Best Robbie Wagner Podcasts (2025)

1
Father's Day Drinking w/ Typecraft 1:01:25

11h ago1:01:25

1:01:25

This week, Robbie talks with Typecraft about the chaotic joys of fatherhood, the realities of raising twins, and various dad-related hot takes. They also discuss their tech carries and conference talks, including Typecraft's Vim nerdery and Robbie’s sarcastic ode to underappreciated HTML features. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:05) - Beer sel…

1
Jerry Bruckheimer (Producer) on Making Blockbusters, Audience Testing, and 50+ Years in Hollywood 43:22

1d ago43:22

43:22

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer, the mastermind behind billion-dollar blockbusters, including Top Gun, Pirates of the Caribbean, Bad Boys, Beverly Hills Cop, and the television shows CSI, The Amazing Race, and Fire Country. Bruckheimer shares…

1
Will AI Kill the Joy of Coding? 59:53

7d ago59:53

59:53

This week, Robbie and Chuck review Barrell Craft Spirits' Cranky Kong, and talk about the AI boom, how senior devs are (or aren’t) using it, and what the future of software jobs might look like. They also discuss the rise of "celebrity developers", job market shifts, real estate economics, and parenting twins. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:2…

1
Arnold Rifkin (Legendary Agent & Producer) on Hollywood Deal-Making and His Life-Changing Relationship with Bruce Willis 45:36

14d ago45:36

45:36

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with Arnold Rifkin, the legendary talent agent who pioneered the concept of a total talent agency and helped build one of Hollywood's most recognizable action stars. From founding Triad Artists to leading William Morris's film division and producing bl…

1
Stop Fixing Things That Aren't Broken 1:04:54

15d ago1:04:54

1:04:54

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 …

1
The Myth of Perfect Code w/ Marc Backes 52:40

22d ago52:40

52:40

This week, Robbie and Chuck talk with Marc Backes about Vue vs. React, work-life balance, and the realities of messy codebases. They also sip an Evan Williams Single Barrel, debate inbox zero, and discuss Marc’s adventures in coffee roasting and pilot training. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:45) - Whiskey review and rating: Evan Williams Sing…

1
Should You Learn Tailwind Before CSS? w/ Bree Hall 54:48

29d ago54:48

54:48

This week, live from React Miami, Chuck, and special guest co-host Aaron Francis, talk with Bree Hall about React styling strategies, Tailwind CSS, and whether you should learn fundamentals before frameworks (spoiler: it depends). They explore the evolution of Next.js, the importance of developer momentum, and how to break into tech in today’s land…

1
Scott Ross (Visual Effects Pioneer, Producer, and Entrepreneur) on Creating Movie Magic and the Future of Hollywood Effects 49:27

29d ago49:27

49:27

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews Scott Ross, a pioneering figure in the visual effects industry. As the former general manager of Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), Senior VP of LucasArts Entertainment, and co-founder of Digital Domain with James Cameron and Stan Winston, Scott Ross s…

1
Static, Dynamic, Generative: What’s Next for the Web? w/ Guillermo Rauch 1:08:01

1M ago1:08:01

1:08:01

This week, Chuck and special guest co-host Aaron Francis talk with Guillermo Rauch live from React Miami. From early days at Zeit to founding Vercel and launching Next.js, Guillermo shares stories of scaling infrastructure, creating developer-centric products, and navigating startup challenges. They dive into how AI is transforming the web, why tho…

1
Why You Can’t Skip the Fundamentals w/ Henri Helvetica 57:05

1M ago57:05

57:05

This week, Chuck and special guest co-host Aaron Francis talk with Henri Helvetica live from React Miami. They explore the evolving challenges of web performance, why genuine research skills still matter in an AI-driven world, and how developers can stay curious and resilient in a fast-moving industry. Henri shares insights from his React Miami tal…

1
Mike Marcus (Manager, Producer, & Former Studio Head) on Building Hollywood Networks and Creating Hit Films 43:42

1M ago43:42

43:42

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews Mike Marcus, whose impressive 57-year career spans from agency mailroom to MGM Pictures president to management company founder. In his early career as an agent, Marcus built an impressive client roster including Robin Williams, John Landis, and Sidne…

