Launch School Podcast

In this episode, Brandi has a conversation with Benjamin Walker, a current student, nearing the end of the back-end portion of the curriculum. They discuss Benjamin's approach to balancing full-time parenthood and his journey as a neurodivergent student. Benjamin was a high school math teacher for 12 years. After becoming a father, he decided he was ready for a career change. He talks about how he decided to study at Launch School and the considerations this involved, given his prioritization of parenthood. Later on, he talks about what it's like to have ADHD and the strategies he employs to be a successful student. Benjamin juggles a busy life and gives great insight into the sacrifices and hurdles many students face on their journey to mastery. We hope you enjoy the conversation!

In this episode, Chris interviews Ginni Pinckert, a software engineer at Sudowrite. Ginni is a recent capstone graduate, finishing in early 2023. She has a diverse background pre-Launch School, having studied classical languages, literature, and linguistics with a mild obsession with Greek mythology and Sci-Fi. She worked in the fashion industry for several years and then worked as a small business owner creating organization systems to help clients with productivity. Her Launch School journey was a relatively long one, spending about 2 years working through the core curriculum as a mostly full-time student, with some of her time dedicated to being a TA. After Capstone, it's no surprise that Ginni ended up with a company just as passionate about writing as she is, now working on a small team developing a text editing interface that integrates AI to help writers write. Ginni gives great insight into what it's like to apply for jobs as someone without any prior experience in tech as well as a refreshing perspective on the tough job market. As someone used to donning many hats, it's clear that Ginni is open to new experiences and putting in the work it takes to do a job well, and her time through Launch School, Capstone, and now her new career, are no exceptions. We hope you enjoy the conversation!

A quick introduction to this season with a peek at what's to come.

In this episode Chris and Karis discuss the latest Capstone Salaries page update. Chris shares important data to look out for on the new salaries page, and provides advice when comparing other career-launching programs out there on the market. This discussion is to be used as a companion guide to the salaries page, and is especially helpful for those looking to have more clarity on Capstone. The episode finishes with some announcements and upcoming events. Because the Capstone Salaries page is discussed in depth it might be a good idea to have launchschool.com/salaries (https://launchschool.com/salaries) open as you listen to this episode. to listen to the podcast click on the play button above the RSS and SHARE buttons Introduction (https://podcast.launchschool.com/capstone-salary-reflections?t=0) Salaries Page Discussion (https://podcast.launchschool.com/capstone-salary-reflections?t=26) Conclusion & Karis Sign-off (https://podcast.launchschool.com/capstone-salary-reflections?t=1550) Announcements (https://podcast.launchschool.com/capstone-salary-reflections?t=1583) Show Notes - Capstone Salaries Page (https://launchschool.com/salaries) - Article: Our New 2021 Salaries Page (https://medium.com/launch-school/our-new-2021-salaries-page-48be56002145) - Winter holiday forum announcement (https://launchschool.com/posts/6e40c70f) - Do you want to be a TA? Information Post (https://launchschool.com/posts/c4a938a2) - Capstone Presentation Videos (https://launchschool.com/videos) Fill out our form below if you have any questions about anything Launch School related whether its our prep course, Core Program, Capstone and beyond. Your question could be answered in our next episode! - Ask a Question Form (https://launchschool.com/podcast-requests)

In this bytes episode Karis asks Chris and the Launch School community "What was some of their biggest takeaways this year at Launch School?" After the students and staff share their takeways, Karis closes with some Launch School announcements and upcoming events. to listen to the podcast click on the play button above the RSS and SHARE buttons Introduction (https://podcast.launchschool.com/biggest-takeaways-this-year?t=0) Chris' Takeaways (https://podcast.launchschool.com/biggest-takeaways-this-year?t=48) Bytes: Community's Biggest Takeaways this year (https://podcast.launchschool.com/biggest-takeaways-this-year?t=356) Conclusion (https://podcast.launchschool.com/biggest-takeaways-this-year?t=1601) Annoucements (https://podcast.launchschool.com/biggest-takeaways-this-year?t=1686) Show Notes - Capstone Presentation Signups (https://launchschool.com/events) - Introduction to JavaScript Book - New Content (https://launchschool.com/posts/1f6e2683) - Programming Essentials Workshops Page (https://launchschool.com/workshops) - Capstone Salaries Page (https://launchschool.com/salaries) - Launch School Shop (https://shop.launchschool.com/) Fill out our form below if you have any questions about anything Launch School related whether its our prep course, Core Program, Capstone and beyond. Your question could be answered in our next episode! - Ask a Question Form (https://launchschool.com/podcast-requests)

