People I (Mostly) Admire 95. The One Thing Stephen Dubner Hasn’t Quit
Dec 24, 2022
Stephen Dubner, co-author of the Freakonomics books and host of Freakonomics Radio, shares insights from two decades of collaboration with Steve Levitt, including their initial rivalry. He discusses the art of interviewing, the balance of listening and speaking, and a transformative experience with Ted Kaczynski. Dubner reflects on leaving music for journalism, the importance of following passions, and the intimate nature of podcasting. The conversation uniquely intertwines creativity, collaboration, and the playful relationship between math and music.
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Levitt's Interview Experience
- Stephen Dubner interviewed Steve Levitt for three days straight, asking countless questions.
- Levitt, initially annoyed, realized the power of asking questions and learned to listen more.
The Selfishness of Questions
- Asking questions can be selfish as it allows the asker to hide behind a veil.
- Dubner finds it thrilling and selfish and acknowledges some find him obnoxious.
Levitt's Sensitive Questions
- Levitt's kids are embarrassed by his direct questions to their friends, like asking about divorcing parents.
- Levitt believes people experiencing hardship often want to discuss it, citing a past conversation with Dubner about his deceased son.