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
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.
May 28, 2022 • 35min
77. Can Games Prepare Us for Catastrophes? (Part 2)
In this engaging discussion, game designer Jane McGonigal shares her innovative approach to using games for crisis preparation. She highlights how simulations can enhance psychological readiness for global challenges and critiques traditional narratives. McGonigal challenges our views on organ donation and promotes a project-based educational model that values diverse skills learned through gaming. Emphasizing 'urgent optimism,' she encourages an active response to adversity, blending kindness and creativity to inspire positive change in everyday life.
8 snips
May 21, 2022 • 42min
76. Is Gaming Good for You?
Jane McGonigal, a game designer and best-selling author, shares her insights on the transformative power of gaming. She discusses how games can enhance problem-solving skills and foster personal growth, even aiding recovery from traumatic experiences. The conversation touches on the balance between enjoyment and addiction, emphasizing the emotional benefits of gaming. McGonigal also highlights the social advantages gaming brings, especially for introverts, while reimagining the role of educators in creating personalized learning experiences through gamification.
58 snips
May 14, 2022 • 53min
75. Self-Help for Data Nerds
Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, a data scientist and author of "Everybody Lies," explores how data can transform personal lives. He delves into how self-image can improve through data analysis, illustrating the surprising impact of appearance on success and entrepreneurship. The discussion also uncovers the link between abortion legalization and crime rates, and how data reveals complex happiness factors. Listeners learn how luck and preparation interplay in achieving success, making for a fascinating dive into the power of data in everyday life.
May 7, 2022 • 53min
74. Getting Our Hands Dirty
Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, a leading soil scientist and nominee for a key role in the Department of Energy's Office of Science, discusses the profound importance of soil for both climate health and agricultural sustainability. She emphasizes the urgent need for public awareness about soil degradation and its critical role in carbon storage. The conversation highlights the impacts of thawing permafrost on climate change, innovative carbon capture methods, and the challenges of balancing educational policies with student accountability, intertwined with personal stories of cultural identity.
69 snips
Apr 30, 2022 • 52min
73. Turning Work into Play
Dan Gilbert, a Harvard psychologist and author of 'Stumbling on Happiness,' shares his incredible journey from high school dropout to esteemed professor. He discusses the end of history illusion, examining how our perceptions of identity change over time. Gilbert emphasizes the importance of saying no to non-essential commitments to prioritize happiness. He highlights the value of social connections over material wealth and recounts his unique lifestyle powered by a transformational experience aboard a school bus, advocating for diverse educational pathways.
Apr 23, 2022 • 48min
72. “Leaving Black People in the Lurch”
Join linguist and social commentator John McWhorter as he challenges the notion that good intentions are enough to uplift Black America. He dives into the fascinating origins of Creole languages and examines the surprising evolution of the term 'motherf*cker.' McWhorter critiques the complexities of anti-racism movements, urging a focus on grassroots efforts. He also addresses educational disparities affecting Black children, advocating for phonics-based literacy programs. It's an eye-opening discussion on language, identity, and societal progress.
