Think Big Code Small

Your view into the complex world of technology

Step into the digital future with Think Big and Code Small, your essential tech podcast hosted by Dan Horton and Chris Westerhold. As seasoned technologists with a passion for innovation, Dan and Chris invite you to join their journey through the pulsating heart of technology. Experience the fusion of profound discussions and playful banter as our hosts demystify complex tech concepts, highlight cutting-edge trends, and engage with industry pioneers for unparalleled insights. Think Big and Code Small is more than a channel —it's a gateway for tech aficionados, experienced professionals, and the tech-curious to explore the dynamic tech landscape. Dive into the essence of tech leadership, the intricacies of implementation, and the latest in technology news. Look forward to captivating segments, enlightening interviews with guest experts, and deep dives into the most pressing tech topics of today. Elevate your knowledge, challenge your viewpoints, and savor a tech journey filled with discoveries and enjoyment. Subscribe to Think Big and Code Small to navigate the evolving world of technology with Dan and Chris.

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20 episodes
Updated Feb 20, 2025

Episodes20

Newest first

Feb 20, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
EP53 - Lets talk AI
Have feedback or want to request a topic? We would love to hear from you! Send us an email at thinkbigcodesmall@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe to us on our YouTube channel Get full access to Think Big Code Small at www.thinkbigcodesmall.io/subscribe
Jan 29, 2025 · 53 min
Ep52 - 2025 Kickoff and Predictions
Welcome Back! Its been a while but we are finally back at it and are ready to kick off the new year! We talk about our recent struggles along with some predictions for 2025. Have feedback or want to request a topic? We would love to hear from you! Send us an email at thinkbigcodesmall@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe to us on our new YouTube channel Follow us on socials Instagram - TikTok - X Get full access to Think Big Code Small at www.thinkbigcodesmall.io/subscribe
Sep 26, 2024 · 47 min
EP51 - Balancing Cost, Speed, and Quality
This week, we will continue to focus on efficiency. We will explore the concept of the development triangle, which involves balancing speed, quality, and cost. Go through the importance of finding the right equilibrium to avoid poor quality and excessive technical debt. Finally, we discuss the importance of making informed decisions and consistently striving for improvement. Join us for another great episode of Think Big Code Small Wanting to learn how to code or improve your coding skills? We have a deal with CodeCrafters to save you 40% off their service. With CodeCrafters you get to learn by writing real complex software. Recreate Redis, Git, Docker — with your own hands. Gain expert-level confidence by taking action anddiving deep, learning from the world's best. Get your savings here! Have feedback or want to request a topic? We would love to hear from you! Send us an email at thinkbigcodesmall@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe to us on our new YouTube channel Follow us on socials Instagram - TikTok - X Get full access to Think Big Code Small at www.thinkbigcodesmall.io/subscribe
Sep 16, 2024 · 1 hr 1 min
EP50 - Efficiency - Balancing speed, quality, and tech debt
We've been constantly seeking the next big thing in software development, always chasing innovation. However, despite our efforts, we seem to keep facing the same old challenges. Recently, Chris and I came across an article by Ray Carnes on Medium, where he mentioned not having seen a new software development problem in 30 years. This got us thinking - why does this cycle continue, and more importantly, how can we break free from it at last? Wanting to learn how to code or improve your coding skills? We have a deal with CodeCrafters to save you 40% off their service. With CodeCrafters you get to learn by writing real complex software. Recreate Redis, Git, Docker — with your own hands. Gain expert-level confidence by taking action anddiving deep, learning from the world's best. Get your savings here! Have feedback or want to request a topic? We would love to hear from you! Send us an email at thinkbigcodesmall@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe to us on our new YouTube channel Follow us on socials Instagram - TikTok - X Get full access to Think Big Code Small at www.thinkbigcodesmall.io/subscribe
Aug 20, 2024 · 56 min
EP49 - Are there really any new software engineering problems?
