected paths that led me to where I am today. From my love of CSS to the joys and challenges of teaching, I explore how both elements have shaped my career. I also talk a bit about the boring bits of what I do, and how some of the worst parts can be the best parts, as well as the importance of community support, and a bit of self-analysis about why I do what I do. Thank you for being a part of this journey!

🔗 Links:✅ Oddbird: https://oddbird.net✅ Follow Miriam on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/miriam.codes✅ Follow Miriam on Mastodon: https://front-end.social/@miaIn this conversation with Miriam Suzanne, we discuss getting involved in CSS specifications, including her journey of becoming a spec author, and the importance of community feedback in shaping web standards. Miriam shares her experiences with the CSS working group, the challenges of understanding specifications, and the collaborative nature of how it all works. Miriam is also heavily involved with Sass, so I ask her what the future of Sass looks like, specially with all the CSS specs she is part of that deal with Sass-like features. And, as is becoming a new tradition, I wrap things up with some rapid-fire questions.

✅ Josh's blog: https://www.joshwcomeau.com ✅ CSS for JS devs: https://css-for-js.dev/ ✅ The Joy of React: https://www.joyofreact.com/ ✅ Get the bundle: https://www.joyforjs.com/ ✅ Give Josh a follow: https://bsky.app/profile/joshwcomeau.com In this conversation, Kevin and Josh Comeau delve into the intricacies of front-end development, focusing on the challenges and joys of working with CSS. They discuss the importance of teaching and learning CSS, the frustrations developers face, and the evolving landscape of web technologies, including the impact of AI. Josh shares insights from his teaching experiences, the philosophy behind his whimsical design choices, and the significance of interactive learning. The conversation also touches on the future of animations in web development and the strategies for keeping up with rapid technological changes. My primary YouTube channel where I teach frontend development, with a strong focus on CSS: https://youtube.com/@kevinpowell ✉ The written version of my newsletter: https://www.kevinpowell.co/newsletter 💬 Come hang out with other dev's in my Discord Community: https://discord.gg/nTYCvrK Help support my channel 👨‍🎓 Get a course: https://www.kevinpowell.co/courses 👕 Buy a shirt: https://teespring.com/stores/making-the-internet-awesome 💖 Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kevinpowell

The interview with Salma: https://youtu.be/QYkjgd6_s4oPractical Accessibility: https://practical-accessibility.today/In this episode, I discuss the challenges and importance of accessibility in web development, drawing from a personal conversation with Salma Alam-Naylor. O emphasize the need for firsthand experience in advocating for accessibility, the complexities involved in making websites accessible, and practical steps developers can take to improve accessibility. I also highlight the importance of feedback and education in creating inclusive digital experiences.

In this episode, Kevin discusses the complexities of using AI tools for learning, particularly in the context of front-end development. He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and careful vetting of information provided by AI, highlighting both the potential benefits and significant pitfalls of over-reliance on these technologies. Kevin shares personal experiences and insights on how to effectively integrate AI tools into the learning process while maintaining a strong foundation in traditional learning methods.

In this episode, I discuss the concept of selective learning, emphasizing the importance of focusing on foundational skills rather than getting distracted by the latest trends. I explore the impact of social media on learning choices, the significance of understanding job market demands, and the role of documentation and community support in the learning process. I also critique the limitations of learning roadmaps and encourage listeners to build projects that align with their learning goals.

The article I mentioned: https://www.kevinpowell.co/article/unexpected-achievements/In this episode, I discuss the challenges of keeping up with front-end development, the feelings of imposter syndrome that many developers face, and the importance of focused learning in a rapidly changing tech landscape. I emphasize that it's not necessary to know everything and that developers should focus on a few key features at a time. I also touch on the evolution of search engines and the impact of AI on search results, concluding with strategies for staying updated in the tech world without feeling overwhelmed.

HTML & CSS for absolute beginners: https://learn.kevinpowell.co HTML & CSS tip of the week: https://html-css-tip-of-the-week.netlify.app In this podcast episode, I discuss the complexities of motivation and productivity, emphasizing the importance of not feeling demotivated by the perceived productivity of others. I explore the illusion of productivity, the impact of social media on self-comparison, and share strategies for maintaining motivation even when feeling less productive. I encourage listeners to recognize their own achievements and to be aware of the curated images presented online, ultimately reminding them that they may be doing more than they realize. My primary YouTube channel where I teach frontend development, with a strong focus on CSS: https://youtube.com/@kevinpowell

CSS Wrapped 2024: https://chrome.dev/css-wrapped-2024/Adam's carousel gallery (requires Chrome Canary): https://css-carousel-gallery.netlify.app/Adam's website: https://nerdy.dev/Follow Adam on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nerdy.devIn this engaging conversation, Kevin and Adam Argyle delve into the exciting new features of CSS for 2024, discussing innovations such as scroll-driven animations, anchor positioning, and field sizing. They explore the challenges developers face with browser changes and the importance of a stable developer experience. The discussion also touches on the future of CSS, upcoming features, and the complexities of browser support and adoption. Adam shares insights from his work with the Chrome DevRel team, emphasizing the need for thoughtful implementation and user-focused design in web development.

ADHD FTW: https://adhdftw.com/kevin-powellGetting shit done with ADHD: https://adhdftw.com/getting-shit-doneIn this conversation, Chris Ferdinandi shares his personal journey with ADHD, discussing its impact on his life and career as a developer. He explores the prevalence of ADHD in the developer community, signs and symptoms of the condition, and the importance of diagnosis and self-awareness. Chris offers practical strategies for managing ADHD, highlights the positive aspects of the condition, and reflects on how his understanding of ADHD has evolved over time. He also introduces his course, 'Getting Stuff Done with ADHD,' aimed at helping individuals leverage their unique brain wiring for productivity.

In this episode of General Musings, I dive into the world of content creation and that familiar doubt we all face when looking at a saturated market. Here's the truth - having competitors actually validates that you're onto something worthwhile. I talk about why you should embrace your unique perspective and how to define success on your own terms, whether you're starting a podcast, launching a product, or exploring any creative venture. Remember, you don't need to dominate the entire market to build something meaningful - sometimes the perfect niche is waiting for exactly what you have to offer. Here's the post I mentioned: https://bsky.app/profile/spannersready.bsky.social/post/3lbrk4d5rbs2a My primary YouTube channel where I teach frontend development, with a strong focus on CSS: https://youtube.com/@kevinpowell

In this episode of General Musings, I discuss the theme of not overthinking content creation, inspired by Jason and Caroline Zook's Growing Steadily newsletter. I emphasize the importance of focusing on content quality over polish, sharing personal experiences from my own content creation journey. I encourage listeners to learn in public and share their knowledge without the fear of imperfection, highlighting that genuine content is what resonates with audiences.

In this episode, I discuss the concept of the beginner mindset, reflecting on my experiences in teaching and creating educational content. I also talk about how it's gotten harder for me over the years. I also talk about the future of my podcast, including my plans for new episodes and a shift towards a more low-effort production style.Find me on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kevinpowell.coAnd/or Mastodon: https://front-end.social/@kevinpowell

This week I'll talk about why I believe Grid is simpler and more intuitive to learn first compared to Flexbox, exploring some common misconceptions, the complexity of Flexbox, and how learning Grid first sets you up for success. My primary YouTube channel where I teach frontend development, with a strong focus on CSS: https://youtube.com/@kevinpowell ✉ The written version of my newsletter: https://www.kevinpowell.co/newsletter 💬 Come hang out with other dev's in my Discord Community: https://discord.gg/nTYCvrK