Best Backend Engineers Podcasts (2025)

1
From Backend Engineer to Head of Mobile (Lessons from Uber) 58:34

Play Pause

11d ago58:34

58:34

What does it take to build a career as a mobile engineer when AI is changing everything? Pasha Mazurin shares how he went from Java backend engineer to Head of Mobile, why he only joins mobile-first companies, and how AI-assisted development brought the joy back to his work. This isn't theory, it's real lessons from 15+ years in the field and now l…

1
Amazon US-EAST-1 Outage in Details 24:26

24d ago24:26

24:26

On October 19 2025 AWS experienced an outage that lasted over a day, 10 days later we finally got the root cause analysis and we know exactly what caused the DNS to fail0:00 Summary 5:30 How did Dynamo lost its DNS?13:41 EC2 Errors 16:16 Network Load Balancer ErrorsRCA here https://aws.amazon.com/message/101925/…

1
How to Think About System Design (GitHub Engineer's Perspective) 46:01

4d ago46:01

46:01

System design interviews often focus on theoretical complexity, but how do Senior Engineers at GitHub actually approach scaling? In this episode, Bassem Dghaidi breaks down how to think about system design when real business impact is on the line. We discuss why "simple is complicated enough," the dangers of premature scaling, and why vertical scal…

1
Agentic Coding IS NOT Software Engineering 13:09

18d ago13:09

13:09

Agentic coding isn't software engineering. If you've been coding for a while, it doesn't give you the same rewards. Yet some developers are all too eager to let their skills atrophy and outsource the fun parts of being a developer to an AI, instead of fixing the root issue - their skill issue. This is mainly targeted towards junior developers, but …

1
How to Stay Relevant in Tech (25+ Years of Lessons) 59:35

18d ago59:35

59:35

Worried about staying relevant as AI and new tools keep changing tech? The answer isn't chasing every new framework, it's treating your career like an engineering problem you can solve. In this episode, we cover: Why staying relevant isn't about the tools (and what it's really about) The 3 essential career management tools: Brag Doc, Competency Fra…

1
Lacking Motivation to Learn to Code? 30:15

24d ago30:15

30:15

Are you struggling with motivation on your learning to code journey? It could be poor goal setting. It could be that trying to find a job is suppressing your curiosity and excitement for coding. It could very well be that software engineering isn't what you initially thought it was. But almost certainly, what I share in this has or is hurting your …

1
Promotions, Salary & Leadership: I Answer Your Toughest Tech Career Questions 57:10

26d ago57:10

57:10

You asked, I answered. In this Q&A episode, I tackle the toughest career questions you submitted: from getting promoted when the process feels political, to negotiating salary, to leading projects as an IC. In this episode, we cover: * Holding peers accountable when you're not their manager * Navigating promotions when the process is political or u…

1
Do You Feel Like an Imposter as an Aspiring Developer? 26:02

27d ago26:02

26:02

Imposter syndrome as a junior developer has been normalized WAY TO OFTEN. Imposter syndrome is a signal that there's a more deeply rooted issue that needs to be resolved. Sometimes, and a lot of people aren't going to like this, it's actually just a skill issue. --------------------------------------------------- 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): https:/…

1
Traits of the 3 Most Successful Developers I've Ever Worked With 12:01

1M ago12:01

12:01

I've worked with a lot of great developers, but 3 developers on 3 different teams really stood out to me. Here's what people admired about them. Always remember, there are MANY ways to be successful as a developer. It's okay to be socially awkward even. I know a ton of people are worried about their personality fitting in. You just have to make up …

1
What Separates Good Engineers from Great Ones 38:04

1M ago38:04

38:04

What's the real difference between a good software engineer and a truly great one? It’s more than just coding skill. It's a specific mindset, a disciplined approach to technology, and a deep understanding of core principles. This is the roadmap to leveling up your career. In this conversation with Sander Mak, Director of Technology at Picnic, we di…

