Raw Data By P3 Adaptive

Rob and Justin are back, catching up after a short break with an episode that’s part big ideas, part funny stories, and full of surprises.

They kick things off with the Crutches Paradox. Their take on why we hang onto things we’ll probably never use, “just in case.” From there, the conversation moves into all kinds of unexpected territory: why politeness might not matter when working with ChatGPT, the infamous New Coke conspiracy theory from the 80s, and why some of the world’s top software engineers just don’t seem too concerned about AI.

Rob even shares a few personal moments, including how his old Pontiac Bonneville managed to become a legend among tow truck drivers. Between the laughs and the thought-provoking moments, this grab bag episode has a little something for everyone.

Whether you’re here to explore big questions or just enjoy a good story, this one will keep you hooked from start to finish. As always, if you enjoyed the episode, be sure to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

A little note from Rob to share about this week's episode, and what's coming!

This week on Raw Data, Justin’s flying solo and catching up with Brian Julius, a true data veteran with a unique journey from government work to AI exploration. Brian’s path has been anything but typical. Starting in high-stakes federal roles, he later moved into management; only to find himself pulled back to his roots in hands-on analytics, just as AI started turning the industry on its head.

Brian digs into the moments that shaped his career and how curiosity led him back to data. Now, he’s diving into AI, pushing the tools to see how far they can go, and discovering where human intuition still has the edge. In this conversation, he and Justin explore what it means to keep evolving in a field that doesn’t stand still, and why staying open and curious might just be the most important skill.

With Rob away this week, Justin and Brian take a deeper dive into what it’s like to adapt to constant change, and why there’s more to data than just knowing the latest tools. It’s an honest, down-to-earth look at the power of a lifelong learner’s mindset in an era of rapid transformation.

Also in this episode:

DAX/ChatGPT

Ideogram

Rob Collie records his final episode from the cozy, sound-dampened basement studio where over 170 Raw Data conversations have taken place. With moving boxes waiting to be loaded onto a truck bound for Seattle, Rob reflects on his unexpected 15-year journey in the Midwest—an adventure filled with personal challenges, growth, and life lessons that only make sense in hindsight. What started as a sudden and overwhelming shift became a series of hard-earned lessons that shaped not just his career but his entire outlook on life.

In this episode, Rob explores the universal nature of those journeys where we step away from the familiar, confront unexpected challenges, and return changed. It’s not about grand, heroic feats but about navigating uncertainty, learning as you go, and finding meaning in what’s hard. Rob shares candid moments of struggle, success, and everything in between, offering reflections on fear, growth, and the reality of being human. This isn't a story of perfection, it’s a journey full of wrong turns, lessons learned the hard way, and the humility that comes from embracing both the light and dark sides along the way.

Don’t forget, if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform to help new users find us.

In this episode, Rob Collie and Justin break down life lessons learned from a simple tool: the Green Biscuit puck. It’s a perfect example of how resilience sometimes beats prevention—because you can’t avoid every bump in the road, but you can adapt and keep moving forward. That same idea applies to AI and Power BI, where working with messy, real-world data is part of the process. Rob and Justin draw easy parallels between solving problems on the ice and in business, making complex topics feel less stuffy and refreshingly practical.

When it comes to adopting AI, Rob and Justin talk about how it’s not a magic fix but a friendly co-pilot, ready to help with everything from writing tasks to brainstorming. The goal isn’t necessarily perfection. Sometimes it’s simply getting off the starting line. Their advice? Don't overthink it. Take that first step, see where it leads, and let AI surprise you. Tools like ChatGPT can boost productivity, helping you overcome the blank-page syndrome.

Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for more great episodes on data, tech, and the unexpected lessons hiding in everyday experiences.

This week Rob shares his disdain for CFL light bulbs, but it's not necessarily about light bulbs here!  It's more of an analogy as to why the status quo weighs absolutely nothing.  Something better and disruptive came along, and now it's everywhere. We barely even remember the transition, because the new "light bulb" is far superior to what was previously the standard!

In this episode, Rob Collie and Justin Mannhardt step onto the data gridiron to test if AI can tackle the complexities of fantasy football data. Rob starts with a Power Query puzzle, full of messy stats, player names, and tricky injury codes—solving it manually in over 30 steps. But can ChatGPT, with Justin’s guidance, run the same play and simplify fantasy football data management?

Justin and ChatGPT take their shot at transforming the chaos into organized data. While ChatGPT makes some impressive moves, there are a few fumbles that leave us wondering—can AI truly handle the ever-changing landscape of fantasy football stats?

Want to know how this battle played out? Tune in to find out if AI has what it takes to streamline your fantasy football data or if human instincts still win the day.

Here is the companion Blog Post to follow along - Can AI Write an M Script When it Requires Inspiration? Rob Collie Squares Off Versus ChatGPT

Have you noticed the phrase "Dashboards Are Dead" popping up on LinkedIn? It's catchy, provocative, and designed to grab your attention. But is there any truth to it, or is it just another clickbait strategy?

In this episode, Rob Collie dives into the psychology behind these viral statements and why they get under our skin. While dashboards aren’t going anywhere, there is a shift happening. Generative AI and chatbot interfaces are set to change how we interact with dashboards, making it easier to find, use, and even build them on the fly. But that doesn’t mean dashboards are obsolete—far from it. Visuals still offer unparalleled insights that AI simply can’t replicate...yet.

Listen in as we break down the manipulative tactics behind "Dashboards Are Dead" and explore the exciting future of dashboard design in a world enhanced by AI.

In this episode, Rob Collie talks about how anyone can learn to "predict the future"—not with superpowers, but with a normal ability we all have. Rob shares his own stories of seeing big changes coming, like the rise of Power Pivot and the early signs of COVID-19. It’s not about being right all the time, but about recognizing when something big is shifting and knowing how to act on it.

One of the biggest lessons here? The status quo isn’t permanent. Rob’s decision to start P3 Adaptive came from trusting what he was seeing, even when others didn’t. His story is proof that when you’re willing to trust your gut and take action, amazing things can happen.

With AI on the rise, that same approach matters more than ever. The world is changing fast, and those who can adapt will thrive. Tune in to hear how you can tap into your own ability to spot shifts and make smart decisions with confidence.

And, as always, if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform to help new users find us!

In this episode, Rob and Justin explore how AI is making waves not just in tech-heavy industries but in everyday businesses like construction and manufacturing. They talk about how AI tools can help streamline processes, create custom solutions, and make even the most hands-on industries run smoother and more efficiently.

They dive into the common worry that AI will replace jobs, but they quickly turn that idea around. Instead of taking jobs away, AI is stepping in to handle repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on the big-picture work that sparks innovation and growth. It's not about replacing people—it’s about enhancing what they do best.

Rob and Justin also make the case that AI isn’t out of reach, even for companies that don’t see themselves as tech-savvy. With tools like Power BI and the rise of generative AI, businesses of all sizes can use AI to improve their operations without a major overhaul. AI is becoming more accessible, and it's something that can make a real difference no matter your industry.

Be sure to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform to help new listeners find us!