Best Permadeath Podcasts (2025)

1
The Permadeath Podcast - Episode 51 (Switch 2 Edition) 2:06:49

25d ago2:06:49

2:06:49

We sat down after the Switch 2 Direct to share our thoughts, excitements and frustrations.By The Permadeath Podcast

1
New Beginnings: Our Podcast’s Next Chapter + Pax Machina Review by Greg Sorber 26:56

3d ago26:56

26:56

This episode marks a turning point. As our cohost leaves the show, we're reflecting on what this podcast means to us—and why we're more committed than ever to continue. We share our heartfelt thoughts on the future, how the format is evolving, and what listeners can expect moving forward. Then, we dive into Pax Machina by Greg Sorber, a gritty sci-…

1
GOTO Precedence Hell (with Noratrieb) 28:55

6d ago28:55

28:55

In this episode of Dead Code, Jared chats with Nora, a Rust contributor, about operator precedence and the trade-offs between code clarity and conciseness across programming languages. Nora, inspired by her blog post “Don’t Play the Precedence Game,” explains how languages like C and Rust handle operator order differently, particularly around equal…

1
Cursed Return (with Nicole Tietz-Sokolskaya) 32:14

13d ago32:14

32:14

In this episode of Dead Code, Jared speaks with software engineer Nicole Tietz-Sokolskaya about the ethical complexities of large language models (LLMs). Nicole shares her mixed experiences with LLMs—finding brief personal value but little long-term usefulness in her work—and critiques their environmental impact, reliance on questionable training d…

1
Blood Ex Libris by Raven Belasco – Vampires, Magic, and Indie Horror Done Right | Indie Author Showcase 30:33

17d ago30:33

30:33

In this episode of Indie Author Showcase, we dive fang-first into Blood Ex Libris by Raven Belasco—a gritty, fast-paced urban fantasy with rich world-building, dark magic, and vampires that don’t sparkle. Tune in as we review the first book in the Bloodlines series, discuss Raven’s unique spin on vampire lore, and explore what makes this indie horr…

1
Indie Author Showcase: WonderCon Highlights & Venus Rises Review by Jason Brown 28:14

24d ago28:14

28:14

Join us in the latest episode of the Indie Author Showcase as we recap our exciting experience at WonderCon! Discover the highlights of the event and dive into our in-depth review of 'Venus Rises' by Jason Brown. Whether you’re a fan of indie literature or curious about the latest trends in the comic and book world, this episode is packed with insi…

1
Frozen to Death (with Kevlin Henney) 54:47

27d ago54:47

54:47

In this episode of Dead Code, Jared talks with Kevlin Henney about the importance of immutability in software development, particularly as a strategy for reducing bugs related to state and concurrency. Kevlin explains that while many programming languages default to mutable state, treating state change as a privilege—not a right—can lead to more ma…

1
Pattern Imprisonment (with Joan Westenberg) 40:50

1M ago40:50

40:50

In this episode of Dead Code, journalist Joan Westenberg joins host Jared to explore the political and ethical consequences of our tech choices, advocating for decentralized, open-source platforms over corporate-controlled ecosystems like Google and Meta. Joan shares her path from tech journalism to founding The Index, a reader-supported publicatio…

1
🦇 Vampire Weekend Reflections & The Knife’s Edge Review – Indie Author Showcase 36:21

1M ago36:21

36:21

In this episode of Indie Author Showcase, we share our experience at Va Neill’s Vampire Weekend, an unforgettable gathering for vampire and horror fans! Then, we dive into The Knife’s Edge by Matthew Wolf, an epic fantasy adventure packed with action, mystery, and unforgettable characters. Join us as we discuss the event highlights, the impact of v…

1
Ordinary Corrupt Memory Love (with Jean Boussier (byroot)) 33:25

1M ago33:25

33:25

In this episode of Dead Code, host Jared Norman speaks with Jean Boussier, a key contributor to the Ruby community and Shopify engineer, about the challenges of concurrency in Ruby, particularly the Global VM Lock (GVL). Jean explains that while the GVL was originally implemented to simplify Ruby’s design, it now limits parallel execution, sparking…

