Adventures in Machine Learning

In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of digital marketing and brand storytelling. We explore how the intersection of authenticity, community, and technology is reshaping how brands connect with people—and why it's no longer just about the product, but about the experience. We talk about how we've shifted our focus from performance-only metrics to a more holistic approach, blending creativity with strategy. There's a big emphasis on human-first marketing—building trust, showing up consistently, and leading with values that resonate. We also reflect on the role of content creators and influencers in today’s market, and how brands can partner more meaningfully instead of just transacting for reach. It’s about collaboration, not commodification. Key takeaways: Authenticity wins. Audiences can tell when it’s forced. Content isn't king—connection is. Brand loyalty is built through trust, not just a strong call to action. It’s time to ditch the funnel mindset and embrace more circular, relationship-driven marketing. Data is powerful, but gut instinct and creativity still matter—a lot. Whether you’re a marketer, entrepreneur, or creator, there’s something in here for you. Let’s keep pushing the industry forward—together. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

Welcome back to another episode of Adventures in Machine Learning, where hosts Michael Berk and Ben Wilson delve into the intricate process of implementing model serving solutions. In this episode, they explore a detailed case study focused on enhancing search functionality with a particular emphasis on a hot dog recipe search engine. The discussion takes you through the entire development loop, beginning with understanding product requirements and success criteria, moving through prototyping and tool selection, and culminating in team collaboration and stakeholder engagement. Michael and Ben share their insights on optimizing for quick signal in design, leveraging existing tools, and ensuring service stability. If you're eager to learn about effective development strategies in machine learning projects, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and behind-the-scenes engineering perspectives. Join us as we navigate the challenges and triumphs of building impactful search solutions. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

Welcome to another insightful episode of Top End Devs, where we delve into the fascinating world of machine learning and data science. In this episode, host Charles Max Wood is joined by special guest Pierpaolo Hipolito, a data scientist at the SAS Institute in the UK. Together, they explore the intriguing paradoxes of data science, discussing how these paradoxes can impact the accuracy of machine learning models and providing insights on how to mitigate them. Pierpaolo shares his expertise on causal reasoning in machine learning, drawing from his master's research and contributions to Towards Data Science and other notable publications. He elaborates on the complexities of data modeling during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the use of simulation and synthetic data to address data sparsity. Throughout the conversation, the focus remains on the importance of understanding the underlying system being modeled, the role of feature engineering, and strategies for avoiding common pitfalls in data science. Whether you are a seasoned data scientist or just starting out, this episode offers valuable perspectives on enhancing the reliability and interpretability of your machine learning models. Tune in for a deep dive into the paradoxes of data science, practical advice on feature interaction, and the importance of accurate data representation in achieving meaningful insights. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

What do cows and camels have to do with the human brain? The latest developments in machine learning, of course! In this episode, Michael and Ben dive into a new white paper from Facebook AI researchers that reveals a LOT about the future of modeling. They discuss “cows and camels”, the question of predictive vs causal modeling, and how algorithms are getting scary good at emulating the human brain these days. In This Episode Why Facebook’s new research is VERY exciting for AI learning and causality (but what does it have to do with cows and camels?) The answer to “Is predictive or causal modeling more accurate?” (and why it’s not the best question to ask) Not sure if you need machine learning or just plain data modeling? Michael lays it out for you What algorithms are learning about human behavior to accurately emulate the human brain in 2022 and beyond Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

Michael Berk joins the adventure to discuss how he uses Machine Learning within the context of A/B testing features within applications and how to know when you have a viable test option for your setup. Links How to Find Weaknesses in your Machine Learning Models LinkedIn: Michael Berk Michael Berk - Medium Picks Ben- David Thorne Books Charles- Shadow Hunter Michael- Stuart Russell Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

In today's episode, we dive into the critical decision-making process of building versus buying technology solutions, especially when it comes to agentic logic-based frameworks. With the industry still in its early stages, I recommend waiting for managed solutions to mature, while Ben suggests the educational value of simple project builds. They discuss the importance of understanding the technology thoroughly before diving into business-focused decisions, using tools like customer user journeys (CUJs) to evaluate scalability, cost-efficiency, and maintainability. They also highlight some initial challenges and missteps in project management and the necessity for pre-evaluation by tech teams. For non-technical teams engaged in technical projects, they provide structured guidance on navigating these unknowns efficiently. Additionally, they emphasize the value of research spikes and incremental development to manage risk and learn from user behavior. Finally, they explore the promising yet evolving landscape of generative AI and its potential high ROI with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). Socials Linkedin: Ben Wilson LinkedIn: Michael Berk Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

