Your Data Science Playlist: 35+ Expert Podcasts Across 6 Trending Themes

You know that feeling when you’re staring at all the data engineering resources online, completely overwhelmed and not sure where to even start? That’s exactly why I started looking for a good podcast on data science, something that could guide me without overwhelming me. I've been there. We've all been there. And don't even get me started on trying to keep up with all the trending topics and new tools that seem to pop up every week. It feels impossible sometimes, right?

Here's something that really helped me: 🎧 podcasts.

I know, I know. Another person talking about podcasts! But I promise this isn't just hype. For me, it was a total game-changer. Instead of scrolling through my phone during my commute, I started listening to these amazing conversations with people who actually work in data every day. It felt like getting to eavesdrop on the coolest mentors ever. And here's the bonus: they naturally talk about what's happening right now in the field, so you pick up on trends and new developments without having to hunt them down.

The thing I love most? You can learn while doing all the regular stuff, like walking the dog, doing dishes, stuck in traffic, folding laundry. No pressure to find extra study time when you're already exhausted.

Since I know how overwhelming it can be to find the good ones, I've put together some of my favorites and some popular ones in the table below. I've organized them into 6 themes, so you can just pick whatever feels most interesting or relevant to where you are right now. No need to stress about it, just start with one that catches your eye and see how it goes.

🦾 Machine Learning & AI

• The TWIML AI Podcast: ML news and interviews.
• Latent Space: The AI Engineer Podcast: Industry research and engineering.
• Data Skeptic: Accessible and technical AI/ML topics.
• No Priors: Latest in foundation AI models.
• DeepMind: The Podcast: Direct updates from DeepMind researchers.
• Women And AI: Diversity/mentorship in AI.
• Me, Myself and AI: Industry leaders on business impact.
• Cognitive Revolution: Interviews with field changemakers.
• The Robot Brains Podcast: AI theory and practice from academia.
• AI Today Podcast: Weekly updates on AI landscape.
• Eye on AI: Deep technical interviews and trends.
• Machine Learning Street Talk: Academic/technical discussion.

🧱 Data Engineering & Infrastructure

• Data Engineering Podcast: Expert interviews on building data systems.
• Plumbers of Data Science (via Team Data Science): Practical tips for data professionals.
• Data Brew (by Databricks): Modern data stack insights.
• The Data Exchange Podcast: Modern data tools in context.
• Making Data Simple: Enterprise data topics.

📊 Data Visualization & Storytelling

• The PolicyViz Podcast: Leading data visualization practices.
• storytelling with data podcast: Chart and storytelling techniques.
• Data Viz Today: Daily actionable visualization tips.
• Cave Bits: Uncovering Website Analytics: Web analytics and visualization.
• Visualising Data: Data design and presentation.
• Explore Explain: Making data understandable via long-form podcast/video series.
• Normal Curves: Sexy Science, Serious Statistics: Stats meets visual storytelling.
• The Data Detective Show: EDA and data visualization literacy (Tim Harford).

📈 Business Intelligence & Analytics

• Analytics Power Hour: Business-oriented analytics advice.
• Data Driven: Decision-making and BI strategies.
• AI in Business: The impact of AI in business settings.
• BIFocal: Enterprise BI insights, focused on Power BI and BI innovations.
• Analytics on Fire: Energetic discussions on analytics, storytelling, and BI leadership.

🔎 Statistics & Research Methods

• More or Less: Behind the Stats: Accessible statistical concepts from BBC Radio 4's "More or Less" series.
• Learning Bayesian Statistics: Advanced Bayesian methods—domain applications and techniques.
• Stats + Stories: Real-world statistics explained through storytelling.
• Casual Inference (Causal Inference): Conversational podcast on causal inference and epidemiology.
• Normal Curves: Deep dives into scientific research and statistical stories.

🗄️ Database & Data Management

• SQL Data Partners Podcast: SQL and database technology, with show notes at marathonus.com/podcast. Hosted by Carlos L. Chacón.
• Talking Postgres: PostgreSQL in practice—monthly episodes hosted by Claire Giordano (also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, and more).
• The Voice of the DBA: Admin and data management from a veteran data professional, Steve Jones.
• Lights On Data Show: Data governance, management, strategy, quality, and more—LIVE show by George and Diana Firican, with recordings available as podcasts.

How to Get the Most From Your Learning

• Start where you are: Pick the category that matches your current role or interests. Don't feel like you need to listen to everything!
• Mix it up: Try one technical podcast and one business-focused one to get different perspectives.
• Take notes: Keep a simple note-taking app handy for interesting tools, concepts, or resources mentioned.
• Get your hands dirty: For the most effective learning, pair the curated shows with a structured data engineering roadmap for an unbeatable learning mix.

Remember, the best podcast is the one you'll actually listen to consistently. Start with whatever sounds most interesting to you right now!