Modern Web

In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, hosts Rob Ocel and Danny Thompson chat with Søren Bramer Schmidt, CEO and Founder of Prisma, about the evolution of Prisma to a widely adopted ORM used by 50% of Fortune 2000 companies. Søren shares insights on balancing open-source growth with enterprise adoption, optimizing ORM performance, and addressing concerns like N+1 queries and vendor lock-in.The discussion also covers the launch of Prisma Postgres, a managed database designed to make provisioning as easy as creating a Notion page, and the shift from Rust to TypeScript for better efficiency. With AI transforming development, Søren explores how Prisma is adapting to new demands in database tooling. Keypoints from this episode:1. Prisma’s Evolution – Søren Schmidt discusses how Prisma started as Graphcool and evolved into a widely used ORM, now adopted by 50% of Fortune 2000 companies.2. Balancing Open Source and Enterprise – The conversation explores Prisma’s approach to maintaining an open-source community w

On this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, Rob Ocel and Adam Rackis talk with Noah Harris, Senior Engineering Manager at Launch, to discuss the impact of mob programming and how it can transform engineering teams. Noah shares how pairing and mobbing helped him rapidly level up in his early career, how it fosters stronger communication, and why it’s particularly valuable for remote teams.The conversation also explores engineering leadership, breaking past career plateaus, and the importance of soft skills in advancing your career. Noah shares insights on servant leadership, how engineers can take ownership without waiting for permission, and the role of code reviews in shaping strong technical leaders.Key Points Mob Programming for Team Growth – Noah explains how mob programming enhances collaboration, speeds up knowledge sharing, and improves code quality, especially in remote teams. The Role of Pair Programming in Skill Development – Pairing with experienced engineers helped Noah rapidly learn JavaScript and

On this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, Rob Ocel and Danny Thompson sit down with Marc Backes, a freelance full-stack engineer with a wild journey through Vue.js, Nuxt, and DevRel. Marc shares what makes the Vue community stand out, why DevRel often misses the mark, and how Wikipedia uses Vue 3 to scale content across thousands of languages.Then, things get real. Marc opens up about a $250,000 startup disaster that changed his view on business forever. Meanwhile, Danny breaks down what it takes to run a tech conference on a shoestring budget—and why developers hate traditional marketing.Key Points from this episode:- The Power of Vue & Nuxt – Marc shares why he chose Vue.js, how he built his website with Nuxt, and what makes the Vue community unique.- DevRel: Hype vs. Reality – A discussion on whether DevRel is truly valuable for companies, how it's often misused, and what actually works in developer advocacy.- A $250K Startup Mistake – Marc’s story of losing $250,000 in a failed startup and the cr

In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, Danny Thompson and Adam Rackis talk with Abdel Sghiouar, Cloud Developer Advocate at Google, Kubernetes Podcast co-host, and CNCF Ambassador. Abdel shares insights from his global tech journey, from Morocco to Google's largest data center in Belgium, and now Sweden. They discuss cloud computing trends, including WebAssembly, AI-driven serverless workloads, and the shifting lines between frontend and backend. They also explore AI’s impact on cloud development, from simplifying tooling to raising questions about job automation. Abdel offers a pragmatic take on AI’s role, emphasizing that those who learn to leverage it will thrive.Key points from this episode:- Cultural Differences in Tech – Abdel’s global experience shaped his view on work culture, from Morocco’s relationship-driven workplaces to Europe’s structured work-life balance.- Making Cloud Simpler – He focuses on breaking down cloud concepts and making them more approachable for developers, from high-level ser

In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, hosts Rob Ocel and Danny Thompson sit down with Mariano Cocirio, Staff Product Manager at Vercel, to discuss Fluid Compute, a new cloud computing model that blends the best of serverless scalability with traditional server efficiency. They explore the challenges of AI workloads in serverless environments, the high costs of idle time, and how Fluid Compute optimizes execution to reduce costs while maintaining performance. Mariano explains how this approach allows instances to handle multiple requests efficiently while still scaling to zero when not in use. The conversation also covers what developers need to consider when adopting this model, the impact on application architecture, and how to track efficiency gains using Vercel’s observability tools.Is Fluid Compute the next step in the evolution of serverless? Is it redefining cloud infrastructure altogether?Keypoints Fluid Compute merges the best of servers and serverless – It combines the scalability of serverless

