Ode to RailsConf
RailsConf 2025 will be the final RailsConf. Let's talk and share our experiences from attending RailsConf over the years and being part of the Ruby on Rails community.
Episodes
52 episodes
The End
In this final episode of Ode to RailsConf, I pull back the curtain to share why I'm concluding the podcast and how this journey has profoundly changed me both professionally and personally.What happens when a shy, introverted developer ...
The Ruby Podcast Panel at RailsConf 2025
Drew Bragg, Stephanie Minn, and Chris Oliver join me at RailsConf 2025 for a panel discussion, discussing topics that were submitted prior to the conference, and then taking a few questions directly from the audience.
Joe Leo
Joe Leo shares his journey as a Ruby developer and how the Ruby community's welcoming and collaborative spirit drew him back after working with other languages. He introduces Phoenix, Def Method's innovative "closed loop" AI platform that auton...
Marco Roth
Marco Roth joins us to discuss his journey in the Ruby and Rails ecosystem over the past decade, focusing on developer tooling and open-source contributions in the Hotwire ecosystem. We explore his new HTML-aware ERB parser called Herb, the fut...
Alan Ridlehoover
Alan Ridlehoover shares his perspective as both a longtime Ruby developer and conference sponsor, reflecting on the evolving Ruby conference landscape and strategies for maintaining legacy Rails applications.• Started with .NET before d...
Irina Nazarova
Irina Nazarova, head of Evil Martians, shares insights on Rails' enduring value in the startup ecosystem and her journey from Rails user to keynote speaker and community organizer.• Rails and Y Combinator grew simultaneously, with 90% o...
Erin Pintozzi
David Hill chats with Erin Pintozzi about her journey from anxious first-time attendee to mentor and guide in the Ruby conference community. They explore the Scholar and Guide program, overcoming conference anxiety, and finding unexpected conne...
Shan Cureton
We welcome Shan Cureton, Ruby Central's new Executive Director, who shares her entrepreneurial background and vision for the organization's future. Shan brings fresh perspectives on strengthening open source sustainability, increasing community...
Bekki Freeman and Spike Ilacqua
Rocky Mountain Ruby Conference organizers Spike Ilaqua and Becky Freeman share how they revived this regional event and why smaller tech conferences create uniquely valuable community experiences.• Rocky Mountain Ruby started in 2010, r...
The Return of Marty Haught
Marty Haught, Director of Open Source at Ruby Central, shares insights on securing the Ruby ecosystem and the evolution of community spaces at tech conferences.• Ruby Central's open source program focuses on three key areas: security, r...
The Return of Chris Oliver
Chris Oliver joins us to discuss his experience co-chairing the final RailsConf and provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to organize a major tech conference.• Co-chairing RailsConf with Ufuk was an opportunity too good to ...
Aryn Chapman
Aryn Chapman joins us to discuss the vibrant journey of planning RailsConf, highlighting the dynamic collaboration with Ruby Central. She provides an insider's perspective on how event production creates incredible experiences for attendees.&nb...
Aji Slater
A heartfelt discussion unfolds as we reflect on the significance of RailsConf and what it represents within the Ruby community. Aji shares his journey from a first-time attendee to a program committee member, revealing the growth and connection...
Rhiannon Payne
A heartfelt look back at the RailsConf community and Rhiannon Payne’s journey from an enthusiastic attendee to the marketing director at Ruby Central. We explore the lessons learned and what’s on the horizon for this final RailsConf.- I...
Jim Remsik
We dive into the heartfelt experiences of Jim Remsick in the Ruby community, exploring the intricate world of conference organization and the importance of authentic relationships in the tech space. Our conversation highlights Jim's insights as...
Fable Tales
A joyful journey through decades of RailsConf experiences highlighted the importance of community within the Ruby ecosystem. Memories of past conferences, along with the pivotal roles of attendees in shaping the Ruby landscape, showcase the ess...
Ally Vogel
This episode features an enlightening conversation with Allie Vogel, the operations manager at Ruby Central. We explore how community engagement fuels the Ruby ecosystem through meetups, support programs, and memorable experiences at RailsConf....
Freedom Dumlao
A journey of technology transformation unfolds as Freedom Dumlao shares his experience migrating from Java to Ruby on Rails amidst the pressure of RailsConf. Highlighting community support, leadership lessons, and the power of practical tech so...
Michelle Yuen
This episode explores the transformative experiences of Michelle Yuen at RailsConf, discussing her journey from being a scholar to a guide. We delve into the importance of community, mentorship, and stepping out of one's comfort zone, highlight...
Sarah Mei
This episode explores the profound impact of RailsConf through personal anecdotes and reflections shared by Sarah Mei, a long-standing member of the Ruby community. We delve into memorable experiences, community growth, and the evolution of div...
Brand New Box
Our podcast is a tribute to the transformative experience of attending RailsConf as a team. We discuss the power of connection, learning opportunities, and shared moments that enhanced our camaraderie and professional growth.• Discussin...
Sunjay Armstead
Sanjay Armstead shares his transformative experience as a Scholar at his first technical conference, RailsConf, emphasizing the significance of mentorship and community in tech. He discusses his manifesto project that advocates for creating opp...
Neil Hendren
Neil Hendren shares his transformative journey through RubyConf's Scholar Program, highlighting the value of community, learning Ruby on Rails, and creating an email advice bot leveraging AI. His reflections emphasize the importance of open-sou...