Real-life product stories and insights from top Clojure leaders.
We launched this podcast because we're fascinated by a paradox: Clojure is an exceptional language with a powerful philosophy behind it, yet it remains relatively niche in the industry. By talking to teams who've actually implemented Clojure in production, we're trying to understand this disconnect.
Is there something fundamental limiting Clojure's adoption, or is it just circumstantial?
Through conversations with people, who've taken the leap and built real systems with Clojure, we're exploring whether they would "do it again" — and more importantly, why or why not.
We're hoping these real-world stories can help understand Clojure's place in the industry and perhaps shed light on its future potential.
Visit our podcast page: freshcodeit.com/podcast (https://www.freshcodeit.com/podcast)
Episode 12: It allows a small team to achieve really great goals, with Marcin Maicki, Dentons
Marcin Maicki discusses running Clojure inside a large enterprise with Artem Barmin and Vadym Kostiuk, highlighting its benefits for small teams and the challenges of integration, in this interview.
28 Nov 2025
Episode 11. Clojure still gives the biggest performance boost, with Jeremiah Via, NYT
Jeremiah Via, Staff Software Engineer at The New York Times, details the adoption of Clojure within the NYT's search stack, highlighting its performance benefits and practical tooling in an interview with Artem Barmin and Vadym Kostiuk.
17 Feb 2025
Episode 10. Open-source is like all eyes looking at it, with Cam Saul, Metabase
Welcome to the 10th episode of our podcast, "Clojure in product. Would you do it again?", where Artem Barmin and Vadym Kostiuk speak with Cam Saul, Chief Architect at Metabase, an open-source business intelligence platform. In his role, Cam wears multiple hats, including reviewing architectural documents, managing developer tasks, and writing custom linters to ensure code quality.
We discuss the integral role of Clojure in Metabase's development and how transitioning from Python allowed the team to ship features much faster. Cam also shares insights into the blend of Clojure and JavaScript developers, highlighting the advantages of Clojure's stability, which enables the team to build upon existing work without the frequent changes seen in other programming environments.
The open-source foundation of Metabase has fostered a collaborative culture that attracts external contributors, some of whom joined the team after submitting valuable requests. Cam reflects on the journey of hiring Clojure developers, emphasizing the learning opportunities it provides. We conclude with Cam's thoughts on the Clojure community and his response to a question from our previous guest, Alexander Johannes from JustOn (https://www.freshcodeit.com/podcast/boundaries-to-do-a-meaningful-work).
Worth your attention:
Fast in-product analytics: metabase.com (https://www.metabase.com)
Freshcode Clojure Team: freshcodeit.com/services/clojure-development-company (https://www.freshcodeit.com/services/clojure-development-company)
10 Feb 2025
Episode 9. You need boundaries to do a meaningful work, with Alexander Johannes, JustOn
In the 9th episode, we welcome Alexander Johannes, Head of Development at JustOn, a German fintech company specializing in developing Salesforce accounting solutions since 2010. We discuss the nuances of building software for the AppExchange marketplace and the significance of Clojure in niche markets.
What started as a hobbyist's passion for solving intriguing problems like parser development has evolved into the full integration of Clojure into the tech stack, laying the foundation for JustOn's current projects. As Alexander noted, "It opened up the possibilities to be faster and deliver something meaningful."
Learn how JustOn's development team, under Alexander's leadership, developed and maintained the backend in Clojure, including business logic, mass data transformation, and platform integrations. We also walked through a series of questions about project structuring, software testing, hiring practices, overengineering, and team culture. When asked, "Would you choose Clojure as the main tech stack for your next product?" Alexander confidently said, "I would say yes," emphasizing their experience as underdogs in a niche market and the advantages that Clojure provides compared to mainstream technologies like Java.
Listen to our podcast and get more insights about Clojure in product.
3 Feb 2025
Episode 8. ClojureScript is a Clojure killer app, with Jereme Corrado, Mobot
In the 8th episode, meet our guest Jereme Corrado, the former CTO of Mobot and a Clojure enthusiast since 2016. Jereme shares his extensive programming journey, emphasizing the importance of quality engineering and the challenges and rewards of adopting Clojure.
