In this ep, we chat with Rodrigo Girão Serrão about his journey from mathematician to Pythonista. What started as a colleague’s tip turned into 11 years of Python exploration. Rodrigo shares how his background in APL reshaped the way he writes Python, helping him embrace list comprehensions and functional patterns more intuitively.

We dig into his latest side project—a bytecode compiler written in Python—and what that reveals about how Python really works under the hood. Rodrigo unpacks dunder methods, decorators, and how Python’s consistent design makes building elegant, expressive code a joy.

He also shares great advice on giving talks: from deep diving into topics to letting ideas evolve before structuring a presentation. His love for community and clarity in coding is contagious.

Whether you're new to Python or a seasoned dev, this conversation will give you a deeper appreciation for the language we all love.

Connect with Rodrigo on socials:

Github: https://github.com/rodrigogiraoserrao

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigo-gir%C3%A3o-serr%C3%A3o/

Check our these links for some further reading/viewing:

RP podcast: https://realpython.com/podcasts/rpp/252/

The categorisation of the module itertools: https://mathspp.com/blog/module-itertools-overview

A tutorial on decorators: https://mathspp.com/blog/pydonts/decorators

An article about dunder methods: https://mathspp.com/blog/pydonts/dunder-methods

Why APL is a language worth knowing (article): https://mathspp.com/blog/why-apl-is-a-language-worth-knowing

How APL made me a better Python developer (talk/video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDy-to9fgaw

The series of articles with the compiler/interpreter: https://mathspp.com/blog/tags/bpci

A tutorial is not a long talk: https://mathspp.com/blog/a-tutorial-is-not-a-long-talk

How I prepare a technical talk: https://mathspp.com/blog/how-i-prepare-a-technical-talk

Structural pattern matching: https://peps.python.org/pep-0636/

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💡🧑‍💻Level up your Python skills in just 6 weeks with our hands-on, mentor-led cohort program. Build and ship real apps while gaining confidence and accountability in a supportive community. Join an upcoming Pybites Developer Cohort today! 🌟✅

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If you found this podcast helpful, please consider following us!

Start Here with Pybites: https://pybit.es

Developer Mindset Newsletter: https://pybit.es/newsletter 💡

Pybites Books: https://pybitesbooks.com/

Bob LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbelderbos/

Julian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliansequeira/

Twitter: https://x.com/pybites

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pybites-podcast/id1545551340

Sp

In this episode, we dive into AI’s impact on software development with Matt Makai, VP of Developer Relations at DigitalOcean and creator of Full Stack Python.

We explore how AI tools are changing coding workflows—from elite devs like Miguel Grinberg and Armin Ronacher to Matt’s own work on the AI-powered PlushCap app. While some see friction, others embrace AI as a co-pilot. Matt shares why staying hands-on with code is key for tech leaders, and why, despite the hype, AI won’t replace developers—it’ll just reshape how we work.

Connect with Matt on socials:

X: https://x.com/fullstackpython

Github: https://github.com/mattmakai

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewmakai/

Matt's projects:

Plushcap: https://www.plushcap.com/

Full Stack Python: https://www.fullstackpython.com/

DigitalOcean: https://www.digitalocean.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/digitalocean

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Blogs mentioned:

https://blog.miguelgrinberg.com/post/why-generative-ai-coding-tools-and-agents-do-not-work-for-me

https://lucumr.pocoo.org/2025/6/12/agentic-coding/

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💡🧑‍💻Level up your Python skills in just 6 weeks with our hands-on, mentor-led cohort program. Build and ship real apps while gaining confidence and accountability in a supportive community. Join an upcoming Pybites Developer Cohort today! 🌟✅

___

If you found this podcast helpful, please consider following us!

Start Here with Pybites: https://pybit.es

Developer Mindset Newsletter: https://pybit.es/newsletter 💡

Pybites Books: https://pybitesbooks.com/

Bob LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbelderbos/

Julian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliansequeira/

Twitter: https://x.com/pybites

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pybites-podcast/id1545551340

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1sJnriPKKVgPIX7UU9PIN1

In this episode, we share our own experiences of what it’s like to code in isolation — and why it held us back more than we realised at the time. When you're working solo, it’s easy to miss out on learning opportunities, fall into unhelpful habits, or lose momentum altogether.

But when you start coding alongside others, everything shifts. We talk about how code reviews gave us instant feedback, how collaborating with other devs helped us level up faster, and how the simple act of being part of a team made coding more enjoyable — and a lot less lonely.

