Cody Norman, an independent Ruby on Rails consultant and creator of SpotSquid, takes us on a fascinating journey through the intersection of technology and tattoo artistry. Discover how Cody transformed a traditionally paper-based industry into a tech-savvy environment, using customer feedback to tackle the unique challenges faced by tattoo artists and shop owners. With anecdotes from his tech conference experiences and insights into his consulting career, Cody's story is both relatable and inspiring for anyone looking to merge creativity with technology.

In this episode, you'll unlock the secrets to finding your niche and the delicate balance between diverse client projects and passion-driven endeavors. We explore Cody's path to becoming a potential expert in Action Mailbox and email solutions within the Rails community, as well as his strategies for creating impactful educational content. Cody's experiences offer valuable lessons on testing email functionality and the potential of establishing oneself as an authoritative figure in a specialized area.

As Cody shares his journey through various tech conferences like Rocky Mountain Ruby and RailsConf, listeners will be captivated by his engaging presentations and the excitement of future opportunities. We delve into the anticipation of attending events like MicroConf and RailsConf and the potential breakthroughs these gatherings can bring. Wrapping up with Cody's entrepreneurial aspirations, this episode promises insights and inspiration for developers eager to carve their own path in the dynamic world of software development.

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Honeybadger
Honeybadger is an application health monitoring tool built by developers for developers.

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Ever wondered why a seasoned entrepreneur would choose acquisition over starting from scratch? Join us as veteran Rubyist John Nunemaker unravels the secrets behind his strategic purchase of Fireside FM. You’ll discover the ins and outs of transitioning ownership and handling infrastructure while gaining insights into why stepping into an existing company can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs.

John's journey doesn't stop at Fireside FM. He shares his experiences juggling multiple ventures, including BoxOut Sports and Flipper Cloud, revealing how he maintains productivity across his projects. The discussion highlights the importance of strategic partnerships and effective time management to fuel business growth. Plus, John's passion for mentorship shines through as he talks about guiding young developers in the tech industry.

From handling feature flags across platforms to navigating background threading challenges in Ruby applications, this episode is packed with technical wisdom and real-world anecdotes. John candidly shares his techniques for optimizing workflows and ensuring seamless project integrations. This episode promises to leave you inspired, whether you're an entrepreneur, developer, or simply fascinated by the art of balancing innovation with business acumen.

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Honeybadger
Honeybadger is an application health monitoring tool built by developers for developers.

Support the show

Ready to start your own podcast?
This show is hosted on Buzzsprout and it's awesome, not to mention a Ruby on Rails application. Let Buzzsprout know we sent you and you'll get a $20 Amazon gift card if you sign up for a paid plan, and it helps support our show.

Send us some love.

Support the show

Ready to start your own podcast?
This show is hosted on Buzzsprout and it's awesome, not to mention a Ruby on Rails application. Let Buzzsprout know we sent you and you'll get a $20 Amazon gift card if you sign up for a paid plan, and it helps support our show.

Can you feel the festival vibes of Rails World? Brace yourself for an electrifying journey through the upcoming release of Rails 8, where authentication features are creating a buzz like never before. Picture yourself amidst a sea of passionate developers, where hallway interactions often outshine the scheduled talks. We'll also share a heartfelt tribute to Justin Searles, whose potentially final talk left a lasting mark on the Rails community. And guess what? The Rails World spirit isn't just confined to Rails enthusiasts; notable PHP community figures also joined, fostering a beautiful cross-framework camaraderie between Rails and Laravel.

Ever felt overwhelmed by deployment options? We’ve got you covered! This episode is packed with insights on the evolving landscape of Rails deployment tools. We share our mixed emotions about Heroku's discontinued free tier and our newfound appreciation for Hatchbox. The conversation steers towards Kamal and its promise of simplifying deployments, albeit with a learning curve. We discuss the dream of an official Rails playground, which could revolutionize how new developers deploy production apps, and the excitement surrounding default PWA support in Rails 8 that signals a bright future for web applications.

