storytelling with data podcast

Latest Episodes:

help! my boss gave me a slide limit Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

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 clearer communication, and practical strategies for when the slide limit truly isn’t negotiable.

SHOW NOTES: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/107

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Register for our virtual, public workshop on August 20, 2026⁠ (use code PODCAST10 for 10% off our public workshops and on-demand courses)
Alex’s blog post: limit the minutes and let the slides slide
Book your own custom team training

earn curiosity before you show the data with guest Riley Martin Aug 05, 2026

Show notes

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 audience starts with little or no background knowledge, and practical techniques for uncovering what your audience actually wants to know.

Show notes: ⁠https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/106

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Register for our virtual, public workshop on August 20, 2026 (use code PODCAST10 for 10% off our public workshops and on-demand courses)
Riley Martin on LinkedIn
Sportsball website
Ilia Malinin figure skating infographic
Sakura Micron pens
Pentel PointLiner pens
Zebra ClickArt markers
Flourish Studio

AI is flattening your data stories (and how to fix it) Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

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 brainstorming to sharper prompts. The goal: use AI as a thought partner without letting it dilute your perspective.

Show notes: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/105

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Learn about ourEnhance with AI team training

Read our blog series on practical AI guidance

Watch our live event on YouTube: AI for data storytelling

Use code PODCAST10 for 10% off our public workshops and on-demand courses

the slide title mistake we see often Jul 22, 2026

Show notes

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 titles work together. It's a small change that can make your presentations much easier to understand.

Show notes: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/104

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Simon Rowe's blog post: "be careful using questions as slide titles"
Alex Velez's blog post: "transforming slide titles"
Watch our AI virtual event recording on YouTube
Learn about our Enhance with AI team training
Use code PODCAST10 for 10% off our public workshops and on-demand courses

how to improve your design (no artistic talent needed) Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

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 understand your message faster. If you've ever thought, "I'm just not a designer," this episode will show you where to begin.

Show notes: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/103https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/103

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Cole’s blog post “can design be taught?”
Join the SWD community
Presenting Data Effectively by Stephanie Evergreen
Chart Spark by Alli Torban (X-RAY technique)
Watch our AI virtual event recording
Register for the 4-hour, public workshop on August 20th, 2026
- Use code PODCAST10 for 10% off!

help! my data story feels boring Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

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 "normal" meaningful by establishing expectations, adding helpful context, and giving your audience confidence to make a decision—even when there isn't a dramatic insight hiding in the data.

LINKS

Watch our free AI virtual event LIVE on July 13th, 2026
Register for the 4-hour, public workshop on August 20th, 2026

how to teach data storytelling Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

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 communicating it clearly. You'll hear practical teaching strategies, including hands-on critique, real-world datasets, audience-centered assignments, and thoughtful conversations about the role of AI in the classroom.

Whether you're an educator, trainer, team leader, or aspiring practitioner, you'll come away with ideas for helping yourself and others turn analysis into understanding—and understanding into action.

RELATED RESOURCES

Show notes

Register for our virtual live event on July 13th, 2026! AI for data storytelling: better graphs, slides, and presentations

storytelling with data podcast: #100 the best episodes we’d send to a friend Jun 25, 2026

Show notes

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, thinking more strategically, influencing stakeholders, or presenting with confidence, we've curated special playlists to help you find the right episodes faster.

Along the way, you'll hear memorable clips, practical lessons that have stuck with us over the years, and the moments that changed how we think about communicating with data.

If you're new to the podcast, this episode is the perfect place to start. If you've been with us for all 100 episodes, you'll discover hidden gems worth revisiting.

Show notes

https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/100

Spotify Playlists

Learning data storytelling basics: Playlist
Creating better stories: Playlist
Thinking strategically: Playlist
Influencing people and decisions: Playlist
Presenting with confidence: Playlist

storytelling with data podcast: #99 learn to love critique (even if you’re sensitive) Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

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 you improve faster. Along the way, they share personal stories—from Cole coaching a fourth-grade presentation to Alli’s early podcasting struggles—and how their own perspectives on feedback have evolved.

You’ll also hear practical tips for asking for better feedback and managing the tension that can come with critique. If you create and share ideas at work, this episode is for you. You don’t need thicker skin—you need a new perspective and a better process.

Related links:

8-week online course: plan, create, and deliver your data story (next cohort starts September 2026)—use code Podcast10 for 10% off!
Register for the upcoming SWD free Live Event: AI for data storytelling
Podcast episode 6: say it out loud
Podcast episode 77: Alli Torban on Chart Spark
Book: storytelling with you
Join the storytelling with data community to get feedback on your work
Data Stories podcast episode 133 (with Enrico Bertini, Moritz Stefaner, Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, Alli Torban, and Jon Schwabish)

storytelling with data podcast: #98 how to overcome your presentation challenges May 06, 2026

Show notes

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 your message before jumping into slides, and how to decide what to include—and what to leave out—when your analysis contains more detail than your audience needs.

Simon and Amy also explore practical strategies for presenting dashboards, balancing graphs and tables, preparing for tough questions, connecting with your audience, and managing nerves. Along the way, they share personal presentation mishaps, hard-earned lessons, and concrete tips for building confidence, reducing filler words, and delivering with greater clarity.

Whether you’re presenting to executives, clients, colleagues, or classmates, this episode offers practical guidance to help you plan, create, and deliver more effective presentations.

Related resources:

Subscribe to the storytelling with data YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@storytellingwithdata
Register for the May 14, 2026 virtual workshop: https://storytellingwithdata.com/workshops
Use code Podcast10 for 10% off
Book: storytelling with you: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/books
Podcast episode 86: speak so others listen: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/confidentcommunication
Podcast episode 46: the question of questions

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