storytelling with data podcast

What can you learn from a chart you admire—or one that breaks the rules? In this episode, Ryan Biesecker introduces Alli's X-RAY technique, a simple framework for analyzing what makes a graph memorable or effective. Through examples from the storytelling with data community, discover clever design choices, surprising rule-breakers, and practical ideas you can borrow to improve your own visualizations.RELATED LINKSShow notes: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/119Register for one of our public workshops in 2027!Use the code PODCAST10 for 10% off!Contact Jody to inquire about a private team training sessionXRAY Oct 2026 community challengeShe's Beautiful, shared by BritneyIPCC summary for policymakers, shared by StevenA View on Despair, shared by RobynFurniture lost its colour, shared by JianPodcast | use a bump chart to reveal who's rising and fallingChallenge | SWD mapping with purpose988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US): Call or text 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org. Free, confidential support 24/7.

What can data storytellers learn from musicians? More than you might think!In this episode, Alli Torban talks with Duncan Geere and Miriam Quick of Loud Numbers, who turn data into music. Discover how to pace your presentation to keep your audience engaged, use repetition to make your key message stick, and create contrast to draw attention to what matters most. Plus, hear a clip of their latest project, The Financial Symphony, and learn how to make your next data story sing.LINKED MENTIONEDShow notes: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/118Register for the Nov 5th live, public workshop (use the code PODCAST10 for 10% off!)Listen to the whole song The Financial Symphony on SpotifyWatch the “Behind the Scenes” video of making The Financial SymphonyMiriam and Duncan’s data sonification workshopCheck out the Loud Numbers podcastGiorgia Lupi’s article on Data Humanism

“We’ve already tried that.”“Those numbers don’t look right.”“I’m not convinced.”What do you do when your audience pushes back on your data or recommendations?In this episode, Alli and Simon tackle eight common questions from storytelling with data workshops about winning over a tough audience. From handling disagreement and challenging questions to presenting unpopular findings, they share practical strategies to build trust, navigate resistance, and turn tense presentations into productive conversations.Show notes:https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/117LINK MENTIONED:Register for the Nov 5th live, public workshopUse the code PODCAST10 for 10% off!Should you begin or end with your recommendation? — Article with a flowchart to help decide when to share your recommendation.How to build trust with your audience — Strategies for establishing credibility and strengthening relationships over time.How much detail should you include in a presentation? — Guidance on balancing supporting information with a clear message.The art of delivering bad results — How to communicate unexpected or disappointing findings.Tailoring charts to different audiences — Community challenge featuring two versions of the same chart, one for a technical audience and one for a general audience.Integrating qualitative data into your data story — Tips for combining numbers with other qualitative evidence.The Big Idea worksheet — A free exercise for identifying what matters to different audiences and finding common ground.How to avoid bias in data storytelling — An article by Cole about recommendations, objectivity, and bias.

Bump charts are great at showing who's rising, who's falling, and who's staying on top—but they don't tell you the whole story.In this episode, Alli explains what a bump chart is, when to use one, and what to watch out for when comparing rankings instead of actual values. Plus, she highlights three creative examples from the storytelling with data community that use color, added context, and an unexpected layout to make changes in rankings easier to see and understand.RESOURCES MENTIONED:Show notes: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/116Register for the Nov 5th live, public workshopUse the code PODCAST10 for 10% off!September community challenge about bump chartsMehrol’s bump chart about Olympic medalsJeffrey’s bump chart about airlinesAkindynos’ bump chart about notices from the Greek governmentDatawrapper: How to create a Bump Chart (Article)Jon Schwabish: Create a Bump Chart in Flourish (Video)Jon Schwabish: Create a Bump Chart in Excel (Article)

Does telling a story with data introduce bias? In this episode, Cole explores the tension between objectivity and perspective—and why simply “showing the data” isn’t as neutral as it may seem. If you’ve ever worried that storytelling could compromise rigor, learn how to bring your expertise and point of view to the data while still communicating uncertainty, limitations, and alternative interpretations responsibly.RESOURCES MENTIONED:Show notes: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/115Schedule your storytelling with data team trainingDownload our free SWD + AI Primer PDF documentArticle: lead with storyArticle: so what?