Podcasts are a great way to learn on the go, gain broader industry knowledge, and hear from experts in the field. Whether you’re new to data, a seasoned professional, or just find the topic interesting—data science podcasts are a must-have for your digital library.
So which data podcasts are worth your time?
We’ve done the research; all you need to do is sit back and listen. Here’s our round-up of the best podcasts for data enthusiasts. Enjoy!
1. Data Science Imposters
Launched in 2017, the Data Science Imposters podcast is unfortunately, as of 2021, no longer producing episodes, but we’ve kept them on this list as the back catalog is a must for any data enthusiast.
Hosted by Antonio Borges, a tech all-rounder with experience in software engineering, data analytics, and business analysis, and Jordy Estevez, an engineer and project manager, Data Science Imposters covers pretty much anything and everything to do with data science, analytics, big data, and machine learning.
We love this podcast because it’s so far-reaching; no matter what topic you’re interested in, Antonio and Jordy have likely discussed it—whether it’s AI, privacy, careers, climate change, criminology…the list goes on.
Where to listen:
- Data Science Imposters on Spotify
- Data Science Imposters on Apple Podcasts
- Data Science Imposters on Stitcher
2. Data Skeptic
This wide-ranging podcast is hosted by Kyle Polich, a computer science and AI expert. So what’s it all about?
The official description of the podcast reads: “Data Skeptic is your source for a perspective of scientific skepticism on topics in statistics, machine learning, big data, artificial intelligence, and data science. Our weekly podcast and blog bring you stories and tutorials to help understand our data-driven world.”
The Data Skeptic podcast has been running since 2014, meaning there’s a whole archive of insights to delve into.
Where to listen:
3. Data Stories
A key component of a data analyst’s work is storytelling through visualization—presenting insights in the form of graphs and charts, for example.
While many podcasts focus on topics such as machine learning and AI, Data Stories is unique in that it focuses on data visualization. That’s not to say that Data Stories doesn’t provide rich and varied insights; far from it! With the help of special guests, hosts Enrico Bertini and Moritz Stefaner discuss how data affects our lives.
Data Stories will take you on an exciting journey through many different aspects of data visualization, such as cognitive science, immersive analytics, and satellite imagery.
Where to listen:
4. Women in Data Science
Women are typically underrepresented in data science, so it’s especially important to amplify their voices, celebrate their contributions to the field, and highlight them as role models for future generations.
Hosted by Professor Margaret Gerritsen of Stanford University, the Women in Data Science podcast sees leading women in data science share their work, advice, and lessons they’ve learned throughout their lives and careers. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in hearing about how data science is being applied to, and transforming, a wide range of domains—from healthcare and finance to cosmology, human rights, and more.
Where to listen:
- Women in Data Science on Spotify
- Women in Data Science on Apple Podcasts
- Women in Data Science on Stitcher
5. Naked Data Science
If you plan on becoming a data analyst or data scientist—or if you’re already working in the field—then you’ll find plenty of useful career advice in the Naked Data Science podcast.
Through short, digestible episodes, the NDS podcast explores the skills you need to solve real-world data problems, and offers up practical tools and tips to help you advance your career.
Answering questions like “Am I doing real data science work?” and covering topics such as job hunting, communication, and becoming a team lead, this is a must-listen for anyone looking to build a career in the field.
Where to listen:
6. Digital Analytics Power Hour
We’re particularly fond of the Digital Analytics Power Hour for its lighthearted, casual approach to what can often be a rather heavy and technical topic.
Hosted by Michael Helbling, Tim Wilson, and Moe Kiss, three analysts who also happen to be friends, the podcast is modeled on “the vigorous and engaging discussions that tend to occur in the lobby bars at analytics conferences.” Covering topics such as fostering a positive data culture, making statistics accessible, and landing your dream data job, this is another extremely varied show.
