Bright Lights Big Data

By Mike and Tammy Armstrong

News & Politics Science & Medicine Government & Organizations Social Sciences Local

What's Bright Lights Big Data about?

Urban planner Mike Armstrong and data scientist Tammy Armstrong discuss their industries and interview local change makers in Des Moines, Iowa.

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Bright Lights Big Data episodes:

08.09.2021
BLBD 57: How Train Go?
Mike and Tammy talk about commuter rail in the US and the possibility of high speed rail. Also, check out the Green City podcast episodes where Mike was interviewed: https://anchor.fm/lynnae-hentzen/episodes/MIKE-ARMSTRONG-e13r0rk https://anchor.fm/lynnae-hentzen/episodes/MIKE-ARMSTRONG-2-0-e146fco And register for the Des Moines Data & Analytics NLP Roundtable...
07.26.2021
BLBD 56: Hodgepodge
In which Tammy forgets the name of Mod Podge. Mike and Tammy respond to listener questions about how they chose their careers, and what podcasts they listen to. Also, a new edition of Call Me Algorithm.
07.12.2021
BLBD 55: Book Lights, Big Words
Mike and Tammy talk about topics inspired by their latest reads: "The Information: a History, a Theory, a Flood" by James Gleick (for Tammy) and "The City We Became" by N.K. Jemisin (for Mike). Topics covered include communication technologies, natural...
06.28.2021
BLBD 54: I'm the MAAAAP!
Mike and Tammy discuss maps, both real and (deep)fake, and some of the concepts behind image compression. (Apologies for the audio tragedy that is this episode - think we managed to salvage it but will do better next time!)
06.14.2021
BLBD 53: Flip for it
Mike and Tammy each come up with reality competition shows for their industries. Netflix, hit us up. Merch is back! Check out bit.ly/blbdmerch
05.31.2021
BLBD 52: Board Games
Not our strongest episode for naming things. Mike and Tammy discuss urban planning-related board games, and some of the probability concepts in games in general. Mike also invents several board games. Games discussed: Machi Koro Welcome To Can’t Stop Tokaido Galaxy Trucker Shows: My First Errand Grand Designs
05.17.2021
BLBD 51: I know jack about cities
Mike and Tammy discuss billionaire musician Akon's plans for a brand-new cryptocurrency-powered smart city in Senegal. See also: BLBD 49, BLBD 2. For merch, visit bit.ly/blbdmerch
05.03.2021
BLBD 50: Shorter countertops now!
50th episode? What?! Mike and Tammy discuss long-held assumptions in their fields, such as the safety of protected bike lanes and valid sample sizes. Want to check out some merch? Visit bit.ly/blbdmerch Also, a visual aid: (╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻
09.07.2020
BLBD 49: Fear and Loathing in Midgar
Mike and Tammy discuss the urban planning and data science sides of two video games that have been helping them through the pandemic: Animal Crossing New Horizons and the Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
04.23.2020
BLBD 48: Nasty Times
Mike and Tammy chat about the effects of COVID-19 quarantines on the toilet paper market, air quality, and future transportation planning, as well as diving into Iowa's decisioning tool for if/when to trigger a shelter at home order. Also, a Call...
03.09.2020
BLBD 47: Epidemics and Jingles
We're back at it after a break from recording with an extra-long episode about the data science and urban planning of epidemics, including responding to listener questions. Make sure to listen all the way to the end to hear a brand-new...
02.28.2020
BLBD 46: Self Driving Cars 3 of 3 - Turtle Fence
Sorry this one is a few days late - don't get the flu! In this episode we conclude our three-part series on autonomous vehicles with discussions on liability and ethics, and listener questions.
02.10.2020
BLBD 45: Self Driving Cars 2 of 3 - Somebody Farted in This One
Mike and Tammy discuss present-day concerns for self driving cars, the path to a future of autonomous vehicles, and start to ideate on societal impacts.
01.27.2020
BLBD 44: Corn Pigs Nice Caucus (w/Rachel Paine Caufield and Jordan Murphy)
Mike and Tammy interview Drake University political science professor Rachel Paine Caufield and temporary caucus chair Jordan Murphy about the caucus. What is it? How does it work? Why should people care? Tune in to find out!
01.13.2020
BLBD 43: Self Driving Cars 1 of 3 - Pedestrian Br(e)aking
Part 1 of our three-part series on self-driving cars! We discuss the history of "classic vehicles", the 5 levels of vehicle autonomy, the complexity of training a car to be autonomous. Our next episode will focus on the Iowa caucuses, so...
