Best Dave Eng Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 476: How much help is too much help and guarding against slop 37:36

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4h ago37:36

37:36

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: Two junior engineers recently joined my team, and I’ve been tasked with onboarding them. This is the first time I’ve been responsible for junior devs, and I’m struggling with how to coach them up. For context, we’re a small engineering team where self-sufficiency is highly valued; processes/…

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Episode 475: Am I too loyal to my big tech job and politely preserving time 33:26

7d ago33:26

33:26

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: Hi! I’m currently working for a big tech company and I’ve just accepted an internal transfer to another team. At the same time, an external company reached out, offering me a job for a role I’m interested in and twice my current compensation. I’m not sure what to do. The offer from the new c…

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Types of Games 6:27

8d ago6:27

6:27

Types of Games Today, we’re diving into something that might seem simple on the surface, but as it turns out, it's anything but. In this episode, we’re going to be talking about game types, and not just your usual categories like board games or video games. We’re digging deeper: into the psychology, the structure, and the social impact of how we pl…

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Episode 474: I hate the idea of firing a low performer and cheaper context switching 38:04

14d ago38:04

38:04

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: Hi Dave & Jamison, Long time listener, first time google-form filler outer! I work in a hybrid role as a lead developer and manager of a small team (less than 5). I’m new to management and most of ny experience so far has been with smart, motivated engineers. . . UNTIL! My new recruit is dri…

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Episode 473: Mental health support and overcoming FOMO of taking a break from work 35:59

21d ago35:59

35:59

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: Hi Jamison and Dave! I am not a developer, but my question is hopefully transferable. I sit in between lawyers and developers. I advise on technology that can be applied to legal processes and I support our teams in using a range of platforms and AI tools to be more efficient across their wo…

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Ercan Altug Yilmaz Gamification in Action The TOY Framework 21:02

22d ago21:02

21:02

Ercan Altug Yilmaz Gamification in Action The TOY Framework In this episode, Dave Eng interviews Ercan Altuğ Yilmaz, a leading gamification expert and creator of the TOY Framework—an evolution of existing models like Werbach’s D6 and Octalysis. Drawing from over a decade of experience and 100+ projects, Yilmaz explains how TOY’s ten-step structure …

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Episode 472: Should my junior dev use AI and thrown in to ETL 26:59

28d ago26:59

26:59

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I’m the CTO of a small startup. We’re 3 devs including me and one of them is a junior developer. My current policy is to discourage the use of AI tools for the junior dev to make sure they build actual skills and don’t just prompt their way through tasks. However I’m more and more questionin…

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Enjoying Retirement While Still Living on the Farm with Dave Pierson of Pierson Farm: EP32 1:08:10

28d ago1:08:10

1:08:10

Text me a message! Today’s Episode comes to you from Bradford Vermont where we visit with David Pierson of Pierson Farm. After 42 years of running a mixed vegetable farm to supply a roadside farm stand, with 3 acres of strawberries being one of the big draws, he was able to retire, leasing the farm to a long time employee Dan. We start off the epis…

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Episode 471: Why does my junior engineer do so little and I fell asleep in a Zoom meeting 28:34

1M ago28:34

28:34

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I’m a senior developer on a small team, and I’m feeling frustrated with a junior developer I work with. They’re smart and perfectly capable, but they stick very strictly to the confines of their assigned work. They’ll finish their tickets, but unless they’re directly asked, they don’t offer …

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Games as Mediums for Interactions 8:53

1M ago8:53

8:53

Games as Mediums for Interactions In today’s episode, we’re diving into how games function as mediums for interaction: as art, as social spaces, and as powerful tools for learning. We’ll explore everything from virtual worlds to tabletop classics and even some of the more unexpected ways games impact real life. If you liked this episode please cons…

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Episode 470: I said something stupid in a meeting and just want to code 30:12

1M ago30:12

30:12

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I was on a meeting with a team generally regarded to be pretty annoying to deal with and not particularly useful. The meeting was pretty annoying and not particularly useful. I audibly said to myself after leaving “holy crap what a waste of time.” Turns out I hadn’t left and may not have bee…

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Episode 469: Passed over for lead role and perhaps I'm the jerk 35:53

2M ago35:53

35:53

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I’m a long time listener to the podcast. Thanks for reading and answering my question! I have over 20+ yrs experience as a manual QA and 6+ yrs experience as a SDET. I’m in a new role as a hybrid manual QA / SDET for a company that hasn’t had QA for a few years. After a couple of months a ne…

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Game Goals vs Learning Outcomes 7:23

2M ago7:23

7:23

Game Goals vs Learning Outcomes In this episode, we’ll explore how learning objectives and game goals overlap, how serious games are designed for impact, and how we measure success beyond just ‘winning.’ So, buckle up—because today, we’re unlocking the next level of game-based learning! If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing,…