Clojure acts as a filter for hiring skilled developers genuinely interested in the language. We discussed the same idea in the 3rd episode (https://www.freshcodeit.com/podcast/once-you-try-clojure-there-is-no-way-back): when interviewing seasoned Clojure developers, you can always learn something new. This aspect is critical in building a strong engineering team, especially in startup environments.
Jereme describes successful projects he has worked on, how Clojure popped up on his radar, and how he introduced it to the team. Listen to this episode to know if Clojure matters and what unique strengths and weaknesses it represents.
Worth your attention:
Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs: https://web.mit.edu/6.001/6.037/sicp.pdf (https://web.mit.edu/6.001/6.037/sicp.pdf)
Clojure Yetibot: https://yetibot.com (https://yetibot.com)
Freshcode Clojure team: https://www.freshcodeit.com/services/clojure-development-company (https://www.freshcodeit.com/services/clojure-development-company)
27 Jan 2025
Episode 7. And until you get to that point, you should be living in pain, right?, with Nathan Marz, Red Planet Labs
In the 7th episode, we speak with Nathan Marz, founder of Red Planet Labs and creator of Apache Storm, about his 15-year programming journey and the challenges of building scalable systems in Clojure. Nathan shares his experiences with Clojure and his innovative work on Rama, a platform designed to simplify software development.
Our conversation covers testing techniques like with-redefs for debugging, the challenges of hiring Clojure developers, and the architecture's approach to event sourcing and materialized views. Nathan explains why Clojure was the ideal choice for Rama and highlights his team's learning curve and the need for strong engineering expertise.
Worth your attention:
https://paulgraham.com/avg.html (https://paulgraham.com/avg.html)
https://storm.apache.org/releases/2.2.1/Clojure-DSL.html (https://storm.apache.org/releases/2.2.1/Clojure-DSL.html)
https://redplanetlabs.com/ (https://redplanetlabs.com/)
https://blog.redplanetlabs.com/2021/06/03/tour-of-our-250k-line-clojure-codebase/ (https://blog.redplanetlabs.com/2021/06/03/tour-of-our-250k-line-clojure-codebase/)
Blog posts:
Deep dive into how we reduced the line count for building the Twitter consumer product at scale by 100x: https://blog.redplanetlabs.com/2023/08/15/how-we-reduced-the-cost-of-building-twitter-at-twitter-scale-by-100x/ (https://blog.redplanetlabs.com/2023/08/15/how-we-reduced-the-cost-of-building-twitter-at-twitter-scale-by-100x/)
Introduction to Rama's Clojure API: https://blog.redplanetlabs.com/2023/10/11/introducing-ramas-clojure-api/ (https://blog.redplanetlabs.com/2023/10/11/introducing-ramas-clojure-api/)
Post focused on Rama's new programming paradigm https://blog.redplanetlabs.com/2024/10/10/rama-on-clojures-terms-and-the-magic-of-continuation-passing-style/ (https://blog.redplanetlabs.com/2024/10/10/rama-on-clojures-terms-and-the-magic-of-continuation-passing-style/)
Introduction to Rama's instant migrations and how they work https://blog.redplanetlabs.com/2024/09/30/migrating-terabytes-of-data-instantly-can-your-alter-table-do-this/ (https://blog.redplanetlabs.com/2024/09/30/migrating-terabytes-of-data-instantly-can-your-alter-table-do-this/)
#clojure #productdevelopment #java #c++ #softwaredevelopment #freshcode
20 Jan 2025
Episode 6. I truly discovered the enlightenment with Clojure, with Yehonathan, CyCognito
The sixth episode of our podcast is here! Join us in speaking with Yehonathan Sharvit, author of "Data-Oriented Programming: Reduce Software Complexity." This episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice from Yehonathan, who currently works in cybersecurity, where Clojure plays a crucial role in CyCognito's tech stack. We hope you find valuable insights for your product's journey in our podcast (https://www.freshcodeit.com/podcast).
Yehonathan shares his transition from C++ and Java to Clojure, highlighting some challenges he experienced early in his career with C++ and MATLAB. We explore how Clojure's elegance and productivity reignited his passion for development, inspiring him to write books and create tools to simplify language learning.
