Stories from the Hackery

In the latest episode of Stories from the Hackery, we catch up with Steve Brownlee, Nashville Software School’s lead full-stack software development instructor, for a behind-the-scenes look at how he rebuilt an application we used for pre-work that was discontinued several years ago using an open-source agentic AI tool. The result? A working prototype that would’ve taken much longer to code by hand—and a glimpse at how AI is reshaping software development. Watch Steve's Demo here: https://youtu.be/RWhONVTO2oQ?si=KmC8cxhHyCVARKI0&t=1855 00:00 Intro: Meet Steve Brownlee 01:16 Case Study: Building an Application with Roo Code 04:17 The Pr...

Life-long learning can open doors you never imagined. In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, we talk with Chris Miller, an NSS alumnus who pivoted into software development after studying jazz composition and bass performance in college and recently tackled a high-stakes project supporting one of the largest live-streaming events in the world. Chris shares how skills he developed as a musician provided the foundation for a growth-filled software development career. We also explore the value of knowing how to learn—whether it’s troubleshooting backend systems, understanding new technologies, or embracing generative AI as another tool in the deve...

Generative AI Levels the Playing Field for Neurodiverse Technologists | Stories From The Hackery by Nashville Software School

In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, John Wark, founder and CEO of Nashville Software School, talks with Charlie Apigian, a well-known figure in Nashville's tech community with a significant academic background. Charlie discusses his journey from academia to consulting, the importance of bridging the gap between education and real-world application, and how his company, Data Inspire, integrates eager new coders into meaningful projects. The episode dives into the evolving roles in tech, particularly data engineering, and the impact of generative AI. Charlie also emphasizes the importance of teamwork, community building, and continuous learning in the fast-paced tech world. 00:00...

In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, we hear from Jordan Rosas, a graduate of Nashville Software School's Web Development Cohort 29. Jordan shares his journey from working at an Amazon warehouse to becoming a Software Engineer and building SocialWaive, a social media management application. Jordan shares insights into his career progression, the challenges of creating a social media management tool, and how he leverages various AI technologies including generative AI, machine learning, and NLP. He discusses using tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT in both his professional and side projects, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving skills, building for real...

In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, we talk to Ryan Bishop, a Nashville Software School (NSS) graduate, about his journey into software development and his experiences with generative AI. Ryan shares how prompt engineering has become a critical part of his work, discussing its applications in both coding and management. He provides insightful advice for new developers and emphasizes the importance of keeping a growth mindset. Tune in to learn how generative AI tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot are reshaping the way developers work, and how Ryan has integrated these tools into his daily workflow. 01:33 Meet Ryan...

In this episode of Stories From The Hackery, we chat with Spencer Sharpe and Jack Parsons, two NSS graduates and lead software developers. We catch up on their journeys of transitioning from music to tech and explore the impact and utilization of generative AI tools in their current roles. They also share their insights on the evolving landscape of software development. Listen in for their advice on leveraging AI tools, maintaining code quality, and shaping a career in tech today. SHOW NOTES 00:00 Introduction to Stories from the Hackery 00:37 Meet the Guests: Spencer Sharpe and Jack Parsons 02:34 Musical Backgrounds and Career...

In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, John Work, founder and CEO of Nashville Software School, sits down with NSS graduates Pemberton Heath and Rob Schulteis to discuss their careers post-NSS. They share insights on how they have integrated generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude into their daily work routines, focusing on generative AI as a learning and productivity aid. The conversation also delves into the evolving skills needed for tech careers and the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on generative AI for learning when you’re first starting out. Tune in to hear real-world applications and th...

In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, we catch up with Brandon Valentine, a founding board member at NSS and a lifelong software developer. Brandon departed GitHub this spring after five years, where he spent most of his time leading a team that collaborated with some of the largest development shops in the world. Brandon shares his insights from his front-row seat on how generative AI is, or is not, shaping the careers of software developers and the job market. 00:00 Introduction to Stories from the Hackery 00:35 Meet Brandon Valentine 10:33 Generative AI and the Job Market 34:35 Generative AI: Opportunities and...

Explore UI & UX design with Susan Culkin, a senior product designer and instructor at Nashville Software School. In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, Susan shares insights on the evolving field of user experience design, the importance of collaboration between designers and developers, and how she's giving back to the tech community through teaching and philanthropy. Show Notes: Introduction: 00:00 Susan's Journey to Nashville: 04:38 Defining UI and UX Design: 07:22 Common Misconceptions about UI & UX: 12:20 Collaboration Between Designers and Developers: 15:53 Staying Current in UI & UX Design: 24:00 Impact of Generative AI on UI & UX: 27:37 Teaching UI & UX at NSS: 32:10 Student Backgrounds at...