1
Bonus Episode 25. Min/Max Cory Interview 1:03:17

1M ago1:03:17

1:03:17

In this episode Zackavelli discusses strategies for steam success and de risking game dev with professional min/maxer Cory DarbyCory on the Jonas Tyroller Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWidan8ggGoBecome a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zack…

1
Graceful shutdown in HTTP 25:49

1M ago25:49

25:49

There are cases where the backend may need to close the connection to prevent unexpected situations, prevent bad actors or simply just free up resources. Closing a connection gracefully allows clients and backends to clean up and finish any pending requests. In this episode of the backend engineering show I discuss graceful connections in both HTTP…

1
Are You Working Full-time AND Learning to Code? 17:02

1M ago17:02

17:02

Are you learning to code while working a full-time job, taking care of family, or other heavy responsibilities? We need to have an honest conversation. More importantly, I want to talk about the mindset that'll help you survive the journey. --------------------------------------------------- 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-front…

1
From 6 Engineers to 2: Why Product and Engineering Are Merging 49:24

1M ago49:24

49:24

What if the standard 6-person software team is now obsolete? AI tooling isn't just a productivity booster; it's fundamentally blurring the lines between product and engineering, enabling smaller, more powerful teams to achieve what once took an entire department. We're joined by Kate Ivanova, a Product Manager with years of experience building AI p…

1
How You Should Optimize Your Time Learning to Code 22:25

1M ago22:25

22:25

Have you ever wondered how much time you should invest into different things when learning to code? Then this one's for you. I also shared advice and most importantly the right perspective for standing out in the job search. --------------------------------------------------- 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-ca…

1
The MERN Stack Failed Junior Developers 29:48

1M ago29:48

29:48

The popular MERN stack tutorials and the larger JavaScript ecosystem in general has failed to prepare junior developers for professional jobs. This is a rant about that... --------------------------------------------------- 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper ⚙️ Learn Backend (2…

1
I Tried Linux Desktop for 2 Months... 10:36

2M ago10:36

10:36

I ran Linux desktop as my daily driver for 2 months - dev, streaming, gaming. Here’s the straight rundown: what worked, what broke, and what I’d do differently if I tried again. --------------------------------------------------- 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper ⚙️ Learn Back…

1
How Hackathons Make You a Better Software Engineer 42:27

2M ago42:27

42:27

What if you could turn a weekend project into a core product feature at a major tech company? We sit down with Behrouz Pooladrak, a software engineer and hackathon legend at Booking.com, to uncover how these intense competitions can fast-track your skills, career, and impact. He shares the mindset and strategies that took his ideas from a one-day b…

1
Postgres 18 gets Async IO 41:12

2M ago41:12

41:12

Postgres 18 has been released with many exciting features such as UUIDv7, Over explain module, composite index skip scans, and the most anticipated asynchronous IO with worker and io_uring mode which I uncover in this show. Hope you enjoy it 0:00 Intro 1:30 Synchronous vs Asynchronous calls 3:00 Synchronous IO 6:30 Asynchronous IO 10:00 Postgres 17…

1
AI Startup CEO Reveals What Really Kills AI Projects 44:08

2M ago44:08

44:08

What if the biggest obstacles to AI innovation aren't what you think? Deeploy CEO Maarten Stolk shares his controversial but effective strategies for building successful AI products and ecosystems, challenging the common wisdom around bottom-up initiatives and regulation. In this episode, we cover: Why bottom-up initiatives fail without strong top-…

1
The Forgotten Truth About Being a Developer 13:17

2M ago13:17

13:17

The reality of being a dev is that you're capable of a future that goes way past the limits a company allows you to work within. Just in case devs forgot, I wanted to record this reminding them of that, and ultimately why I left the industry. --------------------------------------------------- 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-fro…

