PODCAST · business
The Data Malarkey Podcast
by Sam Knowles
The Data Malarkey podcast – and it's audio-visual twin, the Data Malarkey Show on YouTube – a must-listen, must-watch resource of brilliant data storytelling. If only there were more people in the world with the pragmatic approach taken by my guests, well, there'd be rather less data malarkey about.
Episodes
-
What great insight looks like in the age of AI - Data Malarkey
What is insight, really, and what happens when we confuse prediction with understanding? In this episode of the Data Malarkey Podcast, Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, speaks with Zehra Chatoo, founder of Code For Good Now. They discuss insight, AI, bias, representation, and the human…
more -
Why Efficiency Is Making Us Care Less │Data Malarkey with Judah Armani
What if design is not really about products at all, but about bridging the gap between the world as it is and the world we hope for? In this episode of Data Malarkey, Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, speaks with Judah Armani, Head of the Public Service Design Practice CIC. Judah is a...
-
How to Turn Data Into Real Insight │Data Malarkey with Louise Twycross-Lewis
What turns data into insight, and why does that distinction matter so much in media, research, and strategy? In this episode of Data Malarkey, Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, speaks with Louise Twycross-Lewis, Managing Partner and Head of Insight at media agency PHD. They address how…
more -
How Algorithms Are Putting Children at Risk │Data Malarkey with Andy Burrows
What happens when platform design, recommendation algorithms, and commercial incentives collide with teenage vulnerability? In this episode of Data Malarkey, Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, speaks to Andy Burrows, Chief Executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, about online safety, suicide...
-
What Happens to Your Data When You Die? │ Data Malarkey with Carl Öhman
What happens to your data when you die? In this episode of Data Malarkey, Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, welcomes Carl Öhman, Assistant Professor in Political Science at Uppsala University and author of The Afterlife of Data: What Happens to Your Information When You Die and Why You Should...
-
What should marketing and communications leaders actually do with AI right now?
In this live episode of Data Malarkey - recorded live on stage at the 'AI for PR' conference in June 2026 - Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, speaks with Pete Markey, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer at the University of Nottingham. Their wide-ranging discussion covered, AI, brand...
-
"Real to Reel - Using Data Smarter" Data Malarkey Season 10 highlights: equality, AI, and the Four-Day Week
What were the standout moments from Season 10 of Data Malarkey? In this end-of-season special, host and Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, looks back at some of the best bits, biggest ideas, and sharpest soundbites from across Season 10. This "greatest hits" episode brings together a brilliant...
-
How the four-day week boosts sleep, wellbeing, and output with Charlotte Rae
The four-day week gets talked about a lot, but what happens when you stop talking about the theory and start measuring impact properly? In this episode of Data Malarkey - the podcast about using data, smarter - Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, speaks to Charlotte Rae, Associate Professor in...
-
Why comms teams fail, even with great tools | Dino Delić
What if the problem is not your tool? In this episode of the Data Malarkey podcast, Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, speaks with Dino Delić of Meltwater, the global leader in media intelligence. Sam and Dino cover data, comms, capability-building, AI, and why too many teams are still using...
-
From Skype to delivery robots: Ahti Heinla on data, deep tech and solving the last mile problem
Ahti Heinla has built category-defining tech in two completely different worlds. First, he helped architect Skype, making internet communication simple enough to spread like wildfire. Then he co-founded Starship Technologies, tackling the "last mile problem" with autonomous delivery robots that...
-
"Equality FC": Karen and Charlie Dobres on Lewes FC, equity, attention, and the imbalance in FA Cup prize money between the men's and women's competitions
"Now, today is a first for data malarkey… This is the very first time that we've had two guests on the same episode. Not only two guests, but also a dynamic feminist wife and husband duo…" In this episode of the Data Malarkey podcast, host and Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, speaks with…
more -
Return On Inclusion: Why inclusive marketing drives growth (Ali Hanan, Creative Equals)
What if the biggest growth lever for brands in 2026 isn't media spend, targeting tweaks, or yet another funnel experiment … but inclusive marketing? In this episode of the Data Malarkey Podcast, Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, is joined by Ali Hanan, Founder & CEO of Creative Equals, to...
-
Harriet Kingaby on AI, Advertising, and the "No-Click Internet"
What happens when the business model of the internet rewards attention at any cost - and AI makes it even easier to centralise power, traffic, and revenue? In this episode of the Data Malarkey Podcast, host and Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, is joined by Harriet Kingaby, Co-Chair of the...