Where to listen:
- Digital Analytics Power Hour on Spotify
- Digital Analytics Power Hour on Apple Podcasts
- Digital Analytics Power Hour on Stitcher
7. SuperDataScience
The SuperDataScience podcast is hosted by Kirill Eremenko, a data science coach and lifestyle entrepreneur. Kirill serves up a great mixture of both technical know-how and more general life and career advice—essentially everything you need to build a successful career in the data industry.
Episodes range from explaining technical concepts such as cohort analysis, Python, and SQL programming, to providing broader industry insights—for example, exploring the difference between a data analyst and a data scientist, and discussing the best way to network within the data field.
Where to listen:
8. Data Crunch
Want to learn more about data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning—and how they’re changing our world for the better? Then you’ll want to tune into the Data Crunch podcast. Over the course of fairly short episodes, the Data Crunch podcast presents discussions with various entrepreneurs and data experts about their experiences employing new technologies.
The great thing about this show is that it’s accessible to a wide audience, despite covering some rather technical topics. It’s also pretty varied, covering everything from data and public health to social media and machine learning, to drones and AI—to name just a few. A definite must-listen if you’re passionate about all things data and tech.
Where to listen:
9. Storytelling With Data
Another podcast focusing on the fascinating world of data visualization, Storytelling With Data is ideal for anyone working (or aspiring to work) in the data industry, and who needs to get to grips with the art of visualization. Brought to you by bestselling author, speaker, and workshop authority Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, Storytelling With Data takes you through practically every data viz topic you can possibly imagine—often with the help of expert guests. With episodes rarely going over an hour, you can easily fit this insight-packed podcast into your daily routine.
Where to listen:
- Storytelling With Data on Spotify
- Storytelling With Data on Apple Podcasts
- Storytelling With Data on Stitcher
10. The Data Exchange
Hosted by Ben Lorica, former Chief Data Scientist at O’Reilly Media, The Data Exchange presents a series of informal yet insightful conversations with thought leaders, researchers, and practitioners within the technology, data science, and AI fields. Launched in 2019, it’s one of the newer additions to the data podcast arena. It’s also one of the more technical podcasts out there, so perhaps not as beginner-friendly as some of the others on this list. Still, it’s an excellent resource if you want to keep on top of industry trends and delve into more complex topics such as natural language processing and deep learning.
Where to listen:
11. DataXpresso
Another newcomer on the scene, DataXpresso is hosted by Eva Murray and Helena Schwenk, technology evangelists at Exasol.
Every Tuesday, the dynamic duo brings fresh insights and stories from the world of data. So far, they’ve covered topics such as how data leadership can transform the non-profit sector, how data can help us rebuild our ecosystem, and women leaders in data-driven companies.
Episodes are usually around the half-hour mark, so this is a good option if you’re looking for something short and digestible. You’ll find the DataXpresso podcast especially insightful if you’re interested in how data impacts the world around you.
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12. Datacast
Presented by James Le, a data scientist and machine learning evangelist, Datacast is essential listening for anyone considering a career in data.
Experts share their unique career journeys, explaining how they moved into the data industry from their previous fields—such as academia, linguistics, and biology. If you’re in need of some inspiration or reassurance that you can make it in the world of data, then tune into Datacast ASAP.
Where to listen:
13. Not So Standard Deviations
Not So Standard Deviations is one of the longest-standing podcasts on our list, launching back in 2015 and continuing to deliver invaluable insights to this day. It’s hosted by Hilary Parker, a biostatistician and data scientist, and Roger Peng, professor of biostatistics at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health—so you know it’s full of the good stuff. You can expect to hear all the latest insights in data science and analytics in both academia and industry, making it a great listen for data professionals and novices alike.
Where to listen:
- Not So Standard Deviations on Spotify
- Not So Standard Deviations on Apple Podcasts
- Not So Standard Deviations on Stitcher
If you enjoyed this round-up and want more industry insights, check out the following articles—and, for a hands-on introduction to the field, try this free data analytics short course: