Software Engineers: You Can Become a Content Creator (with Bytes of Bree)

In this Modern Web Podcast episode, hosts Rob Ocel and Danny Thompson chat with Bree Hall, developer advocate at HubSpot and content creator known as "Bytes of Bree." Bree shares her journey from front-end engineer to advocacy, offering insights on balancing travel, staying productive, and navigating the pressures of being "always on." They explore creating engaging content, short vs. long-form formats, and how to build trust with an audience. Bree also shares tips on learning, working, and sharing knowledge while staying authentic in the tech space. Key Points from the Episode:

• Transition to Developer Advocacy: Bree shares her experience moving from front-end engineer to developer advocate, highlighting the expanded ways to contribute beyond coding.
• Managing Travel and Productivity: Practical tips for balancing frequent travel with work, including maintaining a travel kit, planning small tasks, and adapting work hours.
• Specializing in a Tech Stack: Bree emphasizes the importance of mastering a specific tech stack deeply, choosing Astro, React, and Tailwind as her focus for 2025.
• Short vs. Long-Form Content: Discussion on how short-form content skills improve long-form storytelling, with platforms like TikTok emerging as powerful tools for learning and discovery.

Chapters 0:00 - 0:21 Introduction to Popular Tech Content 0:21 - 0:57 Exploring Niche Technical Topics 1:03 - 1:26 Podcast and Guest Introduction 1:32 - 2:04 Transitioning to Developer Advocacy 2:04 - 2:41 Key Differences Between Engineering and Advocacy 3:07 - 3:48 Perceptions vs. Reality of Developer Advocacy 3:48 - 5:25 Navigating the Challenges of Always Being "On" 5:25 - 6:34 Travel Productivity Tips for Advocates 6:34 - 7:24 Balancing Work During Heavy Travel 7:24 - 8:46 Tips for Staying Organized on the Road 8:46 - 10:12 Personal Rituals to Stay Grounded 10:12 - 11:17 Optimizing Gear for Productive Travel 11:17 - 12:14 Reflecting on Priorities for 2025 12:14 - 14:22 Choosing and Mastering a Tech Stack .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}