The PolicyViz Podcast

The PolicyViz Podcast
  • 4.8 (55)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Learn how to be a great data communicator and visualizer with host Jon Schwabish. Hear from experts in the fields of data science, data visualization, and presentation skills to improve how you and your organization collect, analyze, and communicate your data in better, more efficient, and more effective ways.

  1. The People's Data: Why Federal Data Matters More Than Ever with Nick Hart

    3D AGO

    The People's Data: Why Federal Data Matters More Than Ever with Nick Hart

    In this episode, I talk with Nick Hart, President and CEO of the Data Foundation, about the rapidly changing landscape of federal data, statistical agencies, and evidence-based policymaking. We explore how the Evidence Act reshaped government data infrastructure, why privacy protections and data governance matter more than ever, and what’s been happening behind the scenes over the last year as agencies faced staffing cuts, data removals, and unprecedented political pressure. Nick explains how government data systems actually work, why the U.S. model is both admired and strained, and what a “Data System 2.0” might look like in the future. We also discuss state and local data roles, the risks of politicizing data, and two public-facing initiatives from the Data Foundation: the Evidence Act Hub and the People’s Data 100. This is a wide-ranging conversation about trust, transparency, and why government data quietly underpins far more of our lives than most people realize. Subscribe to the PolicyViz Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Become a patron of the PolicyViz Podcast for as little as a buck a month Check out the Data Foundation and their People's Data 100 project!  Follow me on Instagram,  LinkedIn,  Substack,  Twitter,  Website,  YouTube Email: jon@policyviz.com

    48 min
  2. Dashboards That Deliver: A Conversation with Amanda Makulec

    FEB 18

    Dashboards That Deliver: A Conversation with Amanda Makulec

    In this episode, I talk with Amanda Makulec about what it really takes to design dashboards and data products that people can understand and use. We dig into why so many dashboards fail, how designers and analysts often misjudge their audiences, and what it means to take a truly human-centered approach to data visualization. Amanda shares insights from her work leading the Data Visualization Society and from her book, including practical ways to think about context, cognition, and decision-making. We also discuss common misconceptions about dashboards, stakeholder expectations, and the gap between technical correctness and real-world usefulness. This conversation is packed with ideas for anyone building data tools meant to inform decisions, not just look impressive. Subscribe to the PolicyViz Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Become a patron of the PolicyViz Podcast for as little as a buck a month Pick up the new book, Dashboards That Deliver. Follow me on Instagram,  LinkedIn,  Substack,  Twitter,  Website,  YouTube Email: jon@policyviz.com

    43 min
  3. The Future of America's Data: Policy, Risk, and Resilience with Denice Ross

    FEB 4

    The Future of America's Data: Policy, Risk, and Resilience with Denice Ross

    In this episode, I talk with Denice Ross about the fragile state of federal data and her new work at DataIndex. We discuss how the removal, alteration, or disruption of federal data collections and data products affects research, policymaking, businesses, and everyday life. Denice explains the vision behind DataIndex and EssentialData, which monitor data risks, highlight data dependencies, and help users recognize how federal data benefit society. We also explore the roles of private-sector data, civic tech efforts, and public advocacy in building a more resilient national data infrastructure. It’s a fascinating look at what’s at stake when the country’s information backbone is no longer guaranteed. Subscribe to the PolicyViz Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Become a patron of the PolicyViz Podcast for as little as a buck a month Check out America's Essential Data Follow me on Instagram,  LinkedIn,  Substack,  Twitter,  Website,  YouTube Email: jon@policyviz.com

    40 min
  4. Before & After: Inside the New Book from the Storytelling with Data Team

    JAN 28

    Before & After: Inside the New Book from the Storytelling with Data Team

    In this episode, I’m joined by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic and Mike Cisneros from Storytelling with Data to talk about their new book, Before & After. We dig into where the examples came from, how they selected and refined real client work, and why the book focuses so heavily on process rather than rules or templates. We also reflect on how the data visualization field has evolved over the past decade—from best practices and chart types to iteration, audience empathy, and real-world constraints. Along the way, we talk about teaching data viz, common pitfalls, and why there’s no such thing as a true “201 course”—only practice. Keywords: ddata visualization, storytelling with data, data storytelling, before and after charts, visualization process, data communication, chart design, visual analytics, design iteration, audience-focused data, PolicyViz Podcast, Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, Mike Cisneros Subscribe to the PolicyViz Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Become a patron of the PolicyViz Podcast for as little as a buck a month Grab the new book, Before and After - Practical Makeovers for Powerful Data Stories Follow me on Instagram,  LinkedIn,  Substack,  Twitter,  Website,  YouTube Email: jon@policyviz.com

    44 min
  5. Radical Cartography: What Maps Show, What They Hide, and Why It Matters

