Data Nation

Latest Episodes:

Data, Debt, and the Dollar: A Conversation with Ken Rogoff Oct 30, 2025

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In this episode of MIT's Data Nation, hosts Liberty Vittert Capito and Munther Dahleh sit down with economist, Harvard professor and former Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund, Kenneth Rogoff, to discuss his latest book Our Dollar, Your Problem: An Insider's View of Seven Turbulent Decades of Global Finance, and the Road Ahead. Rogoff breaks down the intricacies of global economics, the trouble with crypto currencies and what we can expect if the US dollar loses its global importance.

Beyond the Trip: The Data on Psychedelics Sep 30, 2025

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What can data science reveal about the mind on psychedelics? In this episode of MIT's Data Nation, hosts Munther Dahleh and Liberty Vittert Capito speak with Nicolas Langlitz and Joshua S. Siegel about the future of mental health treatment and the role of psychedelics. Join us for a provocative look at the science behind altered states.

Harnessing the Power of Data: Chat with Munzer Dahleh Aug 28, 2025

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In this episode of Data Nation Liberty interviews our very own Munzer Dahleh. Munzer emphasizes that while data is most important, focusing on the right data is essential for meaningful impact. Drawing from his latest book, Data, Systems, and Society: Harnessing AI for Societal Good, he shares insights on how AI and data can be aligned to create positive societal change. Tune in to learn how to harness data responsibly and effectively for the greater good.

De-Extinction, Data, and the Future of Conservation with Colossal Jul 29, 2025

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In this episode of Data Nation, we talk with leaders of Colossal, a company working to bring back extinct animals like the wooly mammoth, Tasmanian tiger (thylacine), and dodo bird. Colossal CEO Ben Lamm, Chief Science Officer Dr. Beth Shapiro, and Colossal Foundation President Matt James join us to explain how they use gene editing and advanced technology, like CRISPR, to try and make de-extinction possible. We will break down the science and talk about the big questions, like is it right to bring back extinct animals, how it might help the planet, and what it takes to fund such bold endeavors. You'll also hear how data-driven solutions are reshaping the future of conservation. Tune in to MIT's Data Nation to learn how science, ethics, and innovation come together in the wild work of de-extinction.

Behind the Tariff: What the Data Says Jun 30, 2025

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In this episode of Data Nation, economist Dr. Dave Donaldson joins us to explore how data shapes U.S. tariff policy. The discussion focuses on why Americans are skeptical of tariffs, how different industries are impacted by trade protections, and how these choices reflect broader social and political values. In this episode, Dr. Donaldson gives us further insight on whether recent shifts in trade policy are driven by economics or politics. We also look at how uncertainty around tariffs affects the economy and what smart, data-informed policy might look like moving forward.

Immigration by the Numbers: What the Data Really Says May 29, 2025

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In this episode of Data Nation, economist Giovanni Peri and political scientist Margaret Peters join us to explore the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration and the data that shapes it. The discussion covers key issues like the economic impact of immigration on native-born workers, the role of wealth in shaping immigration policy, and the accuracy of immigration data. Peri and Peters share insights on how immigration affects wages, job markets, and public opinion, while examining the limitations of current immigration data and the misinformation it can fuel. Together, we unpack the myths, policies, and political pressures surrounding immigration, and what the numbers truly reveal.

Jillian Michaels: Exposing the Truth About our Food and Weight Loss Apr 29, 2025

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In this episode of Data Nation, fitness expert Jillian Michaels joins us to explore the complex world of food safety, nutrition, and health. The discussion covers critical topics like hidden food chemicals, misleading food labels, calorie tracking challenges, and the controversial rise of weight loss medications like Ozempic. Michaels provides insights into the food industry's manipulation of ingredients, the potential health risks of processed foods, and the broader implications of chemical additives on chronic diseases.

Rising Tensions and Sea Levels: Advancing Extreme Weather Policy and Technology Feb 25, 2025

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Today on Data Nation, we are speaking with Kerry Emanuel and Kelvin Droegemeier to better understand extreme weather prevention and technology. Together, we'll explore extreme weather displacement, changing weather conditions, and the legislation behind natural disaster procedures and measures.

With Kerry Emanuel's expertise in meteorology and extreme weather prediction as well as Kelvin Droegemeier's legislation work as the Former Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, today's episode will provide insightful and credible conversation on this topic.

With millions of Americans at risk from climate change, it is crucial to understand where laws and technology are shifting in the world of extreme weather events.

Money, Sports, and Data: The World of College Athletics Jan 30, 2025

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In this episode, we dive into the rapidly evolving world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) with Michael Schwimer, CEO of Big League Advantage and Alabama Men's Basketball's secret weapon to making it to the Final Four for the first time in school history. First, we explore the origins of NIL, the NCAA's initial resistance, and the mechanics of NIL deals, including how collectives operate. Schwimer shares insights on the opportunities and pitfalls of NIL and the long-term implications of NIL for athletes, especially female athletes. Secondly, we dive into how data analytics can revolutionize roster-building in the NIL era. Schwimer explains how Big League Advantage is shaping data science in college athletics, and he offers a behind-the-scenes look at the thought process that was behind helping Alabama's Men's Basketball team reach the Final Four with minimal NIL spending. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of sports, money, and data in the collegiate world.

Beyond Botox: The Future and Ethics of Anti-Aging Technologies Dec 16, 2024

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Today on Data Nation, we are speaking with Jeffrey Karp and Daniel Belsky to explore the future of anti-aging technologies. Together, we'll explore the accuracy of biological age tests, the ethics of anti-aging technologies, and how to ensure these innovations benefit more than just the wealthy. With Jeffrey Karp's expertise in brain health and creating biomedical advancements in the Karp Lab and Daniel Belsky's work in aging and healthspan research at the Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, today's episode will provide insightful and credible conversation on this topic.

With anti-aging and healthspan being a concern for many people's future, it is crucial to understand where these technologies are shifting towards.

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