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
35 snips
Apr 19, 2022 • 33min
Episode 4: Respect the Polygon
James Spann, a seasoned meteorologist renowned for his work in Alabama's severe weather, shares insights on the intricacies of communicating probabilistic weather information. He delves into how public expectations clash with the realities of uncertainty in forecasting. Spann recounts the evolution of weather predictions and the backlash faced by meteorologists despite technological advancements. He stresses the significance of trusting expert guidance, especially during emergencies, and reflects on the broader implications of understanding probabilities across various domains.
49 snips
Apr 12, 2022 • 34min
Episode 3: Field of Ignorance
Bill James, the pioneer of sabermetrics, transformed baseball analytics with his groundbreaking statistical insights. He shares his journey from a security guard writing about baseball to revolutionizing how the game is analyzed. The conversation dives into the challenges of traditional metrics, the ethical implications of data-driven evaluations, and the broader impact of analytics in various fields. James reveals how accurate assessments can change the game while cautioning against over-relying on numbers, encouraging a deeper understanding of human performance.
58 snips
Apr 5, 2022 • 42min
Episode 1: Six Levels Down
Todd Park, a healthcare and tech entrepreneur known for creating billion-dollar companies, dives into the often-overlooked world of medical billing challenges. He shares inspiring insights about a skilled medical biller who transforms financial chaos into revenue success. The conversation unveils the hidden expertise within organizations, emphasizing how recognizing unconventional roles can innovate the healthcare sector. Park also discusses the critical need for identifying knowledgeable individuals to navigate bureaucratic hurdles during tech crises like healthcare.gov.
37 snips
Apr 5, 2022 • 39min
Episode 2: The Art of the Untold Story
Joe Blustein shares his harrowing tale of survival after falling overboard in the Pacific, navigating the mental and physical challenges of being adrift. Alongside Art Allen, an oceanographer with the Coast Guard, they discuss mathematical models that revolutionize search and rescue operations. Both highlight how such expertise often goes unrecognized, despite its life-saving impact. Their stories underscore the resilience of the human spirit and the urgent need to appreciate and share the vital contributions of unsung heroes in crisis situations.
Mar 22, 2022 • 3min
Against the Rules Season 3: The Ballad of Expertise
Delve into the complexities of being an expert and the emotional toll it takes. Discover why true experts often go unheard while navigating the shifting landscape of trust and decision-making. Join a conversation about the vital yet undervalued roles these professionals play in our everyday lives, and uncover the challenges they face in earning public confidence. It’s a thought-provoking examination of who really holds the power when it comes to expertise.
13 snips
Mar 8, 2022 • 28min
Other People’s Money: George Saunders on the Value of Failure
George Saunders, an acclaimed author known for his poignant storytelling, joins Michael Lewis to discuss the valuable lessons hidden in failure. They delve into the challenges of crafting fiction, revealing how humility and perseverance shape a writer's journey. Saunders shares personal anecdotes about the struggle to find one’s voice amid literary influences and the transformative power of embracing unfinished work. Their conversation highlights the emotional complexities of storytelling and the vital connection between authenticity and reader engagement.
12 snips
Mar 1, 2022 • 27min
Other People’s Money: Ira Glass on Finding Your Voice
Ira Glass, creator and host of 'This American Life,' delves into the art of storytelling with Michael Lewis. They explore how collaboration shapes creative writing and the importance of finding one's voice. Glass reflects on the emotional journey of authenticity in writing, sharing personal stories tied to both embarrassment and cookies. The duo discusses the evolution of their unique narratives in the context of economic storytelling and the impact of early influences, ultimately emphasizing the joy in the creative process.
17 snips
Feb 22, 2022 • 28min
Other People’s Money: Anne Clarke Wolff on the Wages of Sexism
In an engaging conversation, Anne Clarke Wolff, a prominent Wall Street executive and founder of a women-owned investment bank, sheds light on the lingering sexism in finance. She reflects on her experiences in the male-dominated environment of the 1980s and discusses the challenges women still face today. Wolff advocates for a more diverse workforce, emphasizing the emotional and financial toll of gender bias. With personal anecdotes, she reveals the shifts in culture and camaraderie while pushing for innovative models that empower women and minorities in the industry.
7 snips
Feb 15, 2022 • 29min
Other People’s Money: Dash Riprock and the Human Piranha Revealed
In this intriguing discussion, former bond salesman Scott Dorff and sharp trader Tom Bernard, known as the 'human piranha,' share their gripping experiences from Salomon Brothers. They delve into the high-pressure dynamics of the trading floor, revealing tales of gallows humor and moral dilemmas. The conversation also touches on the significant changes in finance from the vibrant past to today's machine-driven environment. With personal anecdotes, they highlight the importance of discretion and the colorful culture that defined Wall Street in the '80s and '90s.
13 snips
Feb 8, 2022 • 42min
Other People’s Money: Jacob Goldstein and the Bonds of Wall Street
Jacob Goldstein, a finance reporter known for his work on NPR's Planet Money, joins to delve into the enduring relevance of 'Liar's Poker.' They explore how this iconic book uncovers the chaotic Wall Street environment of the 1980s and its impacts today. The conversation reveals the emotional ties investors have with money and the moral complexities of managing 'other people's money.' They also discuss the generational clash in finance practices and how AI is reshaping the industry.
