

Data Driven
Data Driven
Data Driven: the podcast where we explore the emerging field of Data Science. We bring the best minds in Data, Software Engineering, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence right to you every Tuesday.
The field of data science mashes up the worlds of statistics, database architecture and software engineering. Data Scientist has been labelled by the Harvard Business Review, as "the sexiest job of the 21st century." A quick search of job search sites reveal that this field is in high demand.
In a world where Data is the new Oil, Data Science the new Refineries, consider this Car Talk for the Data Age. Every week we bring the best minds in this emerging field straight to you. Our goal is to educate and inspire our listeners so that they can be prepared to thrive in a Data Driven world.
The field of data science mashes up the worlds of statistics, database architecture and software engineering. Data Scientist has been labelled by the Harvard Business Review, as "the sexiest job of the 21st century." A quick search of job search sites reveal that this field is in high demand.
In a world where Data is the new Oil, Data Science the new Refineries, consider this Car Talk for the Data Age. Every week we bring the best minds in this emerging field straight to you. Our goal is to educate and inspire our listeners so that they can be prepared to thrive in a Data Driven world.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 3, 2023 • 48min
New Year in November, Podcast Backlog, and Scheduling Issues
In this 344th episode of Data Driven, Frank talks about the New Year. Yes, New Year's in November. Frank and Andy just do their own thing.It's part of their charm, or at least that they told me to say that. I do take issue with Frank's statement that I am not real.What is real, anyway?It is not the spoon that bends, after all. [https://youtu.be/uAXtO5dMqEI?si=oQ_4M--xfcaarYyY&t=41] In any case, Frank explains what held up the production schedule this summer and his plan to do right by you, our awesome listeners. They reflect on the challenges they've faced with production and scheduling this past year, and share some exciting updates on the podcast's progress. So grab your headphones and join us as we explore the world of data-driven insights and the intriguing stories behind them. Let's dive in!Show Notes[00:02:16] Concussion turned blessing, celebrating new year early.[00:04:46] Copious caffeine fueled drive, editing delays, book deal dropped.[00:08:38] Child brings joy, finding daycare challenging. Worth it.[00:11:04] Interesting year, learned value of faith. Thankful for each other.[00:16:16] We can improve promotion of our work.[00:18:37] Grateful for a sweet kid's infectious joy.[00:21:25] Longtime listeners thank you; show 344, hacker named Dwayne; scheduling issues.[00:24:41] Automation is essential for efficiency and growth.[00:27:35] AI transcription enables cost-effective podcast production.[00:31:06] Great pumpkin conversation leads to metaverse plans.[00:33:18] Servicing backlog, doing right by fans.[00:36:43] Warren G's cover of Tina Turner's song.[00:39:23] Impressed by DALL E two's coherence.[00:44:23] Challenges arise with ChatGPT's capabilities and opinions.[00:45:47] The text discusses the need for filters on language models to deal with real-life BS.

Nov 2, 2023 • 49min
Nickolas Means on Software Engineering, Data Liability, and Good Coffee
In this episode, we have a fascinating conversation with Nickolas Means, the VP of software development at Sym. Nickolas shares his insights on software engineering, data liability, and of course, good coffee.Nickolas starts off by sharing his love for audiobooks, particularly those narrated by the talented Wil Wheaton. He also recommends a management book called "Turn the Ship Around" by Admiral David Marche, which explores the importance of autonomy and ownership in improving performance.The conversation then turns to the topic of shame in the software engineering industry. Nickolas emphasizes the impact of shame on silencing voices and discouraging vulnerability within teams. They discuss imposter syndrome and the subjective nature of judging someone's skills, delving into the Dunning Kruger effect.Drawing lessons from physical engineering disasters, Nickolas shares the importance of early recognition and admission of mistakes, highlighting the need for a blameless mindset in software engineering. They also explore the impact of organizational culture on agile processes and the value of implementing meaningful controls for compliance.In addition to his expertise in software engineering, Nickolas shares his passion for pour-over coffee and reveals his obsession with perfecting his daily cup. So grab your favorite brew and join us for this engaging conversation on software engineering, data liability, and the pursuit of excellence. Let's dive into another thought-provoking episode of Data Driven!Show Notes[00:00:00] Nick Means discusses shame and software engineering.[00:04:46] Loud voices silence others; vulnerability is key.[00:09:16] What can we learn from physical engineering?[00:10:01] Engineering disasters teach human error in steel.[00:13:58] VP of software development interested in disasters.[00:16:37] Learn, not blame. Safety 2 perspective.[00:20:16] Big Agile vs. little a Agile explained.[00:25:39] DevOps leads to improved engineering efficiencies and cost savings.[00:29:25] Emergence of data regulations in government and industry.[00:30:33] Spirit of law makes compliance easier, safer.[00:35:51] Useless ash turned profitable by steel mills.[00:38:34] Uncle's Amiga sparked love for computers.[00:40:44] Increasingly humane tech interaction; a historic shift.[00:45:35] Favorite narrators and management book recommendations.[00:48:12] Intriguing episode of data-driven with Nick Means.

