R for the Rest of Us

David Keyes

5.0 (1)
TECHNOLOGY

R for the Rest of Us

You may think of R as a tool for complex statistical analysis, but it's much more than that. From data visualization to efficient reporting, to improving your workflow, R can do it all. On this podcast, I talk with people about how they use R in unique and creative ways.

12/12/2024

R for the Rest of Us Podcast Episode #22: Alex Gold

In this episode, I chat with Alex Gold, who leads solution engineering and support teams at Posit. We talk about his new book ‘DevOps for Data Science’, and explore why DevOps principles are crucial for data scientists, even if you aren't working in hardcore production environments. Alex shares insights on how to think about putting your data science projects into "production"—whether it's a report for colleagues or a full-scale deployment. We discuss practical tips like using {renv} to manage package versions and ensure reproducibility, and Alex gives a live demo on setting it up in an R project. Tune in for key takeaways on making your data science work more robust, shareable, and ready for production. Important resources mentioned: DevOps for Data Science: Buy the book here at 20% off using the discount code AFLY04. Check out the Github repo if interested.Connect with Alex on: X: @alexkgoldLinkedIn: Alex GoldHis website (alexkgold.space), where he occasionally blogs about data, management, and leadership.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://rfortherestofus.com/newsletter

34 min
11/29/2024

R for the Rest of Us Podcast Episode #21: Cédric Viddone

In this episode, I talk with Cédric Viddone, an Information Management Officer at UNHCR with over 15 years of experience in humanitarian data visualization. Cédric shares his journey from GIS and cartography to creating impactful infographics and embracing the R programming language. He discusses how R has revolutionized data efficiency within UNHCR, where it aids in producing faster, reproducible data products essential for crisis response. Cedric also highlights the growth of the UNHCR R community and introduces the organization's data visualization guidelines platform, which includes a custom ggplot theme that streamlines UNHCR branding. Additionally, Cédric explores the advantages of Quarto for developing UNHCR-branded templates, enabling team members to create consistent, polished reports with ease. Important resources mentioned: UNHCR data visualization platformUNHCR branded theme for ggplot2 and data visualization color palettesUNHCR Quarto revealjs extensionUNHCR data viz GitHub repoConnect with Cédric on: X: @cvidonneMastodon: @cvidonne@fosstodon.orgLinkedIn: Cédric ViddoneSubscribe to our newsletter: https://rfortherestofus.com/newsletter

23 min
11/14/2024

R for the Rest of Us Podcast Episode #20: Christine Parker

In this episode, I talk with Christine Parker, the Senior GIS Analyst on the Community Broadband Networks team at the Institute for Local Self Reliance. Christine shares how she used R to clean, combine, and summarize data for a dashboard tracking enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a COVID-era initiative to help people access affordable internet. The dashboard gained wide attention. It was shared in advocacy circles, referenced in Congress, and discussed with the White House. Christine highlights R's value for performing repeatable data tasks, particularly with regularly updated datasets, and its advantages compared to manual Excel processes. Important resources mentioned: The ACP dashboard Code that Christine used to create the dashboardConnect with Christine on: X: @birdwranglerLinkedIn: Christine Parker, PhDSubscribe to our newsletter: https://rfortherestofus.com/newsletter

22 min
10/10/2024

R for the Rest of Us Podcast Episode #19: Crystal Lewis

In this episode, I chat with Crystal Lewis about data management and her recently published book titled ‘Data Management in Large-Scale Education Research’. Crystal, a freelance research data management consultant, shares insights on good planning and systematic implementation of practices that are key to effective data management. She discusses the importance of automated data validation, and outlines a structured approach to data cleaning. Additionally, Crystal reflects on her experience writing an open-source book with Bookdown and navigating the publishing process. Important resources mentioned: Crystal’s book Data Management in Large-Scale Education ResearchLearn more about Crystal Lewis by visiting her website and connect with her on X (@Cghlewis), LinkedIn, GitHub, and Fosstodon. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://rfortherestofus.com/newsletter

