

Jens Ludwig
Professor of economics at the University of Chicago and director of the University of Chicago Crime Lab. Author of 'Unforgiving Places: The Unexpected Origins of American Gun Violence'.
Top 10 podcasts with Jens Ludwig
Ranked by the Snipd community

143 snips
Apr 26, 2025 • 59min
156. A Solution to America’s Gun Problem
Jens Ludwig, a professor at the University of Chicago and Crime Lab director, presents a compelling argument to address America's gun violence. He urges a data-driven approach, challenging conventional political wisdom. Ludwig discusses the complexities of gun ownership and its societal effects, sharing personal stories that illuminate living in high-crime areas. He also highlights innovative community programs, like 'Becoming a Man' and even proposes public boxing matches as creative conflict resolution. It's a fresh look at policy-making and practical solutions to enhance public safety.

69 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 60min
John McWhorter & Jens Ludwig – The Unexpected Origins of American Gun Violence
Jens Ludwig, a professor at the University of Chicago and author of 'Unforgiving Places', explores the unexpected origins of American gun violence. He shares his personal journey from Germany to the U.S. that sparked his interest in this issue. The conversation dives into the interplay of culture and economics, and how attitudes toward emotional expression impact violent behavior. Urban design's role in reducing crime is also discussed, alongside pragmatic community interventions that have shown promise in lowering gun violence rates in cities like Los Angeles and New York.

46 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 56min
Why Is One Chicago Neighborhood Twice as Deadly as Another?
In this insightful discussion, Jens Ludwig, a University of Chicago economist and author of "Unforgiving Places," dives into the complex roots of gun violence in America. He emphasizes that many gun deaths stem from impulsive actions rather than premeditated plans. Ludwig advocates for innovative crime prevention strategies and highlights how urban design and community dynamics can fuel violence. The conversation challenges listeners to rethink their understanding of crime, considering psychological and environmental factors that shape behavior in different neighborhoods.

34 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 48min
Inside the AI Debate: Hope, Hype, Or Harm? A Big Brains Panel Weighs In
Bob Grossman, a faculty member at the University of Chicago specializing in AI for healthcare, joins Ben Zhao, a professor focused on securing AI rights for creatives, and Jens Ludwig, an economist tackling social issues with data. They dive into how AI is reshaping healthcare and the arts, discussing the need for safeguards against misuse. The conversation highlights the role of AI in addressing gun violence, emphasizing the importance of representative data for effective solutions. Ethical considerations and rapid advancements in AI take center stage, sparking an engaging dialogue.

34 snips
Dec 7, 2023 • 48min
567. Do the Police Have a Management Problem?
Join Jens Ludwig, an economist and director of the Crime Lab at the University of Chicago, alongside Sandy Jo MacArthur, a curriculum design director for the Policing Leadership Academy and law enforcement training expert. They delve into the critical need for enhanced management training for police leaders, arguing that effective strategies can reduce gun violence. The discussion also highlights innovative approaches like integrating mental health professionals with law enforcement and emphasizes the importance of data-driven methods for community safety.

16 snips
May 14, 2025 • 9min
What we misunderstand about gun violence
Jens Ludwig, an economist at the University of Chicago and author of "Unforgiving Places," challenges conventional wisdom about gun violence in the U.S. He argues that many shootings stem from escalated conflicts rather than premeditated actions. Ludwig emphasizes the role of behavioral economics in understanding these dynamics. He also discusses innovative community strategies, like transforming vacant lots into parks, that can promote engagement and reduce gun violence. His insights offer a fresh perspective on addressing this pressing issue.

12 snips
May 1, 2025 • 30min
How To Stop Gun Violence Before It Starts, with Jens Ludwig
Jens Ludwig, a Professor at the University of Chicago and director of the crime lab, dives into the complex world of gun violence. He argues that most shootings stem from impulsive arguments rather than premeditated plans. Ludwig explores stark differences in gun violence rates between similar neighborhoods, attributing these disparities to emotional triggers. He advocates for innovative, data-backed interventions like the 'Becoming a Man' initiative, emphasizing community engagement and youth empowerment as crucial steps toward a solution.

7 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 45min
The Unexpected Origins of American Gun Violence ft Jens Ludwig
Jens Ludwig, a prominent professor of public policy and director of the Chicago Crime Lab, engages in a compelling discussion about American gun violence. He outlines how societal fears and the impact of gun accessibility contribute to homicide rates. Ludwig critiques harsh incarceration methods and emphasizes data-driven interventions that have proven effective in reducing violence. He suggests that everyday arguments are often the root of shootings and highlights innovative prevention strategies, including cognitive training programs that can significantly lower recidivism.

Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 34min
Why Split-Second Thinking Fuels Violence | Jens Ludwig
Jens Ludwig, a professor at the University of Chicago and director of the Crime Lab, takes us on a riveting journey into the real roots of violence. He debunks the myth of 'bad people' by discussing how ordinary individuals make split-second decisions under pressure. Ludwig emphasizes the impact of the environment, showcasing how pocket parks and visible community presence can drastically cut crime rates. He also explores the importance of metacognition and education as tools for reducing impulsive violence, offering hope and practical solutions for safer neighborhoods.

Sep 8, 2025 • 46min
What the left and the right misunderstand about gun violence
Jens Ludwig, a professor at the University of Chicago and director of the crime lab, shares insights from his book on the origins of gun violence in America. He argues that both the left and right misunderstand the issue, failing to implement effective policies. Ludwig delves into how impulsive behavior often leads to gun homicides and emphasizes the importance of community engagement in curbing violence. He discusses behavioral economics as a framework to understand decision-making and advocates for innovative, tailored interventions to foster safer neighborhoods.


