Learning Bayesian Statistics
Learning Bayesian Statistics

Learning Bayesian Statistics

Alexandre Andorra

Overview
Episodes

Details

Are you a researcher or data scientist / analyst / ninja? Do you want to learn Bayesian inference, stay up to date or simply want to understand what Bayesian inference is? Then this podcast is for you! You'll hear from researchers and practitioners of all fields about how they use Bayesian statistics, and how in turn YOU can apply these methods in your modeling workflow. When I started learning Bayesian methods, I really wished there were a podcast out there that could introduce me to the methods, the projects and the people who make all that possible. So I created "Learning Bayesian Statistics", where you'll get to hear how Bayesian statistics are used to detect black matter in outer space, forecast elections or understand how diseases spread and can ultimately be stopped. But this show is not only about successes -- it's also about failures, because that's how we learn best. So you'll often hear the guests talking about what *didn't* work in their projects, why, and how they overcame these challenges. Because, in the end, we're all lifelong learners! My name is Alex Andorra by the way. By day, I'm a Senior data scientist. By night, I don't (yet) fight crime, but I'm an open-source enthusiast and core contributor to the python packages PyMC and ArviZ. I also love Nutella, but I don't like talking about it – I prefer eating it. So, whether you want to learn Bayesian statistics or hear about the latest libraries, books and applications, this podcast is for you -- just subscribe! You can also support the show and unlock exclusive Bayesian swag on Patreon!

