Off Script

Hosted by Hey! Presents

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Episodes

Latest episode

Apr 2026

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About the show

Hosted by CTOs Josh Nesbitt and James Hall, Off Script brings you unfiltered conversations about the highs, lows, and lessons of working in tech today. From leading engineering teams and scaling companies, to tackling burnout, bad bets, and breakthrough ideas, this is the show where raw honesty meets experience. Alongside one-on-one conversations between Josh and James, you’ll hear from leaders, builders, designers, and entrepreneurs who aren’t afraid to share what’s really going on behind the scenes — the conversations usually left for DMs, side chats, and after-hours drinks. Whether you’re building your first product or leading a fast-growing team, Off Script gives you a raw and refreshing perspective on the challenges and creativity that shape modern tech. New episodes every few weeks. Subscribe and join the conversation.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

April 15, 202639 min

Episode 60: Using AI to modernise legacy code, manage tech debt and improve documentation

In this episode of Off Script, James, Josh, and guest Jon Milsom explore the rapid advancements in AI as a tool to refactor codebases, and how teams are leveraging AI to innovate, solve problems, and improve processes across industries. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to AI in Tech Consulting 01:03 The Evolution of AI and Its Impact 03:13 AI Week: Experimentation and Learning 04:39 Personal Projects: Scratch an Itch 07:35 Encouraging Innovation and Creativity 08:41 The Excitement of AI and Its Challenges 11:19 Using AI for Tech Debt and Documentation 13:46 AI's Role in Code Review and Documentation 17:05 Navigating Bottlenecks in Development 19:10 The Broader Responsibility of Engineers 20:26 The Importance of Maintenance in Software Development 23:00 Leveraging AI for Legacy Code Upgrades 26:06 AI Integration Across Business Functions 28:59 User-Centric AI Features in Sports Tech 31:59 Empowering Teams with AI Tools 34:47 The Future of AI Pricing and Development Resources: Pitchero - https://pitchero.com Claude AI - https://www.anthropic.com/index.html OpenAI GPT models - https://openai.com/research

March 20, 202641 min

Episode 59: From ZX Spectrum to Agentic AI: A lifelong journey to creating a cutting edge agency

Most businesses underestimate how quickly AI is transforming every industry, and those who don’t adapt risk falling behind. In this episode, Tim Lewis, CTO of innovative AI consultancy Zygens, shares how organizations can harness agentic AI to unlock rapid, low-risk value that scales. Discover how small, agile teams can lead the AI revolution by focusing on strategic initiatives like governance, safety, and domain expertise, rather than just tech tinkering. Tim breaks down real-world examples from his career, from pioneering streaming platforms to rebranding logistics giants, illustrating how good engineering, organizational agility, and a human-centered approach are key to thriving in this fast-changing landscape. We also explore the new role of consultants in the AI era: moving away from resource-heavy solutions toward expert guidance that accelerates transformation while managing risks. If you’re a leader, a tech enthusiast, or a forward-thinking professional eager to stay ahead of the AI curve, this episode is your guide. With insights rooted in decades of experience across tech, media, and logistics, and a passionate belief that AI should be accessible to all, Tim reveals how organizations can confidently navigate this frontier. Perfect for decision-makers, innovators, and anyone ready to turn AI uncertainty into opportunity.

January 30, 20261 hr 6 min

Episode 58: The case for Lovelace Labs in Manchester

In this episode of Off Script, Josh, James, and Tom discuss the importance of innovation in Leeds and the broader UK, emphasizing the need for representation and funding for technology outside of London, triggered by an article Tom wrote titled "National purpose on AI". Tom shares insights on the historical context of innovation in Leeds, the role of academic research, and the success stories of tech companies in regions like Stoke-on-Trent. They also propose Manchester as a suitable location for Lovelace Labs and call for a national data library to be established in Leeds. The discussion highlights the need for a more confident and proactive approach to promoting Northern innovation and addressing funding disparities. The UK government often overlooks innovation happening outside London. Leeds has a rich history of innovation and should be recognized for it. The tech sector in Stoke-on-Trent is surprisingly larger than in Oxford. Academic research is crucial for innovation but often underfunded outside major cities. There is a need for a national data library to be based in Leeds. Manchester is a strong candidate for the proposed Lovelace Labs. Local companies need to be more vocal about their contributions to the economy. Funding for innovation should be more evenly distributed across the UK. The North should celebrate its successes and promote its strengths more actively. A cultural shift is needed to demand more respect and representation for Northern innovation.

January 16, 202634 min

Episode 57: Is AI destroying Open Source?

In this episode of Off Script, hosts Josh and James delve into the contentious topic of whether AI is destroying open source software. They discuss the recent layoffs at Tailwind, a popular open-source project, and how AI's ability to generate code from existing libraries is impacting the sustainability of such projects. The conversation highlights the ethical implications of AI's use of open-source code without proper attribution, raising concerns about the future of open-source maintainers and the community's ethos. They explore the balance between the benefits of AI in enhancing productivity and the risks of diminishing the value of original contributions to open-source projects. AI is changing the model of open source, not necessarily destroying it. The burden of maintaining open source projects is increasing due to AI's impact. Attribution and compensation for open source maintainers are critical issues. AI can automate mundane tasks, allowing maintainers to focus on creative work. The learning process for developers may be compromised by AI's ease of use.

