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
9 snips
Mar 27, 2024 • 43min
Judging Sam: Judging the FTX Bankruptcy
Jonathan Lipson, a bankruptcy law expert at Temple Law School, dives into the tumultuous FTX bankruptcy proceedings. He discusses significant flaws in the U.S. bankruptcy system that these cases reveal. Lipson challenges the controversial choice not to appoint an examiner, raising critical questions about transparency and accountability. He also dissects the dynamic tensions between oversight and prosecution, and examines how FTX's leadership has navigated these legal complexities, affecting stakeholder recovery prospects.
Mar 22, 2024 • 42sec
Judging Sam is Coming Back
The ongoing saga of Sam Bankman-Fried takes center stage as his sentencing approaches. The fallout from his fraud conviction shakes the cryptocurrency world. Legal experts weigh in on the implications of the trial and what this means for the future of FTX. Anticipation builds for courtroom coverage, as audiences await the repercussions of the judgment. This riveting story offers a glimpse into the perilous edge of cryptocurrency and the complexities of justice.
17 snips
Feb 19, 2024 • 1h 1min
Michael Lewis on Freakonomics Radio
Bestselling author and journalist Michael Lewis, known for 'Moneyball' and 'Liar's Poker', dives into his latest book 'Going Infinite', exploring the tumultuous rise and fall of crypto tycoon Sam Bankman-Fried. He shares insights from his firsthand access to Bankman-Fried, addressing criticisms of his portrayal and the unexpected drama of witnessing his book turned courtroom saga. The conversation touches on ethical dilemmas in wealth pursuit, the ties to effective altruism, and the chaotic dynamics of the FTX collapse.
25 snips
Dec 12, 2023 • 1h 5min
The Rise and Fall of Crypto Billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried from Talk Easy
In a captivating discussion, bestselling author Michael Lewis shares insights from his new book about crypto billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried. He reveals the fantastical rise and dramatic fall of Bankman-Fried, notably during his trial for fraud. Lewis explores the billionaire's intriguing belief in effective altruism and how his upbringing influenced his decisions. He also recounts the chaotic events surrounding the collapse of FTX, painting a vivid picture of the emotional and ethical dilemmas that ensued.
12 snips
Nov 17, 2023 • 31min
Judging Sam: Millennial Frauds
Journalist Elizabeth Lopatto, known for her keen insights into tech and finance, discusses her experiences covering Sam Bankman-Fried's trial. She compares it to Elizabeth Holmes' case, highlighting their contrasting courtroom strategies. The conversation delves into how millennials approach fraud and financial persuasion, the role of marketing in tech, and the emotional complexities faced by those involved in high-stakes trials. Elizabeth offers a unique perspective on the implications for trust in the financial system and the future of the tech industry.
9 snips
Nov 9, 2023 • 34min
Judging Sam: The Aftermath
Rebecca Mermelstein, a defense attorney at O’Melveny and former prosecutor, shares her insights on the aftermath of Sam Bankman-Fried's trial. She discusses the implications of the guilty verdict and what it means for sentencing and cooperating witnesses. The conversation delves into the complex dynamics of loyalty and betrayal, as well as the emotional reflections from those affected by the case. They also explore public perception and the legal challenges faced in high-stakes trials, offering a nuanced look at justice and accountability.
4 snips
Nov 3, 2023 • 9min
Judging Sam: Guilty on all counts
The podcast dives into the dramatic verdict in Sam Bankman-Fried's trial, capturing the courtroom's charged atmosphere and the emotional reactions from all parties. It reflects on the broader implications of the guilty verdict across the financial world. Additionally, listeners hear insights on personalized financial advice, emphasizing the importance of navigating their own financial wellness. The discussions also touch on the potential for future legal proceedings and the evolving perspectives of journalists on the case.
8 snips
Nov 2, 2023 • 21min
Judging Sam: The jury's job
Delve into the intriguing world of jury dynamics and deliberations, where the diverse backgrounds of jurors shape their decisions. Discover how personal experiences and the choice to testify impact their judgments. Uncover the complexities of reaching a unanimous verdict and the crucial role of the foreperson in guiding discussions. Explore the myths surrounding juror behavior and the unexpected personal growth that comes with jury service. This high-stakes trial not only affects the defendant but also leaves lasting imprints on the jurors involved.
10 snips
Nov 1, 2023 • 24min
Judging Sam: The Hail Mary That Wasn’t
Lydia Jean Kott, a court reporter covering the Sam Bankman-Fried trial, dives into the dramatic final days of the courtroom saga. She discusses the prosecution's closing arguments and the pivotal moments during witness testimonies. Lydia reveals the tension surrounding key pieces of evidence and the emotional stakes of the crypto ambitions at play. The ethical implications of risk-taking and accountability in finance also come to the forefront, making for a riveting conversation about the complexities of justice.
5 snips
Oct 31, 2023 • 14min
Judging Sam: Sam Bankman-Fried Faces Cross-Examination
Tension fills the courtroom as Sam Bankman-Fried faces intense cross-examination from the government's lead prosecutor, creating a dramatic clash. The prosecutor’s relentless questioning brings out Sam's memory struggles and raises doubts about his credibility. The discussion dives into courtroom dynamics, likening the back-and-forth to a high-stakes game. As the trial approaches its climax, anticipation builds around the jury's impending deliberation, leaving listeners at the edge of their seats.