Peter Elger and Eóin Shanaghy join Charles Max Wood to dive into what Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning related services are available for people to use. Peter and Eóin are experts in AWS and explain what is provided in its services, but easily extrapolate to other clouds. If you're trying to implement Artificial Intelligence algorithms, you may want to use or modify an algorithm already built and provided to you. Links fourTheorem Twitter: Eóin Shanaghy Twitter: Peter Elger Picks Charles- The Eye of the World: Book One of The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan Charles - Changemakers With Jamie Atkinson Charles- Podcast Domination Show by Luis Diaz Charles- Buzzcast Charles- Podcast Talent Coach Eóin- IKEA | IDÅSEN Desk sit/stand, black/dark gray63x31 1/2 " Eóin- Kinesis | Freestyle2 Split- Adjustable Keyboard for PC Peter- The Wolfram Physics Project Peter- PBS Space Time Peter- Youtube Channel | 3Blue1Brown Peter- Cracking the Code Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

In this episode, Ben and Michael explore burnout, particularly in machine learning and data science. They highlight that burnout stems from exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficiency and can be caused by repetitive tasks, overwhelming workloads, or being in the wrong role. They also tackle strategies to combat burnout, including collaborating with others, mentoring, shifting focus between tasks, and hiring more people to distribute the workload. A key takeaway is the importance of knowledge sharing and not hoarding tasks for job security, as this can lead to burnout and inefficiency. They also discuss managing burnout and its components, particularly exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficiency, through personal experiences. Finally, they talk about how burnout can lead to inefficiency and physical manifestations, like a lack of motivation to engage in activities outside of work. Socials LinkedIn: Ben Wilson LinkedIn: Michael Berk Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

Rishal Hurbans is the author of Grokking Artificial Intelligence Algorithms. He walks us through how to learn different Machine Learning algorithms. He also then walks us through the different types of algorithms based on different natural systems and processes. Links Kaggle: Your Machine Learning and Data Science Community Rishal Hurbans Inktober Book giveaway link Picks Chuck- Hero with a thousand faces by Joseph Campbell Chuck- Masterbuilt smoker Rishal-Learn something new everyday Rishal- Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

In today’s episode, Michael and Ben are joined by industry expert Barzan Mozafari, the CEO and co-founder at Keebo. He delves deep into the evolving landscape of data learning and cloud optimization. They explore how understanding data distribution can lead to early detection of anomalies and how optimizing data workflows can result in significant cost savings and unintended business growth. Barzan sheds light on leveraging existing cloud technologies and the role of automated tools in enhancing system interactions, while Ben talks about the intricacies of platform migration and tech debt. They dig into the challenges and strategies for optimizing complex data pipelines, the economic pressures faced by data teams, and insights into innovation stemming from academic research. The conversation also covers the importance of maintaining customer trust without compromising data security and the iterative nature of both academic and industrial approaches to problem-solving. Join them as they navigate the intersection of technical debt, AI-driven optimization, and the dynamic collaboration between researchers and engineers, all aimed at driving continuous improvement and innovation in the world of data. So, gear up for an episode packed with insights on shrinking pie data learning, cloud costs, automated optimization tools, and much more. Let’s dive right in! Socials LinkedIn: Barzan Mozafari Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

Today, join Michael and Ben as they delve into crucial topics surrounding code security and the safe execution of machine learning models. This episode focuses on preventing accidental key leaks in notebooks, creating secure environments for code execution, and the pros and cons of various isolation methods like VMs, containers, and micro VMs. They explore the challenges of evaluating and executing generated code, highlighting the risks of running arbitrary Python code and the importance of secure evaluation processes. Ben shares his experiences and best practices, emphasizing human evaluation and secure virtual environments to mitigate risks. The episode also includes an in-depth discussion on developing new projects with a focus on proper engineering procedures, and the sophisticated efforts behind Databricks' Genie service and MLflow's RunLLM. Finally, Ben and Michael explore the potential of fine-tuning machine learning models, creating high-quality datasets, and the complexities of managing code execution with AI. Tune in for all this and more as we navigate the secure pathways to responsible and effective machine learning development. Socials LinkedIn: Michael Berk LinkedIn: Ben Wilson Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

