Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast
Welcome to Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, where we connect with professionals and organizations involved in data collection. Listen in as we discuss innovative methods and tools that can significantly enhance data quality and security, demystify complex data collection concepts, and highlight the many ways that organizations today are involved in data collection–sometimes, without even calling it “data collection.” With your host, Marta Costa, we feature in-depth interviews with experts in international development, healthcare, agriculture, and supply chain research, foregrounding real-life experiences, challenges, and strategies for improving data collection.
LISTEN ON
Apple Podcasts
LISTEN ON
Spotify
LISTEN ON
Podchaser
LISTEN ON
Podcast Addict
LISTEN ON
Player FM
LISTEN ON
Podcast Index
LISTEN ON
Castro
LISTEN ON
Overcast
LISTEN ON
Pocket Casts
[Greatest Hits] Make Data Work for Good with Maulik Chauhan of Trestle Research
April 24, 2025 • 43 MIN
In this greatest hits episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa is joined by Maulik Chauhan, Founder and Managing Director of Trestle Research. They dive into the importance of digitizing data, the challenges and benefits of transitioning from paper-based to digital data collection methods, and what it takes to smoothly transition to digital data collection.
The Ethics of Field Research in Vulnerable Communities with Dr. Angela R. Pashayan of Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)
March 20, 2025 • 34 MIN
In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa is joined by Dr. Angela R. Pashayan, an expert in International Development, Experiential learning, Leading Int'l trips, and Intercultural Communication. Together, they explore the ethics of field research in vulnerable communities. Drawing from her research in Nairobi, Dr. Pashayan shares valuable insights on navigating unexpected challenges in data collection, adapting research methodologies to local contexts, and preparing students for fieldwork.
How to Write Survey Questions That Get Real Answers with Marta Costa
February 14, 2025 • 10 MIN
In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa goes solo to address the most pressing questions from over 700 SurveyCTO users about crafting effective survey questions, from avoiding bias to ensuring cultural relevance.
Data and the Fight for Fair Representation of Community Health Workers with Dr. James O'Donovan & Dickson Mbewe of Community Health Impact Coalition
January 23, 2025 • 49 MIN
In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa is joined by Dr. James O'Donovan & Dickson Mbewe, who represent the Community Health Impact Coalition. Together, they explore the need for fair representation in the community health worker space, bringing to light a recent study that shines a blaring spotlight on the lack of fair recognition of their work and the workers’ valuable role in the data collection process for research in global health studies.
Enhancing Your Health Communication with Amelia Burke-Garcia
January 9, 2025 • 35 MIN
In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa is joined by Amelia Burke-Garcia, Director of the Center for Health Communication Science at NORC at the University of Chicago, to dive into the transformative role of data in health communication, the integration of AI in messaging, and the importance of inclusivity in public health campaigns.
How Data Is Changing Lives Around the World: Holiday Edition
December 20, 2024 • 14 MIN
In this special Christmas episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa shares key insights from our guests about the transformative role of data in empowering communities and driving impactful change, featuring Paul Nzerebende, Maulik Chauhan, Andrew Gerhardt, Lara Mikhail, Mohammad Malik, and Yahya Hussein.
How Oxfam Gives Power Back to Marginalized Communities with Yahya Hussein
December 5, 2024 • 32 MIN
In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa is joined by Yahya Hussein, Digital Programmes Advisor for Oxfam, to explore innovative digital tools that empower marginalized communities. They dive into how Oxfam is empowering communities through bottom-up accountability, challenges and innovations in implementing bottom-up accountability systems, and the future of community-led data systems.
Shaping Pakistan's Data Collection Practices with Mohammad Malik of Research Solutions
November 21, 2024 • 31 MIN
In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa is joined by Mohammad Malik, a Managing Partner for Research Solutions, to explore the exciting transformation of data collection practices in Pakistan. Mohammad shares how shifting from traditional paper methods to digital tools has revolutionized their work, the role of AI in streamlining data processes, and how digital data collection is revolutionizing field research in remote areas.
Creating Impactful Data Stories with Lara Mikhail of USAID Egyptian Pioneers
November 7, 2024 • 53 MIN
In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa is joined by Lara Mikhail, Senior Officer of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) at USAID Egyptian Pioneers. They dive into how data triangulation can inform decisions and feed into adaptation in the implementation process, as well as how Lara uses advanced techniques like data simulation and after-action reviews to ensure that data doesn't just tell the story but actively shapes the outcome of her projects.
From Data to Insights: Andrew Gerhardt on Mastering Digital Analytics
October 17, 2024 • 32 MIN
In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa interviews Andrew Gerhardt, Senior Digital Data Collection Manager at Loop Horizon. Andrew shares his 14-year journey in digital analytics, offering insights on data quality, privacy compliance, and integrating fragmented data. He discusses best practices for data governance, the challenges of imperfect data, and balancing personalization with privacy. Andrew also emphasizes the importance of quality assurance and collaboration, drawing from his experience across various industries.
Make Your Data Work for Good with Maulik Chauhan of Trestle Research
October 3, 2024 • 43 MIN
In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa is joined by Maulik Chauhan, Founder and Managing Director of Trestle Research. They dive into the importance of digitizing data, the challenges and benefits of transitioning from paper-based to digital data collection methods, and what it takes to smoothly transition to digital data collection.
Transforming Communities through Data: Insights from Paul Nzerebende of Human Trafficking Institute
September 19, 2024 • 52 MIN
In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa is joined by Paul Nzerebende, Decision Support Analyst at the Human Trafficking Institute in Uganda. Paul discusses his work using data to combat human trafficking, optimize systems, and promote sustainable growth. He emphasizes the value of storytelling, success stories, and effective dashboards in presenting impactful data. Paul also highlights the transition from paper to digital systems and the importance of ongoing skill development.
Trailer
September 17, 2024 • < 1 MIN
Welcome to Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, where we connect with professionals and organizations involved in data collection. Listen in as we discuss innovative methods and tools that can significantly enhance data quality and security, demystify complex data collection concepts, and highlight the many ways that organizations today are involved in data collection–sometimes, without even calling it “data collection”. With your host, Marta Costa, we feature in-depth interviews with experts in international development, healthcare, agriculture, and supply chain research, foregrounding real-life experiences, challenges, and strategies for improving data collection.