Hosted by Chris Wahl, an industry veteran with nearly 30 years of experience, this podcast contains 15 minute stories diving into the challenges and opportuniti...
I'll take you on a nostalgic journey back to the 1980s. We'll explore the early days of computing and gaming, talk about the Apple IIe and Bulletin Board Systems (BBSs), and delve into the exciting world of making games. Whether you're a seasoned tech enthusiast or simply curious about the origins of the digital age, this episode is for you.
Thoughtfully Critical is a weekly podcast created by Chris Wahl. You can find out more about Chris by reading his newsletter at Wahl Network. Please subscribe and leave a review to help shape the conversation.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
03:02 The Apple IIe
05:38 Bulletin Board Systems
08:36 Making games
10:32 Where to start
Links & Resources:
BASIC Computer Games on Wikipedia
Quote: "Never stop asking 'why?' and 'how?' The tech and gaming worlds thrive on innovation, and curiosity is the engine of that. Don't be afraid to tinker, experiment, and push the boundaries of what's possible."
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15:11
Tackling Technical Debt: Strategies for Success
We're diving deep into the concept of technical debt. I'll explore what it is, where it comes from, and most importantly, how to manage it effectively. I'll discuss strategies for using technical debt as a tool without letting it become a burden, and how to balance the need for progress with the importance of maintaining a healthy codebase. Join me as I navigate the complexities of technical debt and keep projects on track.
Thoughtfully Critical is a weekly podcast created by Chris Wahl. You can find out more about Chris by reading his newsletter at Wahl Network. Please subscribe and leave a review to help shape the conversation.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
04:33 Leveraging debt
05:26 Tracking and paying debt
11:09 Where to start
13:31 Getting your team involved
Links & Resources:
Identifying and Paying Off Technical Debt on Wahl Network
The other infinite loop that all coders fear by CommitStrip
Frequency Reduces Difficulty by Martin Fowler
Quote: " Good ideas on paper don't always translate into good ideas in reality. It's best to nip those debt issues in the bud early. "
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15:18
The Early Realities of Consulting Life
From the shocking realities of technical debt in major companies to my first big win as both designer and implementer, this is my origin story as a "Technologist as a Service." I share key lessons for aspiring consultants, including the importance of listening, writing, and networking.
Thoughtfully Critical is a weekly podcast created by Chris Wahl. You can find out more about Chris by reading his newsletter at Wahl Network. Please subscribe and leave a review to help shape the conversation.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:45 The Consulting Life
05:26 Learning to Design and Deliver
11:09 Key Lessons for Consultants
Links & Resources:
Technologists as a Service by Wahl Network
Every engineer should do a stint in consulting by Forrest Brazeal
Quote: "I don’t need to be the expert in all things; I just need to know who the experts are."
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13:47
Platform Engineering: Keymakers
How do platform engineers become the "keymakers" of modern technology? In this episode, I break down the principles of platform engineering through the lens of product development—prototyping, scaling, and abstracting. You'll learn how to design platforms that empower teams to build, test, and deploy at scale while maintaining consistency and reliability across environments. From modular design to service contracts and pipelines, this episode dives into creating platforms that truly unlock success.
Thoughtfully Critical is a weekly podcast created by Chris Wahl. You can find out more about Chris by reading his newsletter at Wahl Network. Please subscribe and leave a review to help shape the conversation.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
04:16 Where to start
07:32 Scaling the platform
11:16 Abstracting the platform
Links & Resources:
How to Improve Documentation Practices in Engineering Teams on Wahl Network
Platform Engineering topics on Wahl Network
The Matrix Reloaded IMDB Page
Quote: "Platforms are the right way to build if you want it done right."
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15:44
World of Warcraft
Lessons in leadership, collaboration, resilience, and knowing when to pivot—drawn from the highs and lows of leading World of Warcraft guilds and raids—prove that even unexpected experiences can shape your career and life.
Thoughtfully Critical is a weekly podcast created by Chris Wahl. You can find out more about Chris by reading his newsletter at Wahl Network. Please subscribe and leave a review to help shape the conversation.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:08 Raid leader
05:05 Guild leader
08:25 The pivot
Links & Resources:
World of Warcraft: Official Site
Dragon Kill Points (DKP)
Zanzer’s Z Hunter Mod: Archived Mod Information
Quote: "Don’t take your situation for granted. It can always get worse, and you rarely know you're in the good times until those good times are gone."
Hosted by Chris Wahl, an industry veteran with nearly 30 years of experience, this podcast contains 15 minute stories diving into the challenges and opportunities of modern systems, platform design, cloud architecture, and team building.