12.30.2019
BLBD 42: Give Local - Eat Greater Des Moines w/Aubrey Alvarez
Mike interviews Aubrey Alvarez of Eat Greater Des Moines for the final installment in 2019's Give Local series, discussing myths surrounding food waste, and her organization's work with food recovery. To support Eat Greater Des Moines, visit their website at...
12.16.2019
BLBD 41: Give Local - Al Exito w/Dawn Martinez Oropeza
Mike flies solo for an interview with Dawn Martinez Oropeza as part of our second-annual Give Local nonprofit series. Learn more about the great work Al Exito does for latinx youth in Iowa. To support Al Exito, visit https://www.alexitoiowa.org To support Drem...
12.02.2019
BLBD 40: Give Local - ACCESS (w/Tess Cody)
Mike and Tammy kick off the second annual Give Local series with Tess Cody, Director of ACCESS (Assault Care Center Extending Shelter & Support). NOTE: this means talking about some experiences of abuse survivors and services/ways to support them. To donate...
11.18.2019
BLBD 39: Gandalf the Jerk
Mike and Tammy make some career choices based on fictional worlds -- directly after forgetting every fictional world they've ever encountered. What would you have picked? Let us know on Twitter (@blbdpod), Facebook, or email [email protected]!
11.04.2019
BLBD 38: Vote November 5!
Mike interview Tammy about her experience volunteering with a campaign for a local election. City and school board elections are Tuesday, November 5 - go vote!!
10.22.2019
BLBD 37: Sim Parking Lot
Mike and Tammy discuss how closely Sim City games reflect reality, neural networks playing Sim City, and constraint optimization. Also, the cats go nuts and Mike lands some serious relationship points.
10.07.2019
BLBD 36: Fat Bear Week
Mike and Tammy discuss ethical issues in urban planning and analytics, as well as a primer on neural networks. Also relevant: - "You Look Like a Thing And I Love You" by Janelle Shane: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PBVN3YJ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 - 24/7 neural network-generated death metal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwtVkPKx3RA -...
09.24.2019
BLBD 35: 44% Better (w/Daniel Beck)
Mike and Tammy talk with Daniel Beck about his work with DMARC's food network data and reporting. To donate or volunteer, visit https://www.dmarcunited.org or call 515-277-6969.
09.09.2019
BLBD 34: Grover runs for his life (w/Nathan Armstrong)
Mike and Tammy chat with Mike's brother, Nate, about his work as the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Chicago's PBS station, WTTW. Also, impressions and some dubious family revelations. Stuff to know: WTTW: https://www.wttw.com Rent-a-Swag: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUCzGi11Sto Center Grove Orchard: https://centergroveorchard.com
08.27.2019
BLBD 33: Cluster Puck-Man
Mike and Tammy discuss a famous data set, and respond to a listener request about urban growth boundaries.
08.12.2019
BLBD 32: No One Twerks Like Gaston
Mike and Tammy discuss the urban planning and analytics developments of theme parks - mostly Disney. Boke Bowl restaurant in Portland, OR: https://www.bokebowl.com No One Twerks Like Gaston lyrics: https://knowyourmeme.com/photos/643184-gaston
07.29.2019
BLBD 31: The Sequel
The second and final part of our movie episode! Marvel movies ranked by how many trains are in them: https://news.avclub.com/finally-the-marvel-cinematic-universe-films-ranked-by-1834615825
07.17.2019
BLBD 30: "It's Chicago!" and Other Totally Accurate Quotes
This is a little late because we’ve allll been sick. Part 1 of our 2-part movie review episode. Mike and Tammy each pick 1-2 movies that are good examples of their fields in action. Some explanations: Nash from Street Fighter: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_(Street_Fighter) Billy...
07.01.2019
BLBD 29: All for One (Iowa) w/Keenan Crow
Mike and Tammy chat with Keenan Crow of LBGTQ advocacy group One Iowa about policy issues, drag names, and the labyrinthine nature of the Iowa legislative workings. Check out https://oneiowa.org for details on One Iowa and their upcoming events.
06.17.2019
BLBD 28: +1 to Happiness
This week is all about the Women's World Cup! Join us as we discuss the game theory of penalty kicks, the impacts of hosting a major competition, and the gender pay gap in the US Soccer Federation. Check out this NYT...
06.03.2019
BLBD 27: (Older) Adulting w/Brad Anderson
Mike and Tammy chat with State Director of AARP Iowa Brad Anderson about AARP's role in advocating for livable cities, fraud protection, and informed voting. Get involved: www.aarp.org/volunteer
