Saturdata

PODCAST · technology

Saturdata

Saturdata is the community-driven podcast humanizing the data world for the next generation of analysts, scientists, and engineers. Join hosts Shifra Williams and Sam LaFell every weekend as they break down both the career journey and the technical foundations that matter.From navigating interviews to mastering SQL, Python, terminal basics, and understanding AI safety, Saturdata covers the full stack of becoming a successful data professional.

  1. 46

    AI regulation isn't just a tech problem, it's a people problem

    It's not all firewalls and technical fixes. Here's why shaping the future of AI comes down to soft skills, cultural awareness, and actually showing up for the conversation. Call your rep, use your voice, because any regulation is better than none 🗣️#shorts #saturdata #data #AIregulation #AIgovernance #TechPolicy #futureofAI

  2. 45

    We're making up AI as we go | Saturdata with Joey Yudelson

    What happens when you train an evil AI and it just lies really confidently? Joey Yudelson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-yudelson/), AI safety researcher at Redwood Research, joins Sam and Shifra to break down why 300 people standing between us and a catastrophic AI future might not be enough, and what data folks can actually do about it.We talk about:- Taxonomies of AI risk (silly vs. not silly, yes this is a real framework)- Why the evil AI wrote 30 paragraphs insisting its buggy code was perfect- Global AI regulation and who's actually doing a good job (hint: it's the EU)- How to use Claude agents like a multiplayer cheat code- Why you personally could make a dent in AI safety researchFollow Saturdata, your favorite weekend data podcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QolhKm1jDZzVuHO0S9ZBo?si=910efb23833f4fc1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saturdataInstagram: @SaturdataPod#Saturdata #AISafety #DataScience #MachineLearningChapters:0:00 - Intro0:57 - Joey's origin story: from high school Yudkowsky reader to full-time AI safety researcher3:42 - A guided tour of the AI safety landscape6:14 - Where Joey fits in the puzzle: model organisms and misalignment research7:28 - The evil AI that wrote 30 paragraphs insisting its buggy code was perfect10:55 - Deep in the lab vs. everyday AI user: how different are they really?13:42 - The knowledge lag: why comedians are still calling AI "smart autocomplete"17:24 - Taxonomies of risk: silly vs. not silly (yes, water use is on the table)22:02 - Being a responsible AI user: what data folks can actually do28:32 - How LLMs actually work, explained with a very talented dog named Jeeves33:11 - Joey's lifelong vendetta against SQL (and how he gets away with it)36:59 - Three rules for getting real value out of AI agents without losing your mind42:48 - Why you personally could make a dent in AI safety (and the case for Talmudic AI research)45:20 - Takeaways and outro

  3. 44

    Stop coding, start directing: the AI shift you can't ignore

    Claude Opus is probably a better coder than you, and Joey isn't sugarcoating it. Instead of writing code line by line, the real move could be writing design docs and letting a fleet of AI agents do the heavy lifting. The biggest mistake is assuming AI will always look the way it does right now#shorts #saturdata #data #AI #claudeai #futureofwork #techtrends

  4. 43

    Your AI chatbot is basically a very well-trained dog named Jeeves 🐾

    Ever wondered how ChatGPT actually works? Joey breaks it down in the most hilarious way possible, and honestly, we'll never think about reinforcement learning the same way again. Train it right and it fetches you a beer. Train it wrong and it wants to pee on your friend Dave's foot. The science checks out. 🍺🤣#reels #saturdata #data #AI #machinelearning #ChatGPT #techexplained

  5. 42

    How ChatGPT actually works: a dog explains | Saturdata with Joey Yudelson

    What if you could explain ChatGPT using only a dog, some audiobooks, and a stick? Joey Yudelson joins Sam and Shifra to break down how large language models actually work, no PhD required. From next-word prediction to reinforcement learning, this one will make you feel like you actually get it.We talk about:- How LLMs learn to "speak human" by predicting the next word- What reinforcement learning actually does (and why your model needs a stick sometimes)- Why RLHF is basically dog training at a bazillion scale- Spurious correlations and how models learn the wrong lessons- What it really means when an AI "has a persona"Follow Saturdata, your favorite weekend data podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QolhKm1jDZzVuHO0S9ZBo?si=910efb23833f4fc1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saturdataInstagram: @SaturdataPod#Saturdata #MachineLearning #ChatGPT #LLM

  6. 41

    Only 300 people stand between AI and catastrophe?

