Welcome to our podcast hosted by Caden Epp, Ashley Abongwa, and Jarrett Plate! Join us as we dive into the world of modern technology, with a focus on software development. We talk about what it is, how to get started, and what it takes to succeed in the field today. We explore current trends, industry standards, and the tools developers are using right now, so you can stay informed and up to date. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to sharpen your skills, this podcast is here to guide and inspire. Tune in, learn something new, and have fun listening!
The episode covers a range of topics, including the impact of AI on the software industry, the changing role of developers, the influence of AI on the interview process, and the implications of AI integration in various tools and platforms. The conversation also touches on the recent Canvas hack and the challenges of rising gas prices.
Takeaways
AI's increasing role in software development
The evolving nature of developer roles in the age of AI
Chapters
00:00 Spring Busy and Renovations
02:00 Advisory Meeting and Industry Trends
03:21 AI and Software Development
05:18 Fundamentals of Software Development
06:28 Impact of AI on Industry Standards
11:01 AI's Influence on the Interview Process
23:13 AI's Impact on Education and Security
29:30 Canvas Hack and Gas Prices
31:39 Excitement for In-Person Work
9 Aug 2026
Is Tim Took, Cooked? | Episode 4
The conversation covers a range of topics including AI, Apple's leadership change, quantum networking, and the impact of AI on software development. It also delves into the challenges and trade-offs associated with AI and the emergence of humanoid robots. The conversation delves into the impact of AI and automation on the workforce, the integration of AI in various industries, the potential cost savings and expenses associated with AI implementation, the development of AI models, and the implications of AI technology on privacy and security. The discussion also touches on the future of technology, the role of AI in the tech industry, and the personal experiences and perspectives of the participants.
Takeaways
AI's impact on modernizing and automating technology
The challenges and trade-offs associated with AI and software development AI and automation are transforming the workforce, leading to questions about the future of jobs and the impact on industries.
The integration of AI in various industries raises concerns about cost savings, expenses, and the potential for AI to revolutionize business operations.
The development of AI models, the implications of AI technology on privacy and security, and the future of technology are key areas of interest and discussion.
Chapters
00:00 Exploring Riverside's Editing Features
01:10 Casual Conversation and Weather Update
03:29 Apple's Leadership Change and Impact
05:30 Apple's Future and AI Integration
09:01 AI's Impact on the World and Job Market
15:13 Quantum Networking and Software Development
23:01 Challenges and Trade-offs in AI and Software Development
25:27 Impact of AI and Emergence of Humanoid Robots
37:31 Future of Technology and AI in the Tech Industry
28 Apr 2026
Is Anthropic's Mythos a Myth? | Episode 3
On this episode of Lets Tech About It, join me Caden Epp and my co-hosts Ashley Abongwa and Jarrett Plate as we dive into the latest developments from Anthropic and unpack their newest AI model along with the idea of a “Mythos” model. We break down what these advancements could mean for the future of artificial intelligence, how they might reshape the software development landscape, and where we think the role of developers is headed as AI continues to evolve. From tooling to job dynamics to creativity in coding, we explore both the opportunities and the real questions the tech community is facing right now.
In our second segment, we introduce something new with Random.App, where we jump into a live “vibe coding” session and build out an application idea together on the spot. It is a mix of creativity, problem solving, and real-time decision making as we talk through the process, the tech choices, and what it is like to build without overthinking.
21 Apr 2026
AI using AI that uses AI? | Season 3 Episode 2
On Season 3 Episode 2 of Let’s Tech About It, join your host Caden Epp alongside co-hosts Ashley Abongwa and Jarrett Plate as they dive into insights from the TAI Summit and what it revealed about the future of AI in the software development world. Together, they break down what today’s speakers are saying about how AI could reshape the role of developers, how workflows might evolve, and which skills will matter most moving forward. The conversation unfolds naturally as the group reacts, challenges perspectives, and shares their own takes on what this all means for the tech community.
The episode also features the return of their new segment, Random.App, where AI makes the call and the team figures out how to build it. This time, the idea is HR Fantasy Team, a creative and unexpectedly interesting concept that leads to a deep dive into features, use cases, and how something like this could actually exist in the real world.
Season 3 continues to build momentum with thoughtful conversations, fresh ideas, and a forward-looking take on where tech is headed.