1
All Models Are Wrong (with James Gayfer) 26:23

2M ago26:23

26:23

In this episode of Dead Code, Jared interviews James Gayfer about data modeling and the challenges of structuring databases effectively. James, who prefers raw SQL over ORMs, explains how many database models merely mirror table structures, leading to inefficient APIs and excessive data fetching. He discusses the concept of complete versus incomple…

1
Indie Horror Spotlight: Performance of a Lifetime, Swallower of Shades, & Permadeath Review 36:06

2M ago36:06

36:06

In this episode of Indie Author Showcase, we dive into three chilling and captivating indie horror stories! First, we review Performance of a Lifetime by Emma E. Murray, a gripping tale of obsession and psychological terror. Then, we review two comics by Dead Sky Comics. Explore the haunting world of Swallower of Shades, a dark and surreal journey …

1
Permadeath (with Roguelike Radio) 50:44

2M ago50:44

50:44

In this episode of Dead Code, Jared explores the world of roguelike game development with guests Mark R. Johnson and Darren Grey from Roguelike Radio, discussing the history, appeal, and technical challenges of the genre. They dive into the upcoming Seven-Day Roguelike Challenge, where developers create a game in a week, emphasizing the importance …

1
Celebrating Black Women in Horror & Sci-Fi | K.C. Cordell, Dicey Grenor. Plus, The Immortal Era Review 33:17

2M ago33:17

33:17

For Black History Month, we revisit two incredible Black women authors we've featured on Indie Author Showcase: K.C. Cordell, author of So You Survived the End of the World, and Dicey Grenor, creator of the Narcoleptic Vampire series and co-host of the Sex and Horror podcast. Plus, we dive into The Immortal Era by Finish Line Comics. Don't miss thi…

1
Lethal Dependency Injection (with Tim Riley) 45:50

2M ago45:50

45:50

In this episode of Dead Code, Jared interviews Tim Riley about Hanami, an alternative Ruby web framework that prioritizes separation of concerns, modular components, and maintainability over Rails’ monolithic approach. Tim explains how Hanami’s repository pattern for database interactions reduces unintended ripple effects, while its built-in depend…

1
Generational Trauma: A Daughter of the Holocaust by Melanie Sol – Indie Author Showcase 29:04

2M ago29:04

29:04

In this powerful episode of Indie Author Showcase, we explore A Daughter of the Holocaust by Melanie Sol, a deeply moving memoir of survival, resilience, and generational trauma. We also discuss the disturbing news that copies of Sol’s book were defaced with antisemitic slurs, highlighting the ongoing struggle against hate. Join us for an insightfu…

1
Hole-y Diver (with Cyrus Omar and Andrew Blinn) 36:46

2M ago36:46

36:46

In this Dead Code podcast episode, Cyrus Omar and Andrew Blinn discuss Hazel, an innovative programming language and editor designed to handle incomplete programs by providing continuous feedback and partial code execution, similar to dynamic languages, while maintaining a robust type system. Hazel’s unique graphical editor allows domain-specific v…

1
Yet Another Podcast Episode (with Ingy döt Net) 35:34

3M ago35:34

35:34

In this episode of Dead Code, Jared interviews Ingy döt Net, co-creator of YAML, about its origins, unexpected rise in popularity—especially within the Ruby community—and its evolution into a widely used configuration language. Ingy shares insights into YAMLScript, a new programming language he developed to address YAML’s limitations, enabling more…

1
Zero Allocations (with Joel Drapper) 49:16

3M ago49:16

49:16

In this episode of Dead Code, Jared interviews software engineer Joel Drapper about his open-source projects in the Ruby ecosystem. They discuss Phlex, a view framework that allows developers to build HTML components using pure Ruby, eliminating the need for templating languages like ERB. Joel also introduces Literal, a library for reducing boilerp…

1
Let’s Go Camping (with Karl Oscar Weber) 20:45

3M ago20:45

20:45

In this Dead Code episode, host Jared interviews Karl Oscar Weber about revitalizing Camping, a minimalist Ruby web framework originally created by “Why the Lucky Stiff.” Karl shares his 14-year programming journey, his passion for Ruby, and the challenges of modernizing Camping while preserving its compact, esoteric design under five kilobytes. He…