1
The Graph Problem Most Developers Don't Know They Have 54:38

2M ago54:38

54:38

As a developer, you're trained to think in rows and tables. But what if that's the exact reason you're missing the most powerful connections in your data? There's a fundamental "Graph Problem" hiding in plain sight in almost every application, and once you see it, you'll wonder how you ever missed it. In this episode, we reveal this "obvious" secre…

1
I Tried Agentic Coding and I Hate It 10:50

2M ago10:50

10:50

Tried agentic coding while building a Twitch analytics feature for Twitch Sprout and... I hated it. It bloated the code, ignored library features, and turned me into a spec-writing code reviewer instead of a dev. I also shared where AI has helped as well. --------------------------------------------------- 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): https://scrimb…

1
How Deepfakes are Evolving (And What You NEED to Know) 1:02:30

2M ago1:02:30

1:02:30

It takes just three seconds for AI to steal your voice and impersonate you in a way no one can detect. How can you protect yourself, your family, and your finances when seeing and hearing is no longer believing? In this episode, deepfake expert Parya Lotfi reveals the shocking reality of AI-driven scams, from fraudulent bank transfers to fake kidna…

1
I'm Doubling Down on AI 20:57

2M ago20:57

20:57

I’ve been skeptical of AI for a long time - tired of the hype, the slop, and the talk about replacing developers. But as a one-person business, I can’t ignore its potential. In this episode, I break down why I’m doubling down on AI for the next few months: testing its limits, exploring real use cases, and seeing if it actually makes my life easier……

1
EP. 098 Enemy Design Across Genres 35:15

2M ago35:15

35:15

In this episode Zackavelli talks about the Enemy Design basics and lessons from across a spectrum of genresSkip to Body of Episode: 8:04Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zackavelli on Twitter @_Zackavelli_Twitch: www.twitch.tv/zackavelli_Intro m…

1
From Pixels to Tokens: UX Is Not Enough Anymore 47:41

2M ago47:41

47:41

What does it take to build AI features at the scale of Microsoft Copilot? Senior Product Manager Stéphanie Visser reveals the massive shifts in product development, from focusing on pixels to tokens and embracing a culture of rapid, data-driven experimentation. Learn how the roles of PMs, engineers, and scientists are evolving and what it takes to …

1
Guaranteed Solana TX Inclusion with Raiku, feat Robin, Founder and CEO of Raiku 47:43

3M ago47:43

47:43

A conversation with Robin, CEO of Raiku, about Raiku's approach to guaranteed transaction includion on Solana. 📝 Notes from the show In this episode of the Solfate Podcast, hosts James and Nick welcome Robin, founder of Raiku, to discuss Raiku's approach to guaranteed Solana transaction inclusion using validator sidecars, a decentralized coordinati…

1
Stop Hiring Junior Engineers Because of AI? 49:41

3M ago49:41

49:41

As AI accelerates development, many companies are halting junior hiring, believing AI tools can replace them. Shahin Shahkarami, Director of Data & AI at Ikea Retail, argues this is a massive mistake and that now is actually the best time to invest in new talent. In this episode/video, we cover: Why companies should hire junior talent despite the r…

1
How to Master Software Engineering (From Junior to Architect) 52:48

3M ago52:48

52:48

Feeling overwhelmed by the constant change in software engineering? After 25 years in the industry, CTO Joris Kuipers shares a pragmatic roadmap to not just survive, but achieve true mastery in your craft, whether you're a junior developer or a seasoned architect. In this episode, we cover: How to focus your learning when new technologies emerge da…

1
The Simple Daily Habit That Unlocks Your Productivity 44:42

3M ago44:42

44:42

Time is your most finite resource; once you spend it, you can never get it back. In this conversation, co-founder and Senior Product Manager Joseph Hill reveals the mindset and systems he uses to be intentional with his time, manage his focus, and stay productive without burning out. In this episode, we cover: How to be intentional with your time a…

