Spilling the ITea

Spilling The ITea

Welcome to Spilling the ITea, a podcast where we, Agnés, Maria and Emma, debug our experiences as women in tech and IT, specifically in Computer Science and Software Engineering. We will be discussing several topics related to what we have seen and gone through in this male-dominated world. Hope you stick around!

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20 episodes
Avg 28 min
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May 5 · 26 min
inside the industry: digital certificates
We’re continuing our “inside the industry” series, and this time we sit down with Maria to explore the world of cybersecurity and digital identity. She works as a software engineer at a company focused on digital certificates, secure authentication, and protecting sensitive data, giving us a front-row view into how security is built into modern software. Maria walks us through what her role actually looks like day to day, from working in agile teams and shipping frequent updates to collaborating with support and customer success. We dig into how products go from idea to deployment, how teams ensure changes are safe and correct, and what happens when things go wrong, like the real impact of a cloud failure. If you’re curious about what it takes to build and maintain secure systems at scale, and how much responsibility comes with it—this one’s for you. Grab a coffee and join us.
March 18 · 32 min
inside the industry: AI software engineering
After a long gap between recordings, the three of us are finally back together. We’re back with our “inside the industry” series, where we take a closer look at our jobs. This time, it’s Emma’s turn, exploring what it really looks like to build and deploy AI inside a large company. She walks us through the day-to-day of being an AI engineer, how AI is actually used in a real business, and what “AI” truly means in practice. We also demystify GenAI, touch on the outsized impact of small changes at scale, and explore how companies think about and invest in AI. We wrap up with careers, including the skills that matter most and whether a formal background is necessary, along with ethics and some of the most common misconceptions about AI. If you’ve ever wondered what working in AI looks like beyond the headlines, this one’s for you. Grab a coffee and join us.
February 13 · 27 min
inside the industry: software engineering in retail
In today’s episode, we dive into the world of software engineering in the retail sector. While we often work across different industries, this time we focus on what makes retail unique from a technology perspective. We explore the scale of change in retail tech, so how a single software update can impact thousands of customers, influence significant revenue streams, and require major coordination across engineering, operations, and business teams. How does the size of the company affect the tech resources available? We also unpack the sector’s biggest challenges. How do economic crises and market shifts affect retail technology decisions? What role does the supply chain play, and how tightly is it integrated with digital systems? Finally, we highlight the benefits of working in retail tech, along with the critical security considerations that come with handling payment systems, customer data, and high-traffic platforms.And as always, we share this from our perspective as three young women building our careers in tech. If you’re just starting out, wondering where you might fit, or feeling unsure about stepping into engineering, this episode is for you. We keep it honest, relatable, and practical, so you can see that there’s space for you here too. Let’s grow, learn, and navigate this journey together 💜
S2 · E7
January 20 · 30 min
life in screens: toxic relations with our devices
How connected are we really in a world that’s always online? In this episode, we reflect on screen time, digital dependency, and how smartphones are changing the way we think, socialize, and experience boredom. We also dig into the ethics of attention-based platforms, questioning how consciously these technologies are designed to keep us scrolling - and what responsibility that creates.
Dec 18, 2025 · 43 min
gap years and different journeys as a software engineer - with Manuel Navid
In this episode, we sit down with Manuel Navid to trace his journey into computer science and how curiosity, not a rigid plan, led him there. He shares why he chose to take a gap semester, how side projects shaped his confidence and mindset, and why that pause helped him return to university more motivated. Manuel reflects on international experiences through UNITECH, living in Sweden, and working in Germany while writing his bachelor’s thesis. We talk about life after uni, landing a software engineering role in Barcelona, and growing without burning out.
Nov 18, 2025 · 22 min
historical women in STEM: Hedy Lamarr
Welcome back to our series on historical women in STEM. This time let's unravel the Hollywood starlet by day, and secret inventor by night: Hedy Lamarr. We chat about her wild double life, her genius ideas, the struggles she faced as a woman in tech before tech was even a thing, and how she dealt with being underestimated just for looking “too pretty.” We’ll dig into the impact she had on wireless tech (with just enough technical detail to keep it clear and digestible), all while the world was too distracted by her looks to notice what she was really doing.
S2 · E1
Oct 26, 2025 · 31 min
working at an AI startup - with Carlos Sansón
In this new episode, we chat with our friend (Carlos) Sansón, a software/product engineer at a Barcelona AI startup, about what life in a startup is really like — from constant pivots and fast decisions to open-source culture and building new features. Plus, how he found his path in computer science and the advice he’d give his younger self.
S2 · E3
Oct 13, 2025 · 29 min
from uni to our first 9-5 job
In this episode, we dive into the journey of landing that first full-time job after studying. We’ll share how we balanced working while studying, from part-time jobs and thesis projects to finding internships that actually made a difference. We’ll discuss how those early experiences shaped our career choices, built confidence, and helped (or didn’t help) when applying for full-time positions. We’ll also dive into what it felt like to enter the professional world for the first time — the hiring process, the shift in workload and expectations, and the surprises that came with finally starting a “real” job.
S2 · E2
Sep 22, 2025 · 23 min
does computer science still matter in 2025?
In this episode, we dive into the tech industry — and especially the world of software engineering. We’ll share our thoughts on the current state of the field: the impact of COVID, layoffs, hiring freezes, and the real numbers behind the headlines. We’ll talk about how innovation and AI are reshaping the industry, the evolution of software projects, and the constant challenge of staying up to date with the latest technologies. And of course, we’ll tackle the big question: would we still recommend studying software engineering to those considering it today? Join us for an honest look at the new era of tech.
S2 · E1
Jul 6, 2025 · 29 min
we're back! team dynamics, AI and too many meetings
