The Mycelium Network Podcast

The path to a tech career often seems linear and technical, Bekah Hawrot Weigel's story stands out as a beacon of hope and inspiration. On the "Mycelium Network" podcast, Bekah, a former college English teacher turned developer and community builder, shares her remarkable journey of personal and professional transformation.NOTE: Bekah’s audio had some challenges during this episode. This is through no fault of hers or mine. It started with her original microphone and sound system refusing to work with Riverside, even though they claimed it should work. Bekah was graciously willing to continue using AirPods and I did my very best to get the audio as clean and clear as possible. Again, I would rather release this episode than hold it back due to the audio challenges because, the guidance, story, and advice shared by Bekah need to be out there. I hope you found as much value in it as I did.Bekah's story begins with a personal crisis that left her questioning her identity and battling mental health issues. It was during this tumultuous period that her husband suggested she learn to code—a suggestion that seemed improbable at the time. However, coding became an unexpected source of therapy for Bekah, offering a respite from her struggles and opening the door to a new world of possibilities.As Bekah delved deeper into the tech world, she discovered not only a new career path but also a community of supportive individuals who shared her experiences and aspirations. This led to the creation of Virtual Coffee, a tech community that offers a haven for those seeking support, guidance, and friendship in the often impersonal realm of tech.Through her podcast conversation with Schalk Neethling, Bekah emphasizes the importance of remote work in expanding her horizons, allowing her to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. She passionately advocates for the value of small communities, where genuine connections and support can flourish away from the noise of larger networks.Bekah's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the therapeutic potential of coding, and the transformative impact of community. Her story offers encouragement to those feeling lost or uncertain in their careers, reminding us that with the right support and determination, it is possible to overcome challenges and find fulfillment in unexpected places.In a tech landscape often dominated by discussions of algorithms and systems, Bekah Hawrot Weigel's story brings a much-needed human touch. It reminds us that at the heart of technology are people, each with their own stories of struggle, growth, and connection.Links* Bekah Hawrot Weigel on LinkedIn* Bekah on the Web* VirtualCoffee* OpenSauced* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn* Mechanical Ink StudioCommunity* Join the community on Slack or Discord* Support the podcast on Patreon* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)Help Others Find The Podcast* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts* Rate and review on SpotifyThanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

NOTE: It has always been the goal of this podcast to give everyone a chance to share their story. This episode is an example of this. We tried to record this live using Riverside.fm (no blame to Riverside here 😃) but after many tries we realized that Precious’s internet was just not going to play along. We improvised and did the recordings asynchronously. I recorded the intro and the questions, and Precious recorded and sent back her answers. I then edited everything into this podcast episode. The audio is a bit challenging in parts, but I encourage you to listen past it, and instead listen to Precious, her thoughts, and her story. Thank you.In this episode of the Mycelium Network podcast, I am joined by Precious Onyewuchi a technical writer from Nigeria. Precious starts by explaining the crucial role technical writing serves in bridging the gap between complex technology and user comprehension. She continues to discuss how Outreachy’s internships not only marked a personal growth trajectory but also shone a light on the importance of fostering diversity in tech.The discussion naturally flows into the realm of DEI, where Precious emphasizes its indispensable value in nurturing inclusive and vibrant open-source communities. The health of these projects is critically analyzed, highlighting the innovative tools and metrics developed by the CHAOSS community to ensure sustainability and productivity.Central to Precious's narrative is the All in Africa program, an initiative by GitHub aimed at democratizing access to open-source knowledge and resources across the African continent. This program symbolizes a bridge towards technological empowerment and equity, reflecting a broader vision of global inclusivity.Moreover, Precious's advocacy extends to recognizing and valuing no-code contributions in the open-source ecosystem. This perspective champions a more inclusive definition of contribution, where diverse skill sets beyond coding are acknowledged as vital to the growth and health of open-source projects.Lastly, the conversation touches upon the transformative potential of AI within tech and open source, far from viewing AI as a displacer of jobs, Precious posits AI as an augmentative tool, one that can enhance human creativity and efficiency, shaping a future where technology and humanity coalesce for mutual advancement.Precious’s story paints a picture of a tech world enriched by diversity, openness, and innovation. Her story is a beacon for aspiring tech enthusiasts, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, offering a roadmap to meaningful engagement and contribution in tech and open source.Links* Precious Onyewuchi on LinkedIn* Precious on GitHub* Previous on Twitter (X)* No Code Contributions in Open Source* Outreachy* All in Africa* CHAOSS Community* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn* Mechanical Ink StudioCommunity* Join the community on Slack or Discord* Support the podcast on Patreon* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)Help Others Find The Podcast* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts* Rate and review on SpotifyThanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In a world where design transcends mere aesthetics to become a pivotal element in user experience and product functionality, the journey of Nmesoma Okonkwo emerges as a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the transformative power of mentorship in the tech industry. Born out of a transition from microbiology to graphic design, and eventually to product design, Nmesoma's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of passion.Embarking on her career in Nigeria, Nmesoma faced a unique set of challenges, from navigating the intricate world of international job markets to overcoming the hurdles presented by payment processing issues endemic to her locale. Yet, it was her unyielding spirit and the guidance of mentors that illuminated her path, underscoring the critical role mentorship plays in shaping the careers of emerging designers.Nmesoma's approach to product design is both intuitive and informed, marrying the principles of user experience with the psychological impact of color in fintech products, emphasizing accessibility, and fostering a deep connection between the user and the product. Her journey is a vivid illustration of the power of mentorship, the challenges and opportunities that lie in the global tech ecosystem for Nigerian designers, and the profound impact of ethical design practices.Through Nmesoma's story, we are reminded of the enduring impact of empathy, the value of accessibility in design, and the boundless possibilities that arise when passion meets perseverance.Links* Nmesoma Okonkwo on LinkedIn* Nmesoma Okonkwo on TikTok* HuggingFace* HuggingChat* HuggingFace Assistants* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn* Mechanical Ink StudioCommunity* Join the community on Slack or Discord* Support the podcast on Patreon* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)Help Others Find The Podcast* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts* Rate and review on SpotifyThanks for reading Mechanical Ink - Open Source - Open Web - Open Startup! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In the latest episode of the Mycelium Network podcast, Kate Blake shares her inspiring journey into the world of web development. Host Schalk Neethling guides us through Kate's narrative, from her initial fascination with technology to her current role as a successful web developer. Kate's story is not just about personal achievement; it's a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and the impact one can make in the tech industry and beyond.Kate discusses the hurdles she faced entering the tech world, highlighting the importance of resilience and the support of a nurturing community. Her experiences with remote work shed light on the challenges and rewards of being part of a distributed team, emphasizing the value of connection and collaboration.The conversation also delves into the evolving role of AI in the job market, presenting a balanced view of its potential to both disrupt and create opportunities. Kate's optimism for the future is infectious, as she speaks on aligning her career ambitions with her desire to contribute to social causes.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of technology, community, and social good. Kate's journey underscores the idea that with determination and support, breaking into the tech industry is possible, and it can be a pathway to making a meaningful difference in the world.Links* Kate Blake on LinkedIn* Kate Blake on GitHub* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn* Mechanical Ink StudioCommunity* Join the community on Slack or Discord* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)Help Others Find The Podcast* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts* Rate and review on SpotifyThanks for reading Mechanical Ink - Open Source - Open Web - Open Startup! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of the Mycelium Network podcast, I speak with Temitope Asama to learn about her tech journey, highlighting her initial interests and challenges. Her active involvement in the CHAOSS community underscores the importance of supportive networks in fostering growth. Additionally, Temitope's advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the tech space is a critical theme, reflecting her commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable industry. This narrative emphasizes the power of community and the significance of DEI efforts in shaping the tech landscape.The conversation sheds light on the significant hurdles that African developers encounter in tapping into global job markets, emphasizing the restrictive impact of geographical and economic barriers. It also explores how open-source projects and a commitment to lifelong learning can serve as powerful tools for overcoming these obstacles, enabling developers to build a global presence and enhance their skills in a competitive industry. This part of the discussion highlights the critical importance of accessibility, networking, and skill development in breaking down barriers to opportunities.I (Schalk Neethling) also briefly share my story from music to tech illustrating the diverse paths leading to the tech industry, highlighting the value of varied experiences. This shared experience between Temitope and myself emphasizes the dynamic, inclusive nature of the tech community, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique journeys.Links* Temitope Asama on LinkedIn* Temitope Asama on GitHub* CHAOSS Community* CHAOSS Community DEI Badging Project* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn* Mechanical Ink StudioCommunity* Join the community on Slack* Continue the conversation on GitHub or here on Substack* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)Help Others Find The Podcast* Rate and review on Apple PodcastsThanks for reading Mechanical Ink - Open Source - Open Web - Open Startup! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of the Mycelium Network podcast, Dan Moore shares his extensive journey in the tech industry, starting in the '90s to his current role as a solutions architect at FusionAuth. He emphasized the critical balance between technical proficiency and soft skills in software development. Dan discusses the value of community involvement, particularly his experiences with the Boulder Ruby Meetup, highlighting the importance of networking and continuous learning in a developer's career.Dan shared insights from managing the American Farm Shares and CSA's project, highlighting the multi-dimensional challenges of tech projects. Dan also shares his approach to technical writing, focusing on creating evergreen content that remains relevant over time. Dan's advice for new developers included networking, contributing to open source, and understanding the long-term perspective of a tech career.The episode provides a rich blend of technical expertise, career advice, and personal growth insights, making it a valuable resource for both new and experienced developers.Links* Dan Moore on LinkedIn* Letters to a new developer* FusionAuth* Boulder Ruby Meetup Group* The Pragmatic Programmer* Don't Make Me Think* The Mythical Man-Month* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn* Mechanical InkCommunity* Join the community on Slack* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)Help Others Find The Podcast* Rate and review on Spotify* Rate and review on Apple PodcastsThanks for reading Mechanical Ink - Open Source - Open Web - Open Startup! