More than a decade ago, John Bailer and Richard Campbell launched Stats+Stories. Now, after more than 350 episodes, the podcast continues to explore the “Statistics Behind the Stories and the Stories Behind the Statistics.” In this episode of Practical Significance, hosts Donna LaLonde and Ron Wasserstein sit down with Stats+Stories current co-hosts John Bailer and […]
Practical Significance
Practical Significance | Episode 48: Reflections from Our Outgoing ASA Board Members
As we conclude our fourth year of Practical Significance, we’re overflowing with gratitude and excitement! Our heartfelt thanks go to our dedicated listeners who’ve been with us throughout this journey. We are grateful for the many members of the ASA community who give their time and talent in support of our mission. Particularly, the members […]
Practical Significance: Episode 47 | Inquiring Minds: ASA Questions and Answers from Donna & Ron
The November episode of Practical Significance features a fun twist as podcast producer Kim Gilliam takes her turn at the mic to interview her colleagues and Practical Significance co-hosts, Donna LaLonde and Ron Wasserstein. Armed with insider knowledge and your burning questions about the ASA, Kim leads a lively conversation that’s equal parts informative and […]
Practical Significance | Episode 46—Data Is My Superpower: A Conversation with the Excellence in Statistical Reporting Award Recipient
The American Statistical Association’s Excellence in Statistical Reporting Award recognizes media professionals for their presentation of the science of statistics and its role in public life. During the 2024 Joint Statistical Meetings in Portland, Oregon, this summer, Harry Stevens of The Washington Post was honored with this award for his Climate Lab story series—which covers […]
Practical Significance | Episode 45: Statistics in the Community (STATCOM)—Service in Action
Statistics in the Community, or STATCOM, is a student-run community outreach program launched at Purdue University in 2006. It offers students a unique opportunity to apply their statistical expertise by providing pro bono consulting services to community organizations. This month, Annie Cohen and Hanna Venera join Practical Significance co-hosts Donna LaLonde and Ron Wasserstein […]
Practical Significance | Episode 44: Lifelong Learning—New Opportunities for ASA Members
The American Statistical Association recently joined forces with Instats, an organization dedicated to enhancing global research practices by offering expert-led training to researchers through its online platform. The ASA/Instats partnership will bring members a broad set of learning opportunities. Practical Significance co-hosts Donna LaLonde and Ron Wasserstein engage with Michael Zyphur, director of Instats, to […]
Practical Significance | Episode: 43 —”Toto, I Have a Feeling We’re Not in Kansas Anymore”— Anticipating JSM 2024
For the first time, the Joint Statistical Meetings—taking place August 3–8—will be held in Portland, Oregon. In anticipation, Practical Significance podcast hosts Donna LaLonde and Ron Wasserstein welcome two special guests: JSM Program Chair Debashis Ghosh and Oregon Chapter President Yuan Jiang, who offer tips for making JSM a professional and personal success. Ghosh, chair […]
Practical Significance | Episode 42: With a Little Help from My Friends … Mentoring and the ASA
In January 2024, ASA President Bonnie Ghosh-Dastidar announced strengthening and expanding mentoring in the ASA community as one of her initiatives and launched a working group with co-chairs Carolyn Rutter and Ruth Etzioni. This month, they join Practical Significance co-hosts Donna LaLonde and Ron Wasserstein to discuss this endeavor. Bonnie, Carolyn, and Ruth share their […]
Practical Significance | Episode 41: ASA Chapters: Turning the ‘Page’ on Opportunities and Initiatives
The ASA has 70+ regional chapters that organize networking events, provide continuing education, conduct outreach efforts, and promote statistics as a career. They bring local flair to the ASA. By providing support in countless ways, the Council of Chapters Governing Board (COCGB) is the glue that connects chapters with each other and the broader ASA […]
Practical Significance | Episode 40: How Can I Help You Today?
The title for this episode is a question familiar to ChatGPT users and signals the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the world around us. Tian Zheng, Hongtu Zhu, and Mark Glickman join co-hosts Donna LaLonde and Ron Wasserstein to discuss the implications of AI for our profession. Building on a 2023 workshop on statistics […]