Best Statistical Significance Podcasts (2025)

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Statistical Significance 19:27

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22h ago19:27

19:27

This podcast explains how statistical significance is used in redlining allegations based on disparate impact, despite potential deemphasis under the Trump Administration, as regulators may shift accusations from disparate impact to disparate treatment while still relying on statistical analysis. The hosts clarify that statistical significance meas…

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Holiday Survival Guide: How to talk about scientific studies around the dinner table 1:01:46

10d ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Does a little alcohol really make you speak a foreign language better? This week we unpack a quirky randomized trial that tested Dutch pronunciation after a modest buzz—and came to the opposite conclusion the researchers expected. We use it as the perfect holiday case study: instead of arguing with Uncle Joe at the dinner table, we’ll show you how …

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Shingles Shot and Dementia: Could one vaccine protect your brain? 1:12:58

24d ago1:12:58

1:12:58

What do chickenpox and shingles have to do with your brain? This week, we dig into two 2025 headline-grabbing studies that link the shingles shot to lower dementia rates. We start in Wales, where a birthday cutoff turned into the perfect natural experiment, and end in the U.S. with a multi-million-person megastudy. Featuring bias-variance Goldilock…

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Wasp Attacks & Soggy Chip Philosophies | Ep 14 33:40

1M ago33:40

33:40

Sasha and Nebulous are back (despite Sasha no longer being a "single" mum, and Nebulous being the true "fraud" 😜) to dive into the surreal, chaotic, and inspiring world of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival! Nebulous recounts her nine-day run of SLOMOSEXUAL and the wild lessons learned about international comedy, queer culture, and the unexpected perils…

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Flood remains compliance challenge 17:42

30d ago17:42

17:42

This podcast discusses the persistent compliance challenges financial institutions face with flood insurance requirements. The hosts explain that while the statutory requirements seem straightforward—including determining if property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), providing proper notices, requiring adequate coverage, escrowing premiums,…

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Scary Bridge Study: Can fear make you horny? 1:04:33

1M ago1:04:33

1:04:33

What if a haunted house makes your date look hotter? This week we dive into the infamous Scary Bridge Study — the 1970s classic that launched a thousand pop-psych takes on fear and lust. It’s the one with the swaying bridge, pretty “research assistant,” and phone number scrawled on torn paper. The study became legend, but how sturdy were its stats?…

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Ultramarathons: Can vitamin D protect your bones? 58:50

2M ago58:50

58:50

Ultramarathoners push their bodies to the limit, but can a giant pre-race dose of vitamin D really keep their bones from breaking down? In this episode, we dig into a trial that tested this claim – and found a statistical endurance event of its own: six highly interchangeable papers sliced from one small study. Expect missing runners, recycled figu…

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Disparate Impact Derailed? What EO 14-281 Means for Fair Lending 16:08

2M ago16:08

16:08

Hosts Dean Stockford and Len Suzio welcome back attorney Lori Sommerfield, a partner at Troutman Pepper Locke LLP, to continue their two-part discussion of Executive Order 14-281 and its effort to curb disparate impact theory in fair lending enforcement. The episode covers the legal landscape post-EO, including the Supreme Court’s history, lingerin…

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WE'RE HAVING A BABY! | Ep 13 27:21

2M ago27:21

27:21

Yes, a LOT has happened since the last episode. Sasha's preggers and married - not to Nebulous, though (for now). Highlights: - Should Sasha have a December baby or a January baby? Debate starts now! - Being 40 and pregnant: decidedly different than the last time round - OBJECTIVE differences between the UK and Singapore healthcare systems. - Sasha…

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P-Values: Are we using a flawed statistical tool? 1:14:21

2M ago1:14:21

1:14:21

P-values show up in almost every scientific paper, yet they’re one of the most misunderstood ideas in statistics. In this episode, we break from our usual journal-club format to unpack what a p-value really is, why researchers have fought about it for a century, and how that famous 0.05 cutoff became enshrined in science. Along the way, we share st…

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Exercise and Cancer: Does physical activity improve colon cancer survival? 49:59