In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, host Rob Ocel talks with Mike Chen, Co-founder & CTO of Motivo, about the evolving world of web animations. Mike shares his enthusiasm for tools like Framer Motion (now Motion) and the View Transitions API, discussing how they make complex animations more accessible and intuitive. The conversation explores the practicality of animations in real-world applications, balancing user delight with business value, and avoiding unnecessary complexity. They also discuss the state of decentralized social media, with Mike sharing his thoughts on Blue Sky and its approach to user control. Finally, Mike talks about his Let's Get Technical Discord, a mentorship-focused space helping mid-level engineers sharpen their skills. Making Animations More Accessible – Mike Chen discusses how tools like - - Framer Motion (now Motion) and the View Transitions API simplify complex animations, making them easier to implement while maintaining performance.-Balancing Business Value and User

In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, host Rob Ocel, along with co-hosts Adam Rackis and Danny Thompson, explores the sustainability of open source with Chad Whitacre, Head of Open Source at Sentry. Chad discusses the Open Source Pledge, an initiative encouraging companies to fund the open source projects they rely on. He breaks down the challenges maintainers face, the imbalance between corporate benefit and community support, and why businesses need to step up. The conversation touches on alternative funding models, the history of open source licensing, and the push to make sustainability a core part of the industry.

In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, Rob Ocel, Danny Thompson, Adam Rackis, and Brandon Mathis discuss the role of abstractions in software development. They explore frontend tools like React and SolidJS, backend abstractions like serverless platforms, and the importance of understanding patterns and learning through mistakes. The group also highlights emerging trends for 2025, including opportunities in platform plugins and developer marketplaces. Key Points for the Episode: The Role of Abstractions in Development: The panel discusses the benefits and challenges of abstractions in software development, emphasizing the importance of understanding underlying systems to avoid over-reliance on tools like React hooks and serverless platforms. Learning Through Experimentation: Personal experiences with tools like Advent of Code, exploring new languages like Swift and Rust, and experimenting with new frameworks like SolidJS highlight the importance of hands-on learning and stepping outside comfort zones.

In this Modern Web Podcast episode, hosts Rob Ocel and Danny Thompson chat with Bree Hall, developer advocate at HubSpot and content creator known as "Bytes of Bree." Bree shares her journey from front-end engineer to advocacy, offering insights on balancing travel, staying productive, and navigating the pressures of being "always on." They explore creating engaging content, short vs. long-form formats, and how to build trust with an audience. Bree also shares tips on learning, working, and sharing knowledge while staying authentic in the tech space. Key Points from the Episode: Transition to Developer Advocacy: Bree shares her experience moving from front-end engineer to developer advocate, highlighting the expanded ways to contribute beyond coding. Managing Travel and Productivity: Practical tips for balancing frequent travel with work, including maintaining a travel kit, planning small tasks, and adapting work hours. Specializing in a Tech Stack: Bree emphasizes the importance

In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, hosts Rob Ocel and Danny Thompson sit down with Pat Clarke, Director of Engineering at Lumen Learning, to explore the evolving state of web development. They discuss everything from the monotony of today’s web design and the rise of cookie-cutter sites to the resurgence of personal websites and the need for creativity in web experiences. Pat shares insights on balancing innovation with business goals, the complexities of front-end development, and why full-stack developers may not always be the solution. Key topics include: - Why the web feels “gray and boring” today - The balance between data-driven design and user experience - The importance of front-end specialization in modern development - How to train developers to be well-rounded while embracing their strengths - Finding the right resources to skill up in a fast-moving industry Follow Pat Clarke on Social Media Twitter: https://x.com/LeftShotDev Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-clarke-dev/ Lumen Lea

In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, host Danny Thompson sits down with David Mytton, founder and CEO of Arcjet and creator of the console.dev DevTools newsletter. They explore what makes a truly successful developer tool, the importance of great documentation, and how Arcjet is redefining "security as code" for modern applications. David shares insights into open-source strategies, balancing speed and innovation in startups, and the evolving role of AI in developer tools. Chapters 0:00 - 1:41 Episode Introduction 1:42 - 2:55 David Mitten’s Background & Dev Tools Expertise 2:56 - 4:17 The Importance of Great Documentation 4:18 - 6:43 Challenges in Keeping Documentation Updated 6:44 - 9:20 Simplistic vs. Over-Stylized Docs 9:21 - 11:19 Why Arcjet Stands Out 11:20 - 13:01 Developer Security & Perceptions 13:02 - 15:07 Layered Security & Best Practices 15:08 - 16:46 Encouraging Developers to Prioritize Security 16:47 - 18:48 Dependency Management Challenges 18:49 - 20:30 Evolvi

