How The Creator Of The Hashtag, Chris Messina, Uses AI On A Daily Basis

In this inaugural episode of Side Coding, software and product guru Chris Messina reveals real, tangible ways he's hacked his own workflow using AI tools that anyone can master. Imagine creating a system that automatically generates and refines your resume for every single application, or building an app over a weekend on your laptop that significantly cuts down repetitive tasks. Sounds impossible? Chris shows it’s more accessible than you think.

You'll discover how prompt engineering is just the beginning, and why mastering it grants you a superpower in work and life. We break down how AI can serve as your personal co-worker—if you learn to play it right—and the concrete steps Chris took to code his own productivity tools, from automating show notes to managing complex projects, all in real time. He shares the secret sauce behind creating systems that reference, critique, and improve themselves, turning vague ambitions into actionable, scalable results.

Key insights include: the importance of iterative feedback with AI, how to use terminal-based workflows to personalize software projects, and the value of asking AI to critique your own plans—like a business mentor in your pocket. Chris discusses specific models, frameworks, and tools like Claude, SuperBase, and even writing custom apps, revealing how these can empower anyone to innovate regardless of technical skill.

In an era where most are passive consumers of tech, Chris urges listeners to become active builders. Don't wait for the industry to catch up—start tinkering today, whether for career advancement, side projects, or just to feel in control of your digital future. This episode isn’t just about productivity; it’s about reclaiming your agency in the AI revolution. Perfect for entrepreneurs, creatives, or anyone ready to level up their skills and stay ahead of the curve.