How did you actually learn all this?
My complete course sequence, mistakes, costs, and what worked. The unfiltered truth.
The Starting Point (2021-2023)
I started learning to code in 2021, about 15 years into advertising. ChatGPT later made me curious about AI, and in 2023 I built my first chatbot.
Foundational Certificates
These gave me vocabulary to think about technology: Python basics, command line, security fundamentals.
Resources
Google IT Automation with Python
course Β· Affiliate link
Google Cybersecurity Certificate
course Β· Affiliate link
40-year-old advertising professional completed Google's cybersecurity certificate: Ask Me Why
blog
Ad Man turns Code Man? My Python Adventure
blog
Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
course Β· Affiliate link
The Andrew Ng Path (7 Courses)
Machine Learning fundamentals β Prompt Engineering β Building Systems β Deep Learning β LangChain β Vector DBs. Two years on, I'd keep some, time-box others, and skip a couple β here's my honest 2026 verdict, so you can choose.
Resources
Machine Learning Specialization
course Β· Affiliate link
ChatGPT Prompt Engineering
course Β· Affiliate link
Generative AI for Everyone
course Β· Affiliate link
Building Systems with ChatGPT API
course Β· Affiliate link
Deep Learning Specialization
course Β· Affiliate link
My Journey Through 7 Andrew Ng Courses on Machine Learning and AI
blog
Two years after my 7 Andrew Ng courses: the 2026 path I'd actually take
blog
Andrew Ng's Coursera Courses: My Dive into Machine Learning
blog
The Valley of Death (2024)
Stuck for months. Courses weren't clicking. LangChain failed. Weaviate was expensive. I almost gave up.
Full Stack Learning (2024)
React, Django, databases. Building real applications requires understanding the full stack.
Building in Production (2025-2026)
Shipped DIALΓGUE, STRAΕ¦UM (since retired; its first version is open source), the course and Prova, all while working full-time.
Resources
DIALΓGUE: Building an AI-Powered Podcast Generator from Scratch (And Learning a Ton Along the Way)
blog
STRAŦUM: The 9-Agent Marketing Application I Built in 75 Days (Solo, While Sick for 10)
blog
I Rebuilt My Entire AI Podcast App in 14 Days. I'm Terrified.
blog
The App Store Said Yes
blog
How I Built a 7-Module Course Solo While Working Full-Time
blog
Codex with GPT-5.4 vs Claude Code with Opus 4.6 β Why I Used Both (March 2026)
blog
I Gave My 9-Agent Marketing Platform Away as Open Source
blog
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