Episodes

  • Observable Metrics

    Observable Metrics
    Apr 10 2026
    Matt and Ben explore the intersection of testing, metrics, and observability in performance-critical code. They debate push vs pull metric systems, share war stories from financial trading systems, and ponder what to do when your program can't tell anyone it's in trouble.
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    40 mins
  • Pair Programming with HAL?

    Pair Programming with HAL?
    Mar 16 2025
    Matt and Ben explore the new world of AI-assisted coding: is it like pairing with junior developer? Matt gets the recording working the second time, Ben worries about what happens when your business depends on code you don't understand.
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    47 mins
  • Passing Messages

    Passing Messages
    Feb 14 2025
    Ben and Matt wade into the deep waters of messaging systems, get utterly lost in time synchronization rabbit holes, and discover their new podcast tagline: "We make mistakes so you don't have to." Matt celebrates by getting his car stuck where cars shouldn't go.
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    59 mins
  • Getting CRUFTy

    Getting CRUFTy
    Jan 12 2025
    Ben unveils his latest acronym-based software discussion framework while Matt patiently waits for the punchline. Our hosts explore alternatives to technical debt, debate the value of naming things, and Matt questions his ability to remember five letters for more than fourteen minutes.
    Ben has written a blog post going into more detail since the recording.
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    35 mins
  • Are We Remotely Productive?

    Are We Remotely Productive?
    Dec 14 2024
    Matt and Ben unpack the mysteries of remote work and programmer productivity, with a side of two's complement philosophy. Featuring unexpected insights, hallway chat nostalgia, and the radical notion that writing less code might actually be winning.
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    26 mins
  • Are Dirty Hands Right?

    Are Dirty Hands Right?
    Nov 23 2024
    Matt and Ben preach the gospel of "dirty hands are right," then spend 30 minutes explaining why that's completely wrong unless you're the right person, with the right skills, at the right time, working on the right thing. Also, don't cook chicken with dirty hands.
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    31 mins
  • Sequence Locks

    Sequence Locks
    Oct 26 2024
    Matt talks about a work thing, called a sequence lock. Ben suggests some dumb ideas about that work thing. Then our hosts discuss how to starve a reader, anger the Gods of Volatility, and invoke Sylvester Stallone.
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    49 mins
  • The Joy of Programming

    The Joy of Programming
    Sep 11 2024
    Matt and Ben realize they love their jobs, and decide to keep doing them. Flow state, to the point where it makes people uncomfortable, is discussed. Also toilet humor. Ben makes an unintentional Sesame Street reference. Matt recalls his level 70 cleric.
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    39 mins
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