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In this final episode of Ode to RailsConf, I pull back the curtain to share why I'm concluding the podcast and how this journey has profoundly changed me both professionally and personally.

What happens when a shy, introverted developer decides to face their fears by starting a podcast? I reveal how setting a predetermined end date for this project gave me the psychological safety to embark on this adventure despite battling imposter syndrome and social anxiety. The transformation has been remarkable – from someone who could barely muster the energy for one day of socializing at conferences to now feeling energized by connections throughout an entire event.

The final RailsConf brought extraordinary experiences: serving on the program committee, introducing speakers on stage, being recognized by listeners, and forming deep friendships that will extend far beyond the podcast. I share lessons learned about what makes successful conference proposals and how podcasting provided the perfect low-stakes environment to practice social skills I'd struggled with since childhood.

This episode is also a heartfelt thank you to those who made this possible – from Chris Oliver's immediate sponsorship to Paul Barr's editing expertise, from Colin Gilbert's early encouragement to Nadia Odunayo's friendship and connections, and to everyone at Ruby Central who supported this journey. Their collective impact helped me discover that software development isn't primarily about code – it's about people, communication, and community.

Though Ode to RailsConf concludes today, my podcasting continues! Join me as I co-host the new Ruby Gems Podcast with Marty Haught, an official Ruby Central production featuring conversations with influential figures in our community. Episode one with Chad Fowler is available now, with many more exciting guests lined up.

Ready to continue this journey together? Find the Ruby Gems Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and hear how the stories of our community continue to unfold.

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Drew Bragg, Stephanie Minn, and Chris Oliver join me at RailsConf 2025 for a panel discussion, discussing topics that were submitted prior to the conference, and then taking a few questions directly from the audience.

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Joe Leo shares his journey as a Ruby developer and how the Ruby community's welcoming and collaborative spirit drew him back after working with other languages. He introduces Phoenix, Def Method's innovative "closed loop" AI platform that autonomously tests and supports Rails applications.

• Joe founded Def Method, naming the company with help from his wife in 2014
• Despite using Ruby early in his career, Joe had never attended RailsConf before
• Joe began with C++, Java, then discovered Ruby through a consulting project
• Ruby conferences stand apart from others for their community-focused nature
• Phoenix works autonomously to generate tests based on application code
• The AI system examines commits, identifies vulnerabilities, and regenerates tests as code changes
• GoRuCo (Gotham Ruby Conference) had its final run in 2019
• Artificial Ruby meetup in NYC has become a vibrant hub for Ruby developers
• Joe will be presenting "Tales from the Brink" at the final RailsConf
• The joy Ruby brings developers can't be measured but significantly impacts development quality

Use code ODE2RAILSCONF at checkout to get 10% off at GoRails.com.

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Marco Roth joins us to discuss his journey in the Ruby and Rails ecosystem over the past decade, focusing on developer tooling and open-source contributions in the Hotwire ecosystem. We explore his new HTML-aware ERB parser called Herb, the future of the Ruby community beyond RailsConf, and practical advice for sustaining local Ruby meetups.

• Marco has been working with Ruby and Rails for about 10 years with a focus on the Hotwire ecosystem
• Herb is a new HTML-aware ERB parser designed for better developer tooling like editors, linters, and formatters
• Marco will present at RailsConf 2024 about how Herb could enable future view layer improvements in Rails
• RubyEvents.org preserves and catalogs Ruby conference talks, recordings, and artwork as a community resource
• Local Ruby meetups don't always need speakers - social gatherings, watching recorded talks, or collaborative coding can be effective
• Smaller regional Ruby conferences (100-150 people) offer more intimate community experiences than larger events
• Hack Day at Ruby Central events provides valuable face-to-face interaction with open-source maintainers

Use code ODE2RAILSCONF at checkout to get 10% off at GoRails.com.

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Alan Ridlehoover shares his perspective as both a longtime Ruby developer and conference sponsor, reflecting on the evolving Ruby conference landscape and strategies for maintaining legacy Rails applications.

