

Explicit Measures Podcast
PowerBI.Tips
Hosted by Mike Carlo, and Tommy Puglia, the Explicit Measures Podcast is a Power BI focused show that is like being around a Power BI Pro’s Water Cooler. With so many available resources in the community that focuses on the “how” in Power BI (how to do Drill Through, how to use DAX, etc.,), the Explicit Measures Podcast is all around the WHY. Why use a particular feature, does it make sense for my users?
Build the toolset, learn the how, and then come to the Podcast to the listen to the why in situations we all experience as Power BI Pros.
Build the toolset, learn the how, and then come to the Podcast to the listen to the why in situations we all experience as Power BI Pros.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 6min
400: (400!) - Fabric Decision Guide - Choose a Data Store
Celebrating 400 episodes, the hosts reflect on their journey and the evolution of data culture. They delve into choosing the right data storage solutions within Microsoft Fabric, highlighting the shift from SQL servers to cloud-based lake houses. Discussions cover navigating Git workflows and the impact of automation in coding. They also explore the semantic model's role in data-driven decision-making, emphasize breaking down data silos, and evaluate the performance of Data Flows versus traditional SQL methods.

Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 2min
399: Dataflows Gen 1 vs. Microsoft Fabric SQL
Discover how Microsoft Fabric SQL is reshaping data management and the significance of reference tables. The conversation highlights the ongoing demand for Power BI training amid evolving data roles. Explore the transition from Power BI to Fabric, addressing software licensing changes and cost efficiency. Learn how new tools empower business users with SQL access, enhancing collaboration. The podcast also dives into the challenges of Dataflows Gen 1 versus Gen 2, focusing on real-time updates, version control, and the critical role of conformed dimensions in trustworthy data analysis.

Feb 15, 2025 • 59min
398: When Are We Using Semantic Modeling in the Service?
Mike & Tommy have a heated debate on when to choose modeling our Semantic Models in the Service over other methods. Edit data models in servicehttps://learn.microsoft.com/power-bi/transform-model/service-edit-data-models?WT.mc_id=DP-MVP-5002621Direct Lake in Power BI Desktophttps://learn.microsoft.com/fabric/fundamentals/direct-lake-power-bi-desktop?WT.mc_id=DP-MVP-5002621Get in touch:Send in your questions or topics you want us to discuss by tweeting to @PowerBITips with the hashtag #empMailbag or submit on the PowerBI.tips Podcast Page.Visit PowerBI.tips: https://powerbi.tips/Watch the episodes live every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 730am CST on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/powerbitipsSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/230fp78XmHHRXTiYICRLVvSubscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/explicit-measures-podcast/id1568944083Check Out Community Jam: https://jam.powerbi.tipsFollow Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcarlo/Follow Seth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-bauer/Follow Tommy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommypuglia/

Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 3min
397: Semantic Link Labs & Updates
Mike & Tommy run through major updates with semantic link labs and where to use it.Get in touch:Send in your questions or topics you want us to discuss by tweeting to@PowerBITips with the hashtag #empMailbag or submit on thePowerBI.tips Podcast Page.Visit PowerBI.tips:https://powerbi.tips/Watch the episodes live every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 730am CST on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/powerbitipsSubscribe on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/230fp78XmHHRXTiYICRLVvSubscribe on Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/explicit-measures-podcast/id1568944083Check Out Community Jam:https://jam.powerbi.tipsFollow Mike:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcarlo/Follow Seth:https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-bauer/Follow Tommy:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommypuglia/

Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 2min
395: Microsoft Fabric January 2025 Draft
Discover how AI is reshaping team workflows and productivity, particularly in coding. Dive into Microsoft's SQL database updates and their impact on costs. Learn about exciting features in the Microsoft Fabric January 2025 release and the need for better documentation. Uncover challenges in integrating AI into Power BI for enhanced data management. Plus, explore a new CI/CD feature for data flows and the transformative Timdle editor that simplifies data modeling, making workflows easier for all users.

Feb 7, 2025 • 56min
396: Macros or TMDL? Power BI's new Code vs. C# Scripting
Mike & Tommy consider the current state of automation and enterprise level tooling and if they can live together.
Get in touch:
Send in your questions or topics you want us to discuss by tweeting to @PowerBITips with the hashtag #empMailbag or submit on the PowerBI.tips Podcast Page.
Visit PowerBI.tips: https://powerbi.tips/
Watch the episodes live every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 730am CST on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/powerbitips
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/230fp78XmHHRXTiYICRLVv
Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/explicit-measures-podcast/id1568944083
Check Out Community Jam: https://jam.powerbi.tips
Follow Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcarlo/
Follow Seth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-bauer/
Follow Tommy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommypuglia/

Jan 30, 2025 • 1h 6min
394: MAILBAG! Where Are All the Microsoft Job Listings?
Mike and Tommy dive into the intriguing world of Microsoft Fabric job listings, noting their scarcity despite the tool's recent introduction. They discuss whether this is a reflection of early adoption or deeper industry challenges. The vibrant atmosphere and networking potential at the Fabric Conference are highlighted, showcasing how professionals are eager to learn and connect. The conversation also delves into the complexities of metric sets in data analytics and the evolving job landscape in data engineering, stressing the need for upskilling in response to industry changes.

Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 2min
393: Unpacking the new Copilot Capacity in Microsoft Fabric
The hosts dive into the exciting launch of Microsoft Fabric's Copilot capacity, exploring its impact and user implications. They discuss the challenges posed by competitors like DeepSeek and the evolving landscape of AI. The conversation highlights the intricacies of DirectLake models, emphasizing data integrity and the importance of documentation. There's a thoughtful examination of how AI is reshaping career opportunities, alongside humorous personal anecdotes that add a relatable touch to the technical insights shared.

Jan 23, 2025 • 60min
392: MAILBAG! Is Fabric Too Complex or Is it Too Simple?
The hosts dive into the complexities of Microsoft Fabric, exploring its contrasting perceptions among engineers and analysts. They discuss whether Power BI fits within Fabric and share insights on data catalogs and monitoring strategies. The conversation highlights the role of AI, particularly ChatGPT, in clarifying data definitions and improving communication. They also address the evolution of Power BI and its significance for advanced data analytics, emphasizing the need for specialized skills and adaptability in today's data-driven landscape.

Jan 21, 2025 • 60min
391: MAILBAG! Only the Bronze Layer?
Mike & Tommy run through an awesome mailbag question focused on what if we only did bronze in Microsoft Fabric.
Get in touch:
Send in your questions or topics you want us to discuss by tweeting to @PowerBITips with the hashtag #empMailbag or submit on the PowerBI.tips Podcast Page.
Visit PowerBI.tips: https://powerbi.tips/
Watch the episodes live every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 730am CST on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/powerbitips
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/230fp78XmHHRXTiYICRLVv
Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/explicit-measures-podcast/id1568944083
Check Out Community Jam: https://jam.powerbi.tips
Follow Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcarlo/
Follow Seth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-bauer/
Follow Tommy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommypuglia/