In this engaging conversation, Steven Levitt, the renowned economist and co-author of Freakonomics, reflects on his leap from academia to the world of podcasting. He shares amusing anecdotes about the unexpected success of Freakonomics and how storytelling made economics accessible. Levitt discusses the innovative strategies the Center for Radical Innovation for Social Change is implementing to tackle kidney donation issues and critiques traditional math education, emphasizing the need for practical skills. His journey reminds us of the emotional connection that meaningful conversations can create.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
First Interview
Tim Harford's publisher worried Freakonomics would overshadow his upcoming book.
Harford interviewed Steven Levitt, marking his first interview ever.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Daily Show Graft
Levitt claims his appearance on The Daily Show, secured through a traded rent-controlled apartment, propelled Freakonomics to success.
Harford contrasts this with his own less successful Colbert Report appearance.
insights INSIGHT
Freakonomics' True Appeal
Freakonomics' success stemmed from its unique, sassy attitude and approachable writing style, not just its stories.
The book's accessibility made readers feel smart by offering a fun glimpse into academia.
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A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything
Andrea Montero Cusset
Steven D. Levitt
Stephen J. Dubner
Freakonomics is a collaboration between economist Steven D. Levitt and journalist Stephen J. Dubner that delves into the riddles of everyday life, from cheating and crime to parenting and sports. The book argues that economics is fundamentally the study of incentives and how people get what they want or need, especially when others want or need the same thing. It covers various topics such as the inner workings of a crack gang, the truth about real estate agents, and the secrets of the Ku Klux Klan, using forceful storytelling and wry insight to challenge conventional wisdom.
Think Like a Freak
Steven D. Levitt
Stephen J. Dubner
In *Think Like a Freak*, Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner offer a blueprint for thinking more productively and creatively. They explore topics from business to philanthropy, using captivating storytelling and unconventional analysis to retrain your brain. The book teaches readers to question conventional wisdom, understand incentives, and appreciate the benefits of quitting when necessary.
The Undercover Economist
Tim Harford
The Undercover Economist provides a fresh explanation of the modern economy, using examples from various aspects of life, such as the pricing of coffee, the challenges of buying a used car, and the impact of globalization. The book illuminates how economists think and how their insights can help readers make better decisions in their daily lives. It covers topics including demand-supply interactions, market failures, externalities, and international trade, all presented in non-technical terms[1][3][5].
20 years ago, a book called Freakonomics became an instant bestseller and worldwide sensation. Tim Harford got his hands on the first copy that Steve Levitt ever signed... and promptly sold it on eBay. In this Cautionary Conversation, the pair are reunited to discuss the Freakonomics phenomenon, why Levitt left the hostile world of academia, and how simple changes could revolutionise everything from education to organ donation.
For a full list of sources, see the show notes at timharford.com.
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Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford 
