What do doors, wrapping paper, and speed bumps have in common? In this episode, Cole uncovers how the design of everyday objects can inspire better graphs and slides. Through relatable stories and practical takeaways, discover how thoughtful design can transform confusion into clarity and create moments of delight for your audience.

related links:

• SWD holiday shop (use code PODCAST10 for 10% off in the shop & on workshops/courses)

• SWD online community

• 8-week online course

• SWD chart guide

• Book: The Design of Everyday Things

• Book: Universal Principles of Design

• Book: 100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know about People

• Dec 16th public workshop 

• 2025 public workshop schedule

• SWD YouTube channel

In this episode, Cole teams up with Jon Orr, co-founder of Make Math Moments, for an inspiring discussion on how to transform math education for young learners. They dive into Cole's new book, Daphne Draws Data, and explore how storytelling and visual data can empower children to approach math with curiosity and confidence. Cole and Jon share personal stories and professional insights on why sparking interest in math early is crucial. They also provide practical advice on integrating data visualization into classroom activities to make math both meaningful and engaging for kids. Whether you're an educator, parent, or data enthusiast, this episode offers a fresh perspective on teaching math in a way that sticks.

Listening time 24:41  | related links:

Related Links:

• Daphne Draws Data Official Site

• Register for the Make Math Moments Virtual Conference (Nov. 15-17)

• Make Math Moments That Matter Podcast

• Join our Daphne Draws Data Educator Community

In this special episode, Cole unveils her new children's book, "Daphne Draws Data," a vibrant adventure aimed at making data, numbers and graphs accessible to young minds. Inspired by her own children's curiosity, Cole discusses the importance of introducing data literacy early through storytelling, illustrated by the talented John Skewes. Join Cole as she shares insights into creating the book, its enchanting characters, and how Daphne the dragon helps her friends solve problems using data. Discover how you can help ignite a passion for data in the next generation and hear a sample of the audio book!

Related Links:

• Daphne Draws Data Official Site

• Order on Amazon

• Listen to the Audiobook

• Daphne Draws Data Resources for Parents

• Sign up for the Daphne Mailing List

• Follow Daphne on Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest

Cole sits down with Steve Glynn in an episode recorded for the Experience Milwaukee podcast that we’ve recast here. Tune in to hear about Cole’s path, books, and…scotch?! The pair dive into Cole’s new children’s book, Daphne Draws Data: A storytelling with data adventure, talk about life in Wisconsin, and more.

Listening time 23:45  | related links:

• Order Cole’s new book!

• Experience Milwaukee podcast

• Book: storytelling with data: a data visualization guide for business professionals

• Book: storytelling with data: let’s practice!

• Book: storytelling with you: plan, create, and deliver a stellar presentation

• Upcoming events: DaphneDrawsData.com/events

• Upcoming masterclass & more: storytellingwithdata.com/workshops

Join Cole as she chats with Nathan Yau, founder of FlowingData and author of Visualize This and Data Points. Nathan shares his journey from grad school at UCLA to becoming a renowned figure in data visualization. They discuss the evolution of his work, the inception of FlowingData, and the impact of his books on the field. Dive deep into the creative process behind visualizing data, the importance of asking questions, and the iterative nature of both data analysis and visualization.

Listening time 51:25 | related links:

• Follow Nathan: flowingdata.com | LinkedIn | Twitter

• Buy Nathan’s new book! Visualize This, 2nd edition

• Book: Exploratory Data Analysis (Tukey)

• Interactive visual: How Americans Spend Their Day

• Blog post: How You Will Die

• Blog post: Ebb and Flow of Box Office Receipts (steam graph)

• Online to do list: Remember The Milk

Data storyteller Alex talks with information designer Alli Torban about her new book, Chart Spark. Alli believes that creativity isn’t a synonym for art; instead, it’s the ability to generate new ideas or remix existing ideas in a useful way. When you learn to harness that creativity, you can develop new approaches to create more impactful data communications. Tune in to discover helpful prompts and strategies that will help you push past a mental block when you aren’t sure how to visualize your data and capture inspiration for the next time you need a creative idea. 

