Hi, I’m John Van Wagenen
I build software and lead teams. Currently focused on the pragmatic path from traditional full-stack to AI-integrated systems.
Blog
See all →A blog-first space for pragmatic notes, project write-ups, and occasional deep dives.
Feb 16, 2026
You Are Absolutely RightWhy LLMs often agree with your assumptions, where that compliance becomes risky, and practical prompts to force better critique.
Feb 9, 2026
You Are a (Mostly) Helpful AssistantExplore why LLMs are biased toward being helpful, how this manifests in your work, and practical strategies to manage this behavior effectively.
Feb 2, 2026
The Most Dangerous Thing AI Gives Engineers: False ConfidenceAI makes it easy to feel done before you understand what you’ve changed.