The Agile Embedded Podcast

Factory Firmware Flashing with Pete Staples 09.06.2026 50min

We talk with Pete Staples, founder of Blue Clover Devices, about the often-overlooked challenge of flashing firmware in production. Pete shares insights from running a contract manufacturing operation in Shenzhen and explains why the handoff from engineering to manufacturing is more like "hucking it over a fence" than a smooth relay race.

Requirements Engineering, part 2: A Practical Process for Safety-Critical Development 27.05.2026 50min

In this second part of our requirements engineering series, Jeff walks us through his preferred process for developing safety-critical products, particularly medical devices. We explore the crucial distinction between prototyping and design-controlled development, discussing when to start formal requirements work and how to keep your first version minimal yet complete. Jeff emphasizes the importance of deeply fleshing out requirements before implementation—including error handling, which often comprises 70% of a product. We discuss tracer bullets as a development strategy, the value of writing test cases alongside requirements, and why tracking requirements completion gives you honest project status. Luca and Jeff also debate the finer points of MVPs versus prototypes, and Jeff announces his upcoming requirements management tool for medical device startups.

Fuzzing and Dynamic Analysis for High-Integrity Software with Paul Butcher 13.05.2026 48min

We sit down with Paul Butcher, Unit Director of Dynamic Analysis at AdaCore, to explore verification techniques beyond basic compliance in safety-critical software. Paul shares his experience from Eurofighter to automated trains, explaining how dynamic analysis—from unit testing to coverage analysis to fuzzing—helps find bugs that traditional testing misses. The conversation dives deep into fuzzing: how it works, why it's so effective at finding corner-case bugs (even in well-tested systems), and the challenges of applying it to embedded systems with timing constraints. Paul introduces an intriguing approach that combines static analysis with targeted fuzzing to automatically triage false positives and generate reproducers. We also touch on formal verification, the role of LLMs in verification workflows, and why the simplest software is often the safest. Whether you're working in aerospace, medical devices, or any safety-critical domain, this episode offers practical insights into building more robust systems.

Linux Profiling with Mohammed Billoo 30.04.2026 46min

We sit down with Mohammed Billoo, founder of Mab Labs and author of the Embedded Linux Essentials Handbook, to explore the world of embedded Linux profiling and optimization. Mohammed shares hard-won lessons from the field, including debugging a scientific instrument that mysteriously crashed after 60-minute runs and optimizing a sophisticated MANET platform that took a 20% throughput hit. The conversation reveals a fundamental truth: in embedded Linux, the CPU is rarely the bottleneck. Mohammed walks us through his systematic approach to performance problems, starting with simple tools like HTOP before diving into specialized instrumentation. We discuss the critical difference between VM size and VM RSS for memory analysis, why dumping console output can kill boot times, and how to leverage kernel configurations for maximum diagnostic bang-for-buck. Mohammed emphasizes the importance of building instrumentation into systems from day one—not for premature optimization, but to give your future self the data needed when problems inevitably surface. The discussion also touches on how LLMs can accelerate the learning curve for complex tools like Valgrind and perf, while stressing that physical reality remains the ultimate arbiter of system performance.

E94 Requirements Engineering, part 1: Fundamentals 15.04.2026 47min

We kick off a multi-part series on requirements engineering by exploring what requirements actually are and why they matter - even for Agilists. Jeff shares his medical device expertise while Luca brings his automotive and aerospace background to discuss the different levels of requirements (from high-level user needs to testable system requirements), the importance of traceability, and why proper tooling beats Word and Excel every time. We dig into practical aspects like the EARS format for writing requirements, the crucial distinction between requirements and design choices, and why glossaries aren't as boring as they sound. Along the way, we tackle the tension between regulatory compliance and actual engineering value, emphasizing that documentation should be an artifact of diligent work - not the work itself. Whether you're in safety-critical industries or just want to build better products, understanding requirements engineering helps manage complexity and prevent costly mistakes.

Hardware-Software Co-Development with Tobias Kästner 01.04.2026 52min

We talk with Tobias Kästner, a physicist-turned-software-architect and technical consultant at Inovex, about his journey from painfully slow hardware-software integration cycles to achieving three-week hardware sprints. Tobias shares hard-won lessons from medical device development, where fuzzy requirements and constant feedback from life scientists forced his team to rethink traditional approaches.

