

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

11 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 19min
Freestyle Fridays - The Kids are Alright
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.

22 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 57min
The Truth About AI Agents, Hardware Wars, and Mixed Model Arts. Freestyle Fridays w/ Matt Housley
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.

28 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 50min
Data Contracts Are For Software Engineers, Not Just Data Teams w/ Mark Freeman and Chad Sanderson
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.

14 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 16min
Freestyle Fridays - To Succeed in 2026, Use December Wisely!
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!

12 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 54min
Why AI Agents Need a New Lakehouse. Ciro Greco (Bauplan) on “Git for Data”
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.

11 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 27min
Freestyle Fridays - So You Want to Grow on Substack
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!

10 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 45min
From Data Engineering to Context Engineering w/ Nick Schrock
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.

18 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 44min
The 2026 Data Career Roadmap: What’s Changed? w/ Maggie Wolff
Maggie Wolff, a data scientist and content creator known for her career advice, shares insights into the evolving data job market. She discusses how the entry barriers have risen, emphasizing the importance of networking and technical skills. Maggie also reveals her unique strategies for introverts to thrive at events. The conversation touches on the role of AI in education and hiring, cautioning against over-reliance. She advocates for understanding your work deeply and suggests alternative paths into data for aspiring professionals.

Nov 14, 2025 • 57min
AI Bubbles & "Vibe Coding" Dangers. Freestyle Fridays w/ Matt Housley
In this engaging conversation, Matt Housley, a regular commentator on AI trends, dives into the shifting landscape of AI and vibe coding. He highlights the dangers of the current AI bubble and how production risks emerge from rapid prototyping. The duo discusses the importance of domain expertise in preventing errors, and the absence of solid governance frameworks for AI-generated apps. They also compare the AI sector's excitement to historical market bubbles while considering the balance of craftsmanship and mass production in software.

10 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 58min
Why Most Chief Data Officers Fail w/ Malcolm Hawker
In this engaging discussion, Malcolm Hawker, a seasoned data leader and author of The Data Hero Playbook, delves into the critical challenges facing Chief Data Officers. He identifies a 'limiting mindset' that leads to failure, emphasizing accountability over blame. Malcolm offers a practical three-question framework for new CDOs and argues that value should be prioritized over technical metrics. He also debunks the myth of 'AI readiness,' highlighting the importance of starting with what you have. Expect insights on transforming data leadership into a value-centric endeavor.