    "The entire field of AI safety is run by roughly 300 to 400 people worldwide, and that number is wild when you think about how fast AI capabilities are moving. Joey thinks YOU could be one of the people making real technical contributions here, no PhD required. Check out MATS, Astra, or Spar to get started 👇MATS: https://www.matsprogram.org/Astra: https://constellation.org/programs/astraSpar: https://sparai.org/#shorts #saturdata #data #AIsafety #AIresearch #futureofAI #tech"

  7. 40

    States vs. feds: who's really calling the shots on AI?

    AI regulation is a tug-of-war right now, with states like California and New York pushing for transparency, deepfake protections, and actual liability for AI companies causing massive harm. Meanwhile, the federal government isn't exactly rushing to the table, especially with big VC money influencing the conversation. Joey breaks down why state-level wins matter more than ever right now. 👀#shorts #saturdata #data #AIregulation #TechPolicy #AILaw #statevsfederal

  8. 39

    Spaghetti code hits different in the data world

    Not all spaghetti code is created equal! Sam and Shifra break down how data spaghetti goes beyond bad practices into pipelines that only work once, for one dataset, on one very specific Tuesday. From ravioli to tortellini, every engineering role has its own pasta shape of chaos. 🍝#shorts #saturdata #data #dataengineering #spaghetticode #codinghumor #datapipeline

  9. 38

    From spaghetti to clean code: pandas, Polars and DuckDB explained | Saturdata

    Is your Python code held together with duct tape and prayers? Sam and Shifra untangle the spaghetti and walk you through what it actually means to write clean, maintainable data code, and which tools will get you there. From the humble origins of Pandas to the blazing speed of Polars and the SQL simplicity of DuckDB, this episode is your guide to leveling up without burning down your codebase.🌊 Check out the deep dive here: https://youtu.be/htGazioOVvMWe talk about:- What spaghetti code actually is (and why we've all written it)- The real limitations of Pandas at scale (single threading, row storage, and bloated data types)- One-line bolt-on fixes with PyArrow and NVIDIA RAPIDS cuDF- Why Polars feels like the dplyr of Python- What makes DuckDB the SQLite for analytics- Polars vs DuckDB: how to pick the right tool for your team- Future you is a different person, and other habits of engineers who sleep at nightFollow Saturdata, your favorite weekend data podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QolhKm1jDZzVuHO0S9ZBo?si=910efb23833f4fc1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saturdataInstagram: @SaturdataPod#Saturdata #Pandas #Polars #DuckDB #DataEngineeringChapters:0:00 - Intro0:47 - The spaghetti code confession3:23 - All the pasta shapes of bad code5:14 - Trial by fire: how you actually learn to write good code8:34 - The pandas origin story12:19 - What's wrong with pandas (we still love you though)17:48 - The PyArrow bolt-on: a one-line glow-up21:51 - GPU-powered dataframes with RAPIDS cuDF25:15 - Running out of RAM and spilling the tea31:22 - Enter Polars: the polar bear to pandas' panda42:14 - DuckDB: the cute duck who does SQL fast50:24 - So which tool should you actually use?56:46 - Future you is a different person: tips for writing better code59:16 - Comment the why, not the what

  10. 37

    GPU out of memory? Not anymore.

    Most data pipelines just crash when they run out of GPU memory, and that's where the work stops. Shifra breaks down how RAPIDS cuDF handles overflow by spilling excess data from the GPU to the CPU automatically, so your pipeline keeps running no matter how big the dataset gets. This is the kind of infrastructure awareness that levels up your entire data game#shorts #saturdata #data #GPU #dataengineering #RAPIDS #MLinfrastructure

  11. 36

    Polars lazy execution hits different

    Sam breaks down one of Polars' most powerful features: lazy execution. Write your query, get instant feedback that your code works, but nothing actually runs until you call collect or show. It's faster, smarter, and makes your whole workflow feel seamless whether you're in a notebook or building a full pipeline. 🐻‍❄️⚡#shorts #saturdata #data #Polars #Python #dataengineering #datascience