1
Boosting Podcast Reach with Opus Clip + Unnamable by Andrew Schrader – Review 33:25

3M ago33:25

33:25

In this episode of Indie Author Showcase, we dive into how we use Opus Clip to create engaging shorts that boost our podcast's visibility and reach a wider audience. Plus, we review Unnamable by Andrew Schrader, exploring its eerie themes and gripping storytelling. Whether you're an indie author looking for promotional tips or a horror fan eager fo…

1
Event Horizon (with Ismael Celis) 34:25

3M ago34:25

34:25

In this episode of Dead Code, Jared Norman hosts Ruby developer and consultant Ismael Celis to discuss event sourcing—a data storage model that records historical events to derive the current state of an application, offering benefits like accurate audit trails and reduced complexity. Ismael explains how event sourcing contrasts with traditional CR…

1
That's Not Right by Scott Meyer, and Indie Author Showcase: Podcast Goals Revealed 34:26

3M ago34:26

34:26

In this episode of Indie Author Showcase, we dive into the heart of the podcast—exploring our mission to spotlight indie authors, share publishing insights, and connect readers with fresh voices in fiction. We also review That's Not Right by Scott Meyer, a quirky and thrilling read that blends humor with suspense. Join us for an inside look at our …

1
For Whom The Compiler Tolls (with Felienne Hermans) 29:23

3M ago29:23

29:23

In this episode of Dead Code, Jared Norman interviews Felienne Hermans, creator of the Hedy programming language and author of “A Case for Feminism in Programming Language Design.” Felienne discusses her experiences of alienation in the programming language design community and critiques its prioritization of mathematical rigor and technical diffic…

1
CreepIE Expo Preview & Review of Lethal Lords and Ladies of the Night by Scott Harper 29:55

4M ago29:55

29:55

In this episode of Indie Author Showcase, we share exciting details about our upcoming appearance at CreepIE Expo and what fans can expect from Spectral Ink at the event! Use promo code SPEKTRAL for CreepIE ticket discounts! Plus, we dive into a chilling review of Lethal Lords and Ladies of the Night by Scott Harper—a gripping collection of vampire…

1
Violent Sleep of Concurrency (with JP Camara) 41:15

4M ago41:15

41:15

In this Dead Code episode, host Jared Norman interviews JP Camara, Principal Software Engineer at Wealthbox, about Ruby concurrency. JP explains that Ruby applications are inherently multithreaded, even when developers assume otherwise, highlighting how background threads from libraries like Sidekiq or monitoring tools can introduce concurrency iss…

1
Book of the Year Awards for 2024! 20:53

4M ago20:53

20:53

Join us for a celebratory episode of Indie Author Showcase as we unveil the Book of the Year Awards for 2024! Discover the standout authors and unforgettable stories that defined the year in indie publishing. From gripping horror to captivating fantasy to cutting-edge sci-fi and everything in between, we honor the works that left a lasting impact o…

1
‘Twas The Night Before Christmas 1:42

4M ago1:42

1:42

In this whimsical holiday-themed episode of the Dead Code podcast, Jared dives into the much-anticipated release of Ruby 3.4, framing the technical updates in a festive, poetic rendition of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Listeners are treated to a charming narrative where Ruby's creator, "Saint Matz," embodies a coding Santa Claus, delivering th…

1
Short Bites wins Book of the Year! And we review Nightmare Theater from Bloodline Comics! 18:38

4M ago18:38

18:38

In this episode of Indie Author Showcase, we celebrate a huge milestone as The Last Rite - Short Bites Vol 1 - Bloodlines wins Audiobook Reviewer's Book of the Year! Join us as we delve into what makes this collection a standout in the world of audio horror. Plus, we sink our teeth into a review of Nightmare Theater by Bloodline Comics, a chilling …