    JAN 14

    Radical Cartography: What Maps Show, What They Hide, and Why It Matters

    In this episode, I sit down with Bill Rankin, historian of science at Yale and author of Radical Cartography, to unpack what maps really do beyond simply showing data. We talk about why mapping is an act of representation with real consequences, how common techniques like choropleths and cartograms shape what we see—and what we miss—and why there’s no single “correct” way to visualize the world. Bill shares how his background in architecture influences his approach to mapping as drawing and world-making, not coding or dashboards. We also dig into static versus interactive maps, accessibility, and why starting with questions—not tools—leads to better visualizations. It’s a thoughtful conversation about intention, trade-offs, and responsibility in data visualization. Keywords: PolicyViz Podcast, Bill Rankin, Radical Cartography, data visualization, maps and mapping, cartography, choropleth maps, cartograms, population maps, map projections, visualizing data, representation in data, ethics of data visualization, static maps, interactive maps, storytelling with data Subscribe to the PolicyViz Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Become a patron of the PolicyViz Podcast for as little as a buck a month Grab Bill’s new book, Radical Cartography, and check out his website at radicalcartography.net. Follow me on Instagram,  LinkedIn,  Substack,  Twitter,  Website,  YouTube Email: jon@policyviz.com

    46 min
  6. Why Federal Statistics Matter: Rob Santos on Trust, Data Integrity, and the Future of the Census

    12/19/2025

    Why Federal Statistics Matter: Rob Santos on Trust, Data Integrity, and the Future of the Census

    This is the final episode of 2026! I hope you have enjoyed the show this year and also hope you have a great holiday season and happy new year. In this episode, I sit down with former Census Bureau Director Rob Santos to talk about the state of federal statistics, what’s threatening the quality and independence of federal data, and why surveys like the American Community Survey and decennial census matter more than ever. We dig into how census data are collected, how political appointees interact with career staff, and why attempts to limit data collection or redefine who gets counted can undermine everything from policy to local decision-making. Rob also reflects on his approach to diversity, communication, and public engagement while leading the Census Bureau. We close by looking ahead at what modernization should look like for federal statistical agencies in the years to come. Keywords: Census Bureau, federal data, Rob Santos, statistical agencies, data quality, survey response rates, American Community Survey, decennial census, federal statistics, data integrity, data collection, public trust, policy data, government surveys, uncertainty communication, demographic data, administrative data, data modernization Subscribe to the PolicyViz Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Become a patron of the PolicyViz Podcast for as little as a buck a month Follow me on Instagram,  LinkedIn,  Substack,  Twitter,  Website,  YouTube Email: jon@policyviz.com

    44 min
  7. Flourish, Canva, and the Future of Data Storytelling: Duncan Clark Returns to the Podcast

    12/16/2025

    Flourish, Canva, and the Future of Data Storytelling: Duncan Clark Returns to the Podcast

    In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome back Duncan Clark from Flourish and Canva to talk about the incredible evolution of both tools over the past few years. We dig into how the Flourish and Canva teams have grown, how they now collaborate, and what that means for users who care about data visualization, storytelling, and workflow. Duncan walks through major updates—including the new Start With Data feature, expanded enterprise security options, and deeper presentation-focused capabilities. We also explore long-standing user requests, dashboarding, and how AI may soon accelerate data-viz workflows. It’s a wide-ranging and deeply insightful conversation for anyone who uses—or teaches—data visualization. Keywords: Flourish, Canva, Duncan Clark, data visualization, data storytelling, interactive graphics, data design, data tools, newsroom visualization, enterprise data security, Start With Data, presentations, dashboards, API visualization, data workflows, information design, PolicyViz Podcast Subscribe to the PolicyViz Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Become a patron of the PolicyViz Podcast for as little as a buck a month Check our Flourish Follow me on Instagram,  LinkedIn,  Substack,  Twitter,  Website,  YouTube Email: jon@policyviz.com

    36 min
  8. Inside IEEEVIS 2025: Key Themes, Best Papers, and the Future of Visualization

    12/10/2025

    Inside IEEEVIS 2025: Key Themes, Best Papers, and the Future of Visualization

    In this episode, I sit down with Alvitta Ottley and Paul Parsons to recap everything that happened at the 2025 IEEE VIS Conference in Vienna. We talk about our experiences co-organizing the VisCom workshop, the surprising attendance, and the standout keynote from Moritz Stefaner. Alvitta shares insights on accessibility research and the surge of LLM-focused visualization papers, while Paul walks us through his award-winning work on design cognition and how practitioners develop ideas. We also reflect on the evolving identity of the visualization field, from methodological rigor to the role of practitioners, interdisciplinarity, and ethical tensions. It’s a wide-ranging, candid conversation about where visualization research is headed — and what we hope to see next year in Boston. Subscribe to the PolicyViz Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Become a patron of the PolicyViz Podcast for as little as a buck a month Check out the VIS website. Follow me on Instagram,  LinkedIn,  Substack,  Twitter,  Website,  YouTube Email: jon@policyviz.com

    47 min
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4.8
out of 5
55 Ratings

About

Learn how to be a great data communicator and visualizer with host Jon Schwabish. Hear from experts in the fields of data science, data visualization, and presentation skills to improve how you and your organization collect, analyze, and communicate your data in better, more efficient, and more effective ways.

Information

  • Creator
    The PolicyViz Podcast
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    304
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The PolicyViz Podcast

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