Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard Nate Silver (statistician)
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Feb 12, 2025 
Nate Silver, a renowned statistician and founder of FiveThirtyEight, shares insights from his fascinating career in political and sports forecasting. He recalls his ambitious youth, aspiring to become president and later a baseball commissioner. The conversation delves into how code-switching has aided his success as a gay man, his foray into online poker, and the importance of statistical literacy. Nate discusses the adrenaline rush of winning streaks, comparing it to a narcotic, and critiques the risky behaviors of figures like Sam Bankman-Fried, shedding light on decision-making in high-stakes environments.
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Presidential Aspirations
- Nate Silver's fifth-grade biography detailed his future presidency.
- He would later retire to become baseball commissioner, his true passion.
Outsider Advantage
- Feeling like an outsider can be valuable. This allows individuals to develop code-switching abilities and diverse perspectives.
Transfer Pricing Consultant
- Nate Silver worked as a transfer pricing consultant, optimizing tax policies for multinational companies.
- He found the work unfulfilling despite the initial excitement of earning a paycheck.
