Stop Fixing Things That Aren't Broken

Stop Fixing Things That Aren't Broken

Author: Skill Issue Studios June 5, 2025 Duration: 1:05:54

This week, Robbie and Chuck talk about the unintended chaos of “move fast and break things” in both software and startups. From Riverside glitches to Tesla’s overengineered wipers, they explore how updates can derail otherwise stable experiences. They unpack the economics of getting laid off, the pressure to build a personal brand in tech, and the strange fate of dev tools. Plus, Robbie shares his latest app ideas.

In this episode:

  • (00:00) - Intro
  • (02:27) - Whiskey rating and review: Old Grand-Dad 16 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • (13:27) - When updates break what worked
  • (20:21) - Are devs prioritizing personal brands?
  • (23:13) - The strange economics of getting laid off
  • (28:39) - Is GitLab trash?
  • (30:25) - Robbie’s ADHD app and vibe coding plans
  • (34:05) - Debt, 401k, and emergency funds
  • (35:30) - Prepping for Big Sky Dev Con
  • (38:26) - UPS shipping woes
  • (44:10) - React Miami and difficulties taking a podcast on the road
  • (48:58) - Whiskey + Girl Scout cookies (and other pairings)
  • (54:05) - Should open source have a franchise model?
  • (55:28) - Work, paternity leave, and the IBM acquisition
  • (57:15) - Tesla shopping for a family of five
  • (61:08) - Movies and TV

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There's a certain alchemy that happens when you combine deep technical expertise with the warmth of a good conversation, and that's exactly what you'll find in Whiskey Web and Whatnot. Hosts Robbie Wagner, Charles William Carpenter III, and Adam Argyle bring decades of collective experience to the table, but they leave the lecture format at the door. Instead, each episode feels like pulling up a chair with colleagues who are just as passionate about the craft of building for the web as they are about the nuanced flavors in a glass of whiskey. The discussion naturally flows between the concrete details of modern development-like navigating JavaScript frameworks, CSS architecture, or the practical realities of agentic AI and new coding tools-and the broader, human aspects of a software engineering career. This podcast from Skill Issue Studios is built on the idea that the tools and the people who use them are equally important. You'll come for insightful, grounded advice on developer productivity and emerging technologies, but you'll stay for the genuine camaraderie and the occasional spirited debate about which whiskey bottle truly earns a spot on the shelf. It’s a refreshing blend of substance and personality, making complex topics accessible and reminding everyone that there's always a story behind the code.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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