3M ago49:59

49:59

Exercise has long been hailed as cancer-fighting magic, but is there hard evidence behind the hype? In this episode, we tackle the CHALLENGE trial, a large phase III study of colon cancer patients that tested whether prescribed exercise could improve cancer-free survival. We translate clinical jargon into plain English, show why ratio statistics ma…

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Executive Order 14281: The End of Fair Lending Law Enforcement Through Use of the Disparate Impact Legal Theory? 22:45

3M ago22:45

22:45

Hosts Dean Stockford and Len Suzio welcome Lori Sommerfield, a partner at Troutman Pepper Locke LLP, to discuss and explain President Trump’s Executive Order 14281 (April 23, 2025), which directs federal agencies to limit use of the disparate impact theory in fair lending enforcement and to review existing guidance, pending matters, and consent ord…

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Age Gaps: How much does age matter in dating? 50:37

3M ago50:37

50:37

Are we all secretly ageist when it comes to dating? We put the stereotype that older men prefer younger women under the microscope using data from thousands of blind dates. What we found surprised us: the “age penalty” was real but microscopic, women wanted younger partners too, and hard age cutoffs weren’t so hard after all. Along the way, we unpa…

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Your Brain on AI: Is ChatGPT making us mentally lazy? 1:15:02

4M ago1:15:02

1:15:02

ChatGPT is melting our brainpower, killing creativity, and making us soulless — or so the headlines imply. We dig into the study behind the claims, starting with quirky bar charts and mysterious sample sizes, then winding through hairball-like brain diagrams and tens of thousands of statistical tests. Our statistical sleuthing leaves us with questi…

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Wild Times for the Community Reinvestment Act 1:23:45

4M ago1:23:45

1:23:45

Join top CRA experts Doctor Ken Thomas, Len Suzio and Dean Stockford for a wide ranging discussion on the Community Reinvestment Act. The NPR for repeal of the 2023 Rule What to be learned from the 2023 Rule Do the examiners in the field reflect "deregulation"? Simple ideas to improve the CRA regulations and make them more effective for banks What …

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The Backfire Effect: Can fact-checking make false beliefs stronger? 59:20

4M ago59:20

59:20

Can correcting misinformation make it worse? The “backfire effect” claims that debunking myths can actually make false beliefs stronger. We dig into the evidence — from ghost studies to headline-making experiments — to see if this psychological plot twist really holds up. Along the way, we unpack interaction effects, randomization red flags, and wh…

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Melbourne Madness & Boyfriend Revelations | Ep 12 20:17

4M ago20:17

20:17

Sasha and Nebulous are back from the Melbourne Comedy Festival, and they're spilling all the beans! From heartwarming moments with their partners to eye-opening comedy sets, they share their very different, but equally inspiring, festival experiences. Highlights: Sasha's emotional festival highlight: a truly special moment with her closest friends …

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Top challenges with Compliance Management 22:46

4M ago22:46

22:46

In this episode, Dean and Len focus on the top compliance management challenges financial institutions face in 2025, particularly in data privacy, cybersecurity, AI systems, and anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF). They highlight how cyber threats—amplified by advances in AI—require robust encryption, advanced threat detecti…

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Dating Wishlists: Are we happier when we get what we want in a mate? 1:06:25

5M ago1:06:25

1:06:25

Loyal, funny, hot — you’ve probably got a wish list for your dream partner. But does checking all your boxes actually lead to happily ever after? In this episode, we dive into a massive global study that put the “ideal partner” hypothesis to the test. Do people really know what they want, and does getting it actually make them happier? We explore s…

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CFPB Extends Section 1071 Compliance Dates 14:26

5M ago14:26

14:26

In Episode 98, Dean and Len discuss the CFPB’s newly announced 2025 Section 1071 Interim Final Rule, which further delays the compliance dates for small business lending data collection and reporting by roughly one year for thousands of banks, credit unions, and commercial lenders. The hosts break down the complexities created by shifting rules, ch…

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Stats Reunion: What have we learned so far? 56:54