Test-Driven Development in the Age of AI 18.03.2026 42min

We explore how test-driven development (TDD) remains essential—perhaps more than ever—when working with AI coding tools. Luca shares his evolved workflow using Claude Code, breaking down how he structures tests in three phases: test ideas, test outlines, and test implementations. We discuss why TDD provides the necessary control and confidence when AI generates code, how it prevents technical debt accumulation, and why tests serve as precise specifications for AI rather than afterthoughts.

Engineering Organizations Part 2: Product Companies and Market-Driven Focus 04.03.2026 43min

In this second part of our series on engineering organizations, Jeff and Luca explore how companies that build products should focus their efforts differently depending on their stage and scope. We start with startups and early-stage companies desperately searching for product-market fit, where the brutal truth is: quality doesn't matter yet. Your MVP should embarrass you—if it doesn't, you waited too long. We discuss the critical mental shift from throwaway prototypes to proper engineering once validation arrives, and why technical founders often fail by solving the wrong problem brilliantly.

Engineering Organizations Pt 1: Service Firms - When You Are the Product 18.02.2026 43min

In this first part of a two-part series, Jeff and Luca explore how different types of service-oriented engineering organizations should focus their learning and improvement efforts. Drawing from their consulting experience, they examine three distinct categories: product development firms that turn client ideas into reality, engineering development firms that sell specialized technical expertise, and solo engineers who package all necessary knowledge into one person.

Rust with Milica Kostic 19.01.2026 35min

In this episode, we sit down with embedded software architect Milica Kostic to discuss her journey from C/C++ to Rust and what it means for embedded development. Milica shares her experience adopting Rust in production environments, starting with an embedded Linux project using a microservice architecture that allowed for clean isolation of Rust code.

MicroPython with Matt Trentini 05.01.2026 57min

We talk with Matt Trentini, Principal Software Engineer at Planet Innovation, about using MicroPython for professional embedded development—including medical devices. Matt shares how he was drawn back to embedded development after becoming jaded with traditional C-based workflows, and explains why MicroPython's interactive REPL and rapid development cycle have become game-changers for his team.

Terrible Habits of the Solo Developer 16.12.2025 53min

In this episode, Jeff and Luca tackle the unique challenges faced by solo embedded developers. Drawing from their own experiences as consultants, they explore why working alone makes it harder to maintain good development practices - from the constant pressure to multitask across different stakeholder demands, to the difficulty of wearing multiple hats as leader, manager, and contributor simultaneously.

Agile Hardware Development with Gregor Gross 03.12.2025 50min

In this fascinating episode, we dive deep into the world of agile hardware development with Gregor Gross, a civil engineer who runs Alpha-board, a PCB design service company in Berlin, Germany. Gregor shares his unique perspective on applying agile principles to hardware projects, where you can't just hit compile and get a new increment.

Crossover with Embedded AI Podcast 18.11.2025 55min

In this special crossover episode with the brand-new Embedded AI Podcast, Luca and Jeff are joined by Ryan Torvik, Luca's co-host on the Embedded AI podcast, to explore the intersection of AI-powered development tools and agile embedded systems engineering. The hosts discuss practical strategies for using Large Language Models (LLMs) effectively in embedded development workflows, covering topics like context management, test-driven development with AI, and maintaining code quality standards in safety-critical systems.

