Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast

By SurveyCTO

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 tha... more

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FAQs about Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast:

How many episodes does Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 17 episodes available.

Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast episodes:

August 14, 2025What Does It Take to Make Digital Data Collection Accessible? With Maulik Chauhan of Trestle Research
If you think expertise alone rules the technical training game, you’ve got it all wrong! In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa sits down with Maulik Chauhan, Founder of Trestle Research and India Lead at SurveyCTO, to understand what it really takes to drive successful digital transformation. Together, they explore the crucial elements of training teams for digital data collection. From practical strategies for teams with varying tech proficiency to creating effective training approaches through empathy, gradual learning paths, and organizational preparation, this episode is the guide you need if you’re looking to build sustainable and accessible data collection.

What You’ll Learn:

How to shift team mindsets by focusing on making their work easier rather than overwhelming them with technology
The "Test Tools Before Testing People" principle for successful digital transformation
How to make technical training accessible through gradual learning paths and relatable examples
The importance of creating internal "Digital Champions" to sustain long-term adoption
Why piloting is a non-negotiable and how to implement it effectively
The value of building a complete data ecosystem beyond just data collection tools
Why continuous post-training support is essential for sustainable implementation

Maulik is a digital data collection expert and trainer specializing in helping organizations transition from paper-based to digital data gathering systems. With extensive experience conducting workshops and training across international organizations, he is known for his patient, empathy-driven approach to technology adoption. His work has helped numerous field teams and program staff across different countries successfully implement digital data collection systems for sustainable and long-lasting impact.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.

Episode Resources:
Maulik Chauhan on LinkedIn
Trestle Website
Marta Costa on LinkedIn
Dobility Website
SurveyCTO Website
2025 SurveyCTO Primary Data Collection Research Grant

Episode Highlights
0:00 Intro: Digital Training for Data Collection Teams
2:43 Why Empathy Beats Expertise in Technical Training
9:12 Understanding Your Audience Before Solutions
14:10 Making Technology Accessible Through Small Wins
19:49 Pre-Training Homework and Assessment
23:25 How Organizations Can Prepare for Digital Adoption
28:35 Test Tools Before Testing People: The Pilot Approach
31:03 How Internal ‘Digital Champions’ Save Teams
32:41 Building a Complete Data-Driven Ecosystem
36:46 Final Thoughts & Recommended Resources

Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our most downloaded episode:
From Data to Insights: Andrew Gerhardt on Mastering Digital Analytics
Transforming Communities through Data: Insights from Paul Nzerebende of Human Trafficking Institute
Creating Impactful Data Stories with Lara Mikhail of USAID Egyptian Pioneers
...more
34min
July 24, 2025What Happens When You Center People in Supply Chain Research? With Dr. Mark Pagell of the University College Dublin
In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa is joined by Dr. Mark Pagell, Professor of Sustainable Supply Chain Management at the University College Dublin. Together, they share how adopting a people-centric approach transforms data collection within sustainable supply chains, challenging traditional models that prioritize economic growth over social and ecological well-being.

What You’ll Learn:

How to shift from traditional manager-focused data collection to capturing worker and community perspectives
Why mixing methodologies is crucial for understanding social impacts
The creative sampling" approach to finding and studying innovative, sustainable business models
How to leverage partnerships with regulatory agencies and NGOs for deeper data access
Why researchers should embrace prescriptive, goal-oriented research rather than purely descriptive studies

Dr. Mark Pagell is a distinguished scholar in Sustainable Supply Chain Management and a Full Professor of Sustainable Supply Chain Management at the University College Dublin. Known for challenging traditional supply chain models, he advocates for a people-centric approach that prioritizes social and ecological well-being over purely economic metrics. His groundbreaking work focuses on post-growth economics and sustainable supply chain transitions, particularly examining how organizations can scale up renewable operations while responsibly scaling down traditional practices.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.

