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
Jul 11, 2023 • 35min
On Background: Who Buys Distressed Assets?
Andy Mitchell could be called a "doctor for business." His firm, Lantern Asset Management, buys up businesses in immediate need of cash and willing to sell at bargain-basement prices. Michael Lewis calls up Mitchell to get the "distressed asset" angle on the company at the center of Lewis's next book: the now extremely distressed crypto exchange, FTX. But along the way, we hear about other businesses on the skids, including the maker of Twinkies, and the Weinstein Company. Head to atrpodcast.com and submit a question for Michael to answer in an upcoming episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6 snips
Jun 13, 2023 • 34min
On Background: Effective Altruism Still Has Friends
Gabriel Mukobi, a Stanford senior studying computer science, and aL Xin, a Harvard senior in statistics, are passionate leaders in effective altruism (EA). They explore the philosophy of EA, emphasizing data-driven approaches to altruism. The duo discusses the impact of Sam Bankman-Fried on the movement, the clash between immediate relief and long-term existential threats, and the personal sacrifices inherent in maximizing good. They tackle moral responsibilities and the evolution of their community in navigating ethics amidst global challenges.
14 snips
May 16, 2023 • 32min
On Background: Crypto Skeptic Proven Right
Molly White, a renowned software engineer and fierce cryptocurrency critic, discusses her insightful perspective on the crypto landscape. She highlights her early recognition of hucksterism and fraud in the crypto rise, sparking her skepticism. Molly shares her journey from Wikipedia editing to advocating against crypto scams. The conversation delves into media portrayals of Sam Bankman-Fried and critiques the simplistic narratives surrounding him. Additionally, she explores the varied responses to cryptocurrency criticism, particularly the lack of female voices in the debate.
17 snips
Apr 11, 2023 • 33min
On Background: A History of Bankruptcy in the US
David Skeel, a corporate law professor at the University of Pennsylvania and expert on bankruptcy, dives into the complexities of the FTX bankruptcy. He discusses the historical evolution of bankruptcy laws in the U.S. and examines the fallout from Sam Bankman-Fried's actions. Skeel highlights the intricacies of filing for bankruptcy, including clawback challenges and asset transactions, shedding light on the legal mazes faced by debtors and creditors alike. This conversation uncovers both the chaos surrounding cryptocurrency and the broader implications for the financial landscape.
23 snips
Mar 14, 2023 • 39min
On Background: White-Collar Crime and Punishment
Eugene Soltes, a Harvard Business School professor and author of "Why They Do It," dives deep into the motivations behind white-collar crime. He discusses how societal perceptions have shifted over the decades, particularly regarding high-profile cases like FTX and Bernie Madoff. The conversation reveals the psychological complexities of these criminals, the challenges of prosecuting white-collar offenses, and the harsh realities faced by offenders post-incarceration. Soltes stresses the importance of understanding ethical dilemmas in the business landscape.
37 snips
Feb 14, 2023 • 36min
On Background: Bad Actors on the Blockchain
Andy Greenberg, a senior cybersecurity writer for WIRED and author of "Tracers in the Dark," dives into the dark side of cryptocurrency. He explores how investigators navigate the blockchain to trace illicit activities, revealing the irony that a technology born for anonymity now aids in uncovering crime. Greenberg discusses the FTX heist, the ethics of anonymity, and the surprising challenges law enforcement faces. He also highlights the transformation of public perception about cryptocurrency's traceability, suggesting the future for bad actors is increasingly grim.
Jan 31, 2023 • 3min
On Background from Against the Rules
The podcast dives into the dramatic world of cryptocurrency, focusing on Sam Bankman-Fried and the rise and fall of FTX. Michael Lewis engages with experts from various fields, including blockchain technology and white-collar crime. Each discussion reveals the complex landscape of regulations and the implications for personal finance and campaigning. Listeners are invited to explore these themes deeply as they uncover the secrets behind the digital currency boom.
38 snips
May 24, 2022 • 45min
Episode 7: The Person Who Knows
The podcast delves into the U.S. response to the pandemic, revealing the hesitations that arose despite having a plan in place. It draws parallels between past pandemics and COVID-19, emphasizing the need for early interventions. There's a candid look at the struggles within academia and the burden of misinformation on healthcare workers. Personal narratives highlight the emotional toll of loss, while discussions on the pursuit of scientific knowledge stress the importance of humility in expertise during uncertain times.
41 snips
May 17, 2022 • 34min
Episode 6: The Overconfidence Game
Maria Konnikova, an author known for her works on confidence and deception, dives into the compelling dynamics of overconfidence in men versus women. She discusses how male overconfidence impacts investment decisions and financial outcomes, advocating for more female leadership. The conversation highlights the systemic dismissal of women’s expertise and offers insights from her own experiences with poker, illustrating the art of bluffing and decision-making in life. The episode provides a thought-provoking lens on confidence, competence, and societal biases.
24 snips
May 3, 2022 • 40min
Episode 5: The Sanchez Problem
In this engaging discussion, Adam Mortera, a former gang member and founder of Juvenile Justice Advocates of California, shares his unique insights on the legal system. He highlights the troubling issue of biased expert testimony, particularly in gang-related cases, which has led to wrongful convictions. Mortera’s firsthand experience sheds light on the emotional challenges faced by these experts in court. He also humorously touches on the journey of balancing advocacy for at-risk youth with the hurdles of parenthood, revealing the complexities of navigating the justice system.