Whether you're freelancing, working remotely, or just feeling a bit disconnected, we share some practical ways to break out of that bubble. We also talk about how the PyBytes community has grown to nearly 1,400 developers, all sharing ideas, swapping feedback, landing jobs, and building real connections.

If you’ve been feeling stuck or isolated in your coding journey, this episode might be the nudge you need. Because trust us — once you stop coding alone, everything changes.

Join our Circle Community today! https://pybites.circle.so/c/start-here

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Books mentioned:

Reinventing The Store: https://pybitesbooks.com/books/lFI3EQAAQBAJ

Magician's End: https://pybitesbooks.com/books/nKHPc2SQqScC

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💡🧑‍💻Level up your Python skills in just 6 weeks with our hands-on, mentor-led cohort program. Build and ship real apps while gaining confidence and accountability in a supportive community. Join an upcoming Pybites Developer Cohort today! 🌟✅

___

If you found this podcast helpful, please consider following us!

Start Here with Pybites: https://pybit.es

Developer Mindset Newsletter: https://pybit.es/newsletter 💡

Pybites Books: https://pybitesbooks.com/

Bob LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbelderbos/

Julian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliansequeira/

Twitter: https://x.com/pybites

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pybites-podcast/id1545551340

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1sJnriPKKVgPIX7UU9PIN1

Are you ready to level up your Python skills? In this episode we share the five common mistakes that hold learners back, and how to avoid them. From setting clear goals to building simple, impactful projects, we’ll show you how to turn scattered effort into strategic growth.

Learn to stay focused in a world full of distractions, seek mentorship confidently, and reframe challenges as stepping stones. Whether you're stuck in tutorial loops or just getting started, this guide will help you build momentum, boost confidence, and thrive as a developer.

Books:

Effective Python: https://pybitesbooks.com/books/9kG4DwAAQBAJ

The Maniac: https://pybitesbooks.com/books/TggPEQAAQBAJ

Magician: https://pybitesbooks.com/books/aKUrDwAAQBAJ

Peak: https://pybitesbooks.com/books/GmcpCgAAQBAJ

Podcast mentioned:

#129 - Empower Your Python Ambitions - From Idea Paralysis to Real-World Projects
https://www.pybitespodcast.com/13505291/episodes/13505291-129-empower-your-python-ambitions-from-idea-paralysis-to-real-world-projects

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💡🧑‍💻Level up your Python skills in just 6 weeks with our hands-on, mentor-led cohort program. Build and ship real apps while gaining confidence and accountability in a supportive community. Join an upcoming Pybites Developer Cohort today! 🌟✅

___

If you found this podcast helpful, please consider following us!

Start Here with Pybites: https://pybit.es

Developer Mindset Newsletter: https://pybit.es/newsletter 💡

Pybites Books: https://pybitesbooks.com/

Bob LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbelderbos/

Julian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliansequeira/

Twitter: https://x.com/pybites

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pybites-podcast/id1545551340

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1sJnriPKKVgPIX7UU9PIN1

Sebastián Ramírez returns in this episode to share the evolution of his journey from open-source developer to company founder, with the launch of FastAPI Cloud. After creating tools used by developers worldwide, Sebastián explains how he found a critical gap in the app creation process - the painful transition from local development to production deployment. Throughout our conversation, we hear how Sebastián and his team are working to remove this obstacle.

We also hear some of the amazing ways that FastAPI has been adopted in mission-critical systems worldwide. From powering image generation in ChatGPT to controlling particle accelerators at CERN and managing data from the James Webb Space Telescope, FastAPI has found its way into diverse applications that impact our daily lives and scientific understanding.

To join the FastAPI Cloud waiting list, visit https://fastapicloud.com/.

You can also reach out to Sebastián on the following platforms:

X profile: https://x.com/tiangolo

Github profile: https://github.com/tiangolo

To read the book Sebastián mentioned, visit https://sre.google/books/

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💡🧑‍💻Level up your Python skills in just 6 weeks with our hands-on, mentor-led cohort program. Build and ship real apps while gaining confidence and accountability in a supportive community. Join an upcoming Pybites Developer Cohort today! 🌟✅

___

If you found this podcast helpful, please consider following us!

Start Here with Pybites: https://pybit.es

Developer Mindset Newsletter: https://pybit.es/newsletter 💡

Pybites Books: https://pybitesbooks.com/

Bob LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbelderbos/

Julian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliansequeira/

Twitter: https://x.com/pybites

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pybites-podcast/id1545551340

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1sJnriPKKVgPIX7UU9PIN1

What if you could tap into a more affordable and efficient energy system, all while supporting grid stability? Tune in to our fascinating conversation with Robin Beer, energy data scientist at Flexa, a startup revolutionising the way we consume electricity.

