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
115 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 31min
Natasha Schüll on the Antisocial Lure of Gambling
Natasha Schüll, an NYU associate professor and anthropologist, spent over a decade studying slot machine gamblers in Las Vegas. She reveals that many players actually loathe winning, exploring how the digital transformation of gambling has made all forms of betting feel more solitary. Schüll discusses the isolating experience of casino gaming despite promotional messages of social interaction, and how this underscores the addictive design of modern gambling technologies, including mobile apps that particularly lure younger users.
358 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 46min
Episode 10: “Anybody Can Win, but Everybody’s Gonna Lose”
Explore the alarming rise of sports gambling, especially among teens, and the complex cultural shifts since legalization. A father's experiment with his son reveals the psychological and ethical challenges of betting, highlighting the need for responsible practices. Dive into the fascinating world of prop bets and the emotional rollercoaster of gambling, where highs and lows coexist. Personal anecdotes, insightful readings, and discussions about the implications for families emphasize the critical need for understanding in this new landscape.
140 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 30min
Episode 9: Framing the Gambler
Charlie Lewis, a journalist with Crikey, shares insights on Australia's ingrained sports gambling culture. He explores the disturbing parallels between gambling and the opioid crisis, highlighting how predatory practices exploit society’s vulnerabilities. The podcast delves into the ethical dilemmas facing the gambling industry, comparing it to tobacco's past. It also discusses the role of misinformation and regulatory failures in protecting users, shedding light on the urgent need for accountable practices in the face of a growing addiction crisis.
131 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 38min
Episode 8: The Integrity Landscape
Matthew Holt, creator of U.S. Integrity, dives into the murky waters of sports gambling. He reveals that although insider betting remains rampant post-legalization, athletes face increased harassment and pressure. Atlanta Hawks’ Larry Nance, Jr. shares his grueling encounters with enraged fans influenced by betting. Meanwhile, NCAA regulations aim to protect student-athletes, but the integrity of sports is increasingly jeopardized by unscrupulous practices. The discussion highlights the urgent need for oversight in a rapidly evolving gambling landscape.
87 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 32min
Michael Lewis on the Prof G Pod
Scott Galloway, Professor of marketing at NYU Stern, welcomes Michael Lewis for a deep dive into the alarming rise of sports betting in the U.S. They discuss its potential societal consequences, likening it to historical crises. Lewis also shares insights from his latest book, touching on investment strategies born from distress, particularly after the FTX collapse, while encouraging listeners to pursue their personal passions over societal expectations. A compelling mix of gambling, economics, and authenticity awaits!
120 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 30min
Vegas Sports Bookies on Old-School Betting
Chris Andrews, a long-time Vegas sports bookie at South Point Hotel Casino, reflects on the evolution of sports betting. Jimmy Vaccaro, a veteran with a wealth of anecdotes, recounts the changes he's seen in the industry. Vinny Magliulo shares his unique journey from dealer to bookie. They discuss the origin of prop bets and why limiting smart bets can harm business. The trio offers a nostalgic look at how betting practices have shifted from traditional methods to today's player-focused wagering, emphasizing the vibrant history of Las Vegas gambling.
111 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 37min
Gambler Billy Walters on the Sharp's Life
Billy Walters, a legendary sports bettor and author of *Gambler: Secrets from a Life at Risk*, shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood in Kentucky to becoming a millionaire in Las Vegas. He discusses his transformation from impulsive gambling to disciplined strategies shaped by personal hardships. Walters also sheds light on the evolution of sports betting through technology and analytics, as well as the rise of algorithmic betting amidst legal scrutiny. His insights into fantasy sports betting offer a glimpse into the competitive future of the gambling world.
205 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 43min
Episode 7: Little Big Short
Sean Kelly, an analyst at Bank of America specializing in the casino and sports gambling sectors, joins the conversation to unravel the complexities of sports betting in the U.S. He discusses the cultural clash and evolving acceptance of sports gambling post-2018 Supreme Court ruling. Kelly also dives into the economic and historical tensions between California tribes and major gambling companies. The discussion touches on technological impacts and market integrity, revealing the competitive dynamics of modern sportsbooks and the role of short sellers.
133 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 36min
Episode 6: VIP
Jeff Gordon, a recovering gambling addict, shares his gripping journey through the chaotic world of sports betting. He discusses the emotional toll and societal perceptions surrounding gambling addiction, highlighting the superficiality of the industry's responsible gaming initiatives. The conversation unveils the troubling rise of gambling issues, especially among young men, and the urgent need for consumer protections. Gordon also reflects on the psychological impact of losing VIP status and the complex interplay between identity and addiction in an increasingly digitized gambling landscape.
135 snips
Nov 19, 2024 • 32min
Episode 5: The Mule
Lydia Jean Cott, a savvy producer known for her work on various podcast projects, dives into the shadowy world of sports betting as a 'mule.' She reveals the murky relationships between skilled gamblers and their mules, discussing the intricate challenges they face, from account restrictions to emotional turmoil. The podcast also touches on the psychological pressures of betting, the risks of identity theft, and the exploitative nature of the gambling industry, offering a fascinating glimpse into this high-stakes environment.