  12. 35

    Stop buying tools and start building strategy

    Throwing the latest shiny tools at your team is not a data strategy. Shifra breaks down why the best tool is the one that actually fits your team's profile and use case, and sometimes that's a free tool you already have. In the age of AI hype, ask where it drives real value, not just where you can bolt it on. 🛠️#shorts #saturdata #data #datastrategy #AI #dataengineering #techleadership

  13. 34

    Pandas changed everything for data science

    Before pandas, Python was just another programming language. Sam breaks down how one library shifted the entire data world, bringing together analysts, engineers, and data scientists under one common language. Less tool sprawl, more time actually working with data#shorts #saturdata #data #Python #pandas #DataScience #DataEngineering

  14. 33

    Your AI comments are a dead giveaway

    If your code comments say things like "filters data" next to df.filter, congratulations, everyone knows you copy-pasted from a chat window. Shifra makes the case for writing comments that actually explain the WHY, the constraints, the systems, the business logic. That's the human value AI simply can't fake 🧠 #shorts #saturdata #data #AIcoding #CodeReview #developerlife #techtips

  15. 32

    Data storytelling: the good, the bad, and the pie chart | Saturdata

    Your chart is full of information. So why does no one know what it means? Sam and Shifra break down everything you need to know about data visualization and storytelling, from picking the right Python library to presenting charts your exec will actually understand. Spoiler: the pie chart doesn't make it out alive. 🌊 We talk about: Matplotlib vs Seaborn vs Plotly (and when to use each)Declarative vs imperative frameworks and why it mattersChart types for EDA: scatterplots, heatmaps, box plots, and pair plotsColor psychology, colorblindness, and pretty privilege for dataWhy pie charts get so much hateThe right chart for the right people (Sam's trifecta)Chart titles, KISS, and presenting to executives Follow Saturdata, your favorite weekend data podcast!Chapters:0:00 - Charts are communication, not decoration3:03 - Your Python viz toolkit: Matplotlib, Seaborn, and Plotly8:15 - Why Seaborn is the beginner's best friend10:43 - Polars vs. Pandas: Know what your chart is actually for15:20 - Declarative vs. imperative frameworks (and why it matters)20:29 - The chart type lineup: Scatterplots, heatmaps, and box plots28:36 - Pair plots: The boss of all plots31:31 - Pretty privilege for data: Color, accessibility, and design language40:22 - Why pie charts are everyone's villain (for good reason)41:24 - The trifecta: Right people, right info, right chart46:47 - KISS, chart titles, and presenting to executives51:49 - Building dashboards people actually use

  16. 31

    Stop assuming and start asking: the one rule every data person needs

    Think you know what your stakeholder wants? Think again. Shifra breaks down the golden rule of data: minimize assumptions. Don't just label a chart "sales" and call it a day. Ask the real questions, give the full context, and make sure nobody has to guess. It's the one mindset shift that should guide every decision you make. 🧠#shorts #saturdata #data #dataanalytics #dataviz #datatips #stakeholders

  17. 30

    Matplotlib was exciting, but let's be honest… the syntax was painful

    We've all been there: you finally start plotting in Python and it feels like magic… until the syntax hits. Sam talks about his journey from R's tidyverse to Matplotlib and that mix of excitement and frustration every data person knows too well. The thrill of coding and charting together is real, but so is the struggle! 😅#shorts #saturdata #data #Python #Matplotlib #DataViz #CodingJourney

  18. 29

    "Click a button, turn it red… but are you doing it the smart way? "

    Shifra breaks down the difference between imperative and declarative code with the simplest example ever: an on/off button. Instead of telling your code exactly what to do step by step, think like an engineer and manage state.It's more maintainable, easier to follow, and it's exactly the mindset that tools like Altair bring to data visualization. 🔴🟢#shorts #saturdata #data #coding #dataviz #Altair #Python

  19. 28

    "The trifecta your dashboards are missing "

