Chats with Kent C. Dodds

Latest Episodes:

Networking Through Twitch with Leah Thompson Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

Leah Thompson, known online as LeahTCodes, shares her experience as a career switcher and how live streaming on Twitch became a vital part of her career journey. Leah explains how streaming not only helped her connect with others in tech but also directly led to job opportunities. Her talk at Epic WebConf will explore the unique value of Twitch for building professional relationships and standing out in the tech industry.

Leah also touches on her love of math, her background as a high school teacher, and her passion for helping others break into tech. Whether you're looking for ways to build a network, share your learning journey, or feel more connected in a remote-first world, Leah's insights offer actionable steps to use Twitch as a tool for growth and connection.

Watch this episode.

Meet Leah at Epic Web Conf.

Guest: Leah Thompson

𝕏: @LeahTCodes
Website: leahtcodes.com
Twitch: LeahTCodes

Host: Kent C. Dodds

Website: kentcdodds.com
𝕏: @kentcdodds
GitHub: @kentcdodds
YouTube: Kent C. Dodds
Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Reclaiming Authentication with OpenAuth by Dax Raad Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

Dax Raad, known for his work on SST and the creator of OpenAuth, shares his passion for improving the developer experience with authentication and infrastructure. OpenAuth offers developers an alternative to AWS Cognito, enabling self-owned, spec-compliant OAuth systems that are easy to deploy and maintain.

In this episode, Dax talks about:

The problems with AWS Cognito and the motivation behind OpenAuth.
The simplicity and power of constrained environments like terminal UIs.
The value of focusing on infrastructure and developer control over essential services.

Dax also touches on his upcoming talk at Epic WebConf and shares his excitement about meeting other developers in person.

Watch this episode.

Meet Dax at Epic Web Conf.

Guest: Dax Raad

𝕏: @thdxr
Website: thdxr.com
GitHub: thdxr

Host: Kent C. Dodds

Website: kentcdodds.com
𝕏: @kentcdodds
GitHub: @kentcdodds
YouTube: Kent C. Dodds
Epic Web: epicweb.dev

What React 19 Means for React Router with Brooks Lybrand Jan 26, 2025

Show notes

Brooks Lybrand, Developer Relations Manager for Remix at Shopify, joins Kent to explore the impact of React 19 on React Router and modern web development. In his talk "What React 19 Means for React Router," Brooks will highlight React 19's integration with server components, web component support, and simplified APIs for meta tags, links, and more. These updates promise to enhance developer experience and streamline app-building processes.

Brooks shares his insights on the evolution of Remix, Shopify's stewardship of the project, and the shift towards unifying React paradigms for better portability. He also discusses his passion for building communities, user feedback, and the importance of in-person connections for professional growth.

Watch this episode.

Meet Brooks at Epic Web Conf.

Guest: Brooks Lybrand

Host: Kent C. Dodds

Website: kentcdodds.com
𝕏: @kentcdodds
GitHub: @kentcdodds
YouTube: Kent C. Dodds
Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Exploring the Weird Web with Alex Anderson Jan 25, 2025

Show notes

Alex Anderson, a local Salt Lake City developer and creator of the spaceship simulation game Thorium Nova, shares his passion for pushing the limits of web technologies. Alex previews his Epic WebConf talk, "The Weird Web," which showcases creative uses of web APIs such as the GamePad API, Web Serial API, and Web Audio API. These tools allow developers to build interactive, user-friendly, and immersive experiences.

Alex explains how these APIs can be leveraged in both creative and practical ways, from video games to more accessible web applications. He also highlights the value of in-person conferences, emphasizing the connections and inspiration gained from engaging with the developer community.

Watch this episode.

Meet Alex at Epic Web Conf.

Guest: Alex Anderson

Host: Kent C. Dodds

Website: kentcdodds.com
𝕏: @kentcdodds
GitHub: @kentcdodds
YouTube: Kent C. Dodds
Epic Web: epicweb.dev

AI-Powered Development and Solopreneurship with Devon Neill Jan 24, 2025

Show notes

Devon Neill, a software developer and solopreneur from Cape Town, South Africa, shares his experience navigating solopreneurship, including learning the ropes of marketing, user engagement, and copywriting. Devon highlights the importance of streamlining development workflows with AI tools and introduces his Epic WebConf talk. His talk explores diving into the AI hype, comparing various tools, and integrating them with the Epic Stack to take ideas from concept to production in just 20 minutes.

Devon and Kent also discuss the benefits of attending in-person conferences, from building meaningful connections to feeling part of the tech community. Devon shares how attending Epic WebConf and similar events has inspired his career and provided invaluable opportunities.

Watch this episode.

