

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

16 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 23min
Freestyle Fridays - Big AI, Bigger Layoffs, Same Old Problems?
The podcast dives into the surprising link between massive AI investments and recent layoffs in Big Tech. It examines why many AI projects are failing, citing issues like bad data and organizational problems. The societal implications of these shifts highlight the struggle workers face amid corporate cutbacks and AI hype. Listeners are encouraged to navigate the evolving data landscape and upgrade their skills to stay relevant in a changing job market.

Jul 23, 2025 • 52min
Shane Murray - The Impact of AI on Data Teams, Unstructured Data Observability, and More
Shane Murray, Field CTO at Monte Carlo and former Head of Data at the New York Times, brings his expertise on AI's impact on data teams. They discuss transitioning from finance to a leading data role, showcasing the intertwining of AI and business strategies. The conversation highlights the evolution of data observability in multimodal environments and the challenges of scaling AI solutions. Shane also dives into how unstructured data is transforming logistics, emphasizing the importance of data quality, collaboration, and continuous AI evaluation for fostering innovation.

7 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 16min
Freestyle Friday - Hedonic Treadmills, Goal-Oriented Type A Success, and Letting Go
Dive into the journey of a type-A personality grappling with the pressure of success! The speaker shares tales of burnout and the shift towards sustainable training. Explore the delicate balance between ambition and self-care, and the significance of timing in achieving goals. Reflect on what truly drives you and define success on your own terms, acknowledging that growth often takes unexpected turns. Get inspired to let go of overwhelming expectations and focus on what brings joy!

Jul 16, 2025 • 47min
Madison Schott - From Analytics Engineer to Content Creator
Madison Schott, the Creator of the Learn Analytics Engineering newsletter, shares her transition from analytics engineer to content creator, emphasizing her passion for analytics tools like dbt and SQL. She discusses the challenges of documenting her learning journey and the impact of writing on her understanding of data modeling. The conversation also touches on the advantages of Substack versus Medium, highlights the complexities of social media engagement, and explores building a vibrant data community focused on inclusivity and networking.

10 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 21min
Freestyle Fridays - I'm Ambivalent About Vibes, The Power of No, and More
Is vibe coding the way forward, or a step back? The speaker critiques low-code tools and their potential risks to software quality. They explore the art of saying 'no' to manage life's demands, sharing personal stories that spark creativity. Balancing adventure with work, they discuss challenges ahead, from Spartan races to writing projects, all while emphasizing the importance of a strong foundational knowledge in personal growth and tech. Expect insights that challenge your thinking on productivity and commitment!

Jul 9, 2025 • 57min
Peter Hanssens - Building Strong Data Engineering Communities
Peter Hanssens, an Australia-based data engineer and founder of Cloud Shuttle, shares insights on building vibrant data engineering communities. He highlights the challenges of organizing conferences and the importance of genuine engagement over self-promotion. Hanssens discusses the complexities of pricing community events and the need for inclusivity and collaboration. He emphasizes the value of personal interactions at conferences, advocating for meaningful networking experiences that foster a supportive culture in the tech scene.

Jul 2, 2025 • 42min
Aaron Neiderhiser - Creating the Future of Healthcare Analytics
Aaron Neiderhiser, CEO of Tuva Health, is on a mission to revolutionize healthcare analytics. He shares his journey from healthcare data professional to entrepreneur, emphasizing the need for quality data and improved diagnostic processes. The conversation dives into the complexities of healthcare data management, the importance of a common data model, and the transformative potential of AI. Neiderhiser also critiques the fragmented state of medical data and discusses the challenges of navigating the U.S. healthcare system to achieve better analytics.

Jun 27, 2025 • 16min
Freestyle Fridays - The End is Nigh (Again)
The discussion kicks off with a glimpse into breathtaking Iceland, combined with insights from the Global Data Summit. It dives into the misconceptions surrounding the 'death' of data tools like SQL and R, asserting their resilience against AI advances. The conversation emphasizes that while technology evolves, core principles of data management remain crucial. There’s a focus on embracing change while reinforcing the importance of foundational skills and continuous learning in the ever-shifting tech landscape.

9 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 1h 3min
Definitive Python Polars with Jeroen Janssens and Thijs Nieuwdorp
Jeroen Janssens, author and Developer Relations Engineer at Posit, and Thijs Nieuwdorp, Lead Data Scientist at Xomnia, dive into the world of Polars. They discuss the library's evolution and why it outshines Pandas. Their unique journey in crafting 'Python Polars: The Definitive Guide' reveals the challenges of technical writing, blending humor with serious insights. The duo also explores the dynamics of the Dutch tech scene, contrasting it with Silicon Valley, and shares personal anecdotes about language learning and future projects.

10 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 19min
Freestyle Fridays - Small is the New Big, AI Native Data Architectures, and More
Small teams are becoming the future of business as AI drives a shift toward efficiency and innovation. The landscape of data management is evolving, with smaller structures embracing AI to address traditional challenges. Technology is seen as a solution for global issues like climate change and healthcare. The conversation highlights the emerging opportunities in the workforce, as individuals adapt to an AI-driven environment, emphasizing the potential for success amid the challenges.