-
"Start Making Sense": Data Malarkey Season Nine greatest hits
Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles hosts a best-of-Season-Nine greatest hits episode, featuring: Kelly Beaver, Ipsos UK & Ireland; Angela Balakrishnan, the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO); AI pathfinder and TED Talker, Susan Etlinger; senior comms advisor at Wadds Inc., Stephen...
-
Reality doesn't obey logic — Angus Fletcher on anomalies, intuition, and innovation
Professor of Story Science, Angus Fletcher, joins Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, to dig into narrative cognition, creativity, and innovation in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments. Drawing on Project Narrative (based at Ohio State University) and his book Primal...
-
AI, authenticity, and digital detox — Kerry Watkins on Social for Good
Social for Good founder, Kerry Watkins, joins Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, to talk charity communications, nonprofit social media strategy, and building authentic engagement on LinkedIn. They cover why relying solely on a company page limits reach ("LinkedIn particularly wants people to...
-
Engineering rigour vs PR Malarkey - Stephen Waddington on data, stories, and measurement
Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, welcomes Wadds Inc.'s Stephen Waddington to explore engineering-style rigour in PR. They discuss: elevating the function during the pandemic, building multi-source datasets for the "Pints & Profits" case study, why "synthetic audiences" are "ultimately junk,"...
-
Data doesn't create meaning - we do
Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, welcomes AI Pathfinder and TED Talker, Susan Etlinger, for a conversation about AI, meaning-making, and agency. Topics include the influx of new data types, Orwell vs Huxley (after Neil Postman' Amusing Ourselves to Death), why we're "intentionally ceding...
-
Empowering people through information: Inside the ICO
Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles,speaks with Angela Balakrishnan, Executive Director of Strategic Communications & Public Affairs at the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) about information rights, public trust, AI, and why "data is about people". Topics include the ICO's role, rights...
-
Ultra-processed data: the hidden risk AI can't solve
In this episode of the Data Malarkey Podcast, Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, welcomes Kelly Beaver, Chief Executive of Ipsos UK & Ireland, to explore why the data industry is at a crossroads. Kelly shares insights from the Market Research Society's "Campaign for Better Data" - tackling...
-
Best of Series 8: Perception, Purpose, and Persuasion - The Data Malarkey Podcast
In this Greatest Hits episode, Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, rounds up the sharpest, most compelling, and most insightful moments from Series 8 of Data Malarkey - the podcast about using data, smarter. From AI and ethics to storytelling with data, this episode features golden snippets of...
-
Measuring what matters: Darryl Sparey on comms, metrics, and making data sing
In this episode of The Data Malarkey Podcast, host and Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, talks with Darryl Sparey, Managing Director and Co-Founder of UK-based PR agency, Hard Numbers. A seasoned expert in communications and marketing measurement, Darryl breaks down what it really means to…
more -
The Extinction of Experience: Christine Rosen on reclaiming humanity in a digital world
In this episode of The Data Malarkey Podcast, host and Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, is joined by Christine Rosen, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author of the 2025 book, The Extinction of Experience. They dig into what happens when real-world, face-to-face...
-
How AI Thinks: Chris Summerfield on human brains and machine algorithms
In this episode of Data Malarkey – the podcast about using data, smarter – Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, talks to Chris Summerfield, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Oxford. Chris shares insights into what makes human intelligence so remarkable, how AI models are...
-
Rebuilding trust in science with Caitlyn Looby
In this compelling episode of the Data Malarkey podcast, Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, welcomes Caitlyn Looby - scientist, journalist, and Great Lakes reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. From conducting soil microbe research in tropical cloud forests to demystifying scientific...
-
Mark Bonner on football, data, and the beautiful balance
In this lively episode of Data Malarkey, Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, is joined by Mark Bonner, Director of Football at Cambridge United. From academy coach to leading the club to shock cup victories, Bonner's football journey is anything but typical. Together, they explore the evolving...
-
Turning data into desirability: Automotive insights with Nick Ratcliffe
Recorded live at the DataComms 2025 conference in London, this very special episode of the Data Malarkey Podcast features Nick Ratcliffe, Customer Experience Director at Volkswagen Group UK. Host and master data storyteller, Sam Knowles, delves into how Nick and his team wield data to enhance...
-
Season 7 Greatest Hits: AI, Kindness & the Power of Storytelling
We've reached 51 episodes and wrapped Season 7 of Data Malarkey! In this greatest hits episode, host Sam Knowles shares the most powerful moments from a season packed with insights—from AI ethics to data puppets, from psychology and kindness to practical business transformation. Revisit brilliant...
