Author Archives: Derek

Can an old tech guy learn new tricks?

Cross posted from Old Programmer Hi. I’m DJ, an old programmer. I am 55 years old and live with my dog, Monkey. Here we are.   I live alone, but I never get lonely. Maybe it’s because I’m an INTJ? This … Continue reading

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Pivoting to Substack

It’s been a loooooong time since I posted regularly. Recently I got the itch to start writing again, but this time I’m doing it on Substack. My writing primarily focused on what it’s like to be a fifty-something programmer in … Continue reading

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Semi-Random Walks # 43: Artist and writer David Sandum

David Sandum travelled all the way from Norway just to talk to you. He’s written a terrific memoir called I’ll Run Till the Sun Goes Down, and it just so happens that his publisher, Sandra Jonas Publishing, is based in my … Continue reading

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Semi-Random Walks #40 : Singer/songwriter/musician Latifah Phillips

I really enjoyed this interview. Latifah Phillips is a prolific musician who writes, performs, produces, tours, the whole nine yards. And not just with one band. She is a member of multiple groups and also collaborates with other musicians as a … Continue reading

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Semi-Random Walks # 39: Michelle Terrell, the Pistol Whip Hippie

Michelle Terrell is a force of nature. I’ve been following her on Facebook for a few years and you should too. Listen to the episode to hear how she went from being a victim to a force for good in … Continue reading

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Semi-Random Walks #38: Myles Goldin

Myles Goldin is a performer and teacher. Among other things, Myles teaches improve through the Boulder Improv Collaborative, which is how I met her. She also teaches public speaking and gives workshops through Presence Academy and How to Fail Brilliantly. (Aside: I … Continue reading

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Semi-Random Walks #37: Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert and big time failure

Scott Adams, of course, is the creator of Dilbert, but that’s not all. He’s tried (and often failed) at lots and lots and lots of things in his career, ranging from video games to restaurants to frozen burritos. His 2014 book How … Continue reading

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Semi-Random Walks #36: Emily Best, founder of Seed & Spark

Emily Best is founder and CEO of Seed & Spark, a kinda sorta crowdfunding platform for filmmakers, but it’s much cooler than that. Instead of just asking for money, filmmakers can ask for… stuff! Like props and makeup and locations. (Money … Continue reading

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Semi-Random Walks #35: Kristen Wheeler

Kristen Wheeler is a coach and speaker. She’s also the creator of Native Genius, a strengths-based approach to career development. Learn how an improper understanding of passion can actually mislead you in trying to figure out your life’s purpose, and especially listen as Kristen … Continue reading

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Semi-Random Walks #34: Steve Swoboda

Steve Swoboda is co-founder of SpotXchange. Steve’s experience prior to founding SpotXchange includes founding Booyah Online Advertising and senior management positions at two other startup companies (Ereo, Inc. and ProSavvy, Inc.), serving as chief financial officer of iBelay LLC, a … Continue reading

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