# 513: I'm Sorry You Learned Something

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2025-10-30
- Length: 1h 17m
- Episode: 513
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-10-30-513-im-sorry-you-learned-something
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/513

## Summary

Jason Turner, creator of C++ Weekly and founder of Empty Crate, discusses his new book 'Programming Puzzles Big Book' and his career evolution from software developer to educator. He explains how he uses paper-based puzzles to teach core computer science concepts like binary, recursion, and assembly without using technical jargon, aiming to make learning accessible and fun for ages 7-99. Turner also reflects on his transition from contracting to full-time content creation, the importance of onsite training, and his philosophy on writing and motivation.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-10-30-513-im-sorry-you-learned-something#t=6) Introduction: Jason Turner and C++ Weekly
- [1:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-10-30-513-im-sorry-you-learned-something#t=62) Career Path: From Developer to Educator
- [10:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-10-30-513-im-sorry-you-learned-something#t=615) Programming Puzzles Big Book: Design and Audience
- [12:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-10-30-513-im-sorry-you-learned-something#t=727) Teaching Computer Science Through Puzzles
- [33:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-10-30-513-im-sorry-you-learned-something#t=1985) Puzzle Design Strategy and Spaced Repetition
- [59:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-10-30-513-im-sorry-you-learned-something#t=3567) Motivation, Writing, and Career Goals
- [1:06:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-10-30-513-im-sorry-you-learned-something#t=3988) Conference Travel, Training, and Book Pricing

## Topics

- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Creator business](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/creator-business)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)

## Most relevant to

established companies

## Mentioned

- C++ Weekly (other)
- Empty Crate (company)
- Programming Puzzles Big Book (other)
- Object Lifetime Puzzlers (other)
- CppCast (other)
- LeanPub (other)
- Mouser Electronics (company)
- PlateUp! (other)
- Overcooked (other)
- Factorio (other)
- Shenzhen.io (other)
- C++ Best Practices (other)
- C++23 Best Practices (other)
- CppCon (other)
- Virginia Tech (other)
- VB6 (other)
- Git (other)
- Oh My Git! (other)
- Calibre (other)
- Kindle Scribe (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [An Interview with Ben Eater](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-05-27-an-interview-with-ben-eater) (The Amp Hour)
- [An Interview with Zach Barth of Zachtronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2017-01-20-an-interview-with-zach-barth-of-zachtronics) (The Amp Hour)
- [Technology Instruction with Charlie Larrabee](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-01-10-technology-instruction-with-charlie-larrabee) (The Amp Hour)
- [Making It #019: Learning to teach](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2015-04-29-making-it-019-learning-to-teach) (Making It)
- [The Secret Life of Circuits with lcamtuf / Michał Zalewski](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-06-04-the-secret-life-of-circuits-with-lcamtuf-micha-zalewski) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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