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this engaging episode of the Mycelium Network podcast, host Schalk Neethling welcomes Elena Lape, the visionary founder of Holopin. Elena shares her remarkable journey through the tech world, from building developer communities and supporting students at GitHub to her passion for hackathons. She delves into the value of open-source contributions and the importance of universal skills beyond coding. Elena's insightful advice on how to validate business ideas and the significance of competition offers a treasure trove of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs. Listeners will be inspired by her passion for community building, resilience, and the exciting future of Holopin's innovative products. It's a must-listen episode for tech enthusiasts and budding entrepreneurs.LinksElena on LinkedInHolopinSchalk Neethling on LinkedInContinue the discussion on GitHubJoin the community on SlackMechanical Ink This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of the Mycelium Network podcast, host Schalk Neethling is joined by Grecia Castaldi and Molly Devine from Women Who Code. These two dynamic women share their inspiring journeys in the tech world and non-profits, emphasizing the significance of diversity and empowerment in the industry. The discussion touches on vital topics like advocating for oneself, the potential of AI as a tool rather than a replacement, and the incredible mission of Women Who Code to foster a more inclusive tech community. With insightful quotes and profound takeaways, this episode sheds light on the opportunities and challenges within the tech sphere while encouraging listeners to embrace their unique voices and aspirations. Don't miss this empowering dialogue that celebrates diversity and innovation in the world of technology.LinksWomen Who CodeGrecia CastaldiMolly DevineSchalk NeethlingContinue the conversation on GitHub.Join the community on Slack.Mechanical Ink This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of the Mycelium Network Podcast, Chad Stewart, a software engineer from Kingston, Jamaica, shares his journey in the tech industry. Chad discusses his work in front-end engineering and his exploration of back-end engineering. He also talks about his role in TechIsHiring, an organization that helps people find job opportunities in the tech industry. Chad's passion for exploring interesting problems and ideas in the industry motivates him. He shares his interest in Rust and how it can help us write cleaner code, especially in contrast to the sometimes chaotic JavaScript ecosystem. Tune in to hear Chad's insights and experiences as a software engineer.Join The CommunityJoin us on LinkedInJoin us on MatrixLinksChad Stewart - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadrstewart/TechIsHiring - https://www.techishiring.com/The Rust language - https://www.rust-lang.org/Mechanical keyboards - https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/Mushroom Coffee - https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mushroom-coffeefreeCodeCamp - https://www.freecodecamp.orgOpen Sauced - https://opensauced.pizza/A conversation with Molly Howell - Retro computing, the murky waters of open source, and finding joy through community - https://pod.link/1657505237/episode/95bc1c39d9c149947d78d13339ee7774GitHub Copilot - https://github.com/features/copilotOpenAI ChatGPT - https://openai.com/blog/chatgptCarl Newport - https://calnewport.com/James Clear - https://jamesclear.com/E-Sports - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EsportsRecorded with Riverside and produced by Mechanical Ink. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

This week, the guest on the podcast is Vicky (VM) Brasseur. She has over 30 years of experience in the world of open source and is currently helping large companies with their open source strategies. She has written the book, “Forge your future with Open Source” and is currently writing her second book. During the episode, we touch on topics such as ensuring we create a welcoming, safe, and inclusive space within the open source ecosystem. We touch on topics explored in her first book and how it relates to those new to the tech world and open source. We also touch on some challenges, such as the influx of open-source projects, lack of knowledge (especially around licensing), and monocultures. There is a wealth of incredible information shared in this episode that is applicable to everyone, no matter where you are in your career.Join the conversation on Discord.LinksVM (Vicky) Brasseur on the WebVM (Vicky) Brasseur on MastodonVM (Vicky) Brasseur on GitHubVM (Vicky) Brasseur on GitlabThird World ProblemsOpenStackAMA with Vicky (VM) BrasseurForge your future with Open SourceVSCode extensions for writersCStitch7 Amazing Facts About Polydactyl CatsWhat is managing up?Open-Source is a community, not a brandStocking cap pattern on RavelryThe Open Source DefinitionFLOSS FoundationsRecorded with Riverside and produced by Mechanical Ink. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of the Mycelium Network podcast, Schalk Neethling interviews Alex Buaiscia, a full-stack developer at Moravio. Alex talks about his journey from humanistic studies and journalism to desktop support and becoming a full-stack developer. Alex emphasizes the importance of persistence, getting feedback after an interview, and soft skills for career growth. He also discusses his approach to writing tests using React testing library, the importance of project planning, and the significance of work-life balance and taking time to be still.Alex also shares his experience dealing with the mental health impact of shift work and how he found opportunities by sharing his work in the open. Finally, Alex offers advice for early-stage developers and shares what he learned about meditation and dealing with challenges.Continue the conversation on Discord.Links Alex Buaiscia on the Web Alex Buaiscia on LinkedIn Humanistic studies React Nodejs React testing library freeCodeCamp Docker Growing from a junior to a mid-level developer What is TypeScript? What is technical debt? Jest Webpack Vite Vitetest GitHub Copilot Agile and Scrum InsightTimer FreeMeditation.com Mindfulness articles on Reboot.ioRecorded with Riverside and produced by Mechanical Ink. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of The Mycelium Network podcast, host Schalk Neethling sits down with Leo Cheng, a former editor in the film and TV industry who has been teaching himself to code and is ready to make programming his career. Schalk and Leo touch on various topics, such as learning through making, the importance of onboarding and mentoring new developers at a company and exploring different aspects of programming through good first issues.They also touch on harder topics, such as the trend of roasting other people’s work on social media, imposter syndrome, and the challenges of learning and making in the open.Note: While I said in the episode that syntactic sugar aims to make code more human-readable, this does not always happen in practice. Also, what is readable and understandable to one person, is not necessarily the case for someone else.Continue the conversation on Discord.Links Leo Cheng on the Web Leo Cheng on GitHub Leo Cheng on LinkedIn Asking for feedback on LinkedIn What is syntactic sugar? Paul Irish 10 Things I learned from the jQuery source Build your own React What is imposter syndrome? How I built a billiards game Read more about the canvas element SMART goal settingRecorded and produced by Mechanical Ink. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of the Mycelium Network podcast, host Schalk Neethling speaks with Bri Leever, a brand community strategist and owner of Ember consulting. Bri emphasizes the importance of building a community-led approach to problem-solving and the importance of patience and nurturing the seeds of your community instead of trying to be the one with all of the answers. She stresses the value of being transparent, balancing empathy with authority, and providing value to the community over time.Bri shares some of the challenges she faced while building her business and highlights the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, taking calculated risks, and continuing to learn and grow. Listeners will come away from this episode with valuable insights into building a thriving community and designing a fulfilling life.The Mycelium Network podcast is made with Riverside.Transcripts of the episode are available on GitHub.Continue the conversation on Discord.Links Bri Leever on LinkedIn Ember Consulting Bri Leever on Youtube Beginner Maps podcast The IKEA effect Lessons from another year running my business(es) What’s your community’s super power? Heartbeat Circle Gradual Lego Ideas Community Bird and birdsong encounters improve mental health, study finds Designing your lifeRecorded and produced by Mechanical Ink. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

This week I am doing some cross-promotion of my other podcast, the Mechanical Ink podcast. If you enjoy this episode, you can subscribe to the show here:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mechanical-ink--In this episode of the Mechanical Ink podcast, Schalk is joined by Abby and Naytri from GitHub. In this enlightening and far-reaching conversation, we cover some of the new initiatives launched by GitHub, such as GitHub Accelerator and the GitHub Fund. We also cover enhancements to GitHub Sponsors, what GitHub learned from the OS Grants project in GitHub, and how companies and open-source can aid in creating opportunities for creators in developing countries.We also touch on the social aspects of GitHub, how GitHub has managed to keep the platform largely healthy and welcoming, and how we can do even better. We also discuss the importance of community and giving tools to community managers working on the platform. Abby also shares information about the maintainer's program at GitHub and other initiatives such as maintainer month. This is the episode for you if you are running an open-source project on GitHub.If you want to learn more about the GitHub open-source maintainer program, please get in touch with Abby at GitHub.Links Abigail Cabunoc Mayes Naytri Sramek What is open science? GitHub Sponsors GitHub Accelerator GitHub Fund GitHub OS Grants KarateLabs Hoppscotch Sindre Sorhus Evan You - Vuejs GitHub Maintainer Month Paystack Jaron Lanier GitHub All In program GitHub Education CodeSee Stormy Peters Carlos BeckerRecorded and produced by https://mechanical.ink This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

Ankita Kulkarni, an educator and founder joined the Mycelium Network podcast to discuss her passion for helping people and making a difference. She shared insights on leadership, work-life balance, psychological safety, and the importance of a beginner's mindset. The episode delved into what makes a good leader, the joy of learning, and tips for the first 90 days on the job. Finally, Ankita discussed her favorite pour-over coffee and recommended a few resources for front-end developers and engineering managers.Continue the conversationThe Mycelium Network podcast is made with Riverside (Opens in new window).Transcripts of the episode are available on GitHub.Join the conversation on Discord.Links Ankita on the web Ankita on Youtube Humanizing pull requests Engineering leader’s playbook - Includes a discount for the first 100 listener that follows this link. (Thanks, Ankita) Complete Next.js course Frontend Snacks Vercel MDN Web Docs Become a successful engineering manager course The Engineering Manager's Mind Map Engineering management for the rest of us - Sarah Drasner Scarcity mindset Quokka for VSCodeRecorded and produced by Mechanical Ink. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode, we talk to Ryan Stemmle, who shares his winding and adventurous journey into the tech world. He tells us about how he learned to code at Turing and how his experience in special operations helped him develop the necessary mindset. Ryan also talks about the challenge of adapting to new work culture and working in a more diverse work environment than his previous work. He gives tips for interviewing, emphasizes the need for deadlines and structure, and discusses the joy and utility of building projects to solve your own problems. Ryan highlights the importance of humanity in the work we do and the benefits of seeking discomfort. Listen in to hear Ryan's inspiring story and insights.The Mycelium Network podcast is made with Riverside.Transcripts of the episode are available on GitHub.Join the conversation on Discord.Links Ryan Stemmle on GitHub Ryan Stemmle on LinkedIn Ryan Stemmle on Instagram Turing School Boulder Ruby Community Ruby programming language Ruby on Rails VSCode Kara and Nate Rich Roll podcastRecorded and produced by Mechanical Ink. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of the Mycelium Network podcast, we hear from Precious Adeyinka, a developer from Nigeria. He shares his story of how he went from learning to code on paper to building a startup in Africa. Precious also talks about his passion for teaching others, giving back, and using dancing as a form of expression. He explains why Africa is the future of the tech world and why there is a need for an innovative mindset. He also touches upon mental health, making interviews more human, and the lack of opportunity in Africa—an inspirational conversation with an enthusiastic creator with big dreams.Correction: The company Stripe bought was Paystack and was founded in Nigeria and not Kenya.The Mycelium Network podcast is made with Riverside (Opens in new window).Transcripts of the episode are available on GitHub.Join the conversation on Discord.Links BlackBerry Z30 Google scholarship Udacity How I Became A Certified Mobile Web Specialist In 6 Months WordPress Codecamp Nigeria What is freelancing? Black Freelancer Stripe To Acquire African Payments Processor Paystack The Unpretentious web GitHub AcceleratorRecorded and produced by Mechanical Ink. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode, I have a conversation with my dear friend, Matt Brandt. We talk about the tech industry, but this conversation is about much more. We talk about all those things that often fall by the wayside but are critical to having a career that is fulfilling and bring you joy. We also discuss effective interviews and aligning your work with who you are and what is important to you. We also touch on topics such as trust in the workplace, finding safe spaces, and doing uncomfortable things. A long and deep conversation I am sure you will enjoy.The Mycelium Network podcast is made with Riverside.Transcripts of the episode are available on GitHub.Join the community on DiscordSecret MoustacheMatt on GitHubMozillaWhat is a site reliability engineer?What is DevOps?What is a test engineer?What is web accessibility?A wider understanding of accessibilityThe 30-60-90 planHow to make knowledge work more visibleSelenium testing frameworkThe importance of great documentationGoogle cloud platformKubernetesDuckDuckGoWhat is systems design?The Winter Tech ForumBruce EckelRecorded and produced by Mechanical Ink. