storytelling with data podcast

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!

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

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
SWD 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

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

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)