The Mental Side of Programming

In this episode, we talk with Jared M. Smith, Principal Engineer @ Logistically and host of the Elm Town podcast Quick note about this episode: is was recorded back in April 2025.  Thanks to Descript, the audio was saved. You can find out more at https://web.descript.com/ Also, our topics and conversation are all structured around the idea of a "lean coffee" discussion. We know https://www.leancoffeetable.com/ Our music was made specifically for The Mental Side of Programming by Lynx Kinetic.  SHOW NOTES  Books: Zen Computer by Philip Toshio Sudo Zen 24/7 by Philip Toshio Sudo Zen Guitar by Philip Toshio Sudo The Programmer's Brain by Dr. Felienne Hermans Atomic Habits (author not specified in transcript) Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks Pleasures of Small Motions by Bob Fancher (about billiards/pool, written by a psychologist) The Inner Game of Tennis by Tim Galloway The Trillion Dollar Coach (about Bill Cunningham) Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki Blog Posts: "The Interruptible Programmer" by Steve Streeting (from Work 2.0 series, circa 2010) Podcasts: Elm Town (hosted by Jared Smith) Lenards is on Elm Town 76 Programming Languages: Elm (functional programming language) Hedy (programming language created by Dr. Felienne Hermans) Philosophers/Concepts: Epictetus (Stoic philosopher) Heraclitus (quote: "No one steps in the same river twice") Ship of Theseus (philosophical thought experiment) Gear: Kinesis Advantage Pro (keyboard mentioned by Jared) Feedback: Please let us know what you think: https://forms.gle/6GAVF6YawczP2sUZA Thanks again =)

What's this? Programmers talking about how to do the work without making ourselves miserable.  Our first guest is Kelly Wilkerson. Our conversation ranges from creating & maintaining a "brag file" to how to reframe situations for more intellectual curiosity. Kelly is whip-smart and a thorough delight. Find out more about what Decipher Media offers at https://deciphertools.com/ Our theme music is made by Lynx Kinetic, https://soundcloud.com/lynx-kinetic   Please let us know what you think: https://forms.gle/6GAVF6YawczP2sUZA   Thank you, I appreciate you checking out the podcast. 

Coming in March, a podcast about the mindset and mental aspect of creating software.