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
61 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.
87 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.
79 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.
126 snips
Oct 11, 2025 • 57min
168. Chemistry, Evolved
Frances Arnold, a Nobel Prize-winning chemical engineer at Caltech, revolutionized enzyme creation through directed evolution, a method mimicking natural selection. She discusses the intricate world of enzymes, their critical roles, and how her insights transformed industries from agriculture to biofuels. Arnold shares her journey from skepticism to acceptance in the tech world, emphasizing the importance of intuition and art in science. She also explores innovative pest control using insect pheromones and envisions a future where microbes create sustainable materials from CO2.
143 snips
Sep 27, 2025 • 59min
167. The Secret of Humanity? It’s Common Knowledge.
In this conversation, Steven Pinker, a Harvard cognitive psychologist and author, dives into the essence of common knowledge and its impact on our relationships. He explains how shared assumptions shape our social interactions and even economic behaviors, from currency stability to Super Bowl ads. Pinker also reflects on the dynamics of cancel culture, the psychology behind eye contact, and the consequences of public signaling. His insights highlight the intricacies of human connection and the importance of rational discourse in a contentious world.
172 snips
Sep 20, 2025 • 44min
How to Have Great Conversations (Update)
Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author known for The Power of Habit, discusses his new book, Super Communicators. He dives into the importance of understanding conversation types—practical, emotional, and social. Duhigg shares techniques for preparing conversations and addressing power dynamics. The duo explores deep questions that foster intimacy and effective listening strategies. They also touch on how emotional awareness can enhance creativity and communication.
161 snips
Sep 13, 2025 • 1h 2min
166. The World’s Most Effective Public Health Intervention Is Under Attack
Seth Berkley, an esteemed epidemiologist from Brown University and former leader at Gavi, discusses the vital role of vaccines in public health and their economic benefits, saving millions of lives. He highlights the challenges of vaccine development and the alarming misinformation threatening public trust. Berkley emphasizes the urgent need for better public health preparedness and the complexities of maintaining vaccine quality. With personal anecdotes, he underscores the importance of proactive strategies to combat skepticism and ensure effective vaccination in the face of ongoing debates.
87 snips
Aug 30, 2025 • 53min
165. The Economist Who (Gasp!) Asks People What They Think
In this engaging discussion, Harvard Professor Stefanie Stantcheva, a John Bates Clark Medal winner, shares her groundbreaking approach to economic research through public surveys. She reveals the often ignored but crucial insights into immigration perceptions and how media narratives shape public opinion on economic policies. Stantcheva also delves into the challenges of creating effective surveys and the significant influence of upbringing on economic views, highlighting the gap between consumer experiences and statistical data.
97 snips
Aug 23, 2025 • 53min
Rick Rubin on How to Make Something Great (Update)
Rick Rubin, a legendary music producer known for co-founding Def Jam Records, shares insights from his captivating career, including revitalizing Johnny Cash and crucial moments in hip-hop. He discusses the emotional depth of Cash's 'Hurt' and how creativity flourished through collaboration. Rubin also highlights his journey writing a book, embracing unconventional paths to innovation, and reflects on timeless artistic principles derived from The Beatles. A journey from punk to profound creativity showcases the connection between self-awareness and artistic expression.
71 snips
Aug 16, 2025 • 1h 2min
164. Unravelling the Universe, Again
Adam Riess, an astrophysicist at Johns Hopkins University and Nobel Prize winner, revolutionizes our understanding of the cosmos with insights into dark energy and cosmic expansion. He discusses how methods like Cepheid variables and type 1A supernovae have shaped distance measurement in space. Riess also addresses the challenges of the Hubble Tension and rethinking the standard model of the universe. Their candid journey through skepticism highlights the emotional impact of groundbreaking discoveries in modern cosmology.
