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.

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.

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.