05.20.2019
BLBD 26: A Bicycle Built for Two Scoops
It's Bike Month! And we're celebrating by sharing stories: our own good and bad times on bicycles, and stories from our listeners, as well. Thanks to twitter users @jscholbrock, @csaxon128, @Sean_McBeth, @frolferguy420, and @Nathan_haunts for sharing your stories! Mentioned on the show:...
05.06.2019
BLBD 25: FARgate (w/Rachel Lunsford)
Mike and Tammy talk with Rachel Lunsford, vendor manager for the State of Iowa, about RFPs, negotiating contracts, and how governments interact with vendors to get things done.
04.22.2019
BLBD 24: Egg-cited to Be Here (w/Ethan Standard)
Mike and Tammy talk with Ethan Standard, President of the Waveland Park Neighborhood Association, about the unique role of neighborhood associations in local government. Also, egg hunts and a bonus Harry Potter firm! https://www.wavelandpark.org
04.08.2019
BLBD 23: Muggle Struggles
Mike and Tammy each build a consulting firm composed of four characters from the Harry Potter series. And have serious questions about magical labor laws.
03.25.2019
BLBD 22: Optimistic Unicorns
Mike and Tammy talk about what it takes to make great analysts and urban planners.
03.11.2019
BLBD 21: Murder Castle
This episode is about books, we swear. Mike and Tammy each share three book recommendations from or adjacent to planning and analytics. Titles: Competing on Analytics by Thomas H. Davenport and Jeanne G. Harris The Death and Life of Great American Cities by...
02.26.2019
BLBD 20: (s)NO(w)
We had a ton of fun recording this episode about our current least-favorite topic. Unfortunately, our sound equipment did not have a great time, and this episode is a little rough around the edges. We’ll do better next time! In...
02.11.2019
BLBD 19: Terms of Endearment
Mike and Tammy each pick two terms from their respective industries' jargon and define them: big data, smart cities, machine learning, and equity.
01.28.2019
BLBD 18: (LIVE) BLBD on the Hill
Enjoy a recording of our first-ever live show on Friday January 25 at the Iowa Commission of Latino Affairs’ 2nd Annual Latino Day on the Hill.
01.14.2019
BLBD 17: Dónde Está la Biblioteca? (w/Marlu Abarca)
Mike and Tammy chat with Marlu Abarca about her work on bilingual programs with the Des Moines Public Library.
12.31.2018
BLBD 16: Bright Lights, Big Year
Mike and Tammy reflect on personal and professional highlights of 2018, noteworthy urban planning and analytics headlines from the past year, and the exciting things to come in 2019... such as our first-ever live show! Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/267874697253638/ Also check out: Cole Nussbaumer...
12.17.2018
BLBD 15: Give Local - Young Women's Resource Center (w/Sarah Myren)
Mike and Tammy chat with Sarah Myren to learn more about the impactful work of the Young Women's Resource Center. Part 2 of the holiday giving series. Learn more and donate: https://ywrc.org
12.03.2018
BLBD 14: Give Local - Iowa Homeless Youth Centers (w/Toby O'Berry)
Mike and Tammy chat with Toby O'Berry to learn more about the transformational work Iowa Homeless Youth Centers is doing for our communities.
11.19.2018
BLBD 13: Forking Shirtballs
Mike and Tammy explore urban planning and analytics themes in The Good Place. Season 1 spoilers!
11.05.2018
BLBD 12: Don't Be a Lawyer (w/Rob Sand)
Mike and Tammy chat with Democratic candidate for Iowa State Auditor, Rob Sand, and wrap up their introduction to problem solving series with a discussion on making and implementing recommendations. “Don’t Be a Lawyer” song - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs-UEqJ85KE Rob Sand’s website -...
10.22.2018
BLBD 11: Problem Solving 4 - Source of Truth
Mike and Tammy each share how they go from data to insights in their professions.
10.08.2018
BLBD 10: Don't Go Chasin' Bioswales (w/Katie Rock)
Tammy and Mike discuss the role of the Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District with Commissioner Katie Rock. Check out their website at https://www.polk-swcd.org
09.24.2018
BLBD 9: Bills, Bills, Bills (and Elections and Taxes) w/Jamie Fitzgerald
Mike and Tammy chat with Polk County Auditor Jamie Fitzgerald about his office’s role in administering elections, paying the county’s bills, and more. https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/auditor/election/
09.10.2018
BLBD 8: Problem Solving 3 - Hey Bob, Where Are the Eagles?
Our latest entry in our Problem Solving series focuses on data exploration and is chock full of cooking analogies.

