Asemio Decoded

Decoding ADMINISTRATIVE DATA with Dr. Amy O'Hara

Asemio — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Asemio Decoded is back for our fourth season! We are so excited to reintroduce you to Dr. Amy O’Hara from the Massive Data Institute at Georgetown University with this updated interview from 2022.

In Decoding Administrative Data, we sat down with Dr. O’Hara to discuss her background in economics, her work at the U.S. Census Bureau, and how it all led her to her current role as a professor and a leading advocate for the use of administrative data to improve policy decisions. We share a 2025 take on some of the topics that we covered in the original interview, break down topics like PETs and study bias, and Amy points out barriers holding researchers and scientists back from utilizing administrative data to its fullest potential.

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Decoding ARCHITECTURE

Asemio — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500

What do we mean when we talk about data architecture? Is it all about the tech, or is data-work actually more people-work than it seems? How does digital architecture differ from the physical, or are they more similar than we might think? Listen as Jess and Aaron (and our editor, Matt) break down how data infrastructure gets built, the design constraints that guide architecture decisions, and how these things help to shape the world around us.

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This show is produced by Erin Powell and Matt Stoker.

Decoding STATE DATA with Indiana CDO Josh Martin (Part 2)

Asemio — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0500

In this special two-part episode of Asemio Decoded, we sit down with Josh Martin, the Chief Data Officer for the State of Indiana. Josh shares his journey of evolving Indiana’s approach to data collection, analysis, and implementation to drive smarter decision-making and better serve the people of Indiana.

From crafting data strategies that foster cross-agency collaboration to the real-world applications that are transforming how the state supports its citizens, Josh dives into the pivotal role data plays in addressing wicked problems. We’ll cover how his team has tackled pressing social challenges, improved transparency, and helped key stakeholders make more informed decisions that impact residents on the ground.

Tune in to discover the strategies, challenges, and successes of harnessing data at a state level, and how Indiana is setting a new standard for data-informed governance.

Key Topics in Part 2:

How Does the State Decide Which Data Projects to Take On?
COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on Data
How Do You Measure the Unmeasurable?
Improvements in Recidivism Using Data
Market Forces and the Pros and Cons of Private-Sector Influence on Wicked Problems
Privacy-Enhancing Technologies, Hash-Encoding, and Data Linkage in Indiana & Beyond
The Importance of (Federated) Governance in the Age of AI

Listen to Part 2 now to unpack how the State of Indiana and Asemio are innovating in similar ways and what that means for the collective future we are building through our intentional use of data.

→ https://www.asemio.com

→ https://www.linkedin.com/company/asemio

→ https://twitter.com/WeAreAsemio

→ https://www.instagram.com/weareasemio/

→ https://www.facebook.com/weareasemio

This show is co-produced by Erin Powell and Matt Stoker.

Decoding STATE DATA with Indiana CDO Josh Martin (Part 1)

Asemio — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 08:45:00 -0500

In this special two-part episode of Asemio Decoded, we sit down with Josh Martin, the Chief Data Officer for the State of Indiana, to explore the power of state-level data in shaping communities. Josh shares his journey of evolving Indiana’s approach to data collection, analysis, and implementation to drive smarter decision-making and better serve the people of Indiana.

From crafting data strategies that foster cross-agency collaboration to the real-world applications that are transforming how the state supports its citizens, Josh dives into the pivotal role data plays in addressing community needs. We’ll cover how his team has tackled pressing social challenges, improved transparency, and helped key stakeholders make more informed decisions that impact residents on the ground.

Tune in to discover the strategies, challenges, and successes of harnessing data at a state level, and how Indiana is setting a new standard for data-driven governance.

Key Topics in Part 1:

The role of a Chief Data Officer in state government
Josh’s journey into State data and his department then vs. now
Evolving Indiana’s data ecosystem over two decades
Strategies for cross-agency data collaboration
How data is used to address social issues and community needs
The importance of transparency and relationship building in data efforts

Listen to Part 1 now to get an inside look into the collaboration and resilience that fuels Indiana’s data strategies and Performance Management Hub. Tune into Part 2 next month to hear about how Indiana is innovating in new and exciting ways.

→ https://www.asemio.com

→ https://www.linkedin.com/company/asemio

→ https://twitter.com/WeAreAsemio

→ https://www.instagram.com/weareasemio/

→ https://www.facebook.com/weareasemio

This show is co-produced by Erin Powell and Matt Stoker.

Decoding EXCELLENCE with Brandon Lenhart

Asemio — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Asemio Decoded, we briefly depart from tech to sit down with Brandon Lenhart, VP of Operations at Argonaut Private Equity in Tulsa, Oklahoma. With a depth of experience in strategic leadership- from the U.S. Navy to investment banking- Brandon brings a unique perspective on what it takes to achieve excellence in both a business and community impact.

