

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

Jan 26, 2022 • 3min
Introducing Other People's Money: A Liar's Poker Companion
Dive into the nostalgia of Wall Street as the author revisits his hit book, uncovering the wild culture of bond trading. Discover the evolution of the financial industry and how it still resonates today. Gain insights into the journey of finding a writing voice, featuring discussions with notable authors. Along the way, explore the impact of AI on business and decision-making, pushing firms to adapt for a competitive edge. It's a thrilling blend of personal memoir, financial wisdom, and lessons in creativity.

12 snips
Jun 16, 2021 • 47min
Live Interview 5/19/21: Michael Lewis and Geraldine Brooks
Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Geraldine Brooks engages Michael Lewis in a thought-provoking dialogue about his new book, 'The Premonition.' They discuss how his upbringing in New Orleans has honed his storytelling craft. The conversation dives into the narrative of pandemic preparedness and the significant figures who foresaw it. Brooks also shares her own journey as a writer, revealing how personal experiences shape creativity and the intertwined lives within New Orleans' vibrant community.

11 snips
May 4, 2021 • 34min
The Premonition
Charity Dean, former Assistant Director of the California Department of Public Health and a pivotal figure in Michael Lewis's book, shares her gripping experiences during the tuberculosis crisis in Santa Barbara. She navigates the turbulent waters of public health authority while confronting societal neglect and bureaucratic challenges. The discussion also dives into the emotional complexities faced by medical professionals, particularly regarding gender dynamics and the psychological impacts of their duties. Her insights highlight resilience and the flaws in pandemic responses.

14 snips
Jun 16, 2020 • 44min
Aim Higher
Eric Vitro, a renowned voice coach, shares his insights on the transformative power of coaching for performers navigating challenges. He discusses the significance of vulnerability in overcoming performance anxiety and how mentorship can lead to personal growth. Through various anecdotes, he illustrates how vocal coaching fosters self-acceptance and artistic transformation. The conversation highlights the intricate relationship between practice, passion, and the joy of finding one’s voice, all while injecting humor and lighthearted reflections about the journey.

26 snips
Jun 9, 2020 • 34min
The Unfair Coach
Coaching is evolving and changing the game across various fields, but not everyone has equal access. A professor tries to teach the art of humor to aspiring business leaders, sparking debates about privilege. Meanwhile, a cheating scandal in Major League Baseball raises ethical questions about data manipulation. The challenges of communication and conversation reveal the disparities faced by elite students, while the morality of test coaching highlights deeper issues in education. Humor and ethics weave together in this intriguing discourse on coaching and fairness.

26 snips
Jun 2, 2020 • 37min
The Data Coach
Amit Bendoff, former CEO of Gong, dives into the exciting world where data meets coaching. He shares insights on how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing sales by identifying effective communication patterns. The conversation also explores the coaching revolution in Major League Baseball, detailing how metrics are reshaping athlete performance. Bendoff highlights the art of listening in sales and how modern tools improve communication skills, making for a fascinating take on blending tech with human interaction.

11 snips
May 27, 2020 • 42min
The Coach Effect
Dive into the challenges faced by first-generation college students, with a focus on Kayla's inspiring journey from homelessness to academic success. Explore systemic barriers in education and the vital role of mentorship through programs like ScholarMatch. Hear heartfelt stories of students navigating the complexities of college life, pressures of achievement, and the importance of self-belief. Discover how personalized coaching can transform lives and improve graduation rates for those who need it most.

59 snips
May 19, 2020 • 49min
The Coach in Your Head
Timothy Gallwey, author of the groundbreaking book "The Inner Game of Tennis," discusses the evolution of coaching beyond physical training, highlighting the power of mental skills. He shares insights on how effective coaching can transform anyone, from young athletes to corporate leaders, by focusing on mindset rather than just technique. Gallwey emphasizes the importance of creating a positive mental state, navigating performance anxiety, and applying mental strategies to enhance resilience in high-pressure situations. Discover how inner-game coaching can unlock potential across diverse fields!

35 snips
May 12, 2020 • 45min
Don't Be Good – Be Great
Jeremy Bleich, a former baseball player who excelled at Stanford and in the major leagues, shares his journey from high school to the big leagues. He reflects on the invaluable lessons learned from tough-love coaching, particularly from Billy Fitzgerald, who shaped his career. Bleich emphasizes the importance of resilience and ambition in pursuing greatness, touching on the pressure young athletes face today. Listeners gain insights into the transformative power of mentorship and the complexities of youth sports.

10 snips
May 7, 2020 • 36min
Against the Rules Presents: Michael Lewis in Conversation with Malcolm Gladwell and Jacob Weisberg
Malcolm Gladwell, co-founder of Pushkin Industries and author of insightful books, joins Jacob Weisberg, a seasoned journalist, for a captivating discussion. They delve into the challenges of launching a podcast company during the pandemic and the shift from print to digital media. Gladwell and Weisberg share how a holiday conversation sparked their collaboration, and they emphasize the importance of cultivating kindness and a fun culture in remote work. Their insights on nurturing creativity and mentorship provide valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.


