In this episode, we talk with Jared M. Smith, Principal Engineer @ Logistically and host of the Elm Town podcast

Quick note about this episode: is was recorded back in April 2025. 

Thanks to Descript, the audio was saved. You can find out more at https://web.descript.com/

Also, our topics and conversation are all structured around the idea of a “lean coffee” discussion. We know https://www.leancoffeetable.com/

Our music was made specifically for The Mental Side of Programming by Lynx Kinetic. 

SHOW NOTES 
Books:

• Zen Computer by Philip Toshio Sudo
• Zen 24/7 by Philip Toshio Sudo
• Zen Guitar by Philip Toshio Sudo
• The Programmer’s Brain by Dr. Felienne Hermans
• Atomic Habits (author not specified in transcript)
• Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks
• Pleasures of Small Motions by Bob Fancher (about billiards/pool, written by a psychologist)
• The Inner Game of Tennis by Tim Galloway
• The Trillion Dollar Coach (about Bill Cunningham)
• Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki

Blog Posts:

• “The Interruptible Programmer” by Steve Streeting (from Work 2.0 series, circa 2010)

Podcasts:

• Elm Town (hosted by Jared Smith)
  • Lenards is on Elm Town 76

Programming Languages:

• Elm (functional programming language)
• Hedy (programming language created by Dr. Felienne Hermans)

Philosophers/Concepts:

• Epictetus (Stoic philosopher)
• Heraclitus (quote: “No one steps in the same river twice”)
• Ship of Theseus (philosophical thought experiment)

Gear:

• Kinesis Advantage Pro (keyboard mentioned by Jared)

Feedback:

Please let us know what you think: https://forms.gle/6GAVF6YawczP2sUZA

Thanks again =)