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
22 snips
May 5, 2020 • 44min
The Invisible Coach
Jason Brown, an entrepreneur and creator of the Tally app, discusses the hidden pitfalls of the credit card industry and how many are ensnared by confusing financial rules. He shares his unconventional upbringing focused on experiential learning, which shaped his innovative approach to money management. Brown emphasizes the importance of financial coaching, showcasing how tools like his app empower users to tackle debt anxiety. The podcast also highlights engaging anecdotes about overcoming financial struggles and the critical conversations needed in relationships about money.
Apr 21, 2020 • 2min
Introducing Against the Rules Season 2
Dive into a compelling discussion about the expanding role of coaching in our lives, well beyond the sports arena. Explore the intriguing contrast between coaching and traditional therapy, highlighting its growing importance. Unpack the stark inequities in access to coaching, particularly how it favors the wealthy while sidelining those from lower economic backgrounds. With wit and insight, the exploration of fairness and the quest for equality takes center stage, leaving listeners pondering the true impact of these coaching dynamics.
Mar 25, 2020 • 19min
Bonus Against the Rules: Help in a Crisis
In this engaging conversation, Jimmy Chen, Founder and CEO of Propel, shares his insights on aiding low-income Americans through the pandemic. He discusses the challenges families faced with food assistance and the vital role technology plays in navigating these issues. Chen highlights an innovative app designed to connect users with essential resources. The talk also delves into the importance of community resilience and support systems, emphasizing how cash transfers and social services can uplift those in crisis.
8 snips
Nov 15, 2019 • 37min
Against the Rules Presents: Cautionary Tales
Dive into unsettling yet enlightening tales designed for grown-ups. Expect stories of human error, daring heists, and tragic catastrophes, all infused with humor and wisdom. There's a spotlight on the fragility of life through historical mistakes and the importance of learning from the past. Enjoy captivating narratives brought to life by a talented cast, reminding us of the lessons buried within our blunders. Each story serves as a cautionary reminder to navigate life's challenges with awareness and flexibility.
10 snips
May 21, 2019 • 54min
Live Episode: Michael Lewis and Malcolm Gladwell
Malcolm Gladwell, a renowned author and journalist, joins his friend Michael for a lively discussion on podcasting. They dive into the nuances of refereeing, exploring how officiating shapes sports narratives. Gladwell highlights the challenges of authority in ‘rigged systems’ while discussing the evolution of officiating with the advent of technology. They also revel in the joy of ‘conversational delight’ and the art behind audio storytelling, emphasizing the emotional connection that voices can create. Expect humor, insights, and engaging banter throughout!
28 snips
May 14, 2019 • 54min
The Magic Shoebox
Brad Katsuyama, co-founder of IEX and former head of trading at the Royal Bank of Canada, and Ronan Ryan, a key player in high-frequency trading, dive into the cutthroat world of Wall Street. They reveal how milliseconds can make millions, discussing their mission to create a fairer stock exchange. The duo shares humorous anecdotes about the challenges posed by trading technology and ethical dilemmas in finance. Their insights prompt a reflection on the importance of integrity amidst the chaos of high-speed trading.
22 snips
May 7, 2019 • 40min
Baby Judge School
Jeremy Fogel, a former federal judge, dives into the compelling world of judicial training and reform. He discusses the importance of emotional intelligence for judges, highlighting initiatives like 'Baby Judge School.' The conversation explores the delicate balance between a judge's humanity and the need for impartiality. Fogel shares insights from research on fairness in both humans and animals, connecting emotional dynamics in the courtroom to public perceptions of justice. His advocacy for transparency in the judiciary sheds light on the pressures judges face today.
17 snips
Apr 30, 2019 • 39min
The Neutral
Ken Feinberg, a renowned mediator and lawyer famed for his work on high-profile disputes like the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund, shares insights into the art of neutrality. He discusses the emotional challenges and moral dilemmas mediators face while navigating sensitive issues. Feinberg reflects on the complexities of compensation during tragedies, the role of empathy in conflict resolution, and draws surprising parallels with a biblical story. His anecdotes reveal the unexpected traits that make for an effective neutral referee.
27 snips
Apr 23, 2019 • 43min
The Hand of Leonardo
Jan Kors, a senior managing director at Pearl Meyer, dives into the enigmatic world of art and finance. He discusses the legendary painting 'Salvatore Mundi' and the controversies surrounding its authenticity and valuation. Kors explores the implications of CEO compensation disparities, questioning the rationale behind exorbitant salaries in contrast to average workers. He also addresses the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing business efficiency, revealing how technology reshapes the landscape of art valuation and executive pay.
44 snips
Apr 16, 2019 • 42min
The Alex Kogan Experience
Brian Garner, author of "Garner's Modern English Usage," dives into the evolving role of language referees in our digital age. He discusses the shift from strict grammatical authority to flexible personal interpretation. Garner hilariously highlights how misunderstandings in language can lead to real-world consequences. The conversation also touches on the decline of ombudsmen in journalism, their importance in accountability, and the ethical dilemmas faced by researchers in the wake of data scandals. It's a lively exploration of language, truth, and ethics!
