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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping software engineering and the career paths of developers. They discuss the emerging “AI boost” for experienced engineers versus the “AI slowdown” that can hinder those early in their careers, emphasizing the need for companies to create structured learning environments rather than rely solely on AI-driven productivity. The conversation dives into mentorship, apprenticeship models, and how senior engineers must evolve into teachers to ensure vital knowledge transfer. Together, Scott and Mark challenge the industry to rethink how it trains, supports, and measures success for the next generation of software professionals.
Takeaways:
Who are they?
View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn
View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn
Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube
Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
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In this episode, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich dive deep into the promises and pitfalls of AI-assisted coding. They debate whether large language models can truly handle complex software projects, discuss the limitations of current AI systems in areas like synchronization, and explore the difference between human learning and machine pattern-matching. Along the way, they touch on the dangers of over-anthropomorphizing AI, the rise of “thinking tokens” in new models, and the impact these tools may have on junior developers learning the craft.
Takeaways:
Who are they?
View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn
View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn
Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube
Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich dive into the realities of career progression at Microsoft and in tech more broadly. They discuss the different paths engineers can take, whether through management, deep technical expertise, or individual innovation and the role that scope, impact, and even luck plays in promotions. Along the way, they reflect on the challenges of leveling, the importance of communication, and the balance between recognition, influence, and personal fulfillment in a long-term career.
Takeaways:
Who are they?
View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn
View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn
Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube
Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
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In this episode, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich dive into the technical side of modern AI research and development workflows. They discuss the power of remote development with VS Code, building custom chatbot tools for jailbreak testing, and exploring token probabilities with log probes. Mark also shares how he leveraged AI to generate a working UX in one shot, why temperature settings matter for model outputs, and his plans to open source his custom chatbot client.
Takeaways:
Who are they?
View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn
View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn
Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube
Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich explore the challenges and opportunities of coding with AI assistants. They compare different models, discuss the quirks of “vibe coding,” and share insights on building tools that bridge LLMs and APIs. Mark walks through his experience developing an academic reference checker, highlighting how AI can help structure messy data, uncover edge cases, and speed up complex development work. The conversation also touches on the evolving joy of coding, from puzzle-solving by hand to managing AI-driven workflows, and how these shifts are reshaping both productivity and creativity.
Takeaways:
Who are they?
View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn
View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn
Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube
Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
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In this episode, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich share strategies for conducting more effective and purposeful one-on-one meetings. They emphasize the value of tailoring the approach to each individual, encouraging agenda-setting in advance, and prioritizing critical topics to ensure they are addressed. The discussion covers best practices for providing and receiving constructive feedback, maintaining visibility across teams, and striking a balance between trust and accountability. They also address the importance of recognizing contributions, differentiating between credit and “lift,” and using one-on-ones to proactively identify and remove obstacles.
Takeaways:
Who are they?
View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn
View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn
Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube
Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
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In this episode of Scott and Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich explore vibe coding with AI, testing how Copilot Agent Mode can analyze their transcripts to see who talks more on the show. They discuss coding with AI as a collaborative sculpting process, debate crediting AI for its contributions, and reflect on the human judgment still needed for prompting and refining outputs. Along the way, they generate graphs, poke fun at each other’s talk time, and share insights on how AI is changing coding and creative work.
Takeaways:
Who are they?
View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn
View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn
Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube
Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Scott and Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich discuss innovative tools they built with AI assistance: Mark’s smart directory navigation tool that streamlines moving through nested folders by typing partial names, and Scott’s study website that transforms complex topics into structured, digestible material with AI-generated answers and progress tracking. They explore the challenges of AI “hallucination,” where models invent detailed but fictional information, and share insights on computer science history, including Leslie Lamport’s contributions. Their conversation also touches on evolving UI design trends from minimalist styles to flashy effects like “liquid glass” and debates the balance between aesthetics, usability, and energy efficiency in modern technology.
Takeaways:
Who are they?
View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn
View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn
Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube
Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Scott and Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich Scott shares the behind-the-scenes stress and preparation that went into his recent TEDx talk, which required memorizing a 12-minute script and performing it without a teleprompter. Mark Russinovich opens up about how he experiences stress when his schedule gets out of control, and both hosts discuss the importance of mindfulness, exercise, having work besties, and managing social energy. The episode is packed with practical tips, vulnerable moments, and reflections on what it really takes to perform at a high level, whether it’s on stage, at work, or in life.
Takeaways:
Who are they?
View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn
View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn
Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube
Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Scott and Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich dive deep into the topic of self-promotion, visibility, and personal branding. They explore the blurry lines between promoting your work, representing your company, and building a personal brand—whether intentional or not. With humor, honesty, and vulnerability, they reflect on online criticism, handling stress, and the challenge of staying authentic while being visible.
Takeaways:
Who are they?
View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn
View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn
Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube
Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Scott and Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich dive into the chaotic world of large language models, hallucinations, and grounded AI. Through hilarious personal stories, they explore the difference between jailbreaks, induced hallucinations, and factual grounding in AI systems. With live prompts and screen shares, they test the limits of AI's reasoning and reflect on the evolving challenges of trust, creativity, and accuracy in today's tools.
Takeaways:
Who are they?
View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn
View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn
Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube
Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Scott and Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich dive into the emotional complexity of receiving feedback—especially when it’s tough to hear. They explore the difference between constructive critique and personal opinion, the impact of timing and context, and how motivation behind feedback can shape how it's received. Sharing real stories about presentation flops, speaker coaching, and surprising reactions to their ideas, they reflect on how experience builds resilience and why it’s important to hold onto your convictions while staying open to growth. They also touch on the balance between instinct and data in decision-making, the subtle politics of corporate resistance, and even the fine art of surviving massive Zoom meetings with 81 attendees. It’s an honest, funny, and thoughtful conversation about learning, evolving, and breathing through it all.
