Switching careers can be daunting, especially when diving into the tech world. Luckily, podcasts offer an incredible way to immerse yourself in coding and technology, providing insights, news, and inspiration even before you land your first tech role. Whether you’re seeking motivation, practical coding tips, or just want to stay informed about the industry, there’s a podcast out there for you. This curated list of top tech podcasts will empower your coding career change journey, keeping you learning and engaged every step of the way.
Top Podcasts to Stay Updated on Tech Industry News
Hard Fork
Navigating the fast-paced world of technology requires staying informed. Hard Fork, a podcast from The New York Times, cuts through the noise with humor and insightful analysis of the latest tech news. Hosted by award-winning tech columnist Kevin Roose and journalist Casey Newton, this podcast explores the crucial intersection of technology with policy, business, and culture. For anyone serious about a coding career change, understanding these broader trends is essential.
Average episode length: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Must-listen episode: Google DeepMind C.E.O. Demis Hassabis on the Path From Chatbots to A.G.I. – Gain valuable insights into the future of AI from a leading voice in the field.
On with Kara Swisher
For a broader perspective on tech and its impact, tune into On with Kara Swisher. Hosted by the renowned tech journalist Kara Swisher, this interview-based podcast features conversations with influential figures across business, tech, media, and politics. Kara’s sharp interviewing style ensures you’ll gain fresh perspectives and learn from the leaders shaping the tech landscape, crucial knowledge for anyone embarking on a coding career change.
Average episode length: 1 hour
Highly recommended episode: Much Ado About TikTok – Delve into the complexities of social media and its global impact.
Podcasts to Enhance Your Coding Skills
The Real Python Podcast
If Python is your chosen coding language for a career change, The Real Python Podcast is an invaluable resource. This weekly podcast from Real Python dives deep into the Python world, offering interviews with experts, practical coding tips, and insights from the broader Python community. Listeners consistently praise the thoughtful questions, real-world examples, and easy-to-digest weekly format, making it perfect for upskilling your Python knowledge.
Average episode length: 1 hour
Excellent episode for learners: Building a Healthy Developer Mindset While Learning Python – Focus on the mental aspects of learning to code, essential for a successful career transition.
Not So Standard Deviations
For those pivoting into data science through coding, Not So Standard Deviations is a must-listen. Hosted by data science experts Roger Peng (professor at Johns Hopkins) and Hilary Parker (former data scientist at Stitch Fix), this podcast covers a wide range of data science and data analysis topics, bridging the gap between industry and academia. Understanding data is increasingly important in tech, regardless of your specific coding role.
Average episode length: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Intriguing episode: Is R the Worst? – Explore a balanced discussion around different data analysis tools and languages.
Front End Happy Hour
Aspiring front-end developers making a coding career change will find Front End Happy Hour both informative and entertaining. Join engineers from top tech companies like Netflix, Twitch, and LinkedIn as they discuss all things front-end development and software engineering. From the latest industry news to career advice, their casual yet insightful conversations are accessible to coders at any level.
Average episode length: 45 minutes
Relevant episode: Online learning on the rocks – Reflect on the evolving landscape of online coding education.
Podcasts for Inspiring Career Change Stories in Tech
Learn To Code With Me
Need inspiration for your coding career change? Learn To Code With Me is packed with personal stories of individuals from diverse backgrounds who successfully transitioned into tech. Hosted by self-taught tech expert Laurence Bradford, this upbeat podcast showcases a variety of pathways into tech, proving that a coding career change is achievable no matter where you start.
Average episode length: Around 45 minutes
Motivational episode: From Frying Chicken to Working at Google With Danny Thompson – A truly inspiring story of career transformation through coding.
CodeNewbie
CodeNewbie podcast, hosted by Saron Yitbarek, is dedicated to sharing the journeys of career switchers into coding. Featuring interviews with people from various previous professions – from occupational therapists to pastors – this podcast offers relatable and encouraging stories. Older episodes also provide valuable career advice and overviews of essential tech tools for beginners making a coding career change.
Average episode length: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Insightful episode for well-being: Embracing Rest for Productivity with Ronesha Dennis – Learn about the importance of balance in a demanding field like tech.
Podcasts Supporting Underrepresented Groups in Tech
The Women Who Code Podcast
The Women Who Code Podcast is brought to you by Women Who Code, a nonprofit empowering women in tech careers. This podcast offers interviews with women tech leaders, discussions on technology’s impact, and inspiring individual career stories. Divided into themes like “Conversations,” “Talks Tech,” and “Career Nav,” it caters to various needs, whether you’re seeking career inspiration or practical tech insights during your coding career change.
Average episode length: 20 minutes to 45 minutes
Relevant episode for data skills: Talks Tech #54: How Data Analysts Can Employ Generative AI – Explore the cutting edge of AI in data analysis.
Breaking Into Startups: Diverse Backgrounds
While Breaking Into Startups: Diverse Backgrounds is no longer producing new episodes, its extensive archive is a goldmine for career changers. Featuring conversations with high-profile guests and everyday individuals who pivoted to tech, the “Diverse Backgrounds” collection provides honest, vulnerable, and detailed first-person accounts and advice for starting new careers and upskilling for a coding career change.
Average episode length: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
Compelling episode: Rodney Urquhart – How a 16-year-old High School Dropout became a Senior Software Engineer at Slack – A testament to unconventional paths to tech success.
Podcasts for Tech Career Advice and Growth
IT Career Energizer
Although IT Career Energizer is not currently active, its library of episodes remains incredibly valuable for IT career development. Guests share their journeys into the IT industry, discuss career advancement strategies, and offer their best career tips. For those navigating a coding career change, this podcast provides actionable advice and industry insights.
Average episode length: 30 minutes
Helpful episode for networking: The Power of Networking and Always Practice Self-Care with Jossie Haines – Learn essential career skills beyond coding.
Squiggly Careers
Squiggly Careers is perfect for anyone at a career crossroads, including those considering a coding career change. The hosts offer specific, actionable advice on navigating career paths, from switching industries to getting promoted and staying motivated. They also interview experts on work and productivity, providing a holistic approach to career development.
Average episode length: 30 minutes
Practical episode for confidence: How to cage your confidence gremlins – Tackle the mental hurdles of a career change.
Podcast for Tech Bootcamp Students
The TechStart podcast by TripleTen
If you’re considering or currently enrolled in a tech bootcamp as part of your coding career change, The TechStart Podcast by TripleTen is specifically designed for you. This podcast offers episodes tailored to career switchers and bootcamp students, covering study strategies, career options, and inspiring student success stories. It’s a great companion throughout your bootcamp journey and beyond.
Average episode length: 30 minutes
Relevant episode for job seekers: Working in Tech: Remote vs. Hybrid vs. Onsite – Explore different work models in the tech industry.
Ready to Code? Explore Your Options
Switching to a coding career is a significant step, and podcasts are a fantastic resource to guide you. If you’re intrigued by the tech world and considering further education, explore bootcamps as a fast-track option to gain job-ready skills. Consider taking a short quiz to determine if a bootcamp aligns with your learning style and career goals. Start listening, start learning, and begin your exciting coding career change today!
