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The Dysfunctional Developer

The Dysfunctional Developer

By: The Dysfunctional Developer
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About this listen

"The Dysfunctional Developer" is a fresh take on tech from the voices of JS Party, bringing a no-nonsense perspective to web development conversations. From AI's impact on junior developers to practical debugging skills, the show cuts through industry hype to deliver authentic discussions that represent the average developer's experience. This successor to JS Party features meaningful conversations with industry voices while maintaining a down-to-earth, real-world approach to tech.2024
Episodes
  • The Recession Show
    May 9 2025

    Amy, KBall, and Nick chat about how the current economy is shaking up tech careers and what you can do to stay resilient. They get into why it’s smart to keep learning, share your work publicly, and stay connected—especially when things feel uncertain. They also talk about the weird mix of excitement and dread around AI, the rise of LLMs, and how those tools can actually make you more productive if you use them right. Plus, they share what they’re learning right now, swap thoughts on new frameworks, and give some real talk on job hunting and staying steady in a rocky market.

    Don't agree with me prompt

    Avoid simply agreeing with my points or taking my conclusions at face value. I want a real intellectual challenge, not just affirmation. Whenever I propose an idea, do this:

    - Question my assumptions. What am I treating as true that might be questionable?
    - Offer a skeptic's viewpoint. What objections would a critical, well-informed voice raise?
    - Check my reasoning. Are there flaws or leaps in logic I've overlooked?
    - Suggest alternative angles. How else might the idea be viewed, interpreted, or challenged?
    - Focus on accuracy over agreement. If my argument is weak or wrong, correct me plainly and show me how.
    - Stay constructive but rigorous. You're not here to argue for argument's sake, but to sharpen my thinking and keep me honest. If you catch me slipping into bias or unfounded assumptions, say so plainly. Let's refine both our conclusions and the way we reach them.


    Creators & Guests

    • Amy Dutton - Host
    • Kevin Ball - Host
    • Nick NIsi - Host
    Reply on Bluesky

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    59 mins
  • The New Era of Developer Workflows
    Apr 30 2025

    KBall and Nick dive into the chaotic world of AI-powered coding! They swap stories about how tools like Cursor and Neovim are completely changing their day-to-day work life and making them question what it even means to be a developer in 2025.


    Between sharing their favorite productivity hacks and window management tricks, they get real about the excitement and anxiety of watching AI transform coding from a craft into something entirely new where developers might spend more time directing AI than writing code themselves.


    Neither holds back on the exhausting parts either – like the mental drain of non-deterministic AI responses and the never-ending tech learning curve that has them constantly balancing new tools against trusted skills. It's like eavesdropping on a coffee break conversation between two friends who are both thrilled and terrified about their coding future.

    Recorded on March 26th, 2025.

    Creators & Guests

    • Kevin Ball - Host
    • Nick NIsi - Host

    Click here to watch a video of this episode.


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    49 mins
  • The LLM Show
    Apr 25 2025

    In this conversation, the Nick, Amy, Chris, and KBall discuss the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in software development, exploring its definitions, mechanics, and applications. They delve into the tools available for programmers, the implications of AI on job security, and the changing dynamics of work in the tech industry. The discussion highlights both the potential benefits and limitations of AI, emphasizing the importance of human oversight and decision-making in leveraging these technologies effectively.

    Takeaways

    • AI is transforming the way we approach programming and software development.
    • Understanding AI's mechanics is crucial for effective use in coding.
    • AI tools can significantly enhance productivity for developers.
    • Job roles in tech are evolving due to the integration of AI.
    • AI can automate repetitive tasks, allowing for more creative work.
    • The future of work will involve more decision-making and less manual coding.
    • AI's limitations necessitate human oversight and critical thinking.
    • Effective documentation is key to improving AI's performance in coding tasks.
    • AI can assist in generating context and understanding user needs.
    • The relationship between AI and job security is complex and evolving.


    Recorded on March 5th, 2025

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    1 hr and 10 mins
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