

#2086
Mentioned in 12 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.
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















Mentioned in 12 episodes
Mentioned by 

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


Derek Thompson

277 snips
Derek Thompson: From Acting to the Eminem of Macroeconomic Analysis
Mentioned by 

as a book every creator should read.


Jay Clouse

118 snips
#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.

38 snips
"Tough Love For Liberals"
Mentioned by 

as the book written by his guest, 

.


Scott Galloway


Derek Thompson

24 snips
America’s Progress Has Stalled — with Derek Thompson
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

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

Richard Schott

16 snips
Interview: Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, author of Everybody Lies, on how to uncover hidden consumer motivations
Recommended by ![undefined]()

after reading it and finding it hard to put down.

Ryan Hawk

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

as the book written by 

.


Scott Galloway


Derek Thompson

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

when discussing the science of virality.


Adam Schafer

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)
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 

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


Adam Schafer

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)
Mentioned by 

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


Adam Schafer

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 ![undefined]()

, clarifying that her book is on a different topic.

Ana Andjelic

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 

when discussing how music is manufactured today.


Adam Schafer

987: The Ketogenic Diet is Making You Fat
Mentioned by 

when discussing how Netflix uses analytics to create successful movies.


Adam Schafer

1243: Why SARMs Are Not Worth the Risk, How to Improve Your Vertical Jump, the Impact Resistance Training & Diet Has on Conception & More
Mentioned by 

as the author of the best-selling book, explaining how luck helped give the song "Rock Around The Clock" a second chance at success.


Chris Hill

How Luck Made “Rock Around The Clock” a #1 Hit
Mentioned by 

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


Sal Di Stefano

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

in relation to the science of art and music.


Sal Di Stefano

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

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


Adam Schafer

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 

when discussing the role of movies in shaping cultural perceptions.


Adam Schafer

1542: How Bodybuilders Ruined Weight Lifting for Everyone