Recent Episodes

#153 The Neuroscience of Philanthropy, with Cherian Koshy
MAR 11, 2026
#153 The Neuroscience of Philanthropy, with Cherian Koshy
• Support & get perks!• Bayesian Modeling course (first 2 lessons free)Our theme music is « Good Bayesian », by Baba Brinkman (feat MC Lars and Mega Ran). Check out his awesome work !Takeaways:Q: Is generosity a natural human trait?A: Yes, generosity is hardwired in our brains and is essential for social interaction.Q: Why do people say they care about causes but not act on it?A: There is often a disconnect between stated care for causes and actual action. Understanding the conditions under which generosity aligns with a person's identity is crucial for bridging this gap.Q: How should fundraising efforts be approached?A: Fundraising should primarily focus on belief updating rather than mere persuasion.Q: What are the benefits of being generous?A: Generosity has significant mental and physical health benefits, as the brain's reward systems activate when we give, making us feel good.Q: How do our beliefs relate to our actions?A: Our beliefs about ourselves strongly influence our actions and decisions, including our decision to be generous.Q: Can generosity impact a community?A: Yes, generosity can be a powerful tool for improving community dynamics.Q: How can technology like AI assist institutions with donors?A: AI could help institutions remember donors better, improving the donor-institution relationship.Chapters:00:00 What's the role of Behavioral Science inPhilanthropy19:57 What is The Neuroscience of Generosity?24:40 How can we best understand Donor Decision-Making?32:14 How can we achieve reframe Beliefs and Actions?35:39 What is the role of Identity in Habit Formation?38:06 What is the Generosity Gap in Philanthropy?45:06 How can we reduce Friction in Donation Processes?48:27 What is the role of AI and Trust in Nonprofits?52:11 How can we build Predictive Models for Donor Behavior?55:41 What is the role of Empathy in Sales and Stakeholder Engagement?01:00:46 How can we best align ideas with Stakeholder Beliefs?01:02:06 How can we explore Generosity and Memory?Thank you to my Patrons for making this episode possible!Links from the show:Come meet Alex at the Field of Play Conference in Manchester, UK, March 27, 2026! https://www.fieldofplay.co.uk/Bayesian workflow agent skillNeurogiving, The Science of Donor Decision-MakingCherian's websiteCherian's press kitLBS #89 Unlocking the Science of Exercise, Nutrition & Weight Management, with Eric Trexler
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69 MIN
#152 A Bayesian decision theory workflow, with Daniel Saunders
FEB 26, 2026
#152 A Bayesian decision theory workflow, with Daniel Saunders
• Support & get perks!• Proudly sponsored by PyMC Labs! Get in touch at [email protected]• Intro to Bayes and Advanced Regression courses (first 2 lessons free)Our theme music is « Good Bayesian », by Baba Brinkman (feat MC Lars and Mega Ran). Check out his awesome work !Chapters:00:00 The Importance of Decision-Making in Data Science06:41 From Philosophy to Bayesian Statistics14:57 The Role of Soft Skills in Data Science18:19 Understanding Decision Theory Workflows22:43 Shifting Focus from Accuracy to Business Value26:23 Leveraging PyTensor for Optimization34:27 Applying Optimal Decision-Making in Industry40:06 Understanding Utility Functions in Regulation41:35 Introduction to Obeisance Decision Theory Workflow42:33 Exploring Price Elasticity and Demand45:54 Optimizing Profit through Bayesian Models51:12 Risk Aversion and Utility Functions57:18 Advanced Risk Management Techniques01:01:08 Practical Applications of Bayesian Decision-Making01:06:54 Future Directions in Bayesian Inference01:10:16 The Quest for Better Inference Algorithms01:15:01 Dinner with a Polymath: Herbert SimonThank you to my Patrons for making this episode possible!Links from the show:Come meet Alex at the Field of Play Conference in Manchester, UK, March 27, 2026! https://www.fieldofplay.co.uk/A Bayesian decision theory workflowDaniel's website, LinkedIn and GitHubLBS #124 State Space Models & Structural Time Series, with Jesse GrabowskiLBS #123 BART & The Future of Bayesian Tools, with Osvaldo MartinLBS #74 Optimizing NUTS and Developing the ZeroSumNormal Distribution, with Adrian SeyboldtLBS #76 The Past, Present & Future of Stan, with Bob Carpenter
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79 MIN
151 Diffusion Models in Python, a Live Demo with Jonas Arruda
FEB 12, 2026
151 Diffusion Models in Python, a Live Demo with Jonas Arruda
• Support & get perks!• Proudly sponsored by PyMC Labs! Get in touch at [email protected]• Intro to Bayes and Advanced Regression courses (first 2 lessons free)Our theme music is « Good Bayesian », by Baba Brinkman (feat MC Lars and Mega Ran). Check out his awesome work !Chapters:00:00 Exploring Generative AI and Scientific Modeling10:27 Understanding Simulation-Based Inference (SBI) and Its Applications15:59 Diffusion Models in Simulation-Based Inference19:22 Live Coding Session: Implementing Baseflow for SBI34:39 Analyzing Results and Diagnostics in Simulation-Based Inference46:18 Hierarchical Models and Amortized Bayesian Inference48:14 Understanding Simulation-Based Inference (SBI) and Its Importance49:14 Diving into Diffusion Models: Basics and Mechanisms50:38 Forward and Backward Processes in Diffusion Models53:03 Learning the Score: Training Diffusion Models54:57 Inference with Diffusion Models: The Reverse Process57:36 Exploring Variants: Flow Matching and Consistency Models01:01:43 Benchmarking Different Models for Simulation-Based Inference01:06:41 Hierarchical Models and Their Applications in Inference01:14:25 Intervening in the Inference Process: Adding Constraints01:25:35 Summary of Key Concepts and Future DirectionsThank you to my Patrons for making this episode possible!Links from the show:- Come meet Alex at the Field of Play Conference in Manchester, UK, March 27, 2026!- Jonas's Diffusion for SBI Tutorial & Review (Paper & Code)- The BayesFlow Library- Jonas on LinkedIn- Jonas on GitHub- Further reading for more mathematical details: Holderrieth & Erives- 150 Fast Bayesian Deep Learning, with David Rügamer, Emanuel Sommer & Jakob Robnik- 107 Amortized Bayesian Inference with Deep Neural Networks, with Marvin Schmitt
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95 MIN