Takeaways:
Who are they?
View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn
View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn
Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube
Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
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In this episode of Scott & Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich discuss using AI to build a fractal shader in just 15 minutes—something that would normally take hours of manual coding. They explore the challenges and limitations of AI in real-world projects, particularly with large, complex codebases. The conversation covers the importance of understanding licensing and tools like GitHub Copilot for sourcing and attributing code. Mark shares his experiences with AI-assisted coding, particularly the frustrations of models that "fix" issues but miss the mark. They highlight how AI struggles with complex projects, maintaining state, and adapting to evolving requirements. Ultimately, they agree that while AI can assist with certain tasks, human expertise is essential for ensuring the right context and specification in development.
Takeaways:
Who are they?
View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn
View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn
Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube
Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Download the Transcript
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In this episode of Scott and Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich dive into a lively mix of tech nostalgia, AI-driven code attribution, and shader programming mishaps. Scott introduces "ShaderGlass," an app that overlays CRT-style shaders on windows, leading to a chaotic live troubleshooting session when it renders invisibly. They also explore AI-assisted code attribution, joke about their legendary Zoomit skills, and poke fun at "vibe coding" among younger developers.
Takeaways:
Who are they?
View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn
View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn
Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube
Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Scott and Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich discuss their favorite technical conference, TechReady, an internal Microsoft event that allowed for unfiltered discussions about strategy and future technologies. They reflect on how speaking candidly in internal settings can influence public communication and decision-making. Mark recalls his bold stance on Rust over C++, which gained traction internally and externally, leading to direct discussions with Microsoft leadership. They also touch on the challenges of public communication as Microsoft executives, the company's relatively open culture compared to other tech giants, and lessons learned from past social media missteps.
Who are they?
View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn
View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn
Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube
Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Scott and Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich dive into the art of building reputations throughout the careers. Scott shares a story about directly messaging a distinguished engineer with a technical question, sparking a discussion about when it's appropriate to contact someone you don't know. Mark acknowledges that his title and reputation give him confidence to reach out to others but emphasizes not bothering people with "randomness." They explore when it's okay to say no, why thoughtful questions build influence, and how legendary computer scientist Donald Knuth turned bug reports into prized autographs. Mark shares his approach to unread messages, while Scott reveals his trick for turning good questions into content. Plus, a candid discussion on imposter syndrome—when even the most accomplished minds feel out of their depth.
Takeaways:
Who are they?
View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn
View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn
Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube
Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Scott and Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich dive into the concept of systems thinking—what it means, why it matters, and how it applies beyond just coding. Scott recalls an insightful conversation with a colleague, who argues that while younger generations are taught to code, they aren’t taught to understand the larger systems in which code operates. They discussed how systems thinking approach contrasts with traditional code practices. They also explored the challenges of integrating AI into coding, the limitations of AI-generated code, the necessity of understanding the broader system in which code operates and debated the balance between deep analysis and decisive action.
Takeaways:
Who are they?
View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn
View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn
Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube
Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Scott & Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich dive into the history and evolution of ZoomIt, a popular screen annotation and zooming tool Mark created over 25 years ago. Originally built to enhance technical demos, ZoomIt has become an essential utility for countless users, including Scott, who calls it second nature. Mark shares how the tool's intuitive, keystroke-driven design surpasses alternatives like Windows Magnifier, making it a favorite for presentations and daily use.
You can download Zoomit for free here: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/zoomit
And it is now part of PowerToys toolkit: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/zoomit
Takeaways:
Who are they?
View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn
View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn
Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube
Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Scott & Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich dive into the art of giving technical talks. With Scott preparing for a keynote abroad and Mark gearing up for an internal presentation, the duo reflects on their journeys as speakers, from their very first presentations to commanding stages with thousands of attendees. They discuss how preparation evolves with experience, balancing off-the-cuff speaking with intensive demo prep. From brown bag sessions to high-stakes keynotes, and even Scott’s upcoming TEDx talk, they explore how stakes and familiarity shape their approach to crafting impactful presentations.
Takeaways:
Useful Links:
Scott’s the Art of Speaking Class on Pluralsight: https://www.pluralsight.com/courses/hanselman-speaking
Public speaking episodes from on-Net:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/shows/on-dotnet/public-speaking-scott-hanselman-kendra-havens-maria-naggaga-nakanwagi-kasey-uhlenhuth-donov
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/shows/on-dotnet/tips-on-public-speaking-from-andres-phil-scott-and-cecil
Who are they?
View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn
View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn
Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube
Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Scott & Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich explore the evolution of cloud computing, tracing its roots from the early days of Azure to its transformation into a powerful, flexible platform. Mark explains the shift from "pets" (individual servers) to "cattle" (easily replaceable servers) as cloud infrastructure became more scalable and cost-efficient. They discuss the challenges of scaling websites, from physical data centers to cloud-based solutions, and the economic and technical factors that led to the rise of multi-tenancy and on-demand services. The episode also highlights Azure’s adoption of Linux and the broader embrace of open-source technologies, marking a key shift in Microsoft’s cloud strategy. The conversation reflects on how modern cloud services abstract away complex infrastructure management, much like the simplification seen in programming languages with garbage collection.
Takeaways:
Resources:
Who are they?
View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn
View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn
Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube
Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.