In this episode Chris and Karis conduct a Q&A session about Launch School's new Programming Essentials Workshops, what they are why new programmers would want to attend. Karis then catches up with Launch School Alumnus Kelvin, who shares his experiences as a UK Capstone student and what it's like working as a software engineer based in the UK. The episode comes to a close with some Launch School announcements and upcoming events. to listen to the podcast click on the play button above the RSS and SHARE buttons Introduction (https://podcast.launchschool.com/programming-essentials-workshops?t=0) Workshop Q&A: What are Programming Essentials Workshops? (https://podcast.launchschool.com/programming-essentials-workshops?t=151) Workshop Q&A: Who are the workshops for? (https://podcast.launchschool.com/programming-essentials-workshops?t=350) Workshop Q&A: How do workshops differ from study sessions? (https://podcast.launchschool.com/programming-essentials-workshops?t=470) Workshop Q&A: What do I gain from attending a workshop? (https://podcast.launchschool.com/programming-essentials-workshops?t=624) Workshop Q&A: Would I learn anything new if I'm already going through the Prep Courses? (https://podcast.launchschool.com/programming-essentials-workshops?t=715) Workshop Q&A: Is it mandatory to attend a workshop for Launch School Students? (https://podcast.launchschool.com/programming-essentials-workshops?t=850) Workshop Q&A: Will there be a recording of these workshops available? (https://podcast.launchschool.com/programming-essentials-workshops?t=891) Workshop Q&A: More Information (https://podcast.launchschool.com/programming-essentials-workshops?t=931) Interview with UK Capstone Graduate Kelvin (https://podcast.launchschool.com/programming-essentials-workshops?t=1063) Annoucements (https://podcast.launchschool.com/programming-essentials-workshops?t=3285) Show Notes - Latest Programming Essentials Workshops (https://launchschool.medium.com/take-the-struggle-out-of-learning-to-program-with-3-new-workshops-9e8988204f6d) - How to navigate a recession webinar/medium post (https://medium.com/launch-school/how-to-navigate-a-recession-357f6c1a520e) - Launch School's Reddit Community (https://www.reddit.com/r/launchschool/) - Do you want to be a TA? Information Post (https://launchschool.com/posts/a1b03ff7) - Introduction to Programming with JavaScript Book with 78 new video walkthroughs (https://launchschool.com/books/javascript) - Launch School Women's Group October 9th Meetup (https://launchschool.com/posts/e6bd2e48) Fill out our form below if you have any questions about anything Launch School related whether its our prep course, Core Program, Capstone and beyond. Your question could be answered in our next episode! - Ask a Question Form (https://launchschool.com/podcast-requests)

