AI, data, numbers—without uploads. Hash, mask, and redact PII, then run data analytics locally for time-saving and privacy. In this episode, we build a No-Upload AI Analyst that keeps your PII safe: HMAC SHA-256 hashing, masking, and redaction using policy presets and client-side transforms. We’ll: • Reframe the problem (insights > risk) • Set four hard constraints (no uploads, local preferred, policy presets, human-readable audit) • Use rules-first privacy + schema semantics • Walk the 5-step workflow (paste headers → pick preset → set secret → transform → analyze) • Show real-world cases (HIPAA/HITECH-aware analytics, FERPA contexts, product analytics) • Share a checklist + quiz + local Streamlit approach Perfect for data teams in healthcare, finance, education, and privacy-sensitive orgs. Key takeaways Stop uploading customer data. Transform it client-side first.Use HMAC hashing to keep joins without exposing raw emails/IDs.Mask for human-readable UI; redact when you don’t need the field.Ship a data-handling report with every analysis.Run the app locally for maximum privacy.Affiliate note: I record with Riverside (affiliate) and host on RSS.com (affiliate). Links in show notes. Links Blog version: (Free): https://mukundansankar.substack.com/p/the-no-upload-ai-analyst-v4-secure Join the Discussion (comments hub): https://mukundansankar.substack.com/notesTools I use for my Podcast and Affiliate PartnersRecording Partner: Riverside → Sign up here (affiliate)Host Your Podcast: RSS.com (affiliate )Research Tools: Sider.ai (affiliate)Sourcetable AI: Join Here(affiliate)🔗 Connect with Me:Free Email NewsletterWebsite: Data & AI with MukundanGitHub: https://github.com/mukund14Twitter/X: @sankarmukund475LinkedIn: Mukundan SankarYouTube: Subscribe

AI, data, and analytics pick three cookable dinners from the ingredients and appliances you already have—no grocery run. We use AI, data, and a rules-first analytics score to rank real meals you can make tonight with what’s in your pantry. A lightweight rules engine avoids AI hallucinations; Chef-AI adds safe swaps and one-line directions. You’ll learn a copy-paste AI prompt, how to reduce waste, and how analytics rank time, fit, and vibe. 3 bullets (skimmable): Rules > raw AI for reliable, cookable resultsAnalytics score to rank fastest/best-fit mealsCopy-paste prompt for 3 ideas in under a minuteYou’ll learn Why a rules engine beats raw AI for reliable, cookable recipesHow an analytics score prioritizes the best matches fastA copy-paste AI prompt that returns 3 make-tonight ideas in under a minuteHow to reduce waste and keep weeknight meals simple & tastyTry this prompt: I have [3–5 ingredients] and these appliances: [list]. Suggest 3 meals I can make in under 30 minutes. If something’s missing, suggest simple pantry substitutions. Keep it realistic and give one-line directions for each. Quick quiz True or False — If you only rely on AI, it may assume tools you don’t have and suggest impossible recipes. Answer: True. Start with rules; use AI for riffs and swaps. Discussion question When you’re deciding on dinner, do you want structure (reliable classics) or creativity (something new)? Reply on Substack or X—I'll share the poll next week. Resources & links Blog Link: https://mukundansankar.substack.com/p/pantry-plate-the-aifirst-way-to-decideKey takeaways Put rules before AI for cookable results.One clear AI prompt can end dinner indecision in minutes.AI is a partner, not the chef.Affiliate partners (links below): RSS: your podcast, get free transcripts, and earn ad revenue with as few as 10 monthly downloads. Sign up here.Sider AI. AI-powered research and productivity assistant for breaking down job descriptions into keywords. Try Sider here.Riverside FM: Record your podcast in studio-quality audio and 4K video from anywhere. Get started with Riverside here.Affiliate disclosure: Some links may be affiliates. If you use them, I may earn at no extra cost to you. Answer: True. Keywords: ai, ai meal planner, data, data analytics, analytics, time-saving tools, pantry, dinner ideas, recipe generator, meal planning

I first built an AI that thinks like an analyst. Now I have built a better AI Data analyst for the practical use of AI. This episode breaks down the simple rebuild: start with a clear objective, pick 5–8 focus columns, and ship a one-page Markdown brief. You’ll also get a 3-minute quiz (10:33), a Substack discussion (17:04), and a 9-step checklist you can use today. What you’ll learn How to start with a clear business goal (not charts)Why focusing on 5–8 columns increases signalHow a 1-page brief moves work faster than a dashboardQuiz & Discussion Take the Lightning QuizJoin the Substack discussion: https://mukundansankar.substack.com/(Tell your day-two story, your one metric, and your 5–8 focus columns.)Listener Checklist Copy/paste: 1) Objective (one line) 2) 5–8 focus columns 3) 10 questions + why 4) Quick data health checks 5) Export 1-page brief 6) Share in Slack/Notion/Jira 7) Run 2–3 quick analyses today 8) Log learning + next decision 9) Repeat tomorrow Links Blog version: (with Medium membership): https://medium.com/data-science-collective/i-built-an-ai-that-thinks-like-a-data-analyst-then-it-went-viral-so-i-made-it-smarter-1f3206a8254b(Free): https://mukundansankar.substack.com/p/i-built-an-ai-that-thinks-like-aSubstack Note (comments hub): https://mukundansankar.substack.com/notesTools I use for my Podcast:Recording Partner: Riverside → Sign up here (affiliate)Host Your Podcast: RSS.com (affiliate )Research Tools: Sider.ai (affiliate)🔗 Connect with Me:Free Email Newsletter: https://data-ai-with-ms.kit.com/bae4d0c550Website: https://mukundansankar.substack.com/Twitter/X: @sankarmukund475LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mukundansankar/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MukundSankar