Stephen Dubner, author and host of "Freakonomics", shares his childhood hero story about Franco Harris, illustrating the deep emotional ties fans have to sports. The conversation explores why we become so invested in games, whether it's a football playoff or a family board game. From the thrill of an underdog to the balance of creativity and rules in play, they discuss how games reflect broader human experiences. Dubner's personal anecdotes highlight sports as a connection point, revealing insights about hope, loss, and the narratives we create through competition.

Stephen Dubner, co-author of the Freakonomics series, interviews Steve Levitt, a renowned economist known for his unconventional insights. They discuss the wisdom Levitt has gained from numerous interviews and his delight in challenging political norms. Levitt shares his passion for data science while addressing the gap between academic research and policy. The conversation also touches on educational reform, mental health initiatives, and the importance of critical thinking in public decision-making, culminating in a reflection on mentorship and the value of meaningful connections.

Stephen J. Dubner is an award-winning author, journalist, and radio and TV personality. He is best-known for writing, along with the economist Steven D. Levitt, Freakonomics (2005), SuperFreakonomics (2009), and Think Like a Freak (2014), which have sold more than 5 million copies in 35 languages.In this podcast, we discuss dozens of topics, including: his writing process, religion, how to "think like freak," parenting, favorite documentaries, and much, much more.Show notes and more at http://www.fourhourblog.com Just search "Dubner" Enjoy!***If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading the reviews!For show notes and past guests, please visit tim.blog/podcast.Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (“5-Bullet Friday”) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Visit tim.blog/sponsor and fill out the form.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss YouTube: youtube.com/timferrissSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

In a captivating discussion, Stephen Dubner, co-author of the renowned Freakonomics, dives into the art of storytelling in economics. He shares his journey from reluctance to collaboration in writing, shedding light on the surprising cultural impact of their book. Dubner addresses how economic theories intersect with everyday life, exploring topics from crime rates to universal basic income. He also reveals insights on the challenges of podcast marketing and the evolving identity of his media brand, blending empirical analysis with engaging narratives.