They delve into the journeys and insights of distinguished leaders in the development world. In today's episode, Michael engages with Brian Vallelunga, the visionary CEO of Doppler. Brian shares his compelling journey from early tech innovations to leading multiple startups and eventually founding Doppler, a centralized cloud secret management tool. Brian emphasizes the importance of making security tools enticing for developers, comparing it to making vegetables taste like candy, to boost productivity. His team’s strategy revolves around seamless integration into developers’ workflows, featuring a VS Code extension and automatic syncing akin to Dropbox, enhancing efficiency and ease of use. They explore Doppler's competitive edge and how it partners with major cloud resource managers, making two-click integrations effortless. Brian also discusses their customer-centric development approach and the release of enterprise features like two-person approval and config inheritance, designed for complex organizational needs. Brian's entrepreneurial journey is marked by significant pivots driven by frustration and market demand, rather than strategic planning alone. He shares candid thoughts on the impact of founders and success, cautioning against the allure of celebrity status and emphasizing team contributions. Join them as they dive into insightful discussions on building developer-friendly security tools, the nuances of secret management, and Brian's perspectives on startup growth and innovation. Discover how Doppler is revolutionizing secret management, one integration at a time. Socials LinkedIn: Brian Vallelunga Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

In today's episode, Michael and Ben discuss peer review, specifically Michael's experiences. Michael explains his unconventional path, starting with advanced math as a child, then struggling with a math-heavy computer science program in college. He pivoted to environmental studies, focusing on side projects and extracurriculars. These projects led to his first job, and later to a role at a boxing streaming service (2B) with a rigorous peer review process. Ben asks about the importance of the peer review process, and Michael highlights its value in catching errors and ensuring code quality, especially when working under pressure. Moreover, Ben discusses the learning experience at different career stages, noting that junior developers learn from senior developers' code and feedback. Ben discusses the differences in peer review for different types of code changes. They discuss the importance of thorough review for critical code changes and many more! Socials LinkedIn: Ben Wilson LinkedIn: Michael Berk Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

In today's episode, Ben and Michael discuss how to handle situations involving individuals lacking expertise in machine learning projects. They explore scenarios where a team lacks expertise, considering approaches for consultants or team members. They discuss various personality types encountered in such situations, including those overly suspicious or resistant to change. Moreover, they discuss how to convince a boss that a proposed project is a bad idea, suggesting a structured approach with clear estimates, risk assessment, and alternative solutions. They emphasize the importance of honesty, transparency, and presenting options with clear pros and cons. The discussion then returns to the Gen AI time-series case study, suggesting a presentation of multiple options, including established algorithms and the Gen AI approach, to facilitate a data-driven decision. Finally, the episode addresses the scenario of a teammate being untrained about a system they built, suggesting a combination of direct but constructive feedback and a collaborative approach to identify the root cause of the issue. Socials LinkedIn Ben Wilson LinkedIn Michael Berk Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

In this episode, Michael and Ben dive deep into the intersection of education and technology with their insightful guest, Daniel Hiterer. Michael, a data engineering and machine learning expert, and Ben, an integrator of Gen AI tools, navigate through Danny's unique perspective on the impact of nurturing educational environments. Currently working at Cornell’s Studio entrepreneurship program, Danny brings a multidisciplinary background, combining history and instructional technology, and shares his vision for the future of learning. This episode explores the transformative power of nurture in education, the evolving role of Gen AI in fostering curiosity, and the challenges and opportunities in integrating AI into the learning process. Danny provides thought-provoking insights on emotional access points, curiosity-driven learning, and the delicate balance between educational goals and productivity tools. Listen in as they discuss personalized education, the promise of AI-assisted learning, and the future trajectory of superintelligence in education. Plus, hear personal anecdotes from Ben and Michael about their own learning journeys and the evolving landscape of curiosity and knowledge. Socials LinkedIn: Daniel Hiterer Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

Today, they dive deep into the fascinating intersection of open-source development and machine learning. Michael and Ben are joined by distinguished guest, Görkem Erkan, CTO and seasoned engineer at Jozu. Görkem shares his illustrious career journey from Nokia to Red Hat, his contributions to the Eclipse Foundation, and his current focus on MLOps. They explore his passion for open-source projects, the cultural and communication impacts on software design, and the unique challenges posed by integrating open-source frameworks with proprietary systems. Ben provides critical insights on the complexities of managing scalable backend services and the hurdles in translating SaaS offerings to open-source platforms. Tune in to learn about the innovative practices at Jozu, the role of open communication in team success, and the nuanced debate on maintaining separate proprietary and open-source codebases. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for developers, tech leaders, and anyone interested in the future of machine learning and open-source development. Socials LinkedIn: Görkem Ercan Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

In this week's episode, Michael and Ben sit down with Artem Koren, Chief Product Officer at Sembly AI, to explore the future of AI integration in the workplace. We'll delve into Sembly AI's mission to accelerate team efficiency through powerful AI tools—imagine an Iron Man suit for your daily tasks. From proactive AI assisting with time-consuming tasks to ethical considerations in data privacy, this episode covers the cutting-edge developments and challenges in AI implementation. They also discuss the evolving landscape of workplace automation, the intricacies of data collection, and the balance between privacy and productivity. They also highlight Sembly's latest advancements like Semblian 2.0 , a breakthrough in digital twin technology that promises to redefine meeting productivity. Join them for an in-depth conversation on AI's transformative potential, the ethical responsibilities it entails, and the practical impacts on the project. Links Semblian 2.0 Socials LinkedIn: Artem Koren Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

In today's episode, Michael is joined by Hikari Senju the Founder and CEO at Omneky. He starts by discussing how he built Omneky, an AI-Driven Marketing Platform. They dive into Hikari's approach to working with customers on brand strategy and content. They also talk about the increasing importance of brands in a digital, AI-driven world. Additionally, they tackle Hikari's perspective on how generative AI will impact the advertising industry. Tune in on how ML is Reshaping The Advertising Industry. Socials LinkedIn: Hikari Senju Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

Today, Ben and Michael dive into a compelling discussion on the intricate dance between challenges, feedback, mentorship, and growth in the field of software development. In this episode, Michael shares their journey of overcoming the pains of independent problem-solving before receiving effective guidance. As we explore their experiences with Ben, they uncover the vital importance of openness to feedback and the profound value of peer review in refining solutions. They delve into technical aspects, including Python's Pytest framework for unit tests and the delicate balance between complexity and simplicity in testing for maintainability and readability. Additionally, they touch on Michael's hands-on learning curve, tackling unfamiliar concepts such as RAG, embeddings, LLMs, and Git development, all while managing significant time constraints and social commitments. Moreover, Ben shares his mentorship philosophy, likening it to military training—pushing mentees to their limits without prior warning to foster resilience and self-improvement. They also discuss the importance of documentation, bug bashes, and the fine art of balancing integration and unit tests to ensure robust and thorough software. Join them as they explore the journey from initial struggle to increased autonomy and confidence, using real-world examples of testing gaps, code complexities, and the powerful impact of daily feedback. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting your tech career, this episode is packed with valuable insights to enhance your learning and development process. So, stay tuned and dive right in! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

Michael Berk dives deep into the adventures of AI and machine learning with our special guest, Richmond Alake, a staff developer advocate at MongoDB. Richmond's journey from web development to AI was driven by a quest for excitement and new challenges. In this episode, he shares how he transitioned into the AI field, his passion for using writing as a learning tool, and the importance of continuous learning in evolving tech landscapes. They explore the intricacies of building and evaluating Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems, the benefits of MongoDB's versatile database functionalities, and the pressing challenges in machine learning data collection and evaluation. Richmond also gives us a peek into MongoDB's advanced solutions for AI application development and how strategic data chunking can impact efficiency. Whether you're a budding AI enthusiast or an experienced developer looking to expand your horizons, this episode is packed with practical advice, career insights, and the latest trends in AI and machine learning. Stay tuned as we uncover how to navigate the complexity of RAG pipelines and the evolving landscape of generative AI. Let's get started! Socials LinkedIn: Richmond Alake Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

Today, we have a special guest Abi Aryan, an accomplished founder of Abide AI and a seasoned expert in machine learning. Joining us are your hosts, Michael Berk and Ben Wilson, who bring a wealth of experience from Databricks. In this episode, Ben shares his journey navigating the intricacies of deep learning and the surprising effectiveness of simpler solutions over complex algorithms. Abi lends her insights to the balancing act between innovation and practicality in tech adoption, influenced by career stability and venture capital demands. They also explore Abi's passion for recommender systems and audio speech synthesis, and the potential these fields hold for e-commerce and inclusivity. Abi also gives us a glimpse into her research methodology, her approach to autonomous agents, and the challenges she faced with bias and imposter syndrome. As they dissect consulting strategies, experiment design, and the art of fostering a collaborative environment, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for any tech enthusiast. So, get ready to tune in, take notes, and be inspired by the fascinating stories and insights from our expert guest and hosts. Socials Abi Aryan LinkedIn: Abi Aryan Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

Today, host Michael Berk and Ben Wilson dive deep into the multifaceted world of software engineering and data science with their insightful guest, Sandy Ryza a lead engineer from Dagster Labs. In this episode, they explore a range of intriguing topics, from the impact of the broken windows theory on code quality to the delicate balance of maintaining backward compatibility in evolving software projects. Sandy talks about the challenges and learnings in transitioning from data science back to software engineering, including dependency management and designing for diverse use cases. They touch on the importance of clear naming conventions, tooling, and infrastructure enforcement to maintain high code quality. Plus, they discuss the intricate process of selecting and managing Python libraries, the satisfaction of refactoring old code, and the necessity of balancing new feature development with stability. Michael and Ben will guide us through these essential discussions, emphasizing the significance of user-centric API design and the benefits of open source software. They also get practical advice on navigating API changes and managing dependencies effectively, with real-world examples from Dagster, Spark Time Series, and the libraries Numba and Pydantic. Join them for an episode packed with valuable insights and strategies for becoming a top-end developer! Don’t forget to follow Sandy on Twitter and check out Dagster.io for more information on his work. Socials LinkedIn: Sandy Ryza Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

In today's episode, Ben and Michael dive deep into the intricacies of software development, innovation, and team dynamics. This episode explores the critical balance between building in-house tools versus leveraging open-source solutions, with real-world examples from Databricks. They discuss the creation and eventual abandonment of a benchmarking tool for warehouses and discuss the importance of evaluating user demand, effort, and impact before committing to development. They emphasize the role of empathy, constructive feedback, and team collaboration in driving successful projects. They share strategies to influence behavior within organizations, the significance of a blame-free culture, and the art of leading difficult conversations with stakeholders. From detailed discussions on customer feedback loops to practical advice on automating mundane tasks, this episode is packed with insights that will help you navigate the complex landscape of software development. So sit back, relax, and join us for a thoughtful and engaging conversation on how to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. Socials LinkedIn: Michael berk LinkedIn: Benjamin Wilson Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

In today's episode, Ben and Michael dive deep into the intersection of education, AI, and innovative instructional design. Luis Garcia who is the President of PETE, delves into automating instructional design, content development, and assessments, shedding light on the evolving educational landscape and the pivotal role of evaluation and learning. Ben shares invaluable insights on leveraging chat GPT and generative AI to streamline documentation creation and evaluate knowledge, drastically cutting down processing times. Together, Luis and Ben discuss the positive reception and transformative potential of AI-driven micro-courses, text-to-speech features, and customized training tools in education. They also touch on the intense training involved in fields like nuclear reactor operation and the need for effective onboarding processes. Michael contributes by emphasizing empathy and strategic pacing in international business projects, while also summarizing instructional strategies and organizational tips for rapid learning and growth. Join them as they explore the crucial role of innovative AI technologies and personalized learning tools in reshaping education and business training, featuring insights from top industry professionals and thought leaders. And don't miss the chance to learn more about Pete and Collectiva. Get ready for a compelling discussion about enhancing learning outcomes and the future of education with AI! Socials LinkedIn: Luis E. Garcia Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .

In today's episode, our hosts Michael, Ben, and special guest Keith Goode delve deep into the transformative role of AI and machine learning in modern HR practices. They tackle a range of topics, starting with the innovative use of AI to streamline surveying and sentiment analysis in employee evaluations. They explore the exciting potential of AI models in technical data collection, particularly for interviews, and discuss how these models can assess candidates' sentiment and confidence levels, providing valuable insights into their fit for specific roles. They also hear about the emerging trends discussed at the recent Databricks Data and AI Summit, where generative AI for resume screening took center stage. They debate the challenges and opportunities of leveraging AI to reduce information overload in analytics, particularly within the complex hiring process. They emphasize the importance of explainable AI models, consulting scalability, and the perennial issue of data cleansing in HR. Additionally, the episode touches on the critical aspects of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, the influence of new legislation on workforce diversity modeling, and how companies can configure HR systems to suit their unique needs. They share insights into using advanced tools like XGBoost for predictive modeling, highlight the significance of face-to-face interactions in interview processes, and caution against over-reliance on automated resume screening. Join them as they navigate these thought-provoking discussions and more, shedding light on the intersection of AI, machine learning, and human resources. Socials LinkedIn: Keith Goode Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/adventures-in-machine-learning--6102041/support .