We also emphasize the importance of having seasoned Clojure engineers on a team to navigate complex challenges and enhance junior developers' understanding of this technology.
Worth your attention:
Practical Common Lisp (https://gigamonkeys.com/book)
Data-Oriented Programming (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Data-Oriented-Programming-Reduce-software-complexity-ebook/dp/B0B7TGQTSS?ref_=ast_author_mpb)
Get Programming with Clojure (https://www.manning.com/books/get-programming-with-clojure-cx)
Taking the Attacker’s View (https://www.cycognito.com)
Freshcode Clojure team (https://www.freshcodeit.com/services/clojure-development-company):
13 Jan 2025
Episode 5. The capacity to learn new languages is very important, HolidayPirates
Welcome to the fifth episode of "Clojure in product. Would you do it again?" Our guest, Jeffy, Lead Backend Developer at HolidayPirates, joins hosts Vadym Kostiuk and Artem Barmin. With 18 years of web development experience, Jeffy shares his journey into Clojure, which he adopted as the primary language for his team during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We touch upon the significance of keeping software simple and focused, advocating for a balance between pure functions and stateful code. As Jeffy reflects on his experience in hiring for niche technologies like Clojure, he shares strategies for identifying passionate developers willing to embrace this unique language.
Worth your attention:
Search & Book Your Dream Holiday: https://www.holidaypirates.com (https://www.holidaypirates.com)
Getting Clojure: Build Your Functional Skills One Idea at a Time: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Getting-Clojure-Russ-Olsen/dp/1680503006 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Getting-Clojure-Russ-Olsen/dp/1680503006)
Russ Olsen: http://russolsen.com (http://russolsen.com)
Learn Reitit and Clojure: https://www.learnreitit.com/ (https://www.learnreitit.com/)
Calva User Guide: https://calva.io/ (https://calva.io/)
Mastering Clojure Macros: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mastering-Clojure-Macros-Cleaner-Smarter/dp/1941222226/ref=asc_df_1941222226/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696285193871&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15871465362452006113&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9044966&hvtargid=pla-2281435176618&psc=1&mcid=b0e47956d53335e3b589ce46caaa25cd&hvocijid=15871465362452006113-1941222226-&hvexpln=74&gad_source=1 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mastering-Clojure-Macros-Cleaner-Smarter/dp/1941222226/ref=asc_df_1941222226/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696285193871&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15871465362452006113&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9044966&hvtargid=pla-2281435176618&psc=1&mcid=b0e47956d53335e3b589ce46caaa25cd&hvocijid=15871465362452006113-1941222226-&hvexpln=74&gad_source=1)
Freshcode Clojure team: https://www.freshcodeit.com/services/clojure-development-company (https://www.freshcodeit.com/services/clojure-development-company)
6 Jan 2025
Episode 4. Is it easy to manage team of such highly qualified engineers?, with James Trunk, Griffin
In the 4th episode, meet James Trunk, VP of Engineering at Griffin and co-creator of the Polylith architecture, sharing his experience using Clojure in the banking sector. Discover the benefits of using Clojure in fast, high-stakes environments and how it fits Griffin's banking-as-a-service strategy.
Hosts Vadym Kostiuk and Artem Barmin discuss leadership dynamics with James, such as how a skilled team of Clojure engineers encourages creativity and autonomy through smart decision-making. Tune in to learn about the challenges and successes of navigating the Clojure ecosystem and its potential to shape the future of technology.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt_cMdqqaPE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt_cMdqqaPE)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmQujxmZBck (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmQujxmZBck)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxdOUGdseq4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxdOUGdseq4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShEez0JkOFw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShEez0JkOFw)
Learning ClojureScript: https://www.packtpub.com/en-us/product/learning-clojurescript-9781785887635?srsltid=AfmBOorki4i1f8d7KoBtKYxNDE34D10rkvHHocC40XFbhQJNQcwfp7dh (https://www.packtpub.com/en-us/product/learning-clojurescript-9781785887635?srsltid=AfmBOorki4i1f8d7KoBtKYxNDE34D10rkvHHocC40XFbhQJNQcwfp7dh)
Building a thoughtful engineering culture: https://griffin.com/blog/thoughtful-decision-making-is-the-key-to-high-performing-engineering-teams (https://griffin.com/blog/thoughtful-decision-making-is-the-key-to-high-performing-engineering-teams)
Freshcode Clojure team: https://www.freshcodeit.com/services/clojure-development-company (https://www.freshcodeit.com/services/clojure-development-company)
#clojure #productdevelopment #freshcode #griffin #developers
16 Dec 2024
Episode 3. So once you try Clojure, there is no way back, with Marten Sytema, CaterMonkey
In the third episode, join our hosts Vadym Kostiuk and Artem Barmin as they walk through the journey of Marten Sytema, founder at Catermonkey, a solo engineer turned product creator. Explore Marten's vision about Java, Haskell, and Python, his passion for Clojure, and how this technology transformed his approach to software product development. Marten told the story behind CaterMonkey, a smart CRM solution for catering businesses, and the competitive edge Clojure offered for his company.
