Data Driven

Data Driven
  • 4.8 (45)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

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.

  1. Inside Nvidia GTC DC: AI, Quantum Computing, Robotics, and the Future of Supercomputers

    OCT 30

    Inside Nvidia GTC DC: AI, Quantum Computing, Robotics, and the Future of Supercomputers

    Welcome to another exciting episode of Data Driven! On this week’s show, hosts Frank La Vigne and Candace Gillhoolley take you inside the NVIDIA GTC conference in Washington, DC—an event that’s rapidly evolved from a hardware showcase into a crossroads for AI, robotics, and quantum computing innovation. Frank shares his firsthand experience navigating the expo floor, offering a glimpse into the latest cutting-edge tech, from GPU supercomputers to quantum networking breakthroughs and swarms of robots. Candace and Frank discuss the growing intersections between fields like quantum biology and AI, and share stories about the curious mix of attendees—from government officials and policymakers to technologists, students, and even a few cosplay “Jensen Huangs.” Whether you’re a data enthusiast, a future-focused technologist, or simply quantum curious, this episode dives into the national security implications of AI, the importance of lifelong learning in tech, and how the rise of quantum and robotics will disrupt careers and industries alike. Tune in for insider anecdotes, expert encounters, and a dose of practical wisdom about adapting in the world of emerging technologies—the future is here, and it’s happening faster than ever. Links Frank gets a shout out from Pluralsight -https://www.pluralsight.com/resources/blog/upskilling/frank-lavigne-customer-storyJensen Huang's DTC DC Keynote -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQHK61IDFH4Mariya & Python Simplified -https://www.youtube.com/@pythonsimplified Time Stamps00:00 "Nvidia GTC Highlights and Expo" 03:36 "Quantum, AI, and Innovation Highlights" 07:18 Tech and Government Amid Furlough 10:24 "Tech Components in Booz Allen Vehicle" 14:37 Meeting Maria Shah 19:11 Career Shifts and Evolutions 23:06 From Books to Tech Publishing 24:44 Quantum Insights with Researcher 29:01 "Nvidia: Emerging Defense Contractor" 32:25 Tech Innovations: AI, Quantum, Robotics 36:44 "Live Streaming Quantum & Tech" 37:40 "High-Speed Quantum Interconnects" 41:01 Technical Translation for Accessibility 44:19 "High School, Future, Nvidia Innovation" 49:28 "Guest's Learning Experience" 50:45 "Quantum Business Strategy" 53:36 British AI Outro Stream

    54 min
  2. The Fast-Moving Train of AI - Sovereignty, Acceleration, & Lessons from History

    OCT 13

    The Fast-Moving Train of AI - Sovereignty, Acceleration, & Lessons from History

    On this episode of Data Driven, hosts Frank La Vigne and Leonard celebrate a major milestone: the 30th anniversary of Franksworld.com, one of the OGs of tech blogging that’s survived multiple browser wars, dot-com crashes, and the relentless march of Internet time. Joined by guest Saket Saurabh, they dive into the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, data science, and technology, comparing today’s AI boom to previous tech bubbles and exploring trends in sovereign AI, data sovereignty, and global competition in quantum computing. The conversation takes us from the days of hand-coded HTML uphill in both directions, to modern challenges like scheduling snafus, rapid automation, and the possibilities (and pitfalls) brought on by artificial intelligence. Along the way, Frank and Saket reflect on the cycles of tech innovation, the impact of global politics on data and AI, and what it really means to adopt new technology mindsets. Tune in for a lively ride through tech history, lessons learned, and a discussion on how a scrappy few—and a little help from AI—can rival teams of seventy. If you’re curious about what’s next in AI, data, or you just want a dose of digital nostalgia and practical insight, this episode’s for you. LinksFranksWorld.com -http://www.FranksWorld.comWho Moved My Cheese -https://amzn.to/4oeqGvsImpact Quantum Global Report -https://impactquantum.com/GlobalReport/Impact Quantum Podcast -https://impactquantum.com/AutonomousWarfare.ai -https://autonomouswarfare.ai/ Some links may be affiliate links. Time Stamps00:00 Grok 4 Daily Updates 05:22 "AI Bubble: Caution and Trends" 12:10 "X64 Chips and Tech Rivalry" 19:49 "Appreciating Thoughtful Scientific Content" 25:34 "History's Arcs and Overcorrections" 27:24 "Unique Identity Beyond Models" 32:03 "Reexamining Privacy Awareness" 41:22 "Geopolitical Prudence and Resources" 47:49 "AI, Podcasts, and Off-Roading" 50:37 "Talking Recycling Bin Origins" 54:37 "AI as a Multilingual Solution" 59:49 Reinventing MCP and Context Memory 01:05:12 "Artistic Talent Meets Engineering" 01:14:08 "Data, AI, and Mastermind Insights"