December 10, 202520 min

Episode 56: Juggling leadership and family life

In this episode, Josh and James discuss the challenges of balancing family life with demanding leadership roles. They share personal experiences of parenthood, the importance of setting boundaries, and the need for a supportive work culture that accommodates family responsibilities. Their conversation highlights the necessity of effective time management, prioritization, and the emotional adjustments that come with being a parent while maintaining a professional career. Creating boundaries is essential for managing responsibilities. It's important to communicate openly with coworkers about family needs. Saying no to certain commitments is necessary for well-being. Work-life balance requires constant adjustment and prioritization. Parenthood changes your perception of time and focus. A supportive work culture can ease the challenges of parenting. Planning ahead can help mitigate chaos in daily life. Making yourself redundant in business processes is a good strategy. Embracing the learning curve of parenthood is crucial.

November 25, 202523 min

Episode 55: From proof of concept to production: AI engineering

In this conversation, James and Josh discuss the transition from prototype apps to production-ready products, emphasising the challenges and opportunities presented by vibe coding. They explore the implications of new coding tools, the importance of version control, and the need for security measures. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of software engineering and the potential for new developers to emerge from this environment, while also addressing the responsibilities that come with creating applications. Vibe coding allows for rapid prototyping but can mislead about readiness for production. The barrier to entry for coding has significantly lowered, enabling more people to create apps. Version control is essential for managing app development and preventing data loss. The evolution of tools has made coding more accessible but also introduces new risks. Security measures must be prioritized as apps transition from prototype to production. AI tools can assist in app development but require careful handling of data. The gap between prototype and production needs clear communication to avoid pitfalls. New developers may emerge from the vibe coding trend, bringing fresh perspectives. Ethical considerations in AI and app development will become increasingly important.

September 29, 202513 min

Episode 54: Why awards shouldn't cost a fortune

In this episode, James and Josh discuss the troubling nature of paid awards in the tech industry. They explore how these awards often prioritize profit over genuine recognition, leading to feelings of exploitation among nominees. Thier conversation delves into the implications of such practices on community inclusivity and the need for a reevaluation of how recognition is given in the industry. Paid awards often exploit nominees for profit. The pricing of awards can feel unfair and exploitative. Awards should recognize hard work, not just financial investment. Community representation is often overshadowed by profit motives. Transparency in award processes is crucial for credibility. The perception of value in awards is warped by corporate interests. Decision-makers should reconsider their spending on awards. Alternative recognition methods could be more beneficial. Awards can create a false sense of achievement. The community should benefit from the funds spent on awards.

August 15, 202516 min

Episode 53: The power of pen and paper

In this episode, James and Josh discuss the significance of pen and paper in an increasingly digital world. They explore various note-taking techniques, the benefits of physical writing for memory retention, and the importance of managing mental load through effective organization. Their conversation highlights the balance between urgency and importance in task management, emphasizing the need for reflection and prioritization in both personal and professional contexts. Pen and paper are essential for focused thinking. The physical act of writing aids memory retention. Different note-taking methods can enhance comprehension. Digital tools can complement traditional note-taking. Urgent tasks can overshadow important ones. Reflection on notes helps prioritize tasks effectively. AI tools can assist but should not replace personal notes. Concise note-taking is a valuable skill. Managing mental load is crucial for productivity. Taking a step back to write thoughts down can alleviate stress.

August 1, 202514 min

Episode 52: Unlocking team potential with user manuals

In this episode, Josh and James discuss the concept of user manuals for humans, exploring how individuals can communicate their preferences, boundaries, and working styles to foster better collaboration in teams. They emphasize the importance of psychological safety, effective communication, and the role of writing in self-reflection and team dynamics. The conversation also touches on managing expectations, delegation, and creating a safe space for open dialogue within teams. User manuals help communicate personal working styles. Psychological safety is crucial for honest communication. Feedback should be given early and often. Writing down thoughts aids in self-reflection. Effective communication requires understanding different styles. Delegation should come with clear information. Creating a safe space encourages team collaboration. Writing is a powerful tool for clarity and thinking. Sharing user manuals can align team expectations. Openness in communication fosters trust and understanding.

July 15, 202523 min

Episode 51: Is Test Driven Development actually better now we have AI?

Josh and James discuss the implications of Test-Driven Development (TDD) in the context of the rapid advancements in AI technology. They explore how AI tools are changing the landscape of software development, the challenges of maintaining quality in fast-paced environments, and the importance of balancing speed with safety. Their conversation also touches on the future of coding, the training of new developers, and the evolving role of testing in ensuring robust software solutions. TDD is gaining renewed importance with the rise of AI. AI tools can enhance rapid prototyping but come with risks. Maintaining quality in software is crucial as teams move quickly. The balance between speed and safety is essential in development. Understanding system design and good architecture is foundational for developers. AI can assist in writing tests and fixing bugs effectively. The complexity of production apps increases with user volume. New tools are emerging to support error tracking and testing. Training the next generation of developers is vital in an AI-driven landscape. Investing in TDD and BDD can set teams apart in software development.