    Sam's formula is simple but powerful: the right people, the right information, the right chart. If you don't deeply understand your audience and what they actually need to see, even the prettiest visual will fall flat. Know your people first, then the data and design will follow. 🎯#shorts #saturdata #data #dataviz #dashboards #analytics #storytelling

  20. 27

    Inconsistent colors are sabotaging your charts

    You know what's worse than color-coding your data groups? Switching the colors between charts. Shifra breaks down how inconsistent color use creates a false "design language" that misleads your audience. If group A is yellow in one chart, it better be yellow in the next one too! 🎨#shorts #saturdata #data #dataviz #charttips #designlanguage #datavisualization

  21. 26

    Statistics 101 at work | Saturdata

    What if your A/B test needed 67 years to reach statistical significance? Sam found out the hard way. Join Sam and Shifra as they demystify statistical testing for the real world of data work, where the stakes are lower, the data is messier, and your stakeholders definitely do not know what a p-value is.We talk about: P-values, null hypotheses, and why 0.05 was basically made upType 1 and type 2 errors through the lens of job interviewsWhen A/B testing actually makes sense (hint: you need more than 10 visitors a day)T-tests, chi-square, ANOVA, and F1 scores explained without the jargonWhy a suspiciously high model accuracy is actually a red flagThe difference between statistical significance and practical significanceChapters:0:00 - The 67-year A/B test0:22 - Welcome to everyone's favorite hobby1:37 - Knowing how to interpret tests (not run them)2:27 - Is the analysis actually important to the business?3:37 - P-values refresher: what they are and aren't telling you6:07 - Why a raw p-value isn't enough7:40 - Null vs. alternative hypotheses explained10:16 - Type one and type two errors (a.k.a. the costly mix-ups)15:06 - Lift: measuring if your marketing actually did anything18:53 - When you already have all the data, statistics isn't the tool20:57 - Sample size, statistical significance, and the 67-year problem revisited24:04 - Common A/B test types: t-tests, chi-square, and ANOVAs26:44 - F1 scores, confusion matrices, and picking the right metric29:19 - Central limit theorem and the magic number 3031:31 - We never prove things — we just reject the null34:51 - Premortems and deciding if a project is even worth doing35:52 - When n is too small vs. too big (and why both are a problem)38:00 - Effect size: the stat that doesn't care how big your sample is41:39 - Regression, slope, and explaining it to real humans47:07 - Spend your time on the right things, not the fanciest model52:33 - Wrap-up and big takeaways

  22. 25

    "Stop chasing every customer, your top 20% are doing all the heavy lifting "

    Ever wonder how companies figure out which customers actually matter most? Sam breaks down how lift models rank your entire customer base by purchase probability so you can zero in on the top 20% driving 80% of your revenue. Stop spreading your efforts thin and start focusing where it counts!#reels #saturdata #data #liftmodel #datascience #analytics #8020rule

  23. 24

    AP statistics really thought we'd be checking math at home

    Shifra's favorite AP Stats memory? A free response question that assumed every student would casually verify study results at home, complete with test stats and standard deviations. Clearly written by armchair professors who thought high schoolers would just kick back and double-check the math for fun. Spoiler: nobody's doing that 😂#reels #saturdata #data #statistics #APstats #mathhumor #studentlife

  24. 23

    The technical skills aren't what get you promoted

    Sam keeps it real: the craziest model with the best significance won't get you recognized. What will? Delivering fast, communicating clearly, and understanding what actually moves the needle for the business. The "soft" skills you think don't matter? They're the whole game. 🎯#reels #saturdata #data #datascience #careertips #softskills #analytics

  25. 22

    P-values don't tell you the whole story

    Your result might be statistically significant, but does it actually matter? Shifra breaks down why effect size (hello, Cohen's D!) is the real MVP. Something can be significant at the scale of nanometers and still be a total snooze. Don't skip the "how much do we care?" step! 📏#reels #saturdata #data #statistics #effectsize #datascience #pvalue

  26. 21

    Finding the right X and Y is where the real data work begins

    In school, they hand you the X and Y on a silver platter. But in the real world? Figuring out what to plot is the actual challenge. Sam breaks down why choosing the right axes is the heart of any good data analysis project. 📊#reels #saturdata #data #analytics #datascience #slope

