Shows
Free the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterTalking Software Consulting, Getting Into PHP, AWS, Laravel, and So Much More!In this episode, I had a wonderful chat with fellow Australian and former expat, Nigel James, about his journey from SAP consulting to PHP, and what life was like as a consultant over so many years in London. Our time there overlapped, but we never met. We also talked about why PHP is still an excellent choice to develop with, how Laravel is a Marketing-lead development (and that that's not a good thing), and so much more. So if you're keen to get into software consulting, or want to do better at it, tune in to hear...2023-04-131h 22
Free the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Chris Hartjes. Discussing How to Learn Software Testing, Pest PHP, PHPUnit & More!In this episode, I had a long and winding discussion about software testing with the legendary Grumpy Programmer Chris Hartjes. We talked about the importance of learning the essentials of software testing rather than focusing on a particular framework, as that makes your skills so much more transferable. We discussed how to approach testing; it's not a framework-first approach. And we also discussed the latest PHP testing framework, Pest PHP, covering what it brings to the table and whether people should just stick to older veterans, such as PHPUnit, or not.Some key takeaways are:2023-02-211h 39
Free the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Arne Blankerts. Talking Container, Podman, Kubernetes, Linux Containers, and so much more!In this episode, I had the pleasure of continuing to talk with Arne Blankerts about one of my favourite topics: containers. We talked about his misgivings with Docker, his love of Podman, some of the history of containers and container plumbing in the Linux kernel, how Docker's architecture can lead to security issues, and so much more. If you're in to containers in any way, or are thinking of getting in to them, this episode is for you!Some key takeaways are:Podman Compose is almost an equivalent to Docker ComposePodman is virtually a...2023-02-0754 min
Free the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Darryl Ware. The Changing Tech Landscape in Brisbane, Australia, Tech is Very Transitory, and C-based LanguagesIn this episode, I had the pleasure of talking with my mate and colleague Darryl Ware, who I worked with in Brisbane (Australia) oh so many years ago, about the changing face of tech in Brisbane. He shared with me (as I've been living in Europe for the last 15 years) that it's changed from a broadly PHP-based city to a much more Golang-centric place (along with Node and Java). We also talked about C-based languages and how they rise and fall over the course of time. Then, on top of that, we talked about how you can...2022-11-151h 13
Free the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Doug Bierer. Teaching Yourself to Code, Microsoft vs. Unix/Linux, and Not Throwing More Hardware at the ProblemIn this episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Doug Bierer about his history in computing, a history which if you're a computing hardware or programming nerd, you're going to love. Doug shares how he got in to computing with the TRS-80 and Commodore 64. How he taught himself to program in Assembler during shifts when he had some quiet time, and how music was what lead him to programming. We both recount our time in computing back in the 90's and what it was like to work with Microsoft Windows and UNIX/Linux.Some key takeaways...2022-11-011h 11
Free the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Mihalis Tsoukalos. C-based Languages, Code Documentation, & Unix Over WindowsIn this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Mihalis Tsoukalos, a long-time Twitter friend and someone who's given me loads of advice, about software development. He shared with me so much about his journey with C-based languages, particularly Python, C, Go, & Rust. He talked about Linux shells including Bash and Zsh (and of course the excellent Oh My Zsh project). On the flip side, he shared why he's no fan of Java and Microsoft Windows, preferring almost all things Linux and Unix. Then, he finished up by talking about file formats such...2022-10-251h 03
Free the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Oliver Davies. Horror Stories From the RoadIt was a pleasure to sit down and chat with Oliver, a full-stack software consultant based in South Wales, in the UK. We talked about so many things which I'm sure so many developers can relate to, even those who've only been developing for a relatively short period of time.Some key takeaways are:Both working remotely and working in an office have benefits and drawbacks. It's really up to the person and the organisation as to whether it will work or not, and both have to be professional and trust each other.Pair programming is...2022-09-131h 17