1
Principal Software Engineer: Democracy at Work is Overrated 1:04:06

3M ago1:04:06

1:04:06

Dario Gieselaar, Principal Software Engineer from Elastic gets brutally honest about what it really takes to succeed in a top tech company. We uncover the uncomfortable truths about the promotion game, why direct feedback is crucial (even when it hurts), and why a "winning" mindset is everything. This is the conversation about career growth they do…

1
How to Get a Remote or International Tech Job (Complete Guide) 30:15

4M ago30:15

30:15

The most common question I get is "How do I land a remote or international tech job?" In this episode, I'm breaking down the exact roadmap I would follow, from building core skills to the one thing you MUST do to get noticed by recruiters. This isn't just about resumes; it's about building a career that opens global doors. In this video, we cover: …

1
Tech Founder: From 0 to 15 Million Users. Here's What We Learned 45:43

4M ago45:43

45:43

Maximiliano Neustadt, CTO and co-founder of Polarsteps, shares the incredible journey of building a travel app from 5 people to over 15 million users. From surviving as a travel company during the worst possible timing to scaling without hustle culture, Maxi reveals the key decisions, hiring practices, and leadership lessons that drove their succes…

1
Channel & Life Update | I'm Not Challenging Myself Enough 16:08

4M ago16:08

16:08

It's been a while since I've created a video. I just wanted to provide an update with what's going on with coding, fitness, and the future of content on my channel. --------------------------------------------------- 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper ⚙️ Learn Backend (25% off)…

1
Software Engineering Went From Hacker Culture to... 50:48

4M ago50:48

50:48

Pauline Vos (Senior Software Engineer at MongoDB) reveals how software culture evolved from its counterculture, DIY, and anarchist roots to what we see today. We explore: The original hacker mindset and why it mattered How open source was always political Why 2017-2018 changed everything Where to still find real hacker culture (hint: hacker camps, …

1
EP. 097 Backend Systems For Games 36:09

4M ago36:09

36:09

In this episode Zackavelli talks about backend systems for games and why you should consider the features it can support.SPONSOR:Please check out the link below to support AccelByte in paying for this free educational content.Unlimited Development Trial: https://accelbyte.io/promoSkip to Body of Episode: 6:13Join the discord and talk with the commu…

1
Search Is In Everything You Build (And You Probably Don't Know It) 49:10

4M ago49:10

49:10

Search is just about Google? Think again. In this conversation with Pratim Bhosale (Senior Developer Experience Engineer at Treblle), we discuss how search technology secretly powers nearly every app you use daily. What we discuss: - Why Netflix recommendations are actually reverse search - How dating app swipes and e-commerce filters are sophistic…

1
Inside VEED’s AI Product Strategy: Speed, Scale, and User Feedback with Samuel Beek 40:39

5M ago40:39

40:39

Samuel Beek, Chief Product Officer at VEED, joins me to share how their team ships AI-powered features in days, not months. We explore VEED’s product strategy, how they stay close to users, and what it really takes to build fast without breaking things. If you're building with AI or working in product, this episode is packed with useful takeaways. …

1
Pratim Bhosale: How to get into AI from Backend Engineering 1:32:26

5M ago1:32:26

1:32:26

Links - CodeCrafters (partner): https://tej.as/CodeCrafters - Pratim on X: https://x.com/bhosalepratim - Tejas on X: https://x.com/tejaskumar_ Summary In this conversation, we explore the journey from backend development to becoming a Google Developer Expert in Golang. We discuss the significance of microservices architecture, the importance of sea…

1
From AI Hype to Real-World Results! Getting AI into Production with Sohrab Hosseini 41:02

5M ago41:02

41:02

How do you cut through the AI hype and successfully deploy AI products at scale? In this episode, Sohrab Hosseini (co-founder of Orq) shares practical insights into overcoming common challenges of AI production: model hallucinations, cost management, maintaining observability, and scalability. Discover the realities of putting AI into practice and …

