Voices of the Code

About Voices of the Code

Karl & Steven interview different members of the wider Laravel community.

Publisher

Karl Murray & Steven Fox

Category

technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Oct 2024

Latest episode

26 Mar 2025

Latest episodes

8 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   26 Mar 2025

   From World of Warcraft to Software Development with Kevin Ullyott

   Kevin's socials : https://github.com/Orrison (https://github.com/Orrison) https://bsky.app/profile/kevinullyott.com (https://bsky.app/profile/kevinullyott.com) https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-ullyott-9b206460/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-ullyott-9b206460/) In this episode, Karl and Steven welcome Kevin Olliot, who shares his journey into programming, starting from his early gaming days to his current role as Software Development Director at Canyon GBS. The conversation explores Kevin's experiences with Laravel, the differences between agency and corporate development, and the importance of mentorship in the tech industry. They discuss the concept of source available software, technical debt, and the strategies used at Canyon GBS to train new developers. The episode wraps up with insights on deployment strategies and the future of their developer handbook. Takeaways Kevin's programming journey began with gaming and building computers. He discovered Laravel while working on advanced processing tasks. Kevin emphasizes the importance of curiosity in programming. Agile development allows for quick iterations and learning from mistakes. Technical debt is tracked and managed consciously at Canyon GBS. The developer handbook serves as a resource for new developers. Open communication and mentorship are key to team success. Kevin's team operates in one-week sprints to maintain agility. Source available software can benefit the community by sharing knowledge. Deployment strategies are tailored to the needs of the organization. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 03:26 Kevin's Journey into Programming 06:17 First Encounter with Laravel 09:21 Current Role and Responsibilities 12:32 Agency vs Corporate Work 15:13 Source Available Software Discussion 24:00 Mentorship and Resource Sharing 24:29 Learning from Open Source Projects 25:38 Database Choices: The Case for Postgres 26:42 Understanding Foreign Data Wrapping 29:51 Performance Insights: Postgres vs MySQL 31:11 Postgres Features and Limitations 36:41 Strategies for Managing Large Datasets 41:41 Working with Prominent Developers 43:09 Independent Operations and Collaboration with Filament 46:21 Agile Development and the Concept of Wet Code 47:25 Managing Technical Debt in Agile Sprints 50:02 Team Structure and Mentorship in Software Development 53:17 Strategies for Onboarding Junior Developers 57:00 Creating a Developer Handbook and Community Engagement 01:01:20 Future Plans and Open Source Aspirations 01:08:26 New Chapter

2. 

   9 Dec 2024

   Journey to Philsquare with Phil Mareu

   Phil Mareu shares his journey from a small Kansas town to becoming a successful web developer and entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of community engagement and fundamentals in development.

3. 

   29 Nov 2024

   From Reverse Engineering to Software Development with Jayson Lindsley

   Jayson Lindsley shares his unique journey from reverse engineering to software development, highlighting the importance of hands-on experience and curiosity in tech careers.

4. 

   19 Nov 2024

   Flight Sims and O&G with Trevor Varwig

   In this episode of Voices of the Code, hosts Karl Murray and Steven Fox welcome Trevor Varwig, a developer with a rich background in software development. Trevor shares his journey from creating mods for Microsoft Flight Simulator to working in various industries, including LNG and education software. The conversation delves into Trevor's current role, his interest in security, and the nuances of red team hacking. They also discuss the Houston Laravel Meetup, Trevor's passion for smoking meats, and his enthusiasm for Microsoft Flight Simulator. The episode wraps up with insights on development practices and the importance of understanding the tools we use. Takeaways Trevor started developing at a young age, starting with Microsoft Flight Simulator mods. Security is a growing focus in software development, with Trevor studying for security certifications. Red team hacking involves testing the security of applications by attempting to breach them. The Flipper Zero is a tool for demonstrating security vulnerabilities in physical devices. Trevor enjoys smoking meats and experimenting with different flavors and techniques. The Houston Laravel Meetup aims to connect local developers and grow the community. The oil and gas industry often relies on outdated software, presenting challenges for modernization. Trevor emphasizes the importance of understanding code and not relying solely on AI for development Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Development Journeys 06:12 Transitioning to Laravel and Full Stack Development 11:26 Exploring Programming Languages: Go, PHP, and Beyond 18:10 Diving into Security: Best Practices and Learning 24:28 Understanding RFID Security Risks 31:24 The Evolution of Microsoft Flight Simulator 39:36 Challenges in the Oil and Gas Software Industry 44:59 Remote Work Trends Post-COVID 52:05 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights 57:45 Programming Tips for New Developers

5. 

