Episode 240:

Data Council Insights from a Waymo: Postgres and the Future of the Data Stack

May 7, 2025

This week on The Data Stack Show, it’s a first for the show as the conversation between producer Brooks Patterson and Co-Host John Wessel was recorded in a Waymo on the way to the airport from Data Council in Oakland, California. Join the guys on the road as they discuss their experiences at the Data Council focusing on the evolving landscape of data technology and the impact of AI on data stacks. Key topics include the enduring significance of PostgreSQL, the role of open source in innovation, and the importance of user experience in data interfaces. They also highlight diverse insights from founders, ranging from seasoned executives to first-time entrepreneurs, showcasing the dynamic nature of the data industry. Come along for the ride on this week’s episode. 

Notes:

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Recording from a Waymo (0:54)
  • Future of Data Technology (2:45)
  • AI Integration in Data Work (4:20)
  • Speeding Up Data Experiences (5:29)
  • Snapshot Conversations with Founders (9:52)
  • Diversity of Perspectives on Postgres (12:37)
  • Cultural Significance of Database Mascots (14:09)
  • Incubation and Success of Open Source Projects (16:43)
  • Final Thoughts and Takeaways (17:34)

 

The Data Stack Show is a weekly podcast powered by RudderStack, the CDP for developers. Each week we’ll talk to data engineers, analysts, and data scientists about their experience around building and maintaining data infrastructure, delivering data and data products, and driving better outcomes across their businesses with data.

RudderStack helps businesses make the most out of their customer data while ensuring data privacy and security. To learn more about RudderStack visit rudderstack.com.