Summary
In this episode, I chat with former mechanic / software engineer / nuclear sub engineer Chris Shelton about how to slap as the new guy.
Summary
Earlier this summer, I sat down with Jim Studer, long-time GE technical leader and former CIO of Univision. Jim shared his experience in navigating previous waves of change in tech, and we attempt to map that experience onto this next wave of AI.
In this conversation, Rick and Ty explore the themes of burnout, the importance of sleep, and the nature of suffering in decision-making. They discuss the awakening to unhappiness and the search for fulfillment in simplicity.
Chapters
00:00 Life Insurance and Adult Responsibilities
04:50 The Role of Supportive Members in Teams
07:54 Understanding Happiness and Its Challenges
10:45 Preparation and Mindset in Dangerous Situations
13:53 Learning from Bear Encounters
16:07 The Nature of Happiness and Joy
19:01 The Physiological Aspects of Happiness
22:04 Autopilot and Conscious Choices in Life
25:00 Trust and Communication in Work Environments
28:09 The Impact of Leadership on Employee Morale
32:38 The Risks of Job Change
35:04 The Pursuit of Employee Happiness
37:43 Bringing Happiness to Work
39:13 Understanding Energy Levels at Work
43:01 The Athlete's Approach to Work
48:07 The Importance of Sleep
55:06 Navigating Suffering and Awareness
01:01:03 The Journey of Self-Acceptance
01:03:58 Finding Purpose Beyond Validation
01:07:05 The Impact of Work on Happiness
01:10:06 Balancing Income and Well-Being
01:12:59 The Pursuit of Happiness and Self-Discovery
01:16:00 The Reality of Entrepreneurship
01:19:04 Creating a Balanced Life
01:22:10 Understanding Inputs to Happiness
01:25:01 Physicality and Happiness
01:27:58 The Importance of Reflection
01:31:13 Finding Joy in Simplicity
Summary
In this conversation, Griffin and Rick explore various aspects of engineering practices, team dynamics, and the importance of building rapport within organizations. They discuss the challenges engineers face when organizational changes occur and how to maintain sanity and productivity.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Corporate Experiences
04:06 The Allure of ASMR and Machining Videos
07:14 The Art and Precision of Machining
10:45 Software vs. Metal: A Philosophical Comparison
14:44 The Evolution of Social Media and User Experience
24:43 The Dynamics of Dating Apps and User Choices
32:16 The Flaws of Social Media Dating
34:19 Understanding Happiness vs. Joy
39:06 The Impact of External Judgments
43:38 Navigating Workplace Dynamics
49:26 Strategies for a Healthy Work Environment
57:34 Evaluating Company Culture and Structure
01:02:23 Navigating Corporate Dynamics and Leadership Challenges
01:04:15 Finding Personal Mission and Career Alignment
01:06:20 The Importance of Job Fit and Personal Satisfaction
01:11:54 Empathy and Listening in Professional Relationships
01:16:02 The Power of Asking Questions and Providing Space
01:17:55 Serving Others and Finding Fulfillment
01:19:11 Evaluating Company Values and Positive Impact
01:23:05 Innovating Job Applications: A New Approach
01:29:05 The Future of Job Boards and Candidate Experience
Chris and Rick dig into the tensions of software development—from burnout and bad leadership to the "Pain Olympics" of who’s suffering most.
They contrast military vs. civilian mindsets, reflect on why fun matters, and unpack how ego, feedback, and mentorship shape growth. Chris shares lessons on handling pressure, staying joyful, and building teams where questions and humor are welcome.
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Fun in Software Development
02:42 The Impact of Leadership on Team Dynamics
05:24 Anxiety and Performance in the Workplace
08:12 Military vs. Civilian Work Mentality
11:22 The Crunch Time Dilemma
14:21 The Ramp-Up Period in Software Careers
17:17 The Pain Olympics in Work Culture
20:25 Navigating Team Dynamics and Leadership Challenges
23:23 The Consequences of Quitting in Military vs. Civilian Life
26:28 The Value of Experience and Mentorship in Software Development
39:41 Onboarding Strategies for Developers
48:17 Achieving Productivity in Software Development
55:07 Navigating Skill Levels and Mastery
01:00:33 Creating a Culture of Questioning
01:09:54 Maintaining Joy in Software Development
01:16:23 Navigating Employee Performance Conversations
01:17:31 Creating Joyful Work Environments
01:18:52 Team Dynamics: The Three Essential Roles
01:23:19 The Importance of Communication in Teams
01:28:10 Finding Balance in Team Meetings
01:33:04 Understanding Individual Happiness in Work
01:42:46 Advice for Engineers in Unfulfilling Jobs
Daniel has worked at the same tech company for an entire decade and has simultaneously found stability and joy through his family and hobbies.
In this conversation, Rick and Daniel explore the intersection of software development and personal well-being. Daniel shares his journey into software, emphasizing the importance of behavioral aspects over technical skills. They discuss the significance of creating a trusting team environment, balancing technical debt, and maintaining personal well-being as a developer.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
02:37 The Journey into Software Development
05:31 The Intersection of Art and Code
08:14 Learning and Growth in Programming
11:08 The Importance of Team Dynamics
13:21 Behavioral Insights in Software Development
16:10 Creating a Culture of Trust
19:14 Navigating Technical Challenges
22:10 The Balance of Work and Team Morale
25:00 Reflections on Team Culture and Learning
33:39 The Culture of Collaboration
35:47 Deep Conversations and Learning
40:29 Impactful Contributions in Software Development
51:59 Balancing Work and Family Life
58:54 Advice for Engineers Feeling Stuck
01:04:37 Building Trust and Collaboration in Teams
In this episode we focus on the joy of creating, the entrepreneurial spirit, and the balance between passion, pragmatism, self-care and standing on principles. Zack takes us on a tour of how he got started getting paid for code in 8th grade and how he's developed his creative spark in the meantime.
The Cutty Cap Challenge (May 31, 2025)
https://ridewithgps.com/news/11129-a-cutty-cap-challenge-like-never-before
Ride with GPS
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Software Development Journey
05:59 Early Experiences and Entrepreneurial Spirit
11:40 The Joy of Creating and Building Community
17:19 Transitioning to Professional Software Development
22:11 Balancing Passion and Pragmatism in Software
27:09 Navigating Tensions in Business Decisions
38:23 Navigating Job Dissatisfaction
42:13 Finding Joy in the Grind
46:44 Coping Mechanisms for Low Periods
50:00 The Importance of Basic Self-Care
56:33 Balancing Passion Projects and Responsibilities
01:01:19 Innovative Game Development and Community Engagement