In this episode Chris and Karis discuss a recent inspirational talk given by Core graduate student Jake. Chris answers some additional Launch School-related questions including how ISAs work. Karis interviews Capstone graduate and Launch School Alumna Catherine, who shares what life has been like as a software engineer a year and a half on from her studies at Launch School. The episode ends with a few announcements about the latest events. Introduction (https://podcast.launchschool.com/transforming-at-launch-school?t=0) Discussion on Jake's Gather Town Talk: Transformation (https://podcast.launchschool.com/transforming-at-launch-school?t=40) Discussion on Jake's Gather Town Talk: Study Checklists (https://podcast.launchschool.com/transforming-at-launch-school?t=324) Discussion on Jake's Gather Town Talk: Good Grades as the Goal (https://podcast.launchschool.com/transforming-at-launch-school?t=593) Question about Technicality versus Personality in a Tech Role (https://podcast.launchschool.com/transforming-at-launch-school?t=887) Question about Income Share Agreements (ISAs) at Lauch School (https://podcast.launchschool.com/transforming-at-launch-school?t=1083) Interview with Catherine (https://podcast.launchschool.com/transforming-at-launch-school?t=1602) Annoucements (https://podcast.launchschool.com/transforming-at-launch-school?t=4709) Show Notes - Dealing with Failure at Launch School: how to transform from a C to an A student with Jake deVarennes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-wvbwnYC7Y) - Jake's A+ Checklist (https://medium.com/@jakedevar111/there-are-many-ways-to-study-for-an-assessment-however-this-is-the-best-way-that-i-have-found-for-ed85cea4ffba) - Capstone Program and Launch School's ISA (https://launchschool.com/capstone) - Chat to @Catherine on The Launch School Community Slack (https://launchschool.com/chat) - Do you want to be a TA? Information Post (https://launchschool.com/posts/c4a938a2) - Chelsea's Blog Posts: Time Out Part 1 (https://chelsea-saunders.medium.com/time-out-part-1-6b9349afbb) - Chelsea's Blog Posts: Time Out Part 2 (https://chelsea-saunders.medium.com/time-out-part-2-db3b30a3d514) - Launch School Women's Group August 28th Meetup (https://launchschool.com/posts/49f5d4c1) Fill out our form below if you have any questions about anything Launch School related whether its our prep course, Core Program, Capstone and beyond. Your question could be answered in our next episode! - Ask a Question Form (https://launchschool.com/podcast-requests)

In this episode Chris discusses the latest 2021 Capstone salaries, and provides some advice for students that have concerns about the recession. Karis catches up with younger students, Ethan and Tyler, and learns how their Launch School studies are already making an impact on their software engineering journey. Karis ends the episode with a few announcements about the latest events at Launch School. Introduction (https://podcast.launchschool.com/capstone-salaries-recession-young-launch-school-students?t=0) 2021 Capstone Salaries (https://podcast.launchschool.com/capstone-salaries-recession-young-launch-school-students?t=47) Recession (https://podcast.launchschool.com/capstone-salaries-recession-young-launch-school-students?t=579) Question about student impact on Recession (https://podcast.launchschool.com/capstone-salaries-recession-young-launch-school-students?t=761) Question about increasing cost of Core and Capstone (https://podcast.launchschool.com/capstone-salaries-recession-young-launch-school-students?t=1085) Question about Capstone Admissions (https://podcast.launchschool.com/capstone-salaries-recession-young-launch-school-students?t=1145) Capstone Introduction and Breakdown (https://podcast.launchschool.com/capstone-salaries-recession-young-launch-school-students?t=1280) Interview with Ethan (https://podcast.launchschool.com/capstone-salaries-recession-young-launch-school-students?t=1529) Interview with Tyler (https://podcast.launchschool.com/capstone-salaries-recession-young-launch-school-students?t=3571) Annoucements (https://podcast.launchschool.com/capstone-salaries-recession-young-launch-school-students?t=4375) Show Notes - 2021 Capstone Salaries (https://www.reddit.com/r/launchschool/comments/vilb1l/2021_capstone_salary_tweet/) - Capstone Information Page (https://launchschool.com/capstone) - Jason Wang's Article on Building an App during Launch School (https://medium.com/@jasonherngwang/building-an-app-at-the-midpoint-of-launch-school-core-d1354fa99188) - New Practice Problems for RB109 Interview Post (https://launchschool.com/posts/8c5400fa) - New Practice Problems for JS109 Interview Post (https://launchschool.com/posts/ca1f1406) - New Practice Problems for JS210 Assessment Post (https://launchschool.com/posts/45eda63c) - Cloud9 Support Group Information Post (https://launchschool.com/posts/ca3925d0) - Launch School Women's Group August 7th Meetup (https://launchschool.com/posts/f4319233) - Do you want to be a TA? Information Post (https://launchschool.com/posts/c4a938a2) - Excellent Student 175/185 Backend Projects! - Jason's Project (https://launchschool.com/posts/61ea0b18) - Ethan's Project (https://launchschool.com/posts/11725358) - Ricky's Project (https://launchschool.com/posts/842102f3) - Zach's Project (https://launchschool.com/posts/deeeb700) - Student Rich's Article: What Century is After Midnight? (https://medium.com/@justcodeitrich/what-century-is-after-midnight-4182529cb24c) If you have any questions about anything Launch School related whether its our prep course, Core Program, Capstone and beyond please fill out our form below and your question could be answered in our next episode! - Ask a Question Form (https://launchschool.com/podcast-requests)

