The Jeff-alytics Podcast

AH Datalytics
  • 4.7 (9)
  • DOCUMENTARY

Can data uncover the real story of crime and justice in America?  Jeff Asher—nationally recognized crime data analyst, co-founder of AH Datalytics, co-creator of the Real Time Crime Index, and author of the Jeff-alytics Substack—sits down with policymakers, academics, journalists, and everyday people to reveal what the numbers actually show. Each episode challenges the myths we believe, exposes the gap between headlines and reality, and asks: what happens when we finally see crime clearly?  New episodes drop every other week! Visit ahdatalytics.com to learn more.

  1. 4D AGO

    The Nation’s Crime Measures with Alex Piquero

    In this engaging conversation, former Bureau of Justice Statistics director Alex Piquero shares his journey from playing in a rock band to becoming a prominent figure in criminology and the Bureau of Justice Statistics. We chat about the importance of crime data, particularly the National Crime Victimization Survey, and the challenges of public perception versus reality in crime trends. Piquero also highlights the intersection of sports and crime research, emphasizing the need for accurate data collection and communication. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Alex Piquero's journey into criminology was serendipitous.What is the role of the Bureau of Justice Statistics in crime data collection?Top revelations from the National Crime Victimization Survey.How all data has inherent weaknesses that must be acknowledged.What are the implications of crime data reporting in the US not being mandatory? The importance of visual communication in crime data reporting.Public perception of crime often differs from statistical reality.What is an essential point of balancing data with human stories in discussions about crime?The interesting trends revealed in Piquero's research, which intersects sports and crime.How Alex views the future of crime data collection with potential budget cuts looming.Alex R. Piquero is Professor in the Department of Sociology & Criminology and Arts & Sciences Distinguished Scholar the University of Miami and previously served as the Director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics, one of the nation’s thirteen federal statistical agencies (appointed by President Biden, June 2022). Dr. Piquero is a nationally and internationally recognized criminologist with more than 26 years of experience. Over the course of his career, Dr. Piquero has given congressional testimony on evidence-based crime prevention practices and has provided counsel and support to several local, state, national and international criminal justice agencies and elected leaders. His expertise ranges from criminal careers to criminal justice policy and crime prevention to the intersection of race/ethnicity and crime, with a focus on quantitative methodology. Dr. Piquero has published over 500 scholarly articles and several books and is among the most highly cited criminologists in the world. He also served as editor of the Journal of Quantitative Criminology and the Justice Evaluation Journal. He is a Fellow of both the American Society of Criminology and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. In 2019, he received the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Bruce Smith Sr. Award for outstanding contributions to criminal justice, and in 2020, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Division of Developmental and Life-Course Criminology of the American Society of Criminology. Resources: Learn More about Alex Piquero Follow the Jeff-alytics Podcast: Instagram: @RealTimeCrimeIndexLinkedIn: Real-Time Crime IndexWebsite: The Jeff-alytics Podcast

    40 min

  2. 12/30/2025

    The Jeff-alytics 2025 Year in Review

    This was a banner year for the Jeff-alytics universe and it's time to recap it! In this episode, host Jeff Asher reflects on three conversations this year that really resonated. This episode highlights the gap between public perception and actual data and emphasizes the need for diverse perspectives in shaping our understanding of crime and public safety. The episode features insights from various guests–Michael Lewis (Storyteller), Larry Krasner (District Attorney), and Susan Parker (Researcher). These conversations focus on points like the personal impacts of crime, the narratives that shape public opinion, and the infrastructure behind crime data collection. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What does the data say, despite the “doom and gloom” crime coverage? How understanding crime requires looking beyond just the numbers.How types of personal experiences shape our understanding of crime and justice.Can language reinforce stigma or restore dignity?The aspects Policymakers often miss when faced with realities of justice-impacted families.What infrastructure behind crime data is crucial for accurate understanding?How crime reporting in the US is not mandatory and leads to gaps in data.The importance of acknowledging the imperfections of data in communicating crime trends.What should be considered when discussing the human impact behind data points?How telling stories from the inside out can change public perception.Resources: Jeff Asher SubstackJeff Asher LinkedInFollow the Jeff-alytics Podcast: Instagram: @RealTimeCrimeIndexLinkedIn: Real-Time Crime IndexWebsite: The Jeff-alytics Podcast