Jess and Aaron take a look into Brandon's journey, exploring the core values that have propelled him and, the people around him, and where those overlap with the values that we strive for at Asemio. Hear from three leaders striving for excellence as they discuss definitions of high achievement, the dangers of burnout, and the commonalities of great leadership. This conversation offers valuable insights for anyone chasing excellence in their own field.

Tune in to hear Brandon's thoughts on the importance of self-worth and balancing success with a call to serve. This is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Guest Bio:

Brandon Lenhart is the VP of Operations at Argonaut Private Equity, where he supports operational and strategic improvements within portfolio companies. Prior to joining Argonaut, Mr. Lenhart was an investment banker at Goldman Sachs in New York, NY after serving eleven years in the U.S. Navy as a F/A-18 Naval Flight Officer and graduating the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). Mr. Lenhart is an Oklahoma native and graduated from the United States Naval Academy and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Brené Brown
Burnout: Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, Treatment | WebMD
The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study | European Journal of Preventative Cardeology - full title: Associations of anger, vital exhaustion, anti-depressant use, and poor social ties with incident atrial fibrillation: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Preventing Employee Burnout Report | Indeed.com
Why Rest Takes Hard Work | TIME
Mental Fortitude | Calm.com
Burnout | Psychology Today

Asemio Decoded is edited by Matt Stoker.

Enjoy Listening? Rate us on Apple Podcasts!

Asemio is the technology, data, and consulting firm for mission-based nonprofit, government, and philanthropic organizations that are addressing today’s social problems and underserved communities. With a special focus in Salesforce, consulting, data analytics, and custom software development, we equip our clients with the data they need to do good.

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Decoding DATA ECOSYSTEMS

Asemio — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Jess and Aaron take on an Asemio-original concept this month: Community Data Ecosystems. What is a data ecosystem? How is it different from a data system? And how can you effectively get insights from collaborators in an ecosystem?

We’ll decode this concept and how it helps the data-minded navigate community sharing projects. You’ll learn to recognize the amorphous qualities of data ecosystems and hear about the tools and architectural approaches that can strengthen the impacts of data throughout our communities.

Asemio Decoded is edited by Matt Stoker.

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Decoding the "Talent Gap" with Libby Ediger

Asemio — Tue, 14 May 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In the second episode of this season, Aaron and Jess sit down with the CEO of Atlas School, Libby Ediger. Jess helps us to understand the pervasive ‘talent gap’ that exists within the software development industry and how schools like Atlas are making big changes in tech education. Jess, Aaron, and Libby talk old memories, Tulsa magic, and the future of software career training.

Atlas School is a non-traditional software school in Tulsa, Oklahoma that offers students a flexible and innovative alternative to four year college.

Asemio Decoded is edited by Matt Stoker.

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Decoding DATA & HIGHER EDUCATION with Dr. Laura Latta

Asemio — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Jess and Aaron are back for Season 3 with a fresh lineup of social service experts, passionate good-doers, and humanitarian champions to talk social impact, data, technology, and how these forces come together to improve our impact on our communities. Welcome back to Asemio Decoded!

This month, we bring you a conversation with Dr. Laura Latta of the Tulsa Higher Education Consortium (THEC). THEC is committed to advancing student learning, improving student success and degree completion, achieving equity in outcomes, and meeting workforce needs by working collaboratively to increase higher education opportunities in the region. The Consortium brings together higher education institutions across Oklahoma to establish and work towards common goals that better the education process for students.

Laura joined us to talk about the work happening at the Consortium, her journey across multiple roles in the education space, and how leading this unique organization has been the dream job she didn't know she wanted. Learn about the critical role that data and information play in the day-to-day at THEC and its member institutions, how collaboration helps administrators to challenge the status quo, and how language in the "helping field" is ever-evolving as we continue to learn and change.

Tune in monthly for more fascinating and relevant conversations with some of the country's leading experts in social impact work.

Asemio Decoded is edited by Matt Stoker.

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BONUS EPISODE: Decoding AI & Music

Asemio — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Hey y'all!

We're back from our hiatus a little early to share a very cool project that a local composer (and friend of the pod) is performing Saturday, March 9th, at Low Down in Tulsa, Oklahoma. "Music for the Senses" starts at 8:00 pm and is 21+ with valid ID. Tickets are at the links below.

Composer David Broome and Asemio co-founder Aaron Bean have been working on a musical performance that blends traditional music with machine learning (AI) software. The performance uniquely layers live instrumentalists, vocals, electronic music, American Sign Language (ASL), and the same generative AI that powers ChatGPT.

Join our co-host, Jess, in a conversation with Aaron and Dave, two technologists pushing the boundaries of AI's place in creative processes, live performance, and music. Attend their March 9th performance for a truly unique and cutting-edge experience, and say hi to Aaron while you're there!