AI-enhanced Embedded Development (May 2025 Edition) 12.11.2025 28min

Zephyr with Luka Mustafa 09.11.2025 45min

Zephyr RTOS: Modern Embedded Development with Hardware Abstraction and Community-Driven Best Practices In this comprehensive episode, Luka Mustafa, founder and CEO of Irnas Product Development, provides an in-depth exploration of Zephyr RTOS and its transformative impact on embedded development. We dive deep into how Zephyr's Linux Foundation-backed ecosystem enables hardware-agnostic development, dramatically reducing the time spent on foundational code versus business-value features. Luka shares practical insights from five years of specializing in Zephyr development, demonstrating how projects can achieve remarkable portability - including running the same Bluetooth code on different chip architectures in just an hour, and even executing embedded applications natively on Linux for development purposes. The discussion covers Zephyr's comprehensive testing framework (Twister), CI/CD integration capabilities, and the cultural shift required when moving from traditional bare-metal development to this modern RTOS approach. We explore real-world applications from low-power IoT devices consuming just 5 microamps to complex multi-core systems, while addressing the learning curve challenges and when Zephyr might not be the right choice. This episode is essential listening for embedded teams considering modernizing their development practices and leveraging community-driven software ecosystems. ## Key Topics * [03:15] Zephyr RTOS fundamentals and Linux Foundation ecosystem benefits * [08:30] Hardware abstraction and device tree implementation for portable embedded code * [12:45] Nordic Semiconductor strategic partnership and silicon vendor support landscape * [18:20] Native POSIX development capabilities and cross-platform debugging strategies * [25:10] Learning curve challenges: EE vs CS background adaptation to Zephyr development * [32:40] Resource requirements and low-power implementation on constrained microcontrollers * [38:15] Multi-vendor chip support: STMicroelectronics, NXP, and industry adoption trends * [42:30] Safety-critical applications and ongoing certification processes * [45:50] Organizational transformation strategies and cultural adaptation challenges * [52:20] Zbus inter-process communication and modular development architecture * [58:45] Twister testing framework and comprehensive CI/CD pipeline integration * [65:30] Sample-driven development methodology and long-lived characterization tests * [72:15] Production testing automation and shell interface utilization * [78:40] Model-based development integration and requirements traceability * [82:10] When not to use Zephyr: Arduino simplicity vs RTOS complexity trade-offs ## Notable Quotes > "With Zephyr, porting a Bluetooth project from one chip architecture to another took an hour for an intern, compared to what would traditionally be months of effort." — Luka Mustafa > "How many times have you written a logging subsystem? If the answer is more than zero, then it shouldn't be the case. Someone needs to write it once, and every three years someone needs to rewrite it with a better idea." — Luka Mustafa > "The real benefit comes from doing things the Zephyr way in Zephyr, because then you are adopting all of the best practices of developing the code, using all of the subsystems to the maximum extent." — Luka Mustafa > "You want to make sure your team is spending time on things that make money for you, not on writing logging, for example." — Luka Mustafa

Crossover with Mob Mentailty Part 2 21.10.2025 46min

In this deep-dive continuation with Mob Mentality Show hosts Austin Chadwick and Chris Lucian, we explore the practical implementation of mob programming in embedded and IoT environments. The discussion covers how collaborative programming extends beyond pure software development to include firmware engineers, hardware teams, and DevOps specialists working together in real-time. Key insights include strategies for managing cross-disciplinary collaboration, overcoming organizational resistance, and maintaining continuous delivery pipelines in hardware-constrained environments. The conversation reveals how mob programming can dramatically reduce feedback loops and eliminate the traditional handoff delays between embedded system components, leading to multiple daily production deployments even in IoT contexts."+y

Crossover with Mob Mentality part 1 16.10.2025 48min

In this special crossover episode with the Mob Mentality Show, Jeff and Luca explore how mob programming can revolutionize embedded systems development. The discussion covers critical pain points in the embedded industry, including hardware-software coupling, documentation overhead in safety-critical systems, and the persistent silos between electrical, mechanical, and software engineers. Chris Lucian and Austin Chadwick from the Mob Mentality Show share practical strategies for implementing collaborative development practices, including hardware abstraction layers, the inverse Conway maneuver, and techniques for breaking down organizational barriers. The conversation provides actionable insights for embedded teams looking to improve flow efficiency, reduce cycle times, and enhance cross-functional collaboration in IoT and hardware product development.

Violet Su on hardware manufacturing 08.07.2025 43min

In this episode of the Agile Embedded Podcast, Luca speaks with Violet Su, Business Development Manager at Seed Studio, about the challenges and opportunities in hardware manufacturing. Violet shares insights on how Seed Studio has evolved to become an AI hardware partner, providing everything from sensors to edge computing products and customization services. The conversation explores the realities of hardware development, from initial prototyping to mass production. Violet emphasizes the importance of getting products into users' hands quickly to gather feedback, even if they're not perfect. She highlights common pitfalls for newcomers to hardware manufacturing, including underestimating costs, certification requirements, and supply chain complexities. The discussion also covers the growing influence of AI in hardware development and how emerging connectivity technologies are shaping the future of embedded systems.

AI-augmented software development 25.06.2025 45min

Luca and Jeff dive into how AI tools can supercharge embedded development workflows. Luca shares his extensive hands-on experience, while Jeff brings a fresh perspective as someone just starting to incorporate these tools. They explore how AI can help with coding, testing, and debugging - while emphasizing that good software engineering judgment remains crucial. The conversation is particularly timely since AI tools are evolving rapidly, unlike their usually more "evergreen" podcast topics.