We highlight the practicalities of building a startup with Clojure, both challenges and triumphs, including hiring practices, effective use of technology, and fostering a productive development culture.
CaterMonkey CRM: https://catermonkey.com (https://catermonkey.com)
Simple Made Easy: https://www.infoq.com/presentations/Simple-Made-Easy (https://www.infoq.com/presentations/Simple-Made-Easy)
Freshcode Clojure team: https://www.freshcodeit.com/services/clojure-development-company (https://www.freshcodeit.com/services/clojure-development-company)
#clojure #productdevelopment #productmanager #python #java #haskell
3 Dec 2024
Episode 2. We choose the best tool for the job, with Adam Tornhill, CodeScene
Meet our guest, Adam Tornhill—founder of CodeScene, a seasoned programmer with nearly 30 years of experience, and author of the book "Your Code as a Crime Scene." In this episode, we explore Adam's expertise in software product development and how CodeScene's Clojure team navigates the challenges of technical debt, late delivery, and code quality.
Adam explains his decision to use Clojure as the primary technology for CodeScene and shares his proven approach to behavioral code analysis. We highlighted the benefits like increased productivity, JVM integration, and sheer enjoyment, as well as some challenges related to the dynamic typing system.
The CodeScene behavioral code analysis tool: (https://codescene.com/)codescene.com (http://codescene.com) (https://codescene.com/)
ACE: the AI-powered refactoring tool: (https://codescene.com/product/ai-coding)codescene.com/product/ai-coding (http://codescene.com/product/ai-coding)
Freshcode Clojure team: (https://www.freshcodeit.com/services/clojure-development-company)freshcodeit.com/services/clojure-development-company (http://freshcodeit.com/services/clojure-development-company)
Your Code as a Crime Scene, Second Edition by Adam Tornhill: (https://pragprog.com/titles/atcrime2/your-code-as-a-crime-scene-second-edition/)pragprog.com/titles/atcrime2/your-code-as-a-crime-scene-second-edition (http://pragprog.com/titles/atcrime2/your-code-as-a-crime-scene-second-edition)
Beating the Averages by Paul Graham: (https://paulgraham.com/avg.html)paulgraham.com/avg.html (http://paulgraham.com/avg.html)
#clojure #productdevelopment #productmanager #podcast #ai #freshcode
27 Nov 2024
Episode 1. Now we are writing in Clojure, with Kalle Korhonen, Quuppa
We sat down with Kalle Korhonen, CPO at Quuppa, to learn about his journey of introducing Clojure into a primarily Java-based enterprise system. Kalle shared how Quuppa, a Finnish company specializing in indoor positioning technology, uses Clojure to build and maintain its enterprise management system. Kalle walked us through their transition from Java to Clojure and ClojureScript, explaining how they manage distributed systems and hardware integration.
We discussed their experience with Clojure frameworks like Re-frame, Reagent, and Integrant and described what it takes to build a team of developers interested in working with Clojure. Throughout our conversation, Kalle shared insights about frontend and backend development challenges in a Clojure/ClojureScript environment and discussed practical aspects like IDE choices and build tools in day-to-day development.
Episode page: https://www.freshcodeit.com/podcast/we-are-writing-in-clojure (https://www.freshcodeit.com/podcast/we-are-writing-in-clojure)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
13,834
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 54 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
65
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
32
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