Free the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Karl Hughes. Working With Intention In Your CareerIt was a pleasure to sit down and chat with Karl for this episode which went off on such a massive tangent at the start. Despite that, we felt it was worth keeping, as sometimes it's worth doing things a little differently. If you want to skip to the more tech/work/career aspect of the episode, jump up to about the 21 or 32 minute mark. Some points from the episode:Should people be paid based on where they live or should they be paid on the role and its value to the company/organisation?How do y...2022-09-0654 min
Free the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Andreas Heigl. How to Be a Better Public Speaker and Documentation-Driven DevelopmentIt was a pleasure to sit down and chat with Andreas. He shared what it was like taking over phpugffm (the PHP user group in Frankfurt, Germany), why he believes some devs aren't involved in user groups, how to become a better public speaker, and an excellent form of development: Documentation-driven Development.Some key takeaways are:When you lose your place while speaking, calm yourself, and collect your thoughts, then pick up where you left off.Enthusiasm makes talks lively and interesting.Speaking is a matter of practice and wanting to communicate and impart something to...2022-08-3055 min
Free the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Andrey Breslav. Designing Kotlin and How to Learn Software DevelopmentIt was great to be able to talk to Andrey for this episode. He shared some of his journey to becoming a professional software developer (starting off with QBasic and Delphi), teaching software development to school kids, before moving to JetBrains to be the lead designer of the Kotlin language.LinksDesign Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software (The Gang of Four book)Object-Oriented Analysis and Design with Applications by Grady BoochRefactoring by Martin FowlerKotlinJetBrainsQBasicDelphiGuests: Andrey Breslav (@abreslav).Hosted By: Matthew Setter.Thanks for tuning in to...2022-08-2353 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Cal Evans. How to Be a Better Communicator & WordPress FunIt was great to be able to sit down and chat with Cal again, as he shared so much great information, including:How he got started using WordPressHow the WordPress API has changed WordPressHow he gets podcasts out the door so quickly through scripting and proper processes; and How to be a better communicator.Some of the key things to know about being a better communicator are:Start with the written word and write 500 words per day, even if you don't publish them.Then write and publish what you write.Then consider speaking at user groups. T...2022-08-1646 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Joel Clermont. The Principles of Effective Learning, Mastering Laravel + Much More!LinksMastering LaravelLearning How to LearnNoCompromises.ioNo Compromises podcastSourceDive.comMidwest PHPncurses installerGuests: Joel Clermont (@jclermont).Hosted By: Matthew Setter.Thanks for tuning in to Free the Geek. If you'd like to be a guest on the podcast or know someone who'd make a great guest, email me: matthew@matthewsetter.com. This podcast is produced by Matthew Setter. SupportIf you want to support the show, you can always buy me a coffee. I'd greatly appreciate your financial support.
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2022-08-0154 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Stuart Herbert. Psychological Safety, Before there were PRs + Loads More!LinksNASAThe Australian Weather Service (now the Bureau of Meteorology)Psychological SafetyCode ReviewsPull Requests (PRs)Red HatAlta VistaWindows 95aThe Gnome BarGanbaro Digital LtdGuests: Stuart Herbert (@stuherbert).Hosted By: Matthew Setter.Thanks for tuning in to Free the Geek. If you'd like to be a guest on the podcast or know someone who'd make a great guest, email me: matthew@matthewsetter.com. This podcast is produced by Matthew Setter. SupportIf you want to support the show, you can always buy me a coffee. I'd greatly appreciate...2022-07-2533 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Steve McDougall. Streaming, Learning Laravel and PHP + Much More!LinksSteve on YouTubeLaravelGoRustminicliBashCall of DutyLaravel NewsGuests: Steve McDougall (@JustSteveKing).Hosted By: Matthew Setter.Thanks for tuning in to Free the Geek. If you'd like to be a guest on the podcast or know someone who'd make a great guest, email me: matthew@matthewsetter.com. This podcast is produced by Matthew Setter. SupportIf you want to support the show, you can always buy me a coffee. I'd greatly appreciate your financial support.