   11 Nov 2024

   Math Teacher to Web Dev with Leah Thompson

   In this episode, Leah Thompson shares her journey from being a math teacher to becoming a developer, her experiences with Laravel, and her transition into the tech community through Twitch streaming. She discusses the challenges she faced while learning Laravel, her experiences at Laracon, and her current project of building a multiplayer math quiz app. Leah emphasizes the supportive nature of the Laravel community and the resources she finds valuable for her learning. In this engaging conversation, Leah Thompson shares her journey from teaching to tech, discussing the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. The discussion covers various topics including the importance of community in tech, the role of certifications, and the struggles of email development. The hosts and Leah also explore unique keyboard features, the course business in tech education, and the significance of key mapping for productivity. Leah emphasizes the value of building in public and connecting with others in the tech community as essential for growth and success. Leah's Socials: https://x.com/LeahTCodes https://www.twitch.tv/leahtcodes https://www.youtube.com/@leahtcodes https://github.com/leahthompson01 Takeaways Leah transitioned from teaching math to becoming a developer. She started learning web development through a free bootcamp called 100 Devs. Streaming on Twitch helped Leah solidify her learning and connect with others. Laravel simplifies many aspects of development compared to the MERN stack. Leah enjoys the Laravel community for its support and friendliness. She is currently working on a multiplayer math quiz app. Leah faced challenges with nested JSON structures in Laravel. She values resources like Laracasts and the official documentation for learning. Attending Laracon inspired Leah to engage more with the Laravel community. Leah's journey highlights the importance of community and continuous learning in tech. Solving tech problems can be a puzzle that challenges the mind. Unique keyboards can enhance the coding experience but may require adjustment. Key mapping is crucial for productivity in coding tasks. Gatekeeping in tech education can hinder access to knowledge. The course business can be lucrative, but often lacks substantial content. Certifications may not be necessary for all tech roles, especially in programming. Building a community in tech can provide support and encouragement during challenges. Email development presents unique challenges that can be frustrating for developers. Sharing your journey in tech can attract support and opportunities from others. It's important to find joy in coding and not get bogged down by difficult tasks. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leah Thompson 02:18 From Math Teacher to Developer 05:08 The Journey of Streaming on Twitch 07:47 Transitioning from JavaScript to Laravel 09:35 Working at Rugged Software 10:37 Tools of the Trade: Text Editors 12:06 Learning Resources for Laravel 13:30 Experiences at Laracon 20:14 FOMO from Laracon AU 23:33 Exploring Travel Experiences 25:04 Diving into Personal Projects and YouTube 27:44 Building a Multiplayer Math Quiz App 33:50 Keyboard Preferences and Challenges 38:27 The Course Creation Conversation 41:02 Certifications and Career Paths in Tech 44:57 Navigating Certifications and Programming Paths 45:29 Experiences with WordPress and Beaver Builder 47:03 Coding Snacks and Productivity Tips 48:33 Transitioning into Tech: Building in Public 49:31 Engaging with Tech Communities 51:16 Learning Through Public Struggles 53:20 The Challenges of Email Development 55:22 Reflections on Career Choices and Future Aspirations

6. 

   4 Nov 2024

   MIRC to Laravel with Biker Bogdan Kharchenko

   In this episode of Voices of the Code, hosts Karl Murray and Steven Fox welcome Bogdan Kharchenko, who shares his journey into coding, his experiences with Laravel, and insights into the development community. They discuss the importance of not over-engineering applications, the benefits of using Laravel's ORM, and the value of community engagement through meetups. Bogdan also shares his personal interests, including motorcycle racing and mountain biking, highlighting the balance between work and life. The conversation emphasizes the significance of developer experience and practical advice for new Laravel developers. UpstatePHP: https://upstatephp.com/ Over Engineered Podcast: https://overengineered.fm/ Takeaways Bogdan's journey into coding began with a computer gifted by his parents. Laravel's documentation was a key factor in Bogdan's choice to use it. The importance of community engagement through meetups is highlighted. Over-engineering applications can hinder progress; focus on delivering value. Mastering Laravel's ORM can significantly enhance development efficiency. Pair programming fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing among developers. Legacy code migration requires careful planning to avoid disruptions. Developer experience is crucial for productivity and satisfaction. Balancing work with personal interests leads to a fulfilling life. The Laravel community remains strong and supportive. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context 02:44 Bogdan's Coding Journey 05:30 Transition to Laravel 08:40 Working with Laravel and Developer Experience 11:20 Current Work at InterNACHI 17:21 Migrating Legacy Code to Laravel 20:12 Handling Web Traffic and Legacy Systems 24:02 Tools and Developer Environment 26:11 Remote Collaboration Tools and Pair Programming 28:23 The Importance of Meetups in a Remote World 32:43 Key Takeaways from Laracon 36:29 Valuable Tips for New Laravel Developers 42:44 Balancing Coding with Extreme Sports 46:23 The World of Custom Keyboards 49:50 The Impact of Thumb Clusters 50:56 Custom Key Commands and Efficiency 52:05 Programming Keyboards for Personal Use 52:26 The Gateway to Advanced Keyboards 53:16 Meetup Insights and Community Engagement 54:18 Sign Off and Future Guests

7. 