Episode Resources:
Dr. Mark Pagell on LinkedIn
University College Dublin Website
Marta Costa on LinkedIn
Dobility Website
SurveyCTO Website
Putting the S in Sustainable Supply Chain Management Article
Rethinking Supply Chain Management in a Post-Growth Era Article
2025 SurveyCTO Primary Data Collection Research Grant
Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our most downloaded episode:
From Data to Insights: Andrew Gerhardt on Mastering Digital Analytics
Transforming Communities through Data: Insights from Paul Nzerebende of Human Trafficking Institute
Creating Impactful Data Stories with Lara Mikhail of USAID Egyptian Pioneers
...more
30min
June 26, 2025The Future of Survey Sampling: How Technology is Leading a Breakthrough with Douglas Johnson of IDinsight
In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa is joined by Douglas Johnson, a Senior Statistician on the Technical Team at IDinsight. Together, they share groundbreaking approaches to survey sampling that balance rigor with cost-effectiveness, especially in regions where traditional census data is unavailable or unreliable.

What You’ll Learn:

How traditional sampling methods like the "right-hand rule" fall short in delivering replicable, unbiased results
Why satellite imagery and rooftop data are transforming household survey sampling methodology
The practical implementation of rooftop sampling and how it improves upon conventional approaches
How grid-based sampling works and when it's most appropriate to use
The technical requirements and organizational considerations for implementing new sampling methods
Why AI and technology will enhance but not replace human-conducted household surveys

Douglas Johnson is a Senior Statistician on the Technical Team at IDinsight, specializing in survey sampling methodology and data quality improvement for global development research. With extensive expertise in statistical analysis and survey design, he leads innovative work through IDinsight's Data Delta initiative, which aims to make household surveys better, faster, and more cost-effective. Johnson has pioneered new approaches to survey sampling, including rooftop sampling methodology, and has worked with organizations like Meta, the World Bank, and UNICEF to revolutionize data collection in hard-to-reach areas.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.

Episode Highlights:
0:00 Intro
2:27 Why Traditional Sampling Is Broken
4:44 Why Satellite Imagery Changes the Game
6:42 The Right-Hand Rule Debunked
10:37 The Road to Rooftop Sampling
13:08 Lessons From the Field
16:04 Is Grid-Based Sampling Worth It?
19:19 Skills and Tools You’ll Need
25:00 The Future of Sampling
26:56 AI and the Role of Human Interaction

Episode Resources:
Douglas Johnson on LinkedIn
IDinsight Website
Marta Costa on LinkedIn
Dobility Website
SurveyCTO Website
Right-Hand Rule Sampling" Blog Post
Grid-based Sampling Blog Post
WorldPop Website
GHS-POP Website
Google My Maps Website
MapSolve Website

Guest Resources:
Right-hand rule sampling
Blog post on why right-hand rule sampling leads to biased results
Grid-based sampling
Blog post introducing grid-based sampling
Blog post on lessons learned using grid-based sampling
Code to implement grid-based sampling
Additional code to cluster grids
Rooftop sampling
Working paper showing that rooftop sampling leads to relatively little bias
Code and guidance to implement rooftop sampling
Voter roll sampling
Academic paper showing that voter rolls have high coverage in rural India

Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our most downloaded episode:
From Data to Insights: Andrew Gerhardt on Mastering Digital Analytics
Transforming Communities through Data: Insights from Paul Nzerebende of Human Trafficking Institute
Creating Impactful Data Stories with Lara Mikhail of USAID Egyptian Pioneers
...more
33min
May 22, 2025Simple solutions to complex problems: What we learned about data collection in humanitarian aid at DIHAD with Maria Pervova and Catherine Kendall
In this special episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa is joined by SurveyCTO’s Business Development Manager, Maria Pervova, and Associate Account Executive Catherine Kendall. Together, the three navigate insights coming from the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development (DIHAD) Conference & Exhibition in Dubai, a leading event on humanitarian aid and development. This year’s theme, "Humanitarian Aid and Development in a Polarised World," sparked powerful conversations and left us thinking deeply about the role of data, collaboration, and innovation in humanitarian work.

What You’ll Learn:

Why digital transformation remains a crucial strategy for humanitarian organizations still relying on paper-based systems
How standardization of data collection across multiple countries impacts program effectiveness and donor reporting
How technology can enhance medical service delivery in humanitarian settings
The importance of balancing innovation with practical solutions in humanitarian technology

Maria is a Business Development professional at SurveyCTO with a background in economics and international development. Based in Colombia, she leverages her experience with nonprofits and government education to guide organizations through technology-driven process improvements, helping them optimize their daily tools and operations for greater impact.