For decades, we've been riding the wave of innovation, chasing the next big tool, the next breakthrough in software development. And yet, here we are, still grappling with the same age old challenges. Chris and I came across an article from Ray Carnes on Medium. He titled it, I haven't seen a new software development problem in 30 years. And he's not wrong. It caused us to stop in our tracks and have a thought. And we wanted to share that with you. But the question is, why does this cycle persist? More importantly, how do we finally break free from it? Article Link - https://medium.com/illumination/i-havent-seen-a-new-software-development-problem-in-thirty-years-e9bddfe73838 Wanting to learn how to code or improve your coding skills? We have a deal with CodeCrafters to save you 40% off their service. With CodeCrafters you get to learn by writing real complex software. Recreate Redis, Git, Docker — with your own hands. Gain expert-level confidence by taking action anddiving deep, learning from the world's best. Get your savings here! Have feedback or want to request a topic? We would love to hear from you! Send us an email at thinkbigcodesmall@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe to us on our new YouTube channel Follow us on socials Instagram - TikTok - X Get full access to Think Big Code Small at www.thinkbigcodesmall.io/subscribe
Aug 1, 2024 · 1 hr 11 min
EP48 - Communication, Pairing, and Building the Right Culture in the Remote World
On this episode, we're diving deep into the unique challenges and opportunities of managing engineering teams in a remote work environment. Chris had the opportunity to interview Eli Goodman, the head of product at Tuple. Together, they share their insights, experiences, and a wealth of knowledge on the nuances of remote work, emphasizing the value of pairing and the strategic use of tools to foster collaboration and overall success for the team. About Tuple Tuple is remote pair programming app for macOS and Windows, designed to make you feel like you're collaborating in person. It’s got loads of developer-specific touches you just don’t see with generic screen sharing tools. If you are interested in learning more, check them out at their website, here. Wanting to learn how to code or improve your coding skills? We have a deal with CodeCrafters to save you 40% off their service. With CodeCrafters you get to learn by writing real complex software. Recreate Redis, Git, Docker — with your own hands. Gain expert-level confidence by taking action anddiving deep, learning from the world's best. Get your savings here! Have feedback or want to request a topic? We would love to hear from you! Send us an email at thinkbigcodesmall@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe to us on our new YouTube channel Follow us on socials Instagram - TikTok - X Get full access to Think Big Code Small at www.thinkbigcodesmall.io/subscribe
Jul 26, 2024 · 1 hr 17 min
EP 47 - Being Agile vs Doing Agile
Today, we're diving into a topic that resonates with many of us in software development: the distinction between being agile and doing agile. Our conversation explores a fundamental difference between these two concepts. We uncover why simply doing agile or following the methodologies and things like holding meetings and doing ceremonies often fall short. Wanting to learn how to code or improve your coding skills? We have a deal with CodeCrafters to save you 40% off their service. With CodeCrafters you get to learn by writing real complex software. Recreate Redis, Git, Docker — with your own hands. Gain expert-level confidence by taking action anddiving deep, learning from the world's best. Get your savings here! Have feedback or want to request a topic? We would love to hear from you! Send us an email at thinkbigcodesmall@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe to us on our new YouTube channel Follow us on socials Instagram - TikTok - X Get full access to Think Big Code Small at www.thinkbigcodesmall.io/subscribe
Jul 18, 2024 · 1 hr 6 min
EP46 - Why Developer Experience
Welcome to this week's podcast, where we delve into the critical aspects of enhancing developer experience. Imagine eliminating slow build times, navigating through well-documented processes, and experiencing streamlined onboarding. Prioritizing developer experience isn't just beneficial; it's essential in today's market. We explore the importance of understanding developers' challenges to boost productivity, reduce tech debt, and spark innovation. Time is a precious commodity in software development, and prioritizing it will make a difference. We explore the balance between developer autonomy and the necessary boundaries to maintain that order. Simplicity and clarity in the process and tools are critical in maintaining high productivity. Moreover, we'll examine why focusing on outcomes over processes is critical and how measuring the right metrics can lead to significant improvements. Join us as we uncover strategies to enhance the developer's experience, drive better outcomes, and transform how you build software. Wanting to learn how to code or improve your coding skills? We have a deal with CodeCrafters to save you 40% off their service. With CodeCrafters you get to learn by writing real complex software. Recreate Redis, Git, Docker — with your own hands. Gain expert-level confidence by taking action anddiving deep, learning from the world's best. Get your savings here! Have feedback or want to request a topic? We would love to hear from you! Send us an email at thinkbigcodesmall@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe to us on our new YouTube channel Follow us on socials Instagram - TikTok - X Get full access to Think Big Code Small at www.thinkbigcodesmall.io/subscribe
Jul 9, 2024 · 1 hr 3 min
EP45 - The art vs the science of leadership and project delivery
Welcome to another episode, in which Chris and I dive deep into the difference between the science of project delivery and the art of project leadership. Over 70% of technology projects fail to achieve their goals. So, the question is, what does it take to steer a multi-year project or initiative to success? Wanting to learn how to code or improve your coding skills? We have a deal with CodeCrafters to save you 40% off their service. With CodeCrafters you get to learn by writing real complex software. Recreate Redis, Git, Docker — with your own hands. Gain expert-level confidence by taking action anddiving deep, learning from the world's best. Get your savings here! Have feedback or want to request a topic? We would love to hear from you! Send us an email at podcast@thinkbigcodesmall.co Don’t forget to subscribe to us on our new YouTube channel Follow us on socials Instagram - TikTok - X Get full access to Think Big Code Small at www.thinkbigcodesmall.io/subscribe
Jun 27, 2024 · 50 min
EP44 - Interview with Ashley at Aptible
Wanting to learn how to code or improve your coding skills? We have a deal with CodeCrafters to save you 40% off their service. With CodeCrafters you get to learn by writing real complex software. Recreate Redis, Git, Docker — with your own hands. Gain expert-level confidence by taking action anddiving deep, learning from the world's best. Get your savings here! Have feedback or want to request a topic? We would love to hear from you! Send us an email at podcast@thinkbigcodesmall.co Don’t forget to subscribe to us on our new YouTube channel Follow us on socials Instagram - TikTok - X Get full access to Think Big Code Small at www.thinkbigcodesmall.io/subscribe
Jun 5, 2024 · 1 hr 2 min
EP43 - Is product architecture taking over for enterprise architecture?