-
AI as an Intern, Not a Genius: Julie Holmes on Automation, Ethics & Human Impact
In this energising episode of the Data Malarkey Podcast, Master Data Storyteller Sam Knowles speaks with Julie Holmes, entrepreneur, inventor, and AI advisor. Julie shares her insights into how businesses can make AI work with their people – not instead of them. She dives into creative…
more -
Truth Before Meaning: Scott Taylor on Data Storytelling & Business Impact
In this episode of the Data Malarkey Podcast, host Sam Knowles welcomes Scott Taylor, The Data Whisperer, to break down why data storytelling is the missing business skill in the world of AI, analytics, and business intelligence. Scott shares why he believes in Truth Before Meaning, the idea that...
-
The Science of Kindness & Finding Joy in Data | Prof. Robin Banerjee on Psychology & Empathy
Is kindness just a "soft" concept, or is there real science behind it? In this episode of the Data Malarkey podcast, Master Data Storyteller Sam Knowles is joined by Professor Robin Banerjee, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global and Civic Engagement at the University of Sussex. Robin's research…
more -
Trust, AI, and the Future of Human Connection with Cecilia Dones
In this engaging episode of the Data Malarkey Podcast, Master Data Storyteller and host Sam Knowles welcomes Cecilia Dones, a thought leader in data, AI, and human connection. Ceci explores how technology shapes the way we interact, trust, and build relationships—both online and offline. She…
more -
From CERN to Ad Regulation: How AI & Data Science Are Changing Advertising | Adam Davidson
Check out our Data Storytelling scorecard: https://data-storytelling.scoreapp.com In this episode of the podcast, Master Data Storyteller Sam Knowles sits down with Adam Davidson, Head of Data Science at the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). Adam shares his fascinating journey from CERN's...
-
How can we build an AI future which respects ethics and data privacy? With Professor Sylvie Delacroix, Centre for Data Futures, King's College London
In this thought-provoking episode of the Data Malarkey Podcast, master data storyteller Sam Knowles sits down with Sylvie Delacroix, the inaugural Jeff Price Chair in Digital Law in the Dickson Poon School of Law at King's College London. Sylvie shares her insights into data ethics, the...
-
The Smartest Data Moments from Season 6
In this special wrap-up episode of Data Malarkey, host and Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, takes us through the standout moments from Season 6 of the podcast. From neuroscience-driven storytelling to data privacy law, this compilation showcases some of the smartest and most impactful ways...
-
Unlocking Creativity: Natalia Talkowska on Neuroscience, Storytelling & Innovation
In this episode of Data Malarkey, we sit down with Natalia Talkowska, founder of Natalka Design, to explore the fascinating intersection of neuroscience, visual communication, and storytelling. Natalia shares her inspiring journey and how she helps people overcome self-doubt, embrace creativity,...
-
How can we improve product and brand design with data? With Bill Wallsgrove, Head of Ideas at Brandad
In this episode of the Data Malarkey podcast, master data storyteller Sam Knowles is joined by Bill Wallsgrove, Head of Ideas at Brighton-based communications and design agency, Brandad. Bill has more than 30 years' experience working in business strategy, brand creation, and communications...
-
How can we protect our privacy in the era of Big Tech? With Alice Wallbank, expert data privacy lawyer, Shoosmiths
In this episode of the Data Malarkey podcast, master data storyteller Sam Knowles is joined by Alice Wallbank, a professional support lawyer for the law firm Shoosmiths, whose clients include Mercedes-Benz, Octopus Ventures, and Travelodge. The company also specialises in working for businesses…
more -
Sir John Curtice on Election Insights, Exit Polls, and Data Storytelling
Join master data storyteller, Sam Knowles, for an enlightening conversation with Sir John Curtice, professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde and senior research fellow at the National Centre for Social Research. As we navigate 2024 which has been dubbed "the ultimate election year,"...
-
How can we unlock human behaviour with neuroscience and behavioural science? With Cristina de Balanzo, PhD, Founder of Walnut Unlimited
In this episode of the Data Malarkey podcast, we join master data storyteller Sam Knowles, in conversation with Cristina de Balanzo, PhD, Founder and Board Director at Walnut Unlimited, as she delves into the fusion of neuroscience, behavioural science, and strategic insights to unlock human...
-
How can we communicate numbers clearly so that people can better understand the choices they face in life? With Mike Ellicock, Founder & CEO of Plain Numbers
In this episode of the Data Malarkey podcast, master data storyteller Sam Knowles is joined by Mike Ellicock, Founder and Chief Executive of The Plain Numbers Project. Plain Numbers says of its purpose: "We enable clear communication of numbers everywhere so that people can better understand the...
-
How might we bring about gender equity in academic research? With Ylann Schemm, VP for Corporate Responsibility at Elsevier, and Executive Director of the Elsevier Foundation
In this episode of the Data Malarkey podcast, master data storyteller Sam Knowles is joined by Ylann Schemm, Vice President for Corporate Responsibility at the leading academic publisher, Elsevier, home to almost 3,000 academic journals, specialising in scientific, technical, and medical content....
-
On risk, uncertainty, and impact: how using data smarter is the fast track to success
Using data smarter is an attitude of mind. It's characterised by those who choose to communicate simply, clearly, and effectively, by making sense of the signals and cutting out the noise. Above all, it's about empathy, humanity, and appreciating the likely data tolerance of your audience. After...
-
How can we make the world better and fairer for all? With Professor Sir Simon Baron-Cohen from the University of Cambridge and the Autism Research Centre
In this episode of the Data Malarkey podcast, data storyteller Sam Knowles is joined by Sir Simon Baron-Cohen, Professor of Developmental Psychopathology at the University of Cambridge, where he also runs the Autism Research Centre. Simon has been working in the field of autism for approaching 40...
-
Why should you put people, love, and relationships at the heart of business? With John Hibbs of CoEfficient
In this episode of the Data Malarkey podcast, data storyteller Sam Knowles is joined by John Hibbs, the Co-Founder of CoEfficient, a company that helps organisations grow from the human perspective. It does this by gathering genuinely useful feedback from those who work for an organisation and…
more -
How can you tell if you should invest in a media company? With Ian Whittaker of Liberty Sky Advisors
In this episode of the Data Malarkey podcast, data storyteller Sam Knowles is joined by Ian Whittaker, one of the leading financial and commercial analysts covering the media and advertising sector. Ian is the managing director and owner of Liberty Sky Advisors, has twice been the City AM Analyst...
-
Why does marketing need to become more like engineering? With Sorin Patilinet from Mars, aka The Marketing Engineer.
In this episode of the Data Malarkey podcast, your host Sam Knowles is joined by Sorin Patilinet, Senior Director of Marketing Effectiveness at Mars. Sorin is also known as the Marketing Engineer. Our conversation was recorded remotely, via the medium of Riverside.fm, on 4 April 2024. Thanks to…
more -
How can experts provide the public with risk information that works? With Olivia Jensen, Director of the Institute for Public Understanding of Risk
In this episode of the Data Malarkey podcast, your host Sam Knowles is joined by Olivia Jensen, Director of the Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk (IPUR) based at the National University of Singapore. Our conversation was recorded remotely, via the medium of Riverside.fm, on 13 March...
-
How can we best communicate risk in our uncertain, post-truth world? With Sir David Spiegelhalter, Emeritus Professor of Statistics at the University of Cambridge
In this episode of the Data Malarkey podcast, your host Sam Knowles is joined by one of the world's finest data storytellers, David Spiegelhalter, the statistician and public communicator of his generation. Although he claims to have been retired for five years, the Emeritus Professor of…
more -
The data planets align. The more guests we welcome to Data Malarkey – and the more different their jobs and categories – the more we're able to join the dots between how those who use data smarter do so. A look back on Season Four of Data Malarkey
After our fourth collection of six great guests, it's a wrap for Season Four of Data Malarkey – the podcast about using data smarter. Your host, master data storyteller Dr Sam Knowles, picks out common themes and chooses his highlights from a lively series of conversations – recorded remotely…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Data Malarkey podcast – and it's audio-visual twin, the Data Malarkey Show on YouTube – a must-listen, must-watch resource of brilliant data storytelling. If only there were more people in the world with the pragmatic approach taken by my guests, well, there'd be rather less data malarkey about.
HOSTED BY
Sam Knowles
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Data Malarkey Podcast have?
The Data Malarkey Podcast currently has 78 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Data Malarkey Podcast about?
The Data Malarkey podcast – and it's audio-visual twin, the Data Malarkey Show on YouTube – a must-listen, must-watch resource of brilliant data storytelling. If only there were more people in the world with the pragmatic approach taken by my guests, well, there'd be rather less data malarkey about.
How often does The Data Malarkey Podcast release new episodes?
The Data Malarkey Podcast has 78 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Data Malarkey Podcast?
You can listen to The Data Malarkey Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Data Malarkey Podcast?
The Data Malarkey Podcast is created and hosted by Sam Knowles.
URL copied to clipboard!