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
8 snips
Oct 11, 2023 • 17min
Judging Sam: Caroline Ellison Takes The Stand
Lidia Jean Kott, a court reporter covering the high-profile Sam Bankman-Fried trial, shares insights after Caroline Ellison's explosive testimony. Ellison, the former co-CEO of Alameda Research and ex-girlfriend of Bankman-Fried, reveals her involvement in financial fraud, actively cooperating with prosecutors. Kott discusses the courtroom's intense atmosphere, the dynamics of Ellison's relationship with Bankman-Fried, and the ethical dilemmas posed by their actions. The trial’s implications for accountability in finance are also explored.
12 snips
Oct 9, 2023 • 21min
Judging Sam: Catching up with Michael Lewis
Lidia Jean Kott, a court reporter covering the Sam Bankman-Fried trial, shares her firsthand experiences of the courtroom drama. She describes the tense atmosphere as jurors weigh the gravity of the proceedings. Lidia and Michael delve into the financial turmoil surrounding FTX, exploring the implications of loyalty and betrayal in this high-stakes case. They also discuss how media representation influences public perception, raising questions about truth and its impact on legal outcomes. This engaging conversation captures the essence of a pivotal trial.
15 snips
Oct 6, 2023 • 23min
Judging Sam: Opening Statements
Lidia Jean Kott, a reporter covering the Sam Bankman-Fried trial, and Rebecca Mermelstein, a partner at O’Melveny & Myers, dive deep into the unfolding courtroom drama. They discuss the stark contrasts between the prosecution's bold opening statements and the defense's quieter approach. Witness testimonies play a crucial role, revealing financial mismanagement at FTX. The unique courtroom atmosphere, with its old-school charm and absence of electronics, adds an intriguing backdrop to this high-stakes legal battle.
7 snips
Oct 4, 2023 • 32min
Judging Sam: Jury Selection
In this engaging discussion, Lydia Jean Kott, a reporter who covered the Sam Bankman-Fried trial, interviews Ellen Leggett, a seasoned trial consultant with over thirty years of experience. They delve into the complexities of jury selection in high-profile cases, addressing juror biases influenced by wealth and politics. Ellen shares fascinating insights on the psychological aspects of juror suitability and the challenges of ensuring impartiality. The conversation also highlights the impact of juror backgrounds on their perceptions in the courtroom.
17 snips
Oct 3, 2023 • 30min
Judging Sam: The Case Against SBF
Rebecca Mermelstein, a former prosecutor in the Southern District of New York and now a defense attorney at O'Melveny & Myers, offers a fascinating perspective on Sam Bankman-Fried's high-stakes trial. She dives into the numerous fraud allegations he faces and the daunting implications of a potential life sentence. The discussion highlights the challenges of jury selection amidst public backlash and examines the legal intricacies of financial liabilities, particularly concerning Bankman-Fried's parents. It's a gripping look at the intersection of finance and law.
35 snips
Oct 2, 2023 • 33min
Judging Sam: Going Infinite – Jacob Weisberg interviews Michael Lewis
Michael Lewis shares his firsthand experience covering Sam Bankman-Fried, once celebrated as a crypto genius, now facing serious legal troubles. He reflects on the rapid rise and catastrophic fall of FTX, revealing insights into the motivations behind Bankman-Fried's actions. The discussion navigates the ethical dilemmas and personal challenges within the chaotic world of cryptocurrency. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the legal complexities and psychological factors influencing this high-profile case.
Sep 25, 2023 • 2min
Judging Sam: The Trial of Sam Bankman-Fried
Explore the rise and shocking fall of Sam Bankman-Fried, once celebrated as a crypto genius and philanthropist. Hear about the dramatic courtroom proceedings surrounding his fraud trial, as he faces the possibility of life in prison. With insights from experts and gritty court reporting, this series delves into the complexities of the case and unpacks the turbulent world of cryptocurrency. Tune in for a front-row seat to this gripping trial that could alter the landscape of finance.
33 snips
Sep 12, 2023 • 30min
On Background: Preparing for Sam Bankman-Fried's Trial
Rebecca Mermelstein, a former prosecutor turned defense attorney, shares her insights on the impending trial of Sam Bankman-Fried, the ex-CEO of FTX. She discusses the challenges prosecutors face building their case, the rapid legal actions taken against bank fraud in the crypto world, and the ethical responsibilities tied to such high-profile trials. Mermelstein also highlights the complexity of trial preparations, including defense strategies and the potential ramifications for Bankman-Fried's future, offering a captivating glimpse into the legal intricacies surrounding this case.
5 snips
Aug 31, 2023 • 48min
The Sudden Celebrity of Sir John Knight from Revisionist History
Historian Jonathan Barry from the University of Exeter dives into the enigmatic world of Sir John Knight, a 17th-century Bristol merchant now at the forefront of modern gun rights discussions. He explores Knight's controversial actions and their surprising relevance to today’s Second Amendment debates. The conversation unpacks how Knight's story reflects on individual rights versus societal regulations, emphasizing the challenges historians face in revisiting his legacy. Expect humor intertwined with profound insights into how historical figures can shape contemporary legal frameworks.
5 snips
Aug 15, 2023 • 29min
On Background: The Political Spender America Deserves
Jordan Libowitz, Communications Director at the Center for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), dives deep into the murky waters of campaign finance law. He highlights the staggering $40 million political donations from crypto mogul Sam Bankman-Fried and its implications. Libowitz explains how this troubling situation encapsulates the rise of dark money in politics, the consequences of the Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling, and the ethical dilemmas inherent in political spending. His insights reveal why accountability in political donations is crucial for democracy.
