The Jeff-alytics Podcast
Can data uncover the real story of crime and justice in America?
Jeff Asher—nationally recognized crime data analyst, co-founder of AH Datalytics, co-creator of the Real Time Crime Index, and author of the Jeff-alytics Substack—sits down with policymakers, academics, journalists, and everyday people to reveal what the numbers actually show. Each episode challenges the myths we believe, exposes the gap between headlines and reality, and asks: what happens when we finally see crime clearly?
New episodes drop every other week! Visit ahdatalytics.com to learn more.
The Jeff-alytics Podcast
Episode 1: Why Stories Stick and Data Struggles with Michael Lewis
In this conversation, Michael Lewis and Jeff Asher delve into the complexities of crime trends and the role of data in shaping public perception.
They discuss the challenges of effectively communicating crime statistics, the importance of storytelling in data analysis, and the impact of social media on crime trends.
The conversation underscores the importance of accurate crime data in informing public policy and highlights innovative approaches that can engage the public in understanding the realities of crime.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Americans are experiencing a dramatic drop in crime that’s largely missing from the conversation. Why public perception often suggests crime is rising—even when the data says otherwise.
- How stories like Moneyball and The Big Short incorporate strong data components and provide compelling narratives.
- Why is there a perception gap between crime and reality? How telling data-driven stories in engaging, relatable ways can help the public connect with crime trends.
- How Moneyball continues to influence audiences 20 years later, inspiring people to apply data-driven thinking to new areas or share their own stories with Michael Lewis.
- Getting data in front of the right audience is essential for informed public policy, analysis, and public awareness.
- What’s next for Michael Lewis: his next book and his recent movie cameo
Guest Bio:
Michael Lewis is the best-selling author of Liar’s Poker, Moneyball, The Blind Side, The Big Short, The Undoing Project, and The Fifth Risk. He lives in Berkeley, California, with his family.
Resources & Links:
- Learn more about Michael Lewis at www.michaellewiswrites.com
Follow the Jeff-alytics Podcast:
- Instagram: @realtimecrimeindex
- Youtube: @Aggregated_RTCI
- Website: www.ahdatalytics.com/jeff-alytics_podcast/