1
Why and Why Now? (with Rebecca Murphey) 29:57

4M ago29:57

29:57

In this episode of Dead Code, Jared speaks with Rebecca Murphey, Field CTO at Swarmia, about the critical importance of written communication in engineering organizations. Rebecca shares insights from her experiences at Indeed and Stripe, emphasizing how clear, concise, and audience-focused communication can drive alignment, mitigate risks, and adv…

1
Advent of Weird Ruby Code 31:37

5M ago31:37

31:37

In this episode of Dead Code, Jared Norman and guests Andrew, Sofia, and Senem discuss their experiences with Advent of Code, an annual programming challenge with Christmas-themed puzzles. They share how the challenge fosters creativity, improves coding skills, and allows for unique problem-solving approaches, particularly using Ruby’s powerful too…

1
Unearthing Mystery and Magic: When Halloween Was Green by Bernard K. Finnigan 31:20

5M ago31:20

31:20

In this spine-tingling episode of the Indie Author Showcase, we dive into Bernard K. Finnigan's When Halloween Was Green, a haunting tale that reimagines the spirit of the spooky season. Plus, Alex shares the intriguing story behind a mysterious book he discovered hidden in a hole in the wall. Could this find be the key to an untold story? Or, more…

1
Predatory Infrastructure (with Noah Gibbs) 47:40

5M ago47:40

47:40

In this episode of Dead Code, Jared Norman and guest Noah Gibbs, author of Rebuilding Rails and Mastering Software Technique, discuss programming as an art form rather than purely a business or engineering practice. They explore how programming, much like traditional art, thrives on creativity and self-expression, with languages like Ruby enabling …

1
RubyConf Post-Mortem 17:27

5M ago17:27

17:27

In this episode of Dead Code, host Jared Norman shares highlights from RubyConf in Chicago, reflecting on its exceptional programming and his personal connection to the venue, dating back to RailsConf 2014. Memorable talks included Matz’s keynote on Ruby's future, Aaron Patterson’s optimization insights, Enrique Mogollan’s exploration of Ruby's bou…

1
How Tariffs Impact Indie Authors + Review of Kathy Porter’s "Earth’s Ultimate Conflict" 33:54

5M ago33:54

33:54

In this episode of the Indie Author Showcase, we delve into how former President Trump’s threats of tariffs could affect the publishing industry, especially for indie authors navigating the costs of printing, distribution, and merchandise. Plus, we review Kathy Porter’s gripping sci-fi novel, Earth’s Ultimate Conflict, exploring its thrilling plot,…

1
Symphony of Automation (with Aji Slater) 30:13

5M ago30:13

30:13

In this Dead Code episode, Jared Norman hosts Aji Slater, Development Team Lead at thoughtbot, to discuss “incremental automation,” a concept that advocates for gradually automating tasks by refining them with small steps rather than investing large amounts of time upfront. Aji explains that capturing each step of repetitive tasks enables developer…

1
Let's talk about sex baby! Sex with Fictional Beings & a Review of Sleepy Willow's Bonded Soul 42:16

5M ago42:16

42:16

In this episode of Indie Author Showcase, we dive into the intriguing ramifications of sex with different fictional beings. From vampires to werewolves to aliens and beyond, we explore how intimate relationships with supernatural creatures play out in fiction and what that means for characters and storytelling. We also review Sleepy Willow's Bonded…

1
Everything is an Experiment (with Jessica Kerr) 33:00

6M ago33:00

33:00

In this Dead Code episode, Jessica Kerr (Jessitron) joins host Jared Norman to explore the evolving nature of experimentation and learning in software development. Jessica reflects on her shift from valuing software’s determinism to embracing the unpredictability of distributed systems and human factors. She explains that traditional scientific met…

1
Postgres and Destroy (with Andrew Atkinson) 45:32

6M ago45:32

45:32

In this episode of Dead Code, host Jared Norman talks with Andrew Atkinson, author of High Performance Postgres For Rails, about the benefits and recent updates to Postgres. Andrew shares why he prefers Postgres for its reliability, extensibility, and independence from corporate control, making it ideal for applications with complex or fluctuating …