Dive deep into the fascinating world of SQLite and Turso with Gláuber Costa, the founder and CEO of Turso, as he shares insights into the evolution of modern database technologies. Hosted by Danny Thompson and Adam Rakus on the Modern Web Podcast, this episode unpacks SQLite's growing popularity, Turso's innovative managed database services, and how local-first architectures are changing the database landscape. From syncing databases to leveraging SQLite for offline use, discover how these advancements empower developers to build faster, scalable, and cost-effective solutions. Tune in to learn about Turso’s unique approach, real-world use cases, and the future of databases in edge computing and mobile applications. Topics Discussed: - SQLite’s resurgence and why it’s trending in modern architectures - Turso’s fork of SQLite and its innovative features - Offline-capable databases and local-first architecture - The impact of no-SQL databases and why SQL is making a comeback - Practical examples and use cases o

In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, host Danny Thompson interviews Ryan Carniato, creator of SolidJS, about the evolving relationship between client and server technologies in web development. They explore the history of server-side rendering, single-page applications, and how SolidJS bridges these worlds with innovations like single-flight mutations, which cut down on server-client round trips for better performance. Ryan also shares his vision for the future of reactive systems, focusing on async models and proxy-based stores that enable precise state updates with minimal re-renders. Chapters 0:00 – Introduction and Guest Welcome 1:52 – Challenges of Client and Server Models in Modern Web 4:05 – Importance of Page Load Time and SEO 6:00 – Balancing Client-Server Interactions in Frameworks 9:03 – Exploring React Server Components and Astro Islands 12:00 – Single Page Apps and Data Serialization Challenges 16:02 – Understanding the Cost Triangle of Modern Frameworks 20:02 – The Router Approa

Discover how Makeswift empowers developers and marketers with seamless Next.js integration in this episode of the Modern Web Podcast. Hosts Rob Ocel, Adam Rackis, and Danny Thompson talk with James Q. Quick, Head of Developer Experience at Makeswift, about building dynamic web experiences using Next.js. Learn how Makeswift combines a powerful visual builder for marketers with developer-friendly customization through Next.js. James shares insights on bridging the gap between no-code and full-code development, enabling teams to create flexible, scalable websites with ease. Chapters 00:00 - Intro & Banter 01:36 - Official Welcome & Guest Introduction 03:28 - Next.js Conf Recap: Major Takeaways 07:26 - Server Components in Next.js: Impact & Challenges 14:17 - Caching & Revalidation in Next.js 18:13 - Next.js Learning Curve & Education 24:06 - Learning the Platform vs. Learning Next.js 27:59 - TanStack Start: The Next Big Framework? 30:03 - What Is Makeswift? 33:50 - Why Choose Next.js for Mak

Backstage at All Things Open 2024, hosts Rob Ocel and Danny Thompson talk with Max Howell, creator of Homebrew and founder of the Tea Protocol, about making open source sustainable. Max shares his journey from building Homebrew as a passion project to launching Tea Protocol, which uses token-based economics to support maintainers without compromising open source values. They explore challenges like corporate involvement, project monetization, and building resilient open source communities. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 02:20 - Max’s Open Source Journey 09:09 - The Problem with Open Source Sustainability 13:54 - Why Traditional Funding Models Fail 16:08 - Tea Protocol’s Economic Model 18:34 - What Happens Without Open Source? 20:59 - Sacrifices Open Source Maintainers Make 23:09 - Capturing Value in Open Source 25:10 - Advice for Aspiring Open Source Developers 27:36 - Where to Learn More Follow Max Howell on Social Media Twitter: https://x.com/mxcl Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mxcl/ Check out Tea P