1
Why We're Excited About React Compiler (React Compiler Explained) with Lydia Hallie 19:35

5M ago19:35

19:35

This was a special episode, recorded at React Summit in Amsterdam! Curious to hear your feedback! The next edition of the biggest React conference will be in New York, on November 18 & 21, and Early Bird tickets are out if you're interested: https://reactsummit.us/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=beyondcoding The utm tags are only to gauge interest :…

1
Shivay Lamba: How to run secure AI anywhere with WebAssembly 1:33:49

5M ago1:33:49

1:33:49

Links - CodeCrafters (partner): https://tej.as/codecrafters - WebAssembly on Kubernetes: https://www.cncf.io/blog/2024/03/12/webassembly-on-kubernetes-from-containers-to-wasm-part-01/ - Shivay on X: https://x.com/howdevelop - Tejas on X: https://x.com/tejaskumar_ Summary In this podcast episode, Shivay Lamba and I discuss the integration of WebAsse…

1
Ep. 096 Tips To Avoid Your Game Feeling Cheap 36:36

5M ago36:36

36:36

In this episode Zackavelli talks about how to avoid your game looking and feeling cheap.GDFG X Minifantasy Bundlehttps://itch.io/s/154689/-gdfg-x-minifantasy-bundle?c=wwr9by8cufSkip to Body of Episode: 6:50Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/GDFGJoin the discord and talk with the community about making video games! Link: discord.gg/2C8eTsUFollow Zacka…

1
AI in Software Engineering: Productivity, Pitfalls, and Practical Advice with Stacy Cashmore 55:31

5M ago55:31

55:31

Is AI a productivity tool or a dangerous shortcut for developers? In this episode, Stacy Cashmore, Product Lead at OmniPlan, joins us to discuss the practical realities of integrating AI into software engineering. Stacy shares real-world insights from developing AI-driven products, highlighting both the powerful benefits and significant pitfalls de…

1
Kernel level TLS 22:55

5M ago22:55

22:55

Fundamentals of Operating Systems Course https://oscourse.winktls is brilliant.TLS encryption/decryption often happens in userland. While TCP lives in the kernel. With ktls, userland can hand the keys to the kernel and the kernel does crypto. When calling write, the kernel encrypts the packet and send it to the NIC.When calling read, the kernel dec…

1
Least vs Most Marketable Projects for Junior Developers 42:09

6M ago42:09

42:09

One of the more difficult things junior developers seem to struggle with is knowing what portfolio projects to build to be marketable and competitive in the job search. I went over a variety of types of projects and how much they help you stand out among your competition. Not only that, but I went over the pros and cons of each, misconceptions of w…

1
The Identity Crisis of Software Engineers in the Age of AI with Borislav Nikolov & Rares Mirica 1:12:46

6M ago1:12:46

1:12:46

AI is reshaping software engineering—but are developers getting better or worse? In this episode, Borislav Nikolov and Rares Mirica join me to discuss the identity crisis facing software engineers due to AI-driven tools. We explore the balance between increased productivity and potential intellectual decline, and what developers can do to stay ahea…

1
DevRel deep dive: what it is, how to do it, how to measure it 2:06:49

6M ago2:06:49

2:06:49

Links - Codecrafters (Partner): https://tej.as/codecrafters - Tejas on X: https://x.com/tejaskumar_ - Mary Thengvall, The Business Value of Developer Relations: https://develocity.io/measuring-devrel-success-effective-metrics-for-impact/#:~:text=In%20a%20talk%20given%20at,5 - Matthew Revell, “What is Developer Relations?”: https://developerrelation…

1
Etherfuse Stablebonds as an Essential Blockchain Primitive, feat Dave Taylor, CEO of Etherfuse 45:02

6M ago45:02

45:02

A conversation with Dave Taylor, CEO of Etherfuse, about Etherfuse's stablebonds as an essential blockchain primitive for foreign exchange. 📝 Notes from the show In this episode of the Solfate Podcast, hosts James and Nick welcome Dave Taylor, CEO of Etherfuse, to discuss their groundbreaking approach to bringing real-world assets on-chain through …