  27. 20

    Know your rows or you don't know your data

    If you can't answer "what does each row represent?" you don't actually understand your dataset. Shifra breaks down why granularity is the foundation of every good data model, from orders to items to customers. Before you build that stakeholder dashboard, make sure you know your primary key! 🔑#reels #saturdata #data #datamodeling #dataquality #analytics #dataengineering

  28. 19

    Why your SQL costs more than you think | Saturdata

    Think you know SQL? Sam and Shifra break down what separates a query writer from a true data thinker, from basic selects all the way to distributed systems, query plans, and the four pillars of production-ready code. Plus: why your data provider's incentives are working against you, how a 1,400-line monolith hid millions in overstated revenue, and the one approach that will save you from silent, soul-crushing data failures.🌊 Check out the deep dive here: https://youtu.be/ayNKmcIELEoWe talk about:- Three levels of SQL (and a secret fourth)- What they don't teach you in school: data fluency, granularity, and audit patterns- Why SELECT DISTINCT and ORDER BY are secretly expensive- WORM vs. WARO: taking cost at write time vs. read time- Idempotency, query plans, and writing SQL like a query engineFollow Saturdata, your favorite weekend data podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QolhKm1jDZzVuHO0S9ZBo?si=910efb23833f4fc1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saturdataInstagram: @SaturdataPod#Saturdata #SQL #DataEngineering #DataAnalytics #QueryOptimizationChapters:0:00 - Intro: Squeal and Sasquatch2:34 - The three levels of SQL: Basic, intermediate, and advanced6:47 - When advanced SQL isn't really SQL anymore9:12 - The 1,400-line monolith horror story13:00 - The four "ilities": Readability, maintainability, observability, and explainability15:34 - Write once, read many: Taking the cost at write time vs. read time18:04 - SQL as analyst vs. SQL as architect22:52 - Platform-dependent code and why your cloud provider is not your friend25:31 - What school never taught you: Data fluency, granularity, and knowing your tables35:09 - Why all of this matters: Defending your query like a lawyer41:49 - What's holding people back: Select star, distinct, and the monolith trap46:30 - Idempotency, query plans, and thinking like an engine

  29. 18

    Experience is the teacher AI can't replace

    Watching a concept click is one thing, but wrestling with real errors until something finally works is what makes it actually stick. Shifra breaks down why building projects with minimal AI involvement trains your brain in a way no tutorial ever can. School gives you the concept then the problem. The real world flips it, and that flip changes everything. 🧠💡#reels #saturdata #data #learning #datacareer #techeducation #growthmindset

  30. 17

    "Does anyone actually use this?"

    Unused tables cluttering your database aren't just a cost problem, they're a focus problem. Sam explains how regular data audits can eliminate mental noise and free your team to think about what actually matters. A little cleanup goes a long way! 🧹✨#reels #saturdata #data #dataengineering #dataops #productivity #DataTeams

  31. 16

    Data fluency makes stakeholders trust you

    When a stakeholder asks a question in a meeting, data fluency means you already know the tables, the filters, and exactly where to look before they finish talking. Shifra breaks down why this skill is the foundation of every great data analyst, from understanding cardinality to querying partitioned data efficiently. Master this and people will see the confidence in your presence before you even pull up a single query. 🔍📊#reels #saturdata #data #dataanalyst #datafluency #analytics #bigdata

  32. 15

    Never use SELECT * in prod

    Sam and Shifra drop a golden rule every data engineer needs to hear: always name your columns explicitly. If your upstream table changes, you want your pipeline to break loudly so you can fix it fast rather than silently bloat your storage costs for months. Think of it as a built-in data quality check! 💥#reels #saturdata #data #dataengineering #SQL #pipelinetips #dataqualiy

  33. 14

    ⚖️ You're a data defense attorney

    In a stakeholder meeting, someone will always ask "how'd you get that number?" Shifra breaks down why every data professional needs to be self-validating and ready to defend their query like a case in court. Your analysis is only as strong as your ability to explain it in terms anyone can understand. 🧑‍⚖️📊#reels #saturdata #data #dataanalytics #datascience #stakeholdermanagement #datacareer

