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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
Depression
Alcohol
Bone Health
Cold and Hot Beverage Consumption
Michael Holick
Statistical Adjustment
Observational Studies
Vaccine Hesitancy
Statistics
Epidemiological Studies
Institute Of Medicine
Health Outcomes
Hookworm Therapy
Language Learning
Psychology
Cancer
Immunity
Randomized Trials
Ecological Studies

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 monthlyEpisodes35Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ScienceSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Normal Curves: Sexy Science, Serious Statistics

Latest Episodes

Does coffee trigger atrial fibrillation — or have doctors been warning people away from caffeine without strong evidence? We dig into two recent randomized clinical trials testing whether caffeinated coffee causes dangerous heart rhythm problems. Alo... more

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Can exercise actually be bad for you if you don’t get enough sleep? A widely shared claim says yes—that working out while sleep deprived may speed up aging. In this episode, we put that claim under the microscope. We examine the study behind it, unpa... more

YouTube

Are young people really having less sex? Headlines about a “sex recession” suggest a dramatic decline—but what do the data actually show? In this episode, we trace that claim back to the research behind it—and find a story that’s far more nuanced tha... more

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Diagnostic testing: what do those statistics actually tell you? Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value . . . you’ve probably seen these terms before. Maybe you memorized them for a test. But do you actually know what they mean? In this e... more

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Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Laura Dattaro
Science journalist covering neuroscience and health policy
Spectrum (now part of The Transmitter)
Episode: Epidurals: Are labor epidurals really linked to autism?

Hosts

Kristin Sainani
Host of Normal Curves: Sexy Science, Serious Statistics; Professor at Stanford University
Regina Nuzzo
Host of Normal Curves; Professor at Gallaudet University

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 142 ratings
  • Favorite podcast ever!

    As a stats student I really appreciate the hilarious episodes on useful statistical techniques and deep dives into scientific literature! The one on p-values was super interesting and I just listened to it again for the second time. And the hookworms episode was another favorite :)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    takethesardines
    United States3 months ago
  • 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
    Canada8 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 States8 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 Statesa year 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 Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

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

Engaging and educational without being dry.
Insightful, accessible deep dives into data and stats.
Great chemistry and clear, practical analysis of studies.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#106
Philippines/Science
Apple Podcasts
#228
Hong Kong/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Falling in Love: Do the 36 Questions Actually Work?
Q: So, Regina, what are these magic 36 questions?
The 36 Questions are meant to guide participants through a structured series of questions that gradually become more intimate to foster closeness, not necessarily love.
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.

Audience Metrics

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Listeners per Episode
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?

Two statistics professors—one from Stanford and one from Gallaudet University—break down scientific studies with clarity, humor, and practical takeaways. The conversations spotlight study design, data interpretation, and statistical methods across a wide range of topics, from health and behavior to consumer testing and media hype. Listeners likely earn insights on how to evaluate evidence, critique headlines, and understand why conclusions sometimes fail to robustly support claims. The show is noted for accessible explanations, rigorous thinking, and a light, PG-13-friendly tone that makes complex methods engaging for a broad, educated audience.

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Love Factually
2. People I (Mostly) Admire
3. Hidden Brain
4. TED Radio Hour
5. Philosophize This!

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched a year ago and published 35 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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Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Laura Dattaro

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