The Mycelium Network Podcast

The path to a tech career often seems linear and technical, Bekah Hawrot Weigel's story stands out as a beacon of hope and inspiration. On the "Mycelium Network" podcast, Bekah, a former college English teacher turned developer and community builder, shares her remarkable journey of personal and professional transformation.NOTE: Bekah’s audio had some challenges during this episode. This is through no fault of hers or mine. It started with her original microphone and sound system refusing to work with Riverside, even though they claimed it should work. Bekah was graciously willing to continue using AirPods and I did my very best to get the audio as clean and clear as possible. Again, I would rather release this episode than hold it back due to the audio challenges because, the guidance, story, and advice shared by Bekah need to be out there. I hope you found as much value in it as I did.Bekah's story begins with a personal crisis that left her questioning her identity and battling mental health issues. It was during this tumultuous period that her husband suggested she learn to code—a suggestion that seemed improbable at the time. However, coding became an unexpected source of therapy for Bekah, offering a respite from her struggles and opening the door to a new world of possibilities.As Bekah delved deeper into the tech world, she discovered not only a new career path but also a community of supportive individuals who shared her experiences and aspirations. This led to the creation of Virtual Coffee, a tech community that offers a haven for those seeking support, guidance, and friendship in the often impersonal realm of tech.Through her podcast conversation with Schalk Neethling, Bekah emphasizes the importance of remote work in expanding her horizons, allowing her to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. She passionately advocates for the value of small communities, where genuine connections and support can flourish away from the noise of larger networks.Bekah's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the therapeutic potential of coding, and the transformative impact of community. Her story offers encouragement to those feeling lost or uncertain in their careers, reminding us that with the right support and determination, it is possible to overcome challenges and find fulfillment in unexpected places.In a tech landscape often dominated by discussions of algorithms and systems, Bekah Hawrot Weigel's story brings a much-needed human touch. It reminds us that at the heart of technology are people, each with their own stories of struggle, growth, and connection.Links* Bekah Hawrot Weigel on LinkedIn* Bekah on the Web* VirtualCoffee* OpenSauced* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn* Mechanical Ink StudioCommunity* Join the community on Slack or Discord* Support the podcast on Patreon* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)Help Others Find The Podcast* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts* Rate and review on SpotifyThanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

NOTE: It has always been the goal of this podcast to give everyone a chance to share their story. This episode is an example of this. We tried to record this live using Riverside.fm (no blame to Riverside here 😃) but after many tries we realized that Precious’s internet was just not going to play along. We improvised and did the recordings asynchronously. I recorded the intro and the questions, and Precious recorded and sent back her answers. I then edited everything into this podcast episode. The audio is a bit challenging in parts, but I encourage you to listen past it, and instead listen to Precious, her thoughts, and her story. Thank you.In this episode of the Mycelium Network podcast, I am joined by Precious Onyewuchi a technical writer from Nigeria. Precious starts by explaining the crucial role technical writing serves in bridging the gap between complex technology and user comprehension. She continues to discuss how Outreachy’s internships not only marked a personal growth trajectory but also shone a light on the importance of fostering diversity in tech.The discussion naturally flows into the realm of DEI, where Precious emphasizes its indispensable value in nurturing inclusive and vibrant open-source communities. The health of these projects is critically analyzed, highlighting the innovative tools and metrics developed by the CHAOSS community to ensure sustainability and productivity.Central to Precious's narrative is the All in Africa program, an initiative by GitHub aimed at democratizing access to open-source knowledge and resources across the African continent. This program symbolizes a bridge towards technological empowerment and equity, reflecting a broader vision of global inclusivity.Moreover, Precious's advocacy extends to recognizing and valuing no-code contributions in the open-source ecosystem. This perspective champions a more inclusive definition of contribution, where diverse skill sets beyond coding are acknowledged as vital to the growth and health of open-source projects.Lastly, the conversation touches upon the transformative potential of AI within tech and open source, far from viewing AI as a displacer of jobs, Precious posits AI as an augmentative tool, one that can enhance human creativity and efficiency, shaping a future where technology and humanity coalesce for mutual advancement.Precious’s story paints a picture of a tech world enriched by diversity, openness, and innovation. Her story is a beacon for aspiring tech enthusiasts, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, offering a roadmap to meaningful engagement and contribution in tech and open source.Links* Precious Onyewuchi on LinkedIn* Precious on GitHub* Previous on Twitter (X)* No Code Contributions in Open Source* Outreachy* All in Africa* CHAOSS Community* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn* Mechanical Ink StudioCommunity* Join the community on Slack or Discord* Support the podcast on Patreon* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)Help Others Find The Podcast* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts* Rate and review on SpotifyThanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In a