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Episode 468: Should I take a mini-retirement and doubling down on anachronisms 31:12

2M ago31:12

31:12

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: Hi Dave and Jamison, Long-time listener, first-time question asker. Thank you both for the wisdom, perspective, and jokes you bring to the podcast. I recently received an inheritance of around $500,000. It’s not “quit your job and buy a yacht” money, but it is enough to reshape my life. I’m …

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Increasing Acreage & Narrowing the Crop Mix with John Hirsch at Clearfield Farm: EP31 1:47:50

2M ago1:47:50

1:47:50

Text me a message! Today’s episode comes from Granville Vermont where we visit with John Hirsch of Clearfield Farm. With over 10 years under his belt he’s refined his farm business to be lean on labor and focused in scope as his primary crops are wholesale carrots and potatoes. He’s also excited to be getting into grain and doing more intensive rot…

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Episode 467: I can't get promoted if I do my job and should I get a degree to get a job in this economy 40:52

2M ago40:52

40:52

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I am a data scientist and was recently passed over for promotion to senior because my projects weren’t “senior level” enough, and I do too many ad hoc requests that delay delivery of my bigger projects. I am a go to for VP and C suite level execs in my company and am commonly asked to help w…

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AP Table Talk: Rock-Paper-Scissors 1:08:03

2M ago1:08:03

1:08:03

AP Table Talk: Rock-Paper-Scissors In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave dive deep into the timeless “rock-paper-scissors” (RPS) game mechanic. They explore its origins, its non-transitive nature, and how it shows up in everything from Magic: The Gathering to StarCraft and Skull King. From nostalgic toys like Battle Beasts to modern stra…

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#137: Dr. Jerry Lynch — Author of “Lead With Love,” Founder and Director of Way of Champions, Former Naval Officer, Sports Psychologist, Philosopher 52:31

2M ago52:31

52:31

We’re back! And who better to join us for our return, than one of the biggest stars on Bring It In: Dr. Jerry Lynch! A former Officer in the U.S. Navy and Nike sponsored competitive runner, Dr. Jerry Lynch is a Founder of Way of Champions, a performance consultancy that combines elite sports psychology, with international philosophy concepts, to ge…

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Episode 466: Bad performance review and moving in to the caves 29:56

2M ago29:56

29:56

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I had my performance review two months ago where I scored a “Does not meet expectations”, which I definitely understand, and my manager told me that some of my coworkers had been complaining about me. I’ve been working hard on improving ever since and my manager told me that they were really…

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Episode 465: Talking to your report's previous manager and how to replace a 30-year-old ticketing system 29:44

3M ago29:44

29:44

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: A listener named Mike says, To what degree do you think it’s appropriate to talk with your peer managers about people that have moved from their team to yours? How much weight do you give their criticisms of an IC that they used to manage that is working out just fine under your leadership? …

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Randy O'Connor on Designing Through Constraints 22:24

3M ago22:24

22:24

Randy O'Connor on Designing Through Constraints In this episode of Experience Points, Dave Eng welcomes game designer, artist, and educator Randy O’Connor to explore the crucial role of constraints in game design and learning. From limited resources to time pressure, constraints shape player experiences and enhance engagement. Randy shares insights…

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Episode 464: Rehiring an overpaid boomerang and AI has taken over my teammate's brain 49:38

3M ago49:38

49:38

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: Mr A. N. Onymous says, Hi Dave and Jamison, Long time listened, second time caller! I wrote a little while back with a common new-manager question about how to handle one of my reports who was at the lower end performance wise, but at the top end on the pay scale. I’d been trying to manage i…

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Episode 463: CTO w/ weak resume and I tried management and it was TERRIBLE 27:16

3M ago27:16

27:16

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: Albert Nonymous asks, I am the CTO at a small (5 engineers) tech start-up with non-technical founders. I was their first full-time employee and as such have been able to fully form this company the way I want. I’ve worked here for 9 years now and own 10% of the company. I enjoy the tech and …

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Old Tractors with New Tools, New Barn & Commercial Kitchen at Four Corners Farm with Trip Shaw: EP30 58:04

3M ago58:04

58:04

Text me a message! Today’s episode comes to you from Worthington Massachusetts where we visit with Trip Shaw of Four Corners Farm. He’s been growing over 16 years and produces over 8 acres of mixed vegetables for his newly built farmstand. We start off the episodes in this new farm building which has a front porch, farmstand, wash/pack space, walk-…

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Janna Kellinger on Designing Games in Learning Management Systems 24:03

