How did you actually learn all this?
My complete course sequence, mistakes, costs, and what worked. The unfiltered truth.
The Starting Point (2022-2023)
Zero coding knowledge, 18 years in advertising. ChatGPT made me curious. I decided to build something.
Foundational Certificates
These gave me vocabulary to think about technology: Python basics, command line, security fundamentals.
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
ChatGPT Prompt Engineering
course
Generative AI for Everyone
course
Building Systems with ChatGPT API
course
Deep Learning Specialization
course
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)
Three products launched: DIALΓGUE, STRAΕ¦UM, and a full course. Real users, real payments, real learning.
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 Now Use Both
blog