

The Joe Reis Show
Joe Reis
What happens when a best-selling author and "recovering data scientist" gets a microphone? This podcast.
I'm Joe Reis, and each week I broadcast from wherever I am in the world, sharing candid thoughts on the data, tech, and AI industry.
Sometimes it's a solo rant. Other times, I'm chatting with the smartest people I know.
If you're looking for an unfiltered perspective on the state of AI, data, and tech, you've found it.
I'm Joe Reis, and each week I broadcast from wherever I am in the world, sharing candid thoughts on the data, tech, and AI industry.
Sometimes it's a solo rant. Other times, I'm chatting with the smartest people I know.
If you're looking for an unfiltered perspective on the state of AI, data, and tech, you've found it.
Episodes
Mentioned books

22 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 21min
Freestyle Fridays - What's Next After AI?
The podcast dives into the evolving perception of AI and its transition from peak hype to a more realistic approach. It discusses the slowing growth of AI technology while exploring exciting possibilities for the future, particularly in robotics. The host emphasizes the importance of managing expectations and fostering a mindset of continuous learning in the tech landscape. Listeners are encouraged to consider what innovations may follow in the wake of AI's current trends.

Aug 27, 2025 • 57min
The Playbook for Building Winning Partnerships in Data & AI with Eleanor Thompson
Eleanor Thompson, a partnerships guru from London and founder of Branchworks, dives deep into the art of building thriving partnerships in the data and AI spheres. She highlights her '4A' framework—Alignment, Ability, Audience, Accountability—as essential for choosing partners wisely. Eleanor also unveils how AI can pinpoint ideal collaborators and predicts their future success. Moreover, she draws intriguing parallels between entrepreneurship and high-intensity fitness, emphasizing the mental resilience essential for both.

20 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 22min
Freestyle Fridays - AI Televangelism
Reality may be setting in for the AI bubble, likened to the wild times of the dot-com era. The discussion highlights inflated expectations and the necessity for moderation as industry experts recalibrate their predictions. The promises around AI are compared to those of televangelists, stressing the importance of acknowledging its limitations. Personal projects and a three-city tour are also featured, alongside reflections on overcoming health challenges and reconnecting with old colleagues.

Aug 20, 2025 • 55min
The Insane Dangers of AI Influence Ops and More w/ Disesdi Susanna Cox
In this engaging chat, AI security architect Susanna Cox, known for her expertise in AI and security, dives into the hidden dangers of today's AI landscape. She unpacks the roles of red, blue, and innovative purple teams in cybersecurity. Susanna highlights vulnerabilities in generative AI, critiques tech leaders' ambitious promises, and discusses the contrasting AI regulations in the US and Europe. The conversation also touches on the rise of influence operations on social media, revealing how AI could sway public opinion with minimal effort.

24 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 23min
Freestyle Fridays - AI Vibes, Sameness, and Skill Erosion
Explore the impact of AI on professional skills, especially in healthcare, and the troubling rates of skill erosion across various fields. Delve into how automation boosts less experienced workers while potentially diminishing the capabilities of seasoned professionals. The discussion highlights the risks of over-reliance on technology, particularly in software development. Lastly, get a sneak peek at upcoming changes, including a focus on delivering quality content over mere speed in publishing.

17 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 10min
Why AI Won't Fix Your Legacy Code & The Dangers of "Vibe Coding" w/ Marianne Bellotti
In this engaging discussion, Marianne Bellotti, author of "Kill It With Fire" and an expert in legacy systems, tackles the misconception that AI can easily fix aging software. She warns against the pitfalls of 'vibe coding' and stresses the necessity of understanding a codebase's cultural context. Marianne also sheds light on the disconnect between AI's promises and practical coding realities, and the critical need for a thoughtful approach to technology that balances human insights with innovative tools.

12 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 42min
Freestyle Friday w/ Matt Housley - AI PhDs, Clanker Content, FoDE retrospective, and more
Matt Housley, an AI PhD, dives into the intricacies of artificial intelligence and the notion of 'Clanker Content'—the less desirable outputs of AI. He shares insights on the evolution of AI, contrasting initial excitement with today's skepticism. The discussion includes reflections on the significance of source data in model training and the challenges of maintaining quality in content creation amidst the AI boom. Housley also reminisces about the Fundamentals of Data Engineering, exploring its relevance with an engaging retrospective.

18 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 12min
Shane Gibson - The Power of the Information Product Canvas
Shane Gibson, author of The Information Product Canvas, shares insights from his publishing journey and the importance of a shared language in data projects. He discusses innovative ways to enhance team efficiency through iterative processes and the use of canvases in business strategy. The conversation touches on the disconnect between data teams and stakeholders, the challenges of effective communication, and how AI is reshaping the data and publishing landscape. Personal anecdotes add humor and depth to the complexities of writing and self-publishing.

7 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 21min
Freestyle Fridays - High on Crazy Pills
The chaotic state of the tech industry is compared to a wild high school party, highlighting reckless AI usage in coding. Developers express skepticism about AI's reliability, fearing a drop in craftsmanship. Despite executive optimism, there's tension over quality versus quantity in coding standards. The complexities of data modeling are explored, emphasizing often-overlooked subtleties. The episode also touches on engaging within a vibrant community of data professionals.

Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 16min
Kostas Pardalis - AI Native Data Engines
Kostas Pardalis, Co-Founder of TypeDef and a former player at Starburst Data and Shutterstock, dives into the fascinating world of AI and data infrastructure. He discusses the rapid evolution of AI, likening it to the early internet days, and the shift towards localized data processing. Kostas reveals how AI is transforming data management with tools like Whisper for better transcription and summarization. He emphasizes the democratization of data roles and the importance of cultural context in tech, particularly in Greece, highlighting the need for innovation in data handling.