DonTheDeveloper Podcast

Hosted by Don Hansen

Business Careers Education

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Episodes

212

Latest episode

Jan 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Helping aspiring developers get jobs and junior developers grow. Raw and unfiltered conversations with industry professionals that dive deep into how developers can find success and growth in their careers.

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60 recent

January 29, 202610 min

Working Full-time and Trying to Become a Developer is Almost Impossible

Working a full-time job and trying to become a developer is almost impossible. It's not just you. It is a REALLY difficult path... and maybe there's some solace in that. There's also something that's been lost in this new AI slop world that I truly believe holds a lot of aspiring developers back. -- 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): <a href="https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scrimba</a> ⚙️ Learn Backend (25% off): <a href="https://www.boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boot.dev</a> 🧠 Advanced Coding (40% off): <a href="https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">CodeCrafters</a> 🚀 Learn DevOps (25% off): <a href="https://www.boot.dev/paths/devops?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boot.dev DevOps</a> Erase your personal info from data brokers (58% off annual, 16% off monthly): <a href="https://incogni.cello.so/9DsXqfmZzYs" rel="noopener noreferrer">Incogni</a> Disclaimer: Above, are all products and services that I highly recommend. They are affiliate links though, which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 👥 <a href="https://cal.com/donthedeveloper/mentorship" rel="noopener noreferrer">1 on 1 Mentorship</a> 👾 <a href="https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join Discord</a> 🏢 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow on LinkedIn</a> 🐦 <a href="https://x.com/thedonofcode" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow on X</a>

January 5, 20267 min

New Year Hackathon | AI is Making People Dumber...

It's a new year, and I think it's time for another hackathon! This one will likely put off some people who love to slurp up that AI slop, but for those who think for themselves and care about deep skill level - this one's for you.Hackathon details and instructions to sign up: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxAToLEywM5Dw5HtUJhno3pik6DV4JJSfZ" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxAToLEywM5Dw5HtUJhno3pik6DV4JJSfZ</a> -- 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): <a href="https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scrimba</a> ⚙️ Learn Backend (25% off): <a href="https://www.boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boot.dev</a> 🧠 Advanced Coding (40% off): <a href="https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">CodeCrafters</a> 🚀 Learn DevOps (25% off): <a href="https://www.boot.dev/paths/devops?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boot.dev DevOps</a> Erase your personal info from data brokers (58% off annual, 16% off monthly): <a href="https://incogni.cello.so/9DsXqfmZzYs" rel="noopener noreferrer">Incogni</a> Disclaimer: Above, are all products and services that I highly recommend. They are affiliate links though, which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 👥 <a href="https://cal.com/donthedeveloper/mentorship" rel="noopener noreferrer">1 on 1 Mentorship</a> 👾 <a href="https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join Discord</a> 🏢 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow on LinkedIn</a> 🐦 <a href="https://x.com/thedonofcode" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow on X</a>

November 5, 202513 min

Agentic Coding IS NOT Software Engineering

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 a lot of this applies to more experienced developers as well. Or it will, once they let their skills atrophy. -- 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): <a href="https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scrimba</a> ⚙️ Learn Backend (25% off): <a href="https://www.boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boot.dev</a> 🧠 Advanced Coding (40% off): <a href="https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">CodeCrafters</a> 🚀 Learn DevOps (25% off): <a href="https://www.boot.dev/paths/devops?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boot.dev DevOps</a> Erase your personal info from data brokers (58% off annual, 16% off monthly): <a href="https://incogni.cello.so/9DsXqfmZzYs" rel="noopener noreferrer">Incogni</a> Disclaimer: Above, are all products and services that I highly recommend. They are affiliate links though, which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 👥 <a href="https://cal.com/donthedeveloper/mentorship" rel="noopener noreferrer">1 on 1 Mentorship</a> 👾 <a href="https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join Discord</a> 🏢 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow on LinkedIn</a> 🐦 <a href="https://x.com/thedonofcode" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow on X</a>

October 30, 202530 min

Lacking Motivation to Learn to Code?

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 motivation more than you think. -- 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): <a href="https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scrimba</a> ⚙️ Learn Backend (25% off): <a href="https://www.boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boot.dev</a> 🧠 Advanced Coding (40% off): <a href="https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">CodeCrafters</a> 🚀 Learn DevOps (25% off): <a href="https://www.boot.dev/paths/devops?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boot.dev DevOps</a> Erase your personal info from data brokers (58% off annual, 16% off monthly): <a href="https://incogni.cello.so/9DsXqfmZzYs" rel="noopener noreferrer">Incogni</a> Disclaimer: Above, are all products and services that I highly recommend. They are affiliate links though, which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 👥 <a href="https://cal.com/donthedeveloper/mentorship" rel="noopener noreferrer">1 on 1 Mentorship</a> 👾 <a href="https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join Discord</a> 🏢 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow on LinkedIn</a> 🐦 <a href="https://x.com/thedonofcode" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow on X</a>

October 27, 202526 min

Do You Feel Like an Imposter as an Aspiring Developer?

