John Carmack is and will always be one of the greatest programmers for me. His drive, motivation and work ethics are also very inspiring. Whenever I feel low the first thing I tried (sometimes failed) to pull me out is reading a few chapters of "Masters of Doom".

I'll probably never be as productive as he has been, but I appreciate the games and impact he made.

I also enjoy this podcast because this is one interview of Carmack that I can almost fully understand :P