Robin shares the process of creating a virtual power plant that enables consumers to utilise solar and battery resources while strategically managing when to buy and sell electricity based on market conditions and weather forecasts. Not only does this system promise reduced costs, but it also enhances grid stability, offering a win-win solution for consumers and the wider energy network.

Our discussion ventures into the intricate technology behind Flexa's virtual power plant, highlighting the essential role of Python and other tools in optimizing energy trading. We chat about the exciting startup atmosphere in Munich and the importance of cultivating a T-shaped skill set to thrive in this fast-paced environment.

Robin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-beer-7595b680/

Robin's X: https://x.com/R_E_Beer

Flexa: https://www.flexa.energy/

Pybites Circle Community: https://pybites.circle.so/

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If you found this podcast helpful, please consider following us!

For more Pybites:

Developer Mindset Newsletter: https://pybit.es/newsletter 💡

Bob LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbelderbos/

Julian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliansequeira/

Bob BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/bbelderbos.bsky.social

Julian BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/juliansequeira.bsky.social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pybites/

Twitter: https://x.com/pybites

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pybites-podcast/id1545551340

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1sJnriPKKVgPIX7UU9PIN1

This episode is a bit special. Julian is joined by one of his closest friends and former AWS colleagues, Huy Nguyen, to talk about something we often overlook in our careers and lives — the power of genuine human connection.

In 2024, Huy made an unusual choice. He chose to get off the hamster wheel and take a career break to focus the entire year on being present with friends and community. From a Big Fat Greek wedding in Greece to conversations on balconies in Vietnam, his travels weren’t about sightseeing. They were about belonging.

Together, Huy and Julian unpack what it takes to build a strong community over time. Huy shares two timeless principles that guide his approach: show up and be curious. You don’t need any plan or intention beyond these two things. Making time and being interested is enough. Messy is still effective if you show up with curiosity.

They also dig into:

• The quiet epidemic of disconnection, and what to do about it
  
  
• Why texting someone you haven’t spoken to in years is never as weird as you think
  
  
• How connection can be one of the most overlooked forms of self-care
  
  
• Why moments of “I was just thinking about you” matter more than you realize

This episode is warm, honest, and full of the kind of reflections that tend to stick with you. If you've been meaning to reconnect with someone — consider this your invitation.

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Huy Nguyen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huywin/

Saving Five (by Amanda Nguyen): https://pybitesbooks.com/books/dCMFEQAAQBAJ

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💡🧑‍💻Level up your Python skills in just 6 weeks with our hands-on, mentor-led cohort program. Build and ship real apps while gaining confidence and accountability in a supportive community. Join an upcoming Pybites Developer Cohort today! 🌟✅

___

If you found this podcast helpful, please consider following us!

For more Pybites:

Pybites Books: https://pybitesbooks.com/

Developer Mindset Newsletter: https://pybit.es/newsletter 💡

Bob LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbelderbos/

Julian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliansequeira/

Bob BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/bbelderbos.bsky.social

Julian BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/juliansequeira.bsky.social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pybites/

Twitter: https://x.com/pybites

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pybites-podcast/id1545551340

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1sJnriPKKVgPIX7UU9PIN1

In this episode, Andrea Gosselink, career coach and former HR executive, joins us to unpack the complicated feelings that arise when we find ourselves at a career crossroad. Drawing from both her personal journey and client experiences, Andrea shares why so many successful people still feel unfulfilled despite achieving traditional markers of career success.

We explore the fascinating psychology behind career transitions, including the paralyzing effect of the sunk cost fallacy ("I've already invested so much in this path"), fear of judgment from peers and family, and the limiting belief that there's only one "right" way to progress professionally. Andrea shares actionable frameworks to help evaluate whether a career change is right for you.

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Andrea Gosselink

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-gosselink-cpc-8919027

Website: https://careerlinkcoach.com/

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💡🧑‍💻Level up your Python skills in just 6 weeks with our hands-on, mentor-led cohort program. Build and ship real apps while gaining confidence and accountability in a supportive community. Join an upcoming Pybites Developer Cohort today! 🌟✅

___

If you found this podcast helpful, please consider following us!

For more Pybites:

Pybites Books: https://pybitesbooks.com/

Developer Mindset Newsletter: https://pybit.es/newsletter 💡

Bob LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbelderbos/

Julian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliansequeira/

Bob BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/bbelderbos.bsky.social

Julian BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/juliansequeira.bsky.social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pybites/

Twitter: https://x.com/pybites

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pybites-podcast/id1545551340

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1sJnriPKKVgPIX7UU9PIN1