Listening time 42:28 | related links:

• Follow Alli: website | podcast | LinkedIn | Twitter

• sChart Spark: https://www.chartsparkbook.com/

• SWD live event: http://storytellingwithdata.com/exploreexplain

• Flatten the curve: https://x.com/drewaharris/status/1233267475036372992?lang=en

• Alli’s tessellation viz: https://www.allitorban.com/home/work4

In this repost of the Data Viz Today podcast, Information Designer Alli Torban talks with Cole about strategies for delivering data presentations, particularly for introverts. From identifying and managing nervous habits to intentionally adjusting style while maintaining authenticity, they share quick tips and broad strategies to put into practice. Discover how to signal confidence, even before feeling it, and learn about real-time data collection techniques to continually refine your speaking skills. Tune in to learn actionable insights that apply whether you're presenting informally to colleagues or commanding attention in front of a crowd! 

Listening time 49:18 | related links:

• Follow Alli: website | podcast | LinkedIn | Twitter

• Original post & show notes: dataviztoday.com/shownotes/94

Book: storytelling with you: plan, create, and deliver a stellar presentation

Cole talks with New Zealand-based data storyteller, Kat Greenbrook, about her new book, The Data Storyteller’s Handbook: How to create business impact using data storytelling. Kat shares her empathy for anyone who has ever been told to “make your data tell a story” and isn’t sure where to start, and offers guidance for better understanding your audience and arranging insights into a narrative structure. Tune in to learn about frameworks that can help you plot time and character data stories, how to keep things honest, bridging knowledge gaps between you and your stakeholders, and more! 

Listening time 52:00 | related links:

• Follow Kat: website | LinkedIn | BlueSky

• Book: The Data Storyteller’s Handbook

Cole shares low-tech planning strategies that will set you up for success in any important scenario in which you need to communicate. From crafting the Big Idea (plus a super useful worksheet to assist your efforts) to storyboarding to bringing it all into your tools, you’ll learn how a little time up front can streamline the rest of the creative process. Also tune in to hear Cole address questions on feedback, slides that don’t quite fit, filler words, and more.

Listening time 49:01 | related links

• The Big Idea worksheet

• Book storytelling with you: plan, create, and deliver a stellar presentation

• Blog article 8 tips for avoiding filler words

• Podcast episode 70 prepare to present

• Attend a workshop (use discount PODCAST10 for 10% off)

• Premium sale through 1/31/24 in SWD community: go premium!

• University instructor upcoming event & resources

• Watch videos on the SWD YouTube channel

Consider all of the things you do in the course of your daily work from a seated position: might you benefit from changing it up? In this episode, Cole discusses the power of standing up for different reasons and across a variety of situations. Tune in to understand how standing can boost creativity and keep updates and introductions from being overly lengthy. Learn what kinds of feedback and conversations are best had with your feet on the ground, as well as how standing up to present affords you—the presenter—with greater opportunities for better communication.

Listening time 18:10 | related links

• Blog article let it sit

• Podcast episode 6 say it out loud

• Book storytelling with you: plan, create, and deliver a stellar presentation

• Join our 8-week online course (use discount PODCAST10 for 10% off)

• Attend a workshop (use discount PODCAST10 for 10% off)

• Video stand up

• Subscribe in SWD community: go premium

• Mugs, coasters, books and posters in SWD shop

• Watch the mini-workshop; more videos on the SWD YouTube channel

Alberto Cairo drops by to talk about his new book "The Art of Insight," which offers a unique take on data visualization. In conversation with data storyteller Mike, Cairo shares his Camus-inspired belief that life's meaning comes from community and work, and how that conviction shapes his own interests and endeavors. They discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism, how seemingly frivolous pursuits can actually be essential, and where to find personal and professional connection amidst ever-changing online communities. Eschewing the mantle of “thought leader,” Cairo reveals why he is reluctant to wield the "soft power" he holds in the data visualization community. Tune in for a fascinating exploration of responsibility, the political nature of work, and the human aspects behind visualization.

Listening time 48:59 | related links

• Attend a workshop (use discount PODCAST10 for 10% off)

• Book: The Art of Insight by Alberto Cairo (in addition, don’t miss Cairo’s earlier books How Charts Lie, The Functional Art, and The Truthful Art)

• Book: The Grammar of Graphics by Leland Wilkinson

• Follow: Aaron Williams on X/Twitter: @aboutaaron

• Games: many tabletop and role-playing games were mentioned, including Twilight Struggle, Dungeons and Dragons, RuneQuest, Call of Cthulhu, Here I Stand, Gloomhaven, and Empires in Arms

• Book: Ruined by Design by Mike Monteiro

• Book: Building Science Graphics by Jen Christiansen

• Book: Joyful Infographics by Nigel Holmes