The [REFACTORED] Podcast

A casual, ongoing conversation between two technology leaders with Chris Tonkinson and Frank Koehl.

Technology

React.js, SCSS, Big-O, Kubernetes, TLS.
The guys have cut and run CAT5 through
plenum, built and racked servers, found
SQL Server performance bottlenecks, and
written a hell of a lot of good software.

Leadership

From Enterprise to small business, the
guys have managed and built teams for
years; serial entrepreneurs with strong
cross-functional acumen and a knack for
translating between "geek" and "human."

Shenanigans

Frank brings the energetic snark. Chris
brings the cranky optimism. Together,
they can barely get through a single show
without devolving into petty ad-hominem
attacks and, often, childish sound effects.

Recent Episodes


Refactored 124: "Friction Ain't Free"

Wherein the guys find it difficult to cancel the upcoming XBox X Æ A-12.

published Jan 19, 2024
Show Notes

  • Chris discovers another Biz Dev Dark Pattern: service cancellation requiring a conversation with a human rep, only to be greeted by a chatbot. Thanks, Sirius XM.
  • Who wants to pay to create and maintain proper Personas, anyway? The guys debate.
  • Features vs benefits - what are you selling? Frank has thoughts.
  • Nerdular nerdance: is Vue.js better than React.js? Fight!
  • The pick of the week is, use Google private drives by default. Hot tip!
  • … and much more!


Refactored 123: "You're a Mercenary"

Wherein Chris takes a break and Frank has a better advent calendar.

published Jan 12, 2024
Show Notes

  • Frank demonstrates Harvard Business Review has their heads so far up their isn’t unequivically perspicacious.
  • Chris took a break between gigs. 10/10 he recommends.
  • “That’s not my job” - a rant, by Chris.
  • The guys debate (then agree) on whether “leaving a dent” is a worthwhile first-order goal.
  • The pick of the week is the Hans Gruber Advent Calendar. Christmas can now be offical!
  • … and much more!


Refactored 122: "Russ Hashimoto Gained a B"

Wherein the guys defend HCL.... or do they?

published Dec 26, 2023
Show Notes

  • StarTech.com isn’t so bad after all, turns out. Chris really likes their 12U Open Rack.
  • Mitchell Hashimoto leaves Hashicorp. The guys agree - this is not a coincidence.
  • HCL. Love it or hate it. Hate it but gotta use it, says Github’s state of open source report.
  • Russ Hanneman lost his B, Richard.
  • Chris wants you to take a beat and self-reflect. Are you really satisfied with your job?
  • … and much more!


View the full show archives

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