ragTech
We birthed ragTech (yes, camel case) to chat about the real side of tech. Picture it as the convos you'd overhear in a tech office, minus the overly intense jargon. Join us for chaotic laughter as we confess how half the time, we can't figure out what we're doing at work. We're the ones arguing about light mode versus dark mode, diving into random topics, and just keeping it real—because life in tech is more than lines of code.
Episodes
Is AI a Bubble? The Promise of AGI vs. Reality
As three techies who know more about AI than the typical person, we're often asked the question by friends around us if AI is a bubble... and we've hesitated to give a straight answer until now. We break down this topic not from a "should I buy the stock" angle, but from the perspective of people who work in tech and watch this thing unfold from the inside every day.We define wha
Is using AI ethical? | Data Privacy, Creative Rights and Intentional AI | Ep. 51
Is AI ethical? That's the question we're exploring in Episode 51 of RAG Tech. Prompted by Natasha's recent talk on responsible AI at the AI Collective, the three of us sat down to have an honest conversation about data privacy, creative rights, and what intentional AI use actually looks like in practice
Is Coding Relevant in 2026?
Still wondering if coding is “over” in the age of AI?In this episode of RagTech, Natasha, Saloni, and Victoria unpack one of the biggest questions in tech right now: Is coding still relevant in 2026, or are we moving into something bigger?From real-world hiring shifts to DevOps, prompt engineering, system design, and AI app security, this is an honest conversation about where software work is head
Is AI the New Colonialism? The Global South Fights Back ft. Sudhir Tiku
75% of the world's population lives in the Global South. Yet, they're locked into the lowest tiers of the AI economy: data labeling, ghost work, and passive consumption. We sit down with Sudhir Tiku, author of "AI in the Global South: Power, Progress, and Policy," to unpack what it actually takes for developing nations to stop being spectators and start shaping their own technolo
Are AI Companions a Threat to Intimacy? We Ask this Artist who Created An AI Boyfriend ft. Inch Chua
What if you could code your perfect soulmate?Artist and singer-songwriter @thisisinch joins us to discuss her upcoming musical "Myles: Soulmate in a Box" — a story about building an AI companion when dating apps just aren't cutting it anymore.Inch takes us behind the scenes of her decade-long journey from learning Python during COVID to creating a deeply personal exploration of artif
Does AI-Generated Music Have a Soul? We Asked a REAL Artist ft. Inch Chua
What is art in the age of AI? In this episode of ragTech, we're joined by Inch Chua —singer-songwriter, composer-producer, (and MasterChef finalist) —to explore whether AI-generated music has a soul, if software engineers can be artists, and why human judgment will always matter.We dive deep into the ethics of generative AI, the lack of IP guardrails in the "AI race," and why AI is
Is your favorite AI app just a wrapper?
Most AI companies don't actually own their AI. They're calling someone else's model and slapping a UI on top, and that has serious implications for you as a user AND as a founder.In this episode, Saloni, Natasha and Victoria (3 techies) break down:- What AI wrappers actually are (and why you probably use one daily)- How these companies compete on prompts, not technology- The real risks
Why Hiring a CTO Is Harder Than You Think
Everyone says “just hire a CTO.”In reality, that advice hides one of the hardest hiring problems in startups.In this episode, we talk about why finding a good CTO is so difficult, not because there aren’t enough engineers, but because the CTO market is a red ocean. Too many mismatched expectations, unclear roles, and founders hiring for titles instead of outcomes.We break downwhat founders usually
AI Burnout in Coding and Writing
As half of this episode's audio was cut off, we had to salvage the audio recorded directly from our phones instead of our usual audio recording devices. For that, we used an AI tool, hence the second half of this episode might sound robotic. But hey, at least we saved it! It was eithe r a crash out or a burn out so we chose the latter haha✨Follow us on our socials!- Website: https://ragtechdev
Non-Techies are better at creating Tech Startups??