In this episode Launch School Student Felicia interviews Chris as he shares the origin story of how Launch School came to be. He also offers his unique perspective on how Launch School approaches learning, coding education and software engineering. The show includes several new announcements that students should be aware of. Show Notes - LS181 Assessment Update (https://launchschool.com/posts/0d4cdede) - Launch School Exercises Update (https://launchschool.com/exercises) - Capstone Video Recording Presentations (https://launchschool.com/videos) - SPOTs Gather Town Introduction Video (https://vimeo.com/705224933/72e449a8d0) - Women's Group May 15th meetup post (https://launchschool.com/posts/15ff8fd9) If you have any questions about anything Launch School related whether its our prep course, Core Program, Capstone and beyond please fill out our form below and your question could be answered in our next episode! - Ask a Question Form (https://launchschool.com/podcast-requests)

This episode Karis and Chris discuss the all the latest Launch School interviews and presentations. Karis also catches up with the co-host from last season Mandy who now works at Mozilla. Finally they leave you with a number of new announcements that students should be aware of. Intro (https://podcast.launchschool.com/latest-news-interviews-mandy?t=0) Agenda (https://podcast.launchschool.com/latest-news-interviews-mandy?t=19) Felicia's Interview with Chris (https://podcast.launchschool.com/latest-news-interviews-mandy?t=62) Felicia's Interview with Carolina (https://podcast.launchschool.com/latest-news-interviews-mandy?t=267) Women's Group Employer Speaker Series (https://podcast.launchschool.com/latest-news-interviews-mandy?t=562) Rodney's Tech Talk on GatsbyJS (https://podcast.launchschool.com/latest-news-interviews-mandy?t=1083) New Assessment details: RB189/JS189 (https://podcast.launchschool.com/latest-news-interviews-mandy?t=1301) Answer your Questions on Air: Core Graduates (https://podcast.launchschool.com/latest-news-interviews-mandy?t=1663) Karis' Interview with previous co-host Mandy (https://podcast.launchschool.com/latest-news-interviews-mandy?t=2183) Reminders & Outro (https://podcast.launchschool.com/latest-news-interviews-mandy?t=3986) Show Notes - Felicia's Interview with Chris (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MSarPQLprU) - Felicia's Interview with Carolina (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09CFH1Gz_as) - Women's Group Employer Speaker Series (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKLe_cNpOSY) - Rodney's Tech Talk on GatsbyJS (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xNVJu1mIY0) - New Assessment details: RB189/JS189 post (https://launchschool.com/posts/fe4ef7eb) - Core Curriculum Results post (https://launchschool.com/posts/6c701be2) - New Practice Problems for RB109 and JS109 Interviews post (https://launchschool.com/posts/c4a938a2) - Introduction to Command Line Book exercise videos (https://launchschool.com/posts/e56d9167) - JS239 Interviews are now deprecated post (https://launchschool.com/posts/38b95bfa) - Peer-led Seminar: JavaScript Testing (https://launchschool.com/posts/db091877) - Capstone Project Presentations Signup Posts: - QMantis (https://launchschool.com/posts/0c0036d3) - Hypha (https://launchschool.com/posts/df7d6a0f) - Waypost (https://launchschool.com/posts/97634bf6) - Artemis (https://launchschool.com/posts/6a213d4f) - SPOTs Gather Town Information (https://launchschool.com/gists/0aae3afb) - Women's Group 24th April meetup post (https://launchschool.com/posts/6a0e54c7) If you have any questions about anything Launch School related whether its our prep course, Core Program, Capstone and beyond please fill out our form below and your question could be answered in our next episode! - Ask a Question Form (https://launchschool.com/podcast-requests)