1
The Rats Beneath the Walls: Robert S. Campbell on Crafting a Sequel to Lovecraft’s The Rats in the Walls 59:35

6M ago59:35

59:35

In this episode of Indie Author Showcase, we chat with Robert S. Campbell, author of The Rats Beneath the Walls, a thrilling sequel to H.P. Lovecraft’s classic short story The Rats in the Walls, released 100 years after the original publication. Campbell delves into his creative process, the challenges of writing a follow-up to one of Lovecraft's m…

1
Twitching Hour (with Rachael Wright-Munn) 33:49

6M ago33:49

33:49

In this Dead Code podcast episode, Jared Norman interviews Chael Wright-Munn (ChaelCodes) about the benefits of working openly through activities like live streaming and contributing to open-source projects. Chael emphasizes how creating a "library of examples" through public coding can enhance a developer’s skills, build their professional network…

1
Exploring Horror and Erotica: An Interview with Dicey Grenor, Author of the Narcoleptic Vampire Series 51:56

6M ago51:56

51:56

In this episode of Indie Author Showcase, we interview Dicey Grenor, the brilliant mind behind the Narcoleptic Vampire series. We dive into her journey as an author, exploring how she masterfully blends horror and erotica to craft bold, provocative stories. Dicey shares her inspirations, challenges, and insights into writing across these unique gen…

1
Master of Generators (with Garrett Dimon) 33:38

6M ago33:38

33:38

In this episode of Dead Code, host Jared Norman interviews Garrett Dimon about the benefits of using Rails generators for automating tasks and maintaining consistency in Rails applications. Garrett, a seasoned developer, shares how he transitioned to Ruby and Rails and delved deep into using generators to simplify repetitive tasks, automate file cr…

1
Interview with vampire expert Scott Harper! 49:48

6M ago49:48

49:48

Join us on this episode of the Indie Author Showcase as we interview Scott Harper, a dedicated author and vampire expert! Discover Scott's journey into the supernatural world of vampire fiction, his creative process, and the inspirations that drive his dark, immersive tales. We delve into his unique approach to this genre, his tips for aspiring wri…

1
Hammer Smashed Argument (with Coraline Ada Ehmke) 30:35

7M ago30:35

30:35

In this episode, Jared speaks with Coraline Ada Ehmke, a veteran software developer and creator of the Contributor Covenant and Hippocratic License, about the ethics of open-source software. Coraline discusses common justifications developers use to avoid accountability for the potential harm their software may cause, such as the "freedom zero" arg…

1
Benevolent Dictatorship (with Mat, Noah, Sofia, and Chris) 47:00

7M ago47:00

47:00

In this episode, host Jared Norman and SuperGood teammates and guests Mat Harvard, Sofia Besenski, Noah Silvera, and Chris Todorov recap their experiences at Rails World 2024. They discuss the unique venue in Toronto, key takeaways from David Heinemeier Hansson's keynote on making Rails more accessible, and the shift towards on-prem solutions over …

1
Upcoming Author Interviews & A Review of The Root Witch by Debra Castaneda 26:58

7M ago26:58

26:58

In this episode of Indie Author Showcase, we share exciting news about our upcoming interviews with talented authors and dive into a chilling review of The Root Witch by Debra Castaneda. Tune in for book recommendations, author insights, and updates on what's happening in the indie writing community. Whether you're an author or a reader, you won't …

1
Fear-Driven Development (with J. B. Rainsberger) 46:25

7M ago46:25

46:25

In this episode of Dead Code, J.B. Rainsberger discusses the pitfalls of integrated tests, calling them a "scam" due to their tendency to complicate rather than solve testing problems. He advocates for writing smaller, more focused tests, like unit tests, to simplify debugging and avoid tangled code. J.B. emphasizes that test-driven development (TD…

1
New Review Policy, Convention Highlights, and the Hilarious Worlds of Barry J. Hutchison 25:31

7M ago25:31

25:31

n this episode of Indie Author Showcase, we introduce our new book review policy, focusing on giving more balanced and constructive feedback to authors. We'll also take you through our time at HorrorCon and CreepIE, sharing some of the best moments and connections made at these events. Finally, we switch gears to dive into the sci-fi comedy worlds …

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