Why aren't enough technical people creatng startups? In this episode, 3 techies present some reasons why that is so. We discuss opportunity cost for techies being higher, due to Dunning Kruger effect, fear of not knowing enough before starting soemthing, engineers being risk-averse among others. Let us know your thoughts!Some tips for techies who are still not able to start their company:1. Yo
What in the 🌍 WORLD is a Geospatial Data Engineer?
Space data, spatial databases, Google Earth... What in the WORLD is happening? Come find out what a geospatial data engineer does in this episode wiht our guest speaker, Aishwarya!
Solutions Engineer Demystified! A job AI cant replace!
What does a solutions engineer really do — and can AI actually replace that?In this episode of RagTech, we kick off our new series “AI Isn’t Taking My Job” with our very own co-host and solutions engineer Victoria, who gets candid about what she does, collaborates, and even uses AI tools like Copilot and vibe coding to make her work faster (but not replaceable).We also put her on the spot with a l
Taking the Buzz out of Buzzwords: AI Edition
In this pilot episode of Taking the Buzz out of Buzzwords, we sit down with our guests for a fun and enlightening round of Techie Taboo. The challenge? Explain complex tech terms without using the “taboo” words everyone usually defaults to. First word: Agent — from what it does to the different types of protocols, we break down the buzz and uncover what it really means, all while having a laugh al
What If System Design Was a Game? A Software Engineer Explains Her Job Through Play
System design made fun — we hand our cohost Saloni, a software engineer, a deck of cards and ask her to explain how apps are actually built.
Can AI Really Build Apps For You? Our Honest Take on Vibe Coding
This episode’s all about Vibe Coding — yep, that new trend where AI helps you build apps just by describing them. Sounds wild, right?We chat about:💭 What vibe coding actually is (spoiler: not a Gen Z thing!)🍗 The app Saloni built that turns menu descriptions into food images⚙️ How AI tools like Windsurf plan, debug, and even ask for your permission before touching your code🚨 Why it’s amazing for p
Why Your Next Promotion Might Be Your Biggest Mistake | Peter’s Principle
Did you know that today (sept 30) is International Podcast day? Nope, we didn't either but when we found out, we had to publish today! 😊Thanks for supporting ragTech so far! If you're new here, hi! We hope you enjoy our conversations!✨Follow us on our socials!- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ragtechdev/- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ragtechdev- Blog: https://ragtech.hashnode.dev/- Sp
More Than a Software Engineer: Building Your Personal Brand + GitHub Star & Dev Portfolio Ideas
In this episode, we explore what it means to build a personal brand as a software engineer. We chat about how Victoria became a GitHub Star, discuss the importance of GitHub in your tech portfolio, tips on picking the right domain name, and walk through a custom Linktree-style feature on Natasha's dev personal site. For multi-passionate techies struggling to define themselves — this one's
She Built Her Own Blog Without a CMS (For Free!) | SEO Optimization and Blogging Tips
We post biweekly on our podcast that shows honest tech conversations from real people in the industry✨Follow us on our socials!- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ragtechdev/- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ragtechdev- Blog: https://ragtech.hashnode.dev/- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1KfM9JTWsDQ5QoMYEh489d- More Links: https://linktr.ee/ragtechdevTimestamps0:00 Introduction00:16 Demo of
More Than a To-Do List: Why Your Dev Portfolio Should Reflect You | App Reviews with ragTech
🎮 In this video, three techies dive into a creative and unconventional portfolio — a Harvest Moon-inspired pixel game that breaks away from the typical to-do list projects. They discuss why personal identity matters in tech portfolios, how side projects can showcase true passion and learning, and why it’s time to move beyond the standard "professional" templates. Whether you're a dev
Career Growth is not Linear | Letting go of labels | Work is not your life | Ep. 33
Join us in this episode as we dive deep into the realities of career growth in the tech industry! Our hosts share their personal journeys, the unexpected twists and turns they've faced, and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Whether you're just starting out or looking to make your next big move, this conversation will inspire you to embrace the ups and downs of your own career pat
Are Software Engineers Introverts | MBTI for communication | Ep. 32
Are most software engineers really introverts, or is that just a stereotype? In this episode, we dive into the world of personality types (MBTI) and how they shape the way developers communicate — whether in meetings, code reviews, or remote teams.👀 Whether you're an INTP, ENFP, or somewhere in between, understanding your MBTI can help you collaborate better and grow as a tech professional.🎙️
How AI is Changing Learning | Could homeschooling be the new norm?