What's Bright Lights Big Data about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Bright Lights Big Data episodes:

BLBD 57: How Train Go?

BLBD 56: Hodgepodge

BLBD 55: Book Lights, Big Words

BLBD 54: I'm the MAAAAP!

BLBD 53: Flip for it

BLBD 52: Board Games

BLBD 51: I know jack about cities

BLBD 50: Shorter countertops now!

BLBD 49: Fear and Loathing in Midgar

BLBD 48: Nasty Times

BLBD 47: Epidemics and Jingles

BLBD 46: Self Driving Cars 3 of 3 - Turtle Fence

BLBD 45: Self Driving Cars 2 of 3 - Somebody Farted in This One

BLBD 44: Corn Pigs Nice Caucus (w/Rachel Paine Caufield and Jordan Murphy)

BLBD 43: Self Driving Cars 1 of 3 - Pedestrian Br(e)aking

BLBD 42: Give Local - Eat Greater Des Moines w/Aubrey Alvarez

BLBD 41: Give Local - Al Exito w/Dawn Martinez Oropeza

BLBD 40: Give Local - ACCESS (w/Tess Cody)

BLBD 39: Gandalf the Jerk

BLBD 38: Vote November 5!

BLBD 37: Sim Parking Lot

BLBD 36: Fat Bear Week

BLBD 35: 44% Better (w/Daniel Beck)

BLBD 34: Grover runs for his life (w/Nathan Armstrong)

BLBD 33: Cluster Puck-Man

BLBD 32: No One Twerks Like Gaston

BLBD 31: The Sequel

BLBD 30: "It's Chicago!" and Other Totally Accurate Quotes

BLBD 29: All for One (Iowa) w/Keenan Crow

BLBD 28: +1 to Happiness

BLBD 27: (Older) Adulting w/Brad Anderson

BLBD 26: A Bicycle Built for Two Scoops

BLBD 25: FARgate (w/Rachel Lunsford)

BLBD 24: Egg-cited to Be Here (w/Ethan Standard)

BLBD 23: Muggle Struggles

BLBD 22: Optimistic Unicorns

BLBD 21: Murder Castle

BLBD 20: (s)NO(w)

BLBD 19: Terms of Endearment

BLBD 18: (LIVE) BLBD on the Hill

BLBD 17: Dónde Está la Biblioteca? (w/Marlu Abarca)

BLBD 16: Bright Lights, Big Year

BLBD 15: Give Local - Young Women's Resource Center (w/Sarah Myren)

BLBD 14: Give Local - Iowa Homeless Youth Centers (w/Toby O'Berry)

BLBD 13: Forking Shirtballs

BLBD 12: Don't Be a Lawyer (w/Rob Sand)

BLBD 11: Problem Solving 4 - Source of Truth

BLBD 10: Don't Go Chasin' Bioswales (w/Katie Rock)

BLBD 9: Bills, Bills, Bills (and Elections and Taxes) w/Jamie Fitzgerald

BLBD 8: Problem Solving 3 - Hey Bob, Where Are the Eagles?