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of the Mycelium Network, I speak with Andres Sepulveda Morales. We talk mead brewing, Dungeons and Dragons, and draw parallels between being a game master and working on a team, forming a community around shared interests, and the knowledge sharing that happens as a result. We also address some tough topics such as implicit and explicit bias, the benefits of diversity, and communicating effectively across different cultures.The Mycelium Network podcast is made with Riverside.Transcripts of the episode are available on GitHub.The Mycelium Network Discord Andres on the Web Andres on GitHub Mead brewing Dungeons and Dragons Implicit and explicit bias Nonviolent communication web://workbook What are ChatBots? Asynchronous JavaScript What is a Dungeons and Dragons game master? Writing a Discord bot DiscordPy Sovereign of Chaos Mozilla on Ethical AI Monster Hunter WorldRecorded and produced by Mechanical Ink. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode, I speak with Matthew A. Grande from Careerage. We discuss career advice, the importance of aligning with personal goals and values, inflection points, and finding fulfillment in work and life. We also touch upon the idea that individuals are not problems to be fixed and the importance of starting from a place of curiosity. The topic of layoffs and empathy is also covered, along with the idea of playing out the worst-case scenario and dreaming big. The overarching theme of the podcast is about being purposeful and making a positive personal impact.The Mycelium Network podcast is made with Riverside.Transcripts of the episode are available on GitHub.Join the Mycelium Network community on Discord. Careerage What was Y2K? Careerage Youtube channel You can’t be what you can’t see 68 Pieces of unsolicited advice Dr. Alia Crum - Huberman Lab Non-violent communication The Groove community Indy Hall Thich Nhat Hanh quotesRecorded and produced by Mechanical Ink. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

Today I speak with Ryan Johnson, a backend engineer, Python wizard, and someone with an incredible story to tell. From working in hardware startups, working as a farmhand in a Benedictine monastery, practicing psychologist, working at Lucas film, and now at Mozilla. What is artificial intelligence? Lucas Film Quantum Computing Expert Explains One Concept in 5 Levels of Difficulty Python and Django Industrial light and magic Center for Humane Technology MDN Web Docs Jennifer Riggins on the Mechanical Ink podcast The Indie Web The importance of community The power of language: How words shape people, culture A Practical Guide to Building Ethical AIRecorder and produced by Mechanical Ink - https://mechanical.ink This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In the first episode of season 2, I speak with Juan Pablo Flores, the program manager for GitHub Education. We talk about GitHub classroom and the problems it solves for students and teachers. Using GitHub skills to learn and teach how to use Git and GitHub. The importance of being able to work on a team and collaborate on a cross-functional team. Using Twitch as a platform for teaching, the role of community, and the importance of great documentation. Juan Pablo on GitHub Audience and Streamer Participation at Scale on Twitch Twitch—a game changer for developers and educators - Universe 2022 GitHub Skills GitHub Classroom GitHub Campus experts Working in public Twitch plays Pokemon Harvard computer science courses Stormy Peters at GitHub Universe MDN Web Docs Write the docs Rachel Nabors GitHub campus advisors programRecorder and produced by Mechanical Ink - https://mechanical.ink This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this final episode of season 1, I speak with technical writer and legend of the web, Chris Mills. We talk about trying something new, not being scared to take a leap of faith, and finding your tribe. The importance of being positive and kind, treating people with respect and empathy, and giving back through mentorship. We talk about the importance of great documentation and a well-defined process when running an open-source project. We end by sharing our favorite noisy music artists and the importance of pushing for immediate action concerning the environmental catastrophe.Correction: Only 3% of open source contributions are from Africa, not 17% as mentioned in the episode.In Chris' own wordsChris is an Englishman, living in the grim Northern wastes near Manchester. He’s an Independent tech writer, web technology tinkerer, and open standards advocate. Chris is currently running his own tech writing consultancy — Mills docs Limited; previous employment credits include Okta, Mozilla, W3C, and Opera. He is a passionate believer in the power of the open web as a great leveler in terms of education, accessibility, and employment. Outside work he is a heavy metal drummer, amateur guitarist, keen cyclist, and cultivator of an awesome family.Social The Mycelium Network Discord The Mycelium Network on GitHubLinks Open Web standard ZX Spectrum 48 Plus Bioinformatics Apress Friends of Ed Bruce Lawson Jeremy Keith Estelle Weyl MDN Web Docs Okta Geocities and MySpace Screen Capture API Chromium GitHub Docs Okta for Good Lex Friedman podcast with Magatte Wade Practical accessibility Youtube Music playlistSupported, recorded, and produced by Mechanical Ink. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this week's episode, I speak with Vuyisile Ndlovu, a Python developer and AWS-certified cloud practitioner from Zimbabwe. We talk about open-source, the challenges developers face in Africa, and why contributions to open-source are low in Africa and brainstorm ideas to improve it. Vuyisile also shares some great tips on deploying your ideas to the web. This was a fascinating conversation I am privileged to share with you all.In his own wordsHello! My name is Vuyisile (voo-yee-sea-lay), and I’m a Software Developer. I enjoy writing, speaking, traveling, and cutting wood. I develop back-end web applications and APIs, usually in Python and Django. I do my best work when I work remotely.Links Vuyisile Ndlovu on the web Vuyisile Ndlovu on Twitter Vuyisile Ndlovu on GitHub FirefoxOS The Ndebele Language and people The Java language The Python language The .NET language The Go language The Rust language The percentage of open-source contributions from Africa is only 2-3%. What is an incubator? OpenUP The rise of open source to spur agile digital government A mobile application may enhance Cape Agulhas’ smart city vision DeveloperToolchest Ourbackyard EcoCash Magatte Wade: Africa, Capitalism, Communism, and the Future of Humanity PyPi in a box Internet in a box What is DevOps? Keypass HashiCorp Vault Divio-Django Invoice Woodturning on YoutubeRecorded using Riverside and produced by Mechanical Ink. