
The Data Stack Show
Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.
Latest episodes

Jul 16, 2025 • 59min
253: Why Traditional Data Pipelines Are Broken (And How to Fix Them) with Ruben Burdin of Stacksync
Ruben Burdin, Founder and CEO of Stacksync, delves into the complexities of data integration, especially the challenges of two-way syncing for platforms like Salesforce and HubSpot. He questions the practicality of traditional methods like zero-copy ETL and highlights how these can create more issues than they solve. The conversation introduces Stacksync's innovative real-time SQL-based synchronization as a solution to streamline data management, reduce overhead, and enhance operational workflows across varied enterprise systems.

Jul 14, 2025 • 4min
The PRQL: Zero Copy ETL: Myth vs Reality with Ruben Burdin of Stacksync
Dive into the challenges of developing a two-way syncing technology with insights from a co-founder and CEO. Discover how marketing shapes perceptions of zero copy ETL. The conversation highlights the importance of synchronization in tech and its role in enhancing data infrastructure. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of data management and product development.

15 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 42min
252: What the Heck is Happening in Data Right Now with the Cynical Data Guy
Matt Kelliher-Gibson, the Cynical Data Guy, brings a sharp lens to the evolving world of data engineering. He dissects the hype surrounding the modern data stack and critiques the complexities and frustrations plaguing data teams today. Key conversations revolve around the shifting roles of analytics engineers and the push for open data standards to combat vendor lock-in. Kelliher-Gibson also highlights the emotional toll of job market fluctuations and rising costs, while emphasizing the importance of honesty in hiring and team morale.

Jul 7, 2025 • 2min
The PRQL: Data Engineering in 2025: Tooling, Headcount, and Survival Strategies with the Cynical Data Guy
Dive into the future of data engineering! Discover how current tools will evolve by 2025 and the potential shifts in headcount required in the industry. Explore survival strategies to navigate the changing landscape of data analytics. Get insights into the importance of remote collaboration and the vital roles within data teams. Tune in for a candid conversation packed with humor and expertise!

15 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 53min
251: Data Teams at the Crossroads: Proving Value in a Changing Business Landscape with Ben Rogojan
Ben Rogojan, a consultant who helps companies optimize their data stacks and build communities for data leaders, shares insights on the evolving landscape of data teams. He discusses the importance of demonstrating ROI and aligning data outputs with business outcomes. The conversation covers navigating stakeholder expectations, dealing with vanity metrics, and utilizing AI for improved data workflows. Rogojan emphasizes the key skills for data professionals and the need to take risks and embrace creativity for personal and organizational growth.

Jun 30, 2025 • 3min
The PRQL: Beyond Dashboards: Selling Data Value to the Business with Ben Rogojan
Listeners dive into the journey of selling data value within businesses. Key topics include the importance of effective dashboards and transforming raw data into actionable insights. Insights from a renowned data consultant reveal strategies for building community support in the data realm. The episode also introduces an initiative aimed at empowering technical freelancers, focusing on collaborative learning and accountability.

5 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 24min
250: The Chat Interface Debate: Is Text Really the Future?
This week’s guest is Matt, known as the Cynical Data Guy, who dives deep into the world of data, AI, and tech trends. He critically explores the debate over chat interfaces versus dashboards, advocating for user engagement improvements. The discussion introduces 'vibe revenue' as a fresh growth metric and reflects on the unpredictable evolution of AI and hardware. Matt also shares insights on the enduring relevance of SQL and the skepticism around new social networks, emphasizing authentic connections over AI-driven ones.

Jun 18, 2025 • 19min
249: Quacking Through Data: Duckdb's Emerging Ecosystem
Matt Kelliher-Gibson, known as the cynical data guy, joins to unravel the latest innovations in data analytics. The discussion kicks off with DuckDB's exciting Duck Lake announcement, emphasizing its role as a local analytics powerhouse compatible with Apache Iceberg. They dive into the complexities of data catalogs and the future of metadata orchestration, exploring how to simplify data management. Plus, a quirky demo showcases a speech-to-SQL tool while playfully quacking! Tune in for a blend of humor and insightful tech talk!

Jun 11, 2025 • 48min
248: AI and BI: The Future of Data Analytics with Michael Driscoll of Rill Data
Michael Driscoll, Co-Founder and CEO of Rill Data, dives into the revolutionary impact of AI on business intelligence and data analytics. He talks about the shift from traditional dashboard tools to dynamic, AI-powered interfaces that enable deeper insights. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of a metrics-first approach and highlights advancements in data infrastructure, including open standards and real-time analytical databases. Driscoll discusses how AI agents are becoming primary users of data tools, reshaping the landscape for data professionals.

Jun 9, 2025 • 2min
The PRQL: The Metrics-First Approach: Transforming How We Understand Data with Michael Driscoll of Rill Data
Explore the innovative metrics-first approach to data understanding with insights from Mark Driscoll. Discover how new trends in business intelligence and AI are reshaping data management. Delve into the critical role of real-time customer data in driving smarter decisions. Gain valuable perspectives on enhancing customer experiences through effective data utilization.