Asemio Decoded is edited by Matt Stoker.

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Decoding CQI (Continuous Quality Improvement) with Lauren King, M.A.

Asemio — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0500

If you don’t know what CQI is, you want to.

Processes, frameworks, systems… these are the things that make our modern world go round. Yet too easily they can become stagnant, unresponsive to changes in the world around them, and out of touch. How do we put processes in place and simultaneously create environments that are constantly learning and improving upon them? How can we apply these principles of continuous improvement not just to our work, but our every day lives?

Join Aaron and Jess as they chat with Lauren King, M.A. of Impact Tulsa for the fifth and final episode of Asemio Decoded Season 2. Lauren is the Director of Learning & Activation at Impact Tulsa where she serves as a coach, trainer and facilitator to support partners in building capacity to disrupt inequities through systemic change. Learn how she uses CQI in her work, and how pillars of data architecture building and quality improvement are being used in more than just code.

That's a wrap on Season 2! We'll be back with more awesome guests and fascinating topics in 2024. Happy holidays and cheers to the new year!

Origins of CQI

Wicked Problems

Lauren's Full Bio

Asemio Decoded is edited by Matt Stoker.

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Decoding BLOCKCHAIN

Asemio — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 08:30:00 -0500

BLOCKCHAIN! …And generative AI? These topics keep being brought up together, associated, compared as similar revolutionary technologies, and Aaron has had enough! We’re throwing our hat into the ring to break down what blockchain is, how it compares to generative AI, and where we think the real value lies for these technologies and their ability to make the world a better place.

“As a technologist, I’m always in search of the best value proposition.” Explains Aaron as he puts on his engineering hat to help us understand the complexities behind some of the biggest buzzwords in tech.

Join Jess in asking Aaron… What the heck actually is blockchain, where did it come from, what is all the hype about, and how does it actually impact peoples’ lives? Where does generative AI come into this conversation, and should we even be talking about these things in the same breath?

All of the super-dense studies and articles we talk about are below if you want the information straight from the horse’s mouth.

Citations:

Asemio Decoded is edited by Matt Stoker.

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Decoding DATA

Asemio — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Join Aaron and Jess in Episode 3 of Asemio Decoded's second season for an exploration of data's role in organizational growth. We explore the stages of data maturity and ways to enhance data practices in mission-driven organizations. The Asemio Data Technology and Advancement Model will be introduced, offering insights into better data understanding and goal setting.

In this episode, you'll learn about data-driven strategies that can boost your organization's success.

Subscribe to Asemio Decoded for more on data, tech, and digital transformation, and unlock your organization's potential! Download our ebook on data maturity here: https://asemio.com/library/resources/data-system-maturity/

Additional Links of Interest:

Decoding CHATGPT

Rant9 Productions — Wed, 31 May 2023 13:00:00 -0500

Chat-GPT became the fastest-growing application in history after its launch in November 2022. It’s been a wild ride to watch the global public reception of GPT-3 (now GPT-4!), a tool we’ve been working on within our labs for a few years now. AI, large language models, and natural language processing are rapidly changing the data game and how we live and move in the world.

In this thought-provoking episode, Aaron and Jess delve into the fascinating world of ChatGPT, an advanced AI language model developed by OpenAI. They explore the intricacies, implications, and possibilities that arise from such powerful technology professionally and personally. You don’t want to miss this eye-opening episode that invites listeners to explore the inner workings of one of the most influential AI language models to date.

Check out some interesting links mentioned in the episode:

When AI Chatbots Hallucinate (NYTimes): https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/01/business/ai-chatbots-hallucination.html

Asemio

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Decoding CASE MANAGEMENT: Ft. Lucie Doll at Family & Children’s Services

Rant9 Productions — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

We’re delighted to kick off season two of Asemio Decoded with a very familiar-to-Asemio face! Lucie Doll, Program Director of the Parenting in Jail program at Family & Children’s Services (and former Asemio team member), joins Aaron and Jess to discuss her role in supporting families facing incarceration, how case management systems allow her to work better for those she serves, and more. You don’t want to miss this conversation that explores the complexities of the incarceration system, and how technology can move us in a better, stronger direction for those affected.

Asemio

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Learn more about Family and Children’s Services

→ https://www.fcsok.org/

Hot Takes on Privacy-Preserving Technology from an 8 ½ Year Old

Rant9 Productions — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 14:00:00 -0500

Big thanks to Dr. Amy O’Hara for recording this short and sweet companion episode to our fourth episode of Asemio Decoded. Not only do you get to hear a truly approachable explanation of privacy-preserving technology from Dr. O’Hara, but you also get the flip side of the conversation. 8 ½-year-old Amelia Bean joins her dad, Aaron Bean, as a special guest and shares her thoughts on the concept at hand. Maybe it’s just us, but we feel like she was showing admirable restraint. There were no fewer than 3 rounds of “but why” that she could have thrown on the table. Guess we’ll save those rabbit trails for a future episode.