This season Chris kicks off our first episode by introducing Launch Schools new podcast format and new co-host Karis. Together they discuss the latest events happening at Launch School and some quick reminders students should be aware of. Karis also catches up with previous host Callie in a 1 on 1 interview. Introduction - 0:00 (https://podcast.launchschool.com/welcome-to-season-4) Agenda - 4:33 (https://podcast.launchschool.com/welcome-to-season-4?t=273) Buddy System for Female Students - 5:10 (https://podcast.launchschool.com/welcome-to-season-4?t=310) Felicia's Interview with Karis - 8:58 (https://podcast.launchschool.com/welcome-to-season-4?t=538) Chelsea's Article (Lessons From First Half of Core) - 12:25 (https://podcast.launchschool.com/welcome-to-season-4?t=745) Felicia's Video About How She Prepares For Assessments - 14:55 (https://podcast.launchschool.com/welcome-to-season-4?t=895) Katarina's Article (We are Made of Stories) - 16:25 (https://podcast.launchschool.com/welcome-to-season-4?t=985) Ethan's Article (Variable Scope and Access in Ruby) - 19:08 (https://podcast.launchschool.com/welcome-to-season-4?t=1148) Importance of Teaching/Explaining Concepts - 19:54 (https://podcast.launchschool.com/welcome-to-season-4?t=1194) New Assessment (RB/JS 185) - 21:01 (https://podcast.launchschool.com/welcome-to-season-4?t=1261) Update to JS239 (and Why Courses Get Updated) - 24:57 (https://podcast.launchschool.com/welcome-to-season-4?t=1497) Peer-Led Professional Git Seminar - 28:28 (https://podcast.launchschool.com/welcome-to-season-4?t=1708) Start of Interview with Callie (Her Experience After Capstone) - 31:57 (https://podcast.launchschool.com/welcome-to-season-4?t=1917) Callie's Advice for Current Core/Capstone Students - 40:52 (https://podcast.launchschool.com/welcome-to-season-4?t=2452) What Callie Misses About Launch School - 43:27 (https://podcast.launchschool.com/welcome-to-season-4?t=2607) Callie's Advice for Hosting Launch School Podcast - 45:40 (https://podcast.launchschool.com/welcome-to-season-4?t=2740) Reminders & Outro - 48:48 (https://podcast.launchschool.com/welcome-to-season-4?t=2928) Show Notes Articles and Interviews: - Felicia’s video: Interview with Karis (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke5uLNQzlV4) - Chelsea’s Article: “Lessons from the first half of Core” (https://medium.com/launch-school/lessons-from-the-first-half-of-core-50a6d85f9c76) - Felicia’s video: How she prepares for assessments and interviews (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NS1ar08blQk) - Katarina’s Article: “We are made of Stories” (https://katarinarosiak.medium.com/we-are-made-of-stories-c9bf30c2f69d) - Ethan’s Article: “Variable Scope and Access in Ruby” (https://ethanweiner.medium.com/variable-scope-and-access-in-ruby-the-important-parts-dc2d146977b3) New and updated assessment Information: - New assessment RB185 and JS185 (https://launchschool.com/posts/fe4ef7eb) - Update to JS239 assessment (https://launchschool.com/posts/03acaa9b) Professional Git Seminar Post: - Professional Git Peer-Led Seminar (https://launchschool.com/posts/32e091b2) Daylight savings notice: - Daylight Savings Launch School Post (https://launchschool.com/posts/751c6507) Next Womens Meetup notice: - Women’s Group Meetup April 3rd 2022 Post (https://launchschool.com/posts/1b781274) If you have any questions about anything Launch School related whether its our prep course, Core Program, Capstone and beyond please fill out our form below and your question could be answered in our next episode! - Ask a Question Form (https://forms.gle/nrqvGgUjeaki3DcJ8)

In today's episode, our podcast hosts Chris, Callie, and Mandy share their end of the year reflections on Season 3, new updates on where Mandy and Callie are going, upcoming ideas for season 4, and ambitious goals for Launch School in the New Year and beyond. Chris, Callie, and Mandy wishes everyone a joyous and wonderful holiday season! You can listen from your favorite podcast app by searching for “Launch School”, or listen directly from your browser.