3M ago24:03

24:03

Janna Kellinger on Designing Games in Learning Management Systems In this episode of Experience Points, Dr. Janna Kellinger shares her journey from using one-shot games in high school English classes to designing fully game-based courses at UMass Boston. She discusses her book Up Your Teaching Game and how educators can design story-driven curricul…

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Episode 462: Supporting laid-off employee and how to rebuild culture after layoffs 28:46

3M ago28:46

28:46

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: One of my employees is probably getting laid off, what do I do!?! I’m a tech lead / manager for a consultancy and a contract reduction means that one of the people I supervise is likely going to get laid off soon! We’ve found new roles for most of my people, but it’s likely that at least one…

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Episode 461: How to do side projects with a family and demanding job and my company promised me a raise, but didn't give it 32:40

4M ago32:40

32:40

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: Hey, long-time listener, listened to almost all episodes now and have been loving it since day 1!! I am a senior engineer at FAANG and work 45-50 hours a week and have a lot of cross-org responsibilities. I am lucky to have a beautiful wife and two wonderful young children. I guess, you can …

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Elena Rabkina on Gamified Media Literacy 16:16

4M ago16:16

16:16

Elena Rabkina on Gamified Media Literacy In this episode of Experience Points, host Dave Eng interviews interactive artist and game designer Elena Rabkina on the power of gamification in media literacy. Elena shares her journey from intellectual gaming in Belarus to designing impactful games like Media Mayhem, which teaches players how news is crea…

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Episode 460: Losing autonomy and I got skipped for a promotion even though I'm awesome 33:07

4M ago33:07

33:07

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I have managed a product for some months now. My previous manager split their team in to mini-teams of 2-3 people. They gave me a small team and plenty of autonomy to own the product and go crazy on it. I had the time of my life as the team lead. I learned a ton and was really developing man…

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Episode 459: Am I cutting edge and how to compliment someone who went from super jerk to super nice 22:44

4M ago22:44

22:44

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I work for a B2C fintech startup as a senior engineer. Our onboarding funnel has a lot of moving parts due to regulatory compliance and a litany of requirements from various parts of the business. As a startup, we also live and die by optimizing for and demonstrating growth, so we need to ga…

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High Tunnels & Field Crops, the Farming Journey of Kagan & Elise of Blackbird Organics: EP29 1:18:50

4M ago1:18:50

1:18:50

Text me a message! Today’s episode comes to you from Plainfield Vermont where we visit with Kagen Dewey and Elise Magnant of Blackbird Organics. They’ve been farming since 2018 and have set their roots on their own farm with high tunnels and field production. We start off the visit with a tour of the greenhouses, walk around the fields, then circle…

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AP Table Talk: Mega Topic: End Game 1:30:08

4M ago1:30:08

1:30:08

AP Table Talk: Mega Topic: End Game In this special End Game Mega Episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian and Dave Eng break down six key mechanics that define how board games conclude. They explore Elapsed Real-Time Ending, where a timer dictates the game's duration; Sudden Death Ending, where a triggering event abruptly ends play; and Finale Ending…

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Episode 458: Infinite tech debt hack and figuring out what is going on 34:00

4M ago34:00

34:00

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: Nearly every time certain developers on the team want to address technical debt, they end up just adding more technical debt. Of course, after one round of addressing technical debt, the developers in question believe that yet another round of redesigning and refactoring is in order. This st…

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Episode 457: How do I get off the on-call rotation and "big tech" == "big leagues"? 27:25

4M ago27:25

27:25

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I am a senior software engineer in a big tech/faang company and this week is my first ever on call rotation. My team is doing a lot of CI work, monitoring pipelines and support queues during on call. It is probably not as much of a hassle as on call for product teams, but for me personally o…

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Outcomes Focused Games-Based Learning 9:35

4M ago9:35

9:35

Outcomes Focused Games-Based Learning In this episode, we’ll explore the practical applications of GBL, key design principles, and strategies for motivating learners. Now, let’s explore the potential of games to create dynamic, outcome-focused learning experiences. If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing. Subs…

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Episode 456: Will I look bad on the job market if I'm a crypto developer and struggling to go from management back to dev work 31:39

5M ago31:39

31:39

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: Hey, I am a web developer getting bored of the regular development work. I am interested in finance and the monetary system and due to the overlap of finance and engineering I feel down the Bitcoin rabbit hole and even spiked interest in crypto like Solana and Sui. I am pretty sure most of c…

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Episode 455: UX designer without a mentor and I get bored too easily and stressed too easily 33:00

5M ago33:00

33:00

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: A listener named Dakota asks, I’m a UX designer, and I’m constantly looking for growth opportunities. I’m having trouble finding mentors to help challenge me, as every time my boss/senior designer leaves the company, I assume their work and we don’t backfill their spot or my old position. Th…