5M ago56:54

56:54

It’s our first stats reunion! In this special review episode, we revisit favorite concepts from past episodes—p-values, multiple testing, regression adjustment—and give them fresh personalities as characters. Meet the seductive false positive, the clingy post hoc ex, and Charlotte, the well-meaning but overfitting idealist. Statistical topics Bar c…

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Is the Patriarchy Skibidi? (And Other Gen Z Musings) | Ep 11 23:33

5M ago23:33

23:33

In this listener Q&A episode, Sasha and Nebulous dive into a fascinating question about the stigma of being a self-sufficient woman. They veer off into hilarious tangents about modern dating, the wonders of Gen Z, and even the mysterious meaning of "skibidi." Highlights: Debunking the negative connotations of "spinster" and embracing single mum pri…

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2023 CRA Rule Repeal: Lessons to be Learned 13:55

5M ago13:55

13:55

In the podcast “2023 CRA Rule Repeal: Lessons to be Learned,” Dean Stockford and Len Suzio discuss the potential repeal of the complex 2023 Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rule and argue that, despite its likely demise, valuable insights can still be drawn from it. Len highlights that the 2023 rule introduced a breakthrough by offering calibrated …

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HPV Vaccine: How close are we to wiping out cervical cancer? 1:16:52

5M ago1:16:52

1:16:52

Could a preteen vaccine wipe out a global cancer? In this episode, we examine the bold claim that cervical cancer could be eradicated in much of the world by the end of the century—thanks to the highly effective HPV vaccine. We unpack statistical modeling, microsimulations, and how Markov chains make good date-night conversation. We also explore wh…

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Fried Chicken Flu & Antelope Horn Medicine | Ep 10 26:00

6M ago26:00

26:00

Sasha and Nebulous dive into the fascinating (and sometimes bewildering) world of cultural differences, from Singaporean greetings to perplexing health beliefs. Highlights: Nebulous's hilarious struggles with the "unnaturally good" service and baffling literal interpretations of Chinese medicine at Hai Di Lao. Sasha's boyfriend's belief that fried …

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Importance of Compliance Management in times of transition 18:40

6M ago18:40

18:40

In this episode, Dean and Len discuss the critical role of compliance management systems (CMS) within financial institutions, especially during periods of regulatory change and uncertainty. They emphasize that strong CMS is more than just box-checking—it is the foundation for harmonizing policies, monitoring risks, and ensuring ethical operations a…

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Equipment Size: What is average? 55:14

6M ago55:14

55:14

Today’s deep dive: the surprisingly serious science of penis size. Using self-report surveys, objective measurements, and a healthy dose of old-school statistics, we ask: How do you get clean data on gentlemen’s goods?Along the way, we explore social desirability bias, survey design tricks, and what happens when science meets insecurity. You’ll nev…

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The fatal flaws in the 2023 CRA rule 16:26

6M ago16:26

16:26

In Podcast 95, Len and Dean delve into the critical flaws of the 2023 Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rule, emphasizing its detrimental impact on banks and communities. Len highlights the rule's exclusion of crucial loan types like multifamily mortgages and open-end mortgages, arguing they are vital for community development. He criticizes the rul…

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Sugar Sag: Is Your Diet Aging You? 1:09:21

6M ago1:09:21

1:09:21

Wrinkles and sagging skin—just normal aging, or can you blame your sweet tooth? We dive into “sugar sag,” exploring how sugar, processed foods, and even your crispy breakfast toast might be making you look older than if you’d said no to chocolate cake and yes to broccoli. Along the way, we encounter statistical adjustment, training and test data se…

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The Birds, The Bees, and The Roblox | Ep 9 26:21

7M ago26:21

26:21

Sasha and Nebulous tackle the often awkward and hilarious world of talking to their kids about sex, contrasting their own very different upbringings. Highlights: - Nebulous's surprisingly laissez-faire upbringing regarding sex on TV despite having Asian parents. - Sasha's self-imposed role as the household angel while she was growing up. - The surp…

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The Case of the Golden Arm Hair | Ep 8 25:16

