Top 5 Podcast Episodes of 2021: Insights and Highlights
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Chapter 1: Introduction
A year ago, I launched a tech podcast titled Alexa's Input. Throughout this journey, I engaged in enlightening conversations with various guests, covering topics from Google Cloud to Netflix's corporate culture. Here, I present the five most popular episodes from 2021.
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Section 1.1: In the Clouds with Kelsey Hightower
In this episode, Kelsey Hightower (Twitter: @kelseyhightower), a Principal Engineer at Google Cloud and a prominent figure in the open-source community, joins the conversation. We delve into cloud development, discussing tools, personal growth experiences, and contemporary challenges such as identity and observability within the serverless landscape.
This video highlights the top five podcast episodes from 2021, showcasing the best insights and discussions.
Section 1.2: Databases and Danger with Michael Hurwitz
Michael Hurwitz (Twitter: @dngrmike), a Principal Software Engineer at Bluecore, shares his expertise on databases. In this engaging episode, we break down the fundamentals of various database types, covering topics like B+ trees, the distinctions between columnar and row-stores, caching, and indexing.
Subsection 1.2.1: Follow-Up on Distributed Databases
After enjoying this episode, be sure to check out part two, where we explore distributed databases and delve deeper into caching strategies.
Section 1.3: Managing Distributed Systems with Evan Jones
In this episode, we chat with Evan Jones (www.evanjones.ca or Twitter: @epcjones), who has a rich background at Datadog and other tech giants. Our discussion focuses on server reliability, lessons learned from outages, and the complexities of scaling systems effectively.
Section 1.4: Netflix's Culture with Jason Reid
Jason Reid, Director of Data Science and Engineering at Netflix, shares insights into the company's unique culture. We explore themes from the book No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention, discussing topics like mentorship, career growth, and the importance of diversity.
Section 1.5: David Dyar's Career Journey
David Dyar reflects on his career, starting at IBM and transitioning to help startups thrive as a Senior Vice President. He shares valuable lessons learned along the way, covering workplace diversity, navigating challenges, and maintaining culture during growth.
Chapter 2: Additional Recommendations
I’m astounded that we produced 20 episodes this year! Choosing the top five was quite a challenge, especially since later episodes had less time to gain traction. Here are some more noteworthy episodes categorized by topic:
- Founders' Insights
- Mahmoud Arram
- Tameem Iftikhar
- Memo Sanchez
- Starting a Startup with Bahar Shah
- Frontend Development
- Managing, Frontend, and Creating a Brand with Harry Wolff
- History of the Web with Matthew Gerstman
- Front-end and Fun with Jason Deng
- Data, Distributed Systems, and Serverless
- Cache Only with Mike Hurwitz
- Data and Analytics with Bruno Aziza from Google
- Managing and Maintaining Distributed Systems with Evan Jones
- In the Clouds with Kelsey Hightower
- Databases and Danger (Part 1)
- Distributed Databases and Danger (Part 2)
- Security Discussions
- Security with Brent Lassi and Mike Hurwitz
- Security with Brent Lassi and Mike Hurwitz (Part II)
- Scientific Computing
- Blowing Up Supernovas on Supercomputers with Bronson Messer
- Chemistry and Computers with John Hymel
- Tech Culture
- Netflix's Culture with Jason Reid
- David Dyar's career journey and lessons learned
Stay tuned for more exciting episodes coming this year!