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2022-07-1850 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Matthew Turland. TypeScript, Functional Programming + Loads More!LinksFunctional ProgrammingThe Principle of Least SurpriseTypeScriptWeb Scraping with PHP, 2nd EditionThe Spark frameworkThe Sinatra frameworkThe Ada languageLinus Torvald's talk at GoogleGuests: Matthew Turland (@elazar).Hosted By: Matthew Setter.Thanks for tuning in to Free the Geek. If you'd like to be a guest on the podcast or know someone who'd make a great guest, email me: matthew@matthewsetter.com. This podcast is produced by Matthew Setter. SupportIf you want to support the show, you can always buy me a coffee. I'd greatly appreciate your...2022-07-1136 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterFive Tips When Starting To Work From HomeSo, what are those tips?Have a dedicated workspace, or work area - one that is separate from the rest of your homeGet the tools you need - and make sure you have a decent internet connection!Have a regular routine (both a start and end time and how you kick off your day)Talk to those who you live with so that you educate them about how working from home worksTake breaks and move around! Stay active away from the computer and work.What's the sixth, bonus tip? You'll have to listen and find out. :-)2020-03-2021 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Stefan Koopmanschap. Starting a Software Dev Company, Conference Speaking, Running User Groups and Loads MoreHere are some key takeaways:To start a user group, you only need three things: 1) a location, 2) a speaker, and 3) food. That’s it! What's also helpful is a mailing list to stay in touch.In his talks he tells a story. But he's also a perfectionist; He wants to make as much of an effort as he can.In the early days, he enjoyed speaking and did it for the fun of the talks and being at the conferences.He often found work through being an international conference speaker. With that he built his name and loads of...2020-02-0646 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Matthew Turland. Updating Technical Books and Programming in Multiple Languages + Loads More!In this episode, I talk with Matthew Turland about the effort involved in updating one of his technical books and programming in multiple languages (PHP and Ruby) plus loads more! Matthew shared a load of excellent advice in this warm, fireside chat.LinksMatthew on Twitter (@elazar)matthewturland.comWeb Scraping with PHP, 2nd Edition | php[architect]Sunshine PHP Developer ConferenceMidwest PHPGuests: Matthew TurlandHosted By: Matthew Setter.Thanks for tuning in to Free the Geek. If you'd like to be a guest on the podcast or know...2020-01-3041 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Matt Stauffer. Laravel, Hiring Developers + Loads More!In this episode, I talk with Matt Stauffer about how he started Tighten, how he got into Laravel, why he's such an active member of the community, what he looks for when hiring developers and loads more! Matt shared a load of excellent advice that you can start using today in your career.LinksTightenonramp.devLaravel Up and Running, by O’ReillyThe Laravel PodcastMatt’s BlogMatt’s YouTube channelMatt’s Twitch channelMatt on TwitterGuests: Matt StaufferHosted By: Matthew Setter.Thanks for tuning in to Free the Geek. If...2020-01-2346 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Najaf Ali. Do I Start a Software Consultancy? The Warts and All Account.In this episode, I have an extremely interesting, inspiring, but most of all educational chat with my mate Najaf Ali, founder of Happy Bear Software, about what it's like to go from being an independent software consultant and freelancer to running a software consulting business.
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2018-02-1351 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Bruno Skvorc. Talking Blockchain, Bitcoin, Cryptocurrencies, Ethereum, Privacy and Anonymity.In this episode, I have a very educational, informative, and entertaining chat with all-things cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Mr Bruno Skvorc. I admit, I don't know a lot about the different technologies and terms. But that didn't stop Bruno sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience about them all with me - and so much more.
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2018-01-1656 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Robert Basic. Talking Freelancing, Running Your Own Business, and Public Speaking.In this episode, I have a very informative chat with Robert Basic, a very thoughtful and insightful software engineer, consultant, open source contributor from Serbia.
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2018-01-0243 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Matthew Weier O'Phinney. Talking Zend Framework, Career Progression, and Conference Nerves.In this episode, I have the absolute pleasure of speaking with one of my mentors, Zend Framework project lead, Matthew Weier O'Phinney. In addition to being a very experienced developer, Matthew's a very thoughtful and considerate person.
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2017-12-191h 01Free the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterIs it Time to Make a Career Change?In this episode, I'm keen to talk with you about career changes. This is something that I'm currently going through and have been through in the past. It's not uncommon, especially in the tech field.
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2017-10-0330 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWrite the Docs Prague, PHP Developer Day 2017, Meeting People, and a Book Promo!In this episode, I'm very excited to be back after so long away from the mic! I'm so excited that I'm overflowing, effervescing even with ideas, enthusiasm, and passion to be back behind the mic with you.
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2017-09-2728 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Opelie Lechat. Talking About Getting Developers to Communicate (and more).In this episode, I have a fireside chat with Ophelie Lechat, SitePoint's manager of operations
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2017-03-141h 12Free the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Wes Bos. Talking Online Training and Growing an Online Presence.In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Wes Bos. If you're not familiar with Wes, he's a designer, developer, entrepreneur, speaker, and teacher.
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2017-02-281h 03Free the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterTalking With Dan Allen Asciidoc Project LeadIn this episode I sit down with Asciidoc project Lead, and all round good fella - Dan Allen. If you love technical writing, technical documentation, and documenting your code, then this is an episode you're not going to want to miss.
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2017-01-031h 20Free the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterTalking About Finding Balance As A FreelancerIn this episode we pick up where we left off in [episode 19](/episode/episode-0019), with a slight segway. But, instead of starting to look at how to use Twitter, and other social media tools, let's talk about something more important.
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2016-12-0818 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterTalking Trump, Brexit, and Getting Started as a FreelancerIn this episode I decided to go a little off track and have a bit of a rant, a bit of an "letting go" session in light of the recent US election and Brexit. I'm no fan of either, and I share why in the first half of the episode.