    12 min
  3. Episode 10: When Criminal Justice Policy Ignores Lived Experiences with Ifetayo Harvey

    12/17/2025

    Episode 10: When Criminal Justice Policy Ignores Lived Experiences with Ifetayo Harvey

    In this conversation, Jeff Asher and Ifetayo Harvey explore the misconceptions surrounding crime trends, the importance of context in data interpretation, and the stigma associated with drug use. They discuss the need for policymakers to experience the realities of justice-impacted families and the significance of using person-first language. Additionally, Jeff and Ifetayo highlight gaps in data collection within the justice system, particularly regarding health outcomes and the backgrounds of legal professionals. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How crime trends are often misunderstood across various demographics.Why context is crucial for accurate data interpretation.Learn about the root causes for racial disparities in arrests.Are policymakers missing experience in challenges faced by justice-impacted families?The perpetuation stigma in our use of language in crime data discussion.How person-first language is essential in discussions about drug use.Is data collection in the justice system inadequate?How health outcomes of incarcerated individuals need more attention.Learn how the legal profession often reflects socioeconomic disparities.How understanding the backgrounds of legal professionals can inform justice reform. Guest Bio: Ifetayo Harvey is a writer, advocate, and speaker, and the founder and executive director of the POC Psychedelic Collective. She began her writing career as a monthly contributor to her hometown newspaper, The Post and Courier, and later interned with the Drug Policy Alliance, where she spoke at the International Drug Policy Reform Conference about growing up with an incarcerated parent. Her story has since been featured on National Public Radio, and her work spans articles, book contributions, and public speaking focused on parental incarceration, drug policy, and the war on drugs. Through the POC Psychedelic Collective, Ifetayo has built a platform centering people of color in education and community around psychedelics. Outside of her advocacy work, she is a lifelong musician, photographer, soap maker, and needle arts enthusiast. Resources: Ifetayo Harvey’s website Follow the Jeff-alytics Podcast: Instagram: @RealTimeCrimeIndexLinkedIn: Real-Time Crime IndexWebsite: The Jeff-alytics Podcast

    27 min
  4. Episode 9: Lessons From Economics on Communicating Crime Data with Paul Krugman

    12/10/2025

    Episode 9: Lessons From Economics on Communicating Crime Data with Paul Krugman

    In this episode of the Jeff-alytics Podcast, Paul Krugman discusses his extensive background in economics, the challenges of communicating economic realities, and the discrepancies between public perception and actual data. He emphasizes the role of media in shaping these perceptions and the impact of social media on public trust in data. Krugman also reflects on the importance of success stories in economics and crime reporting, the changing media landscape, and shares his experiences with the Nobel Prize. He concludes by expressing his current focus on his Substack and the balance between work and enjoying life.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Paul Krugman’s long history in economics, starting from academic research to public writingHow public perception of the economy often diverges from actual economic dataThe truth that stands between people's personal experiences and accurate reflection of the overall economyThe role the media contributes to shaping perceptions of crime and the economyThe impact of social media on the overall trust in dataHow success stories in economics are often underreported in the mediaWhy the changing media landscape offers both challenges and opportunities for communicationThe process and impact of the Nobel Prize experience The importance of communicating complex economic realities effectively Guest Bio: Paul Krugman is a research professor at the City University of New York’s Graduate Center, a core faculty member at the Stone Center on Socio-Economic Inequality, and a LIS senior scholar. He previously taught at MIT, Stanford, and Princeton. He is the author or co-author of many academic papers and numerous books aimed at both professional and general audiences, including Market Structure and Foreign Trade, Geography and Trade, The Return of Depression Economics, and Arguing with Zombies: Economics, Politics, and the Fight for a Better Future. In recognition of his work on international trade and economic geography, Krugman received the John Bates Clark award of the American Economic Association in 1991, the Prince of Asturias award for social sciences in 2004, and the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2008. For nearly 25 years, he was an op-ed columnist and commentator for The New York Times. In December 2024, he reintroduced his Substack newsletter. Link & Resources: Learn more about Paul Krugman on the CUNY Graduate Center website.Follow Paul’s Substack for economic insights and more. Follow the Jeff-alytics Podcast: Instagram: @realtimecrimeindexYoutube: @Aggregated_RTCIWebsite: www.ahdatalytics.com/jeff-alytics_podcast/

    34 min
  5. Episode 8: What Can Minneapolis Teach Us About Police Reform? with Ganesha Martin, Esq.

