Best Patrick Akil Podcasts (2025)

1
Bill Stevenson from Descendents 1:05:52

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5d ago1:05:52

1:05:52

Few drummers have shaped punk rock’s heartbeat like Bill Stevenson. From pounding the kit for Black Flag to defining melodic hardcore with the Descendents, Bill’s fingerprints are all over the sound and soul of modern punk. Now in his early 60s, he’s as sharp, funny, and relentless as ever — splitting time between drumming, producing at his legenda…

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

3d 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
Patrick Cozens from Restraining Order 1:06:13

12d ago1:06:13

1:06:13

In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Cozens, frontman of Restraining Order, the Massachusetts/Connecticut hardcore band known for blending classic early ’80s energy with modern urgency. Patrick talks about growing up in the New England scene, how Restraining Order first came together, and the balance between being easygoing offstage and all-ou…

1
What Separates Good Engineers from Great Ones 38:04

11d 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
Esden Stafne from Saturdays At Your Place 1:05:27

19d ago1:05:27

1:05:27

This episode features a conversation with Esden Stafne, bassist, vocalist, and founding member of saturdays at your place, the Michigan-based band whose blend of Midwest emo, pop sensibility, and raw sincerity has built a passionate following across DIY spaces and beyond. We dig into Esden’s life offstage—the quiet moments between tours, growing up…

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

18d 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
Akil Godsey from End It 1:04:05

26d ago1:04:05

1:04:05

Akil Godsey of End It joins the show for a conversation that’s equal parts reflection and release. Hailing from Baltimore, End It has built their reputation on unfiltered honesty and chaotic energy — a band that channels the city’s grit into hardcore that’s both feral and deeply human. Akil talks about the cycles of death, debauchery, and the stran…

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

25d 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
Josh Newton from Shiner 1:08:32

1M ago1:08:32

1:08:32

In this episode, I sit down with Josh Newton, a musician whose fingerprints are all over some of the most compelling underground sounds of the past three decades. We trace his path from the fertile Kansas City scene of the ’90s, where Shiner carved out their space alongside the era’s noisy, angular bands, to his wild ride as a bassist in Every Time…

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

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

1M 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
Tim McIlrath from Rise Against 1:15:31

1M ago1:15:31

1:15:31

HAPPY 13TH ANNIVERSARY TO THE SHOW. On this episode, we sit down with Tim McIlrath of Rise Against to dig into the band’s remarkable longevity and the intentional ways they’ve continued to challenge and inspire listeners over the years. Tim reflects on the band’s history—from their early days in Chicago’s punk and hardcore scene to becoming a globa…

1
Harper Boyhtari from Greet Death 1:08:28

2M ago1:08:28

1:08:28

In this episode, Harper from Greet Death opens up about the deeper currents running through her life and music. She reflects on the impact Blink-182 had on her formative years, not just as a gateway into punk and alternative music, but as a band that showed how vulnerability and humor could coexist. We also explore how Greet Death has often been mi…

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
Garrett Klahn from Texas Is The Reason 1:11:56

2M ago1:11:56

1:11:56

We sat down with Garrett Klahn from Texas Is the Reason for a conversation that goes way beyond the band. We talked about growing up in the Buffalo hardcore scene, hanging out at Home of the Hits and why that record store meant so much, and how nostalgia creeps in when you look back on music that shaped your life. Garrett opened up about his early …

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
Drew Ringo from Sleepytime Trio 1:10:42

2M ago1:10:42

1:10:42

On this episode, I sit down with Drew Ringo from Sleepytime Trio to dig into the stories and experiences that shaped his life in music. We talk about what it was like to grow up around Washington, D.C. in the 1980s, a scene that set the tone for so much of what came later. Drew shares memories from an ambitious five-month tour that pushed the band …

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

2M 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
Scott Winegard from Texas Is The Reason 1:11:45

2M ago1:11:45

1:11:45

In this episode we sit down with Scott Winegard, bassist of the seminal post-hardcore band Texas Is The Reason. Emerging from New York City’s 90s underground, the band carved out a legacy with their melodic sensibilities, introspective lyrics, and their enduring influence on the emo/post-hardcore movement. Scott reflects on those years with a mix o…

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

2M 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
Geert Van Der Velde from Shai Hulud 1:04:17