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode, I sit down with Andy Anderson. This conversation was so wonderful. Andy has years of experience in the tech industry and shares some of the histories that very few of us know about. We also discuss the evolution of programming languages and tools, the importance of community, diversity, and coffee.Social The Mycelium Network Discord The Mycelium Network on GitHubLinks Slow lane Café Andy on the Web Andy on GitHub Fortran What are punch cards? IBM370 terminal VT100 Intellisense in VSCode GitHub Copilot and Hey GitHub MDN Web Docs What is recursion? Functional programming JAMStack Serverless and Serverless functions Advent of Code The difference between this in functions and arrow functions Using developer tools Y2K Hidden Figures SANS InstituteSupported, recorded, and produced by Mechanical Ink. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode with Chelsea Adams, we talk about dealing with imposter syndrome and the sense of un-belonging.  Being kind to yourself and giving yourself the time to grow. Not to be afraid of being vulnerable, stop getting in your own way, and the negative impact of social networks on creativity. We also touch on the importance of community, a network of peers, education, and the importance of being seen and represented. Filles with interesting nuggets you will all enjoy.In Chelsea's own wordsChelsea Adams is a software engineer and digital creative based in central Ohio, USA. She is co-host and producer of 16:1 podcast, a show about education, teaching, and learning. Adams has more than a decade of experience operating a web and software development consultancy, which engages clients on a variety of web, data, and virtual reality projects.Social The Mycelium Network DiscordLinks Chelsea Adams on the web Coming home Imposter syndrome Polywork Amazon Web Services Pomodoro timer Cal.com Archive your Twitter account Sixteen to one Inquiry-based learning Machine learning Women in STEM Pamela's podcast episode Come from awaySupported, recorded, and produced by Mechanical Ink. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

A talk about kindness, open-source, TypeScript, advice for those new to web development, and finding treasures in unique places.Vinyl, in her own words(Pronounced V-eye-null Dah-ee-ghee-you Kah-zoh-teh-tsoo)Formerly Vinyl Darkscratch-Kazotetsu. Web and software developer, EDM visualizer animator, Beat Saber fanatic, workaholic, left-handed, queen of goo.Social The Mycelium Network Discord The Mycelium Network on TwitterLinks Vinyl on GitHub Vinyl on Soundcloud Vinyl on Youtube Vinyl on Mastodon Vinyl featured on MDN Web Docs GooborgStudios A Proposal For Type Syntax in JavaScript MDN Wen Docs Open Web Docs Goofont Gooicons The reason why some people are so kind TypeScript OpenCollective GeocachingSupported, recorded, and produced by Mechanical Ink. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In today's episode, I speak with Tara Robertson. We discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion topics, but the conversation is about so much more. We deeply dive into the soft skills needed to thrive in the workplace and life. It is a far-reaching, emotional, and real conversation I believe you will all enjoy.Tara, in her own wordsI help women of color in corporate careers go from underestimated and overworked to unapologetic and wildly successful. I’m also a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant.Social The Mycelium Network Discord The Mycelium Network on TwitterLinks Tara on the web Tara on Twitter Tara on LinkedIn What is DE&I The Mycelium Network Podcast with Pamela Rodriguez Impact of harassment on teams OpenScapes Braiding sweet grass All we can save Julie Squid What is Data Science? What is Open Science? What is Open Source? What is Open Learning? Ayana Elizabeth Johnson Ayana Elizabeth Venn diagrams The IDEA Toolkit Dr. Kerry Jordan - The Carpentries What is universal design? The extended benefits of a curb cut Load shedding in South Africa Group and team normsSupported, recorded, and produced by Mechanical Ink. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In today's episode, I speak with Joel Rainwater. Among the many topics we address, we cover the IndieWeb, the necessity for curiosity in the tech industry, working in the open, intentionally being un-hireable, and not being defined by job titles. We touch on the doors opened by the fact that JavaScript is everywhere. On ramping to TypeScript, the power of community, why you should blog, and tons of other great topics and advice.Joel, in his own wordsJoel is a self-taught developer who has gone from building basic HTML-&-CSS-only websites to being the fractional CTO of a startup and a lot in between.Social The Mycelium Network Discord The Mycelium Network on TwitterLinks Joel on GitHub Joel on Polywork Joel on the web Joel on Twitter Joel on LinkedIn AngelFire MySpace jQuery Vuejs React State management with React IndieWeb IndieHackers Polywork What is a multipotenitalite? What is fullstack? Nuxtjs and Nextjs TypeScript Prisma MongoDB Microsoft TypeScript proposal What is Analysis paralysis? Magento Domain Goalie MyCosPlace Mastodon Frontendmasters StatusTrackerProduced and supported by Mechanical Ink This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode, I speak with Alvin Bryan, a developer advocate at Contentful. We discuss the role of open-source in education, ethical tech, mentoring, the new challenges early-stage developer face in a changing job market, and how to stay motivated.Alvin, in their own wordsAlvin is a developer advocate at Contentful and a front-end developer. He’s been working in the industry for a while and loves creating beautiful, fun experiences.Social The Mycelium Network Discord The Mycelium Network on TwitterLinks Alvin on GitHub Alvin on Polywork Alvin on the web Alvin on Twitter Contentful What is a design system? Figma Sketch Penpot React What are Web Components? What are design tokens? Learning to code in a time of crisis Cascadiajs Netlify Vercel GitHub web://workbook MDN Web Docs What is ethical tech? The rise of Signal Signal What is Linux? Proton Mail Our time has come - Penpot Hugo static site generator NetlifyCMS Forestry Codebar freeCodeCampProduced and supported by Mechanical Ink This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In today's conversation, I speak with Raphael Pires. In this conversation, we talk less about technology and more about life. While we touch on tech-related topics, we also talk about living a life of purpose. We share our thoughts on unrealistic expectations, planning long-term, setting goals, and being willing to wait for success. It is a deep conversation that touches on important topics we often skim over. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I enjoyed recording it.Raphael, in his own words⚡ Early-stage Web Developer🔭 Changing career paths🧱 Open-source enthusiast🍄 Community driven🌱 Lifelong learnerSocial The Mycelium Network Discord The Mycelium Network on TwitterLinks Raphael on Medium Raphael on LinkedIn Raphael on GitHub Raphael on Twitter Raphael on PolyworkProduced and supported by Mechanical Ink This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