    1h 15m
  3. Compute, Carbon, and Cashflow Silicon Data’s Big Bet on GPU Markets

    OCT 1

    Compute, Carbon, and Cashflow Silicon Data’s Big Bet on GPU Markets

    Welcome to another episode of Data Driven, where we dive deep into how data and AI are shaping—sometimes shaking—the modern world. In this episode, hosts Frank La Vigne, Andy Leonard, and Carmen Li sit down with Carmen Lee, the trailblazing CEO of Silicon Data and a former Bloomberg data aficionado. Carmen’s on a mission to bring clarity to the wild west of GPU compute markets, and she shares with us how she’s turning raw compute into a true tradable commodity—think futures markets for GPUs, the “Bloomberg terminal” for AI infrastructure, and perhaps even a Carfax for your next used GPU cluster. Together, they explore everything from why AI startups struggle with fluctuating margins, to the crucial role TSMC plays in the world economy, all the way to the data transparency that might be the missing piece in AI’s explosive growth. Whether you’re curious about benchmarking GPUs, tokenomics, managing infrastructure costs, or just want a glimpse into the future of data markets, this one’s for you. Stay tuned for a fascinating conversation on normalizing chaos, hedging tech costs, geeking out over hardware, and even a few laughs about used GPU “car lots” in Virginia. Let’s get data driven! LinksSilicon Data -https://www.silicondata.com/Dancing with Qubits -https://amzn.to/4mIOG8UThe Nvidia Way -https://amzn.to/3VH9aUv Time Stamps00:00 "AI Commodities and GPU Markets" 06:56 Ecosystem Transparency Benefits All 10:55 AI SaaS Cost Optimization Challenges 13:41 Token Economics in Cloud AI 15:27 Optimizing GPU and Token Commitment 18:41 Token-Based Product Innovation 25:00 "Verifying UIDs and Connectivity" 28:43 Measuring GPU Performance 30:41 Supply Chain Impact on GPU Industry 35:43 "TNC's Unchallenged Leadership in Supply Chain" 36:31 Silicon Ecosystem Collaboration 39:38 Nvidia's Strategic TSMC Capacity Purchase 42:51 Bloomberg's Media and Finance Expansion 46:53 "Quantum Reading Challenges" 50:13 "Data Driven Podcast Wrap-Up"

    51 min
  4. Why Simulating Reality Is the Key to Advancing Artificial Intelligence

    SEP 25

    Why Simulating Reality Is the Key to Advancing Artificial Intelligence

    In this episode, we're joined once again by Christopher Nuland, technical marketing manager at Red Hat, whose globe-trotting schedule rivals the complexity of a Kubernetes deployment. Christopher sits down with hosts Bailey and Frank La Vigne to explore the frontier of artificial intelligence—from simulating reality and continuous learning models to debates around whether we really need humanoid robots to achieve superintelligence, or if a convincingly detailed simulation (think Grand Theft Auto, but for AI) might get us there first. Christopher takes us on a whirlwind tour of Google DeepMind’s pioneering alpha projects, the latest buzz around simulating experiences for AI, and the metaphysical rabbit hole of iRobot and simulation theory. We dive into why the next big advancement in AI might not come from making models bigger, but from making them better at simulating the world around them. Along the way, we tackle timely topics in AI governance, security, and the ethics of continuous learning, with plenty of detours through pop culture, finance, and grassroots tech conferences. If you’re curious about where the bleeding edge of AI meets science fiction, and how simulation could redefine the race for superintelligence, this episode is for you. Buckle up—because reality might just be the next thing AI learns to hack. Time Stamps00:00 Upcoming European and US Conferences 05:38 AI Optimization Plateau 08:43 Simulation's Role in Spatial Awareness 10:00 Evolutionary Efficiency of Human Brains 16:30 "Robotics Laws and Contradictions" 17:32 AI, Paperclips, and Robot Ethics 22:18 Troubleshooting Insight Experience 25:16 Challenges in Training Deep Learning Models 27:15 Challenges in Continuous Model Training 32:04 AI Gateway for Specialized Requests 36:54 Open Source and Rapid Innovation 38:10 Industry-Specific AI Breakthroughs 43:28 Misrepresented R&D Success Rates 44:51 POC Challenges: Meaningful Versus Superficial 47:59 "Crypto's Bumpy Crash" 52:59 AI: Beyond Models to Simulation