2M ago1:04:17

1:04:17

In this episode, we sit down with Geert Van Der Velde, best known for his time fronting the influential hardcore band Shai Hulud. Geert shares insights from his journey in the world of heavy music, reflecting on the band’s lasting impact and the philosophies that have shaped his life and art. From exploring nihilism and the role it’s played in his …

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
Ryan Kirby from Fit For A King 1:12:02

3M ago1:12:02

1:12:02

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Kirby, frontman of Texas-based metalcore heavyweights, Fit For A King. Since their formation in 2007, the band has carved out a place at the forefront of modern metalcore with their crushing riffs, soaring choruses, and relentless touring schedule. Ryan opens up about how the genre has evolved over the last de…

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
Tim Williams from Vision of Disorder 1:06:08

3M ago1:06:08

1:06:08

In this episode, we sit down with Tim Williams, frontman of the groundbreaking Long Island band Vision of Disorder. We dig into the band's rise from local legends to Ozzfest veterans, the intensity of their early shows, and the moments that made VOD a pillar of heavy music in the late '90s and early 2000s. Tim also opens up about life outside the s…

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

3M 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

3M 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
Taylor McLam from Orange 9mm & Fountainhead 1:05:22

3M ago1:05:22

1:05:22

In this episode, we sit down with Taylor McLam—guitarist of the influential post-hardcore band Orange 9mm and creative force behind Fountainhead—to trace a career that bridges underground grit and mainstream polish. Taylor shares vivid memories from the heyday of Warped Tour in the '90s, when Orange 9mm brought their explosive energy to a new gener…

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

3M 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
Aaron Dalbec from Bane, Be Well and Only Crime 1:03:29

3M ago1:03:29

1:03:29

In this episode, we’re joined by Aaron Dalbec of Bane for a thoughtful conversation about growing up in the suburbs, staying true to yourself, and finding purpose beyond the band that defined so much of your life. Aaron opens up about carving out an identity outside of Bane, how the hardcore ethos still guides him, and why doing what you love—regar…

1
Mark Rose from Spitalfield 1:08:08

4M ago1:08:08

1:08:08

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Rose, frontman of beloved Chicago rock band Spitalfield, for a deep dive into the legacy of the band, the evolution of the scene, and his continued passion for making music. Rising out of the early 2000s emo and pop-punk surge, Spitalfield became a cornerstone of the Chicago music community—earning a loyal fan…

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

4M 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
Ken Susi, Fishman Music, ex-Unearth 1:08:39

4M ago1:08:39

1:08:39

In this episode, we sit down with Ken Susi—guitarist for metalcore pioneers Unearth and a key force behind the scenes at Fishman Music—for a conversation that pulls no punches. Ken talks about what it’s like to never quite fit the mold, how being a loud mouth has both helped and hurt him over the years, and why he wouldn’t have it any other way. Fr…

Patrick Akil Podcasts

1
Beyond Coding

Patrick Akil

1
100 Words Or Less: The Podcast

Ray Harkins

1
Bill Stevenson from Descendents 1:05:52

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

1
Patrick Cozens from Restraining Order 1:06:13

1
What Separates Good Engineers from Great Ones 38:04

1
Esden Stafne from Saturdays At Your Place 1:05:27

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

1
Akil Godsey from End It 1:04:05

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

1
Josh Newton from Shiner 1:08:32

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

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

1
Tim McIlrath from Rise Against 1:15:31

1
Harper Boyhtari from Greet Death 1:08:28

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

1
Garrett Klahn from Texas Is The Reason 1:11:56

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

1
Drew Ringo from Sleepytime Trio 1:10:42

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

1
Scott Winegard from Texas Is The Reason 1:11:45

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

1
Geert Van Der Velde from Shai Hulud 1:04:17

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

1
Ryan Kirby from Fit For A King 1:12:02

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

1
Tim Williams from Vision of Disorder 1:06:08

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

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

1
Taylor McLam from Orange 9mm & Fountainhead 1:05:22

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

1
Aaron Dalbec from Bane, Be Well and Only Crime 1:03:29

1
Mark Rose from Spitalfield 1:08:08

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

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

1
Ken Susi, Fishman Music, ex-Unearth 1:08:39