Wanting to learn how to code or improve your coding skills? We have a deal with CodeCrafters to save you 40% off their service. With CodeCrafters you get to learn by writing real complex software. Recreate Redis, Git, Docker — with your own hands. Gain expert-level confidence by taking action anddiving deep, learning from the world's best. Get your savings here! Have feedback or want to request a topic? We would love to hear from you! Send us an email at podcast@thinkbigcodesmall.co Don’t forget to subscribe to us on our new YouTube channel Follow us on socials Instagram - TikTok - X Get full access to Think Big Code Small at www.thinkbigcodesmall.io/subscribe
May 23, 2024 · 1 hr 3 min
EP 42 - Organization choices and its impact on engineering effectiveness - Deep Dive
In this episode Dan and Chris take a deeper dive into one of our articles, “The significance of organizational decisions on engineering efficiency”. We dive deeper into more examples, discuss organizational change, and how developer seem to be left holding the bag when it comes to productivity. Join us for another great episode! Wanting to learn how to code or improve your coding skills? We have a deal with CodeCrafters to save you 40% off their service. With CodeCrafters you get to learn by writing real complex software. Recreate Redis, Git, Docker — with your own hands. Gain expert-level confidence by taking action anddiving deep, learning from the world's best. Get your savings here! Have feedback or want to request a topic? We would love to hear from you! Send us an email at podcast@thinkbigcodesmall.co Don’t forget to subscribe to us on our new YouTube channel Follow us on socials Instagram - TikTok - X Get full access to Think Big Code Small at www.thinkbigcodesmall.io/subscribe
May 1, 2024 · 52 min
EP 41 - An Interview with Zohar Einy - CEO and Co-founder of Port
Join us as we sit down with the CEO and co-founder of Port, a low/no code developer portal solution. We talk about all things developer portals, how the market was started, problems that we see people struggle with, and where we think the market is headed. Join us for this interesting look into the developer portal market with the great people over at Port. Wanting to learn how to code or improve your coding skills? We have a deal with CodeCrafters to save you 40% off their service. With CodeCrafters you get to learn by writing real complex software. Recreate Redis, Git, Docker — with your own hands. Gain expert-level confidence by taking action anddiving deep, learning from the world's best. Get your savings here! Have feedback or want to request a topic? We would love to hear from you! Send us an email at podcast@thinkbigcodesmall.co Don’t forget to subscribe to us on our new YouTube channel Follow us on socials Instagram - TikTok - X Check out our great merch! Get full access to Think Big Code Small at www.thinkbigcodesmall.io/subscribe
Apr 23, 2024 · 57 min
EP40 - The power of platforms
Platforms seem to be everywhere these days but why are they so powerful and what do people get so wrong with them? Join Dan and Chris in a conversation around a platform mindset and how to best leverage this way of thinking. Wanting to learn how to code or improve your coding skills? We have a deal with CodeCrafters to save you 40% off their service. With CodeCrafters you get to learn by writing real complex software. Recreate Redis, Git, Docker — with your own hands. Gain expert-level confidence by taking action anddiving deep, learning from the world's best. Get your savings here! Have feedback or want to request a topic? We would love to hear from you! Send us an email at podcast@thinkbigcodesmall.co Don’t forget to subscribe to us on our new YouTube channel Follow us on socials Instagram - TikTok - X Check out our great merch! Get full access to Think Big Code Small at www.thinkbigcodesmall.io/subscribe
Apr 9, 2024 · 1 hr 35 min
EP 39 - Deep Work and your Environment