1
Are Frameworks Still Worth the Tradeoffs? w/ Adam Rackis 45:21

2M ago45:21

45:21

This week, Chuck talks with Adam Rackis live from React Miami. Along with special guest-host Aaron Francis, they dig into React Server Components, the quirks of modern JavaScript frameworks, and why TanStack might be the future. Sipping an Appleton Estate Rum, they swap hot takes, get candid about developer trends, tech philosophies, and share some…

1
WTF is MCP? w/ David Cramer 55:48

2M ago55:48

55:48

This week, Robbie and Chuck talk with David Cramer about MCP—microservices for language models—and why it might be the future of AI tooling. They dig into the state of AI agents, developer efficiency, and why Codegen isn’t killing jobs anytime soon. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:47) - Whiskey review and rating (17:12) - Hot Take: Syntax.fm v…

1
Vibe Podcasting: App Rewrites, AI Assistants, PB&Js, and more! 54:16

2M ago54:16

54:16

This week, Robbie and Chuck talk about American whiskey, buttered PB&Js, and the quirks of AI coding assistants. They swap TV recommendations, debate developer priorities like security and rewrites, and more. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:43) - Whiskey review and rating: Union Horse Distilling Co Rolling Standard Four Grain Whiskey (13:59) -…

1
Tony Sella (Marketing Executive and Producer) on Creating Unforgettable Movie Campaigns 48:39

2M ago48:39

48:39

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews Tony Sella, the legendary marketing executive behind some of Hollywood's most iconic movie campaigns. During his decades at 20th Century Fox, Sella was the creative force behind unforgettable posters, trailers, taglines, and promotions for films inclu…

1
Your Terminal Is Getting Smarter with Ben Holmes 54:48

2M ago54:48

54:48

This week, Robbie and Chuck talk with Ben Holmes—Astro core team alum and now at Warp—about the rapid evolution of developer tools, the promise and quirks of AI-powered coding, and why he’s betting big on terminal UX. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:09) - Warp and dev tools (04:20) - Whiskey intro and rating: Heaven Hill Grain To Glass Kentuck…

1
Inside Sagamore: The Revival of Maryland Rye with Clint Spotleson 59:25

3M ago59:25

59:25

This week, Robbie and Chuck talk with Clint Spotleson of Sagamore Spirit about the craft behind their unique Manhattan Finish Rye, the history of Maryland-style whiskey, and why great whiskey is meant to be shared. Clint shares stories from his journey through the spirits industry, his passion for whiskey, and what makes Sagamore stand out in a cro…

1
Shane Black (Writer, Director) on Redefining Action Movies and Embracing Authenticity 55:50

3M ago55:50

55:50

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews Shane Black, one of Hollywood's highest-paid screenwriters, who redefined action films with witty dialogue, dark humor, and unforgettable characters. From Lethal Weapon to The Nice Guys, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and Iron Man 3, Shane discusses his journey…

1
What Makes a Good Job in Tech? 57:51

3M ago57:51

57:51

This week, Robbie and Chuck talk about career moves and tech transitions. They discuss Robbie’s new role at HashiCorp and Chuck’s dive into cybersecurity. They also debate legacy tech quirks, open-source updates, and the ever-evolving world of AI. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:21) - Whiskey rating and review: Cyrus Noble Small Batch Bourbon …

1
Why Most Developers Overcomplicate Everything w/ Aaron Francis 1:04:18

3M ago1:04:18

1:04:18

This week, Robbie and Chuck talk with Aaron Francis about developer education, Laravel vs. Rails, and the evolution of full-stack development. They explore the trade-offs of opinionated frameworks, the practicality of PHP, and why simplicity often wins. Plus, Aaron shares his hot takes on modern web dev trends, and the joys of working from a home-o…