In this episode of Stories from The Hackery we catch up with Data Science 3 alumni Dibran Rexhepi, a former biology graduate turned data engineer and now instructor for the Part-time Analytics program at Nashville Software School. From his humble beginnings in a chemistry lab to discovering the world of programming through a bioinformatics class, our guest shares how he found his passion for coding. Tune in as Dibran reflects on his experience at Nashville Software School, the challenges he faced, the lessons learned, and how he now gives back by teaching others. Are you or someone you know ready to...

As we continue to discuss generative AI on Nashville Software School’s podcast, Stories from the Hackery, Founder and CEO John Wark and lead Data instructor Michael Holloway, dive into various techniques for leveraging large language models (LLMs) like generative AI. They explore the potential of using hosted public LLMs via chatbot interfaces and discuss strategies for embedding LLMs into applications. One such technique discussed is the use of a prompt engineering, which involves wrapping the LLM API to tailor user prompts for more effective responses. They also discuss more advanced techniques like retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), which involves using external da...

In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, Founder and CEO of Nashville Software School, John Wark, sits down with lead analytics instructor, Michael Holloway, to provide insights into the impact of generative AI tools like ChatGPT on data analytics and data science. They highlight the importance of human oversight and contextual understanding in leveraging these tools effectively as well as strategies for adapting programs at Nashville Software School to prepare students for evolving roles in data analytics and data science are discussed, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and skill development. START YOUR NSS JOURNEY To learn more about...

In this Alumni Spotlight episode of Stories from the Hackery, we catch up with Full-time Web Development Cohort 22 alumna Kimmy Bird to discuss her NSS journey. From her time as a product owner at an international education company to now working as an Elixir backend developer in Germany, hear about the diverse paths NSS graduates have access to in the tech industry after graduation. Connect with Kimmy on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-j-bird/ Learn more about Nashville Software School and begin your own journey toward a career in tech, visit our website NashvilleSoftwareSchool.com Nashville Software School is...

Gabe Guio is a Nashville Software School graduate who contributed to the recent local data conference, DataTune Nashville, in a big way. He had the opportunity to not only build the website for the conference that serviced over 400 attendee registrations, but also built a conference scanner application that sponsors used to capture the information of attendees as they visited sponsor tables for a raffle prize at the end of the day. In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, Gabe shares how he was connected with the team at DataTune Nashville and what tools he used to create the applications...

From mock interviews, to resume talks and Demo Day scheduling, there’s no shortage of opportunities for our students to gain the skills necessary to their job search after graduation.! In the latest episode of Stories from the Hackery, NSS’s Career Development Team Lead, Ashley Canino, and Career Development Specialist, Michael Frieh, talk about how they work with every student at NSS to prepare them for their job search post-graduation! Learn more about Nashville Software School and our upcoming programs when you visit our website: https://NashvilleSoftwareSchool.com 0:00 Intro 1:37 Career Development Services Overview 1:48 What to expect from Career Development at N...

Nashville Software School Founder and CEO John Wark sits down with Full-time Web Development Lead Instructor, Steve Brownlee, to discuss Steve’s research in how generative AI can be a helpful tool the popularity of LLMs continue to grow in software development. Learn more about Nashville Software School and our upcoming programs when you visit our website: https://NashvilleSoftwareSchool.com 0:00 Intro 1:53: Generative AI is creating a new set of skills that developers need to learn 5:29 How NSS grads were using generative AI in mid-2023 9:30 The generative AI hype cycle & NSS’s exploration 14:05 How have NSS’s students learned to use genera...

Markus Matheny graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. I've worked a hundred jobs and never had a career. However, I've always lived a data-driven approach to my life, trying to look at numbers and seeking truth that way. After spending years teaching myself, I realized this was a passion and so I selfishly enrolled in data school to learn how to make my own projects.

Diarra Fall graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. I'm a licensed civil engineer with 7 years of experience in traffic engineering and bridge design. I was drawn to data analytics because as our transportation systems get smarter, we continually add more sensors that are constantly collecting data. Most transportation professionals don't have the tools to churn through all the data to see what it can tell us.

Zach McPherson graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. I am a highly driven professional with a passion for solving complex problems. My diverse background, including hospitality and animatronics, allows me to solve problems through a creative lens. I am passionate about exploring datasets, collaboration, critical thinking while growing my skills further in a data analyst position.

Richard Leonard graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. Through my experiences in healthcare and biology, I was exposed to statistics and data analysis. Data analytics became appealing to me as a career path because of the innovation and creativity allowed when writing code.

Chernae Saka graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. Over a decade of experience in mortgage underwriting, analyzing, and risk mitigation. I have developed a passion for curiosity. My background in underwriting coupled with my interest to explore and make meaning of data has motivated me to pursue a career in data analytics. I look forward to new experiences within data.

