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
13 snips
Sep 3, 2022 • 54min
87. How Much Are the Right Friends Worth?
In this engaging discussion, Harvard economist Raj Chetty, a trailblazer in researching inequality and social mobility, dives into the crucial role of early education. He highlights how choosing the right teachers—and even friends—can shape long-term success. Chetty explores the decline of economic mobility in the U.S. and the importance of social connections for children from low-income families. The conversation also touches on ethical dilemmas in education and healthcare, emphasizing the need for equitable access and meaningful community support.
22 snips
Aug 20, 2022 • 53min
86. A Million-Year View on Morality
Join Will MacAskill, an Oxford philosopher and effective altruism pioneer, as he unpacks how our choices today impact future generations. He navigates the challenges of moral decision-making in a long-term context and explores the ethical dilemmas of wealth disparity and charitable giving. MacAskill also highlights the importance of personal sacrifice for the greater good and the existential threats we face. Through thought-provoking insights, he champions a philosophy that aims for maximizing global well-being across time.
13 snips
Aug 6, 2022 • 43min
85. What It Takes to Know Everything
Victoria Groce, a top trivia contestant celebrated for her performances on 'The Chase,' shares her fascinating journey into the world of competitive trivia. She discusses the art of crafting compelling questions and her unique approach of knitting during competitions. Groce reveals her mastery of 160,000 flashcards through spaced repetition, highlighting effective memory techniques. The conversation also dips into her experiences at the World Quizzing Championship, where unexpected challenges transformed her perspective on competition.
116 snips
Jul 23, 2022 • 54min
84. Yuval Noah Harari Thinks Life Is Meaningless and Amazing
In this engaging discussion, Yuval Noah Harari, the brilliant author of 'Sapiens', explores the fascinating idea that money is merely a social construct. He reflects on how even mundane topics like traffic can provoke deep thoughts about existence. Harari shares insights on the agricultural revolution's unexpected drawbacks, arguing it led to more suffering than benefits. He also contrasts religious narratives, advocating for mindfulness and personal meaning amidst life’s complexities, raising alarm about the future of humanity in a technology-driven world.
9 snips
Jul 9, 2022 • 51min
83. “There's So Many Problems — Which Ones Can I Make a Difference On?”
In this engaging dialogue, Susan Athey, a Professor at Stanford and chief economist at the U.S. Department of Justice's Antitrust Division, tackles pressing global issues using economic insights. She shares her journey transitioning from academia to tech, highlighting partnerships that promote innovation. The conversation dives into vaccine production and the role of advanced commitments, alongside discussions on navigating carbon markets and data privacy. Plus, Susan recounts a daring chicken rescue from a coyote, showcasing her adventurous side!
6 snips
Jul 2, 2022 • 44min
82. Is This the Future of High School?
Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy and Khan World School, shares his visionary approach to transforming high school education. He discusses the importance of personalized, flexible learning experiences that prioritize student well-being and critical thinking. Khan emphasizes innovative programs, like daily seminars promoting rich discussions, and new initiatives in Arizona aiming to empower students. He also gives insights into a scholarship opportunity for aspiring students and his recent move to Germany, adding a personal touch to the educational revolution.
6 snips
Jun 25, 2022 • 47min
81. Why Bother Searching for Aliens?
Jill Tarter, a pioneering astronomer and inspiration for the character in Carl Sagan's 'Contact', shares her lifelong quest for extraterrestrial intelligence. She discusses the nuances of searching for intelligent life and the complexities of validating potential signals. Tarter reflects on the evolution of detection methods and the challenges posed by human noise. She also touches on the implications of discovering alien civilizations and the cultural impact of her work, advocating for a unifying vision as we look to the stars.
26 snips
Jun 18, 2022 • 50min
80. Get Your Share of the Pie
Barry Nalebuff, a Yale economics professor and co-founder of Honest Tea, shares his entrepreneurial journey and innovative negotiation strategies. He dives into how basic economics shaped Honest Tea's success, including the ideal sweetness for beverages. Barry recounts challenges like the humorous incident with Honest Kombucha and talks about the complexities of negotiations, highlighting psychological tactics and the importance of fairness. He also explores the intriguing dynamics of travel cost-sharing and industry pricing strategies, making business both enlightening and entertaining!
11 snips
Jun 11, 2022 • 55min
79. Solar Geoengineering Would Be Radical. It Might Also Be Necessary.
David Keith, a Harvard professor and expert in solar radiation management, delves into the intriguing world of solar geoengineering. He discusses its potential to combat climate change, highlighting the need for it alongside emissions reduction. Keith examines the complexities and ethical challenges of this controversial technology. He shares insights on the significant risks, economic viability, and the unexpected impacts of airplane contrails on global warming. The conversation emphasizes transparency and responsible governance in climate interventions.
Jun 4, 2022 • 51min
78. Giving It Away
In this engaging conversation, billionaire philanthropist John Arnold shares his transformative journey from wealth accumulation at Enron to prioritizing impactful giving. He discusses the intricate challenges of philanthropy, including personal motivations and the psychological barriers to charitable action. Arnold also delves into controversial topics like monetizing organ donations and the complexities of influencing public policy through philanthropy, ultimately advocating for a culture of generosity that drives societal change.