1
Mike Medavoy (Legendary Agent, Producer, & Studio Executive) on an Extraordinary Hollywood Journey 40:23

3M ago40:23

40:23

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz welcomes an industry titan-- film producer and studio executive Mike Medavoy. With a career spanning over five decades, Medavoy has been closely involved with over 300 feature films, with seven winning Best Picture Oscars. From agent to studio chief to producer,…

1
Tailwind 4, DeepSeek AI, and the End of the Old Web 1:06:11

3M ago1:06:11

1:06:11

This week, Robbie and Chuck cover a wide range of topics, including AI and its impact on web development. They discuss DeepSeek, Tailwind’s latest updates, and whether Stack Overflow is still relevant. Plus, a detour into skiing, college sports, and Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:12) - Whiskey intro and rating: W…

1
Is jQuery Really Dead? And Other Hot Takes w/ Travis Wagner 58:13

4M ago58:13

58:13

This week, Robbie and Chuck talk with Travis Wagner about his career move from Universal Music to Crunchyroll and the nuances of backend development. They discuss a wide range of hot takes, including whether jQuery is still relevant in 2025. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:05) - Meet Travis Wagner (02:41) - Whiskey intro and rating: Finger Lak…

1
Chris Landon (Writer, Director, Producer) on Growing Up in Hollywood & Creating "Feel-Good Horror" 50:26

4M ago50:26

50:26

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with Chris Landon, the acclaimed writer, director, and producer known for films like Happy Death Day, Freaky, Disturbia, and most recently, Heart Eyes. Son of television legend Michael Landon, Chris has carved his own path in Hollywood, specializing in…

1
Is This the End of Tech Conferences? w/ Dax Raad 55:59

4M ago55:59

55:59

This week, Robbie and Chuck talk with Dax Raad about his evolving career from software engineer to open-source advocate and content creator. They dive into his work on SST, explore the bizarre economics of tech conferences, and get into Dax’s next big move—manufacturing drone parts in the U.S. for the military. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:…

1
From JavaScript to PHP: Josh Cirre’s Unexpected Dev Journey 54:28

4M ago54:28

54:28

This week, Robbie and Chuck talk with Josh Cirre about his journey from JavaScript to PHP, working with the Laravel team, and creating content for developers. They also discuss the value of opinionated frameworks, whether React was a mistake, fast food whatnot, and a surprising hot take on Taco Bell’s quality. Plus, Josh shares insights on content …

1
David Permut (Oscar® & Emmy® Nominated Producer) on Movie Maps, Making Movies That Matter, and Discovering New Talent 46:47

4M ago46:47

46:47

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with acclaimed producer David Permut, the visionary behind films like Face/Off, Hacksaw Ridge (Academy Award nominee for Best Picture), Dragnet, and most recently, Rustin. His films have garnered multiple Academy Award nominations, and he is known for …

1
The Future of Web Dev: Are We Overcomplicating Everything? 55:07

4M ago55:07

55:07

This week, Chuck and Robbie talk about the neverending evolution of web dev tools and frameworks. Over a Hatozaki Japanese whiskey, they dive into ORMs, the pros and cons of Prisma, Drizzle, and AstroDB, and how modern dev tools shape the ecosystem. Plus, a detour into home automation security, the real cost of DoorDash, and why Gen Z might just be…

1
The React Debate No One Wants to Have (But Should) with Ken Wheeler and Typecraft 1:17:04

4M ago1:17:04

1:17:04

This week, Robbie and Chuck talk with Ken Wheeler and Chris Power about everything from React and fantasy football to bizarre Airbnb experiences. They debate React’s evolution, lament the quirks of hooks, and revisit the infamous React t-shirt incident. Plus, Ken shares his DIY McRib recipe—because why not? In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (00:47) …

1
Elizabeth Gabler (President of Sony 3000 Pictures) on the Art of Book-to-Screen Movie Magic 52:04

4M ago52:04

52:04

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with Elizabeth Gabler, known for transforming literary works into cinematic successes. From her early days as an agent's assistant to becoming president of Fox 2000 and now Sony 3000 Pictures, Gabler shares insights from her remarkable career developin…

