Send a text In this final episode of Ode to RailsConf, I pull back the curtain to share why I'm concluding the podcast and how this journey has profoundly changed me both professionally and personally. What happens when a shy, introverted developer decides to face their fears by starting a podcast? I reveal how setting a predetermined end date for this project gave me the psychological safety to embark on this adventure despite battling imposter syndrome and social anxiety. The transformatio...

Send a text Drew Bragg, Stephanie Minn, and Chris Oliver join me at RailsConf 2025 for a panel discussion, discussing topics that were submitted prior to the conference, and then taking a few questions directly from the audience.

Send a text Joe Leo shares his journey as a Ruby developer and how the Ruby community's welcoming and collaborative spirit drew him back after working with other languages. He introduces Phoenix, Def Method's innovative "closed loop" AI platform that autonomously tests and supports Rails applications. • Joe founded Def Method, naming the company with help from his wife in 2014 • Despite using Ruby early in his career, Joe had never attended RailsConf before • Joe began with C++, Java, ...

Send a text Marco Roth joins us to discuss his journey in the Ruby and Rails ecosystem over the past decade, focusing on developer tooling and open-source contributions in the Hotwire ecosystem. We explore his new HTML-aware ERB parser called Herb, the future of the Ruby community beyond RailsConf, and practical advice for sustaining local Ruby meetups. • Marco has been working with Ruby and Rails for about 10 years with a focus on the Hotwire ecosystem • Herb is a new HTML-aware ERB parser ...

Send a text Alan Ridlehoover shares his perspective as both a longtime Ruby developer and conference sponsor, reflecting on the evolving Ruby conference landscape and strategies for maintaining legacy Rails applications. • Started with .NET before discovering Ruby and Rails 14 years ago • Found learning Ruby and Rails simultaneously challenging, prompting his first RailsConf attendance in 2012 • Memorable talks at first RailsConf included Sandy Metz on testing and DHH on Russian doll caching...

Send a text Irina Nazarova, head of Evil Martians, shares insights on Rails' enduring value in the startup ecosystem and her journey from Rails user to keynote speaker and community organizer. • Rails and Y Combinator grew simultaneously, with 90% of early YC startups building on Rails • Rails helps startups focus on business risks while keeping technology risks under control • The community still thrives with over 900 Ruby meetups worldwide in the past 12 months • Flexport's migration from ...

Send a text David Hill chats with Erin Pintozzi about her journey from anxious first-time attendee to mentor and guide in the Ruby conference community. They explore the Scholar and Guide program, overcoming conference anxiety, and finding unexpected connections while navigating tech events. • Meeting through mutual connections at RailsConf Detroit • Experiences as a Scholar Guide at RubyConf and preparing for the upcoming RailsConf • Overcoming anxiety at Erin's first RailsConf in Min...

Send a text We welcome Shan Cureton, Ruby Central's new Executive Director, who shares her entrepreneurial background and vision for the organization's future. Shan brings fresh perspectives on strengthening open source sustainability, increasing community engagement, and ensuring Ruby's legacy continues for the next generation. • Founded a tech-enabled ride service for students that grew to 60 drivers across 80 zip codes • Discovered Ruby Central after working in corporate social responsibi...

Send a text Rocky Mountain Ruby Conference organizers Spike Ilaqua and Becky Freeman share how they revived this regional event and why smaller tech conferences create uniquely valuable community experiences. • Rocky Mountain Ruby started in 2010, ran until 2017, then was revived after the pandemic • The conference builds on Boulder's strong Ruby community, including regular meetups and an active Slack channel • Small regional conferences create more intimate experiences where attendees can ...

Send a text Marty Haught, Director of Open Source at Ruby Central, shares insights on securing the Ruby ecosystem and the evolution of community spaces at tech conferences. • Ruby Central's open source program focuses on three key areas: security, reliability, and sustainability • Pre-compiled binaries for native extensions are coming to RubyGems to eliminate supply chain attack vectors • Hack Spaces at RailsConf are evolving with two-hour blocks to allow maintainers to interact more freely ...