7M ago25:16

25:16

Sasha and Nebulous Niang discuss the unexpected challenges of re-entering relationships after long periods of being single. Highlights: - Sasha's experience with "minor conflicts" with minor disagreements after years of peaceful solitude. - Nebulous's insights on male/female communication styles from her unique perspective. - Mind-reading in relati…

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Fraud, the silent epidemic 12:10

7M ago12:10

12:10

In Episode 94 of their podcast series, Len and Dean discuss the pervasive issue of bank fraud, highlighting its various forms and staggering financial impacts. They cover topics such as credit card fraud, phishing, synthetic identities, and insider threats, citing significant increases in fraud incidents and financial losses globally. Dean provides…

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Hookworms: Can parasites improve your health? 1:08:55

7M ago1:08:55

1:08:55

What if you could treat your prediabetes with . . . worms? Regina and Kristin dive into a surprising early-phase clinical trial on hookworm therapy—that’s right, intentionally infecting yourself with parasitic worms—to treat metabolic conditions. They dig into the biological rationale (inflammation, abdominal fat, and gut immunology), the clever st…

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Beatboxing Nuns, Lesbian Alphabets: the Melbourne International Comedy Festival! | Ep 7 28:23

7M ago28:23

28:23

Sasha and Nebulous bring the Comedy and Custody Podcast to the MICF 2025, sharing their hilarious and heartfelt experiences from the festival floor.In this episode, the comedians chat about: - The Birth of Never Date a Comedian: How a last-minute venue booking turned into a global sensation! - Melbourne’s Queer Comedy Scene 🌈: A refreshing contrast…

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Alcohol: Are happy hours good for your heart? 1:06:25

7M ago1:06:25

1:06:25

Does a daily glass of wine really keep the cardiologist away? It’s a claim we’ve all heard: light to moderate drinking is good for your heart. But is it science or just a convenient excuse for happy hour? In this episode, we dive into the history behind this claim, discuss the challenges of observational studies and statistical adjustment, and expl…

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Olga Koch on the Couch: The stripper ACTUALLY loves me | Ep. 6 31:19

7M ago31:19

31:19

In Part 2 of Sasha and Nebulous' interview with Olga, the comedians chat about: - The Illusion of Intimacy in Peformance: even Comedians fall for it! - Does Olga's interaction with Nebulous the Lesbian Robot count towards her PhD in Human Computer Interactions? :thinking_face::robot_face: - Morally Neutral Comedy - is it Good or Bad that Olga Koch …

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Predictions regarding the 2023 CRA Rule and Section 1071 and how to prepare for expected developments 12:32

8M ago12:32

12:32

In this podcast, Len and Dean discuss the potential impact of regulatory changes under the Trump Administration, particularly focusing on the 2023 Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rule and Section 1071 rule. Len highlights significant problems with the 2023 CRA rule, especially the rigid new assessment area rules that could create unrealistic perfo…

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Elder Financial Exploitation 15:05

8M ago15:05

15:05

In this podcast episode, Len and Dean discuss a recent Joint Statement from regulators on "Elder Financial Exploitation." They explore the challenges financial institutions (FIs) face in protecting seniors from fraud while respecting their independence and privacy rights. Dean highlights key points from the guidance, including policies for governan…

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The Red Dress Effect: Are women in red sexier? 1:09:40

8M ago1:09:40

1:09:40

Wear red and drive men wild with lust – or so says scientific research on color’s role in human mating. But can a simple color swap really boost a woman’s hotness score? In this episode, we delve into the evidence behind the Red Dress Effect, from a controversial first study in college men to what the latest research says about who this trick might…

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Olga Koch on the Couch: Statistically Significant Bisexual | Ep.5 33:07

8M ago33:07

33:07

Sasha and Nebulous kidnap Russian-British comedian Olga Koch (@kolga300) from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, just to fangirl at her for a full hour! Catch her latest special, Olga Koch Comes From Money, 9pm at Melbourne Town Hall from 27 Mar to 20 Apr! https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/olga-koch-comes-from-money/ In Part …

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Millenials, Modems, and Makeup | Ep 4 23:35