15 Apr 2026
Let's Tech About It | Season 3 Episode 1
Welcome back listeners to Let's Tech About It Season 3! We have a lot of new and exciting news that we will cover is this episode. Join me (Caden Epp) your Host and my Co-Host (Ashley Abongwa) and our new Co-Host (Jarrett Plate) as we dive into the new season!
31 Mar 2026
Code, Class, Repeat w/ Nardos | Episode 5
On this episode of Let’s Tech About It, join me Caden Epp and my co-host Ashley Abongwa as we sit down with Nardos, someone who is already making major moves early in her tech career. From starting at Indian Hills Community College to landing an internship at Principal after just one semester, her journey shows what can happen when preparation meets opportunity.
We talk through her transition from intern to full-time employee, how she balanced school while working in a professional tech environment, and what it was like stepping into a promotion so early on. Along the way, we dive into the importance of mentorship, networking, and taking advantage of every opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
We also explore the technical side of her experience, including what working on real-world systems has taught her beyond the classroom and how she continues to learn in an industry that never slows down. Outside of tech, we get into how she manages a busy schedule while still making time for friends, travel, concerts, and capturing memories along the way.
This episode is all about growth, balance, and building a career in tech from the ground up.
27 Mar 2026
Tik Tok... For Farmers..? Spin Off w/ James Warner | Episode 4
On this spin off episode of Lets Tech About It, join me (Caden Epp) and my co host (Ashley Abongwa) as I sit down with James Warner and our third co host (Lincoln Gilbert), a first year student, for a completely random build challenge. We let Siri decide our next idea by asking it to pick a number, and whatever it landed on became the concept we had to run with.
The result was Farm Tok, a TikTok style platform built specifically for farmers. Throughout the episode, we break down how something like this could actually be created, from features and user experience to the tech stack and overall vision. It is a mix of creativity, problem solving, and seeing how far we can take a random idea and turn it into something real.
This episode is all about thinking on the fly, building from scratch, and having fun with the process of turning a simple prompt into a full blown tech concept.
9 Feb 2026
From Running Code to Running the Company (and a Triathlon) w/ Steven Davis | Episode 3
On this episode of Lets Tech About It, join me, Caden Epp, and my co-host Ashley Abongwa as we sit down with software engineer and entrepreneur Steven Davis, CEO and Co-Founder of Bio::Neos, Inc. We walk through his journey from academic research and early software development to building and leading a long-running tech company through pivots, growth, and uncertainty. Along the way, we talk about persistence in entrepreneurship, making well-calculated decisions, asking for what you need, and how technology choices shape the future of a business. This episode offers insight for anyone navigating a career in tech, whether you are writing code, building products, or leading teams.
17 Dec 2025
The Robot Won’t Fix Itself… Or Will It? w/ Garrett Ward | Episode 2
On this episode of Lets Tech About It, join me Caden Epp and my co host Ashley Abongwa as we sit down with Garrett Ward to talk about what it really means to teach technology in a world that keeps trying to automate thinking away. We walk through his path from technical training programs and hands on field work in medical technology to stepping into an educator role focused on robotics and software. Along the way we explore the difference between working with real world systems versus writing code, why teaching mindset matters just as much as teaching tools, and how to use technology for efficiency without letting it create laziness. Tune in as we ask whether the robot will fix itself or if students still need to learn how to think.
26 Nov 2025
From Debugging Games to Debugging Entire Companies w/ Ryan Sylvester | Episode 1
On this episode of Lets Tech About It, join me (Caden Epp) and my co-host (Ashley Abongwa) as we sit down with Ryan Sylvester (CIO of CEA CAPA) who proves that a love for gaming can actually lead to running the entire tech world. We talk through the journey from early computer tinkering to building startups, guiding major organizations, and stepping into global leadership roles. Along the way we explore what it takes to grow with technology, lead teams through constant change, and turn curiosity into a full career. Tune in as we break down the path from gamer to tech boss and the lessons anyone in the tech space can learn from it.
2 Nov 2025
Flipping the Tech Coin: Interactive Media’s Role w/ Trevan Francis | Episode 8
In this episode of Let’s Tech About It, join me, Caden Epp, and my co-host Ashley as we sit down with Trevan Francis, an instructor at Indian Hills Community College who brings a fresh perspective from the world of interactive media. While still deeply rooted in the tech field, Trevan shares how creativity and interactivity play a huge role in shaping technology today. We talk about the importance of design thinking, user experience, and how storytelling connects with technology to make it more engaging and human. Tune in as we explore the other side of the tech coin where innovation meets imagination.