Adilson Sandoval's journey from being a mathematics teacher to becoming a self-taught web developer is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. Driven by the desire for remote work opportunities and higher income, he embarked on a path of self-learning, leveraging free online resources like MDN and JavaScript.info to acquire coding skills.The transition, however, was not without its challenges. Adilson faced numerous rejections and a lack of feedback during the job-hunting process, compounded by the difficulties of being an early-career developer without professional experience. Undeterred, he implemented strategies such as contributing to open-source projects, tailoring applications to specific companies, and demonstrating initiative through coding exercises, ultimately securing a role he cherishes.Throughout his journey, Adilson emphasized the importance of supportive communities, resilience, and continuous learning. He navigated imposter syndrome, managed stress, and adapted to the professional work environment, all while exploring opportunities for personal growth and work-life balance as a developer.Links* Adilson Sandoval on LinkedIn* Adilson on the Web* Adilson on GitHub* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn* Mechanical Ink StudioCommunity* Join the community on Slack or Discord* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)Help Others Find The Podcast* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts* Rate and review on SpotifyThanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this engaging episode of "The Mycelium Network Podcast," host Schalk Neethling sits down with Andrew MacLean, a passionate educator from British Columbia, Canada, who has dedicated his career to exploring and teaching technology. Andrew shares his journey from his first job building a website to his current role as a community manager for Battlesnake, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in the tech industry.He discusses his work with High Tech U, an initiative aimed at making tech education accessible to a diverse group of students. The conversation also covers the value of open source in learning, the impact of good documentation, and the power of community involvement in fostering a welcoming learning environment. This episode highlights the need for alternative education methods in technology to nurture a more diverse and innovative future generation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this enriching conversation on the Mycelium Network podcast, Pamela Rodriguez and Schalk Neethling explore the intersections of technology, diversity, and mentorship with depth and nuance. Pamela shares her journey into the tech world, highlighting the barriers she faced as a woman and how she overcame them through resilience, networking, and skill-building. She emphasizes the critical importance of mentorship in her career, recounting how guidance from seasoned professionals helped her navigate the tech industry's challenges.Pamela and Schalk discuss the future of technology and the role of open-source projects in fostering innovation and community. Pamela shares her experiences with contributing to open source, underlining how it serves as a platform for learning, collaboration, and making a tangible impact.The discussion also ventures into the broader issues of gender diversity in tech, with Pamela offering insights into the systemic obstacles that deter women from pursuing careers in STEM fields. She passionately talks about her efforts to create more inclusive environments through community initiatives such as Women Who Code and mentoring programs, aiming to empower women and other underrepresented groups in tech. The conversation demonstrates the transformative impact of such endeavors on individuals and the industry as a whole.Links* Pamela Rodriguez on LinkedIn* Women Who Code* Ada Lovelace* Olascoaga's WILL project* No Man's Land by Wendy Moore* The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V. E. Schwab* Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn* Mechanical InkCommunity* Join the community on Slack* Continue the conversation on GitHub or here on Substack* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)Help Others Find The Podcast* Rate and review on Spotify* Rate and review on Apple PodcastsThanks for reading Mechanical Ink - Open Source - Open Web - Open Startup! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of the Mycelium Network podcast, host Schalk Neethling speaks with guest Schalk Venter in a wide-ranging discussion about the tech industry. SchalkV shares his unique journey into tech, highlighting the role of community learning and self-teaching over formal education. They delve into how technology can be leveraged for social good, touching upon the intersection of tech with civic engagement and societal challenges.A significant part of the conversation is dedicated to tech education, where SchalkV emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift from creating educational content to curating existing resources, aiding learners in navigating the abundance of available information. The discussion also brings to light the importance of mental health awareness within the tech industry, advocating for openness and the destigmatization of mental health issues.The realities of working in the tech industry, including the demand for developers, the implications of remote work, and the globalized nature of the workforce, are explored in depth. SchalkV's insights offer a comprehensive look at the current state of the tech industry, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and the importance of community and personal growth within this space.Links* Schalk Venter on LinkedIn* Codex* Codebridge* Codespace* Code for Cape Town* Global Accessibility Awareness Day* The Odin Project* FEDSA* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn* Mechanical InkCommunity* Join the community on Slack* Continue the conversation on GitHub or here on Substack* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)Help Others Find The Podcast* Rate and review on Spotify* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of the Mycelium Network podcast, host Schalk Neethling engages in a riveting conversation with Peter Bengtsson, a seasoned web developer with over 25 years of experience. Peter shares anecdotes from his early forays into web development, including a playful yet controversial webpage created during his teenage years. His journey spans from these early experiments to professional roles, notably his significant contributions at Mozilla and his current position at GitHub.A pivotal aspect of Peter's career has been his passion for Python, a language he adopted early on. He highlights Python's simplicity and readability, which align with his broader philosophy on programming and usability. This perspective is deeply rooted in his early studies and ongoing interest in making technology accessible and intuitive.Peter also delves into the nuances of mentoring within the tech industry. He emphasizes the importance of showing both strengths and vulnerabilities, fostering an environment where learning and personal growth are central themes. His approach to coding and system design is guided by the principle of 'Don't make me think,' advocating for clear and straightforward code that can be easily understood by others.Overall, the episode provides an insightful glimpse into the evolution of web development, the enduring relevance of Python, and the critical role of mentorship in the tech community. Peter's experiences and philosophies offer valuable lessons for both aspiring and experienced developers alike.Links* Peter Bengtsson on LinkedIn* Peter’s blog* GitHub Docs* Python* What is usability?