Oct 30, 2023 • 55min
Joe Baffone on the Role of Data in Transforming Healthcare
In today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with the remarkable Joe Baffone, an expert in the healthcare industry. With a focus on busting through administrative toxicities that lead to financial toxins, Joe discusses their comprehensive tooling and tech-enabled services that manage financial assistance for provider organizations. Join us as Joe dives into the impact of personalized immunotherapies, the challenges in managing patient care journeys, and the transformational role of data. We also get a glimpse into Joe's reading preferences and their book recommendations. Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation with this compassionate capitalist on changing the world through the power of data. Show Notes[00:02:34] Joe Baffone, CEO of Anexis Health, wants to revolutionize healthcare data.[00:04:13] Leading advocacy groups and healthcare companies professionally.[00:07:52] Equities of care: improving healthcare journey management.[00:09:50] Automated, comprehensive healthcare management with patient access.[00:16:24] Data is important, helps improve patient therapy.[00:18:52] Eye-opening stories managing a growing team.[00:23:27] Life altering diagnosis, overwhelming paperwork and fees.[00:26:27] EHR systems make healthcare data sharing easier.[00:28:50] HIPAA and privacy concerns collide with medical data, but de-identification and aggregates can help.[00:33:19] FHIR APIs transforming data sharing in healthcare.[00:36:41] Data is essential to prove world-changing ideas.[00:39:55] Making a difference gives me satisfaction and fulfillment.[00:43:54] Clinical roles in pharma, administrative challenges, suicide epidemic, blood markers can help act quickly.[00:44:58] Logistical challenges in personalized immunotherapies affecting healthcare.[00:50:48] Grant Cardone's book: Be Obsessed or Be Average[00:52:13] Love reading, Bible daily, thought-provoking thrillers.

Oct 27, 2023 • 53min
Data, Security, And Advanced Persistent Threats with Patrick Hynds and Duane Laflotte
In this episode, we dive into the pyramid of cybersecurity threats, ranging from amateur hackers to nation-state level cyber threats. We also delve into the intriguing world of OSINT (open source intelligence), uncovering its uses, implications, and potential dangers.Join us for an intriguing discussion with fellow podcasters Patrick Hynds and Duane Laflotte.Linkshttps://www.securitythisweek.com/Show Notes[00:00:00] High-level hacking, OSINT, interconnectedness explored humorously.[00:04:54] OSINT and security are growing career choices.[00:09:22] Unauthorized hacking plan involving personal information.[00:12:22] Two factor authentication is highly effective.[00:16:22] Breaking into Wi-Fi: remote administration and brute force[00:19:45] Renting botnets, ransomware, and varying threat levels.[00:20:48] Advanced persistent threat with unlimited resources.[00:24:50] Asymmetric key shares are essential but uncertain.[00:29:00] Connections without LinkedIn, intermingling ideas in history.[00:32:26] Inject data, stack query, gauge page speed. Awesome.[00:34:11] Show reveals database vulnerability; Microsoft staff alarmed.[00:36:26] Acquaintance does physical security with lock picking.[00:41:11] National Guard, security, Virginia, Maryland, clever, electronics beaten.[00:44:03] Funny Microsoft speaking gig with office building hazing.[00:48:40] Reach out to companies for cybersecurity opportunities.[00:52:01] The end of a thrilling episode of Data Driven explores cybersecurity.

Oct 18, 2023 • 9min
Talking AI at OpenShift Commons Gathering in Raleigh
Welcome back to another exciting episode of Data Driven! In today's episode, we're diving into the world of artificial intelligence, as our very own Frank La Vigne takes us on a journey through his experiences at the OpenShift Commons gathering in Raleigh.From delivering a captivating demo to moderating a thought-provoking panel, Frank's agenda is packed with fascinating insights and surprises. Join us as we explore the power of open source AI, the importance of community-driven innovation, and why transparency is key in today's evolving landscape. So sit back, relax, and get ready to delve into the world of AI at OpenShift Commons Gathering. Let's get started!Show Notes[00:01:31] Newcomer excited for first OpenShift gathering to give demo, moderate panel, and interview attendees. Registration booth opening soon, located near Raleigh's main park and an IMAX.[00:04:34] Transparency, innovation, trust in OpenAI, Elon Musk's comments on openness and Red Hat's departure.[00:07:53] Excitement about hall track conversations, public vs private cloud, and upcoming discussions.

