The Analytics Power Hour
Michael Helbling, Moe Kiss, Tim Wilson, Val Kroll, and Julie Hoyer
Attend any conference for any topic and you will hear people saying after that the best and most informative discussions happened in the bar after the show. Read any business magazine and you will find an article saying something along the lines of "Business Analytics is the hottest job category out there, and there is a significant lack of people, process and best practice." In this case the conference was eMetrics, the bar was….multiple, and the attendees were Michael Helbling, Tim Wilson and Jim Cain (Co-Host Emeritus). After a few pints and a few hours of discussion about the cutting edge of digital analytics, they realized they might have something to contribute back to the community. This podcast is one of those contributions. Each episode is a closed topic and an open forum - the goal is for listeners to enjoy listening to Michael, Tim, and Moe share their thoughts and experiences and hopefully take away something to try at work the next day. We hope you enjoy listening to the Digital Analytics Power Hour.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 8min
#284: I Used to Think...But Not Any More
The hosts dive into how personal beliefs in analytics have evolved over time. They question the efficacy of analytics intake forms and the myth of campaign parameter purity. There's a lively debate about the relevance of privacy today compared to earlier views. The discussion shifts to the limits of linear maturity models and the importance of collaboration over rigid structures. Humor interspersed with serious thoughts emphasizes that data is just one piece of the decision-making puzzle, not the whole meal.
26 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 1h 13min
#283: Good Things (Can) Come in Small Datasets with Joe Domaleski
Joe Domaleski, owner of Country Fried Creative and Georgia Tech MS Analytics student, dives into the world of small datasets. He highlights how small and mid-sized organizations can leverage limited data for insightful analytics, countering the myth that size equates to value. Joe discusses the importance of starting with minimal tracking, educating clients about analytics, and avoiding common pitfalls like overreacting to limited data. He shares practical techniques for making the most out of small datasets, encouraging analysts to embrace the potential of small data.
Oct 14, 2025 • 1h 8min
#282: Using (and Creating!) Data to Understand Pop Culture with Chris Dalla Riva
Chris Dalla Riva, a senior product manager at a music streaming service and author of the newsletter Can’t Get Much Higher, dives into his fascinating journey of listening to every #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100. He reveals how this project evolved from a personal habit into a complex dataset that uncovers unexpected cultural trends, like the prevalence of teenage tragedy songs. Chris also discusses the challenges of data creation, the importance of technology in music evolution, and the intricate details behind chart manipulation and genre exploration.
Sep 30, 2025 • 1h 6min
#281: Analytics: The View from the Corner Office with Anna Lee
From spreadsheets to strategy: what does data look like from the CEO's chair? For this episode, we sat down with Anna Lee, CEO of Flybuys and former CFO/COO of THE ICONIC, to get her view on data-led leadership and what great looks like in data and analytics. Discover how Anna's journey from finance to the corner office has shaped her approach to leveraging evidence for strategic decision-making. From productive curiosity, to informed pragmatism, and how data teams can build trust with leadership, this is a candid conversation about analytics from the top down. Whether you're embedded in a squad or building the next big data platform, this one's for anyone who's ever wondered what it takes to truly influence the C-suite! This episode's Measurement Bite from show sponsor Recast is an overview of the fundamental problem of causal inference from Michael Kaminsky! For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.
27 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 7min
#280: Dashboards Must Die! Long Live Dashboards! with Andy Cotgreave
In this discussion, Andy Cotgreave, co-author of The Big Book of Dashboards, dives into the hotly debated topic of dashboards in analytics. He explores whether dashboards are dying or evolving, especially with the rise of AI. Topics range from the importance of custom dashboards for different users to the narrative power of data storytelling. Andy also critiques the overreliance on technology in analysis, emphasizing the need for human insight in a data-driven world.
Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 1min
#279: The Process(es) of Analytics (We Have Thoughts)
Explore the dual nature of 'process' in analytics, where structure meets flexibility. Co-hosts dive into challenges of rigid procedures versus chaotic workflows, emphasizing effective communication and stakeholder engagement. They share insights on granular management and the nuances of project scoping, tackling priorities and resource allocation. The discussion also highlights collaboration in data initiatives and the critical role of adaptability, especially with the rise of AI in analytics. Expect humor and camaraderie as they navigate complex themes!
Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 1min
#278: Is AI Good at Data Analysis? That's the Wrong Question? with Juliana Jackson
Juliana Jackson, an Associate Director of Data and Digital Experience at Monks and co-host of the Standard Deviation podcast, dives deep into the intersection of AI and data analysis. She shares her experiences with the limitations and challenges of large language models, warning against oversimplification in the analytics space. The discussion ranges from the psychological pressures faced by analysts to understanding data's probabilistic nature. Juliana emphasizes the essential role of human insight in unraveling complex data narratives amid evolving AI technology.
Aug 5, 2025 • 1h
#277: ANOVA? I Hardly Know Ya'! with Chelsea Parlett-Pelleriti
In this discussion, Chelsea Parlett-Pelleriti, a consulting statistician with a PhD in computational data science, breaks down the intricacies of ANOVA. She emphasizes its connection to linear models and clarifies common misconceptions. Topics like the importance of covariates in regression and the challenges of multiple comparisons are explored. With humor, she also touches on automating data integration, while sharing relatable parenting tales and the amusing limitations of AI. A truly enlightening and entertaining dive into statistics!
9 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 5min
#276: BI is Dead! Long Live BI! With Colin Zima
Colin Zima, CEO of Omni and former chief analytics officer at Looker, dives into the evolving landscape of business intelligence. He shares insights on the challenges product managers face in creating user-friendly BI tools for everyone from executives to data scientists. The conversation touches on the complexities of balancing self-service access with control, the integration of AI, and the importance of effective data visualization. Zima emphasizes the need for clear communication between data and business teams to maximize the impact of analytics.
30 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 13min
#275: The Modern Data...Job Search with Albert Bellamy
Albert Bellamy, a former Marine turned analytics expert and career coach at Alteryx, shares invaluable insights on modern job searching. He discusses the nuances of LinkedIn networking, likening it to effective communication in relationships. Bellamy highlights the critical role of personal connections and the importance of crafting tailored resumes. He emphasizes the need for authentic interactions in a landscape flooded with data, along with practical tips for standing out to recruiters. Get ready to rethink your approach to job hunting!