Catherine is a Business Development specialist at SurveyCTO with extensive experience in nonprofit healthcare operations, innovation, and program management. Drawing from her background in healthcare operations, she helps high-impact organizations discover and implement technological solutions to improve their processes and increase program growth.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.

Episode Highlights:

0:00 Intro
01:21 Meet Maria and Catherine
03:15 First Impressions of DIHAD
04:39 Surprising Gaps in Digitization
06:58 Privacy, Process, and Paper
09:39 Innovation Isn’t Just AI
13:04 Localization vs. Standardization
17:23 Moments That Stuck
19:01 Changing Perspectives and Reinforcing Purpose
23:37 Booths, Barbecue, and Za'atar Pizza

Episode Resources:
Maria Pervova on LinkedIn
Catherine Kendall on LinkedIn
DIHAD Website
Marta Costa on LinkedIn
Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our most downloaded episode:
From Data to Insights: Andrew Gerhardt on Mastering Digital Analytics
Transforming Communities through Data: Insights from Paul Nzerebende of Human Trafficking Institute
Creating Impactful Data Stories with Lara Mikhail of USAID Egyptian Pioneers
...more
29min
April 24, 2025[Greatest Hits] Make Data Work for Good with Maulik Chauhan of Trestle Research
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.

As the India Lead for SurveyCTO, Maulik drives the platform's growth nationwide, helping organizations shift to digital data collection methods that improve accuracy and reliability. With over a decade of experience in data collection and analysis, Maulik previously worked as a Senior Data Associate at J-PAL South Asia, managing data for randomized control trials and collaborating with institutions like The World Bank and Harvard University.

His expertise ranges from grassroots data collection to high-level consultancy, including his work with the UN to help African nations digitize their Consumer Price Index data collection. Maulik's blend of data expertise and passion for social impact positions him as a key figure in data-driven social change.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.

Episode Resources:
Maulik Chauhan on LinkedIn
Marta Costa on LinkedIn
Trestle Research Website
Dobility Website
SurveyCTO Website

Episode Highlights:
0:00 Intro
2:39 How a Bollywood Movie Sparked Maulik's Mission to Impact Millions
7:36 Empowering Organizations for Real-Time Results
11:13 Why Going Paperless Isn’t Enough
15:39 The Power of Tech in Data Management
22:20 Leveraging Digital Data
26:26 The Secret Formula for a Seamless Data Transition
30:06 How Digitizing Data Saves Lives and Transforms Communities
36:47 Maulik’s Tips for Mastering Tech and Data
38:56 Free Tools and Must-Read Books for Researchers
Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our most downloaded episode:
From Data to Insights: Andrew Gerhardt on Mastering Digital Analytics
Transforming Communities through Data: Insights from Paul Nzerebende of Human Trafficking Institute
Creating Impactful Data Stories with Lara Mikhail of USAID Egyptian Pioneers
...more
43min
March 20, 2025The Ethics of Field Research in Vulnerable Communities with Dr. Angela R. Pashayan of Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)
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 International trips, and Intercultural Communication. Together, they explore the ethics of field research in vulnerable communities. Drawing from her work in Nairobi, Kenya,, Dr. Pashayan shares valuable insights on navigating unexpected challenges in data collection, adapting research methodologies to local contexts, and preparing university students for the challenges and opportunities of fieldwork.

Dr. Pashayan is an Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and a Visiting Professor at American University’s Nairobi Campus, where she leads research on informal settlements. Her research has been focussed on extreme poverty reduction in Mukuru, Nairobi slums and is published in her book, “Development in Africa's Informal Settlements,” which examines the disconnect between international development programs and the realities of slum dwellers.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.

