#2610

Mentioned in 13 episodes

Hit Makers

The Science of Popularity in an Age of Distraction

Book • 2017

In 'Hit Makers,' Derek Thompson delves into the mysteries of popularity, tracing the history of hits from the 13th-century tunic craze to modern-day blockbusters like Star Wars.

Thompson shatters myths about hit-making, revealing that quality alone is not enough for success and that many popular products were close to failure.

He introduces concepts like MAYA (Most Advanced Yet Acceptable) and the balance between novelty and familiarity, highlighting how influential people and networks play a crucial role in making things viral.

The book is a comprehensive look at how culture happens and why certain things capture people's attention.

Mentioned by

Jason Calacanis

Mentioned in 13 episodes

Mentioned by

Derek Thompson

as his own book, exploring the intersection of familiarity and surprise in media.

Derek Thompson: From Acting to the Eminem of Macroeconomic Analysis

Mentioned by

Jay Clouse

as a book every creator should read.

#237: Rachel Botsman – Trust expert on how you can earn trust with your audience

Mentioned by the host as one of the co-authors of Abundance, a book that argues limits placed by past generations to protect jobs and the environment are preventing solving shortages.

"Tough Love For Liberals"

Mentioned by

Scott Galloway

as the book written by his guest,

Derek Thompson

.

America’s Progress Has Stalled — with Derek Thompson

Mentioned by

Richard Schott

in relation to the success of Bill Haley's song 'Rock Around the Clock'.

Interview: Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, author of Everybody Lies, on how to uncover hidden consumer motivations

Recommended by

Ryan Hawk

after reading it and finding it hard to put down.

195: Derek Thompson - What Makes Something A Hit? (Hit Makers)

Mentioned by

Derek Thompson

as one of the books he authored.

The great friendship collapse: Inside The Anti-Social Century | Derek Thompson

Mentioned by

Scott Galloway

as the book written by

Derek Thompson

.

America’s Progress Has Stalled — with Derek Thompson | The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway

Mentioned by

Adam Schafer

when discussing the science of virality.

2166: The Pros & Cons of Naps, What to Do When Hard Work in the Gym isn't Paying Off, How to Build Strong Hands & More (Listener Live Coaching)

Mentioned by

Adam Schafer

when discussing the Hit Makers book and how most things are recycled or built off of previous ideas.

2021: Cutting Carbs Vs. Cutting Fat for Fat Loss, When to Start Your Weight Loss Journey With a Bulk, the Importance of Protein Quality Vs. Protein Quantity & More (Listener Live Coaching)

Recommended by Tom Bilyeu when discussing the science of virality.

1779: Training to Build Vs. Training to Maintain, How to Preserve Gains on Vacation, the Health Benefits of Donating Blood & More (Listener Live Coaching)

Mentioned by

Adam Schafer

when discussing the science of virality and how easily things can go viral.

2019: The Detrimental Effects of Low Testosterone in Women, the Truth About Cycle Syncing Workouts, What to Do if You Can't Eat Enough When Bulking & More (Listener Live Coaching)

Mentioned by

Ana Andjelic

, clarifying that her book is on a different topic.

Five Elements of Product-Led Branding

Mentioned by Speaker 1 when discussing formulas for success in music and movies.

1981: How to Kickstart Muscle Growth That Has Stalled, the Benefits of Switching From a Split to a Full Body Workout, How to Spot a Bench Press & More (Listener Live Coaching)

Mentioned by

Sal DiStefano

as a good read for understanding the dynamics of familiarity and uniqueness in media.

1824: Building Muscle & Burning Fat on a High Carb Diet, How to Workout When Time Is Limited, Ways to Reignite Interest in Working Out & More (Listener Live Coaching)

Mentioned by

Jason Calacanis

as a book he has read and enjoyed.

Shopify Board proposes share restructuring + The Atlantic's Derek Thompson, Why American Teens Are So Sad | E1433

Mentioned by

Adam Schafer

when discussing the role of movies in shaping cultural perceptions.

1542: How Bodybuilders Ruined Weight Lifting for Everyone

Mentioned by

Adam Schafer

as a book that analyzes the formulas of successful music and movies.

1373: How to Get Rid of a Lower Belly Pooch, Getting Enough Nutrients on a Low Calorie Diet, How to Adjust Your Diet When Changing Your Training & More

Mentioned by

Sal Di Stefano

in relation to the science of art and music.

1365: Is the Way You Stand & Move Making You Sick? (Featuring Aaron Alexander)

Mentioned by

Sal Di Stefano

when discussing how algorithms are used to create movies and music.

1301: Ways to Mimic Sled Pushes at Home, Correcting Pain Associated With Wearing High Heels, Tips for Dealing With Relationship Stress While Quarantined & More

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!

App store banner

Play store banner