Imagine a state where you are completely absorbed in your task, pushing your skills to the limit, yet feeling totally in control and exhilarated. That's the power of deep work and flow state. And how often do you actually feel that way? For most of us, it's hardly ever. Emails, notifications, the open office layout, it's all ruining our ability to have focus. In this week's episode, Chris and I are going to dive deep into deep work and flow state. We're going to cover what it is, why it matters, and how you can use it to increase your overall productivity, whether you're an individual or an organization. Think Big Code Small is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Wanting to learn how to code or improve your coding skills? We have a deal with CodeCrafters to save you 40% off their service. With CodeCrafters you get to learn by writing real complex software. Recreate Redis, Git, Docker — with your own hands. Gain expert-level confidence by taking action anddiving deep, learning from the world's best. Get your savings here! Have feedback or want to request a topic? We would love to hear from you! Send us an email at podcast@thinkbigcodesmall.co Don’t forget to subscribe to us on our new YouTube channel Follow us on socials Instagram - TikTok - X Check out our great merch! Get full access to Think Big Code Small at www.thinkbigcodesmall.io/subscribe
Apr 2, 2024 · 1 hr 26 min
EP 38 - Why estimating and planning is so hard
Topics and Takeaways * Why planning is so hard * We humans are just terrible at estimating * How does system and organizational complexity add to planning issues * Do we build in terrible planning in our processes * Do we pretty much guarantee bad planning with the way we do “agile” and portfolio planning? * If we are so bad at estimating… why do we do it? * We are trying to use AI for everything these days… can we use it to help with planning? Wanting to learn how to code or improve your coding skills? We have a deal with CodeCrafters to save you 40% off their service. With CodeCrafters you get to learn by writing real complex software. Recreate Redis, Git, Docker — with your own hands. Gain expert-level confidence by taking action anddiving deep, learning from the world's best. Get your savings here! Have feedback or want to request a topic? We would love to hear from you! Send us an email at podcast@thinkbigcodesmall.co Don’t forget to subscribe to us on our new YouTube channel Follow us on socials Instagram - TikTok - X Check out our great merch! Get full access to Think Big Code Small at www.thinkbigcodesmall.io/subscribe
Mar 20, 2024 · 1 hr 1 min
EP 37 - Vision Pro surgery, 5 reasons DevEx fails, and artificial velocity
Don’t forget to subscribe to us on our new YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@thinkbigcodesmall Upcoming Events * DX Fireside Chat in New York - In person * 3/21 - Email us for information * Jellyfish Engineering Leaders Coffee Chat * Sign up here - https://bit.ly/43a1zRm Follow us on socials https://www.instagram.com/thinkbigcodesmall/ https://www.tiktok.com/ https://twitter.com/TheRealTBCS Check out our great merch! https://shop.thinkbigcodesmall.io/ Get full access to Think Big Code Small at www.thinkbigcodesmall.io/subscribe
Mar 14, 2024 · 1 hr 4 min
EP 36 - Chaos engineering, engineering managers, and the pain of switching back to a PC
Don’t forget to subscribe to us on our new YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@thinkbigcodesmall Upcoming Events * DX Fireside Chat in New York - In person * 3/20 - Email us for information * Jellyfish Engineering Leaders Coffee Chat * Sign up here - https://bit.ly/43a1zRm Follow us on socials https://www.instagram.com/thinkbigcodesmall/ https://www.tiktok.com/ https://twitter.com/TheRealTBCS Check out our great merch! https://shop.thinkbigcodesmall.io/ Get full access to Think Big Code Small at www.thinkbigcodesmall.io/subscribe
Mar 5, 2024 · 56 min
EP 35 - Engineering team sizes, micro-transactions, and not forgetting to hit the save button
Don’t forget to subscribe to us on our new YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@thinkbigcodesmall Upcoming Events * Internal Developer Portals: Market Landscape * https://getdx.com/webinar/internal-developer-portals-landscape/ Follow us on socials https://www.instagram.com/thinkbigcodesmall/ https://www.tiktok.com/ https://twitter.com/TheRealTBCS Check out our great merch! https://shop.thinkbigcodesmall.io/ Get full access to Think Big Code Small at www.thinkbigcodesmall.io/subscribe
Feb 28, 2024 · 1 hr 2 min
Ep 34 - Crackgate, Dressing the part, and our journey with Youtube
Join Chris and Dan for another great episode! Don’t forget to subscribe to us on our new Youtube channel https://youtube.com/@thinkbigcodesmall Webinars * Internal Developer Portals: Use Cases and Key Components * https://getdx.com/webinar/internal-developer-portals-overview/ * Internal Developer Portals: Market Landscape * https://getdx.com/webinar/internal-developer-portals-landscape/ Follow us on socials https://www.instagram.com/thinkbigcodesmall/ https://www.tiktok.com/ https://twitter.com/TheRealTBCS Check out our great merch! https://shop.thinkbigcodesmall.io/ Get full access to Think Big Code Small at www.thinkbigcodesmall.io/subscribe