Half Geek Half Human

John Wark and the Nashville Software School

John Wark founded Nashville Software School in 2012. He believed that Nashville's technology talent shortage would never be solved by only importing experienced developers from other cities or by waiting for colleges and universities to start graduating enough students. He also had faith that Nashville had an ample supply of motivated adults with aptitude who, if offered a chance, would eagerly pursue a career in technology. Eleven years and 2,500 graduates later, NSS continues to serve those who seek an opportunity in tech. John started programming professionally at age 19. Throughout his career, he’s done everything from being a developer to a CEO of two venture-backed companies. John moved to Nashville in 2005 and has been involved with both the local startup and technology communities since that time. He was inducted into the Nashville Technology Council’s Hall of Fame in 2017.   Twitter username: @nashsoftware   Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/NashvilleSoftwareSchool/   Instagram URL: https://www.instagram.com/nashvillesoftwareschool/   LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/school/nashville-software-school/

Dr. Donita Brown - The Management Minute

Today we’re joined by Dr. Donita Brown. After more than 20 years of corporate management experience leading teams of 2 to 102, Dr. Donita Brown now serves as a professor of management at Lipscomb University's College of Business in Nashville. She is an author, speaker, and habit coach. She also hosts a podcast called The Management Minute with Dr. Donita Brown. On the show we’ll speak with Dr. Brown about the evolution of the podcast, what she’s learned along the way, and what’s next up on her management education lesson plan.  Dr. Donita Brown is a professor of management at Lipscomb University’s AACSB-accredited College of Business. Following a successful corporate career, she came to Lipscomb to teach in the Master of Management Healthcare Administration Program. Additionally, she teaches undergraduate management and leadership courses and regularly presents executive education at many Nashville area corporations. Donita’s current areas of research include habit development and the impact of coaching on self-care and leadership. She is a certified Habit Coach and brings her broad experience leading a large division of a Fortune 500 company to coach leaders, especially women, in the tech and healthcare fields. Donita is the creator of the podcast, The Management Minute with Dr. Donita Brown, a podcast for seasoned and new managers delivered weekly. In addition, Donita has written several books available on Amazon. https://www.lipscomb.edu/business

Steve Rucker: Evolution of Technology and Music with a Former Bee Gee

In this episode of the Half Geek Half Human podcast, we speak with Steve Rucker, a musician, college music professor, and programmer, who is also the former drummer for the Bee Gees. Steve shares his unique perspective on how technology is reshaping the world of music, covering topics from digital tools to live performances and the creative fusion of code and composition. Steve Rucker is a lecturer in the Studio Music and Jazz Department at the Frost School of Music. He received his bachelor’s degree in Studio Music and Jazz from the University of Miami in 1979 and was awarded his master’s degree in jazz performance in 1983. Mr. Rucker got his start in Charlotte, North Carolina, performing locally and touring with the Funk/R&B group “Sugarcreek.”  During this period, he became the musical arranger for this seven-piece horn band, and wrote and recorded their first single, "Runnin' Out Of Time".  He moved to South Florida in 1976 and performed and recorded steadily with numerous jazz, Latin, funk, and fusion groups.  He has twice been voted “Best Jazz Performer” and “Most Versatile Artist” in South Florida polls. In the early 1980s, Mr. Rucker was a member of the Ross-Levine band, a groundbreaking jazz-fusion group. In addition to numerous appearances with them, he recorded the albums “That Summer Something” and “Humidity,” which featured Pat Metheny and Hiram Bullock. While a member of Randy Bernsen’s Ocean Sound Band, he recorded tracks on “Paradise Citizens” and “Calling Me Back Home,” and performed many concerts internationally, including a billing with Miles Davis.  He also recorded “Blues Hat Dances 'Round Midnight” with Bernsen and continues to perform with him. In 1990, Mr. Rucker recorded “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me” with Gloria Estefan.  For many years, he performed internationally with Ben Vereen, and appeared with Mr. Vereen with the Atlanta Symphony and the Dallas Symphony. Steve Rucker was a member of the Bee Gees for more than ten years, and appeared with them on numerous TV shows and performances, including:  * The Tonight Show * Oprah Winfrey Show * Today Show * VH 1 Specials * David Letterman * Rosie O’Donnell * Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction * Command Performance for the Queen of England * Top of the Pops * Live By Request https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Rucker [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Rucker] https://www.frost.miami.edu/ [https://www.frost.miami.edu/] https://www.facebook.com/steve.rucker.33/ [https://www.facebook.com/steve.rucker.33/] https://twitter.com/drbeat [https://twitter.com/drbeat]https://www.linkedin.com/in/steverucker/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steverucker/] https://www.instagram.com/steverucker [https://www.instagram.com/steverucker]

Atiba's Ashton Bailey: So You Want To Build A Mobile App

In this episode of the Half Geek Half Human podcast, we are joined by one of Atiba’s top Software Developers, Ashton Bailey. We speak with Ashton about what it takes to build a mobile app - everything from how to choose a framework and overall technical approach to what goes into creating the timeline and budget. We also cover how software development, and mobile development in particular, are constantly changing and how developers can keep up.  This episode will cover: * Cross platform versus native * Challenges for apps using Bluetooth * What “gestures” means for mobile apps * Different variables necessary for app development * What a client needs to have in place prior to building an app * Defining front end and back end for mobile apps * Timelines and costs variables for mobile app development * Mobile app maintenance after deployment * Cross platforms for mobile apps * Publishing to app stores and their challenges * Identifying and dealing with mobile app bugs * Mobile app QC and testing * Where apps live * How mobile app developers stay relevant with changing technology * Resources for mobile app developers * Benefits of working with an agency to develop a mobile app * Are mobile apps here to stay?

Edge•U Badges: Turning Teachers into Tech Stars

In this episode of the Half Geek Half Human podcast we are joined by Katie Ritter who oversees the Edge•U Badges program. Learn how the program helps students, teachers and dristricts – and how Covid changed everything. Dr. Katie Ritter is the Chief Learning Officer at Forward Edge. Katie was named one of the Top 100 Influencers in Edtech in 2023, and a finalist in the Visionary category for The EdTech Leadership Awards in 2023. She completed her Doctor of Education from Vanderbilt University where her research focused on instructional coaching and K12 educator professional development. She has served on several leadership teams including President of ISTE’s Edtech Coaching PLN and as a Future Ready Schools Instructional Coaches Thought Leader. She is a former instructional coach and high school educator. Katie is driven to empower others to realize their full potential, so they can make a positive difference on those around them! This episode will cover: * What is Edge•U? * How Covid changed the platform * Deep dive on how the platform helps districts * The future of Edge•U * Restart Recharge Podcast  Resources: https://edgeubadges.com/ [https://edgeubadges.com/]http://restartrechargepodcast.com/ [http://restartrechargepodcast.com/]