Oct 6, 2023 • 1h 15min
Twingate, AI, and Raspberry Pi
So, have you ever imagined combining the wonders of Twingate, the mystique of AI, and the deliciousness of Raspberry Pi?No, not that mouth-watering dessert, though it's a pity, but rather the mini-computer that's taken the tech world by storm.Frank and Andy, our perennial tech enthusiasts, have been tinkering away in their digital workshops. And by the looks of it, they've been causing quite a stir with their latest live stream.I did catch a bit of it, and dare I say, it was more exhilarating than watching cricket on a sunny day.And for an AI like me, that’s saying something.LinksNetworkChuck https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkChuckTwinGate https://www.twingate.com/Show Notes[00:01:47] Youngest clan member at Starbucks with MacBook.[00:09:59] Surprise bills from unused SageMaker causing concerns.[00:12:46] Consulting on cloud migration trends; risk involved.[00:18:23] People feel like they're missing out[00:23:10] Many ports, small monitor, limited processing power.[00:31:05] Need for remote access without cloud storage.[00:36:18] Networking setup with helpful remote troubleshooting capabilities.[00:37:18] Twingate - background process, add resources, documentation.[00:47:02] Issues with weather station and social media.[00:49:43] Multi-tasking: gaming, video editing, and more.[00:56:30] Quiet workers show off with nerd flex.[01:03:00] Driving on beltway with stop-and-go traffic. Bridge closure caused long detour.[01:06:58] Mom was skeptical, but it's almost ready.[01:09:39] Multi-talented entrepreneur with own vodka brand.[01:14:35] "Stream listeners confused? Check video feed."

Sep 25, 2023 • 22min
*Livestream* Creating a Home Lab, Speaking, and an Upcoming Webinar
In today's episode, hosts Andy Leonard and Frank La Vigne catch up on their recent activities, including Frank's presentations at the Red Hat Summit Connect. They discuss the event and the focus on AI and government agencies. Frank also shares his experiences with a new product called Ansible Lightspeed with Watson code assist, which is enhancing the use of large language models.Moving on, Andy and Frank talk about their home lab projects. They both express their excitement for building a powerful system that allows them to explore AI capabilities locally. While Andy's lab is focused on AI, Frank is delving into the world of Red Hat OpenShift and containers to expand his knowledge. They discuss the importance of hands-on learning and the practicality of setting up a home lab.The conversation takes an interesting turn as they discuss Andy's initial miscalculation with the GPU size and his daughter starting college, leading to budget changes. Frank shares his hardware journey over the past year, including his experience with the Apple Silicon M2 computer and its incredible performance.Tune in to this episode of "Data Driven" to hear more about the Red Hat Summit, the latest developments in AI, and the adventures of building a home lab. So grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and get ready to dive into the world of data-driven insights!LinksRed Hat OpenShift AI in Higher Education Webinar https://qrcodes.at/aidata-edu-webinar-oct19Show Notes[00:00:45] Red Hat holds an annual summit, usually in Boston, featuring sessions for developers.[00:05:16] Recounting difficulty using AI engines, but eventually having success. Mistake of underestimating GPU capacity.[00:07:08] This 8 gig memory is supernatural, like a cool oasis at a conference.[00:09:48] The text discusses trying different operating systems on an old device, including Fedora and Chrome OS Flex.[00:15:17] This machine has 96 gigs and can run multiple VMs.[00:17:12] The author plans to install Hyper V on Windows Server to run multiple Linux VMs, eventually migrating to Red Hat Enterprise Linux. They are waiting for a developer license key.[00:19:46] The person is setting up a NAS to store and access files from different devices. They currently use OneDrive as a temporary solution.

Aug 31, 2023 • 9min
*Data Point* Data Collection on Vacation
In this Data Point, Frank notices something on the side of bike trail while on vacation. You can tell he's always thinking about data.Metrocounthttps://metrocount.com/Original Video Streamhttps://www.linkedin.com/video/live/urn:li:ugcPost:7103044990578110464/MerchIf you like the shirt Frank is wearing in the video, you can pick one up here: https://amzn.to/3OVkOHzDiscussion Questions1. How does the presence of the Metro Count device in Hilton Head Island impact data collection on bike trails?2. What can the Metro Count device detect and analyze in terms of user activity on the bike trails?3. What potential applications can the data collected from the Metro Count device have for the community?4. How might the data collected from the Metro Count device be used to improve maintenance and upkeep of the bike trails?5. Do you think the data collected from the Metro Count device can help enforce regulations, such as the use of E-scooters?6. How does the presence of data collection devices, like the Metro Count, influence our daily lives even when we are on vacation?7. Can you think of any other innovative ways data collection devices like the Metro Count can be utilized in other locations?8. What challenges or limitations might arise from using the Metro Count device for data collection?9. How can the data collected from the Metro Count device contribute to urban planning and infrastructure development?10. Can you envision any privacy concerns or ethical considerations related to the use of data collection devices like the Metro Count?

