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Off Script

Off Script

Written by: Hey! Presents
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 Hosted by CTOs Josh Nesbitt and James Hall, Off Script brings you unfiltered conversations about the highs, lows, and lessons of working in tech today. From leading engineering teams and scaling companies, to tackling burnout, bad bets, and breakthrough ideas, this is the show where raw honesty meets experience. Alongside one-on-one conversations between Josh and James, you’ll hear from leaders, builders, designers, and entrepreneurs who aren’t afraid to share what’s really going on behind the scenes — the conversations usually left for DMs, side chats, and after-hours drinks. Whether you’re building your first product or leading a fast-growing team, Off Script gives you a raw and refreshing perspective on the challenges and creativity that shape modern tech. New episodes every few weeks. Subscribe and join the conversation.© 2025 Josh Nesbitt & James Hall Economics Management Management & Leadership Politics & Government Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • Episode 57: Is AI destroying Open Source?

    Episode 57: Is AI destroying Open Source?
    Jan 16 2026
    In this episode of Off Script, hosts Josh and James delve into the contentious topic of whether AI is destroying open source software. They discuss the recent layoffs at Tailwind, a popular open-source project, and how AI's ability to generate code from existing libraries is impacting the sustainability of such projects. The conversation highlights the ethical implications of AI's use of open-source code without proper attribution, raising concerns about the future of open-source maintainers and the community's ethos. They explore the balance between the benefits of AI in enhancing productivity and the risks of diminishing the value of original contributions to open-source projects. AI is changing the model of open source, not necessarily destroying it. The burden of maintaining open source projects is increasing due to AI's impact. Attribution and compensation for open source maintainers are critical issues. AI can automate mundane tasks, allowing maintainers to focus on creative work. The learning process for developers may be compromised by AI's ease of use.
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    34 mins
  • Episode 56: Juggling leadership and family life

    Episode 56: Juggling leadership and family life
    Dec 10 2025
    In this episode, Josh and James discuss the challenges of balancing family life with demanding leadership roles. They share personal experiences of parenthood, the importance of setting boundaries, and the need for a supportive work culture that accommodates family responsibilities. Their conversation highlights the necessity of effective time management, prioritization, and the emotional adjustments that come with being a parent while maintaining a professional career. Creating boundaries is essential for managing responsibilities. It's important to communicate openly with coworkers about family needs. Saying no to certain commitments is necessary for well-being. Work-life balance requires constant adjustment and prioritization. Parenthood changes your perception of time and focus. A supportive work culture can ease the challenges of parenting. Planning ahead can help mitigate chaos in daily life. Making yourself redundant in business processes is a good strategy. Embracing the learning curve of parenthood is crucial.
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    21 mins
  • Episode 55: From proof of concept to production: AI engineering

    Episode 55: From proof of concept to production: AI engineering
    Nov 25 2025
    In this conversation, James and Josh discuss the transition from prototype apps to production-ready products, emphasising the challenges and opportunities presented by vibe coding. They explore the implications of new coding tools, the importance of version control, and the need for security measures. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of software engineering and the potential for new developers to emerge from this environment, while also addressing the responsibilities that come with creating applications. Vibe coding allows for rapid prototyping but can mislead about readiness for production. The barrier to entry for coding has significantly lowered, enabling more people to create apps. Version control is essential for managing app development and preventing data loss. The evolution of tools has made coding more accessible but also introduces new risks. Security measures must be prioritized as apps transition from prototype to production. AI tools can assist in app development but require careful handling of data. The gap between prototype and production needs clear communication to avoid pitfalls. New developers may emerge from the vibe coding trend, bringing fresh perspectives. Ethical considerations in AI and app development will become increasingly important.
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    23 mins
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