In this episode, Saloni and Natasha sit with Martin, a retired software engineer and educator in tech, who is seriously considering homeschooling for his young daughter in lieu of advancements in AI.
AI and Future of Developers - Pt 2 -- ragTech's opinion | Ep 30
In this episode of ragTech, hosts Natasha, Saloni, and Victoria discuss the impact of AI on the future of developers and other tech roles. They explore the concern over AI potentially replacing developers, emphasizing jobs that are less likely to be affected, such as solutions engineering, which requires human communication and understanding. They also highlight the creation of new roles due to AI
AI and Future of Developers -- ragTech's opinion!
In this episode of ragTech, hosts Natasha, Saloni, and Victoria discuss the impact of AI on the future of software development, particularly focusing on concerns that AI could replace junior developers. They explore AI's capabilities, its role in aiding developers, and emphasize that a developer's job extends beyond just coding. The conversation highlights the importance of soft skills, pr
Engineer retires with Bitcoin... to be a stay-at-home-dad!
In this episode, our guest speaker Martin explains how he became a stay-at-home-dad after retiring as a software engineer in his 40's. He talks to us about his journey and experience as a stay-at-home-dad, and how his experiences as an engineer in Germany and Singapore influenced his thoughts about homeschooling vs traditional public education.✨Follow us on our socials!- Instagram: https://www.ins
We’ve been hesitant to talk about this… | Women in Leadership & Tech | Ep. 27
In this episode, we open up about the subtle differences we’ve experienced as women leaders—not to complain, but to reflect and understand why these differences exist. This isn’t about mistreatment or placing blame, but rather an honest conversation about the nuances we’ve noticed in leadership, expectations, and perceptions.We don’t mean to offend anyone; these are just our personal experiences a
Whatsapp System Design explained
In this video, Saloni and Victoria break down the complex technical architecture behind WhatsApp in simple, easy-to-understand terms. We explore the core system design concepts that power one of the world's most popular messaging platforms, making these technical ideas accessible to everyone - no engineering degree required!Topics covered include:- Single point of Failure- Web sockets- Polling
Getting Rich as a Software Engineer, NFTs and Diversifying Your Assets
Will you surely get rich as a software engineer or as a startup founder? What does an early investor of Bitcoin think about NFTs, and what are his views on asset diversification? In this episode, join us as we continue to pick Martin/s brain on his advice on finance as a software engineer, and remember to catch our other episodes with Martin on our channel on his contributions to the Python commu
Balancing Empathy and Boundaries at Work | How to Be Supportive Without Burning Out
In this episode, our ragTech hosts explore the challenges of managing feelings of imposter syndrome while emphasizing the need for personal boundaries to maintain mental well-being.
They share personal stories from their experiences in the tech industry, highlighting the importance of having a supportive person to confide in without feeling judged. The conversation addresses the emotional labor i
Why 10x Engineers Still Feel Like 0.1x | Imposter Syndrome in Tech
In this episode, our ragTech hosts dive into their personal encounters with imposter syndrome, particularly within the tech industry, illustrating how feelings of self-doubt are pervasive even among professionals with significant expertise. They share relatable anecdotes, including the experience of mentoring a junior colleague facing similar insecurities during her internship, highlighting the ch
Coffee Break with ragTech team | Life Updates & Lessons Learned
We catch up and we record it to share with the world! We are back with one of our most requested casual catch up videos. The 3 of us have not been in person together for the longest and as the year is ending, it is only apt!
Saloni shares her reflections from turning a year wiser!