Ending on a high note, we dive into diverse deployment strategies by contrasting Laravel Cloud and Kamal, highlighting how Rails accommodates various needs with tools like Hatchbox, AWS, and Kamal. Nadia Odenayu's keynote on migrating from Heroku to Cloud 66 for a more cost-effective B2C app is also not to be missed. We speculate on the game-changing features of Rails 8.1, from action notifier to improved service worker integration, and dream ahead to Rails 9’s possibilities. Lastly, hear about the convenience of navigating the event with a bike rental app and the high anticipation for Eileen's keynote, promising even more exciting revelations.

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Honeybadger
Honeybadger is an application health monitoring tool built by developers for developers.

Support the show

Ready to start your own podcast?
This show is hosted on Buzzsprout and it's awesome, not to mention a Ruby on Rails application. Let Buzzsprout know we sent you and you'll get a $20 Amazon gift card if you sign up for a paid plan, and it helps support our show.

What groundbreaking feature has Rails 8 introduced that has Jason Charns grinning from ear to ear? Join us live from Railsworld 2024 in Toronto as we break down DHH's monumental keynote unveiling the built-in authentication feature that’s set to revolutionize Rails development. Jason shares his excitement over the long-awaited feature, drawing hilarious comparisons to his past struggles with Devise and other gems. We also dive into the latest deployment tools—Kamal 2, Thruster, and Propshaft—that promise to smooth out those pesky deployment processes. Jason spills the beans on why Kamal 2’s built-in Docker file and SSL updates are game-changers, and how it stacks up against Heroku and AWS.

But that's not all! We recount the keynote's most memorable moments, from Drew's amusing standing ovation to the eyebrow-raising comment about the Danish economy. The atmosphere at Railsworld is electric, and Jason tells us what he’s most eager to experience next. Whether you’re a Rails veteran or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with fresh updates and Jason’s insightful commentary on the future of Rails and its deployment tools. Don’t miss out on this engaging conversation that captures all the excitement and humor of Railsworld 2024!

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Ready to start your own podcast?
This show is hosted on Buzzsprout and it's awesome, not to mention a Ruby on Rails application. Let Buzzsprout know we sent you and you'll get a $20 Amazon gift card if you sign up for a paid plan, and it helps support our show.

What does it take to build a modern, distraction-free forum platform that fosters deep community engagement? Join us as we welcome back Jeremy Smith, a seasoned Rails developer and consultant, who shares his journey of creating Liminal, an innovative platform inspired by conversations at RailsConf. Jeremy's insights offer a unique look into his work under Hybrid Studio, his passion for Ruby and Rails projects, and his latest ventures, including organizing Blue Ridge Ruby and co-hosting the Indie Rails podcast. Don't miss out on his practical advice for developers and creators looking to build meaningful online communities.

Launching a new product is never easy, and Jeremy opens up about the challenges he faced with Liminal. From focusing on core features to attract users to overcoming common roadblocks like gaining traction and effective marketing, Jeremy shares valuable lessons learned through personal anecdotes. He discusses the importance of communication and storytelling in successful product development, reflecting on why his similar project, Fractional, didn't take off while Joe Mazzolotti's RailsDevs.com flourished. Jeremy's journey into building a fractional services platform highlights the critical role of targeting a niche audience and marketing effectively.

Finally, we delve into the future of video content creation with tools like Riverside. Jeremy highlights the efficiency of its AI tools for creating and editing video content, making quick weekly releases a breeze. This episode also explores the joy of building niche events like Blue Ridge and Ruby on Trails, where Jeremy hones his skills in promoting and engaging with the Rubyist community. Tune in for a wealth of practical advice, personal stories, and insightful discussions that will leave you inspired to take your own projects to the next level.

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Honeybadger
Honeybadger is an application health monitoring tool built by developers for developers.

Support the show

Ready to start your own podcast?
This show is hosted on Buzzsprout and it's awesome, not to mention a Ruby on Rails application. Let Buzzsprout know we sent you and you'll get a $20 Amazon gift card if you sign up for a paid plan, and it helps support our show.