26 Oct 2025
(Spin Off) – Y... Our Idea Is Better Than X w/ Jarrett Plate | Episode 7
In this spin off episode of Let's Tech About It, join me, Caden Epp, my co-host Ashley Abgonwa, and our guest Jarrett Plate as we sit down with our third co-host Lincoln Gilbert to brainstorm how we would build our own version of X, an app we are calling Y.
We talk through everything from user stories and tech stacks to cloud hosting, testing plans, and even marketing slogans and campaign ideas for Y. It is a full group conversation filled with ideas, laughs, and a look into how developers plan out building something from the ground up.
12 Oct 2025
The Great Job Quest: Debugging Life After College w/ Josef Bausch & Garrett Pace | Episode 6
In this episode of Let’s Tech About It, join me, Caden Epp, and my co-host Ashley Abgonwa as we sit down with Josef Bausch and Garrett Pace, two alumni who have completed The Great Job Quest and lived to tell the story. Both started where we are now, students navigating classes, internships, and job applications, and today they’re full-time software developers at Principal Financial and Lean Techniques.
We talk about their journeys from internships to full-time roles, the advice they’d give to anyone preparing for interviews, and how they’re keeping their skills sharp as they grow in their careers. Along the way, we dive into their favorite games, Breath of the Wild and God of War, laugh about Shane Gillis’s Trump impression, and share what it really takes to level up after college.
Whether you’re just starting your own job hunt or already deep in the grind, this episode is packed with laughs, lessons, and the kind of real talk you won’t get from a textbook.
6 Oct 2025
Code Your Own Lane w/ Charlie Hall | Episode 5
In this episode of Let’s Tech About It, we sit down with Charlie Hall, a software consultant who started his career at Peach Pay and now works at Source Allies. Charlie is also a passionate bowler and Settlers of Catan strategist who took an unconventional path into tech. From dropping out of college to becoming an exceptional software engineer, he shares how determination, curiosity, and a love of problem-solving shaped his journey.
Join host Caden Epp and his co-host Ashley Abongwa as they dive into Charlie’s story, exploring how strategy, adaptability, and a few calculated risks can help you strike success both in code and in life.
28 Sept 2025
Version Control for Work, Bees, and Family w/ James Warner | Episode 4
In this episode of Let’s Tech About It, we are joined by James Warner, a longtime software developer at USAA who has since transitioned into teaching at our college. We are also joined by fellow student Katra Sterner as we explore practical advice on balancing life, growing as a teacher, and becoming a stronger programmer.
Join me, Caden Epp, and my co-host Ashley Abgonwa for this insightful discussion.
21 Sept 2025
From Industry to Impact: "With Great Tech Comes Great Teaching” w/ Jarrett Plate | Episode 3
In this episode of Let’s Tech About It, we welcome our guest Jarrett Plate, who shares insights from his time at Principal Financial Group and his transition into teaching over the past few years. Jarrett offers valuable feedback from his industry experience and reflects on what he has learned in the classroom. We’re also joined by fellow student Clayton Ferguson, who helps us dive deeper into Jarrett’s journey—exploring the shift from being a professional in the field to giving back as an educator.
Join me, Caden Epp, and my co-host Ashley Abongwa as we uncover Jarrett’s story and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
14 Sept 2025
Teaching AI the Linux Enthusiast Way w/ Luke Matheis | Episode 2
In this episode we are joined by Luke Matheis, a Computer Software Professor at Indian Hills Community College. Luke has a deep passion for artificial intelligence, so much that he built an entire course around it. And guess what... he is also a dedicated Linux enthusiast.
Join me, Caden Epp, and my co-host, Ashley Abongwa, as we explore Luke’s journey, the inspiration behind his AI course, and what it means to bring cutting-edge technology into the classroom. Whether you are curious about AI, a Linux fan, or just love learning, this episode is full of insights you will not want to miss.
7 Sept 2025
Why Cobol? w/ Susan Wilson | Episode 1
Let’s Tech About It with Caden Epp & Ashley Abongwa
A podcast dedicated to spreading knowledge and insights for anyone eager to learn more about the tech industry. Join us as we share real-time tech talks, featuring authentic conversations with professionals who live and breathe the industry. Stay updated, stay informed, and get inspired by real people and real tech stories.
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