DataNation - Podcast for Data Engineers, Analysts and Scientists
Alex Merced Podcasts
Welcome to "Datanation," the podcast where your host, Alex Merced, takes you on a captivating journey through the fascinating world of data. In each episode, we explore a wide range of data topics, from data engineering and data analytics to the art and science of data-driven decision-making.
In the age of information, data is the currency that drives innovation and progress. "Datanation" is your passport to this ever-evolving landscape, where we unravel the mysteries, dissect the trends, and celebrate the breakthroughs shaping the data-driven future.
Join Alex Merced, a seasoned data enthusiast and educator, as he engages in enlightening discussions, informative interviews, and thought-provoking explorations of data concepts and practices. Whether you're a seasoned data professional, a curious tech enthusiast, or someone simply intrigued by the power of data, this podcast offers valuable insights and knowledge.
Find all episodes at: https://host.alexmercedpodcast.com/series/datanation/
Follow Alex on Twitter @amdatalakehouse
Find Alex's Blogs and Social Links at AlexMerced.com
In the age of information, data is the currency that drives innovation and progress. "Datanation" is your passport to this ever-evolving landscape, where we unravel the mysteries, dissect the trends, and celebrate the breakthroughs shaping the data-driven future.
Join Alex Merced, a seasoned data enthusiast and educator, as he engages in enlightening discussions, informative interviews, and thought-provoking explorations of data concepts and practices. Whether you're a seasoned data professional, a curious tech enthusiast, or someone simply intrigued by the power of data, this podcast offers valuable insights and knowledge.
Find all episodes at: https://host.alexmercedpodcast.com/series/datanation/
Follow Alex on Twitter @amdatalakehouse
Find Alex's Blogs and Social Links at AlexMerced.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 25, 2025 • 0sec
Why do Semantic Layers matter so much?
Try the Dremio Free trial at Dremio.com/get-started Follow Alex at AlexMerced.com
Nov 18, 2025 • 0sec
Gaming Handheld Buying Guide and New Lakehouse Free Trial
Guide to the Dremio Free Trial: https://amdatalakehouse.substack.com/p/comprehensive-hands-on-walk-through?r=h4f8p In this episode I make som suggestions on great handhelds you can buy for christmas, here is some websites of the main handheld manufacturers. Retroid: https://www.goretroid.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqmsw4dUCa7w0oODoE05TqOlQzhw8vfewFMVqVKnmF-1iL9pIt3 Anbernic: https://anbernic.com/ Konkr: https://www.ayaneo.com/product/KONKR-Pocket-FIT Mangmi: https://mangmi.com/products/mangmi-air-x XU Retro: https://www.xuretro.com/collections/frontpage Powkiddy: https://powkiddy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorEoT89yJBBHoB2Ec0cGbfbhTZJUeOr98CnO8djuNacvOrurkR5 Trimui: https://trimui.net/?srsltid=AfmBOooJEXt2RFMBlAVNOgOC2yd9kbECIUBofoZYG4AG4o0xBgCVoip7 Miyoo: https://lomiyoo.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopurOeS9_f9m0tQPvtoYdRjov85qPbJA9dfyG_nulDI2fJzOy3T
Oct 17, 2025 • 0sec
Lakehouse Catalogs Beyond Apache Iceberg, What could they Look Like?
Alex Merced discusses different paths to a Universal Lakehouse Catalog standard and their pros and cons. Find links to books, social and more at AlexMerced.com
Sep 26, 2025 • 0sec
Understanding the role of MCP, Langchain and Agent2Agent
Alex Merced discusses the rising standards within the Agentic AI Space. Buy Alex Merced’s latest book “Architecting an Apache Iceberg Lakehouse” use discount code mercedconf25 for a 40% discount. https://www.manning.com/books/architecting-an-apache-iceberg-lakehouse Follow Alex on Social at AlexMerced.com
Sep 5, 2025 • 0sec
Enabling and Optimizing Agentic AI: Access, Performance and the Semantic Layer
Alex Merced discusses three bottlenecks in building Agentic AI Applications and how platforms like Dremio can address them. Get hands-on with Dremio at Dremio.com Find all of Alex Merced’s blogs and resources at AlexMerced.com
Jun 30, 2025 • 0sec
Why Apache Polaris will Become the Industry Standard Data Lakehouse Catalog
Past is Prologue. Alex Merced discusses lessons from the table format wars that can help predict the outcome of the catalog wars. Follow Alex at AlexMerced.com Join the #amtech channel on the Data Lakehouse Hub to discuss the podcast: https://join.slack.com/t/thedatalakehousehub/shared_invite/zt-274yc8sza-mI2zhCW8LGkOh1uxuf8T5Q
Jun 11, 2025 • 0sec
Data News: Snowflake/Databricks Announcements, Iceberg V3
Alex Merced talks about the annoucement at Snowflake and Databricks respective conferences in particular when it comes to the lakehouse. Follow Alex: https://www.alexmerced.com/data
May 27, 2025 • 0sec
Data News: DuckLake, Confluent’s TableFlow, New Book!
Dive into the fascinating world of Duck Lake, where table formats like Iceberg and Hudi collide. Discover the pros and cons of file-based versus database-backed catalogs and how they impact performance. Learn about Confluent's TableFlow and its role in streaming data into Iceberg catalogs. Explore the trade-offs between innovation and integration risks within the catalog ecosystem. Plus, find out why starting with a data lakehouse can be a game-changer for your data strategy!
Apr 6, 2025 • 0sec
Bonus – What is MCP? (Model Context Protocol – Modern AI 101)
Alex Merced discusses modern AI and the new MCP standard and what it means. Follow Alex’s Blogs on and on Social at AlexMerced.com
Feb 21, 2025 • 0sec
Will Apache Iceberg and Delta Lake Merge?
Alex Merced discusses the idea of whether Apache Iceberg and Delta Lake could merge. Follow my blog: https://medium.alexmerced.blog
