September 24th, 2025 ×
Picking a Fullstack Stack, Is Next.js Too Complex? Services vs Self-Hosted + More
 Wes Bos Host
 Scott Tolinski Host
In this potluck episode, Wes and Scott answer your questions about modern full-stack stacks, Node.js backend options, managing database indexes, developer burnout, handling toxic bosses, and more!
Show Notes
- 00:00 Welcome to Syntax!
 - 02:36 What’s your go-to Node.js backend in 2025?
 - 06:18 Do you proactively manage database indexes—or fix them only when they become a problem?
 - 09:40 Brought to you by Sentry.io
 - 12:14 After planning a new project, what’s your real-world dev workflow?
 - 18:19 What to do when you’re feeling burned out as a developer
 - 23:34 Picking the right tech stack for your partner’s website
 - 28:18 How do you deal with a toxic boss?
 - 33:10 The ideal tech stack for launching a SaaS MVP
 - 39:46 Is GraphQL still worth it vs REST or RPC?
 - 44:26 Is Vercel steering modern web dev in the wrong direction?
 - 51:20 What’s up with TanStack Forms?
 - 59:35 Sick Picks + Shameless Plugs
 
Sick Picks
- Scott: Flesh and Code
 - Wes: WAGO connectors
 
Shameless Plugs
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