Ed Barnard, Author of Beyond Prompt Engineering: The Revolutionary Way to Learn Augmented Thinking
In this Leanpub podcast episode, Len Epp interviews Ed Barnard, author of Beyond Prompt Engineering: The Revolutionary Way to Learn Augmented Thinking. With two 20-year careers—first in operating system development at Cray Research and then in web software development—Ed brings deep technical expertise and philosophical insight to the conversation.
They discuss the evolution of computing and Ed’s powerful approach to learning and working with AI beyond simply crafting prompts. Ed shares stories from his early days working with the “wizards” at Cray, his practical experience with software consulting, and how the pursuit of deeper understanding in human-computer interaction has shaped his latest work.
The episode also explores the limitations of current AI thinking, the importance of structured learning, and how his book provides a conceptual roadmap for those seeking to become not just prompt engineers, but collaborative thinkers alongside machines. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of programming, AI, and human cognition.
This interview was recorded on June 10, 2025.
The full audio for the interview is here: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/leanpub_podcasts/FM317-Ed-Barnard-2025-06-10.mp3. The Frontmatter podcast is available on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/leanpub, in Apple Podcasts here https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/frontmatter/id517117137, and almost everywhere else people listen to podcasts.
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Anne-Marie Charrett, Author of The Quality Coach's Handbook
In this episode of the Leanpub Podcast, Len Epp interviews Anne-Marie Charrett, author of The Quality Coach’s Handbook. Anne-Marie shares her journey from test automation to becoming a leader in quality coaching and engineering. She discusses her roles thoughout her career, and how she advocates for embedding quality practices throughout software teams.
The conversation explores the evolving nature of quality roles, how coaching can shift organizational mindsets, and why technical excellence must align with empathy and communication. Anne-Marie also shares lessons learned from conference speaking, mentoring others, and helping teams build a shared understanding of what “quality” means in different contexts.
For more from Anne-Marie, visit her website annemariecharrett.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.
This interview was recorded on June 3, 2025.
The full audio for the interview is here: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/leanpub_podcasts/FM316-Anne-Marie-Charrett-2025-06-03.mp3. The podcast is available on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/leanpub, in Apple Podcasts here https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/frontmatter/id517117137, and almost everywhere else people listen to podcasts.
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Jonathan B. Crossland, Author of The Software Developer's Handbook: Volume 1
In this Leanpub Podcast episode, Len Epp interviews Jonathan B. Crossland, author of The Software Developer’s Handbook: Volume 1. Jonathan shares his unconventional path from performing arts into software development, and the inspiration behind his values-based engineering framework, Ammerse.
They dive into how personal values, like creativity and autonomy, influence great software development, and how developers can grow by embracing uncertainty and learning from mistakes. Jonathan also discusses the importance of writing, and how Leanpub empowers authors without gatekeepers.
This episode blends practical advice, philosophical insight, and reflections on both career decisions and becoming a professional programmer, making it essential listening for anyone passionate about software craftsmanship and lifelong learning.
This interview was recorded on May 28, 2025.
The full audio for the interview is here: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/leanpub_podcasts/FM315-Jonathan-Crossland-2025-05-28.mp3. The podcast is available on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/leanpub, in Apple Podcasts here https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/frontmatter/id517117137, and almost everywhere else people listen to podcasts.
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Alex Telford, Author of Practical Python for Production Under Pressure
In this episode of the Leanpub Podcast, Len Epp interviews Alex Telford, Senior Pipeline and Software Engineer and author of Practical Python for Production Under Pressure. Alex shares insights from his career in VFX and animation, where developers must build and fix tools quickly while productions are running full tilt.
They discuss the origins of his book, written to help technical directors, software engineers, and indie developers solve real-world problems with Python under intense time constraints. Alex explains how his experience at studios informed his pragmatic approach, and he emphasizes the importance of clear communication, clean interfaces, and sustainable practices in chaotic environments.
The episode is packed with valuable tips for coders working in high-pressure creative industries, and for anyone managing fast-paced technical projects in production.
This interview was recorded on May 20, 2025.
The full audio for the interview is here: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/leanpub_podcasts/FM314-Alex-Telford-2025-05-20.mp3. The Frontmatter podcast is available on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/leanpub, in Apple Podcasts here https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/frontmatter/id517117137, and almost everywhere else people listen to podcasts.
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Ivan Krnic, Author of BizTech Evolution: From Transactional Services to Strategic Alliances
In this Leanpub Podcast episode, Len Epp interviews Ivan Krnić, author of BizTech Evolution: From Transactional Services to Strategic Alliances and Director of Engineering at CROZ. Ivan shares his insights on the changing relationship between business and technology teams, advocating for a shift from traditional siloed interactions to strategic partnerships. They discuss why empathy and shared context are crucial for success in modern organizations, and how his book provides a practical guide to fostering collaboration between engineers and business stakeholders. The conversation highlights how aligning incentives and focusing on outcomes can help organizations deliver more value and build more resilient, adaptive cultures.
This interview was recorded on May 16, 2025.
The full audio for the interview is here: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/leanpub_podcasts/FM313-Ivan-Krnic-2025-05-16.mp3. The Frontmatter podcast is available on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/leanpub, in Apple Podcasts here https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/frontmatter/id517117137, and almost everywhere else people listen to podcasts.
In Leanpub's Frontmatter podcast, we interview authors and special guests about their lives & careers, their areas of expertise and the issues of the moment, and their experiences as writers. Every episode is deeply researched and covers areas that are equally of human interest, general interest, and professional interest.
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