Introducing Technically a Podcast - Pathways to Programming

Why Passion Matters More Than Everything Else

Right now, the tech world can feel like a scary place. Between the rise of AI, constant layoffs, and an industry that seems to be shifting under our feet, I’ve been getting a lot of questions from people wondering:

Is tech still a field worth getting into?

And here’s my honest answer: If technology and working with computers isn’t your passion, then NO absolutely don’t go into this field. But if you love problem-solving, building things, and figuring out how stuff works, then YES, this field still needs you.

I started Technically, A Podcast: Pathways to Programming because I’ve seen a lot of people losing sight of what drew them to technology in the first place. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress, but at its core, this field is built on curiosity, creativity, and a million different ways to break in. You don’t necessarily need a computer science degree (or any degree) to get started.

This podcast is about those unconventional paths. Some guests grew up coding in their bedrooms; others found their way here after studying architecture and completely switching career paths. There’s no one right way to get into tech, and through these conversations, I hope to show just how many doors are still open.

Meet the Host

Hello! My name is Mia, and I’ve been coding for as long as I can remember, but funny enough, I never planned on making it my career. Growing up, I dreamed of working in medicine. It wasn’t until right before college that I realized how versatile tech was, how I could apply it to literally any field I wanted to explore. That realization led me to study Computer Science and Biology in college, thinking I’d use programming as a tool rather than the main focus of my career.

To make some extra money while in school, I started freelancing. I was building websites, coding small projects, and taking on any work I could find. I never imagined doing it full-time, but year after year, I got better at finding clients, fell more in love with the work, and to this day, I have not stopped. This year will mark the 8th year of my freelancing journey.

In 2022, I expanded my company and have now grown my team to over 20 contractors. We provide software solutions, including websites, apps, and digital marketing, for small businesses. It’s been an exciting and unpredictable journey, and through it all, I’ve learned that there’s no one way into tech. This podcast is my way of showcasing the many unexpected paths into this career and reminding us why we fell in love with it to begin with.

Without Further Ado

This podcast kicks off today and will release new episodes every Thursday. Each week, I’ll be sitting down with people from all corners of the tech world to talk about how they got here, what they’ve learned, and where they’re headed next. And to start things off, the first episode features Marcus Davage, a lead product developer, mainframe expert, and mentor who’s spent decades in the industry.

Technically, a Podcast is hosted by Mia Kotalik, Produced by Ethan Rush, and Edited by Isabelle Bushkov. If you like this podcast, you can support me by subscribing to my substack. Thank you :)