DP887_S25E12 What Happens When Software Fails? Tools and Tactics to Recover Fast
Posted on Building Better Developers With AI

What Happens When Software Fails? Tools and Tactics to Recover Fast

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit a popular question: What Happens When Software Fails? Originally titled When Coffee Hits the Fan: Developer Disaster Recovery, this AI-enhanced breakdown explores real-world developer mistakes, recovery strategies, and the tools that help turn chaos into control. Whether you’re managing your first deployment or juggling enterprise infrastructure, you’ll leave this episode better equipped for the moment when software fails. When Software Fails and Everything Goes Down The podcast kicks off with a dramatic (but realistic) scenario: CI passes, coffee is in hand, and then production crashes. While that might sound extreme, it’s a situation many developers recognize. Rob and Michael cover some familiar culprits: Takeaway: Software... Read more

DP886_S25E11 How to Find Balance in Software Development
Posted on Building Better Developers With AI

How to Find Balance in Software Development

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche delve into the challenges of burnout and overwork, discussing how developers can regain control over their time. By emphasizing the importance of finding balance in software development, they offer practical techniques for staying productive without compromising well-being. Rethinking Hustle Culture in Software Development “Productivity isn’t about motion. It’s about momentum—in the right direction.” – Rob Broadhead The myth of endless hustle runs deep in tech. Developers often mistake working late nights for progress—but it usually leads to burnout and declining code quality. The key to achieving balance in software development is recognizing when it’s time to slow down. Warning Signs You’re Losing Balance as a Developer... Read more

Level Up Your Development Workflow: Declutter with AI for Better Focus and Cleaner Code
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Level Up Your Development Workflow: Declutter with AI for Better Focus and Cleaner Code

In Season 25, Episode 10 of the “Building Better Developers with AI” podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit one of their most practical episodes: decluttering your code and digital life. However, this time, they utilize AI tools like ChatGPT to elevate the conversation and provide even more actionable ways to streamline your workflow, sharpen focus, and enhance developer productivity. Why Developers Should Declutter—and Level Up Developer clutter goes far beyond messy code. It creeps into your tabs, your file system, your brain, and your workflow. Rob and Michael explore how revisiting the original topic through the lens of AI created deeper, more structured insights. AI not only confirmed their past advice—it elevated it. As Rob puts it: “Clutter doesn’t... Read more

DP884_S25E09 Essential Habits for Software Developers- Practical Steps for Long-Term Success
Posted on Building Better Developers With AI

Essential Habits for Software Developers: Practical Steps for Long-Term Success

In Episode 9 of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore how cultivating essential habits for software developers, alongside AI tools and consistent routines, can unlock productivity, sharpen your skills, and accelerate long-term growth. Why Essential Habits for Software Developers Matter for Career Growth Rob and Michael emphasize that technical skills alone won’t set you apart. Instead, it’s your daily discipline and consistent habits that fuel success. As shared in the episode: “Success as a developer isn’t just about what you know—it’s about what you consistently do.” Essential habits for software developers, from daily practice to continuous learning, create momentum that turns average developers into high performers. How AI Supports the Best Habits for Software Developers... Read more

DP883_S25E08 Building Better Developers with AI- Mastering Developer Feedback
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Building Better Developers with AI: Mastering Developer Feedback

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche take a deep dive into one of the most uncomfortable—but—essential parts of being a developer: developer feedback. Using AI tools like ChatGPT, they revisit their past topics and uncover new insights on how feedback, communication, and mindset shape stronger, more collaborative developers. AI’s Perspective: Developer Feedback as a Growth Tool Rob kicks off the episode by sharing how they asked ChatGPT to structure a show around developer feedback. The AI delivered a simple but powerful reminder: Feedback isn’t criticism. It’s a tool for growth. Key Takeaway: “Professionals seek feedback. Amateurs avoid it.” By reframing feedback as data rather than a personal critique, developers can use it to refine... Read more

DP882_S25E07 Winning Your First Developer Project- Lessons from Building Better Developers with AI
Posted on Building Better Developers With AI

Winning Your First Developer Project: Lessons from Building Better Developers with AI

Breaking into freelancing or launching a side hustle can feel overwhelming, but winning your first developer project is one of the most important steps in building your development career. In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche share proven tips to help developers land their first paying project—and do it the right way. Why Mindset Matters for Winning Your First Developer Project The first step to success is shifting your mindset. Rob emphasizes that you’re not just writing code—you’re solving real business problems for your clients. Think like a service provider, not just a developer. Your success comes from delivering value, understanding client needs, and focusing on outcomes. Michael reminds developers that while independence... Read more