Six Feet Up CTO Joins Python Bytes as Co-Host

Python Bytes, the Python news podcast, has a new voice.

Calvin Hendryx-Parker, Six Feet Up CTO and AWS Hero, is now the permanent co-host of Python Bytes, joining longtime host Michael Kennedy beginning with episode 483.

The transition follows Brian Okken’s decision to step back after nearly a decade of co-hosting, a run that helped shape the show into one of the Python community’s most trusted weekly sources for news, tools, and practical insight.

The move marks a new era for a podcast that has been a staple for Pythonistas since 2016. It is “the next generation of Python Bytes,” as Michael described it.

Grounded in Real-World Practice

Python Bytes delivers weekly Python news and tool picks to developers who want to stay current without scouring Reddit, social media, and release notes themselves. With more than 480 episodes, the show has built a loyal audience by focusing on working code, real-world utility, and the tools Python teams are actually using.

Calvin brings more than 25 years of experience leading software teams across industries, with a reputation for helping organizations evaluate emerging technologies through a production-ready lens.

“I’ve been passionate about Python since the early days,” said Calvin. “Because of the breadth of work we do with clients, we’re always experimenting with new technology, but we’re not chasing the bleeding edge for its own sake. I want to bring that perspective to the show: what’s actually worth adopting, and what’s ready for production.”

What Listeners Can Expect

For developers and technical leaders, Calvin’s role on Python Bytes brings a practical filter to the constant stream of new Python tools, AI frameworks, security concerns, and engineering practices.

Listeners can expect straight talk on questions teams are already asking:

• Is it ready for production? New tools can look promising in a demo. Calvin and Michael will help teams evaluate what is stable enough to adopt and what still needs time.
• What risks deserve attention? Dependency management, supply chain security, and fast-moving AI tooling are already showing up in engineering roadmaps. Calvin and Michael will help teams understand what's worth watching.
• What does good engineering look like today? Not two years ago, and not just in theory. Calvin and Michael will talk through the practices helping teams build, scale, and ship with confidence.

Listen to Calvin’s first episode as permanent co-host on Python Bytes, and subscribe at pythonbytes.fm or wherever you get your podcasts.

For more insights from Calvin, follow him on LinkedIn.