The Mental Side of Programming

Ep.001-PD Jared M. Smith, Practitioner Discussion

In this episode, we talk with Jared M. Smith, Principal Engineer @ Logistically and host of the Elm Town [https://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/ [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/ [https://www.leancoffeetable.com/] Our music was made specifically for The Mental Side of Programming by Lynx Kinetic [https://soundcloud.com/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 [https://elm.town/episodes/elm-town-76-between-the-paving-stones-with-andrew-lenards] 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 [https://forms.gle/6GAVF6YawczP2sUZA] Thanks again =)

Ep.000-PD Kelly Wilkerson, Practitioner Discussion

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/ [https://deciphertools.com/] Our theme music is made by Lynx Kinetic, https://soundcloud.com/lynx-kinetic [https://soundcloud.com/lynx-kinetic]   Please let us know what you think: https://forms.gle/6GAVF6YawczP2sUZA [https://forms.gle/6GAVF6YawczP2sUZA]   Thank you, I appreciate you checking out the podcast.

Introducing The Mental Side of Programming

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