by the IDC Buzz Staff
IDC’s ground-breaking , first-of-its-kind podcast, A Date with Data, dropped for the first time in May 2022. Nearly three years and more than 50 state impact stories later, the pod is refreshed and ready to take on 2025.
It may be less than a week into 2025, but the year already looks to be an exciting one, starting with a reimagined and relaunched A Date with Data podcast, premiering later this week and featuring a refreshed look and new sound.
Not everything is changing, though! Host Amy Bitterman remains at the helm, and A Date with Data remains committed to its original mission to share state impact stories, delivering valuable insights and practical guidance about IDEA data quality and analysis from the people doing the work.
This week is all about counting down to the refreshed pod. To kick that off, the Buzz staff sat down with Amy for an exclusive behind-the-mic interview. Join us as we talk about A Date with Data from end to end: where it started, where we are now, and what listeners can expect in the new season.
BUZZ: Let’s start at the beginning. Tell us how you got involved in A Date with Data.
AMY: That’s a great question with a simple answer: Julie [Bollmer] and Jeanna [Mullins] asked me, and I said “yes.” But, now that I look back, I realize that the reasons they asked me are pretty obvious (and important).
At the time, I was involved in something like four of IDC’s data quality peer groups. I think they were the data managers group, the new data managers group, cross-role, and significant disproportionality. As a result, I really had a wide breadth of exposure in topics in IDEA data. The conversations we had (and still have) in those peer groups provided me with a lot of perspective on those “hot topics” but also informed me about which states had great stories to share.
BUZZ: We are about to release our 59th episode of A Date with Data. Looking back, what has been your favorite part of hosting the pod through those episodes?
AMY: I think the biggest joy of A Date with Data is in the concept. We give states the chance to shine and talk about what they’re proud of, what they’re excited about, and the good work they’re doing. I get as excited about this work as our listeners, and I love that we can use this podcast as a way to put out these states’ stories and give them a platform to talk about innovative strategies that other states may be able to use.
I’m also so proud and grateful for the ways our guests treat the podcast experience. Everyone has been more than willing to help other states, and guests are excited to start conversations with peers after their interviews. They want new information and feedback about their strategies too; kind of like, “Tell me what you did to make [our ideas] your own.”
It’s a constant cycle of sharing information, and I love that!
BUZZ: Ok, it’s time to get more personal. If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of podcast hosting advice, what would it be?
AMY: I hate to say this, but “be less anxious.” When I first started, I was understandably nervous, and I think that I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform in a certain way. But the reality of A Date with Data is just such the opposite. The joy and beauty of this podcast is that it’s just a conversation. There’s no pressure. It’s just an informal discussion with someone who works in your field.
BUZZ: That’s so true—and defintitely part of what makes A Date with Data so great! Now, looking back on those conversations, what stands out to you? Where would you suggest someone new to the pod start?
AMY: One of the things I love the most about A Date with Data is its versatility. There is something for everyone from every corner of the IDEA data world within its episodes. We talk about constants, like 618 data, and making sure that those topics stay on everyone’s radar, and we learn from each other about these old favorites. We also talk about what’s new, like changes taking place to the SPP/APR and how different states are addressing and making those changes in their systems.
To me, this podcast is just another IDC resource for learning. Are you getting ready for a DMS visit? Come listen to what is really going on in other states and how they are grappling with it. Need new ideas for stakeholder engagement? Come and hear about what others have already done and learn from the experiences they share.
BUZZ: What are you most excited about for in 2025?
AMY: Planning for the relaunch has been really exciting, including working with our updated format. We have a polished new presentation and are moving to a once-a-month schedule so that each episode can be a deeper, more informative dive into our highlighted topic. We have several states and territories on our calendar already, including Virginia this month along with Puerto Rico next month—at this point, we have spoken to 23 states and territories! There are a lot of new topics and fresh voices coming this year, along with some very special episodes that we think are really going to resonate with listeners.
BUZZ: Final question: As we get ready for the relaunch premier in just a few days, is there anything you want listeners to know?
AMY: First, how grateful I am (and we all are at IDC) for their support. It is so humbling to think of how many people tune in for each episode and care about this work as much as we do. Second, if you are a long-term listener, I think you are going to love our updated approach. If you are someone who is new to our podcast, this is the perfect time to get on board. Either way, I can’t wait for our listeners to hear what we have in store.