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Artwork for Normal Curves: Sexy Science, Serious Statistics

Normal Curves: Sexy Science, Serious Statistics

Regina Nuzzo and Kristin Sainani
Vitamin D
Vaccine Hesitancy
Health Outcomes
Epidemiological Studies
Hookworm Therapy
Statistical Adjustment
Randomized Trials
Bone Health
Ecological Studies
Immunity
Cancer
Depression
Type 2 Diabetes
Randomized Control Trials
Backfire Effect
Psychology
Autoimmune Diseases
Insulin Resistance
Kinsey Study
Misinformation

Normal Curves is a podcast about sexy science & serious statistics. Ever try to make sense of a scientific study and the numbers behind it? Listen in to a lively conversation between two stats-savvy friends who break it all down with humor and clarity. Professors Regina Nuzzo of Gallaudet University and Kristin Sainani of Stanford University discuss academic papers journal club-style — except with... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes24Founded10 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ScienceSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Normal Curves: Sexy Science, Serious Statistics

Latest Episodes

Description

Nobody expects Batman—but when he shows up in a crowded subway car, are people suddenly more likely to help a passenger in need? This week on Normal Curves, we unpack a recent quasi-experimental field study involving a caped superhero co... more

Does the temperature of your coffee six months ago really predict whether you feel gassy today? This week we dissect a new nutrition survey study on hot and cold beverage habits that claims to connect drink temperature with gut symptoms, anxiety, and... more

YouTube

Does a little alcohol really make you speak a foreign language better? This week we unpack a quirky randomized trial that tested Dutch pronunciation after a modest buzz—and came to the opposite conclusion the researchers expected. We use it as the pe... more

YouTube

What do chickenpox and shingles have to do with your brain? This week, we dig into two 2025 headline-grabbing studies that link the shingles shot to lower dementia rates. We start in Wales, where a birthday cutoff turned into the perfect natural expe... more

YouTube

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Hosts

Kristin Sainani
Co-host and Professor at Stanford University, renowned for her ability to simplify complex scientific concepts with humor and clarity.
Regina Nuzzo
Co-host and Professor at Gallaudet University, known for her engaging discussions on research methodologies and statistical practices.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 127 ratings
  • Fun for your inner nerd

    I love nerding out with this dynamic duo. They make learning fun with their unique blend of stories and science. As a scientist and communicator, I’m grateful to brush up my stats and applaud their efforts boost media and science literacy.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chana Davis
    Canada2 months ago
  • Accessible and fun science and stats!

    I love this podcast! It’s both fun and educational, and the hosts have a great rapport.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KT0574
    United States3 months ago
  • Love this!

    This podcast is so well done. It’s entertaining and enlightening and I love the topics, especially the vitamin D topic. So good!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Greentea cupz
    United States6 months ago
  • This is my nerdy dream podcast

    I absolutely love this podcast! As a researcher, the deep dives into the data and methodological considerations are so informative and important. I would love to see more discussion of reproductive health studies on the pod (particularly some of the poorly done and often cited anti-abortion studies)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mal B 123
    United States7 months ago
  • Interesting and also fun!

    An all woman journal club which is really fun and discusses real science. I’m hooked!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jacaranda264
    Italy8 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the humor and relatability of the hosts when explaining complex scientific topics.
There are requests for more discussions on practical applications of research findings in real-life scenarios.
Many have noted the entertaining blend of serious statistical analysis with light-hearted banter, making learning enjoyable.
The educational value of the podcast often gets high praise, particularly for enhancing media literacy in science.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#149
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#129
Canada/Science
Apple Podcasts
#226
Germany/Science
Apple Podcasts
#12
Saudi Arabia/Science
Apple Podcasts
#25
Poland/Science
Apple Podcasts
#35
India/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Holiday Survival Guide: How to talk about scientific studies around the dinner table
Q: What should you consider when evaluating a study?
You should look at the study's hypotheses, whether it's a randomized trial or observational study, and apply frameworks like PCOT and SMART to understand study design and results.
HPV Vaccine: How close are we to wiping out cervical cancer?
Q: Do HPV vaccination rates differ by country?
Yes, countries like Australia show high vaccination rates and successful public health outcomes, whereas countries like Japan face significant challenges.
HPV Vaccine: How close are we to wiping out cervical cancer?
Q: How does the HPV vaccine relate to sex?
The HPV vaccine is crucial as HPV is a sexually transmitted infection, and its prevention can significantly lower the incidence of cervical cancer.
HPV Vaccine: How close are we to wiping out cervical cancer?
Q: What is the significance of the HPV vaccine in relation to cervical cancer?
The HPV vaccine may ultimately lead to the eradication of cervical cancer by preventing the virus that causes it.
Hookworms: Can parasites improve your health?
Q: Can you see the worms when you put them on your skin?
They are barely visible and they itch; you know they're there, but you won't see them like you would see larger worms.

Audience Metrics

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Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The content centers around the engaging exploration of scientific studies and the statistical methodologies behind them, often presented with humor and relatable anecdotes. Weekly topics range from the health impacts of various diets and vaccines to sociocultural phenomena such as age gaps in dating. The discussions not only aim to provide insights into the nuances of data interpretation but also critique research practices and highlight interesting findings in a manner that makes complex concepts accessible to the average listener. Notably, there is a strong focus on demystifying statistics while fostering critical thinking about scientific narratives, which sets the show apart in its approach to science communication.

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How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 10 months ago and published 24 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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