Ever wondered how a backend developer can transition into a successful content creator while juggling a bustling family life? Join us as Aaron Francis, a prominent figure in the tech video content space, shares his incredible journey. From his early days working with Laravel to launching a comprehensive SQLite course, Aaron provides invaluable insights into balancing full-time commitments with side projects. He also opens up about his personal life, revealing how he and his wife, along with the help of an au pair, manage to raise four young children while maintaining productivity.

Discover the niche Aaron found in intermediate database content, a passion rooted in his upbringing with a father who was a SQL Server DBA. We'll uncover how he and his partner, Steve, co-founded TryHard Studios to fill this gap by producing high-quality database courses on platforms like SQLite, Postgres, and MySQL. Our conversation also touches on their ambitious vision of evolving into a media company with diverse on-camera talent.

Lastly, Aaron's love for building and creating comes to life as he talks about his unique office shed project and the joy he finds in construction and gardening. He explains his philosophy of being a builder rather than an influencer, focusing on the satisfaction of creation. Don't miss his reflections on reviving forums for meaningful discussions and where you can follow his work online. This episode promises a rich tapestry of insights, making it a must-listen for developers and content creators alike.

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Honeybadger
Honeybadger is an application health monitoring tool built by developers for developers.

Support the show

Ready to start your own podcast?
This show is hosted on Buzzsprout and it's awesome, not to mention a Ruby on Rails application. Let Buzzsprout know we sent you and you'll get a $20 Amazon gift card if you sign up for a paid plan, and it helps support our show.

Ready to unlock the secrets of game development using Ruby? Join us as we chat with the ingenious Amir Rajan, the mastermind behind the DragonRuby Game Toolkit. Amir takes us on a captivating journey from his corporate days in app development to becoming a trailblazing indie game developer. You'll be amazed at how Amir leveraged Ruby's expressive power to create innovative games and how his monumental success with the iOS port of "A Dark Room" reshaped his career. Prepare to gain an insider's perspective on the unique challenges and rewarding experiences of adapting Ruby for the gaming world.

Ever wondered what it takes to test a real-time game with precision? Amir sheds light on the stark contrasts in testing between app development and game creation. Listen as he breaks down the complexities of managing long-running states, debugging frame-perfect bugs, and implementing replay systems for maintaining consistent gameplay experiences. Using a racing game as an example, Amir explains the intricacies of regression testing in game development, offering a fascinating glimpse into the meticulous world of game testing.

Curious about what it takes to create a successful hyper-niche game? Discover Amir's strategic approach to captivating players within the first 20 seconds and crafting a minimum viable product (MVP) that stands out. Drawing inspiration from literature and focusing on underserved communities, Amir shares the potential of niche game concepts—without competing with big-name studios. He also tackles common misconceptions about Ruby's speed, demonstrating with DragonRuby how a well-implemented runtime can rival even the fastest engines. This episode is packed with invaluable insights for both aspiring and seasoned developers, bridging the gap between app and game development in innovative ways.

Send us some love.

Honeybadger
Honeybadger is an application health monitoring tool built by developers for developers.

Support the show

Ready to start your own podcast?
This show is hosted on Buzzsprout and it's awesome, not to mention a Ruby on Rails application. Let Buzzsprout know we sent you and you'll get a $20 Amazon gift card if you sign up for a paid plan, and it helps support our show.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous planning for RubyConf, where  Kinsey Durham Grace reveals exciting new initiatives aimed at making the conference more inclusive and accessible for developers of all skill levels. Learn about the importance of the early Call for Proposals (CFP) and the exciting RubyConf tracks planned for this year. As she details the structure of RubyConf, featuring three simultaneous tracks and a community-focused day, you’ll see why this event is a must-attend for anyone in the Ruby community.