8M ago23:35

23:35

Welcome back to "Comedy and Custody," your cozy corner with Sasha Frank and Nebulous Niang! Grab your favorite beverage and get ready to dive into a world of laughter, heartbreak, and the quirky realities of modern dating. **In this episode:** - Sasha and Nebulous share their stories about growing up, from the challenges of teenage years to the hil…

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Vitamin D Part 2: Good for more than just your bones? 1:10:58

8M ago1:10:58

1:10:58

Can you really sit on your couch, pop vitamin D pills, and shave seconds off your 5k? Touted as a miracle cure-all, vitamin D is claimed to slash cancer and infection risks while boosting mood, cognition, and athletic performance. But does upping your vitamin D really make you healthier and happier? In this episode, we’ll follow the epidemiologic e…

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Third-Party Risk The competitive world of banking struggles to keep up with technological advances, particularly in a regulatory environment. 14:19

8M ago14:19

14:19

In this podcast, the hosts discuss the importance of managing third-party risk for financial institutions. They highlight how institutions rely on external providers for technological innovation and operational support, but these partnerships come with a range of risks. Key risk categories include operational, cybersecurity, regulatory, reputationa…

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Katy Perry is a Very Famous Robot 🤖⭐ | Ep 3 23:07

9M ago23:07

23:07

🎙️ Welcome back to "Comedy and Custody," the podcast where Sasha Frank and Nebulous Niang serve up laughter, insights, and the relatable chaos of modern life. Grab a cup of your favorite tea (or coffee) and settle in for another quirky, heartwarming chat. In this episode: We celebrate the (sometimes bumpy) milestone of turning 40 and chat about wha…

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Vitamin D Part 1: Is the Deficiency Epidemic Real? 1:24:48

9M ago1:24:48

1:24:48

Is America really facing an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency? While this claim is widely believed, the story behind it is packed with twists, turns, and some pesky statistical cockroaches. In this episode, we’ll dive into a study on Hawaiian surfers, expose how shifting goalposts can create an epidemic, tackle dueling medical guidelines, and flex o…

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Changes in the Evolving approach to redlining 16:17

9M ago16:17

16:17

In this podcast, Dean and Len discuss potential regulatory changes in 2025, particularly concerning the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and Section 1071 of Dodd-Frank. Len outlines five ways regulations can change: congressional legislation, regulatory agency amendments, enforcement changes, litigation, and the Congressional Review Act. He predict…

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My Prestigious Lesbian Internship | Ep 2 21:28

9M ago21:28

21:28

🎙️ Welcome back to "Comedy and Custody", your cozy corner with Sasha Frank and Nebulous Niang! Grab your favorite beverage and get ready to dive into a world of laughter, heartbreak, and quirky realities of modern dating. In this episode: We dive headfirst into the ever-evolving world of dating, exploring our experiences with dating apps and romant…

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At Least It's Not Gregorian Chant | Ep 1 26:01

9M ago26:01

26:01

🎙️ Welcome to "Comedy and Custody," where we, Sasha Frank and Nebulous Niang, invite you to grab a cup of coffee and join us on the sofa for a hilarious and heartfelt chat. In this episode: We celebrate our 20-year (*cough* 2.5 years) friendship filled with laughter, trauma, and uncontrollable yawns. Discover the secret formula for comedy: *Genuine…

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Pheromones: Is sexy sweat the key to genetic diversity? 59:33

9M ago59:33

59:33

Sweaty t-shirt dating parties, sex pheromone dating sites, choosing your dating partner by sniffing them up — wacko fringe fads or evidence-based mating strategies? And what does your armpit stain have to do with your kids’ immune systems, or hormonal contraceptive pills, or divorce rates? In this episode of Normal Curves, Kristin and Regina reach …

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The Regulatory Situation After the Trump Executive Orders Regulatory Freeze Pending Review 12:23

9M ago12:23

12:23

The podcast discusses recent regulatory developments following the issuance of an Executive Order by President Trump’s administration that froze regulatory actions. This freeze affects the proposal, issuance, and implementation of rules, pending review by new agency heads. The conversation focuses on the implications for banking regulations, partic…