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)