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
11 snips
Oct 28, 2023 • 21min
Judging Sam: Sam Bankman-Fried Takes The Stand
Sam Bankman-Fried takes the stand, creating a pivotal moment in his trial. The courtroom buzzes with a mix of anticipation and tedium, highlighting the stark contrast between his life story and the drama unfolding around him. Emotions run high as his parents watch and the jury reacts. His testimony reveals a more human side, countering the prosecution's villainous portrayal. With nerves building for the upcoming cross-examination, the atmosphere reflects on themes of ambition and failure that have defined his journey.
10 snips
Oct 27, 2023 • 18min
Judging Sam: Michael Lewis comes to court
Dive into the dramatic courtroom dynamics of Sam Bankman-Fried's trial, where tension and anticipation hang in the air. Witness the fascinating strategies at play as lawyers navigate convoluted questions about blockchain technology. A surprising twist leaves everyone guessing when key testimonies take unexpected turns. The conversation paints a vivid picture of courtroom life, blending legal intricacies with moments of human connection and the quirks of those involved. It’s an intriguing look at the theatrical side of justice.
8 snips
Oct 25, 2023 • 29min
Judging Sam: After The Prosecution Rests
Rebecca Mermelstein, a defense attorney and former prosecutor at O'Melveny & Myers, offers her legal insights on the high-profile Sam Bankman-Fried trial. She discusses the prosecution's strategic moves and evidence strength, revealing the courtroom drama unfolding. The conversation dives into the implications of Bankman-Fried potentially taking the stand and the risks of testimony in financial cases. Mermelstein also explores the intricacies of sentencing guidelines and the psychological factors that influence jury perceptions in such high-stakes trials.
8 snips
Oct 24, 2023 • 21min
Judging Sam: An FTX Victim Speaks Out
Jake Thacker, a tech worker from Portland, shares his harrowing experience with the FTX collapse, revealing how he borrowed money to invest and lost it all. He discusses the initial thrill of cryptocurrency trading and the shock of the platform's failure, leaving him facing bankruptcy and uncertainty about his home. Thacker highlights the emotional turmoil of financial fraud victims and questions the justice system's ability to bring true reparations. His story sheds light on the human cost of crypto investment gone wrong.
7 snips
Oct 20, 2023 • 18min
Judging Sam: Week 3 is in the books
Dive into the unfolding drama surrounding Sam Bankman-Fried's trials and their impact on finance. Discover key insights from witness Nishad Singh about the emotional dynamics at FTX and the ethical challenges posed by modern finance. Explore the tense courtroom atmosphere where strict rules amplify conflicts, alongside discussions about the influence of social media on legal strategies. Finally, the podcast unveils the ethical complexities of philanthropy tied to controversial figures, shedding light on public perceptions versus reality.
Oct 19, 2023 • 9min
Listen Now: Spellcaster - The Fall of Sam Bankman-Fried
Dive into the world of crypto as you explore the rise and fall of Sam Bankman-Fried, a once-celebrated entrepreneur turned pariah. Discover the glamorous Crypto Bahamas conference, where serious issues lurked beneath flashy celebrity encounters. Unravel how Sam's initial good intentions spiraled into chaos, leading to questions about his true character. Learn about the intricacies of financial decision-making and the impact of policy changes on personal wealth in this gripping tale of wealth, betrayal, and unexpected consequences.
8 snips
Oct 18, 2023 • 27min
Judging Sam: Michael Lewis Talks Money with Matt Levine
Matt Levine, a prominent business columnist at Bloomberg News and author of the insightful newsletter "Money Stuff," joins the discussion with Michael. They delve into the chaotic world of cryptocurrencies and the infamous FTX scandal, exploring the perplexing case of Sam Bankman-Fried. The conversation highlights the emotional impact of fraud on victims and the challenges of accountability in finance. Levine also reflects on his unconventional career path and the discrepancies in crypto ideals versus traditional finance, making for an engaging and enlightening dialogue.
4 snips
Oct 17, 2023 • 9min
Judging Sam: Nishad Singh Takes the Stand
In the courtroom drama surrounding Sam Bankman-Fried, Nishad Singh takes the stand, revealing a tangled web of friendship and betrayal. The emotional testimony uncovers alarming financial troubles and debts owed to FTX customers. As tensions rise, a pivotal Super Bowl party becomes a symbolic moment in their fraught relationship. Meanwhile, a surprising tangent dives into how monitoring your cat’s litter box can offer insights into their health, blending the serious with the quirky.
9 snips
Oct 16, 2023 • 26min
Judging Sam: Week 2 Catch-up with Michael Lewis
Lidia Jean Cott, a court reporter covering the Sam Bankman-Fried trial, shares firsthand insights on the dramatic proceedings. She discusses Caroline Ellison's emotionally charged testimony and the courtroom's unexpected moments, revealing both tension and humor. Michael Lewis, curious about the trial's portrayal, questions Lidia on how the characters have evolved since his book. They explore themes of risk and responsibility, drawing parallels to the behaviors seen in high-stakes situations, all while navigating the intricate dynamics of trust and ethics in the crypto world.
11 snips
Oct 13, 2023 • 18min
Judging Sam: Ellison Testimony Wraps Up
Lydia Jean Cott, a court reporter covering the high-profile Sam Bankman-Fried trial, breaks down the gripping testimony of Caroline Ellison, Bankman-Fried’s ex-girlfriend and former co-CEO of Alameda Research. They discuss the emotional turmoil of Ellison's revelations about financial misconduct and risky investments involving customer funds. The dynamics in the courtroom reveal a stark contrast between her compelling delivery and the defense's weak strategy. Secrets come to light, raising questions about ethics in finance and the human cost of courtroom drama.