We’re back! After a little break, we catch up on what’s new in our tech careers — from navigating fast-paced environments and shifting roles to diving into AI, product ownership, and team dynamics. We also chat about the never-ending meetings, performance reviews, and what it really feels like growing in a tech company. A chill, honest conversation to kick off the next season :)
Mar 23, 2025 · 27 min
code, coffee, and clocking out: work-life balance in tech
In this episode, we meet again to dive into the challenges of managing our daily time as full-time software engineers while striving for work-life balance. We discuss the struggle of balancing responsibilities when time feels scarce and how we set a personalized working style, distribute energy, manage vacation days, and much more. We also tackle the bigger picture: is work-life balance a personal responsibility, or should companies ensure it? How do different country cultures shape the expectations around it? <3 Grab some coffee and tune in as we share practical tips, personal experiences, and strategies to create a sustainable work-life balance in the fast-paced tech world.
S1 · E23
Mar 2, 2025 · 28 min
flat vs hierarchical structures in tech: spain, netherlands, scandinavia
We're back!!! In this episode, we dive into how business hierarchy shapes software development teams across different European cultures. From flat structures in Nordic countries to more hierarchical setups in Southern and Central Europe, we compare how decisions are made, responsibilities are divided, and communication flows in various work environments. Tune in to explore how different workplace structures influence innovation, accountability, and collaboration in tech.
Dec 23, 2024 · 29 min
staying on track in computer science: build skills, confidence and catch up without falling behind
In this episode, we get real about the challenges of pursuing a computer engineering degree. We start by addressing the tough reality—this career path is demanding and sometimes frustrating. But don’t worry—we’re here to help! We share actionable tips to survive and thrive in university. From focusing on areas you’re passionate about to developing personal projects, we discuss ways to keep learning exciting and engaging. We also emphasize the value of collaborative learning, leveraging platforms like YouTube for extra support, and gaining hands-on experience through internships. Whether you’re feeling behind or just want to level up your skills, this episode is packed with advice from our own experiences to help you stay motivated, productive, and prepared for the tech world ahead.
Dec 1, 2024 · 25 min
why diversity and soft skills matter: driving success in a tech team
This episode delves into the role diversity plays in tech teams, exploring how some companies do or do not prioritize it. Sharing insights from our experiences as software engineers, we examine the growing significance of soft skills in the tech industry, both now and in shaping the future. Listen in as we discuss the value of diversity and the soft skills that truly matter in creating successful tech teams.
Nov 11, 2024 · 28 min
finding work-life balance in software engineering
Welcome to today’s episode, where we dive into our daily lives as software engineers as we navigate balancing work and personal life in the fast-paced world of tech. From how we structure our workdays and adapt to flexible routines and cross-time-zone communication. We’ll discuss about the role European work policies play in helping us recharge, as well as the hobbies, rituals, and social time we rely on to stay grounded. We'll share insights on how we handle stress, the changes we’ve made over our careers, and the influence of our cultural backgrounds on our work-life balance approach.
Oct 27, 2024 · 24 min
what every junior software engineer needs to know
In this episode, we discuss the journey of landing your first job as a junior software engineer, covering everything from networking strategies to key qualities to look for in a company. We dive into tips for finding the right role, building meaningful connections, balancing salary with learning opportunities, and understanding that your first job is often just the start of your evolving career in tech. Tune in to learn how to make the most of your early steps in software development.
Oct 7, 2024 · 21 min
historical women in STEM: Maria Skłodowska-Curie
In this episode, we’re diving deep into the remarkable life and legacy of Marie Curie, a true pioneer in the world of science. After being inspired by our recent trip to Warsaw, where Curie was born, we couldn’t wait to explore the incredible journey of this groundbreaking physicist and chemist. Join us as we delve into her background, scientific achievements, and the immense challenges she overcame, both as a researcher and a woman in a male-dominated field. From winning two Nobel Prizes to redefining what’s possible for women in STEM, Marie Curie's story is one of perseverance, brilliance, and groundbreaking discoveries. Don’t miss this fascinating and engaging conversation as we celebrate Curie's legacy. This episode is an absolute must-listen for anyone passionate about science, history, or the fight for gender equality. Tune in!
Sep 23, 2024 · 33 min
studying in Europe: which country is best for you? (spain, denmark, germany, NL, sweden)
In this episode, the three of us dive into our personal experiences studying in countries like Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark. We’ll explore what studying in Spain is really like and compare it to the other destinations we chose. How are study programs structured across these countries? Are there noticeable differences in academic levels? What’s student life like, and is there a strong international community? Grab a coffee and join us for an engaging conversation on what it's really like to study in Europe!
S1 · E16
Sep 8, 2024 · 27 min
we're not really strangers spanish edition: volveríamos a estudiar informática?
Welcome back to another episode, but this time we bring you a special edition in SPANISH! In this episode, we play our favourite game "We're Not Really Strangers", where we basically ask each other questions engaging in interesting conversations about studying computer science and other things. --- En esta edición especial del podcast, jugamos a nuestro juego favorito "We're Not Really Strangers" versión STIT, donde nos hacemos preguntas iniciando conversaciones interesantes sobre nuestra experiencia estudiando ingeniería informática y otras cosas. --- We'll be back soon with a normal episode in english <3
Aug 25, 2024 · 28 min
learn computer science and thrive, not just survive
In this episode, we reflect on the memories from our uni days, focusing on how we organized our time and what we learned along the way. We also explore how long a computer science degree should ideally take and whether it's worth extending or condensing the timeline. We then dive into effective study techniques that helped us stay on top of our coursework and discuss the value of maintaining a social life and friend groups for balance. Finally, we talk about how to choose the right specialization after graduation, offering insights on making a decision. Join us and discover how to thrive in your computer science journey, with tips, stories, and inspiration! <3

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