In today's episode, Callie chats with Launch School TA Pete about his journey to and through Launch School. He shares about his beloved cats we see glimpses of, what brought him to Launch School, and why he enjoys being a part of this community. He also sheds light on what makes a good Core student and talks about someone who made a lasting impact on his career. You can listen from your favorite podcast app by searching for “Launch School”, or listen directly from your browser.

In this Thanksgiving episode, Mandy talks to students who have been at Launch School for over a year. These students share what they are grateful for and how the community has helped them throughout their journey at Launch School. Special thanks to the stories shared by the wonderful students: Alfonso Gonzalez, Felicia Bacon, Charles Hartman, Anne Tiotuico, Natalie Thompson, Rona Hsu, and Austin Miller. You can listen from your favorite podcast app by searching for “Launch School”, or listen directly from your browser.

In today's episode, Callie chats with three Launch School students in three very different life stages. They share how they came to Launch School, what seemed to come easy to them, and what was harder. Without hearing one another's interviews, they paint similar pictures that are still unique. Whether you've been here awhile or have just joined the community, their stories will encourage you and help you see, a little clearer, the wonderful community you're a part of. You can listen from your favorite podcast app by searching for “Launch School”, or listen directly from your browser.

In today's episode, Callie chats with Launch School TA Srdjan as he shares his journey to and through Launch School. He generously shares about a wide range of experiences, from how his cats lovingly torture him to what scared him the most as a student/TA at Launch School. He shares lessons learned from being a student, and what he believes makes a genuinely good Capstone student (it's probably not what you think). There's also plenty of jokes and laughter — and who knew Srdjan could laugh ? You can listen from your favorite podcast app by searching for “Launch School”, or listen directly from your browser.

In today's episode, students from Women Who Code share what the group is, what the meet-ups are like, and how they've found a sense of belonging and community. These students talk about the importance of having a supportive community while going through the ups and downs of online learning at Launch School. They generously share their thoughts and experiences through their time spent in wwcode: Elizabeth talks about how and why wwcode started Dana and Bernardette share insights on what it's like hosting a meeting up Rachael and Stephanie share their experience attending a meet-up Gwen and Shay share how they have been helped by wwcode Leena and Carolina talk about how wwcode influenced them and memorable moments throughout the year You can listen from your favorite podcast app by searching for “Launch School”, or listen directly from your browser.

In this episode, siblings John and Adam Isom come chat about their journeys working together through Launch School. Adam had completed a different coding bootcamp and was in the midst of completing his CS degree when he switched to focus on Launch School. John walked away from a college scholarship to study CS to do Launch School. Why did they do that? How did it work out? Give this episode a listen to find out! In this conversation, we chatted about: * Attending college vs getting a job straight out of high school * A CS degree vs Launch School * Working and studying with your brother * The importance of a "default environment" * The SPOT community at Launch School * The awkwardness of a six-figure job hunt straight out of high school You can listen from your favorite podcast app by searching "Launch School", or directly on this page (see audio player above).

Today's episode is the first of a new series called Bytes: a collection of sound-bites from the Launch School community that answer a focused question. A question we've all asked at some point or another is why should I go to Launch School? Maybe you're past that point, or maybe you're still trying to figure it out. Either way, listen in to hear the voices of eleven different people from the Launch School community share their answers to that very question. There's also something new at the end that tells you how to help out with the podcast! So listen closely :) You can listen from your favorite podcast app by searching for “Launch School”, or listen directly from your browser.

Previously in Season 2, Chris talked with Gabe, Ben, and Arthur to share their story on how they, as a group, supported one another through the Core curriculum. That episode highlighted the importance of community and friendship. In this episode, Gabe, Ben, and Arthur are back with us to share more! They update us about their journey through Capstone, the job hunt, working as software engineers and meeting each other in person for the very first time. Gabe, Ben, and Arthur take us through their personal growth as individuals and as a group. They share amazing insights on imposter syndrome, building confidence, how conflicts help relationships grow, gratitude, freedom, fun, happiness, and ultimately lessons learned about friendship and teamwork. "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far go together." - Gabe