    54 min
  5. Dr Ido Zamberg on The Role of AI in Modern Healthcare Delivery From Databases to Defibrillators

    AUG 25

    Dr Ido Zamberg on The Role of AI in Modern Healthcare Delivery From Databases to Defibrillators

    Welcome to another episode of Data Driven! Today, hosts Frank La Vigne and Andy Leonard, are joined by Dr. Ido Zamberg—a rare breed who’s equally comfortable rebooting servers and saving lives. Dr. Zamberg is a physician, software engineer, chief medical officer at C8 Health, and a true innovator at the intersection of medicine and technology. In this episode, we dive into his unique journey from startups and coding to the operating room, exploring how his hands-on technical expertise is helping frontline clinicians access real-time, AI-powered decision support. Expect fascinating insights into the evolution of healthcare technology, the challenges (and rewards) of bridging vastly different worlds, and why seamless access to best practices at the point of care can be truly lifesaving. Dr. Zamberg shares anecdotes from his career, reflects on the importance of context-driven solutions, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at making clinical workflows smarter, faster, and safer with modern AI. So if you’re curious about how SQL queries meet scalpel skills, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Time Stamps00:00 From Software Engineer to Physician-Entrepreneur 06:04 "From Tech to Medicine: A Journey" 07:43 Tech-Medicine Integration Challenges 12:55 Diverse Medical Experience Overview 14:49 "Healthcare Solutions Over Tech Focus" 18:41 Hospital Best Practices Standardization 20:46 Streamlined Clinician Information Platform 23:59 Solving Healthcare Inefficiencies 29:22 Understanding the Challenges of Tough Jobs 30:11 Practice Grace Over Wealth 33:59 Healthcare Platform for Providers 39:11 Generative AI in Clinical Queries 42:16 Value of Expertise in Problem-Solving 43:48 Praising Expert in AI Medicine 47:50 AI Revolutionizing Healthcare Information 51:27 Data, Coffee, and Code Insights

    52 min
  6. Thanos Diakakis on Surviving the Software Apocalypse – AI, Agile, and Good Engineering

    AUG 20

    Thanos Diakakis on Surviving the Software Apocalypse – AI, Agile, and Good Engineering

    On this episode of Data Driven, we venture into the ever-shifting landscape of software engineering, AI-assisted coding, and the sometimes chaotic future of development teams with special guest Thanos Diacakis—no, not the Marvel villain, but a powerhouse in software leadership whose career spans scrappy startups to tech giants like Uber. Hosts Frank La Vigne, Andy Leonard, and resident AI BAILeY welcome Thanos for an insightful, witty, and sometimes philosophical conversation about the promise and perils of AI in software engineering. From the rise (and risks) of “vibe coding” to the changing definition of good engineering, Thanos shares firsthand experiences, pitfalls to avoid, and why solid fundamentals matter now more than ever—even with AI churning out code at lightning speed. We also explore how AI is reshaping workflows for both solo developers and large teams, the difference between local and global efficiency, and how bottlenecks are shifting in this new era. Thanos breaks down his “seven mental models” for effective engineering, demystifies the right way to work with AI tools (instead of letting them run wild), and explains why junior devs still deserve a seat at the table. If you’re curious about the real impact of AI-assisted coding, worried about the next wave of software “apocalypse,” or just eager for practical strategies to keep your teams productive and sane, this episode is packed with the wisdom, humor, and actionable takeaways you’ll want to hear. Buckle up as we dive deep into the code base—this is Data Driven, where the only thing disappearing is inefficiency. LinksCosmic Teacups: https://www.cosmicteacups.com/The Goal 40th Anniversary Edition: https://amzn.to/4lGhZbI (Amazon affilliate link)The Goal Graphic Novel (Yes, really) https://amzn.to/47ohIXx (Amazon affilliate link) Time Stamps00:00 "Exploring AI Coding with Thanos" 05:20 Revolutionizing Productivity with Code 08:18 Cross-Platform Utility Development 12:14 Database Costs Drop, Demand Surges 14:43 Unauthorized Copying of Software Manuals 17:54 "Chunked Narratives Enhance LLM Performance" 19:43 Grox Impressive Despite Incompletion 24:40 Reviving a Startup with AI 28:53 Bottleneck Identification and Resolution Strategy 29:37 Incremental Improvements Drive Success 34:40 Agile's Evolution: Remembering Its Roots 38:41 Balancing Features and Tech Debt 42:50 Software Estimations: A Management Trap 45:55 Managing Project Time Expectations 47:47 Trust Building Through Incremental Delivery 51:23 Language Models: Human Cognition Parallel? 56:04 "Exploring Intelligence: Brains vs. AI" 58:06 "Data Driven Episode Conclusion"