world where design transcends mere aesthetics to become a pivotal element in user experience and product functionality, the journey of Nmesoma Okonkwo emerges as a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the transformative power of mentorship in the tech industry. Born out of a transition from microbiology to graphic design, and eventually to product design, Nmesoma's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of passion.Embarking on her career in Nigeria, Nmesoma faced a unique set of challenges, from navigating the intricate world of international job markets to overcoming the hurdles presented by payment processing issues endemic to her locale. Yet, it was her unyielding spirit and the guidance of mentors that illuminated her path, underscoring the critical role mentorship plays in shaping the careers of emerging designers.Nmesoma's approach to product design is both intuitive and informed, marrying the principles of user experience with the psychological impact of color in fintech products, emphasizing accessibility, and fostering a deep connection between the user and the product. Her journey is a vivid illustration of the power of mentorship, the challenges and opportunities that lie in the global tech ecosystem for Nigerian designers, and the profound impact of ethical design practices.Through Nmesoma's story, we are reminded of the enduring impact of empathy, the value of accessibility in design, and the boundless possibilities that arise when passion meets perseverance.Links* Nmesoma Okonkwo on LinkedIn* Nmesoma Okonkwo on TikTok* HuggingFace* HuggingChat* HuggingFace Assistants* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn* Mechanical Ink StudioCommunity* Join the community on Slack or Discord* Support the podcast on Patreon* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)Help Others Find The Podcast* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts* Rate and review on SpotifyThanks for reading Mechanical Ink - Open Source - Open Web - Open Startup! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In the latest episode of the Mycelium Network podcast, Kate Blake shares her inspiring journey into the world of web development. Host Schalk Neethling guides us through Kate's narrative, from her initial fascination with technology to her current role as a successful web developer. Kate's story is not just about personal achievement; it's a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and the impact one can make in the tech industry and beyond.Kate discusses the hurdles she faced entering the tech world, highlighting the importance of resilience and the support of a nurturing community. Her experiences with remote work shed light on the challenges and rewards of being part of a distributed team, emphasizing the value of connection and collaboration.The conversation also delves into the evolving role of AI in the job market, presenting a balanced view of its potential to both disrupt and create opportunities. Kate's optimism for the future is infectious, as she speaks on aligning her career ambitions with her desire to contribute to social causes.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of technology, community, and social good. Kate's journey underscores the idea that with determination and support, breaking into the tech industry is possible, and it can be a pathway to making a meaningful difference in the world.Links* Kate Blake on LinkedIn* Kate Blake on GitHub* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn* Mechanical Ink StudioCommunity* Join the community on Slack or Discord* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)Help Others Find The Podcast* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts* Rate and review on SpotifyThanks for reading Mechanical Ink - Open Source - Open Web - Open Startup! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of the Mycelium Network podcast, I speak with Temitope Asama to learn about her tech journey, highlighting her initial interests and challenges. Her active involvement in the CHAOSS community underscores the importance of supportive networks in fostering growth. Additionally, Temitope's advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the tech space is a critical theme, reflecting her commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable industry. This narrative emphasizes the power of community and the significance of DEI efforts in shaping the tech landscape.The conversation sheds light on the significant hurdles that African developers encounter in tapping into global job markets, emphasizing the restrictive impact of geographical and economic barriers. It also explores how open-source projects and a commitment to lifelong learning can serve as powerful tools for overcoming these obstacles, enabling developers to build a global presence and enhance their skills in a competitive industry. This part of the discussion highlights the critical importance of accessibility, networking, and skill development in breaking down barriers to opportunities.I (Schalk Neethling) also briefly share my story from music to tech illustrating the diverse paths leading to the tech industry, highlighting the value of varied experiences. This shared experience between Temitope and myself emphasizes the dynamic, inclusive nature of the tech community, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique journeys.Links* Temitope Asama on LinkedIn* Temitope Asama on GitHub* CHAOSS Community* CHAOSS Community DEI Badging Project* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn* Mechanical Ink StudioCommunity* Join the community on Slack* Continue the conversation on GitHub or here on Substack* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)Help Others Find The Podcast* Rate and review on Apple PodcastsThanks for reading Mechanical Ink - Open Source - Open Web - Open Startup! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of the Mycelium Network podcast, Dan Moore shares his extensive journey in the tech industry, starting in the '90s to his current role as a solutions architect at FusionAuth. He emphasized the critical balance between technical proficiency and soft skills in software development. Dan discusses the value of community involvement, particularly his experiences with the Boulder Ruby Meetup, highlighting the importance of networking and continuous learning in a developer's career.Dan shared insights from managing the American Farm Shares and CSA's project, highlighting the multi-dimensional challenges of tech projects. Dan also shares his approach to technical writing, focusing on creating evergreen content that remains relevant over time. Dan's advice for new developers included networking, contributing to open source, and understanding the long-term perspective of a tech career.The episode provides a rich blend of technical expertise, career advice, and personal growth insights, making it a valuable resource for both new and experienced developers.Links* Dan Moore on LinkedIn* Letters to a new developer* FusionAuth* Boulder Ruby Meetup Group* The Pragmatic Programmer* Don't Make Me Think* The Mythical Man-Month* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn* Mechanical InkCommunity* Join the community on Slack* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)Help Others Find The Podcast* Rate and review on Spotify* Rate and review on Apple PodcastsThanks for reading Mechanical Ink - Open Source - Open Web - Open Startup! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this engaging episode of the Mycelium Network podcast, host Schalk Neethling welcomes Elena Lape, the visionary founder of Holopin. Elena shares her remarkable journey through the tech world, from building developer communities and supporting students at GitHub to her passion for hackathons. She delves into the value of open-source contributions and the importance of universal skills beyond coding. Elena's insightful advice on how to validate business ideas and the significance of competition offers a treasure trove of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs. Listeners will be inspired by her passion for community building, resilience, and the exciting future of Holopin's innovative products. It's a must-listen episode for tech enthusiasts and budding entrepreneurs.LinksElena on LinkedInHolopinSchalk Neethling on LinkedInContinue the discussion on GitHubJoin the community on SlackMechanical Ink This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of the Mycelium Network podcast, host Schalk Neethling is joined by Grecia Castaldi and Molly Devine from Women Who Code. These two dynamic women share their inspiring journeys in the tech world and non-profits, emphasizing the significance of diversity and empowerment in the industry. The discussion touches on vital topics like advocating for oneself, the potential of AI as a tool rather than a replacement, and the incredible mission of Women Who Code to foster a more inclusive tech community. With insightful quotes and profound takeaways, this episode sheds light on the opportunities and challenges within the tech sphere while encouraging listeners to embrace their unique voices and aspirations. Don't miss this empowering dialogue that celebrates diversity and innovation in the world of technology.LinksWomen Who CodeGrecia CastaldiMolly DevineSchalk NeethlingContinue the conversation on GitHub.Join the community on Slack.Mechanical Ink This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of the Mycelium Network Podcast, Chad Stewart, a software engineer from Kingston, Jamaica, shares his journey in the tech industry. Chad discusses his work in front-end engineering and his exploration of back-end engineering. He also talks about his role in TechIsHiring, an organization that helps people find job opportunities in the tech industry. Chad's passion for exploring interesting problems and ideas in the industry motivates him. He shares his interest in Rust and how it can help us write cleaner code, especially in contrast to the sometimes chaotic JavaScript ecosystem. Tune in to hear Chad's insights and experiences as a software engineer.Join The CommunityJoin us on LinkedInJoin us on MatrixLinksChad Stewart - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadrstewart/TechIsHiring - https://www.techishiring.com/The Rust language - https://www.rust-lang.org/Mechanical keyboards - https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/Mushroom Coffee - https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mushroom-coffeefreeCodeCamp - https://www.freecodecamp.orgOpen Sauced - https://opensauced.pizza/A conversation with Molly Howell - Retro computing, the murky waters of open source, and finding joy through community - https://pod.link/1657505237/episode/95bc1c39d9c149947d78d13339ee7774GitHub Copilot - https://github.com/features/copilotOpenAI ChatGPT - https://openai.com/blog/chatgptCarl Newport - https://calnewport.com/James Clear - https://jamesclear.com/E-Sports - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EsportsRecorded with Riverside and produced by Mechanical Ink. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

This week, the guest on the podcast is Vicky (VM) Brasseur. She has over 30 years of experience in the world of open source and is currently helping large companies with their open source strategies. She has written the book, “Forge your future with Open Source” and is currently writing her second book. During the episode, we touch on topics such as ensuring we create a welcoming, safe, and inclusive space within the open source ecosystem. We touch on topics explored in her first book and how it relates to those new to the tech world and open source. We also touch on some challenges, such as the influx of open-source projects, lack of knowledge (especially around licensing), and monocultures. There is a wealth of incredible information shared in this episode that is applicable to everyone, no matter where you are in your career.Join the conversation on Discord.LinksVM (Vicky) Brasseur on the WebVM (Vicky) Brasseur on MastodonVM (Vicky) Brasseur on GitHubVM (Vicky) Brasseur on GitlabThird World ProblemsOpenStackAMA with Vicky (VM) BrasseurForge your future with Open SourceVSCode extensions for writersCStitch7 Amazing Facts About Polydactyl CatsWhat is managing up?Open-Source is a community, not a brandStocking cap pattern on RavelryThe Open Source DefinitionFLOSS FoundationsRecorded with Riverside and produced by Mechanical Ink. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com