Harvard Data Science Review Podcast

Join experts Hany Farid, a digital forensics pioneer from UC Berkeley, and Siwei Lyu, director of the UB Media Forensic Lab, as they tackle the implications of deepfake technology. They discuss how it blurs reality and misinformation, emphasizing the urgent need for robust detection techniques. The conversation dives into the ethical responsibilities of developers, user education, and systemic regulation to combat these challenges. Tune in to discover how to preserve truth in an era of synthetic media and navigate the future of information integrity.

This month, we welcome back one of our most popular guests—MIT Professor Andrew Lo—for an insightful exploration into the complexities of tariffs. In this episode, we break down what tariffs are, how they work, and their far-reaching economic and political impacts. Our conversation delves into the challenges of predicting tariff outcomes, the need for better data-driven policies, and offers practical advice for individual investors navigating periods of economic uncertainty. Join us for a fascinating deep dive into the world of economic policy   Our guest:  Andrew W. Lo is the Charles E. and Susan T. Harris Professor of Finance at the MIT Sloan School of Management.

This month we explore sleep, which is at the center of some of the most exciting developments in data science and health research. Joining us is Dr. Rebecca Robbins, sleep expert and co-author of Sleep for Success!, whose work explores how we can unlock better sleep and healthier lives. From wearable tech and machine learning to behavioral changes, we explore the evolving landscape of sleep research: what the data says about our changing sleep habits, which modern sleep trends actually work (and which don’t), and how modern science intersects with an ever more tired population. Join us for an eye-opening conversation on the science of sleep.   Our guest:  Dr. Rebecca Robbins, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and an associate scientist at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Rob Smedley, CEO and Founder of Smedley Group and a seasoned F1 race engineer, discusses the intersection of data and speed in Formula 1. He shares his journey through motorsport and how data analytics revolutionizes race strategies and driver development. The conversation dives into key performance metrics like engine power and aerodynamics, while highlighting AI's transformative influence on the sport. Smedley emphasizes the crucial role of data quality and communication within teams, showcasing how innovation fuels Formula 1's future.

Sean Kim, Head of AI and Machine Learning at RIZZ, and Kathryn Coduto, Assistant Professor at Boston University, delve into how AI is revolutionizing dating. They discuss how AI tools can help craft engaging openers, the emotional dynamics of human-AI interactions, and the importance of user data privacy. The conversation also touches on the evolving relationship between users and AI in matchmaking while addressing safety measures and the challenges of modern dating, like burnout and the quest for authentic connections.

Once thought of as a gadget of some futuristic fiction, WHOOP and other wearable devices are  leading the charge in personal health from real-time data. This revolutionizes how we eat, sleep, train, and recover. This month, we delve into that process with WHOOP’s founder and CEO, Will Ahmed, who will guide us through the entire data journey—from the moment it’s captured on your wrist to the insightful metrics you see on your phone. Whether you’re a health enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about how technology is reshaping our understanding of the human body, join us for an in-depth conversation on turning data into lasting, positive change, allowing us to live happier and healthier lives. Our guest: Will Ahmed, American entrepreneur best known as the CEO of health wearables company WHOOP, which he founded in 2012.  

CJ, musician and cofounder of Harmonai, and Portrait XO, an award-winning multimodal artist, dive into the fascinating nexus of AI and creativity. They discuss how AI blurs the lines between human imagination and machine innovation. Listeners learn about AI's role in redefining music composition, the ethical challenges faced in creative industries, and the potential for collaborative art between humans and machines. Humorous insights on future trends and dream collaborations in music leave us pondering: Can machines genuinely create?

In today's digital age, where information is more accessible than ever through online platforms, many people turn to search engines like Google for answers to their medical questions and concerns. The rapidly evolving landscape of women's health—shaped by advancements in medicine, artificial intelligence, and political shifts such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade—has given rise to a flood of misinformation, disinformation, and conflicting advice. In this month’s episode, we are joined by a reproductive health specialist who helps us navigate the facts about fertility and pregnancy. Our guest: Dr. Lora Shahine, MD, double board-certified OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinologist at Pacific Northwest Fertility, clinical associate professor at the University of Washington, and host of the fertility podcast Baby Or Bust.

The upcoming U.S. presidential race arrives at a time when many Americans are grappling with questions about poll accuracy and data reliability. This month, HDSR is  joined by journalists Colby Hall and Leland Vittert for an in-depth look at how the media uses data to report and analyze elections and what past elections can teach us about 2024. We’ll discuss which data points are essential, how technology is reshaping polling and political reporting, what the biggest challenges are that the media faces when covering elections today compared to a decade ago, and which voter demographics could sway the 2024 election results in unexpected ways. Join us as we dive into these pressing questions and more on the Harvard Data Science Review Podcast. Our guests: Colby Hall, Peabody Award-winning television producer, founding editor of Mediate.com, and media contributor to NewsNation since March 2023 Leland Vittert, chief Washington anchor at NewsNation and host of On Balance with Leland Vittert

Explore how data science and AI revolutionize the NFL! Discover the most underutilized data that can give teams an edge. Delve into the balance of human instinct and AI analysis in game strategy. Learn about the evolution of data collection techniques, from grassroots to advanced technologies. Understand the impact of player safety initiatives and the complexities of drafting college quarterbacks. Finally, gain insights on essential skills for aspiring sports analysts looking to break into this competitive field.