Dr. Amy O’Hara is the Research Professor at the Massive Data Institute and Executive Director of the Federal Statistical Research Data Center at the McCourt School for Public Policy.

Asemio

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Learn more about the Massive Data Institute at Georgetown’s McCourt School of Public Policy

→ https://mdi.georgetown.edu/

“Wait, how old are we?”: Looking Back on 10 Years of Asemio

Rant9 Productions — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0500

In our fifth and final episode of 2022, join Aaron, Jess, and Ben as they take a trip down memory lane as we prepare to celebrate 10 years of Asemio in 2023. If you’re looking for some laughs with our crew or you want a deeper dive into some wonderful memories, this episode allows you to get to know our team in a whole new way.

Asemio - follow us!

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“We CAN Have Nice Things”: Dr. Amy O’Hara on the Power of Sharing Data for Good

Rant9 Productions — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Hear from Dr. Amy O’Hara, Research Professor at the Massive Data Institute and Executive Director of the Federal Statistical Research Data Center at the McCourt School for Public Policy in our fourth episode of Asemio Decoded. Dr. O’Hara, Aaron, and Jess dive into the ways data can help researchers and policymakers understand complex problems, Dr. O’Hara’s government sector background, and some fun questions with our favorite Mio.

Data governance, data as a tool for collaboration, and what a national secure data service might look like are all hot topics. If you’re interested in any of these, you’re sure to find value in this episode of Asemio Decoded.

Asemio - follow us!

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Learn about the Massive Data Institute at Georgetown’s McCourt School of Public Policy

→ https://mdi.georgetown.edu/

Ghost in the Machine: A Discussion on AI Consciousness

Rant9 Productions — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0500

All treat, no trick: Join Aaron and Jess as they dive into AI consciousness – and all the spookiness that comes along with it. Joined by special guests Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, computational media artist Grace Grothaus, and Lakota spiritual leader Hermus Lonedog to hear their perspectives on AI in this special Halloween episode of Asemio Decoded.

Are you interested in unpacking the complexities of whether artificial intelligence has (or may have) consciousness informed by spiritual, artistic, and cultural perspectives on the topic? This episode is for you.

Asemio

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Halloween Bonus Episode: An AI and a Human Walk Into the Asemio Office

Rant9 Productions — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0500

In this short episode and precursor to our upcoming Halloween episode on AI consciousness, Aaron and Jess put Asemio team members Lauren and Thomas to the ultimate technologist test: pose questions to three different ‘individuals’ and wager a guess as to if the interaction is with AI or a human. Were they successful at spotting the AI? You’ll have to listen to find out!

Asemio

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Into the Rabbit Hole: Evolving identities, why we do what we do, and the power of systems thinking.

Rant9 Productions — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Join us in conversation with Waldo Mikels-Carrasco, Director of the Center for Health Information Sharing & Innovation at the Illinois Public Health Institute and Co-Director of Data Across Sectors for Health (DASH).

If you’re passionate about advancing health equity, community collaboration in public health, and promoting positive health outcomes for communities across the United States, this episode is for you.

Data Across Sectors for Health

→ Learn more about DASH

→ Follow them on Twitter

Asemio

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A Backpack for Harley: A Conversation with Community Leader Rev. Jeff Jaynes on Transformative Tech

Rant9 Productions — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 20:30:00 -0500

If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming story about how all those ones and zeroes can positively impact one kiddo’s life, then do we have a podcast for you. Join us in conversation with Rev. Jeff Jaynes of Restore Hope Ministries as we explore how nonprofits and social impact organizations can technology in strategic and innovative ways to improve community outcomes.

Restore Hope is a Tulsa-based nonprofit organization that exists to restore families in financial crisis to economic and spiritual vitality. Restore Hope is also part of an Oklahoma basic needs coalition called AssistOK.

→ Support and learn more about Restore Hope. Follow them on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

→ Read Jeff’s “Tulsan of the Year” Article here.

→ Learn more about AssistOK.

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www.asemio.com

Welcome to Asemio Decoded

Rant9 Productions — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Interested in stories, people, and concepts related to how technology is being used to make the world a better place? Tired of hearing about NFTs and hungry for something a bit more practical and impactful? Join Aaron Bean and Jessica England from Tulsa-based social enterprise, Asemio, and a series of incredible guests in discussion about how data and technology fits into the bigger picture of community outcomes improvement. Whether you work in direct service, philanthropy, or government—or you’re just curious to learn—we’d love to have you join us on Asemio Decoded.