Inside the Raspberry Jam with Chad Trador

Joe Justice here, and I’m thrilled to welcome you back to the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast. Today, I had the pleasure to chat with Chad Trador to discuss an event that’s got us both buzzing with excitement: the upcoming 6th Annual Raspberry Jam WV on March 16th. Now, if you’ve never been to one of these before, let me tell you, you’re in for a treat.

Chad, who’s been to several Raspberry Jam events in the past, shared his experiences with me. He described it as a vibrant gathering where people from all walks of life come together to explore the wonders of technology. From 3D printing to laser cutting, there’s no shortage of cool gadgets to tinker with. But what really sets the Raspberry Jam apart is its focus on education.

At the heart of it all is the Raspberry Pi, a tiny computer that packs a punch. With just a bit of Python code, you can make lights blink, sounds play, and even control robots! Chad explained how the event provides hands-on tutorials for beginners, making it easy for anyone to dive into the world of coding.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: coding sounds intimidating. But trust me, Chad assures us that Python is as user-friendly as it gets. It’s all about having fun and seeing your creations come to life. And with the Raspberry Jam being a free event, there’s no excuse not to give it a shot.

But perhaps the best part of the Raspberry Jam is the sense of community it fosters. Whether you’re a seasoned programmer or a curious beginner, everyone is welcome. Chad emphasized that it’s not about being the smartest person in the room—it’s about sharing ideas and having a good time.

As we wrapped up our conversation, Chad left me with one final thought: if you’ve ever been curious about coding, the Raspberry Jam is the perfect place to dip your toes in the water. So mark your calendars for March 16th and join us at the University of Charleston campus for a day of innovation and inspiration.

Learn more and sign up here: https://lu.ma/jamwv2024