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
59 snips
Nov 15, 2024 • 34min
An Interview with Ted Olson
Ted Olson, a renowned constitutional lawyer and former US Solicitor General, reflects on his extraordinary legal career and impact on landmark Supreme Court cases. He shares insights from his early days arguing in court, revealing emotional and strategic challenges. Olson discusses the complex legal battle that led New Jersey to successfully overturn federal restrictions on sports betting. His stories highlight the intricate dynamics of federalism and offer a glimpse into the tenacity required to navigate critical legal disputes.
98 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 37min
Episode 4: A Hard Way to Make an Easy Living
Rufus Peabody, a Yale graduate and successful sports gambler, dives into the evolution of sports betting in the U.S. after recent legalization. He shares insights on how technology has transformed betting strategies, making data-driven approaches essential. The discussion highlights the shadowy world of underground betting and the challenges faced by both gamblers and entrepreneurs in this rapidly changing landscape. Rufus emphasizes the importance of analytics and resilience while navigating the exciting yet complex realm of modern sports gambling.
102 snips
Oct 29, 2024 • 38min
Nate Silver on the Risky Business of Sports Betting
In this engaging discussion, Nate Silver, author of *On the Edge* and a renowned expert in probabilities, dives into the complexities of sports betting and election forecasting. He shares insights on why people place bets and the psychological aspects of risk-taking. Silver reveals the stark differences between analytical bettors and intuitive gamblers. The conversation also touches on the stigma surrounding skilled bettors and the importance of information transparency in sports betting markets. Get ready for a fascinating look at betting culture!
27 snips
Oct 22, 2024 • 24min
Marci Cottingham on the Religious Passion of Steeler Nation
In this discussion, Marci Cottingham, an associate professor of sociology at Kenyon College, shares her insights on the intense devotion of Pittsburgh Steelers fans. She explores the similarities between sports fandom and religious experience, highlighting the iconic 'terrible towel' as a sacred symbol. Cottingham emphasizes how rituals and communal ties foster identity among fans. Personal anecdotes reveal the profound emotional connections, while she calls for greater academic attention to the cultural significance of sports fandom.
44 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 34min
Alison LaCroix on How History Rhymes at the Supreme Court
Alison LaCroix, a legal historian and professor at the University of Chicago, dives deep into the Supreme Court's landmark decision overturning the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. She discusses the historical tension between state sovereignty and federal authority, tracing back to the Fugitive Slave Act's impact. The conversation also explores how the framers envisioned federalism and its implications for modern legal decisions, especially in sports betting. LaCroix highlights how history influences today's legal landscapes, reminding us that history truly does rhyme.
187 snips
Oct 8, 2024 • 45min
Episode 3: Welcome to the Garden State
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, constitutional lawyer Ted Olson, and lobbyist Joe Brennan Jr. discuss the journey from fantasy sports to legalized sports betting in New Jersey. Christie shares insights on the critical role his state played in this shift, while Olson reveals the legal challenges that culminated in a Supreme Court victory. Former Senator Ray Lesniak adds his perspective on advocacy, and Professor Allison LaCroix contextualizes the legal complexities involved. Together, they unravel the intertwining of sports, law, and state rights.
183 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 34min
Episode 2: Values of the Game
Bill Bradley, a former NBA star and US Senator, discusses his journey from the court to Capitol Hill, advocating for integrity in sports against the rise of betting culture. He emphasizes the importance of personal values and perseverance in athletics. Gadoon 'Spanky' Kryollos shares his experiences exploiting betting inefficiencies, revealing the complex relationship between sports and gambling. Together, they explore how integrity struggles amidst the modern obsession with winning, and what that means for the future of sports.
186 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 29min
Episode 1: What’s Wrong with Eric?
Eric Simons, a high school math teacher and author of *The Secret Lives of Sports Fans*, teams up with Dan Wann, a psychology professor known for his research on fandom. They dive into the emotional rollercoaster that sports fans experience, revealing the fascinating psychology behind their behavior. The duo examines the complexity of fan loyalty, the rituals they engage in, and their surprising political engagement. They also highlight how technology is reshaping the fandom experience, uncovering the quirky nuances that come with cheering for a team.
18 snips
Sep 5, 2024 • 3min
Against the Rules: Fans
Dive into the world of sports betting as host Michael Lewis explores America’s growing obsession. From the high-stakes excitement of Las Vegas to emotional rollercoasters in New Jersey, discover how fans gamble their savings on team performances. Engage with bookies, lobbyists, and professionals navigating this new landscape, unraveling the psychological effects of betting on fan culture and personal relationships. It's a captivating journey into the intertwining lives of sports fans and the world of legalized gambling.
23 snips
Mar 29, 2024 • 42min
Judging Sam: The Sentencing
Rebecca Mermelstein, a former federal prosecutor and partner at O'Melveny & Myers, provides keen insights into the sentencing of Sam Bankman-Fried to 25 years for fraud. The discussion dives into courtroom dynamics, exploring emotional weights and performative elements that shape justice. Mermelstein highlights the balance between numerical guidelines and subjective evaluations in white-collar crime. The intricate relationship between remorse and victim testimony adds depth to the conversation on sentencing complexities and the emotional fallout for families.