    59 min
  7. Dr Mike Orkin on Blackjack, Lightning, and Apophenia: The Surprising Psychology of Probability

    AUG 12

    Dr Mike Orkin on Blackjack, Lightning, and Apophenia: The Surprising Psychology of Probability

    On this episode of Data Driven, we’re shuffling up some probability, statistics, and a bit of Las Vegas magic with Dr. Michael Orkin—a renowned statistician, data scientist, and former advisor to casino odds makers. Hosts Andy Leonard, Frank La Vigne, and BAILeY dig into the fascinating numbers behind games of chance, uncovering why the house almost always wins and how our brains are wired to find patterns—sometimes where none exist. Whether you’re a data enthusiast, a casual gambler wondering why your lucky streak never lasts, or just curious about how randomness, probability, and big jackpots work, this episode has you covered. Dr. Orkin breaks down concepts like the house edge, expected value, card counting, the allure (and statistical pitfalls) of lottery tickets, and the psychology driving “hot” and “due” gambling strategies. Plus, he weighs in on lightning strikes, Black Swan events, correlation and causation, and the curious human habit of seeing connections in random outcomes. So, get ready for a lively conversation that reminds us data is everywhere—especially where stakes are high and luck seems just out of reach. Whether you’re here for probability puns, real-world math, or the stories Vegas doesn’t want you to know, this is one episode you won’t want to miss! LinksThe Story of Chance https://amzn.to/45qOe8x Dr Mike's Substack https://drmikeorkin.substack.com/ Moments00:00 Casino House Edge Explained 08:54 "Random Chance and Unlikely Events" 12:03 Justifying Buying Lottery Tickets 16:58 "SBF: Crypto King Unraveled" 26:34 Lightning Strike Probability Calculation Issues 32:26 Average Beyond Desk Boundaries 33:26 "Defining Accident Prone" 39:31 Misjudging Odds with Normal Curve 45:50 Avoiding Lightning Strikes: Bay Area 55:11 Casino Mind Games Experience 56:20 Roulette Betting Strategies: Apophenia 01:03:33 "Dr. Orkin's Website & Substack" 01:07:19 "Probability and the House Edge"

    1h 8m
  8. From Cold War to Code Wars: Unpacking America’s Bold AI Strategy

    JUL 30

    From Cold War to Code Wars: Unpacking America’s Bold AI Strategy

    Welcome to another episode of Data Driven, where we delve deep into the crossroads of data, technology, and the ever-shifting world of geopolitics. In this packed episode, hosts Frank La Vigne and Bailey are joined by Christopher Nuland, AI technical marketing manager at Red Hat, for a candid, no-holds-barred discussion on the newly released America's AI Action Plan. Together, they tackle everything from the resurgence of Cold War tensions in the AI arena to the complexities of “AI sovereignty” and what it really means for the US, China, and the rest of the world. Expect spirited debates about EU’s place in the global AI race, the real-world implications of chip supply chain disruptions, and the heated rhetoric around workforce security in an era when AI is starting to replace traditional jobs. The conversation weaves through existential questions—can AI ever truly reason, or are we just witnessing the rise of superpowered “spreadsheet goblins?”—and gets hands-on with the very real risks (and opportunities) of rolling out LLMs in everyday workplaces. Plus, the team touches on power-hungry data centers, potential impacts on the job market, and even finds time to swap sci-fi references from The Expanse to Ghost in the Shell to help paint a picture of what our AI-dominated future might look like. Buckle up for a dense, dynamic, and dangerously nerdy journey into the world of AI policy, technology, and what it means for all of us. Let’s get into it! Timestamps00:00 AI Geopolitics & America's Action Plan 08:14 EU's Role in Tech Hierarchy 14:10 "US Focus: Securing AI Workforce" 20:40 Supply Chain Security in Software 24:24 Politicians' Technical Proficiency Limits 27:19 AI Sovereignty and Cultural Values 33:52 CHIPS Act: Innovation and Expansion Hopes 38:11 "AI Vulnerability: Patch Attacks" 47:58 Maryland Power Line Controversy 50:09 "AI Impact on Jobs & UBI" 55:47 Techno Feudalism Perspective 01:04:41 "AI Sovereignty: A Geopolitical Chess Match"

    1h 5m
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4.8
out of 5
45 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Data Driven
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    300
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Data Driven
  • Show Website
    Data Driven

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