Episode Resources:
Dr. Angela R. Pashayan on LinkedIn
Development in Africa's Informal Settlements Book
Marta Costa on LinkedIn
Dobility Website
SurveyCTO Website

Episode Highlights

[00:00] Intro
[01:23] - How Can You Avoid Bias in Your Survey Questions?
[04:07] - How Do You Make Sure Questions Are Understood Well Across Cultures?
[06:31] - How Can You Avoid Survey Fatigue and Engage Respondents?
Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our most downloaded episode:
From Data to Insights: Andrew Gerhardt on Mastering Digital Analytics
Transforming Communities through Data: Insights from Paul Nzerebende of Human Trafficking Institute
Creating Impactful Data Stories with Lara Mikhail of USAID Egyptian Pioneers
...more
35min
February 14, 2025Are You Asking the Right Questions in Your Surveys? With Marta Costa of SurveyCTO
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.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.

Episode Resources:
Marta Costa on LinkedIn
Dobility Website
SurveyCTO Website

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] Intro
[01:23] - How Can You Avoid Bias in Your Survey Questions?
[04:07] - How Do You Make Sure Questions Are Understood Well Across Cultures?
[06:31] - How Can You Avoid Survey Fatigue and Engage Respondents?
[09:25] - Closing and Final Takeaways
Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our most downloaded episode:
From Data to Insights: Andrew Gerhardt on Mastering Digital Analytics
Transforming Communities through Data: Insights from Paul Nzerebende of Human Trafficking Institute
Creating Impactful Data Stories with Lara Mikhail of USAID Egyptian Pioneers
...more
11min
January 23, 2025How Can We Bridge the Recognition Gap in Global Health Research? With Dr. James O'Donovan and Dickson Mbewe
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 dissect a recent study that shines a blaring spotlight on the lack of fair recognition of community health workers’ contributions to data collection, research and academia in global health studies, the systemic inequities this community faces, and the undeniable need for upskilling and professional growth opportunities for community health workers.

From data-driven insights to personal experiences that add nuance to the conversation around the fair representation of community health workers, Dr. James O'Donovan & Dickson Mbewe cover it all in this episode.

To learn, you can read the full study here

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.

Episode Resources:
Dr. James O’Donavan on LinkedIn
Dickson Mbewe on LinkedIn
Community Health Impact Coalition Website
Marta Costa on LinkedIn
Dobility Website
SurveyCTO Website

Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our most downloaded episode:
From Data to Insights: Andrew Gerhardt on Mastering Digital Analytics
Transforming Communities through Data: Insights from Paul Nzerebende of Human Trafficking Institute
Creating Impactful Data Stories with Lara Mikhail of USAID Egyptian Pioneers
...more
50min
January 09, 2025Can AI Make Health Messaging More Human? With Amelia Burke-Garcia of NORC at the University of Chicago
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.

Amelia is an award-winning expert in health communication who has led groundbreaking campaigns tackling critical issues like vaccine hesitancy and health equity, as well as a thought leader in integrating innovative tools like AI into health messaging. She’s also an accomplished author, having written Communicating Through a Pandemic: A Chronicle of Experiences, Lessons Learned, and a Vision for the Future, a deeply insightful guide to effective communication in times of crisis.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.

Episode Resources:
Amelia Burke-Garcia on LinkedIn
Amelia Burke-Garcia’s Books
NORC at the University of Chicago Website
Marta Costa on LinkedIn
Dobility Website
SurveyCTO Website
Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our most downloaded episode:
From Data to Insights: Andrew Gerhardt on Mastering Digital Analytics
Transforming Communities through Data: Insights from Paul Nzerebende of Human Trafficking Institute
Creating Impactful Data Stories with Lara Mikhail of USAID Egyptian Pioneers
...more
36min
December 20, 2024What If the Real Power of Data Isn’t the Numbers, But the Narrative?
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.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.

Episode Resources:
Paul Nzerebende on X
Maulik Chauhan on LinkedIn
Andrew Gerhardt on LinkedIn
Lara Mikhail on LinkedIn
Mohammad Malik on LinkedIn
Yahya Hussein on LinkedIn
Marta Costa on LinkedIn
Dobility Website
SurveyCTO Website
Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our most downloaded episode:
From Data to Insights: Andrew Gerhardt on Mastering Digital Analytics
Transforming Communities through Data: Insights from Paul Nzerebende of Human Trafficking Institute
Creating Impactful Data Stories with Lara Mikhail of USAID Egyptian Pioneers
...more
14min

FAQs about Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast:

How many episodes does Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 17 episodes available.