* Jacob Nielsen* Steve Krug - Don’t make me think* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn* Mechanical InkCommunity* Join the community on Slack* Continue the conversation on GitHub or here on Substack* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)Help Others Find The Podcast* Rate and review on Spotify* Rate and review on Apple PodcastsThanks for reading Mechanical Ink - Open Source - Open Web - Open Startup! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this engaging episode of the Mycelium Network podcast, host Schalk Neethling invites Sharone Zitman, a prominent figure in the world of developer relations, to share her insights and experiences. The conversation orbits around the dynamic and evolving landscape of developer tools, highlighting the challenges and breakthroughs in this sector.Sharone begins by discussing the significant shifts in developer tools and practices. She emphasizes how these tools have evolved from being merely functional to becoming more user-friendly and accessible. This shift is crucial in enhancing the overall developer experience, particularly for those new to the field. She underscores the importance of reducing the learning curve for complex tools like Git, a topic that resonates with many developers.A central theme of the episode is the critical role of community in the tech industry. Sharone shares her experiences in building and nurturing developer communities, highlighting how these platforms serve as vital support networks for both new and seasoned developers. She stresses the importance of mentorship, peer support, and the sharing of knowledge within these communities.Throughout the podcast, Sharone's passion for her work and her commitment to improving the developer experience shines through. She offers a unique perspective on the intersection of technology, community, and learning, providing listeners with valuable takeaways and a deeper understanding of the current state and future direction of developer tools and relations.Links* Sharone Zitman on LinkedIn* RTFM Please* DevOps Isreal* RTFM Please* Snyk* Apps Flyer* Oh S**t, Git!?!* Shift Left* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn* Mechanical InkCommunity* Join the community on Slack* Continue the conversation on GitHub or here on Substack* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)Help Others Find The Podcast* Rate and review on Spotify* Rate and review on Apple PodcastsThanks for reading Mechanical Ink - Open Source - Open Web - Open Startup! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In our fourth episode, we talk to Soham Shah. Soham works at Marvin, a user research platform that elevates the voice of customers. Soham is also very active in the open source world. He has contributed to ChakraUI, MDN Web Docs, and is the co-creator of mockBee and Mockman. We talk about the challenges of the interview process, the importance of community, and how pair-learning can help build knowledge and friendships.This podcast was made with the amazing Descript and Riverside.Transcripts of the episode are available on GitHub.Social The Mycelium Network Discord The Mycelium Network on TwitterLinks React Reactiflux React Table Udemy Neog Camp JavaScript.info NamasteJS NextJS Webpack Frontendmasters GitHub Student Pack Hashnode Medium Atomic Habits React Bangalore JavaScript Bangalore Remotion MirageJSRecorded and produced by Mechanical Ink This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of "The Mycelium Network Podcast," host Schalk Neethling speaks with Isabel Calabig, also known as Izaye Visuals, about her unique journey into the tech industry. Isabel shares her transition from a background in marketing to EdTech during the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasizes the crucial role of community support in her learning process, especially as she navigates the challenges of imposter syndrome and career change.Isabel's exploration of various learning resources, such as Codecademy, Scrimba, YouTube, and the 100 Devs boot camp, offers insights into the diverse approaches available for aspiring tech professionals. She discusses the importance of mentorship in guiding her professional development and highlights the significance of networking in the tech industry.The conversation also delves into the realities of job hunting in tech, addressing the difficulties and nuances of the interview process, and underscoring the importance of setting realistic expectations. Isabel talks about her personal projects, including a math game for children, reflecting her passion for ed tech and continuous personal growth.Throughout the episode, the theme of community as a cornerstone for success in the tech industry resonates, offering valuable insights and inspiration for listeners, especially those considering or currently navigating a career transition into tech.Links* Isabel Calabig on LinkedIn* Codecademy* Scrimba* 100 Devs Boot Camp* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn* Mechanical Ink StudioCommunity* Join the community on Slack or Discord* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)Help Others Find The Podcast* Rate and review on Spotify* Rate and review on Apple PodcastsThanks for reading Mechanical Ink - Open Source - Open Web - Open Startup! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In our first episode, we talk to Rico Smit—an early-stage web developer living and working in Pretoria, South Africa. We discuss various topics, from the challenges faced by new learners, starting a business, finding learning material, and the importance of community. We also touch on contributing to open-source and feeling more comfortable interacting in public.Support Our WorkThis podcast was made with the amazing Descript and Riverside.Transcripts of the episode are available on GitHub. (Help us improve our transcripts)Support our work on Patreon.SocialThe Mycelium Network on LinkedInThe Mycelium Network Community on SlackThe Mycelium Network on GitHubLinksVSCodeSublimeTextGitGitHubMosh150DaysofHTMLEpic ReactKent C DoddsOutreachyCodenewbiesFreecodecamp.orgJSONdeveloper-toolchest.comSQLiteRWSWebDesign.co.zaRecorded and produced by Mechanical Ink. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com