Podcast
Conversations with users around the world about interesting things they are doing with R.
R for the Rest of Us Podcast Episode 25: Robert Smith
March 20, 2025
In this episode, I chat with Robert Smith, a health economist and co-founder of Dark Peak Analytics. Rob shares his unique career path from academia to advising the UK government during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he helped shape public health decisions through data modeling. We also discuss his work with Parkrun, a free community running event, and how data science can be used to promote equitable access to fitness. Using R, Rob and his team analyzed participation trends and developed...
R for the Rest of Us Podcast Episode 24: Simon Couch
February 27, 2025
In this episode, I chat with Simon Couch, a software engineer at Posit, where he develops open-source statistical software and maintains several R packages. Simon’s work spans AI-powered coding tools that enhance R workflows and improve efficiency. We dive deep into his latest projects: {pal} (renamed to {chores}) – an AI-powered assistant that streamlines code updates and automates tedious R programming tasks. {gander} – an innovative tool that integrates AI into RStudio and Positron,...
R for the Rest of Us Podcast Episode 23: Terence Teo
February 6, 2025
In this episode, I chat with Terence Teo, Professor at Seton Hall University and expert in creating stunning 3D maps using the {rayshader} package in R. Terence discusses his journey into data visualization, specifically his use of R and the RayShader package to create mesmerizing 3D maps. Terence shares insights from his academic background in political science, his creative process for making maps, and how he balances artistic flair with technical rigor. The discussion dives into geospatial...
R for the Rest of Us Podcast Episode 22: Alex Gold
December 12, 2024
In this episode, I chat with Alex Gold, who leads solution engineering and support teams at Posit. We talk about his new book ‘ DevOps for Data Science’ , and explore why DevOps principles are crucial for data scientists, even if you aren't working in hardcore production environments. Alex shares insights on how to think about putting your data science projects into "production"—whether it's a report for colleagues or a full-scale deployment. We discuss practical tips like using {renv} to...
R for the Rest of Us Podcast Episode 21: Cédric Vidonne
November 29, 2024
In this episode, I talk with Cédric Vidonne, an Information Management Officer at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) with over 15 years of experience in humanitarian data visualization. Cédric shares his journey from GIS and cartography to creating impactful infographics and embracing the R programming language. He discusses how R has revolutionized data efficiency within UNHCR, where it aids in producing faster, reproducible data products essential for crisis response....
R for the Rest of Us Podcast Episode 20: Christine Parker
November 14, 2024
In this episode, I talk with Christine Parker, the Senior GIS Analyst on the Community Broadband Networks team at the Institute for Local Self Reliance. Christine shares how she used R to clean, combine, and summarize data for a dashboard tracking enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a COVID-era initiative to help people access affordable internet. The dashboard gained wide attention. It was shared in advocacy circles, referenced in Congress, and discussed with the White...
R for the Rest of Us Podcast Episode 19: Crystal Lewis
October 10, 2024
In this episode, I chat with Crystal Lewis about data management and her book titled ‘ Data Management in Large-Scale Education Research ’. Crystal, a freelance research data management consultant, shares insights on good planning and systematic implementation of practices that are key to effective data management. She discusses the importance of automated data validation, and outlines a structured approach to data cleaning. Additionally, Crystal reflects on her experience writing an...
R for the Rest of Us Podcast Episode 18: Miles McBain
August 29, 2024
In this episode, I speak with Miles McBain, a data scientist and R package developer from Brisbane, Australia, about patterns and anti-patterns in data analysis reuse. Miles shares his journey from a generalist software developer to a data science specialist, his passion for R, and the evolution of his coding practices. We delve into the intricacies of code reuse in data analysis, discussing common pitfalls to avoid, the benefits of creating reusable code packages, the process of breaking...
R for the Rest of Us Podcast Episode 17: Meghan Harris
July 25, 2024
In this episode, I speak with Meghan Harris, a data scientist at the Prostate Cancer Trials Consortium at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Meghan is one of the special people who do generative art in R. She talks about why she likes making generative art in R and how it has helped her improve her R skills in other areas. Listen to the Audio Version Watch the Video Version You can also watch the conversation on YouTube. In the video version, Meghan gives a walkthrough of how to make...