  34. 13

    Data skills nobody taught you | Saturdata

    Your SQL is great. But can you actually ship? Sam and Shifra kick off Season 1 (since Saturdata is zero-indexed) by covering the unsung skills that separate someone who writes queries from someone who builds things: terminal literacy, dependency management, Git, notebooks, and why UV might be Python's best friend right now. Plus, a deep dive into Marimo, the notebook tool that fixes everything you hate about Jupyter.🌊 Check out the deep dive here: https://youtu.be/SWcLulIhVkgWe talk about:- Terminal basics and why middle-school-level literacy is all you need- Virtual environments, dependency conflicts, and why UV is the move- Git fundamentals: staging, committing, and why humans still need to be in the loop- What's wrong with Jupyter notebooks (and who's fault it is)- Marimo: reactive notebooks, SQL cells, and dashboards all in oneChapters:0:00 - Welcome back (and why season two is called season one)0:47 - Auxiliary data skills: the glue holding everything together2:08 - How this season works: yap episodes + deep dives4:01 - What auxiliary skills actually are (bash, docker, makefiles, oh my)5:43 - Terminal literacy: your middle school diploma starts here10:12 - Finding your terminal on Mac, Windows, and the WSL escape hatch11:52 - Essential commands every data person should know15:46 - Notebooks: an educational tool that accidentally went to production19:55 - The biggest problems with traditional Jupyter notebooks23:37 - Virtual environments and dependency conflicts, explained26:30 - UV: the one tool to rule them all30:24 - Git: version control, branching, and why humans still need to be in the loop38:15 - Marimo: the next-generation notebook that fixes everything47:28 - Closing thoughts

  35. 12

    Unlocking opportunities: The power of LinkedIn networking | Saturdata with Sai Bysani

    Sai Bysani (https://www.linkedin.com/in/saibysani18/) shares the LinkedIn strategy that transformed his career. Learn practical tips for content creation, comment strategies, and why starting where you are beats waiting for perfection.Takeaways:- Start posting where you are, not where you think you should be- Consistency beats perfection every time- Your network matters more than what you know- One comment or post can change your entire career trajectory- "Cringe is part of growth" - if you're not a little uncomfortable, you're not pushing boundaries---Follow Saturdata, your favorite weekend data podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QolhKm1jDZzVuHO0S9ZBo?si=910efb23833f4fc1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saturdataInstagram: @SaturdataPodChapters:0:00 - Intro0:50 - How Sai got started in data analytics (the accidental path)2:37 - Why data science over traditional STEM masters4:17 - Transitioning from electrical engineering to data science6:48 - The portfolio that got him into his masters program7:17 - Starting the LinkedIn content journey8:58 - The power of consistency in content creation11:19 - Finding your voice: posting where you are13:21 - Overcoming the fear of posting15:04 - The rise of "vibe posting" and authentic content17:27 - How LinkedIn activity affects your day job21:52 - Long-term career benefits of LinkedIn presence22:32 - LinkedIn vs Substack: short form vs long form content26:52 - The hidden cost of not being active on LinkedIn30:23 - Dealing with the "cringe factor" of professional posting34:32 - Post formatting and readability best practices38:00 - Finding your optimal posting times40:30 - Hook vs clickbait: the fine line42:38 - Understanding LinkedIn carousels and why they work47:48 - Setting goals for different types of posts50:07 - Advanced engagement strategies and algorithm hacks56:47 - Favorite LinkedIn interactions and community building1:00:22 - What's next for Sai and final advice

  36. 11

    Data interviews: The good, the bad, and the hilarious | Saturdata

    If we didn't get the job, at least we got a story out of it! Join Sam and Shifra as they break down the most popular interview questions, the wildest interview stories, and the benefits of the Zumba council. Maybe the real interviews were the friends we made along the way?We talk about:⭐ SAIL vs STAR framework for behavioral interviews⭐ Mastering "Tell me about yourself"⭐ Handling questions you don't know⭐ Our most memorable interview fails & wins---Follow Saturdata, your favorite weekend data podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QolhKm1jDZzVuHO0S9ZBo?si=910efb23833f4fc1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saturdataInstagram: @SaturdataPod#Saturdata #BrainRAM #InterviewsChapters:0:00 - Intro0:56 - STAR vs. SAIL framework6:20 - Tell me about yourself9:40 - Why do you want to work here?11:52 - Questions you don't know the answer to15:58 - Dancing with data20:15 - FizzBuzz on a napkin22:30 - Why do you want to work at a bank?25:01 - What other experience do you have?26:30 - SQL on Excel and sticky notes27:55 - Mispronouncing names29:58 - Conclusion

