Welcome back to Wrenches, Gadgets & Hacks! This is the sixth and final episode of Series 4, The Great Unknown. We stick with the vibe coding train, but take a quick side quest into hackathons and the early days of vibe coding before AI showed up.
This finale dives into the chaotic, creative, sleep-deprived world of hackathons and how they’ve evolved with AI-powered coding. Carl and John swap stories from past events, compare old-school maker culture with today’s AI-assisted workflows, and break down why hackathons are more inclusive than ever.
Be sure to stick around to the end, and learn about these points👇(just click the Click to Continue Reading and See Show Notes)
Welcome back to Wrenches, Gadgets & Hacks! This is the fifth episode of Series 4, The Great Unknown, and we’re still surfing the AI wave known as vibe coding. The vibes have finally evened out and now we’re looking at the reality of what vibe coding actually is.
This episode wraps up the Vibe Coding mini series by grounding everything in the spot where the hype meets the headaches. Carl and John dig into what sticks after the novelty wears off, what becomes part of a normal workflow, and what still manages to surprise them.
It is realistic, helpful, funny, and packed with the kind of practical insight that comes from actually using these tools instead of just talking about them. Whether you are tinkering with apps, wrestling with code, or trying not to vaporize your token budget, this episode will hit home.
Welcome back to Wrenches, Gadgets & Hacks! This is the fourth episode of Series 4, The Great Unknown, and we’re riding the AI wave known as vibe coding. But as this episode proves, the vibes aren’t always so rosy.
After exploring the good side of vibe coding, Carl and John dive into the messy middle, “The Bad.” This episode takes on the pitfalls that surface once the AI excitement fades and the real coding challenges begin.
They share stories from the trenches: apps stuck in loops, burned-through API credits, context limits that wipe out progress, and the harsh truth about tokens, budgets, and overly confident “helpful” code. From Gemini to Cursor, ChatGPT to Claude, the hosts break down what happens when the vibe breaks, and what you can actually learn from it.
Welcome back to Wrenches, Gadgets & Hacks! This is the third episode of Series 4, The Great Unknown, and we’re riding the AI wave known as vibe coding. In this one, it’s all good vibes and even better code.
The vibes are high as Carl and John explore the creative rush that happens when AI meets code. Building on the last episode, What is Vibe Coding?, this one dives into The Good, the excitement, tools, and wins that make vibe coding feel almost magical.
John shares his early experiments with Gemini, Cursor, and Grok, including that moment every coder knows too well: when the AI won’t stop rewriting your code in an endless loop. Carl talks about his own journey from JavaScript projects to a full vibe-coded Dynamo package, showing how quickly ideas can go from spark to something real.
The hosts compare tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and even Mistral’s Le Chat, swapping notes on which ones hit the right rhythm for learning and building. They also get into the DIY side of vibe coding, how AI lets you build custom apps for a fraction of the cost, and why sometimes “good enough” is actually perfect.
It’s a fun, honest look at the early wins and caffeine-fueled creativity of vibe coding before the reality (and the bugs) kick in.
Welcome to the second episode of Series 4 of Wrenches, Gadgets & Hacks! Yes, it’s been a minute, but we’re back with five great episodes to finish out the series, The Great Unknown, as we continue down the AI road with a focus on vibe coding.
What happens when coding meets pure creative flow? In this episode, Carl and John kick off the Vibe Coding mini-series by unpacking what it really means to “code with vibes.” From low-code nostalgia to full-blown AI coding buddies, they explore how tools like Cursor, Claude, and ChatGPT are changing the way we build fast, messy, and sometimes magical code.
They share real stories from the front lines: vibe-coding a Dynamo package, watching apps evolve live on stream, and hitting the “AI slop” wall when things look right but fail spectacularly. It’s honest, funny, and surprisingly relatable for anyone who’s ever shipped a prototype at 2 a.m. and called it “done.”
Whether you’re an AECO pro dabbling in automation or a curious coder chasing that hackathon high, this episode breaks down the hype, the hazards, and the human side of building with AI.
Be sure to stick around to the end, and learn about these points👇(just click the Click to Continue Reading and See Show Notes)
Welcome to what might just be the final episode of Wrenches, Gadgets & Hacks – and no, not because we’re tired of talking tech. It’s because AI has officially taken over. That’s right, folks. As the title suggests, AI is just too good now. We, the humble human hosts, are no longer needed to flip the switches, ramble into microphones, or even pretend to know what we’re talking about. AI can do it all – research, scriptwriting, and yes, even turning dry documentation into binge-worthy podcast content. So, John and Carl thought, why not go out with a bang? This entire episode has been created by AI. Who knew it could be this good? Enjoy the show… or should I say, enjoy your new AI overlords. 🤖
Be sure to stick around to the end, for the full hack and learn about these points👇(just click the Click to Continue Reading and See Show Notes)
Welcome to the forth episode of of Wrenches, Gadgets & Hacks Series 3. This series theme, is really no theme at all “Guests’ Choice: AECO Mavericks Unscripted.” This week, we chat with Adam Thomas of Read|Thomas, discussing how consulting in 2024 is moving away from the traditional hired hand approach and embracing new strategies!
In this episode of Wrenches, Gadgets & Hacks, we dive into the world of AECO consulting with our maverick guest, Adam Thomas. We explore how he balances the art of problem-solving with the science of stress management. From his unique journey in construction and architecture to his insights on modern consulting, Adam shares his strategies for staying calm under pressure and the importance of prioritizing people over technology. Tune in for valuable tips on work-life balance, generational shifts in the industry, and why challenging yourself is the ultimate hack for growth.
Be sure to stick around to the end, for the full hack and learn about these points👇(just click the Click to Continue Reading and See Show Notes)
In this episode of Wrenches Gadgets & Hacks, we kick off Series 3: “Guests’ Choice: AECO Mavericks Unscripted” and welcome back John Pierson as our Co-Host!
For this episode’s Maverick, we have Clifton Harness, co-founder and CEO of TestFit, as we explore the world of generative design and its impact on real estate, architecture and construction. From optimizing and building AECO configurators to the future of automated design processes, Clifton shares insights on how technology is transforming the industry. Tune in to discover how TestFit is redefining architectural feasibility and what this means for the future of design and construction.
Be sure to stick around to the end, for the hack and learn about these points👇(just click the Click to Continue Reading and See Show Notes)
In this episode of Wrenches, Gadgets & Hacks, we continue our series on AI in the AECO Welcome back for the sixth and final episode of our second series, “AI in the AECO and Beyond.” Our host, Carl, speaks with Tannis Liviniuk, Digital Advancement Executive at Zachry Group, about the current state and future of AI in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) industry. What they discover during the discussion is that AI is a valuable assistant that can help with mundane tasks, such as sifting through millions of documents, and also serve as a tool for learning and exploration. The use of AI can lead to curiosity and deeper engagement with projects, ultimately providing real value and convenience.
Be sure to stick around to the end, for the hack and learn about these points👇(just click the CLICK TO CONTINUE READING AND SEE SHOW NOTES)
In this episode of Wrenches, Gadgets & Hacks, we continue our series on AI in the AECO industry. Host Carl welcomes Craig, the Director of Digital Technology at Ewing Cole, to discuss the transformative role of AI in rendering and design. Craig shares his journey from studying architecture and landscape architecture to leading digital media and design technology at a major firm. The conversation moves into the parallels between the rise of BIM and AI, the practical applications of AI in rendering, and the importance of crafting effective prompts for AI tools.
Be sure to stick around until the end, for the hack and learn about these points👇(just click the CLICK TO CONTINUE READING AND SEE SHOW NOTES)
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