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The Common Good Data PodcastAuthor: Common Good Data
The podcast for nonprofit and government leaders looking to use data and evaluation strategies to build effective and sustainable programs in the areas of prevention, mental health, human services, and education. On the Common Good Data Podcast, learn how the best organizations build a culture of data that impresses funders, wins competitive grants, and changes the lives of the individuals and communities they serve. Episodes include interviews with social sector leaders and insights from the world of program evaluation. Hosted by Drew Reynolds and Roger Suclupe. Language: en-us Genres: Business, Non-Profit Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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What This Year Taught Me About Evaluation
Episode 49
Tuesday, 9 December, 2025
In this special year-end episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, I share 12 evaluation reflections for the new year, inspired by The 12 Days of Christmas. As we wrap up the year, I wanted to slow things down and reflect on what I’ve been learning and what I hope to carry into my data and evaluation work in 2026.Throughout the episode, I talk about why it’s so important to rediscover your “why”, listen before measuring, and simplify your data practices so they actually support your mission instead of overwhelming your team. I also reflect on the balance between stories and statistics, and why meaningful evaluation always needs both to truly communicate impact.I share thoughts on prioritizing data use over data collection, approaching evaluation as a learner rather than a prover, and re-centering equity by sharing power in how we define success. Along the way, I emphasize building relationships around data, celebrating small wins, and investing in your team’s capacity so evaluation becomes a source of learning and growth — not frustration.I close the episode with a reminder to lead with hope. Even in a challenging year, evaluation can help us make sense of change, stay grounded in purpose, and imagine what’s possible as we move into the year ahead.