1
How to Make a Podcast Worth Listening To with Dan Blumberg 50:41

5M ago50:41

50:41

This week, Robbie and Chuck talk with Dan Blumberg about his journey from radio producer to product manager and podcaster. They explore the art of building great software, podcasting essentials, and the changing landscape of podcast platforms. Plus, Dan shares his kayaking adventures and insights on balancing authenticity and growth. In this episod…

1
Is Cereal Soup?, the FG Scale, and JS vs CSS with Adam Argyle 1:12:19

5M ago1:12:19

1:12:19

This week, Robbie and Chuck talk with Adam Argyle about the quirks of CSS and JavaScript tooling, and modern web development. They discuss why JavaScript often takes center stage over CSS, the funding disparities between them, and what this means for developers. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:32) - Whiskey review: Standard Spirit Wormwood Rye…

1
Authenticity in a World of Algorithms 1:04:39

5M ago1:04:39

1:04:39

This week, Robbie and Chuck dive into the delicate balance between authenticity and adaptation, both in tech and everyday life. They unpack the challenges of staying true to their passions—like whiskey and web development—while navigating the pressures of broadening their appeal and monetizing their craft. They also reflect on podcasting, personal …

1
Brad Furman (Director/Producer/Writer) on his Journey from the Basketball Court to Film Sets 47:59

5M ago47:59

47:59

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz welcomes director and producer Brad Furman, known for films like The Lincoln Lawyer, The Infiltrator, Runner Runner, The Take, and City of Lies. The episode opens with Furman reading a touching tribute letter he wrote after the passing of his friend, filmmaker J…

1
What Makes a Christmas Movie? Plus, a Toast to New Beginnings 58:54

5M ago58:54

58:54

This week, Robbie and Chuck talk about Christmas traditions, from sweaters and trees to classic holiday movies and music. They dive into various light-hearted hot takes, holiday preferences, gift-giving etiquette, and more. Along the way, they review a Cream of Kentucky bourbon, discuss JavaScript and API challenges, and share Robbie’s big announce…

1
Decentralized Identity: The Future of Privacy and Security with Angie Jones 1:00:11

6M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

This week, Robbie and Chuck talk with Angie Jones, Head of Developer Relations at TBD, about verifiable credentials, decentralized identity, and the potential of Web 5. They discuss practical applications like mobile driver’s licenses, privacy preservation, as well as the challenges of adopting cutting-edge tech. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (0…

1
Catherine Paura (Veteran Entertainment Strategist) on Transforming Movie Marketing and Audience Research 51:26

6M ago51:26

51:26

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with his good friend, mentor, and colleague, Catherine Paura, a pioneering force in entertainment research who co-founded National Research Group (NRG) in 1977. As an accomplished entrepreneur, Paura helped establish the foundation for modern movie res…

1
Navigating Career Pivots and Politics with Kelly Vaughn 40:30

6M ago40:30

40:30

This week, Robbie and Chuck talk with Kelly Vaughn, Director of Engineering at Spot AI and a “recovering entrepreneur.” They discuss career evolution, the challenges of hiring and job-seeking, career politics, and Kelly’s unique perspective on leadership. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:39) - Wine tasting + review (10:15) - Career politics in …

1
Building Reputation in Tech with Adam Stacoviak and Jerod Santo 56:52

6M ago56:52

56:52

This week, Robbie and Chuck talk with Changelog’s Adam Stacoviak and Jerod Santo about content creation and its role in web development careers. They discuss the nuances of reputation-building, the pitfalls of interview culture, and how developers can navigate the ever-changing landscape of tech. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:43) - Wine tast…

1
Brian Grazer (Oscar and Emmy-Winning Producer) on Curiosity, Creativity, and Human Connection 44:07

6M ago44:07

44:07

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews legendary producer Brian Grazer. As co-founder of Imagine Entertainment with Ron Howard, Grazer's films and television shows have earned 47 Oscar nominations and 242 Emmy nominations, with his movies grossing nearly $15 billion globally. Known for hit…

