The Method to Our Madness

staceymerola
  • 5.0 (1)
  • SOCIAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Method to Our Madness is a podcast that explores the art, ethics, and impact of research and evaluation. Hosted by award-winning evaluator and musician Dr. Stacey Merola, and William Pate, who together have close to 50 years of evaluation experience, each episode dives into the stories behind the data. Join our two hosts as they discuss their trials and tribulations as program evaluators: how they engage stakeholders, ask questions, measure change, and translate findings into action.  From equity-driven frameworks to creative data storytelling, this show brings together thought leaders, community advocates, and methodologists to rethink what meaningful evidence looks like. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or just curious about how evaluation shapes the world, tune in for insights that are rigorous, resonant, and real. 

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    How to Get the Most Out of Attending Academic and Professional Conferences

    Ever gone to a conference for the free swag and accidentally left with a career‑changing conversation? From data‑themed outfits to awkwardly empty presentation rooms, Stacey and Bill swap stories about how to get the most out of your conference experience. Drawing on years of attending, presenting at, and navigating professional and academic conferences across evaluation, psychology, sociology, and research spaces, Stacey and Bill share honest reflections about what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they’d known sooner. In this episode, they cover: Why people go to conferences in the first place How networking leads to jobs and collaborations Big conferences vs. small ones, and which might be better for you Simple ways to be more approachable (and memorable) The highs and lows of presenting, from packed rooms to empty ones How location, planning, and conference structure shape the experience Episode takeaways: Conferences are most valuable when you’re intentional about why you’re attending. Smaller or regional conferences often lead to more meaningful conversations. Being prepared—and approachable—can open unexpected doors. Not every presentation will be a hit, and that’s okay. Serendipity plays a bigger role than most people expect. Links to organizations and conferences mentioned in this episode: American Evaluation Association (AEA): https://www.eval.org/ American Psychological Association (APA): https://convention.apa.org/ Eastern Evaluation Research Society (EERS): https://www.eers.org/ Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP): https://www.siop.org/events/the-annual-conference/ Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness (SREE): https://www.sree.org/2026-conference Mixed Methods International Research Association (MMIRA): https://mmira.wildapricot.org/australia2026 Podcast music written and produced by Stacey Merola. Podcast artwork was created by Zoe Targino.

    40 min

  2. FEB 5

    Introduction to Using Mixed Methods in Research

    Episode 05:  Mixed methods with special guest John Hitchcock Have you ever wanted to know about using mixed methods in your research? Check out our latest podcast on mixed methods and the paradigm wars in program evaluation for a discussion about what mixed methods is and is not with special guest John Hitchcock, Marilyn Sime Professor for Educational Excellence at the University of Minnesota.  John Hitchcock, a colleague of both Stacey and Bill, has published extensively on the topic mixed methods research. He explains what mixed methods is and is not in the world of evaluation research, shares examples from his work and collaborations with other leaders in the field and answers our questions about the topic.  Below are resources referenced by John and additional information on colleagues and concepts discussed in this episode.  Burke Johnson Google Scholar page Mixed methods research: A research paradigm whose time has come (2004) Article co-written with Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie Anthony (Tony) J. Onwuegbuzie University of Cambridge faculty bio Paradigm shift Popularized by Thomas Kuhn in  The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (1962; Wikipedia article) John W. Creswell and Vicki L. Plano Clarn Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research (Sage College Publishing) Michael Fetters Bio (Michigan Mixed Methods Program) The Mixed Methods Research Workbook (Sage Publications) Bonnie MacDougall Sri Lankan village life (Cornell Chronicle, July 17, 2018) Visit us on show website: https://themethodtoourmadness.podbean.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/methodtoourmadnesspodcast/ Podcast music written and produced by Stacey Merola. Podcast artwork by Zoe Targino.

    33 min

  3. JAN 22

    Research Ethics, Human Subjects Protections, and the Belmont Report

    In this podcast episode we discuss the principles that guide the protection of human subjects in medical and behavioral research by reviewing one of the seminal pieces on the subject, The Belmont Report. We also explore human subjects' protections in the context of current technological innovations. Notes related to the episode can be found here. Music written and produced by Stacey Merola. Podcast artwork was created by Zoe Targino.

    25 min

  4. JAN 9

    An Introduction to UX and Qualitative Research

    In this episode, we go to Guatemala to chat with UX expert Anna Sandoval, Ph.D. about UX and qualitative research. UX research is the process of understanding user perceptions, needs, and behaviors, in order to design products that are accessible and usable. Gaining this understanding involves collecting data through qualitative methods like interviews and observations. After listening to the episode, if you are interested in learning more, you can contact Anna on LinkedIn at Anna Sandoval Giron, PhD | LinkedIn or at Anna.b.sandoval@gmail.com. Podcast music written and produced by Stacey Merola. Podcast artwork by Zoe Targino.

    33 min

  5. 12/18/2025

    Evaluation History and the Evidence Act: An Overview

    Join us as we explore the roots of evaluation and the Evidence Act in this episode. Notes and sources are available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pLF4kYfyg25Ew3nQ4yD6tP6-AVnRPY3G/view?usp=drive_link.   Music written and produced by Stacey Merola. Artwork by Zoe Targino.

    28 min

  6. 12/03/2025

    Introduction to the Method to Our Madness

    In this episode, our hosts, Stacey Merola, Ph.D. and William Pate introduce themselves to the audience and discuss their vision for the podcast. Music by Stacey Merola. Podcast artwork by Zoe Targino.

    25 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

The Method to Our Madness is a podcast that explores the art, ethics, and impact of research and evaluation. Hosted by award-winning evaluator and musician Dr. Stacey Merola, and William Pate, who together have close to 50 years of evaluation experience, each episode dives into the stories behind the data. Join our two hosts as they discuss their trials and tribulations as program evaluators: how they engage stakeholders, ask questions, measure change, and translate findings into action.  From equity-driven frameworks to creative data storytelling, this show brings together thought leaders, community advocates, and methodologists to rethink what meaningful evidence looks like. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or just curious about how evaluation shapes the world, tune in for insights that are rigorous, resonant, and real. 

Information

  • Creator
    staceymerola
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Method to Our Madness