    12/03/2025

    Episode 8: What Can Minneapolis Teach Us About Police Reform? with Ganesha Martin, Esq.

    In this episode of the Jeff-alytics Podcast, Ganesha Martin, Esq. shares her unique journey from law to policing, reflecting on her experiences in Baltimore and Minneapolis. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in police reform, emphasizing community engagement, the role of consent decrees, and the importance of addressing public perceptions of crime and safety. Ganesha also highlights the need for innovative solutions, investment in resources, and storytelling as tools to create meaningful change in policing. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Ganesha Martin transitioned unexpectedly from law to policing and the role she played in Baltimore during a time of crisis and community unrest.Why Minneapolis is unique in working under both a state settlement agreement and a federal consent decree.What does it look like to create innovative, practical reform that speaks to the experience of police and community? How public perceptions of police and crime, shaped by media and personal experiences, often overshadow statistical improvements in crime rates.What role do consent decrees play in police departments, and how are they used to improve policing?Why investment in technology, training, and community engagement is crucial for effective policing.Guest Bio: Ganesha Martin, Esq. is a human-centered public safety expert and Bureau Chief of Constitutional Policing for the Minneapolis Police Department. She has led major reform efforts in Minneapolis, Baltimore, and nationally, bridging the needs of communities and the officers who serve them. Ganesha is widely sought after for her work on consent decrees, community engagement, and reimagining what just and effective public safety can look like. Resources & Links: Learn more about Ganesha Martin on her website: GaneshaMartin.com Follow the Jeff-alytics Podcast: Instagram: @realtimecrimeindexYoutube: @Aggregated_RTCIWebsite: www.ahdatalytics.com/jeff-alytics_podcast/

    41 min
  6. Episode 7: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About NIBRS But Were Afraid To Ask with Dr. Susan Parker

    11/25/2025

    Episode 7: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About NIBRS But Were Afraid To Ask with Dr. Susan Parker

    In this conversation, Dr. Susan Parker discusses her work at the intersection of health and crime, focusing on NIBRS (the National Incident-Based Reporting System) and its implications for understanding crime data. She explains the complexities of crime reporting, the innovative uses of NIBRS data in research, and the challenges agencies face in implementing this new system. The discussion also touches on the future of NIBRS, the importance of non-fatal shooting data, and how to effectively communicate crime trends to the public. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How does quantitative social science intersect with both health and crime?What is NIBRS, how does it differ from previous crime reporting systems, and why was it adopted nationwide?How does the crime reporting process work, and how has NIBRS data been used to uncover trends like gun thefts and non-fatal shootings?What challenges do agencies face when implementing NIBRS, and how do resource constraints and training needs affect reporting?How can NIBRS data reveal changes in crime trends after policy shifts, and why is timely reporting essential for accuracy?How can crime data be effectively communicated to the public, and why is accessibility and engagement so important? Guest Bio: Dr. Susan Parker is a Research Assistant Professor in the Buehler Center for Health Policy & Economics in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Northwestern University. Her research applies quantitative methods to crime and health research questions and data. Website: Learn more about Dr. Susan Parker on her website: Susan T. Parker. Resources: Azrael, D., & Parker, S. T. (2025). Trends in gun theft. Council on Criminal Justice. https://counciloncj.org/trends-in-gun-theft/ National Bureau of Economic Research. (2025, October 10). The economics of firearm markets, crime, and gun violence, fall 2025. National Bureau of Economic Research. https://www.nber.org/conferences/economics-firearm-markets-crime-and-gun-violence-fall-2025 Parker, S. T. (2022, May 2). Measuring gun violence in police data sources: Transitioning to NIBRS. Injury Epidemiology, 9, Article 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40621-022-00376-8 Follow the Jeff-alytics Podcast: Instagram: @RealTimeCrimeIndexLinkedIn: Real-Time Crime IndexWebsite: The Jeff-alytics Podcast

    33 min
  7. Episode 6: Data and the Prosecutor with Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner

    11/19/2025

    Episode 6: Data and the Prosecutor with Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner

    In this conversation, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner discusses his journey to office, the innovative use of data in criminal justice, and the importance of community engagement. He emphasizes the need for transparency, the role of prevention and forensics in reducing crime, and the challenges posed by political narratives around crime.  Krasner shares insights on how his office has adapted policies based on data and the importance of storytelling in communicating success. He also addresses the future goals for his office and offers advice to other district attorneys on effective communication and engagement with the media. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What has Larry Krasner’s experience as the District Attorney of Philadelphia been like?How is the Philadelphia DA’s office embracing data to communicate their approach to criminal justice?The unlikely candidate Krasner hired to lead the DA’s data labHow is transparency in data crucial, regardless of data outcomes?What is the impact of effective communication on the residents of Philadelphia’s perceptions of crime?How can investing in prevention become a key factor in crime reduction?What aspect of criminal investigation plays a significant role in solving crimes and ensuring justice?How is contextualizing crime data essential for public understanding?What policies has Krasner's office adapted policies based on data findings?How is community engagement vital for effective crime reduction strategies?Guest Bio:  Larry Krasner, born in 1961 in St. Louis to a World War II veteran and a minister, earned degrees from the University of Chicago and Stanford Law School, where he focused on social justice rather than corporate law. After graduating in 1987, he returned to Philadelphia to work as a public defender and later founded his own criminal defense and civil rights practice in 1993. Over his career, he has tried thousands of cases, filed more than 75 civil rights lawsuits against police misconduct, and defended activists and marginalized communities at little to no cost. As Philadelphia’s District Attorney, Larry has prioritized justice reform—supporting victims, exonerating the innocent, reducing incarceration, holding police accountable, and addressing the root causes of crime. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife of 37 years. Resources & Links: Learn more about Larry Krasner at KrasnerforDA.com. Follow the Jeff-alytics Podcast: Instagram: @realtimecrimeindexYoutube: @Aggregated_RTCIWebsite: www.ahdatalytics.com/jeff-alytics_podcast/

    33 min
  8. Episode 5: A Legislator’s Vision for Data-informed Policymaking with Whitney Westerfield

    11/12/2025

    Episode 5: A Legislator’s Vision for Data-informed Policymaking with Whitney Westerfield

    In this conversation, Whitney Westerfield shares his journey as a state senator and his insights into criminal justice policy. He discusses the importance of data in shaping legislation, his experiences as a prosecutor, and the challenges of balancing victim needs with effective criminal justice reform.  Whitney reflects on his proudest legislative achievements, including juvenile justice reform and victim rights, while also addressing the complexities of voting against party lines. The discussion highlights the need for accurate crime data and the public's perception of crime trends, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and informed policymaking. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What are Whitney Westerfield’s reflections as a former state senator and prosecutor in criminal justice?What is the importance of data in shaping effective policies?What invaluable insights did Whitney gain to help him understand the justice system?How is data-driven decision-making important in the legislative voting process?What are complex challenges to the criminal justice reform process?How can public perception often misrepresents crime trends?What types of advocacy are crucial for informed policymaking?What is the impact of building relationships with legislators?What is Whitney’s vision for his advocacy work in criminal justice reform?Guest Bio:  Whitney is a former state senator, judiciary chairman, and prosecutor.  He works in criminal justice policy through his firm Catalyst Collaborative, and serves as the Director of Legal and Government Affairs for LifeSkills, Inc., in Kentucky.  When he’s not working, Whitney and his wife, Amanda, have their hands full with five children, including one-year-old triplets! Resources & Links: Whitney Westerfield’s Website Follow the Jeff-alytics Podcast: Instagram: @RealTimeCrimeIndexLinkedIn: Real-Time Crime IndexWebsite: The Jeff-alytics Podcast

    34 min
See All (13)

Trailer

4.7
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Can data uncover the real story of crime and justice in America?  Jeff Asher—nationally recognized crime data analyst, co-founder of AH Datalytics, co-creator of the Real Time Crime Index, and author of the Jeff-alytics Substack—sits down with policymakers, academics, journalists, and everyday people to reveal what the numbers actually show. Each episode challenges the myths we believe, exposes the gap between headlines and reality, and asks: what happens when we finally see crime clearly?  New episodes drop every other week! Visit ahdatalytics.com to learn more.

Information

  • Creator
    AH Datalytics
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Jeff-alytics Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Jeff-alytics Podcast

You Might Also Like