Behind the Data Podcast By Andrea Jones-Rooy cover art

Behind the Data

Behind the Data

By: Andrea Jones-Rooy
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About this listen

Behind the Data is a podcast about the hidden stories tucked inside the data that shapes our world. From political polls to global happiness indexes, we go beyond charts and headlines to uncover where data comes from, why it’s collected, and what we can (and cannot!) learn from it. Each episode explores a fascinating dataset that helps us better understand the systems, policies, and people around us. Whether you're new to data or work with it every day, you'll find approachable conversations, surprising lessons for making sense of data *and life* (!!), and a reminder that every dataset reflects a choice—and a story worth telling.


Join us as we explore where data comes from—and where it can take us. Because data is about so much more than numbers -- it's how we make sense of the world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Copyright Andrea Jones-Rooy Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Shark data week!

    Shark data week!
    Jun 2 2025

    If you've ever thought your data was hard to get, wait until you hear about shark data. We are joined by shark scientist Jaida Elcock to discuss how she gets data about sharks, why it's so difficult -- and why it's so important that we do so despite the challenges. Whether you're naturally interested in sharks, care about our planet and oceans, or just want to hear a really brilliant person talk about some truly fascinating datasets and the amazing feats she undertakes to collect them -- then you're going to love this conversation.


    Join us as we discuss what we know about sharks, and more importantly, frighteningly, and excitingly: the many things we still don't know. Plus: the importance of high-quality snorkel fins, how to get involved in science, and why curiosity and creativity continue to be a scientist's -- and everyone's -- best friend.


    Follow Jaida on all the things!


    • Instagram: @sofishtication_
    • Threads: @sofishtication_
    • Bluesky: @sofishtication.bsky.social
    • X: @soFISHtication
    • YouTube: @soFISHtication_


    Follow Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS), get involved, and support if you can at https://www.misselasmo.org/ and @miss_elasmo on Instagram.


    Here are some cool shark videos, per Jaida's search recommendations at the end of the show! I picked these particular videos, but you really can't go wrong watching most videos that show up when you search the below terms.


    1. Basking shark breaching
    2. Thresher shark tail whip
    3. Goblin shark bite


    Follow Andrea at @jonesrooy on Instagram and at https://www.jonesrooy.com/.

    Behind the Data is a podcast that uncovers the hidden stories within the data shaping our world. From political polls to global happiness trackers, we dive into the datasets that influence the decisions we make—while showing you why data isn’t just numbers, but a way to understand the world. Whether you're a data newbie or a seasoned pro, each episode makes complex data approachable, revealing surprising insights and the human side of every dataset. Come for the discoveries, stay for the stories.


    We are proud to be part of the Daily Tech News Show network of podcasts.


    Subscribe and leave a review!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show more Show less
    42 mins
  • The science of self-medication in animals

    The science of self-medication in animals
    May 23 2025

    When we think about advances in medicine, most of us probably first picture lab coats and fancy equipment -- but as our guest, biologist Jaap de Roode, author of the extraordinary new book Doctors by Nature: How Ants, Apes, and Other Animals Heal Themselves shares, sometimes big discoveries (in medicine and beyond!) can come from looking for data in surprising new places.


    Join us for a fascinating conversation about how animals in the wild use medicine, such as plants in their environments, why this is so important to understand, and how we can all make more discoveries by starting from a place of wonder, curiosity, and open-mindedness. Plus: extremely fun animal facts!!


    Follow Jaap at @jaapderoode on Instagram, and be sure to buy his book, Doctors by Nature: How Ants, Apes, and Other Animals Heal Themselves !


    Host Andrea Jones-Rooy is @jonesrooy on Instagram and at www.jonesrooy.com.

    Behind the Data is a podcast that uncovers the hidden stories within the data shaping our world. From political polls to global happiness trackers, we dive into the datasets that influence the decisions we make—while showing you why data isn’t just numbers, but a way to understand the world. Whether you're a data newbie or a seasoned pro, each episode makes complex data approachable, revealing surprising insights and the human side of every dataset. Come for the discoveries, stay for the stories.


    We are proud to be part of the Daily Tech News Show network of podcasts.


    Subscribe and leave a review!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show more Show less
    47 mins
  • Searching for life in the Milky Way

    Searching for life in the Milky Way
    Apr 15 2025
    Is there life in our galaxy? How would we know if we spotted it? Dr. Moiya McTier, astrophysicist and folklorist, joins us to talk about her Ph.D. research on exactly that, plus the many surprising ways we get data about our universe (plus some existential pondering, of course)! Warning: we will be talking about the vastness of space and it's *no joke*!If you're overwhelmed by the universe but want to be its friend, be sure to check out Moiya's fantastic podcast Pale Blue Pod! I'm also a guest on an episode this week hooray :).Follow Moiya!@GoAstroMo on all the things!Moiyamctier.comHer book is The Milky Way: An Autobiography of Our GalaxyHer podcast rules: https://palebluepod.com/Links & references in the episode:Foundational archao-astronomer Owen GingerichCultural astronomer Jarita HolbrookLIGO chirp sounds & informationNASA datasetsNASA's exoplanet archiveOur music is from Music Radio Creative and we are proudly part of the Daily Tech News Show ecosystem! Find me at @jonesrooy and jonesrooy.com.Chapters00:00 Exploring Life in the Milky Way04:09 Astrophysics vs. Astronomy: Understanding the Differences10:30 Data Collection in Astrophysics16:42 The Breakthrough of Gravitational Waves21:13 The Sound of Space: Gravitational Waves and Data Representation22:19 Multi-Messenger Astronomy: A New Era of Discovery24:48 The Cosmic Gold Rush: Understanding Element Formation26:21 Data Overload: The Stress of Astronomical Discoveries28:50 Big Data in Astronomy: The Challenge of Analysis31:12 AI in Astronomy: The Future of Data Processing33:33 Bias in Data: The Challenges of Observational Astronomy36:14 Null Results: The Importance of Scientific Rigor38:37 The Search for Life: Habitable Zones in the Milky Way40:54 Existential Reflections: Finding Meaning in the Vastness of Space42:05 Exploring Space Data: Resources for the CuriousKeywordsMilky Way, life, astrophysics, astronomy, gravitational waves, data collection, science communication, cultural astronomy, world building, aliens, gravitational waves, multi-messenger astronomy, data analysis, AI in astronomy, bias in data, habitable zones, cosmic discoveries, Milky Way, space exploration, scientific rigorBehind the Data is a podcast that uncovers the hidden stories within the data shaping our world. From political polls to global happiness trackers, we dive into the datasets that influence the decisions we make—while showing you why data isn’t just numbers, but a way to understand the world. Whether you're a data newbie or a seasoned pro, each episode makes complex data approachable, revealing surprising insights and the human side of every dataset. Come for the discoveries, stay for the stories.We are proud to be part of the Daily Tech News Show network of podcasts.Subscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show more Show less
    44 mins
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