Episodes

  • Dr Mike Orkin on Blackjack, Lightning, and Apophenia: The Surprising Psychology of Probability
    Aug 12 2025

    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!

    Links

    The Story of Chance https://amzn.to/45qOe8x

    Dr Mike's Substack https://drmikeorkin.substack.com/

    Moments

    00:00 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"

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • From Cold War to Code Wars: Unpacking America’s Bold AI Strategy
    Jul 30 2025

    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!

    Timestamps

    00:00 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"

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Dr Alan Bekker on Multimodal Avatars, Education, and Authentic Digital Connections
    Jul 23 2025

    In today’s conversation, hosts BAILeY and Frank La Vigne sit down with Dr. Alan Becker, co-founder and CEO of E Self AI and former co-founder of Voca AI, which was acquired by Snap in 2020. Dr. Becker brings a powerhouse combination of academic expertise and entrepreneurial experience, with a PhD in machine learning and AI and research spanning voice, NLP, and computer vision.

    This episode dives into how E Self AI is transforming human-machine interaction by moving beyond chat and voice—introducing real-time face-to-face video AI assistants. Imagine smarter digital avatars that don’t just talk but engage visually and contextually, delivering personalized tutoring, streamlined customer service, and even real estate tours.

    Along the way, the conversation goes deep: they discuss the pyramid of engagement from text to voice to fully visual interaction, and what the next generation of AI means for education, accessibility, and the way we connect with each other. Dr. Becker offers insights from his research on multimodal AI and reflects on the very philosophical questions these new technologies raise—like authenticity, connection, and the future of what we call “real.”

    Whether you’re curious about the engineering magic behind lifelike avatars, the ethical dilemmas of AI interviews, or how technology is reshaping the learning experience, this episode is a fascinating look at where artificial intelligence—and humanity—are headed next.

    Strap in, update your firmware, and get ready to stay Data Driven.

    ESelf Website: https://www.eself.ai/

    TimeStamps

    00:00 "Exploring AI with Dr. Becker"

    05:49 Accessibility Drives eSelf's Innovation Journey

    06:58 Advanced Voice Interaction Evolution

    11:33 Personalized Tutoring via Multimodal AI

    14:33 AI in Sci-Fi and Real Life

    16:21 Understanding Users Via Encoding Algorithms

    19:44 Digital Twin to AI Avatars Transition

    23:14 AI Misunderstandings Due to Background Noise

    27:19 AI's Role in Job Interviews

    32:36 Nvidia Tool Alters Eye Contact

    35:15 AI-Human Communication Blur

    38:31 Reality and Gaming Perception Debate

    41:51 Influencer Reality vs. Perception

    44:45 Identity and Authenticity Dilemma

    48:30 "Influencer's Authenticity vs. Flashiness"

    53:22 Fake Celeb Math Explainer TikToks

    56:10 "AI's Future: Human-Like Interaction"

    57:07 Data-Driven Focus

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    57 mins
  • Christopher Nuland on Stacking Servers & Superintelligence: Hype and Reality Behind AI 2027
    Jul 15 2025

    Welcome to another episode of Data Driven—the podcast where we explore the future of technology, one neural network at a time. In this episode, your hosts Frank La Vigne and Bailey are joined by Christopher Newland, Principal AI Technical Marketing Manager at Red Hat, globetrotter, and resident connoisseur of computer flea markets. Together, they embark on a lively journey through the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.

    You’ll hear tales of racking servers in suburban garages, nostalgic detours through the golden age of CompUSA and cable boxes, and candid reflections on building (and rebuilding) home labs. But it’s not all geek nostalgia. The conversation dives deep into the highly-discussed AI 2027 report—a speculative look at how AI might break free from human control, achieve superintelligence, and fundamentally alter our relationship with technology and society.

    They unpack the challenges of AI infrastructure, the real-world limits of doomsday predictions, and the growing importance of data privacy and AI sovereignty. It’s a spirited, thought-provoking, and sometimes hilarious ride through past, present, and possible futures of artificial intelligence. So grab your favorite GPU-powered device, settle in, and get ready for a fascinating exploration of what might just send our world delightfully sideways by 2027!

    Time Stamps

    00:00 "AI 2027: Future Unplugged"

    05:47 Nvidia DGX Spark: AI Desktop Revolution

    09:42 "Experienced Workers Elevate Retail Experience"

    11:41 Early PC Build Challenges

    17:00 Supply Chain Management Challenges

    19:35 Garage Tech Showcase Challenges

    23:22 AI Deception and Arms Race

    24:34 Robotics Future and AI Manpower

    29:15 Concerns with 2027 AI Report

    32:41 Balancing Regulation and Free Market

    37:04 "Theoretical Limits of AI Models"

    38:32 "AI Sovereignty Discussion"

    43:03 "Stay Curious, Stay Data Driven"

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    44 mins
  • Amir Berman on Making Construction Smarter with AI and Analytics
    Jun 13 2025

    In this episode, host Frank La Vigne is joined by Amir Berman, VP of Industry Transformation at Buildots, to explore how AI, computer vision, and cutting-edge analytics are revolutionizing the construction industry. Forget everything you thought you knew about dusty blueprints and endless delays—Amir shares how technology is helping build smarter, safer, and more efficient job sites. From real-time progress tracking with 360° cameras to predictive analytics that keep billion-dollar projects on schedule, this conversation uncovers how digital transformation is reshaping one of the world’s oldest industries. Whether you’re a tech fanatic, data enthusiast, or just curious about how skyscrapers go from chaos to code, this episode builds a compelling case for the power of AI in construction. Grab your virtual safety goggles—let’s get hands-on with the future of building.

    Links
    • https://buildots.com/
    • http://thedatadrivenbook.com/

    Timestamps

    00:00 Construction's Digital Transformation Insights

    09:15 Tech Vendors: Respect Contractors' Limits

    14:23 "Technology Enhances Construction Oversight"

    17:03 "Rewiring Minds: Tech Enhances Performance"

    27:25 Predictive Analytics Exposes Construction Delays

    28:19 Proactive Problem-Solving in Construction

    38:31 Tech-Enhanced Workforce Retention Strategy

    40:28 AI for Pipeline Problem Mitigation

    45:14 "From Flash to Data Analytics"

    52:24 The Innovator's Dilemma Explained

    54:56 Embracing AI After Windows Mobile Flop

    01:00:29 "Smart Construction with Computer Vision"

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • The AI Driven Leader: Rethinking Strategy, Decision Making, and Personal Growth
    May 22 2025

    Welcome to the season nine premiere of Data Driven, where we kick things off with a thought-provoking deep dive into the world of AI-powered leadership. In this episode, hosts Frank La Vigne, Andy Leonard, and BAILeY are joined by Geoff Woods, bestselling author of "The AI Driven Leader." Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is quickly evolving from a tactical tool that writes emails and automates tasks to a transformative thought partner that can help leaders navigate high-stakes business decisions, develop innovative strategies, and even challenge their own thinking.

    Geoff challenges the notion that AI is just another tech buzzword and shares real-world stories of executives using AI as a strategic confidant—literally building virtual AI boards featuring iconic figures like Steve Jobs and Warren Buffett. He breaks down his practical CRIT framework (Context, Role, Interview, Task), offering listeners actionable ways to move beyond surface-level AI use and harness its power for exponential personal and business growth.

    Whether you’re a seasoned data scientist, a curious executive, or just someone looking to level up your leadership skills, this conversation will inspire you to reconsider how you work with AI—and how much more you can achieve when you use it as your smartest collaborator yet. Get ready to have your assumptions challenged, your creativity sparked, and your sticky notes filled with new ideas. Let’s get data driven!

    Timestamps

    00:00 "AI: Your Strategic Cofounder"

    05:26 Strategic Leadership with AI

    07:35 "Focusing on 20% High-Impact Tasks"

    11:07 AI Strategies for Debt Restructuring

    13:28 AI in Negotiations: Role Play Insights

    19:01 Mentor in Your Pocket

    21:52 "Imaginary Advisory Board"

    25:17 "Starting AI: First Domino Approach"

    28:33 Coaching Corporate Growth Strategy

    31:51 Interactive Knowledge Experience

    35:06 "Becoming an AI-Driven Leader"

    38:54 "Visionary Super Connector"

    43:06 Leadership Beyond Technology

    47:11 Rethinking AI and Strategic Questions

    49:26 "AI-Powered Strategic Visioning"

    53:29 "Choosing Growth Over Perfection"

    56:24 AI Achievements: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

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    58 mins
  • *Special Announcement* From 386 Computers to AI Leadership: Our Season Nine Kickoff
    May 21 2025

    Andy and I are kicking off Season Nine of Data Driven with a bang: an insightful interview with Jeff Woods, author of “The AI Driven Leader.”

    Andy, Bailey, and I are thrilled to bring you brand-new conversations, deep dives, and data stories all season long. Stay tuned for the official release, and as always, thank you for being part of our data-driven journey.

    Listen for the Season Nine kickoff soon!

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    1 min
  • Jacob Leverich on Efficiency, Elegance, and the Joy of Not Grepping log files at 2AM
    Apr 22 2025

    This week, Frank sat down with Dr. Jacob Leverich—Stanford PhD, cofounder of Observe, and a veteran of the Google MapReduce team and Splunk. Jacob’s journey, from tinkering with video game code as a kid, to innovating at the cutting edge of distributed systems and energy efficiency, is as inspiring as it is informative.

    Key Takeaways
    • Early Tech Roots: Hear how curiosity with QBasic and classic PCs (think IBM PCXT and Commodore) put Jacob on a path to high-impact data engineering.
    • MapReduce, Dremel, & the Rise of Big Data: Jacob pulls back the curtain on working with some of the most influential data processing tools at Google and how these systems shifted the entire data landscape (hello, BigQuery!).
    • Building Efficient Systems: It’s not just about scale—energy efficiency and performance optimization are the unsung heroes of today’s data infrastructure. Jacob explains why making things “just work” isn’t enough anymore.
    • The Realities of Ops & Observability: Remember the days of grepping logs at 2AM? There’s a better way. Jacob shares how platforms like Observe help teams consolidate, visualize, and act on operational data—turning chaos into actionable insight.
    • Bridging Data & Ops: The lines between data observability and traditional ops are blurring, and Jacob’s unique experience shows how best practices from data warehousing are finally making ops smoother (and less sleepless).
    • Power Concerns & the Future: As data grows, so does energy consumption in data centers. Find out why optimization isn’t just good for performance—it’s key to sustainability.

    Timestamps

    00:00 Interview with Jacob Levrich

    05:59 Journey into Game Programming

    06:43 "Pursuing Fast Video Game Code"

    10:23 Data Processing and Power Efficiency

    16:11 Snowflake's Transformative Database Approach

    19:18 Journey to Data Management Industry

    21:37 Data Products: Solving Core Challenges

    27:07 Early Web Log Analysis Techniques

    28:57 Consolidating Data for Efficiency

    33:23 Specialized Tools and Context Switching

    35:43 Unique Dual-Expertise in Tech

    38:58 User-Centric Business Strategies

    42:13 IP Data Analysis in Cloud

    47:23 Electricity Transport Upsets Local Farms

    48:25 Shift to Parallel Computing

    52:10 Hardware Specialization & Software Optimization

    57:32 "Stay Data Driven"

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    58 mins