In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, recorded backstage at All Things Open, hosts Rob Ocel and Tracy Lee sit down with Bermon Painter, Composable Platforms Leader at Slalom, to explore how behavioral economics shapes ethical UX design. They discuss real-world examples like continuous glucose monitors, AI-driven personalization, and tackling dark patterns while balancing user trust and business goals. Berman also shares career tips and his unique open office hours, making this a must-watch for designers, engineers, and leaders alike. Chapters Introduction and Guest Welcome – 00:00 What is Behavioral Economics? – 02:36 Real-World Application: Voting Policies – 04:37 Healthcare Example: Continuous Glucose Monitors – 05:52 Design Challenges for Healthcare Apps – 08:12 Personalization and AI in UX Design – 12:52 International UX Design Differences – 14:08 The Ethical Dilemma of Dark Patterns – 17:28 Ethical Frameworks for Product Design – 20:33 Balancing Profit and Ethics – 22:39 Behavioral Economics for En

In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, recorded at All Things Open in Raleigh, NC, Rob Ocel talks with Tobie Morgan Hitchcock, co-founder and CEO of SurrealDB, about redefining databases. SurrealDB consolidates the complexity of using multiple database models—relational, graph, document, and more—into a single platform, enabling advanced queries and features like time travel. Toby shares insights on its innovative approach to separating storage and compute layers, the challenges of building from scratch, and the enthusiastic adoption by developers and enterprises. Chapter 00:00 - Introduction and Setting the Stage 01:46 - Why Create Another Database? 04:31 - How SurrealDB Works 07:36 - The Developer Experience with SurrealDB 11:01 - Time Travel in Databases 16:21 - Challenges and Opportunities in Database Innovation 20:01 - Educating Developers on SurrealDB + Community and Adoption Follow Tobie Morgan Hitchcock Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobiemorganhitchcock Twitter: https://x.com/tobiemh

Hosts Tracy Lee and Rob Ocel talk with Jesse Hall, Staff Developer Advocate at MongoDB, about the future of databases, web frameworks, and the evolving role of developers. They explore how MongoDB's latest release is transforming data storage and access patterns, the mindset shift required for adopting document databases, and the rise of vector databases. The conversation also covers the current state of frontend frameworks like Svelte, Next.js, and Angular, and how AI and low-code tools are reshaping the developer landscape. Whether you're a database enthusiast or a web development pro, this episode offers valuable insights into the technologies shaping the industry. 00:00 - Intro and Setting the Scene 02:30 - Behind the Scenes at All Things Open 04:00 - The Evolution of Databases 08:00 - Understanding Document Databases 10:45 - Vector Databases and AI Integration 14:00 - Frontend Frameworks: The State of the Ecosystem 18:30 - Collaboration Across Frameworks 22:00 - AI and the Future of Developmen

In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, recorded live at All Things Open in Raleigh, NC, hosts Rob Ocel and Danny Thompson sit down with Dr. Sally Wahba, Principal Software Engineer at Splunk. Dr. Wahba shares her experience tackling on-call burnout, offering insights into reducing fatigue through better observability, automation, and thoughtful team practices. The conversation also touches on mentorship and growth in the tech industry, including practical advice for junior engineers navigating the transition from academics to professional roles and tips for companies to better support new talent. Chapters 00:00:13 - Introduction to Marketing This Dot 00:01:00 - Asking for Help Effectively 00:02:21 - Reducing On-Call Fatigue 00:04:42 - Observability Best Practices 00:07:07 - Balancing Alerts and On-Call Efficiency 00:09:30 - The Role of On-Call in Modern Engineering 00:11:29 - Insights from the Grace Hopper Celebration 00:13:56 - Mentorship and Team Dynamics 00:16:14 - Rapid Changes in Technology and Ada

In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, Danny Thompson sits down with Ferdinand Como and Baptiste Leproux from Nuxt Labs to uncover the story behind Nuxt Studio, a tool that's transforming how developers and non-technical users interact with Nuxt applications. Ferdinand and Baptiste share how Nuxt Studio bridges the gap between developer customization and user-friendly content management. Built to empower agencies, freelancers, and their clients, Nuxt Studio combines powerful features like live previews, Vue component integration, and schema-driven forms to make managing content seamless. The conversation also explores the broader mission of Nuxt Labs—building sustainable open-source tools that enhance developer experience and meet real-world needs. With insights into the future of Nuxt Studio and its potential to scale for larger organizations, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about innovation in web development. Chapters 1. Introduction and Setting the Stage (00:00:00)   2. The Vision