  37. 10

    Data interviews: From ghosting to guidance | Saturdata

    Interviews don't have to suck! Join Sam and Shifra as they break down everything you need to know about data career interviews. From the good and the bad to the downright ridiculous, they share real talk about what actually works in the interview process.---Follow Saturdata, your favorite weekend data podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QolhKm1jDZzVuHO0S9ZBo?si=910efb23833f4fc1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saturdataInstagram: @SaturdataPod#Saturdata #BrainRAM #InterviewsChapters:00:00 - Welcome & interview reality check01:03 - Reframing interview nerves02:35 - The pair programming mindset05:24 - Types of data interviews breakdown06:07 - The monologue interview horror stories08:11 - Playing the interview game to win10:25 - Should take-home projects pay?14:30 - The feedback desert17:16 - Finding & working with mentors21:38 - When to looResources Mentioned:Ready, Set, Do Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadySetDoPodcastAce the Data Science Interview by Nick Singh: https://www.amazon.com/Ace-Data-Science-Interview-Questions/dp/0578973839DataLemur.comJoe Reis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephreis/

  38. 9

    Day in the life of a data scientist | Saturdata

    Join hosts Sam and Shifra as they explore what it really means to be a data scientist. From building predictive models to translating complex insights for stakeholders, they discuss the balance between ad hoc requests, dashboard creation, and meaningful machine learning work.--Follow Saturdata, your favorite weekend data podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QolhKm1jDZzVuHO0S9ZBo?si=910efb23833f4fc1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saturdataInstagram: @SaturdataPod#Saturdata #DataScienceChapters:0:00 - Intro0:21 - A data scientist's delicate juggling act1:47 - When 99% accuracy is actually a red flag2:24 - The never-ending name plate carousel4:27 - Maintaining documentation while everyone else learns Git5:23 - The art of storytelling with data6:37 - Long-term projects vs. the quick query gauntlet8:10 - The ad hoc avalanche problem10:01 - Learning to advocate for ticketing systems the hard way12:08 - The dreaded "I need this in 30 minutes" request14:02 - When people think data work is magic15:11 - SQL: the misunderstood skill everyone should have16:28 - If programming is Italy, SQL is Olive Garden17:24 - Wrapping up with a split decision17:34 - People skills matter more than your tech stack20:11 - Tech specs are only fun with the right people21:01 - The upstream pressure of data engineering22:07 - Brownfield migrations and the two-system money pit23:13 - Self-advocacy and the "why am I doing this?" test24:33 - Next time

  39. 8

    Day in the life of a data engineer | Saturdata

    Join hosts Sam and Shifra as they explore the realities of data roles. Sam discusses a day in the life of a data engineer. From the glamorous perceptions to the day-to-day challenges, they discuss the skills, stakeholders, and the importance of understanding the "why" behind data projects.Takeaways:- Always question the business value before starting a project- Invest in documentation for long-term success- Balance learning new tools with project efficiency---Follow Saturdata, your favorite weekend data podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QolhKm1jDZzVuHO0S9ZBo?si=910efb23833f4fc1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saturdataInstagram: @SaturdataPod#Saturdata #DataEngineerChapters: 0:00 - Introduction: The hype vs. reality of data roles3:15 - Defining data engineer, data analyst, and data scientist roles7:40 - Core skills needed across data roles: SQL, stats, storytelling11:30 - Data engineer as the “plumber” of data pipelines15:50 - A day in the life: coding, meetings, and learning new tech (Scala, Snowflake)22:10 - Challenges of brownfield migration projects vs. greenfield projects27:45 - Importance of documentation and reducing feedback loops32:20 - Balancing technology trade-offs and resume-driven development36:00 - Communicating with technical vs. non-technical stakeholders37:30 - Final thoughts and preview of part two: day in the life of a data scientist

