Design Matters with Debbie Millman

Stephen J. Dubner

6 snips
Sep 15, 2025
Stephen J. Dubner, an award-winning journalist and co-creator of Freakonomics, dives into fascinating discussions on curiosity and its decline with age. He shares insights from his journey in media, including a new talk show focused on human stories. Reflecting on two decades of Freakonomics, Dubner emphasizes the blend of economics and human behavior. He also examines the interplay between authenticity and fame, offering a candid look at the pressures of media recognition while exploring the hidden dynamics of the publishing world.
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ANECDOTE

First Byline Thanks To A Teacher

  • Stephen Dubner's first published byline appeared in Highlights when a beloved teacher submitted his poem without his knowledge.
  • He keeps that original Highlights issue on his office coffee table as a reminder of a teacher's power.
ANECDOTE

Country Childhood, City Self

  • Dubner grew up on a farm as the youngest of eight and feared the family chicken coop rituals tied to birthday silence.
  • He later realized he was more of a city person and breathed easier after moving to New York in his 20s.
ANECDOTE

Family Conversion Sparked A Book

  • Dubner investigated his parents' conversions from Judaism to Catholicism by interviewing his mother and building an oral history.
  • That reporting expanded into his first book Turbulent Souls and led him back toward Judaism.
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