The Joe Reis Show

“What I built today might be obsolete tomorrow.”This is something I heard this week from a developer, and this is not uncommon given the warp speed nonstop advancement of AI models every week. We used to measure the rate of change in months or years. Now it’s days or weeks.In this episode, I talk about why writing code is rarely hard part, and why having good taste and shipping things that people love is the most important things we can do.

Nikhil Suresh, the bootstrapped CEO of Hermit Tech and a savvy blogger on data consulting, shares insights from his first year running a services business. He explains the shift from hourly to fixed pricing and why coding is often the least profitable aspect of projects. Nikhil critiques hustle culture in Silicon Valley, highlighting the stresslessness of running a small consultancy. He also discusses spotting 'status games' in tech leadership and the pitfalls of offshoring while emphasizing the profitability of non-technical services.

Matt Housley, a seasoned knowledge-engineering and ontology practitioner, dives into the rising buzz around ontologies and knowledge graphs. He discusses how these structures are essential for adding context and semantics to AI systems. The duo highlights the limitations of early language models without knowledge graphs, while tracing the roots of this trend back to Google’s influential knowledge graph. They also caution against the influx of self-proclaimed experts and emphasize the need for foundational knowledge in the field.

An engaging conversation unfolds as a father and his 15-year-old son explore the disillusionment teens feel towards white-collar jobs. The youth perceive traditional paths as insecure and meaningless. They express a preference for meaningful work and skilled trades. The discussion delves into AI's impact on employment and the importance of choosing careers that align with personal values rather than fear of automation. Entrepreneurship is spotlighted as a strategic avenue for the next generation, emphasizing the fusion of human creativity with technological advancements.

Matt Housley, host of the It's About Data podcast and an expert in data and AI, joins to discuss the AI industry’s current trends and issues. They critique the hype surrounding AI agents, suggesting the market may be premature. The duo dives into the hardware wars between Google and NVIDIA, and the 'brain-damaged' state of current LLMs. They also address the 'enshittification' of the internet and preview Joe's upcoming Mixed Model Arts project, advocating for pragmatic approaches in data modeling.

Mark Freeman and Chad Sanderson, co-founders of Gable.ai, delve into their new book on data contracts, born from the chaos of balancing startup life and authorship. They discuss a crucial shift in focus from data engineers to software engineers, emphasizing the rampant technical debt threatening integration. With their insights on addressing software sprawl, they argue for a more strategic role for data teams in solving complex integration and migration challenges. Their conversation illuminates why understanding engineers' workflows is key to effective data management.

As December approaches, it’s time to stop procrastinating and start planning for success in the new year. Explore how to prioritize scary tasks and reflect on your achievements from the past year. Discover the power of AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT for goal execution. Learn the value of a focused approach, inspired by Warren Buffett's method of prioritizing key goals. Embrace the challenge and use December wisely to make 2026 your most successful year yet!

Ciro Greco, Co-founder and CEO of Bauplan, dives into the future of data infrastructure with a focus on a 'Code-First' approach. He explains how traditional data stacks fail autonomous AI agents and why a programmable lakehouse is vital. Ciro introduces 'Git for Data' semantics, detailing how features like branching and transactionality create safe environments for agents to work without corrupting production data. He also shares insights on the evolving roles of data teams and the growing need for principled controls amid increasing automation.

Wondering how to thrive on Substack? Discover why writers are flocking from LinkedIn, seeking deeper engagement and a supportive community. Learn the importance of long-form writing and the unique features that set Substack apart. Joe dives into dealing with criticism, building consistency, and the emotional journey of writing in public. He emphasizes the value of giving away content to grow your audience and stresses the significance of treating your work like a business. Tune in for essential tips on success in the digital writing landscape!

In a fascinating discussion, Nick Schrock, founder and CTO of Dagster, shares his evolution from AI skeptic to advocate, predicting that most code will soon be AI-generated. He delves into Dagster's innovative tools like Compass, a Slack-based agent connecting data teams and stakeholders. Nick emphasizes the importance of engineered context pipelines over traditional data feeding. With insights on real-time analytics and the shift in roles for data engineers and business users, this chat illuminates the future of data management in an AI-driven world.