storytelling with data podcast
by storytelling with data
Rid your world of ineffective graphs and mediocre presentations, one exploding 3D pie chart at a time! The storytelling with data podcast from bestselling author, speaker and workshop guru, Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic covers topics related to data storytelling, better presentations, and all things data viz.
Episodes
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borrow these 3 musical techniques for better presentations with Duncan Geere and Miriam Quick
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…
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how to win over a tough audience
“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…
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use a bump chart to reveal who’s rising and falling
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...
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stop trying to eliminate bias from your data story
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...
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AI does (and does not) work for data storytelling
Cole recently appeared on the Analytics Power Hour, and this was such a great conversation, we're rebroadcasting it here! ———— There’s a version of this episode where AI replaces the data visualization expert entirely, and there’s a version where it’s useless without one. Neither is quite right,...
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worth your time: 3 Outlier talks about dataviz & AI
What can AI help us see, try, or explore that we couldn’t easily do before? Alli shares three standout talks from the 2026 Outlier conference—and three lessons for using AI in data visualization: - Use AI to expand your options without outsourcing your judgment. - Give AI the information it needs...
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designing transitions
What happens in the space between one thing and the next? Whether you’re moving from email to deep thinking, analysis to communication, or one idea to another, these shifts require time and mental energy. In this episode, Cole explores how thoughtfully designing transitions can help you work,...
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waterfall charts: what they are and how to use them
Waterfall charts are great at showing what happened between where you started and where you ended—but they can look a little strange if you’ve never encountered one before. In this episode, Alli explains what a waterfall chart is, when to use one, and how to make it easier for your audience to...
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look more confident presenting with these simple tweaks with guest Jay Sullivan
Conveying confidence when presenting often comes down to a few small, intentional choices. Jay Sullivan, author of Simply Said and communication expert at Exec|Comm, shares three simple tweaks that can make an immediate difference. You’ll learn: his smart approach to eye contact what the “Arc of...
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how to build tension in your data story
Want to make your data story more engaging? Try adding a little tension. Join data storyteller Alli Torban as she explores how tension can create curiosity and keep your audience invested in your story. You’ll learn three simple ways to build tension—expectation versus reality, knowledge tension,...
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how to handle the “prove me right” problem
What do you do when a leader asks you to find data to prove them right? In this episode, data storytellers Ryan Biesecker and Alli Torban explore the difference between investigating a hypothesis and validating a foregone conclusion. They share practical ways to ask better questions, approach...
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help! my boss gave me a slide limit
How do you handle a presentation when your boss gives you a slide limit? Join data storyteller Alli Torban as she tackles this common presentation constraint. You'll learn why limiting slides doesn’t necessarily lead to shorter presentations, how negotiating for a time limit instead can lead to...
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earn curiosity before you show the data with guest Riley Martin
Join data storyteller Alli Torban as she talks with Riley Martin, founder of Sportsball, about one of the hardest parts of data storytelling: getting people to care before you show the data. You'll learn how Riley translates complex topics into approachable visual stories, why he assumes his...
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AI is flattening your data stories (and how to fix it)
Join Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic as she shares how AI can quietly flatten your data stories. You’ll learn why AI tends to smooth over the tension that makes a story compelling, how to keep the sharp edges that move your specific audience, and practical ways to stay in control—from analog…
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the slide title mistake we see often
Join data storyteller Alli Torban as she shares a very common slide title mistake: using questions as your slide titles. You'll learn why question-based titles can divide your audience's attention, how to write a better title, and a simple bonus tip for making both your slide titles and chart...
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how to improve your design (no artistic talent needed)
Do you have to be a designer to create better visuals? Join data storytellers Alex Velez and Alli Torban as they share practical ways to train your design eye by studying great examples, recreating charts, and seeking feedback—all while making intentional design decisions that help your audience...
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help! my data story feels boring
Can "nothing changed" still be a compelling data story? Join data storyteller Alli Torban as she shares why "everything is performing as expected" can still be a meaningful data story. Through three examples from the storytelling with data community, you'll learn practical techniques for making...
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how to teach data storytelling
How do you teach data storytelling—and how does that change across disciplines, audiences, and experience levels? Join data storyteller Amy Esselman and members of the storytelling with data university instructor community as they discuss how they help students move beyond analyzing data to...
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storytelling with data podcast: #100 the best episodes we’d send to a friend
In this special 100th episode, the storytelling with data team looks back at our favorite podcast moments and shares the episodes we'd recommend depending on where you are in your data storytelling journey. Whether you're learning the fundamentals, trying to create more compelling stories…
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storytelling with data podcast: #99 learn to love critique (even if you’re sensitive)
Cole and new SWD teammate Alli talk about how to get more comfortable receiving feedback—even if you’re sensitive to critique. They explore how mindset shapes the way you hear feedback, why separating yourself from your work can unlock growth, and how building feedback into your process can help...
