Data Podcast for Nerds!

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105

Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Data Podcast for Nerds! where we interview amazing professionals and learn how they use data to solve the world's problems. We're sharing all the tips, tricks, and nerdy fun bits to make you the best data analyst you can be!

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60 recent

May 28, 2026Episode 10437 min

Don't Be Afraid to Break the Code: Revolutionizing IT Audit with Databricks | David Lee

Learn all about how an internal auditor uses data to solve the world's problems, one brick at a time.In this episode of the Data Podcast for Nerds, we talk with David Lee, Director of IT Audit & Data Analytics, to discuss how he transitioned from hardware in the Air Force to revolutionizing the world of internal audit. From his "Aha!" moment with Jupyter Notebooks to his current obsession with Databricks, David explains why the secret to mastering AI isn't just about technical skill, it’s about the willingness to fail and build it back better.Highlights 🔦- Creating a Safe Space to Learn by using the Databricks Free Edition for your "wacky" experiments. It’s a low-stakes environment where you can practice building data pipelines without the fear of your IT administrator seeing your noob mistake.- Automating the "Messy" Stuff: like automatically pulling critical data from unstructured PDFs and cleaning messy vendor columns in seconds.- Discovering how Databricks AI Genie allows auditors to build applications and analyze data simply by typing prompts, effectively changing the role of a "coder" into a "code reviewer".Where to find David: LinkedIn

May 7, 2026Episode 10337 min

Navigating the Human Side of Artificial Intelligence | Tiankai Feng

Learn all about how The Data Maestro uses data to solve the world's problems, one Gartner 2006 Reading Guide at a time.In the latest episode of the Data Podcast for Nerds, we talk with the "Data Maestro" himself, Tiankai Feng, to explore why the "why" behind data is just as important as the data itself.Whether you are a data professional or just AI-curious, this episode dives into how we can keep humanity at the center of the AI revolution and why you shouldn't panic about becoming a machine learning engineer overnight.Highlights 🔦- Understanding why curiosity is a strategist's best tool.- How to best learn GenAI, by jumping in with hands-on interaction.- Why human ideas are more valuable than ever in an AI-saturated world.Plug in your headphones, grab your favorite to-do list, and join the conversation.Where to find TiankaiLinkedInYouTubeBooks:Humanizing Data StrategyHumanizing AI Strategy******Data Career Coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn moreMERCH!!Grab your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nerdnourishment swag⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SupportIf you like what you see, consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buying me a broccoli⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (it fuels my creativity)

March 26, 2026Episode 10237 min

From Computer Vision to Children’s Books: Demystifying AI | Kristen Kehrer

Learn all about how The ML Demystifier uses data to solve the world's problems, one children's book at a time.One of the most recognizable (and brilliant) faces in the LinkedIn data community, Kristen Kehrer, joined me for Season 4 of the Data Podcast for Nerds, and we went down some truly fascinating rabbit holes.If you’ve ever wondered how to explain your complex data job to a first-grader or how to use computer vision to make sure you don't miss the school bus while you're distracted cooking an English muffin, this episode is for you!Highlights 🔦- Using the "screenshot the traceback" method for debugging.- Knowing exactly when it's time to stop prompting and actually read the docs.- Mastering essential libraries to successfully navigate technical job interviews.Whether you want to learn how to build your own AI projects or just want to hear how to explain data science to a first-grader, this episode has it all 🤓Where to find Kristen: LinkedInBooks:Susie's School Bus SolutionHarry's Lemonade Solution: A Business Analysis Story******Data Career Coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn moreMERCH!!Grab your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nerdnourishment swag⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SupportIf you like what you see, consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buying me a broccoli⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (it fuels my creativity)

March 5, 2026Episode 10137 min

Why Clean Data is More Important Than "Sexy" AI Tools | Susan Walsh

Learn all about how The Classification Guru use data to solve the world's problems, one cleaning supply at a time.On the latest episode of the Data Podcast for Nerds! we talk with the one and only Susan Walsh, The Classification Guru, about why clean data is the ultimate prerequisite for the AI revolution. From running a failed clothing shop to becoming a globally recognized expert in spend data, Susan shares her "squiggly" career journey and explains why she finds the "boring" work of organizing messy data incredibly satisfying and rewarding.Highlights 🔦- The very thing that makes data cleaning exciting is why it makes it impossible to automate- Wearing a data COAT should be a year-round fashion staple- Humans are never really 'in' the loopDon't let dirty data ruin your day! Dive into this episode for a perfect blend of expert tips, hilarious data horror stories, and nerdy fun.Where to find Susan: LinkedIn******Data Career Coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn moreMERCH!!Grab your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nerdnourishment swag⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SupportIf you like what you see, consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buying me a broccoli⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (it fuels my creativity)

February 12, 2026Episode 1001 hr 5 min

100 Episodes Later... Data Nerd Awards and Unfiltered Data Predictions

Learn all about how 5 of the best data professionals predict their usage of data to solve the world's problems, one hot take at a time.Pop the champagne for the 100th episode of the Data Podcast for Nerds! 🍾🥂I got to celebrate my favorite podcast with a powerhouse panel of past guests: Matthew Brandt, Sonali Kumar, Elijah Butler, Robin Hunt, Ramona TrutaTune in to hear us dish on the last three years in data and predict the crazy, brutal, extreme future ahead. From the first-ever Data Nerd Awards to spicy hot takes on why dashboards are not dead, this anniversary special is a deep dive into the heart and soul of the data community.You'll want to stay 'til the end because I'm offering something super special for all my listeners... to celebrate YOU 🤓Where to find the 5 best data professionalsMatthew BrandtSonali KumarElijah ButlerRobin HuntRamona Truta******Data Career Coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn moreMERCH!!Grab your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nerdnourishment swag⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SupportIf you like what you see, consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buying me a broccoli⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (it fuels my creativity)

