Against the Rules: The Big Short Companion
Pushkin Industries
Michael Lewis’s best-selling book The Big Short is now 15 years old. The Oscar-winning movie based on it came out a decade ago. To mark the occasion, Lewis has narrated a new audiobook of The Big Short. Here on his podcast, he and co-host Lidia Jean Kott are thinking about the legacy of the book, the movie, and the financial crisis of 2008. Michael catches up with the director of the movie, Adam McKay, as well as some of the real-life characters depicted by the likes of Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell and Jeremy Strong. He also calls up journalists, economists, and historians to make sense of the 2008 financial crisis and to understand how it still affects the world today.
Get your copy of The Big Short audiobook, narrated by Michael Lewis, on Audible, Spotify, Apple Books, pushkin.fm/bigshort or wherever you get audiobooks.
iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.
Get your copy of The Big Short audiobook, narrated by Michael Lewis, on Audible, Spotify, Apple Books, pushkin.fm/bigshort or wherever you get audiobooks.
iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.
Episodes
Mentioned books
52 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 31min
How the Financial Crisis Broke Wall Street
In a riveting discussion, Michael Lewis chats with Matt Levine, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist and former Goldman Sachs investment banker. They delve into what the financial crisis revealed about Wall Street, exploring how risk shifted post-2008 to hedge funds and high-frequency trading firms. Levine highlights Bitcoin's emergence as a reaction to the crisis and warns that short-term funding remains a crux for financial turmoil. He also shares insights on the rise of stablecoins and the evolving landscape of bank regulation, hinting at where the next financial shakeup might occur.
172 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 35min
Lessons of the Great Depression
Andrew Ross Sorkin, a financial journalist and author known for his insights on market crises, dives deep into the 1929 crash and its parallels with 2008's meltdown. He discusses the rampant speculation and margin credit that fueled the roaring twenties, revealing the personalities like Thomas Lamont and Jesse Livermore who played pivotal roles. Sorkin also contrasts the Federal Reserve's inaction in 1929 with its aggressive response in 2008. The conversation explores how narratives of blame and public trust in institutions have evolved over time.
145 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 46min
Lender of Last Resort
Emi Nakamura, a UC Berkeley macroeconomist, dives deep into the Federal Reserve's critical role during the 2008 financial crisis. She explains the Fed's origins in response to banking crises and discusses how its decisions shaped economic policies. Nakamura highlights the complexities of monetary intervention, including the controversial bailouts and the evolving nature of money from gold to modern currency. She also warns about the potential risks to the Fed's independence and public trust in the aftermath of such interventions.
94 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 23min
The FrontPoint Boys
Join former FrontPoint traders Porter Collins, Danny Moses, and Vincent Daniel, who gained notoriety by betting against subprime mortgage bonds during the financial crisis. They dive into their pivotal decisions, revealing how they identified cracks in the housing market. The trio shares personal reflections on the fallout and moral complexities of profiting from others' misfortunes, while also addressing why most Wall Street traders overlooked crucial data. Their insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the chaotic world of finance during a historic collapse.
104 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 23min
The Short Sellers
Steve Eisman, the astute investor and founder of FrontPoint Partners, known for his foresight in the subprime mortgage crisis, shares his riveting insights. He discusses the alarming moment he recognized fraud in the mortgage market and reflects on chaotic moments during Lehman's collapse. Eisman critiques the systemic failings in Wall Street's due diligence and questions the lack of criminal prosecutions. He also delves into current risks in private equity and the dual systems of justice stemming from the financial crisis.
59 snips
Oct 18, 2025 • 26min
Michael Lewis Interviews His Producer
In this enlightening discussion, producer Lydia Jean Kott shares her journey uncovering the Chinatown drug trials of the 1980s. Known for her work on The Chinatown Sting, she reveals how mahjong parlors linked the defendants and shaped the investigation. Lydia recounts the emotional challenges of telling the stories of those affected and the unique methods used by law enforcement, including covert operations and surveillance tech. Her insights into the human side of the prosecution provide a fascinating perspective on this complex case.
130 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 37min
Adam McKay is Still Angry About 2008
Adam McKay, acclaimed film writer-director known for his work on comedies like Anchorman and for directing The Big Short, joins Michael Lewis to unpack the lasting impact of the 2008 financial crisis. McKay shares insights into his transition from comedy to serious filmmaking, the challenges of adapting Lewis's book, and how he used humor to tackle complex financial concepts. He reveals the star-studded cast's role in bringing the film to life and expresses his ongoing anger about the crisis and its political ramifications.
75 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 4min
The Big Short is Big Back
Michael Lewis reflects on the legacy of his book, revisiting the 2008 financial crisis. He discusses the pivotal moment when banks showcased their failings, signaling systemic risks. With insights from real-life characters and the filmmakers, he explores the fortunes made by betting against Wall Street. The connections between the crisis and political shifts, including the rise of Donald Trump, are also examined. Listeners gain a fresh perspective as he narrates the new audiobook, unearthing in-depth stories from key figures.
68 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 30min
Sen. Richard Blumenthal on the SAFE Bet Act
Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democratic U.S. senator from Connecticut, dives into the urgent need for regulating sports gambling through the SAFE Bet Act. He highlights the act's focus on curbing gambling advertisements and funding treatment for addiction, painting a vivid picture of sports gambling as a potential public health crisis. Blumenthal discusses the shifting landscape of sports betting and the parallels it shares with the tobacco industry, emphasizing the importance of consumer protection and accountability in an increasingly tempting environment.
146 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 30min
Dr. Laurie Santos on Group Psychology, the Teen Brain, and Happiness
In a captivating discussion, Dr. Laurie Santos, a Yale psychology professor and host of The Happiness Lab, explores the intriguing psychology behind sports fandom and teenage behavior. She shares insights on the emotional landscapes distinguishing sports and celebrity fandom, while highlighting the risks of mobile betting for youth. Santos delves into adolescent decision-making processes, the gender dynamics of teen sports betting, and effective strategies for motivating teens through respect and autonomy, shedding light on their unique psychological needs.