41 min
08/29/2024

R for the Rest of Us Podcast Episode #18: Miles McBain

In this episode, I speak with Miles McBain, a data scientist and R package developer from Brisbane, Australia, about patterns and anti-patterns in data analysis reuse. Miles shares his journey from a generalist software developer to a data science specialist, his passion for R, and the evolution of his coding practices. We delve into the intricacies of code reuse in data analysis, discussing common pitfalls to avoid, the benefits of creating reusable code packages, the process of breaking down large codebases, and how teams can evolve their coding practices to enhance efficiency and maintainability. Important resources mentioned: Patterns and anti-patterns of data analysis reuse blog post by Miles McBainJenny Bryan’s talk ‘Code smells and feels’ presented during useR!2018Connect with Miles McBain: Website: milesmcbain.xyz/GitHub: @milesmcbainMastodon: https://fosstodon.org/@milesmcbainSubscribe to our newsletter: https://rfortherestofus.com/newsletter

35 min
07/25/2024

R for the Rest of Us Podcast Episode #17: Meghan Harris

In this episode, I speak with Meghan Harris, a data scientist at the Prostate Cancer Trials Consortium at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Meghan is one of the people who does generative art in R. She talks about why she likes making generative art in R and how making generative art has helped her improve her R skills in other areas. Important resources mentioned: Intro to Data Art Blog Post Art From Code Workshop by Danielle Navarro A talk Meghan did in September 2023 making a case for generative art Ijeamaka Anyene's Art Website Danielle Navarro's Art Website Ijemaka's blog Meghan referenced that help her learn/do generative art with R Connect with Meghan on LinkedIn, X, and Mastodon Subscribe to our newsletter: https://rfortherestofus.com/newsletter

27 min
06/13/2024

R for the Rest of Us Podcast Episode #16: Cara Thompson

In this episode, I speak with Cara Thompson about color, delving into several aspects of its use in data visualization. Cara is a UK-based data visualization consultant with over 15 years of experience in transforming data insights into clear, compelling visual stories. We explore how she finds inspiration for selecting colors, her reasons for not simply using organizations' brand colors in her visualizations, and the importance of dedicating time to thoughtfully consider color choices in this context. Important resources mentioned: monochromeR Shiny App: https://cararthompson.shinyapps.io/monochromeR/Ophelia package documentation: https://cararthompson.github.io/ophelia/Talk on five tips for creating and apply bespoke color palettes: https://www.cararthompson.com/talks/nhsr2022-palatable-palettes/In-depth talk about dataviz design systems: https://www.cararthompson.com/talks/nhsr2023-dataviz-design-system/Connect with Cara Thompson: Website: https://www.cararthompson.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cararthompson/X: @cararthompsonGithub: cararthompsonSubscribe to our newsletter: https://rfortherestofus.com/newsletter

24 min
05/15/2024

R for the Rest of Us Podcast Episode #15: Nicola Rennie

In this episode, I talk with Nicola Rennie about making data viz for mobile devices. Nicola is a lecturer in health data science based within the Center for Health Informatics, Computing, and Statistics at Lancaster University in the UK. She recounts her initial encounter with R and how she got deeper into data visualization in R as a means of creative expression. Amidst the plethora of programming languages available, Nicola sheds light on why she chose R specifically for data visualization. Additionally, she offers valuable advice for people wanting to get started with data visualization using R. Important resources mentioned: Blog post by Nicola on Designing #TidyTuesday visualisations for mobile (with Quarto)Best Practices for Data Visualisation Connect with Nicola: Website: nrennie.rbind.ioTwitter: @nrennie35LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nicola-rennieMastodon: @fosstodon.org/@nrennieORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-4797-557XSubscribe to our newsletter: https://rfortherestofus.com/newsletter

17 min

You may think of R as a tool for complex statistical analysis, but it's much more than that. From data visualization to efficient reporting, to improving your workflow, R can do it all. On this podcast, I talk with people about how they use R in unique and creative ways.

Creator

David Keyes
Years Active

2022 - 2024
Episodes

22
Rating

Clean
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© R for the Rest of Us
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