The Extinction of Experience: Christine Rosen on reclaiming humanity in a digital world
In this episode of The Data Malarkey Podcast, host and Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, is joined by Christine Rosen, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author of the 2025 book, The Extinction of Experience. They dig into what happens when real-world, face-to-face experiences are replaced by screens and algorithms. Christine shares her unique journey from a bassoon scholarship to intellectual thought leadership, how teaching aikido shapes her thinking, and how she sees technology reshaping human behavior - for better and worse. With insight, wit, and depth, Christine challenges us to reconsider what we lose when digital convenience becomes the norm. 🔍 Topics include: Why boredom, handwriting, and walking matter What the "extinction of experience" means AI, screen time, and our increasingly mediated lives Martial arts, musical instruments, and embodied attention The pandemic’s role in accelerating mediation Take the Data Storytelling Scorecard: https://data-storytelling.scoreapp.com 🧠 This one’s for anyone curious about reclaiming a genuinely human presence in an over-mediated world.
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How AI Thinks: Chris Summerfield on human brains and machine algorithms
In this episode of Data Malarkey – the podcast about using data, smarter – Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, talks to Chris Summerfield, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Oxford. Chris shares insights into what makes human intelligence so remarkable, how AI models are both fundamentally different from AND similar to human brains, and why understanding cognitive science is critical for building better AI. They explore the future of AI-human collaboration, discuss Chris’ long experience at DeepMind, and consider why prediction sits at the core of both artificial and human intelligence. Take the Data Storytelling Scorecard: https://data-storytelling.scoreapp.com What you'll learn: Why AI models both AND aren't like human brains How DeepMind trained AlphaGo to beat the Go world champion, Lee Sedol What cognitive science can teach AI research Why prediction is central to intelligence The benefits and limitations of current large language models Resources mentioned: Chris Summerfield’s University of Oxford ‘Human Information Processing’ lab These Strange New Minds – Chris’s compelling 2025 book Chris’ personal webpage DeepMind and the AlphaGo documentary Want to learn more? Check out the links in the show notes and subscribe for more episodes.
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Rebuilding trust in science with Caitlyn Looby
In this compelling episode of the Data Malarkey podcast, Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, welcomes Caitlyn Looby - scientist, journalist, and Great Lakes reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. From conducting soil microbe research in tropical cloud forests to demystifying scientific communication for the public, Caitlyn’s career bridges hard science and human stories. This episode explores her journey, the importance of accessible science, and how local storytelling builds trust. What you'll learn: How Caitlyn transitioned from academia to journalism The hidden world of tropical montane cloud forests and their vulnerability to climate change Why scientists must learn to ditch the jargon The role of storytelling in building public trust in science Caitlyn's three golden rules for science communication Resources mentioned: Caitlyn Looby’s article in the Royal Society of Arts Journal: Trust in Science Caitlyn’s TEDx talk: Building Public Trust in Science at TEDxOshkosh Stay tuned for more enlightening episodes of Data Malarkey - the podcast about using data, smarter.
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Mark Bonner on football, data, and the beautiful balance
In this lively episode of Data Malarkey, Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, is joined by Mark Bonner, Director of Football at Cambridge United. From academy coach to leading the club to shock cup victories, Bonner's football journey is anything but typical. Together, they explore the evolving role of data in football, the emotional highs and lows of managing a club, and what it really means to find balance between intuition and insight. Pep Guardiola's wild celebrations and Carlo Ancelotti's stoic eyebrow also make cameo appearances. What you'll learn: How Mark Bonner's career evolved from grassroots to head coach and back to Director of Football at Cambridge United The role of data and analytics in modern football decision-making Why balance between emotional intelligence and cold, hard stats is crucial Behind-the-scenes realities of coaching, scouting, and club leadership Resources mentioned: Cambridge United FC Mark Bonner on X Mark Bonner on Instagram Mark Bonner on LinkedIn Want to learn more about Mark Bonner or Cambridge United? Check out the links in the show notes. And remember to subscribe for more episodes of Data Malarkey – the podcast about using data, smarter; where numbers meet nuance.
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Turning data into desirability: Automotive insights with Nick Ratcliffe
Recorded live at the DataComms 2025 conference in London, this very special episode of the Data Malarkey Podcast features Nick Ratcliffe, Customer Experience Director at Volkswagen Group UK. Host and master data storyteller, Sam Knowles, delves into how Nick and his team wield data to enhance customer experience, transform brand desirability, and prepare for the automotive industry’s electric future. With a career spanning leadership roles at BT, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, Nick shares his evidence-based approach to marketing, the importance (and scarcity) of genuine insight, and a few personal stories from his eclectic selection of hobbies. What You'll Learn: • How VW Group UK uses data to be ever-more customer-centric • Why insight is more than just data - it's about action • The impact of behavioural economics and marketing science • Nick’s view on the future of automotive CX in the EV era • How storytelling and science intersect in successful marketing Resources Mentioned: Volkswagen Group UK Nick Ratcliffe on LinkedIn Take the Data Storytelling Scorecard Make sure to like and subscribe for more episodes.
The Data Malarkey podcast – and it’s audio-visual twin, the Data Malarkey Show on YouTube – a must-listen, must-watch resource of brilliant data storytelling. If only there were more people in the world with the pragmatic approach taken by my guests, well, there’d be rather less data malarkey about.
South Africa