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storytelling with data podcast: #98 how to overcome your presentation challenges
In this episode of the storytelling with data podcast, Simon and Amy tackle common presentation challenges submitted by subscribers to the storytelling with data YouTube channel. They discuss how to turn complex analysis into a clear and engaging story, why storyboarding can help you structure…
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storytelling with data podcast: #97 delivering business value with data, with Shachar Meir
In this episode of the storytelling with data podcast, Amy talks with Shahar Meir, a data executive with more than 20 years of experience leading data teams at companies including Meta and PayPal. Together, they explore what it really takes for data professionals to move beyond producing…
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storytelling with data podcast: #95 Structure Liberates – Why Your Data Needs a Style Guide with Maxine Graze
How do you ensure your data visuals are consistently effective—and on brand? In this episode, SWD data storyteller, Simon Rowe chats with Maxine Graze, Senior Data Visualization Engineer at King, about the process of building data visualization style guides. They explore why “structure…
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storytelling with data podcast: #96 what’s the story behind your data? demystifying data equity with Heather Krause
What if the numbers you work with every day weren’t as neutral as you thought? In this episode, Mike is joined by Heather Krause, founder of We All Count and longtime quantitative researcher, to unpack a powerful concept: data equity. Together, they explore how every step of a data project—from...
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storytelling with data podcast: #94 the uncharted territory of data and music with Chris Dalla Riva
Chris Dalla Riva is a musician, data analyst, and the author of Uncharted Territory: What Numbers Tell Us about the Biggest Hit Songs and Ourselves. In this episode, he joins data storyteller Mike Cisneros to talk about musical myths, hidden industry incentives, chart data, and underappreciated...
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storytelling with data podcast: #93 revisiting the magic of story
In this special episode of the *storytelling with data* podcast, Cole celebrates the 10-year anniversary of her best-selling book, *storytelling with data: a data visualization guide for business professionals*. She shares exciting updates about the newly released 10th Anniversary…
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storytelling with data podcast: #92 Why Dashboards Die—and How to Save Them With Allison Horst
In this episode of the storytelling with data podcast, Simon chats with Allison Horst—developer advocate at Observable, educator, and beloved data illustrator—to explore the difference between dashboards that get used and those that don’t. They dig into why so many data products go to waste, the...
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storytelling with data podcast: #91 Dashboards that Deliver with Andy Cotgreave
Data visualization veteran Andy Cotgreave joins host Mike Cisneros for a lively, wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of dashboards, the craft of data communication, and the future of generative AI in analytics. Andy reflects on his early career building “dashboards” in Excel for a...
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storytelling with data #90: ask smart questions (rebroadcast)
Asking good questions can help improve our own and others’ work: both when exploring and explaining data. In this rebroadcast of episode 19, Cole covers five smart queries to pose and answer during the analytical process and five more to consider when getting ready to explain that data to others....
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storytelling with data podcast: #89 putting the art in chart with Nadieh Bremer
Data storyteller Alex talks with Nadieh Bremer, an award-winning data visualization practitioner, about her new book, Chart: Designing Creative Data Visualizations from Charts to Art. Nadieh talks about her data visualization journey, from losing passion while creating dashboards to finding joy…
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storytelling with data podcast: #88: swimmer, startup, storyteller with fares ksebati
In this founder series edition of the storytelling with data podcast, Randy sits down poolside in Antalya, Turkey with Fares Ksebati—CEO and founder of MySwimPro, YouTube creator, and author of Swim Like a Pro and How Not to Drown. From humble beginnings as a walk-on college swimmer to building…
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storytelling with data podcast: #87: the founder’s journey: From Lagos to Zurich to AI-Powered Insights
In this second installment of our new podcast series, The Founder’s Journey, we sit down with Odun Odubanjo, CEO and founder of Insight7, a platform making qualitative data instantly actionable. Odun’s story starts in Lagos, Nigeria, where a chance internship at Google Zurich opened a door that...
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storytelling with data podcast: #86: speak so others listen
Want to speak in a way that makes others want to listen? In this episode, Cole dives into the art of confident communication—how to eliminate filler words, command attention with your voice and body language, and project confidence even when you don’t feel it. She shares real-world strategies…
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storytelling with data podcast: #85 what founders can teach us about storytelling & resilience
NEW SERIES: The Founder’s Journey – Stories of Building, Scaling & Storytelling We’re launching something new on thestorytelling with data podcast! In this special series, we’ll sit down with founders who are building something remarkable—diving into their journeys, the lessons they’ve learned…
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storytelling with data podcast: #84 mastering time
Time is a finite resource, so how do you make the most of it? Cole is joined by her husband, Randy, for a conversation on the art of getting things done, both in business and in life. From balancing busy work schedules to managing a family of five, they share their strategies for prioritization,...
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storytelling with data podcast: #83 reflect and refine
What if a simple pause could transform the way you work? In this episode, Cole delves into the concept of statio—a meditative pause during transitions—and its potential to inspire more thoughtful, impactful decisions in data analysis and communication. From asking the right questions at the start...
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storytelling with data podcast: #82 everyday design & dataviz
What do doors, wrapping paper, and speed bumps have in common? In this episode, Cole uncovers how the design of everyday objects can inspire better graphs and slides. Through relatable stories and practical takeaways, discover how thoughtful design can transform confusion into clarity and create...
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storytelling with data podcast: #81 How to Make Math Magical for Kids: Cole & Jon Orr from Make Math Moments
In this episode, Cole teams up with Jon Orr, co-founder of Make Math Moments, for an inspiring discussion on how to transform math education for young learners. They dive into Cole's new book, Daphne Draws Data, and explore how storytelling and visual data can empower children to approach math…
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storytelling with data podcast: #80 Inspiring The Next Generation - Daphne Draws Data
In this special episode, Cole unveils her new children's book, "Daphne Draws Data," a vibrant adventure aimed at making data, numbers and graphs accessible to young minds. Inspired by her own children's curiosity, Cole discusses the importance of introducing data literacy early through...
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storytelling with data podcast: #79 Recast: Cole & EXP Milwaukee
Cole sits down with Steve Glynn in an episode recorded for the Experience Milwaukee podcast that we’ve recast here. Tune in to hear about Cole’s path, books, and…scotch?! The pair dive into Cole’s new children’s book, Daphne Draws Data: A storytelling with data adventure, talk about life in...
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storytelling with data podcast: #78 Visualize This with Nathan Yau
Join Cole as she chats with Nathan Yau, founder of FlowingData and author of Visualize This and Data Points. Nathan shares his journey from grad school at UCLA to becoming a renowned figure in data visualization. They discuss the evolution of his work, the inception of FlowingData, and the impact...
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storytelling with data podcast: #77 creativity with data, a chat with Alli Torban
Data storyteller Alex talks with information designer Alli Torban about her new book, Chart Spark. Alli believes that creativity isn’t a synonym for art; instead, it’s the ability to generate new ideas or remix existing ideas in a useful way. When you learn to harness that creativity, you can...
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storytelling with data podcast: #76 deliver with confidence
In this repost of the Data Viz Today podcast, Information Designer Alli Torban talks with Cole about strategies for delivering data presentations, particularly for introverts. From identifying and managing nervous habits to intentionally adjusting style while maintaining authenticity, they share...
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storytelling with data podcast: #75 The Data Storyteller’s Handbook with Kat Greenbrook
Cole talks with New Zealand-based data storyteller, Kat Greenbrook, about her new book, The Data Storyteller’s Handbook: How to create business impact using data storytelling. Kat shares her empathy for anyone who has ever been told to “make your data tell a story” and isn’t sure where to start,...
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storytelling with data podcast: #74 planning your presentation
Cole shares low-tech planning strategies that will set you up for success in any important scenario in which you need to communicate. From crafting the Big Idea (plus a super useful worksheet to assist your efforts) to storyboarding to bringing it all into your tools, you’ll learn how a little…
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storytelling with data podcast: #73 stand up
Consider all of the things you do in the course of your daily work from a seated position: might you benefit from changing it up? In this episode, Cole discusses the power of standing up for different reasons and across a variety of situations. Tune in to understand how standing can boost...
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storytelling with data podcast: #72 Alberto Cairo and the art of insight
Alberto Cairo drops by to talk about his new book "The Art of Insight," which offers a unique take on data visualization. In conversation with data storyteller Mike, Cairo shares his Camus-inspired belief that life's meaning comes from community and work, and how that conviction shapes his own...
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storytelling with data podcast: #71 pre-reads are risky business
Sending slides before a meeting and asking your audience to do a pre-read has become the norm. Unfortunately, pre-reads never quite lead to the desired outcome of better questions and discussion, instead they create more challenges. Data storyteller Alex shares her thoughts on pre-reads and how…
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storytelling with data podcast: #70 prepare to present
Cole walks listeners through her process of preparing for a recent presentation—from turning an idea into slides, to how she readied herself to present powerfully. Tune in to hear how a visual navigation scheme can help you stay on track as you present and create memorable takeaways for your...
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storytelling with data podcast: #69 feedback you hate to receive
Whether you’ve asked for it or not, sometimes critique from others simply gets under our skin. From feel-good platitudes that lack actionability to outright requests to manipulate data—Cole covers five categories of common graph and slide feedback that people hate to receive. Tune in to learn...
About this show
Rid your world of ineffective graphs and mediocre presentations, one exploding 3D pie chart at a time! The storytelling with data podcast from bestselling author, speaker and workshop guru, Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic covers topics related to data storytelling, better presentations, and all things data viz.
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storytelling with data
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