Natasha shares how this year has been about awareness by slowing down!
Victoria shares how her new work has taught he
How This Engineer Retired Early with Bitcoin: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom
In this episode, we sit down with Martin, a seasoned software engineer and startup founder who managed to retire in his 40s, thanks to strategic budgeting and early investments in cryptocurrency. He shares insights on how he managed his finances to achieve early retirement, his disciplined approach to dollar-cost averaging (DCA) in Bitcoin, and his journey into the crypto world.
We dive into pra
Day in the Life of an Engineering Dad | Andrew Part 2
Being a father is a thankless job, but for Andrew, it’s also one of the most rewarding. In this episode, Andrew—who you may remember from our Part 1 video, How to be a 10X Engineer—shares a glimpse into his daily life as a software engineer and dedicated dad. From morning routines and school drop-offs to juggling work meetings and family time, Andrew shows how he manages to balance a demanding ca
One of us is a Prompt Engineer 😱
In this episode, we talk about an app that one of us created to tinker with OpenAI! We talk about how it was built and about prompting and how important the prompt is for apps made on top of OpenAI! Tune in and find out more!
What is Open Source | Two Sides of Maintaining Open Source | Python Community (feat Martin)
Did you know Python is an open source language? What is open source? Is open source less secure compared to closed source? What are the two (motivating... and not so motivating) sides in contributing to an open source community, in this case, Python?
These questions will be answered by Martin, a recently retired software engineer who has experiences maintaining Python open source projects as pa
How to be a 10X Engineer (feat. Andrew)
Join senior software engineer Andrew as he delves into the impact of AI on software development, the value of real-world experience, and the importance of effective communication. Discover how finding your passion and managing your energy can elevate your career. Andrew shares insights on balancing mentorship with allowing junior engineers to learn independently. Packed with personal anecdotes an
How to stand out to your recruiter? | Resume Tips | Cultural Differences in candidates
Is it ok to have more than 2 pages in your resume? Do cultural differences cause one culture to be better at interviews? How to approach recruiters at networking events? What keywords to write in your resume? Joanna, a seasoned recruiter, our guest speaker this podcast answers all these questions and more!
✨Follow us on our socials!
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ragtechdev/
- Twitter: ht
BTS of Recruitment Part 1 | Different Roles in Recruiting | How to source candidates | Side Projects
In this episode, software developers Natasha and Saloni sit down with Joanna, a seasoned Recruiter, to dive into the world of hiring and recruitment. They discuss:
- What a Talent Acquisition Manager is and their role in the hiring process.
- The differences between a Talent Acquisition Manager and a Hiring Manager.
- Joanna's approach to hiring for various roles.
- Whether having side projec
Career questions no one dares to ask: Answered | Strategy on 1:1s, feedback, asking for promotion
How do we increase our visibility in our workplace? How do we navigate workplace politics? What are some tips to maintain good relationships with our team? How do we give constructive feedback to others without unintentionally hurting them? In this episode, Saloni and Victoria spoke to Yumin Wong, a Staff Software Engineer, who answered all our questions about career!
Momgineer | Juggling between being a mom and an engineer | Being a mom at work give you leeway?
How do you juggle between being a mom and an engineer? Does being a mom at work give you leeway? How to deal with anxiety going back to work after maternity leave? Join us in this episode by ragTech as we talk with Yumin, a Staff Software Engineer about her journey being a mom (of 2!) and an engineer!
Hackathons Part 2 | Cons of Hackathons | The Truth: Internal Company Hackathons | Tips for Newbies
What are the cons to consider when joining hackathons? What are our REAL opinions on internal company hackathons? What are some tips for newbies to hackathons? Join us in part 2 of this episode by ragTech as we talk about our experiences joining hackathons as a solutions engineer, an associate software engineer and a senior software developer!
