Best Michael Berk Podcasts (2025)

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The Cost of Complexity: Why Simplicity Wins in Software Development (E.23) 43:13

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6d ago43:13

43:13

How to fight complexity creep and build software that stays simple, even as it grows. Every engineer knows the struggle: a simple system slowly buried under complexity. In this episode of Free Form AI, Michael Berk and Ben Wilson break down how complexity creeps into code, dependencies and design. And why simplicity almost always wins. They cover h…

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Competence, Trust and Ethical Client Engagement: Applying Military Strategies to Consulting (E.22) 28:24

20d ago28:24

28:24

In this episode of Free Form AI, Michael and Ben draw surprising parallels between military strategy and consulting practice. They break down how principles like competence, trust-building and ethical engagement translate into stronger client relationships and long-term success. From showing quiet confidence to making clients aware of their pitfall…

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Knowledge Sharing, Culture and the Future of Cloud + AI (E.21) 44:36

27d ago44:36

44:36

Passion for the product, not compensation, is what keeps the best engineers engaged. In this episode of Free Form AI, Michael and Ben sit down with Aleksandr Patrushev, Head of DevRel at Nebius, to explore the evolving role of Developer Relations and the culture that sustains technical talent. From modernizing hardware in data centers to weighing t…

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The Culture of Play: Gary Ware 59:46

1M ago59:46

59:46

Gary Ware is a creative yet strategic Play Consultant that was brought here to make your life even better than it already is. By day, Gary helps companies and professionals level up their skills, and by night he is an improv comedian. In between all of Gary’s passions, his most desirous one is helping people become the best versions of themselves t…

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Solution Accelerators: Balancing Production Software and Durability in AI Development (E.20) 50:20

1M ago50:20

50:20

Behind every robust AI system is a solution accelerator that makes complex development smarter. In this episode of Free Form AI, Michael and Ben dive into the role of solution accelerators in bridging the gap between production-ready software and simpler resources like blogs or cookbooks. They discuss frameworks vs. tools, the challenges of maintai…

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Data Annotation to Auto-Optimization: How Agents and Human Oversight Shape AI's Future (E.19) 50:17

1M ago50:17

50:17

In this episode of Free Form AI, Michael and Ben explore the evolution of prompt engineering and the rise of auto-optimization in AI. We discuss how agents can execute tasks autonomously, why human oversight remains essential and how defining success criteria shapes model performance. Tune in to Episode 19 for a wide-ranging conversation about: • W…

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Automating Intelligence: Data Collection, Human Feedback and the Future of Context-Augmented Agents (E.18) 1:08:02

2M ago1:08:02

1:08:02

In this episode of Free Form AI, we sit down with Tomu Hirata (Databricks), whose journey from medicine to software engineering offers a unique lens on building AI systems. From automating construction machinery to optimizing job postings at Indeed, Tomu has worked at the edge of AI data collection and model design. Tune in to Episode 18 for a wide…

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Problem Solving Under Pressure: Lessons in Fundamentals, Failure, and Finding the Fix (E.17) 56:33

2M ago56:33

56:33

In this episode of Free Form AI, we go behind the scenes with co-host Ben Wilson to explore how his early experiences in the Navy shaped his approach to engineering, risk, and creativity. From high-stakes problem solving to the importance of failure-friendly environments, Ben and Michael unpack what it takes to build resilient systems and resilient…

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The Culture of Narrative with Michael Margolis 1:20:49

2M ago1:20:49

1:20:49

Michael Margolis the CEO of Storied, Inc – #1 narrative expert in tech Works with C-suite and VP leaders that need to get their story straight Clients include product execs at Meta, Google, Shopify, Uber, Salesforce $13B+ in investments thru executive buy-in and influence at scale 500+ keynotes and talks for Microsoft, Visa, Moody’s, SXSW, TEDx Aut…

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Beyond Benchmarks: How GPT-5 and OSS Are Redefining AI Evaluation (E.16) 31:13

2M ago31:13

31:13

Behind every major leap in AI is a wave of experimentation. And GPT-5 is no exception. In this episode of Free Form AI, Michael and Ben unpack what makes the latest generation of large language models different, from reasoning improvements and reduced hallucinations to the open-source revolution reshaping the field. They explore how the industry is…

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Libraries, Law and LLMs: How Unconventional Paths Are Shaping the Future of AI (E.15) 1:06:23

2M ago1:06:23

1:06:23

In this episode of Free Form AI, we sit down with Lara Rachidi and Maria Zervou, two AI professionals whose paths defy the traditional tech blueprint. Lara began her career in law and economics before pivoting into data science. Maria started at the British Library, digitizing manuscripts and unlocking forgotten datasets. Today, they’re building Ge…

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GenAI, Agency and Infrastructure: What’s Actually Holding Back the AI Frontier (E.14) 1:02:10

3M ago1:02:10

1:02:10

In this episode of Free Form AI, we sit down with Puneet Jain, Senior Applied AI Engineer at Databricks, to explore what’s really holding back GenAI from reaching production at scale, and why infrastructure, not intelligence, might be the missing piece. From toy clustering algorithms to national-scale LLMs in healthcare, we unpack how secure data a…

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From Career Pivots to AI Innovation: Lessons in Building Better Systems (E.13) 56:49

3M ago56:49

56:49

In this episode of Free Form AI, we sit down with Mary Moore-Simmons, VP of Engineering at Kibo (formerly GitHub), to explore how career pivots, leadership, and AI are reshaping engineering. From drying Kona coffee beans with radiant heat to leading complex orgs at GitHub, Mary shares how curiosity, efficiency, and a bias for action can accelerate …

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The Culture of Ai with Ion Valiskakis 1:17:08

3M ago1:17:08

1:17:08

Today’s guest is Ion Valaskakis — an executive coach, AI strategist, and expert in helping people thrive at the intersection of technology, neuroscience, and human performance. He’s the founder of Prometheus Strategic Advisors and writes the popular IoNTELLIGENCE newsletter, where he shares practical ways to upgrade your brain and master AI in toda…

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How AI Assistants Are Changing Coding (E.12) 37:39

3M ago37:39

37:39

In this episode of Free Form AI, we explore how AI coding assistants are reshaping the development workflow. From spotting bugs that slip past human review to writing context-aware tests and reviewing entire PRs, these tools are changing how engineers build software. We break down the “secret sauce” behind how they scan a repo with targeted search …

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LATAM Engineers vs. Offshore Norms: Gino Ferrand on Hiring Right (E.11) 43:04

3M ago43:04

43:04

In this episode of Free Form AI, Michael sits down with Gino Ferrand, CEO of Tecla, to explore how traditional tech hiring misses the mark, especially when it comes to LATAM engineering talent. We break down flawed “rockstar” hiring, AI-proofing your interview process and what successful onboarding actually looks like in a distributed, GenAI-driven…

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10 - Case Study: AI Video Recommender 51:25

4M ago51:25

51:25

In this episode, Michael and Ben discuss the intricacies of building a video clipping service and recommendation engine. They explore the challenges of defining interesting clips, the importance of feature requirements, and the cold start problem when launching without user data. The conversation delves into tagging and metadata extraction, hierarc…

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9 - AI Career Leveling 58:35

4M ago58:35

58:35

In this episode, Michael Berk and Ben Wilson discuss the various levels of a data science career, from internships to senior leadership roles. They explore the expectations, responsibilities, and best practices for each level, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, continuous learning, and maintaining a positive team culture. The conversation…

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8 - Microservices with Mark Fussell 59:34

5M ago59:34

59:34

In this episode, Michael and Ben speak with Mark Fussell, CEO of Diagrid, about Dapr, a runtime for building distributed applications. Mark shares insights on the challenges of microservices development, the importance of durable workflows, and the actor model. The conversation also touches on API design, the future of AI in software engineering, a…

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7 - What are the best AI Software Packages 1:03:48

5M ago1:03:48

1:03:48

In this episode, Michael and Ben explore the world of open source projects in AI, focusing on MLflow and its various flavors. They discuss popular machine learning libraries like Scikit-learn, SparkML, and tree-based algorithms such as XGBoost and LightGBM. The conversation also delves into time series forecasting techniques and the rapidly evolvin…

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6 - When Should You Bail 42:34

6M ago42:34

42:34

In this episode, Michael and Ben discuss the challenges of decision-making in software engineering, particularly focusing on the sunk cost fallacy, emotional attachment to work, and the importance of prototyping. They explore how to recognize when to pivot or bail on a project, the complexities of ROI calculations, and how to effectively communicat…

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5 - How to Lead Engineers with Ben Johnson 58:44

6M ago58:44

58:44

In this episode, Michael Berk and Ben Johnson discuss the essential traits of effective engineering leadership, the importance of customer-centric software development, and the challenges of integrating AI into business processes. They emphasize the need for clear communication, trust, and vulnerability in leadership, as well as the potential risks…

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Why Authenticity Beats Algorithms: The New Rules of Digital Marketing - ML 185 55:37

6M ago55:37

55:37

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 performa…

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4 - How to Transfer Projects 42:06

7M ago42:06

42:06

In this episode, Michael Berk and Ben discuss the intricacies of transferring code, project ownership, and knowledge within teams, particularly in the context of machine learning and software engineering. They explore the importance of documentation, bridging skill gaps, and ensuring effective knowledge transfer to maintain and extend codebases. Th…

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3 - How to be a Tech Lead (TL) 1:04:32

7M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

In this episode, Michael Berk and Ben Wilson discuss their experiences at Databricks, focusing on project management, team dynamics, and the importance of product alignment. They explore the challenges of onboarding new team members, the significance of effective communication with stakeholders, and the balance between upskilling and meeting projec…

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2 - How to Make Knowledge Useful 1:01:35

7M ago1:01:35

1:01:35

In this episode, Michael and Ben Wilson discuss the concept of knowledge acquisition, focusing on how to effectively acquire knowledge for practical action rather than for its own sake. They explore the value of note-taking, the role of curiosity in learning, and the importance of hands-on experience in making knowledge intuitive. The conversation …

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1 - How to Scope and Build 50:03

8M ago50:03

50:03

In this episode of Freeform AI, hosts Michael and Ben discuss the importance of understanding ROI in feature development, emphasizing the need for effective prioritization and the implementation of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). They explore how to analyze demand, identify root causes of inefficiencies, and utilize the MoSCoW method for prioritiza…

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Integrating Business Needs and Technical Skills in Effective Model Serving Deployments - ML 184 51:26

8M ago51:26

51:26

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 discussio…

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Navigating Common Pitfalls in Data Science: Lessons from Pierpaolo Hipolito - ML 183 55:08

9M ago55:08

55:08

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 …

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Cows, Camels, and the Human Brain - ML 182 42:06

9M ago42:06

42:06

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 …

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A/B Testing with ML ft. Michael Berk - ML 181 45:41

10M ago45:41

45:41

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- Sh…

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Navigating Build vs. Buy Decisions in Emerging AI Technologies - ML 180 31:58

10M ago31:58

31:58

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 di…

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Artificial Intelligence as a Service with Peter Elger and Eóin Shanaghy - ML 179 54:55

10M ago54:55

54:55

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,…

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Combating Burnout in Machine Learning: Strategies for Balance and Collaboration - ML 178 1:12:04

10M ago1:12:04

1:12:04

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 othe…

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The Nature of the World and AI with Rishal Hurbans - ML 177 40:36

10M ago40:36

40:36

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 …

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Crafting Data Solutions: Shrinking Pie and Leveraging Insights for Optimal Data Learning - ML 176 55:43

11M ago55:43

55:43

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 …

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Challenges and Solutions in Managing Code Security for ML Developers - ML 175 51:46

11M ago51:46

51:46

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…

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Innovative Security Solutions for Developers - ML 174 58:26

11M ago58:26

58:26

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…

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Peer Review and Career Development - ML 173 1:08:09

11M ago1:08:09

1:08:09

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 …

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Navigating Expertise Gaps - ML 172 1:16:15

12M ago1:16:15

1:16:15

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 suspicio…

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The Influence of Gen AI on Personalized Education and Curiosity - ML 171 1:08:19

12M ago1:08:19

1:08:19

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 …

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The Role of Open Source in Modern Development Practices - ML 170 1:02:12

12M ago1:02:12

1:02:12

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. …

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AI-Powered Tools for Productivity with Artem Koren - ML 169 59:07

1y ago59:07

59:07

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 t…

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The Impact of Generative AI on the Advertising Industry - ML 168 1:01:32

1y ago1:01:32

1:01:32

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. Additiona…

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Learning, Testing, and Mentorship: Building Autonomy and Confidence in Python Development - ML 167 1:06:39

1y ago1:06:39

1:06:39

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,…

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Evaluating and Building AI Systems - ML 166 1:03:57

1y ago1:03:57

1:03:57

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 a…

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Demystifying AI Innovations - ML 165 1:07:25

1y ago1:07:25

1:07:25

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 sim…

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Maintaining Backward Compatibility in Software Projects: Strategies from Industry Experts - ML 164 59:52

1y ago59:52

59:52

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 maintain…

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Building, Testing, and Abandoning Software - ML 163 1:05:15

1y ago1:05:15

1:05:15

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 …

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AI in Education: From Micro-Courses to Rigorous Training Programs - ML 162 1:03:27

1y ago1:03:27

1:03:27

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. …