Plumbers of Data Science

In this podcast episode, I’m joined by Simon Späti, long-time BI and data engineering expert turned full-time technical writer and author of the living book Data Engineering Design Patterns [https://dedp.online/].  We talk about: * His 20-year journey from SQL-heavy BI to modern Data Engineering * Why switching from employee to full-time author wasn’t planned, but necessary * How he uses a “Second Brain” system to manage and publish his knowledge * Why writing is a tool for learning, not just sharing * The concept of convergent evolution in data tooling: when old and new solve the same problem * The underrated power of data modeling and pattern recognition in a hype-driven industry   Simon also shares practical advice for building your own public knowledge base, and why Markdown and simplicity still win in the long run. Whether you're into tools, systems, or lifelong learning, this one’s a thoughtful deep dive. *** About Simon Späti: Simon is a Data Engineer and Technical Author with 20+ years of experience in the data field. He's the author of the Data Engineering Blog (ssp.sh [http://ssp.sh/]), curator of the Data Engineering Vault (vault.ssp.sh), [http://vault.ssp.sh/] and currently writes a book about Data Engineering Design Patterns (dedp.online [https://dedp.online/]). Simon maintains an awareness of open-source data engineering technologies and enjoys sharing his knowledge with the community. Socials: Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/ssp.sh], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sspaeti/], Twitter/X [https://x.com/sspaeti/], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@sspaeti]

In this episode, I’m joined by Johannes Koch, Principal Engineer and AWS DevTools Hero, to talk about the real DevOps mindset, the evolution of developer experience, and how community work changed his career. Johannes shares how starting in QA and support gave him a unique edge in understanding users, why building a proper CI/CD pipeline should come before writing code, and how the AWS Community Builders program helped him grow into his current role. We also dive into: * What DevOps culture actually means beyond automation * His take on GitOps and why CI/CD is still underrated * Behind the scenes of the AWS Heroes Program * Creating content, mentoring others, and avoiding the trap of tech hype Whether you're starting out in DevOps or deep into cloud architecture, Johannes' insights are packed with value for data and AI professionals. Links: * Johannes on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lockhead/] * YouTube: @cicdonaws [https://www.youtube.com/@cicdonaws] * AWS Community Day DACH [https://www.aws-community-day.de/]

In this episode, I sit down with Deepak Goyal, the founder of AzureLib, to talk all things data engineering, cloud platforms, and how to teach the next generation of engineers. We explore why Azure became his go-to, how real-world projects beat theory every time, and why tools like ChatGPT are great assistants, but no substitute for structured learning and solid fundamentals. Follow Deepak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepak-goyal-93805a17/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepak-goyal-93805a17/] Check out AzureLib: azurelib.com Learn Data Engineering with me: learndataengineering.com

In this episode of the Plumbers of Data Science podcast, I dive into the challenges of recruiting today, from overwhelming job application volumes to reaching out directly to recruiters. I’m testing new strategies to make the process smoother for everyone involved, focusing on fresh job listings and fostering connections with hiring managers who need skilled engineers. My goal? To secure five job placements in Germany by year’s end! Have thoughts on today’s job market, or tried the Easy Apply feature yourself? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your experience!

In this Hero Talk episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Ben Rogojan, better known as the "Seattle Data Guy." Ben is a data engineer, YouTuber, and freelancer with a background at Facebook. He's become a go-to expert on freelancing for engineers, particularly in the data space. We dive into Ben's journey from being a full-time engineer to making the switch to freelancing, how he built his own business, and the unique challenges freelancers face in this space. We also explore how to break into freelancing, the value of specializing in a specific skill, and practical tips on landing your first freelance clients.