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2016-11-1732 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Matthew Turland. Talking Conferences and Mental Health.In this episode I wonderful chat with Matthew Turland about what it's like speaking at conferences and mental health - especially within the IT community.
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2016-05-2350 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Chris Cornutt. Talking Conferences and SecurityIn this episode I chat with Chris Cornutt, founder of PHPDeveloper.org, websec.io, and Lone Star PHP about conferences and all things security.
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2016-05-021h 02Free the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Chris Hartjes. Talking Testing and Building Your DreamIn this episode I chat with Chris Hartjes, the Grumpy Programmer himself, about the ins and outs of testing and what it's like to spend part of your working week building your dreams, instead of someone else's.
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2016-04-181h 04Free the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Adam Culp. Talking Sunshine PHP, Project Estimates, and ConferencesIn this episode I chat with Adam Culp, founder of the Sunshine PHP, in sunny south Florida, about starting and running conferences, project estimates, and being professional developers.
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2016-04-0453 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Rob Allen. Talking Slim 3, PSR-7, Constraints, and Decisions.In this episode I have a fireside chat with sagely Rob Allen, about being one of the leads on the Slim 3 project, and about the constraints and decisions developers need to make.
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2016-03-2153 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Joe P. Ferguson. Talking Nomad PHP, Laravel, and Conferences.In this episode I have a fireside chat with the voice of Nomad PHP, Joe P. Ferguson. Joe shares how he got started as the voice of Nomad PHP.
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2016-03-0756 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Tom Oram. Talking about the Magic of TDD and Testing.In this episode I have a fireside chat about all things TDD and testing with the sagely Mr Tom Oram, otherwise known as @tomphp.
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2016-02-221h 00Free the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Developer Jack. The Life of a Developer Evangelist.In this episode I have a fireside chat about what it's like to live the life of a developer evangelist with Jack Skinner, otherwise known as @developerjack, whilst he was at the first BuzzConf.
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2015-12-2143 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterTalking Shop with Stephan HochdoerferIn this episode I have a fireside chat about a range of topics with Stephan Hochdoerfer.
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2015-12-0753 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterRemoving False Perceptions About People, The Roland R-05, and Zend ExpressiveThere's no guests in this episode. Instead I explore a range of topics, including one quite dear to me - how we can build up preconceptions of what other people think of us.
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2015-11-0925 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Erika Heidi. Talking Technical Writing and Simplifying Deployment.In this episode, I have a fireside chat with the wonderful Erika Heidi, where we talk about technical writing. We also talk about simplifying deployment, naturally, with her preferred tools of Vagrant and Ansible.
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2015-10-2647 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Troy Hunt. How to be an Exceptional Public Speaker, and Blogging for the Long Term.In this episode, I have a fireside chat with Troy Hunt. Troy's a Microsoft MVP for Security, PluralSight author, and public speaker.
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2015-10-1255 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Gary Hockin. Building Your Brand as a Freelancer (Part Two).In this episode, I have, part two of, a fireside chat with, Zend Framework aficionado and Roave stalwart, Gary Hockin about the ins and outs of building both a brand and a reputation as a freelancer.
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2015-09-2930 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Gary Hockin. Building Your Brand as a Freelancer (Part One).In this episode, I have, part one of, a fireside chat with, Zend Framework aficionado and Roave stalwart, Gary Hockin about the ins and outs of building both a brand and a reputation as a freelancer.
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2015-09-141h 02Free the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Yitzchok Willroth. Wisdom as a Service World Tour and Human Skills.In this episode, I have a fireside chat with Yitzchok Willroth, the one and only [coderabbi](https://twitter.com/@coderabbi), about a his [Wisdom as a Service World Tour](http://wisdomworldtour.com/).
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2015-09-0349 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Cal Evans. Being a Professional Developer.In this episode, I have a fireside chat with voice of the PHP community, the one and only, [Cal Evans](http://blog.calevans.com/), about one of his books - [Going Pro](https://leanpub.com/goingpro).
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2015-08-1741 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterWith Paul M. Jones. The Mythical Man Month and Speaking Engagements.In this episode, I have a fireside chat with internationally recognized PHP expert, and all around good fella Paul M. Jones, about one of his all-time favorite books - The Mythical Man Month.
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2015-08-0353 minFree the Geek.fm with Matthew SetterGetting Underway, The E-Myth Revisited, and Networking For SuccessIn this, the first episode, Matt talks about what lead to the podcast getting started who motivated him and inspired him to get started. After that, he discusses a fantastic book that all freelancers should read.
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2015-07-1326 min