1
Breaking Down Open-Source Licensing with Carlo Piana 40:23

7M ago40:23

40:23

This week, Robbie and Chuck talk with Carlo Piana about the intricacies of open-source licensing, challenges in enforcing it, sustainability, and the impact of AI on both the tech and legal industries. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:37) - Wine tasting (08:15) - Open source licensing (13:20) - Challenges in open source sustainability (19:47) -…

1
David Friendly (Academy Award-Nominated Producer and Former Journalist) on His Journey from Newsweek to Hollywood Success 55:09

7M ago55:09

55:09

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews David Friendly, whose remarkable career transition from journalism to film production led to an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture with Little Miss Sunshine. David worked with industry giants like Ron Howard and Brian Grazer before establishing…

1
Open-Source Ethics and Monetization with Chris Coyier 57:45

7M ago57:45

57:45

This week, Robbie and Chuck talk with Chris Coyier about the complexities of open-source, balancing community contributions with monetization, the quirks of modern web development, and creative approaches to building sustainable tech projects. In this episode: (00:00) Intro (01:02) Podcast recording and All Things Open (04:10) Wine tasting: Brunell…

1
FAANG is dead; long live MANAMANA! 1:00:01

7M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

This week, Robbie and Chuck discuss Fresca’s nostalgic comeback, generalization vs specialization in web dev, the death of FAANG, and the career impact of AI. They also talk about the future of self-driving cars, the relevance of college education, and the ethics around digital media ownership. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:55) - Alcoholic F…

1
Gary Lucchesi (Veteran Producer, Studio Executive, and Former Agent) on Working with Talent and Successful Filmmaking 51:35

7M ago51:35

51:35

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of "Don't Kill the Messenger," host Kevin Goetz sits down with Gary Lucchesi, the acclaimed producer and former President of the Producer’s Guild of America. From his early days as a talent agent at William Morris to his tenure as President of Production at Paramount Pictures, Gary has been a driving force …

1
Building a Better Web: Open Source, Simplicity, and Speed with Jason Lengstorf 59:46

7M ago59:46

59:46

This week, Robbie and Chuck talk with Jason Lengstorf about the evolving world of web development and the challenges of open-source monetization. They share insights on simplifying tech stacks, choosing the right tools, and some often-overlooked trade-offs in today’s development landscape. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (03:24) - Whiskey: Kentuck…

1
Live from THAT Conf: Web Frameworks and Developer Experience with James Quick 55:33

7M ago55:33

55:33

In this live episode from THAT Conference, Robbie and Chuck talk with James Quick about his journey as a developer and content creator. Over a Scottish single malt, they discuss frameworks like Astro and Redwood, the evolution of React, and the importance of developer experience in modern web development. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:21) - …

1
George Folsey Jr. (Veteran Film Editor & Producer) on Film Editing and the Art of the "Fix" 42:53

8M ago42:53

42:53

Send Kevin a Text Message (Interview recorded Aug 14, 2024 and released Nov 6, 2024. George Folsey Jr. died on December 29th, 2024 at the age of 85. Thank you, George, for all that you gave to this industry--you will be missed.) In this episode of "Don't Kill the Messenger," host Kevin Goetz sits down with George Folsey Jr., the legendary film edit…

1
Front-end Adventures with Bad at CSS' David East and Adam Argyle 1:15:17

8M ago1:15:17

1:15:17

This week, Robbie and Chuck welcome Adam Argyle and David East from the Bad at CSS podcast, for a fun conversation about their favorite dev tools and the finer points of CSS. They discuss code editors, environment setups, AI-enhanced development, and the ongoing battle for coding supremacy between various tools and languages. In this episode: (00:0…

1
Shepherd.js, the Future of Open Source, Capitalism, and Corporate Responsibility 1:02:31

8M ago1:02:31

1:02:31

This week, Robbie and Chuck sip on some Stranahan’s Second Chance Single Barrel Colorado Whiskey, and explore a variety of topics, from new tech to health. They discuss the future of open-source libraries like Shepherd.js and its transition from a developer tool to a potential SaaS product, as well as the challenges of scaling such products, and th…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Robbie Wagner Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen