Open Source Stories
The Open Source Stories project celebrates collaboration, communication, community and, more in open source by collecting narratives from creators, contributors, and consumers alike.
Recent Episodes
Aug. 3, 2025
Just keep moving - building inclusive pathways in open source with Dr. Kari L. Jordan
Dr. Kari Jordan from The Carpentries talks about her \"aha moment\" discovering open source and how teaching Zumba helps her create more welcoming tech communities. Discover the importance of succession planning in creating contribution pathways and the power of grassroots to help keep you going, because open source work is too important to stop.
March 13, 2025
How we show up in open source with Julia Silge
Ever wonder if you're the only one who feels like open source is a mystery? Julia Silge shares how she went from thinking it was just "some person alone in a room" to realizing it's a whole world of collaboration and community! Plus, find out why being wrong on the internet isn't so bad after all.
March 5, 2025
The Open Source Eras Tour with Erin McKean
Dive into a whimsical view of open source with Erin McKean as she examines it through the lens of Taylor Swift's Eras. From the "Inventor Era" to the "Responsibility Era," Erin explores how the focus of open source has changed over time. Discover why you need napkins and what "fully automated luxury space communism" might have to do with it all!
Jan. 21, 2025
Focus and feedback in the tidyverse
Hadley Wickham takes Tracy Teal through the evolution of the tidyverse, starting with a box of rocks all the way through to a thriving community of data scientists. Join them on the Open Source Story of the tidyverse!
Dec. 9, 2024
The power of invitation and responsibility of leadership
Open source lets you create the experiences you want– whether it be with technology, community, or your lasting impact on the world. In his Open Source Story, Rich Bowen reflects on some of the ways in which open source has opened doors to meet those who have inspired him as well as how he thinks about opening doors for others.
Oct. 13, 2024
Changing communities have changing needs with Andy Piper
In this conversation between Andy Piper and amanda casari, Andy talks about their work in open source communities, specifically highlighting how communities differ, have different needs, and how these needs change and evolve over time. Additionally the discussion covers the “non-glamourous” work that needs to be done, and how difficult it can be to know what sort of help to ask for as a project.