People I (Mostly) Admire
Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
Freakonomics co-author Steve Levitt tracks down other high achievers for surprising, revealing conversations about their lives and obsessions. Join Levitt as he goes through the most interesting midlife crisis you’ve ever heard — and learn how a renegade sheriff is transforming Chicago's jail, how a biologist is finding the secrets of evolution in the Arctic tundra, and how a trivia champion memorized 160,000 flashcards.
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To get every show in the Freakonomics Radio Network without ads and a monthly bonus episode of Freakonomics Radio, start a free trial for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
Jan 10, 2026 • 46min
2. Mayim Bialik: “I Started Crying When I Realized How Beautiful the Universe Is”
Mayim Bialik, an actress and neuroscientist, discusses her multifaceted life, highlighting her switch from Hollywood to academia. She shares her experiences as a sensitive person and the challenges of being a child actor. Mayim delves into her passion for STEM, the influence of a female tutor, and the importance of diverse role models in science. Reflecting on the hollowness of fame, she embraces a life focused on meaningful connections and creative endeavors, ultimately choosing family over academia while continuing to inspire others in education.
63 snips
Jan 3, 2026 • 43min
1. Steven Pinker: "I Manage My Controversy Portfolio Carefully”
In a thought-provoking discussion, Steven Pinker, renowned Harvard psychologist and linguist, dives into the complexities of human progress, backed by data. He tackles the media's negativity bias and advocates for teaching rational thinking tools. Pinker candidly shares experiences from his public speaking challenges and discusses climate solutions like nuclear energy. He also touches on language's intricacies, why he engages in public debates, and offers life advice centered on gratitude and problem-solving.
185 snips
Dec 20, 2025 • 51min
173. Steve Levitt Says Goodbye to People I (Mostly) Admire
Stephen Dubner interviews Steve Levitt, a celebrated economist and co-creator of Freakonomics. They explore Levitt's journey on the show, his discomfort with interviewing, and memorable moments with guests like Joel Osteen and Yuval Noah Harari. Levitt shares his insights on education reform and the impact of AI on learning, emphasizing the need for engaged students. He reflects on his spiritual awakening and how the podcast reignited his curiosity. As he transitions to new projects, he reveals his ambitions to tackle important policy issues.
144 snips
Dec 13, 2025 • 49min
Ninety-Eight Years of Economic Wisdom (Replay)
Robert Solow, a Nobel Prize–winning economist with a remarkable career at MIT, shares fascinating insights into economic growth and inequality. He reflects on his childhood during the Great Depression and how it shaped his beliefs. Solow questions the value of GDP as a measure of well-being and critiques current economic models for overlooking real-world complexities. He also discusses his experiences as a codebreaker during WWII and shares reflections on aging, loneliness, and the role of luck in life.
149 snips
Dec 6, 2025 • 52min
172. A New Kind of University
Michael Crow, president of Arizona State University and an innovator in higher education, shares his vision for transforming universities. He discusses the necessity of a new, scalable model focused on inclusion and societal engagement. Crow highlights ASU's use of virtual reality in biology education and the power of storytelling in teaching abstract sciences. He emphasizes the importance of empowering faculty and rethinking pedagogy for an AI-driven future. Crow's insights reveal how ASU disrupts traditional education while maintaining its commitment to public benefit.
46 snips
Nov 22, 2025 • 56min
171. Measuring Pollution on Parallel Earths
Michael Greenstone, an economist from the University of Chicago, focuses on the health impacts of air pollution and practical policy solutions. He discusses the shocking life-expectancy losses linked to pollution, exemplified by China's Huai River policy. Greenstone also explains how using infants simplifies pollution measurement and shares insights on developing pollution markets in India that improved compliance and reduced emissions significantly. His work is driven by a desire to combine rigorous research with real-world impact to shape effective policies.
36 snips
Nov 15, 2025 • 59min
Suleika Jaouad’s Survival Mechanisms (Replay)
Suleika Jaouad, an author and journalist, shares her profound insights from battling cancer and chronicling her journey in her memoir, Between Two Kingdoms. She discusses the importance of honest communication with friends during illness and critiques toxic positivity. Suleika emphasizes the power of community among young cancer patients and highlights her experience transforming isolation into creative expression. The conversation also touches on essential support for patients and innovative ideas to boost bone marrow donor participation.
88 snips
Nov 8, 2025 • 59min
170. Finding the God Particle
In a fascinating chat, Brian Cox, a particle physicist and former pop star, opens up about his journey from music to science. He illuminates the groundbreaking discovery of the Higgs boson and clarifies misconceptions about particle collisions potentially creating catastrophic black holes. Brian also shares insights on the whimsical names of particles, the significance of the Standard Model, and the intriguing question of black hole information. His unique perspective bridges the gap between science and popular culture, making complex concepts accessible to all.
88 snips
Oct 25, 2025 • 50min
169. Decoding the World’s First Writing
Irving Finkel, a renowned curator at the British Museum and expert on cuneiform, shares riveting insights about the world's first writing system. He reveals how an ancient clay tablet unearthed details about Noah's ark, igniting controversy with some religious groups. Finkel explains the emergence of writing in Mesopotamia, the deciphering of cuneiform through linguistics, and the fascinating connections between Mesopotamian flood narratives and biblical texts. His account is a captivating blend of archaeology, history, and the complexities of cultural narratives.
74 snips
Oct 18, 2025 • 1h
Is There a Fair Way to Divide Us? (Update)
Moon Duchin, a mathematics professor at the University of Chicago, passionately connects geometry with the challenges of gerrymandering. She explores why fair elections are so tricky, defines key concepts like packing and cracking, and discusses the implications of residential segregation on representation. Duchin introduces innovative mathematical methods like Markov chain sampling to identify gerrymanders and evaluates potential voting system reforms, such as ranked-choice voting, to promote fairness. Her work inspires a fresh perspective on democracy.