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Bob Gray Reflects on His Life Being a Farmer at 4 Corners Farm: EP28 1:22:19

5M ago1:22:19

1:22:19

Text me a message! Today’s episode comes to you from Newbury Vermont, where we visit with Bob Gray of 4 Corners Farm. He and his wife Kim purchased the farm in the late 1970’s after finding success selling their abundance of vegetables at a farmers market and overtime built a highly diversified farm that supports them and their children. Bob shares…

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Ryan Schaaf on Digital Games-Based Learning 29:25

5M ago29:25

29:25

Ryan Schaaf on Digital Games-Based Learning In this episode of Experience Points, host Dave Eng interviews Dr. Ryan Schaaf, an award-winning professor and author, about the transformative role of digital games-based learning in education. Dr. Schaaf shares his journey as a gamer and educator, highlighting how games foster skills like problem-solvin…

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Episode 454: Tracking productivity? and my CTO is ChatGPT 28:11

5M ago28:11

28:11

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I’m a manager on a Product team. I’ve been asked by upper management to measure “story points completed per developer per sprint” and display the results publicly each sprint to motivate lower-performing employees. I explained why, according to Scrum, I don’t think this is a good idea. But I…

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Episode 453: Why did my company build an internal LinkedIn and how do I not get stagnant in my skills? 31:34

5M ago31:34

31:34

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: Greetings! I work at a research company with ~500 engineers and scientists. My company started promoting this new portal they setup that is like a private linkedin. You can fill up the profile they setup for you and apply for positions within the company. Why is my company doing this? They e…

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What are Educational Games? 6:27

5M ago6:27

6:27

What are Educational Games? In this episode, we’re unpacking the concept of educational games. What are they? How do they differ from other types of games? And how can they be leveraged effectively in games-based learning? If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing. Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that…

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Episode 452: Consulting refactor and extra work, extra scrutiny 25:12

6M ago25:12

25:12

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I’ve been a developer for about 1.5 years. I work for a large consultancy. we provide services to big clients. I’m working on a front-end codebase that has been through three consulting companies already. Tired of just moving tickets and fixing bugs, I decided to refactor the front end of th…

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Starting up a Diverse & Collaborative Farm with Spencer & Jake from The Farm Upstream: EP27 1:08:09

6M ago1:08:09

1:08:09

Text me a message! Today’s episode comes to you from Jericho Vermont where we visit with Spencer Hardy and Jake Kornfeld of The Farm Upstream (https://www.thefarmupstream.com). They are friends who are just setting roots on this new farm and share how they've structured their business to grow collaboratively to support multiple households. Support …

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Episode 451: Un-collaborative architect and who is my boss? 32:47

6M ago32:47

32:47

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: A listener named Scot asks, A new architect was hired at my company 6 months ago. I’m an engineer one rung lower on the hierarchy and have been here for 3.5 years. He hasn’t done much to learn about any of us who have been here for a while, so he is constantly undermining my skills and sugge…

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AP Table Talk: Multi-Use Cards 1:02:47

6M ago1:02:47

1:02:47

AP Table Talk: Multi-Use Cards In this episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian Eng and Dave Eng explore the versatile world of Multi-Use Cards in board games. They dive into defining the mechanic, discussing how it forces players to make meaningful trade-offs by using cards for one of several possible actions. Highlighting games like Risk: Star Wars …

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Episode 450: I'm terrible at behavioral interviews and time zonessssssss 34:04

6M ago34:04

34:04

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I struggle with behavioral interviews. I’ve gotten a little bit better as I’ve done more interviews, but it’s still a major pain point for me. I have some common behavioral question answers written out in a spreadsheet in SAR format, but I feel that not all of them are good examples for a mi…

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Episode 449: My tech lead ignored my warnings and I don't know what my leadership style is 29:54

6M ago29:54

29:54

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: Hello, long time listener first time question asker. I work for a medium sized tech company and I recently moved teams. Right now my old team is attempting to refactor a bunch of code I wrote to use a library that’ll make life easier. I don’t blame them, I tried to do the same thing. It does…

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Rob Alvarez on Get Started in Gamification 28:21

6M ago28:21

28:21

Rob Alvarez on Get Started in Gamification In this episode of Experience Points by University XP, host Dave Eng welcomes gamification expert Rob Alvarez to discuss gamification and games-based solutions. Rob, known as Professor Game, shares his journey into gamification, emphasizing the importance of meaningful learning experiences tailored to spec…

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Episode 448: Title over salary and from figure skater to software developer 28:01

7M ago28:01

28:01

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: A listener named Steven says, Long-time listener of the podcast here—it always brings me so much joy! Should I prioritize title over salary? I’m currently based in Europe, working as a Senior Engineer at a big company that pays really well. The problem is, there’s almost no chance for promot…