Ever hit a roadblock while working on a project? Kinsey discusses common blockers at GitHub and how tools like Sorbet, AASM, and Packwork have transformed their workflow. With insights from experienced organizers like Spike from Rocky Mountain Ruby, you’ll learn about the importance of having a playbook and support system in place. Finally, get inspired to submit your talk for upcoming conferences, leveraging coaching resources to ensure your proposals shine. Kinsey’s enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge make this episode a treasure trove for anyone passionate about tech, community, and personal growth.

Send us some love.

Honeybadger
Honeybadger is an application health monitoring tool built by developers for developers.

Support the show

Ready to start your own podcast?
This show is hosted on Buzzsprout and it's awesome, not to mention a Ruby on Rails application. Let Buzzsprout know we sent you and you'll get a $20 Amazon gift card if you sign up for a paid plan, and it helps support our show.

In this special crossover episode recorded live from RailsConf 2024 in Detroit, join us for a unique gathering of prominent Ruby podcasters. Drew teams up with Elise from the 'Ruby on Rails' podcast, Jason from 'Code with Jason,' Joël from 'The Bike Shed,' and Julie from 'Ruby for All' The group discusses their experiences at RailsConf, including workshops, talks about Test Driven Development (TDD), and building dynamic applications with Turbo. They delve into the implications of RailsConf being discontinued after 2025, the thriving local Ruby conference scene, and share candid moments about their interactions with the community. Additionally, they touch upon diverse topics such as Detroit-style pizza, hot dog eating capacities, and food opinions, blending technical insights with light-hearted banter. The episode concludes with gratitude for the well-coordinated event and excitement for future Ruby gatherings. Enjoy!

Panelists:

Julie J.

Elise Shaffer

Jason Swett

Drew Bragg

Joël Quenneville

Links:

Julie J. Twitter

Julie J. Website

Ruby for All Podcast

Jason Swett Twitter

Code with Jason Website

Joël Quenneville Twitter

Joël Quenneville Website

The Bike Shed Podcast

Elise Shaffer Website

The Ruby on Rails Podcast

RailsConf 2024

Send us some love.

Honeybadger
Honeybadger is an application health monitoring tool built by developers for developers.

Support the show

Ready to start your own podcast?
This show is hosted on Buzzsprout and it's awesome, not to mention a Ruby on Rails application. Let Buzzsprout know we sent you and you'll get a $20 Amazon gift card if you sign up for a paid plan, and it helps support our show.

Ever wondered how a Ruby developer transitions into a successful entrepreneur? Join us as Josh Wood, co-founder of HoneyBadger.io, shares his fascinating journey. From creating notable projects like the Heya gem and Exceptional Creatures to spearheading the launch of HoneyBadger Insights, Josh offers an insider's view of the Ruby community and his experiences at RailsConf. Listen to his unique perspective on balancing developer relations, marketing, and the dynamic energy that fuels his passion for Ruby development.

Curious about the latest trends in Ruby conferences? This episode dives into the vibrant world of Ruby events across the U.S. and Europe. We discuss the allure of gatherings like Blue Ridge and Rocky Mountain Ruby, along with smaller, community-driven meetups such as Ruby on Trails and Rawhide Ruby. Learn about the shift in Ruby Central's focus from organizing RailsConf to empowering regional conferences and ponder the potential rise of new events in cities like Philadelphia. Josh and his co-founder Ben Curtis's collaborative dynamics and quarterly strategy meetings are also on the agenda.

What does it take to reposition a well-known error tracker into a comprehensive application performance monitoring tool? Josh reveals the strategic shifts at HoneyBadger, unpacking the challenges of marketing and design from the vantage point of a technical founder. Hear about the creative process behind naming projects, the nostalgic joy of using older technologies, and the interplay between personal hobbies and professional life. This episode promises a rich blend of insights and stories that will captivate anyone interested in the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and community culture.

Send us some love.

Honeybadger
Honeybadger is an application health monitoring tool built by developers for developers.

Support the show

Ready to start your own podcast?
This show is hosted on Buzzsprout and it's awesome, not to mention a Ruby on Rails application. Let Buzzsprout know we sent you and you'll get a $20 Amazon gift card if you sign up for a paid plan, and it helps support our show.