

#4112
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
Derek Thompson as his own book, exploring the intersection of familiarity and surprise in media.


270 snips
Derek Thompson: From Acting to the Eminem of Macroeconomic Analysis
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 Richard Schott in relation to the success of Bill Haley's song 'Rock Around the Clock'.

16 snips
Interview: Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, author of Everybody Lies, on how to uncover hidden consumer motivations
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 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)
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
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)
Von Lisa-Sophie Scheurell erwähnt im Zusammenhang mit einem Experiment von David Huron, das die Reaktion von Mäusen auf Musik untersucht.

Musik: Warum wird ein Song zum Hit?