Why you should listen to podcasts
Are you new to web development? Looking to develop your existing skill set? Want to keep up with the latest trends?
How much time can you commit? You're a busy person with lots of responsibilities and commitments. Work/school/family and other commitments eat up a lot of your time.
Listening to a podcast is a great way to supplement learning and keep up with the latest industry trends. All while giving your eyes a break from the screen. And because you can download them onto your phone, you can take them with you. This makes it easy to fit into your daily routine.
You could listen to a podcast while:
- On a break at that job you want to move on from.
- Taking your dog for a walk.
- Going for a jog.
- Doing housework.
- Commuting to/from work or school.
- Picking up groceries from the shop .
- Planting bulbs and pulling weeds in the garden.
What should you listen to?
To save you the time of having to see what's out there, I have compiled a list of 10 great podcasts. Some focus more on web development, and others go into other areas of development. They all provide value to new and experienced web developers alike.
1. Changelog
Changelog hosts several weekly shows. Topics include:
- Software development
- Developer culture
- Open source
- Building startups
- Artificial intelligence
- Brain science
- The people involved in Changelog and their interests.
For web developers starting out, JS Party would be of particular interest. There are loads of interesting and educational podcasts. Whether you want to learn about designing great APIs, jQuery, Redux or something else, there's something for everyone.
Tune in to #changelog now
2. CodeNewbie Podcast
The CodeNewbie Podcast has lots of great content for beginner programmers. It gives listeners a wide view of programming not limited to web development.
Learn about:
- The importance of accessibility
- How newbies can contribute to open source
- What you should look for in online coding courses
- ...and so much more.
Considering a career in tech? There are articles about how to stay motivated and break into the industry too.
Tune in to #CodeNewbie now
3. Coding Blocks
Experienced programmers Allen Underwood, Joe Zack and Michael Outlaw are avid podcast listeners. Coding Blocks is their way of giving back to the developer community.
Game Jams, DevOps, and code reviews are among some of the topics covered. There are podcasts more focussed on web development, but this one deserves a mention for its quality content. Great for a wider look into the world of programming.
Tune in to #Codingblocks now
4. Dev Chat
There are many great podcasts on Dev Chat. One of the things that makes Dev Chat so great, is the framework centered podcasts. Once beginner developers get more confident with JavaScript, exploring a framework is a natural next step. Web developers will be particularly interested in:
- JavaScript Jabber - Learn more about JavaScript development and testing.
- Adventures in Angular - A great place to learn about the Angular framework.
- Clean coders - Clean code, refactoring, test driven development.
- React Roundup - Learn about the React framework.
- Views on Vue - Learn about the Vue framework.
Tune in to #devchat now
5. Developer Tea
The defining feature of this podcast is it's length. Designed to fit within a tea break, most podcasts are less than 30 mins in length. The longer ones are usually less than an hour long, perfect for lunch time listening.
Thought provoking podcasts will interest developers regardless of preferred tech stack. For example:
- If Actions Speak Louder Than Words, What Are Yours Saying?
- Misusing Exceptions in Code and in Life
- 4 Ways Smart People Make Bad Decisions
Tune in to #Developer Tea now
6. DevMode
Dedicated to modern web development, DevMode is as much a joy to look at as it is to listen to. The bi-weekly podcast covers the tools, techniques, and technologies used in modern web development.
The hosts may come from a Craft CMS background, but discuss other cool front-end development technologies as well.
Tune in to #devmode now
7. FullStack Radio
Every episode, Adam Wathan talks with a guest about software development. Topics covered include product design, user experience, testing, system administration and more. Wherever you are on your development journey, there are great episodes to enjoy. For example:
- Semantic HTML: The Hard Parts
- Writing CSS-in-JS with Emotion
- Why a Back-End Developer Made the Switch to SPAs
- Choosing the Right Product Idea
Tune in to #fullstackradio now
8. Learn to Code With Me
If other people's success stories and experiences inspire you, this will give you a boost. The podcast features interviews and advice about learning to code, building a career.
Season 7 of the podcast concluded in Jul 2020 but this is still worth listening to.
Tune in to #Learn to Code With Me now
9. Shop Talk
Hosts Dave Rupert and Chris Coyier talk about building websites. One of the coolest features is the ability to find podcasts by topic. There are over 100 episodes about CSS alone. That's not surprising considering Chris is the creator of CSS Tricks. Other topics include design, javascript, user experience, education, career advice and more.
Tune in to #ShopTalk now
10. Syntax
Listening to Syntax is a great way to keep on top of all the latest trends in web development. There are plenty of tips and tricks to help you be a better developer and make your life easier too. The Hasty Treat episodes are less than 30 minutes long. Short enough to enjoy during a tea break.
Tune in to #Syntax now
What next?
I hope this list has helped you find some great podcasts to listen to. Which ones are you currently listening to? Do you know of any that aren't on my list but deserve a place there? Please let me know in the comments.