• Started with .NET before discovering Ruby and Rails 14 years ago
• Found learning Ruby and Rails simultaneously challenging, prompting his first RailsConf attendance in 2012
• Memorable talks at first RailsConf included Sandy Metz on testing and DHH on Russian doll caching
• Sponsors Ruby conferences primarily for recruiting, with Cisco Meraki managing over 4 million lines of Ruby code
• Sponsorship benefits include promoting company visibility and filling the recruiting pipeline
• Moving focus to regional conferences like Sin City Ruby as RailsConf comes to an end
• Advocates for conferences addressing legacy codebase challenges for applications predating standard best practices
• Suggests organizations with 15+ year-old Rails applications face unique scaling challenges not widely discussed
• Proposes potential gatherings around Ruby and AI applications
• Shares the insight that "trust is the antidote for fear" which helped David overcome anxiety at a conference

Use code ODETORAILSCONF at checkout to get 10% off GoRails.com.

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Irina Nazarova, head of Evil Martians, shares insights on Rails' enduring value in the startup ecosystem and her journey from Rails user to keynote speaker and community organizer.

• Rails and Y Combinator grew simultaneously, with 90% of early YC startups building on Rails
• Rails helps startups focus on business risks while keeping technology risks under control
• The community still thrives with over 900 Ruby meetups worldwide in the past 12 months
• Flexport's migration from 30+ Java microservices to a Rails monolith demonstrates pragmatic possibilities
• Local meetups create consistent opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration
• Finding companies using Rails in your area is key to building successful local meetups
• San Francisco Ruby Conference launches November 19-20 with early bird tickets at $300
• Conference will focus on new tooling, open source (including AI), and scaling Ruby and Rails
• CFP is open until July 13th at sfruby.com

Use code ODE2RAILSCONF at checkout to get 10% off at GoRails.com.

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David Hill chats with Erin Pintozzi about her journey from anxious first-time attendee to mentor and guide in the Ruby conference community. They explore the Scholar and Guide program, overcoming conference anxiety, and finding unexpected connections while navigating tech events.

• Meeting through mutual connections at RailsConf Detroit
• Experiences as a Scholar Guide at RubyConf and preparing for the upcoming RailsConf
• Overcoming anxiety at Erin's first RailsConf in Minneapolis while pregnant
• Three key pieces of advice for first-time conference attendees: permission to be uncomfortable, flexibility with plans, and sitting with strangers at lunch
• Teaching at Turing School of Software and Design since 2021
• Surprising new passion for chicken-keeping and potential "Chicken on Rails" apps
• Excitement about the upcoming RailsConf Philadelphia and encouragement for first-time attendees

If you or your team wants to learn the latest Ruby on Rails features, Hotwire, Ruby and more, check out GoRails.com. Use code ODE2RAILSCONF at checkout to get 10% off.

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We welcome Shan Cureton, Ruby Central's new Executive Director, who shares her entrepreneurial background and vision for the organization's future. Shan brings fresh perspectives on strengthening open source sustainability, increasing community engagement, and ensuring Ruby's legacy continues for the next generation.

• Founded a tech-enabled ride service for students that grew to 60 drivers across 80 zip codes
• Discovered Ruby Central after working in corporate social responsibility and immediately connected with the community
• Currently on a "90-day listening tour" to understand community needs before implementing changes
• Plans to increase visibility of Ruby Central's role in powering open source beyond conferences
• Aims to bring youthful energy back to Ruby through outreach to students and startups
• Shared public speaking tips from her experience as a communications professor
• Looking forward to her first RailsConf and meeting community members in person
• Post-RailsConf plans include a regional meetup tour and developing a three-year strategic roadmap
• Creating new social impact initiatives to bridge the digital divide and expand Ruby's reach
• Emphasizes this is just the "end of a phase" with exciting new developments ahead for Ruby Central

Feel free to contact Shan on Slack or email with feedback, project ideas, or partnership opportunities. She welcomes everyone to say hello at RailsConf!