📢 HACKATHON SHOUTOUT
Join the AngelHack Global Hack
Hackathons Part 1 | Are Hackathons just for Coders? | From Hackathon Idea to Startup
Can only coders join hackathons? What skills can you gain from hackathons? Can you join hackathons to validate startup ideas that you have? Join us in this episode by ragTech as we talk about our experiences joining hackathons as a solutions engineer, an associate software engineer and a senior software developer!
✨Follow us on our socials!
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ragtechdev/
- Tw
How to Elevate Your Tech Careers: Yumin's Journey to Staff Software Engineer
In this episode, we invited Yumin Wong as a guest to discuss the role of a Staff Software Engineer and the transition from being a Senior Software Engineer to a Staff Software Engineer. There's a lot of things to cover in the role such as being a value multiplier for the team and organization, focusing on availability, scalability, and extensibility, and requiring effective communication and a
How we met through a local Tech Community!
We share how we met through a local tech community, how we continue being a part of it, and the benefits of being in one! Let us know which communities you are a part of and we can spread more awareness about it here! eg. GirlsInTech, WomenWhoCode
Cracking the Code: Mastering Tech Interviews & Preparation Strategies
In this episode, we delve into the art of acing tech interviews! Join us as we explore essential strategies, from resume crafting to whiteboarding techniques. Discover the secrets to showcasing your skills and standing out in the competitive tech landscape. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with insights to help you excel in your next int
Light or Dark Mode | Startup or MAANG | Frontend or Backend | Common Debates in Tech
🎙️ Sit back, relax, and tune in to our laid-back podcast where three friends, all passionate women in tech, share their thoughts on some of the most common debates swirling around the tech world! From Light vs. Dark Mode preferences to the age-old question of Startup or MAANG, we're covering it all with laughter and camaraderie.
💬 Join us as we dive into the frontend vs. backend debate, offe
You don't need a Mentor!
Natasha, Victoria and Saloni (3 techies) discuss our own Mentorship journey and we banter about the pros and cons but unanimously we came to the conclusion that it's not for us! We reveal why each of us feel that way and share other forms of Tech Mentorship that we embrace instead!
Do watch a video of this podcast: https://youtu.be/QOOi_wxyrB0
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok and X: @ragtechdev
Navigating the Agile Waters: What it takes to embrace Scrum in any workplace
In this episode, we unravel the mysteries of Scrum, Agile, and Waterfall methodologies, exploring their applications beyond the technical realm.Ever wondered if Scrum is exclusively for engineering teams? Join us as we debunk common myths and misconceptions surrounding these terms. Our team share insights on the versatility of Scrum and Agile, breaking down barriers to show how these methodologies
A Look into Solutions Engineering and Tech Blogging | Meet Victoria
In this episode, let us get to know one of our team members, Victoria. She is a solutions engineer, technical blogger, speaker, GitHub Star, WomenWhoCode Singapore leader and now, a newbie podcaster at ragTech!
Learn more about her journey in tech and about her in this episode!
Probing a Software Developer's Odyssey | Meet Saloni
In this episode we embark on a journey through the illustrious career of Saloni, the seasoned software developer in the RagTech podcast team. Join us as we delve deep into Saloni's extensive experience, celebrating her triumphs, and gaining valuable insights from her remarkable journey in the dynamic world of software development.
Get ready for candid conversations, witty anecdotes, and invalu
Startup Tips for Founders and Engineers | Meet Natasha Ann
Welcome to this episode of ragTech, where we dive deep into the world of creating communities as a technical founder and software engineer. In this episode, we unravel the journey of Natasha, a dynamic individual whose resume is dotted with various organizations, many of which she initiated herself. As a seasoned technical founder and software engineer, Natasha shares her insights into the evolut
Introducing ragTech: Dispelling Tech Myths, Fighting Tech FOMO & Burnout through Bytes and Banter
We often hear about "developer burnout," and for those outside the tech industry, it's easy to imagine programmers as god-like individuals with superpowers, capable of typing over 140 words per minute and staring at multiple monitors in a dark room for hours on end. But is this really true?
What is this "tech industry" like really? Whether you are working in a non-technic
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