   14 Oct 2024

   F1 to Fountain Pens with Alex Six

   In this episode of Voices of the Code, Steven Fox and Karl Murray welcome Alex Six, a senior software engineer at Zillow Group, to the show. The conversation covers Alex's journey into programming, his experiences with the Laravel framework, and the dynamics of working within a small team inside a large organization. They discuss the collaborative nature of the Filament project and Alex's favorite development tools. The episode also touches on the differences between using Linux and Mac for development, highlighting the advantages and challenges of each environment. In this engaging conversation, Alex Six and the hosts discuss various topics ranging from the challenges of onboarding in NixOS, the choice of Linux distributions, the future of Laravel in light of WordPress community dynamics, and the importance of documentation in development tools like Filament. They also touch on personal hobbies such as Formula One and fountain pens, and conclude with valuable advice for new developers about practical learning experiences. Takeaways Alex Six works as a senior software engineer at Zillow Group. Alex transitioned from engineering to web development through an internship. Laravel was chosen for its productivity and enterprise-level results. The Filament project is developed asynchronously with a strong team dynamic. Alex's early career involved significant learning experiences in a small startup. Kirschbaum's relationship with Filament was influenced by Alex's advocacy. Vim is a preferred tool for efficient coding. Linux offers a reliable development environment despite some challenges. Choosing the right Linux distribution can impact development. Laravel's future may see an influx of WordPress developers. Community dynamics can affect the perception of technologies. Documentation is crucial for user experience in development tools. Side projects can be a great way to explore new ideas. F1 is awesome. Fountain pens is, somehow, a common interest between Steven, Karl, and Alex. Hands-on experience is more valuable than passive learning. Building something meaningful can enhance learning. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Voices of the Code 02:55 Hurricane Helene and Community Resilience 05:44 Journey into Programming and Laravel 12:00 Working at Zillow: A Unique Perspective 17:53 The Filament Team and Open Source Collaboration 23:58 Career Progression and Filament's Impact 29:53 Tools of the Trade: Development Preferences 30:08 Mac vs. Linux: Personal Preferences 32:50 The Reliability of Linux for Development 36:30 NixOS: A New Frontier for Developers 40:26 The Future of Laravel on Linux 44:32 Community Dynamics in the PHP World 50:59 Skill Issues and Tool Discussions 52:02 Side Projects and Hobbies 53:04 Formula One Fandom 56:47 MotoGP Insights 59:54 Fountain Pens and Personal Interests 01:03:55 Advice for New Developers

8. 

   7 Oct 2024

   Welcome to Our New Podcast

   In this inaugural episode of Voices of the Code, hosts Karl Murray and Steven introduce themselves and share their journeys into the world of Laravel and programming. They discuss their experiences at Laracon, the importance of community, and their shared passion for keyboards. The conversation also touches on their collaborative project, LaraBets, and their personal hobbies, including rock climbing and coffee roasting. The episode wraps up with insights on networking at tech conferences and plans for future episodes. Takeaways Voices of the Code aims to highlight lesser-known figures in the Laravel community. Both hosts have unique journeys into programming, with Steven starting from a business need and Karl transitioning from retail. Networking at events like Laracon is crucial for building community and collaboration. The hosts share a passion for custom keyboards and their impact on productivity. LaraBets is a fun project that combines predictions and betting in a light-hearted way. Personal hobbies, such as rock climbing and coffee roasting, enrich the hosts' lives outside of coding. The importance of community and shared experiences in the tech world is emphasized. The hosts plan to bring on guests to share their stories and insights in future episodes. Justin Jackson's involvement highlights the supportive nature of the tech community. The hosts are committed to producing weekly episodes to engage with their audience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Voices of the Code 03:05 Getting to Know the Hosts 06:05 The Journey into Laravel 12:00 The Keyboard Enthusiasts 18:03 Projects and Collaborations 23:59 LaraBets: A Fun Betting Project 30:01 Hobbies and Personal Interests 36:03 Networking at Laracon 40:58 Wrap-Up and Future Plans

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 12 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

12

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Voices of the Code

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.