January 22, 2026Episode 9939 min

Highlights from my Third Year as a Podcast Host

In this special 99th episode of the Data Podcast for Nerds, Monica continues a favorite tradition by welcoming back the incredible Ramona Truta for the third year in a row! As they celebrate the end of Season 3 and look toward the monumental 100th episode, they're dishing out some serious nerdnourishment on everything from the history of AI to the evolution of data-driven auditing.They reflect on a year of significant milestones within the data and AI sectors. Monica details her professional shift from traditional auditing to creating educational content focused on AI-driven audit procedures and the "onion-like" layers of machine learning. The conversation highlights the historical context of artificial intelligence, tracing its roots back to the 1950s to provide listeners with essential AI literacy. Beyond technical skills, the two discuss the challenges of content creation, the importance of community mentorship, and the value of networking with fellow industry experts. ******Data Career Coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn moreMERCH!!Grab your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nerdnourishment swag⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SupportIf you like what you see, consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buying me a broccoli⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (it fuels my creativity)

January 1, 2026Episode 987 min

Best of Data Podcast for Nerds! Season 3

Hey nerds, Monica here!I wanted to celebrate the New Year by sharing a video of some clips from Season 3 of the Data Podcast for Nerds!Check out all the best tips, tricks, and nerdy fun bits to make you the best data analyst you can be 🤓Thank you for all your support this year, I appreciate each and every one of you and as always folks... Happy Learning!!******Data Career Coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn moreMERCH!!Grab your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nerdnourishment swag⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SupportIf you like what you see, consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buying me a broccoli⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (it fuels my creativity)

December 18, 2025Episode 9736 min

How to Become a Data Analyst Without Strong Technical Acumen | Jonathan Yamasaki

Learn all about how a Data Analyst Apprentice uses data to solve the world's problems, one networking event at a time.You've heard of doom scrolling, but what about doom learning? On the latest episode of the Data Podcast for Nerds! Jonathan shares with us how to break the cycle of endless studying without applying your learned skills.Jonathan Yamasaki shares his powerful origin story, including overcoming a spicy childhood to become the first in his family to graduate from college. He explains how he transitioned into data analytics after proving that crucial soft skills are the real key to landing a tech role. Learn how he secured a role through a unique, free apprenticeship program and how he uses his skills to solve real-world problems in construction and community advocacy.Highlights 🔦- Top 5 transferrable skills- The power of intentional networking- Free resources to launch your data careerWhat excuse are you hiding behind today that is keeping you from starting your journey to become a successful data professional tomorrow?Where to find JonathanLinkedInInstagram: jonyamasakiEmail: jyamasaki93@gmail.com******Data Career Coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn moreMERCH!!Grab your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nerdnourishment swag⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SupportIf you like what you see, consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buying me a broccoli⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (it fuels my creativity)

October 9, 2025Episode 9643 min

Career Transition Secrets: Every Data Leader Needs an ANCHOR | Aakriti Agrawal

Learn all about how an author uses data to solve the world's problems, one ANCHOR at a time.Meet Aakriti, a self-described "data superhero" whose journey started in Actuarial Science (believing insurance would save the world) and pivoted dramatically after stumbling into the world of data analytics! She proved that anybody can learn to code and leveraged her passion for problem-solving to become a full-stack developer and the founder of a non-profit organization helping young girls learn how to code.Aakriti is now working as a Data Governance professional and has unlocked a new achievement: "Author". She recently published her book, 'Data Governance Change Management', which is based on a change management model she created, called ANCHOR, that can be applied to any program. It's a very practical and actionable book, intended to be used as a workshop book with the goal for professionals to take it and run with it. 🔦 Highlights- Career transition secrets for data professionals- Being open to opportunities and leveraging transferable skills- Prioritizing problem-solving and risk-taking skills to build lasting success- Introduction to the ANCHOR change management model, focusing on employees wanting to be involvedWhether you're a seasoned data leader or looking to make a massive career transition, this episode has something for you. Where to find AakritiLinkedInGrab the book hereData Career Coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn moreMERCH!!Grab your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nerdnourishment swag⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SupportIf you like what you see, consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buying me a broccoli⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (it fuels my creativity)

September 25, 2025Episode 9553 min

Decoding Machine Learning Interviews | Nirmal Budhathoki and Karun Thankachan

Learn all about how a data scientists use data to solve the world's problems, one ML interview at a time.Do you really need to master the complex math behind machine learning models to ace your interview?In the latest episode of Data Podcast for Nerds! we have two amazing Senior Data Scientists, Nirmal and Karun, helping to break down the complexities of Machine Learning careers and the essential steps for interview mastery. We dive into the evolving landscape of ML roles and their new book, Decoding Machine Learning Interviews.Highlights 🔦• Revising your foundational ML concepts and ensuring your knowledge is future-proof.• Developing the key skill of translating complex ML concepts for both technical teams and business stakeholders.• Using targeted study guides to prepare for interviews related to ML concepts.Get the inside scoop on how to ace your next ML interview by focusing on your foundations. Where to find Nirmal and KarunNirmal's LinkedInKarun's LinkedInGet the book here******Data Career Coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn moreMERCH!!Grab your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nerdnourishment swag⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SupportIf you like what you see, consider ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buying me a broccoli⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (it fuels my creativity)