storytelling with data podcast

storytelling with data
  • 4.9 (114)
  • Business
  • Updated Biweekly

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.

  1. 18h ago

    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 analysis with curiosity, and navigate the tricky situation when the data doesn’t support what your leader expected. Learn how to protect your credibility while respectfully managing upward. SHOW NOTES: https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/podcast/108 RELATED RESOURCES: ⁠Register for our virtual, public workshop on August 20, 2026⁠. The next public workshop is November 5, 2026 (use code PODCAST10 for 10% off our public workshops and on-demand courses) Blog: what if my audience wants a different story? Blog: don't fall victim to "the curse of knowledge" Blog: how do I give an unbiased recommendation to my analysis? Community Conversation: around challenges while driving change Podcast: the challenges of change Book your own custom team training!

    how to handle the “prove me right” problem

  2. Aug 12

    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 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

    help! my boss gave me a slide limit

  3. Aug 5

    earn curiosity before you show the data

    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 LinkedInSportsball websiteIlia Malinin figure skating infographicSakura Micron pensPentel PointLiner pensZebra ClickArt markersFlourish Studio

    earn curiosity before you show the data

  4. Jul 29

    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 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 our Enhance 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

    AI is flattening your data stories (and how to fix it)

  5. Jul 22

    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 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

    the slide title mistake we see often

  6. Jul 15

    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 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!

    how to improve your design (no artistic talent needed)

  7. Jul 8

    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 "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 Show notes The storytelling with data book Join the SWD community Steven’s submission Robyn’s submission Gian’s submission Watch our free AI virtual event LIVE on July 13th, 2026 Register for the 4-hour, public workshop on August 20th, 2026

    help! my data story feels boring

  8. Jul 1

    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 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 notesSWD instructor resource hub Big Idea worksheet Featured guests: Francisco Cruzado Perni Lisa Carlson Simon Condliff Elizabeth Ricks Joel Dunahoe Register for our virtual live event on July 13th, 2026! AI for data storytelling: better graphs, slides, and presentations

    how to teach data storytelling
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4.9
out of 5
114 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    storytelling with data
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    109
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © storytelling with data
  • Show Website
    storytelling with data podcast

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