Marty Burns graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. Data and analytics have always been a big part of my life. I love exploring, analyzing, and leveraging data to problem solve and build a story that will make an impact on both a professional and personal level. I have used data analytics most of my professional career to increase revenue, reduce waste, improve quality and drive supply chain improvements. I am thankful and grateful to Nashville Software School for providing me extensive training in new, exciting ways to extract, transform, analyze and visualize data. I can't wait to put these...

Alec Blade graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. I have recently switched paths from engineering to data analytics after noticing my niche and what I liked. I decided upon data analytics because I love being creative with technology and exercising logical thinking. During my free time, I like to support my local soccer teams or hang out with my cat.

Caroline Kim graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. Internal auditor and finance specialist turned data analyst, my innate curiosity and love of learning make me fearless when it comes to tackling complex problems. I believe that data analytics is an immensely powerful tool to distill the story behind the data, deriving meaning and actionable insight from abstract numbers.

Elizabeth Kinnard graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. I've lived and traveled to many parts of the world mainly because my dad was in the military. And when it was my time to decide where to live, I decided on Tennessee. I went to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and received my degree in Economics. I also met my husband there. When we graduated, we moved to Franklin, TN where we both pursued our careers in finance. During the ten years of being in that field, we welcomed a son and a daughter. When I left the finance...

Maggie Quisenberry graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. I have been a Registered Nurse working primarily in the home care setting. I enjoy getting to meet people and helping them with their healthcare needs. I enjoy the outdoors and try to spend as much free time outside with my family. We enjoy traveling and visiting national parks. I am a hard worker and will always show up on time with a smile and willingness to give whatever the project is 100%.

Brian Wilhelm graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. I was a middle school teacher and Athletic Director the past 10 years but have switched to data analytics. I am fascinated with the analytic side to problem solving and love diving into data to find a solution to problems. I am very family oriented and my wife and I have three children.

Allison Dial graduated with full time Web Development Cohort 60. I am an imaginative designer and developer who is excited to step into the field of software development. I am passionate about designing for accessibility and building products that have a positive impact on the lives of users. I was first drawn to this field by observing my grandparents struggle to use applications as well as my own experiences with having a minor motor skills disability.

Amy Ulmer graduated with full time Web Development Cohort 60.

Grace Boaz graduated with full time Web Development Cohort 60.

Emily Nelson graduated with full time Web Development Cohort 60. As a member of a large cajun family, being a team player has never been optional, but truthfully a passion. Being drawn to technology comes naturally and I've always thought my innate problem solving skills would be a great fit. It wasn't until I decided to make a career change from Hospitality into Software Development that I realized how much I could love learning!

Matthew Hedges graduated with full time Web Development Cohort 60. I developed an interest in technology at an early age by playing video games with friends. This hobby is what sparked my career into technology sales where I found a passion in working with and training others. Thanks to my time in sales, I was then able to discover that I wanted more than sales quotas, and I developed a passion for wanting to create my own applications. Now I plan to turn that passion in to a career!

James Linkous graduated with full time Web Development Cohort 60. I ultimately consider myself a craftsman. Whether it's web development, teaching Figure Drawing at Belmont University, or 16th Century English bookbinding, the craftsmanship will always be the most paramount.

Jason Howes graduated with full time Web Development Cohort 60. As a seasoned Director of Sales Operations and Project Manager, I possess a strong understanding of driving business success and growth. My diverse background has equipped me with a broad range of business acumen and technical skills. My passion for technology led me to pivot my career and attend NSS. I am excited to continue learning as I start my new career.

Wil Hammond graduated with full time Web Development Cohort 60. I developed a passion for technology at a young age computers and video games began a life long passion. In college however I chose a career path that led me into political campaign management and public service. After several successful years in that field, I got the opportunity to reset and an opportunity to follow this passion. I'm a curious learner who enjoys discovering new ways, thoughts, ideas and people.

Richard Canepa graduated with full time Web Development Cohort 60. I love programming, making music, and expanding my capabilities.

Vanessa Spear graduated with full time Web Development Cohort 60. I grew up on the Space Coast of Florida watching rockets launch over the Atlantic Ocean. This sparked my interest in Aerospace which is where I started my professional career. Since then, my love for technology has grown, and I decided to further develop my skills through learning software development. I'm eager to join a mission-driven team, to make a difference through technology, and to continue learning along the way. Let's connect!

John Doll graduated with full time Web Development Cohort 60. I've been an HVAC tech, R&D tech, motorcycle safety coach, engineer, factory quality manager, husband, and now also a full stack developer. I've found that my primary motivations are feeling accomplishment from helping others, problem solving and achieving goals. I enjoy opportunities to troubleshoot and coming up with creative solutions. These qualities have gotten me several quick promotions over the years along with new skills and knowledge.

Kimberly Burton graduated with full time Web Development Cohort 60.