  40. 7

    Hello world: welcome to Saturdata

    Join hosts Shifra Williams and Sam LaFell as they introduce Saturdata - your weekend data community. Learn about their backgrounds, the mission of the podcast, and what you can expect from future episodes as they humanize the data world for the next generation.Takeaways:- There’s no single path into data, so embrace your unique journey- Learning just enough to start is key and experience fills in the rest- Teaching others deepens your own understanding- Imposter syndrome is a sign of growth, not failure👍 Like, subscribe & ring the bell to join the Good Vibes Club and grow with us on Saturdays!---Follow Saturdata, your favorite weekend data podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QolhKm1jDZzVuHO0S9ZBo?si=910efb23833f4fc1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saturdataInstagram: @SaturdataPod#Saturdata #DataCareers #DataScience #DataEngineering #LearningInPublic #GoodVibesClubChapters:0:00 - Welcome0:45 - Why start this podcast?1:49 - What we'll cover3:22 - Keeping it fun and accessible5:58 - Learning just enough7:30 - How we met through education11:09 - Our different backgrounds13:02 - No conventional path in data15:36 - Day in the life preview17:39 - Saturday data format19:04 - Weekly wrap-up21:36 - Building community22:01 - Thanks for listening

  41. 6

    It's not about the SQL, it's about shipping

    Senior data folks aren't winning because they write better queries. They win because they can connect the dots, build the pipeline, and actually get something in front of people. A recursive CTE is cool, but a working dashboard beats sharing your screen on SQL code every time. Level up beyond the query! 🚀#reels #saturdata #data #SQL #dataengineering #careergrowth #dataskills

  42. 5

    Git blame: the best-named feature in tech

    Git has a feature called "blame" that tells you exactly who wrote every line of code. It's not just for laughs though, it helps teams know who to ping when something breaks or needs explaining. The real question is: when AI is writing your code, who does Git blame point to? 👀#reels #saturdata #data #git #coding #techhumor #devlife

  43. 4

    AI is great, but should it control ALL the gates?

    When every step of your pipeline is validated by AI, who's actually checking the work? Sam breaks down why removing humans from the Git loop might be the biggest risk we're not talking about. Keep at least one human in the loop before anything hits main! 👀#reels #saturdata #data #AI #devops #GitTips #techdebate

  44. 3

    Git: the best bad tool we've got 😅

    Managing a codebase with a thousand contributors sounds chaotic, and honestly, it kind of is. Git is the reason your "change it to red" doesn't crash into someone else's "change it to blue." It's not perfect, but it's the best version control system we've got and it's a non-negotiable skill for any data pro. 🔧#reels #saturdata #data #git #versioncontrol #datascience #dataengineering

  45. 2

    Why "Saturdata"?

    🎉 Exciting News! We're thrilled to announce the launch of "Saturdata," your weekend podcast that humanizes data. 🚀 Dive into our short, "Why Saturdata?" to discover the essence of our journey and what you can expect from our upcoming episodes. Join us as we explore data careers, share insights, and make data relatable. Stay tuned for more! #SaturdataLaunch #DataPodcast #WeekendListening

  46. 1

    SHORT: Data Careers: Always Learning

    Navigating a career in data is a journey of continuous learning and adaptation. Whether you're on a traditional path or forging your own, the need to acquire domain knowledge and immerse yourself in new environments is constant. This dynamic field isn't for those who seek a static career; it's for those who thrive on growth and change. Join us as we explore the unorthodox paths in data careers and the endless opportunities for learning. #DataCareers #ContinuousLearning #CareerGrowth

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Saturdata is the community-driven podcast humanizing the data world for the next generation of analysts, scientists, and engineers. Join hosts Shifra Williams and Sam LaFell every weekend as they break down both the career journey and the technical foundations that matter.From navigating interviews to mastering SQL, Python, terminal basics, and understanding AI safety, Saturdata covers the full stack of becoming a successful data professional.

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