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): <a href="https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scrimba</a> ⚙️ Learn Backend (25% off): <a href="https://www.boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boot.dev</a> 🧠 Advanced Coding (40% off): <a href="https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">CodeCrafters</a> 🚀 Learn DevOps (25% off): <a href="https://www.boot.dev/paths/devops?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boot.dev DevOps</a> Erase your personal info from data brokers (58% off annual, 16% off monthly): <a href="https://incogni.cello.so/9DsXqfmZzYs" rel="noopener noreferrer">Incogni</a> Disclaimer: Above, are all products and services that I highly recommend. They are affiliate links though, which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 👥 <a href="https://cal.com/donthedeveloper/mentorship" rel="noopener noreferrer">1 on 1 Mentorship</a> 👾 <a href="https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join Discord</a> 🏢 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow on LinkedIn</a> 🐦 <a href="https://x.com/thedonofcode" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow on X</a>

October 22, 202512 min

Traits of the 3 Most Successful Developers I've Ever Worked With

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 for it in other ways... -- 💻 Learn Frontend (20% off): <a href="https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scrimba</a> ⚙️ Learn Backend (25% off): <a href="https://www.boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boot.dev</a> 🧠 Advanced Coding (40% off): <a href="https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">CodeCrafters</a> 🚀 Learn DevOps (25% off): <a href="https://www.boot.dev/paths/devops?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boot.dev DevOps</a> Erase your personal info from data brokers (58% off annual, 16% off monthly): <a href="https://incogni.cello.so/9DsXqfmZzYs" rel="noopener noreferrer">Incogni</a> Disclaimer: Above, are all products and services that I highly recommend. They are affiliate links though, which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 👥 <a href="https://cal.com/donthedeveloper/mentorship" rel="noopener noreferrer">1 on 1 Mentorship</a> 👾 <a href="https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join Discord</a> 🏢 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow on LinkedIn</a> 🐦 <a href="https://x.com/thedonofcode" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow on X</a>

October 16, 202517 min

Are You Working Full-time AND Learning to Code?

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): <a href="https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scrimba</a> ⚙️ Learn Backend (25% off): <a href="https://www.boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boot.dev</a> 🧠 Advanced Coding (40% off): <a href="https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">CodeCrafters</a> 🚀 Learn DevOps (25% off): <a href="https://www.boot.dev/paths/devops?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boot.dev DevOps</a> Erase your personal info from data brokers (58% off annual, 16% off monthly): <a href="https://incogni.cello.so/9DsXqfmZzYs" rel="noopener noreferrer">Incogni</a> Disclaimer: Above, are all products and services that I highly recommend. They are affiliate links though, which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 👥 <a href="https://cal.com/donthedeveloper/mentorship" rel="noopener noreferrer">1 on 1 Mentorship</a> 👾 <a href="https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join Discord</a> 🏢 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow on LinkedIn</a> 🐦 <a href="https://x.com/thedonofcode" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow on X</a>

October 14, 202522 min

How You Should Optimize Your Time Learning to Code

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): <a href="https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scrimba</a> ⚙️ Learn Backend (25% off): <a href="https://www.boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boot.dev</a> 🧠 Advanced Coding (40% off): <a href="https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">CodeCrafters</a> 🚀 Learn DevOps (25% off): <a href="https://www.boot.dev/paths/devops?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boot.dev DevOps</a> Erase your personal info from data brokers (58% off annual, 16% off monthly): <a href="https://incogni.cello.so/9DsXqfmZzYs" rel="noopener noreferrer">Incogni</a> Disclaimer: Above, are all products and services that I highly recommend. They are affiliate links though, which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 👥 <a href="https://cal.com/donthedeveloper/mentorship" rel="noopener noreferrer">1 on 1 Mentorship</a> 👾 <a href="https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join Discord</a> 🏢 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow on LinkedIn</a> 🐦 <a href="https://x.com/thedonofcode" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow on X</a>

October 11, 202529 min

The MERN Stack Failed Junior Developers

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): <a href="https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scrimba</a> ⚙️ Learn Backend (25% off): <a href="https://www.boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boot.dev</a> 🧠 Advanced Coding (40% off): <a href="https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">CodeCrafters</a> 🚀 Learn DevOps (25% off): <a href="https://www.boot.dev/paths/devops?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boot.dev DevOps</a> Erase your personal info from data brokers (58% off annual, 16% off monthly): <a href="https://incogni.cello.so/9DsXqfmZzYs" rel="noopener noreferrer">Incogni</a> Disclaimer: Above, are all products and services that I highly recommend. They are affiliate links though, which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 👥 <a href="https://cal.com/donthedeveloper/mentorship" rel="noopener noreferrer">1 on 1 Mentorship</a> 👾 <a href="https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join Discord</a> 🏢 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow on LinkedIn</a> 🐦 <a href="https://x.com/thedonofcode" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow on X</a>

October 8, 202510 min

I Tried Linux Desktop for 2 Months...

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): <a href="https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scrimba</a> ⚙️ Learn Backend (25% off): <a href="https://www.boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boot.dev</a> 🧠 Advanced Coding (40% off): <a href="https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">CodeCrafters</a> 🚀 Learn DevOps (25% off): <a href="https://www.boot.dev/paths/devops?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boot.dev DevOps</a> Erase your personal info from data brokers (58% off annual, 16% off monthly): <a href="https://incogni.cello.so/9DsXqfmZzYs" rel="noopener noreferrer">Incogni</a> Disclaimer: Above, are all products and services that I highly recommend. They are affiliate links though, which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 👥 <a href="https://cal.com/donthedeveloper/mentorship" rel="noopener noreferrer">1 on 1 Mentorship</a> 👾 <a href="https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join Discord</a> 🏢 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/donthedeveloper" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow on LinkedIn</a> 🐦 <a href="https://x.com/thedonofcode" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follow on X</a>