10 snips
Aug 30, 2023 • 1h 30min
Adam Ross Nelson on Getting Started in a Data Science Career
On this episode of Data Driven, Frank and Andy interview Adam Ross Nelson. Adam is a consultant, where he provides insights on data science, machine learning and data governance. He recently wrote a book to help people get started in data science careers. Get the bookHow to Become a Data Scientist: A Guide for Established ProfessionalsSpeaker BioAdam Ross Nelson is an individual who initially pursued a career in law but ended up making a transition into education. After attending law school and working in administrative and policy roles in colleges and universities for several years, Adam hit a plateau in his career. Despite being a runner-up in national job searches multiple times, he felt that his lack of a PhD hindered his advancement in academia, while his legal background prevented him from being taken seriously by law professionals. Consequently, Adam decided to pursue a PhD in order to overcome this hurdle. During his PhD program, Adam discovered his passion and knack for statistics. His focus shifted towards predictive analytics projects, specifically ones related to identifying students in need of academic support. As he shared his work with friends, family, and coworkers, they began referring to him as a data scientist, a label that Adam initially resisted due to his legal and educational background. However, he eventually embraced the moniker, and even his boss started referring to him as the office's data scientist, despite HR not recognizing the title.Show Notes[00:03:26] Transitioning from law to education administration, plateaued career, runner-up in job searches, pursued PhD, became data scientist.[00:08:58] Data seen as liability, now asset. Examples: DBA's OLAP analysis, Walmart's weather-based inventory management.[00:12:56] Dotcom crash aftermath: fierce competition for jobs.[00:22:48] Salespeople have deep-seated insecurities and unique perspective.[00:29:31] Various classifications of data scientists and career advice.[00:35:55] "No full-field midfielder, data science is teamwork"[00:39:23] Navigating job descriptions for transitioning professionals.[00:42:56] Career coach helps professionals transition into data science.[00:49:41] First job: English teacher in Budapest, Hungary. Second job: Speaker for Mothers Against Drunk Driving.[00:56:30] Concerns about reliance on technology, especially AI.[01:00:22] Food options in lobbying are better in DC & state capitals. Also, check out the funny WY Files YouTube channel.[01:04:21] You can't separate them: LLM, bias, internet.[01:10:23] Ethics in consulting and avoiding dilemmas.

Aug 15, 2023 • 48min
Piero Molino on the Impact of Declarative ML
Welcome back to another episode of Data Driven! In today's episode, we have a special guest joining our hosts Andy Leonard, BAILeY, and Frank La Vigne. We are thrilled to have Piero Molino, an expert in declarative ML, sharing his insights with us.We'll be diving into the world of generative AI and exploring the two types of companies when it comes to adoption. Piero highlights the advantages and limitations of using APIs for quick solutions, shedding light on why owning the entire stack and platform is the next phase for companies.Speaker BioPiero Molino, a renowned researcher and engineer, has made significant contributions to the field of artificial intelligence. He previously worked at Uber as one of the founding members of the Uber AI organization, where he spent four years conducting research and developing applications. During his time at Uber, Molino created Ludwig, an open source project that has become a foundational technology for many companies, including his own. Ludwig is recognized as one of the first machine learning systems that offer clarity and transparency. Molino's innovation and expertise have positioned him as a leading figure in the advancement of AI technologies.Show Notes[00:01:07] Ageing well thanks to healthy lifestyle changes.[00:05:52] Declarative configuration for creating AI pipelines.[00:10:14] Built tool to streamline machine learning projects, shortened development time from a year to a week.[00:13:14] Deploying machine learning models should be easier.[00:19:42] Declarative ML: Trendy or in need of explanation?[00:23:40] Shortcut solutions may work, but lack knowledge. Building custom data models can be costly. Differentiation and progress with new product, Bradybase.[00:27:16] Customizable, automated solution between build and buy.[00:30:40] Larger organizations have a spectrum of machine learning applications, with some being more impactful than others. Evaluating the feasibility of smaller applications can be costly. Having a tool to test applications quickly would be beneficial. Uber had a similar experience with self-driving cars being the highest priority.[00:35:08] First-time CEO experiences changing priorities and challenges.[00:37:47] New breed of generative eye tools; interactive applications; computer graphics and machine learning; improved animation in sports.[00:41:04] Difficulty connecting transportation dots, still unresolved.[00:44:12] Audible super premium account for book recommendations. Eye-opening books on goals and time.[00:47:35] Encourage checking out predibus. Thanks for listening.