Meet Devon at Epic Web Conf.

Guest: Devon Neill

𝕏: @devneill
Website: devneill.com
GitHub: @devneill

Host: Kent C. Dodds

Website: kentcdodds.com
𝕏: @kentcdodds
GitHub: @kentcdodds
YouTube: Kent C. Dodds
Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Building Your Own AI Minions with Joel Hooks Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

Joel Hooks, a seasoned software developer and co-organizer of Epic WebConf, delves into his experience building personalized AI workflows. Joel introduces his talk on constructing a “hoard of AI minions” to enhance productivity and automation, using his app JoelFit.app as a case study. The app integrates AI routers and workflows for managing health and fitness goals, demonstrating how developers can adopt similar approaches for professional and personal projects.

Joel emphasizes the importance of attending in-person events like Epic WebConf to foster meaningful human connections and exchange ideas. As a veteran of conferences, he shares how relationships built at these events have significantly impacted his career, providing inspiration, professional opportunities, and friendships.

Watch this episode.

Meet Joel at Epic Web Conf.

Guest: Joel Hooks

Website: joelhooks.com
𝕏: @jhooks
GitHub: @joelhooks

Host: Kent C. Dodds

Website: kentcdodds.com
𝕏: @kentcdodds
GitHub: @kentcdodds
YouTube: Kent C. Dodds
Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Creativity, Conferences, and Connection with Bree Hall Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

Bree Hall, a frontend software engineer and developer advocate at HubSpot, emphasizes the role of creativity in coding and professional growth. Bree discusses how personal projects like CSS art, including her recreation of a Nintendo Switch, help her stay inspired and improve her technical skills. She and Kent reflect on the unique value of in-person conferences for building professional and personal relationships, highlighting Epic WebConf as a hub for inspiration and community.

As one of the emcees for Epic WebConf 2025, Bree looks forward to connecting with attendees and hearing from an incredible lineup of speakers. Bree also shares her passion for video games, board games, and connecting with women in tech. Whether the conversations center on technical topics, career growth, or shared hobbies, Bree invites everyone to reach out at the conference.

Watch this episode.

Meet Bree at Epic Web Conf.

Guest: Bree Hall

𝕏: @bytesofbree
Website: bytesofbree.com
YouTube: Bytes of Bree

Host: Kent C. Dodds

Website: kentcdodds.com
𝕏: @kentcdodds
GitHub: @kentcdodds
YouTube: Kent C. Dodds
Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Introducing Season 6 of Chats with Kent Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

Kent introduces a new season of the "Chats with Kent" podcast, which will feature interviews with speakers for the upcoming Epic Web Comp 2025 conference in Salt Lake City. The host, Kent C. Dodds, expresses excitement about the lineup of speakers and encourages listeners to attend the conference in March 2025. He also mentions that the talks will be available on the EpicWeb.dev platform for those who miss the live event.

Meet at Epic Web Conf.

Guest: Kent C. Dodds

Website: kentcdodds.com
𝕏: @kentcdodds
GitHub: @kentcdodds

Host: Kent C. Dodds

Website: kentcdodds.com
𝕏: @kentcdodds
GitHub: @kentcdodds
YouTube: Kent C. Dodds
Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Chats with Kent Season 5 Wrap-up Apr 05, 2024

Show notes

In this final episode of season five, Kent C. Dodds recaps the enriching conversations with the speakers of Epic WebConf 2024, expressing gratitude and excitement for the upcoming event in April. He encourages listeners, whether planning to attend the conference or not, to revisit the season's episodes for timeless web development advice. While season six remains unplanned, Kent thanks his audience for their continued support and hints at future engagements, urging them to stay tuned.

Meet Kent at Epic Web Conf.

Guest: Kent C. Dodds

Website: kentcdodds.com
Twitter: @kentcdodds
GitHub: @kentcdodds

Host: Kent C. Dodds

Website: kentcdodds.com
Twitter: @kentcdodds
GitHub: @kentcdodds
YouTube: Kent C. Dodds
Epic Web: epicweb.dev

Navigating Growth and Innovation in Tech with Dan Farrelly Apr 03, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Kent C. Dodds interviews Dan Farrelly, the CTO and co-founder of Jest, about his journey from front-end engineer to CTO, the challenges of scaling a tech company, and the importance of staying small to maintain agility and innovation. Farrelly shares insights into the evolving challenges of a tech team, from infrastructure to front-end development, and emphasizes the value of a generalist approach in a small, dynamic team. The conversation also delves into Farrelly's upcoming conference talk on improving long-standing APIs and his enthusiasm for learning from and contributing to the developer community.

Watch this episode.

Meet Dan at Epic Web Conf.