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
5 snips
Apr 16, 2022 • 47min
71. Bombs Away
Beatrice Fihn, the Executive Director of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization ICAN, advocates passionately for global nuclear disarmament. She discusses the urgent need to place disarmament at the forefront as geopolitical tensions escalate. Fihn critiques traditional deterrence theories and the hypocrisy of nuclear non-proliferation amid current conflicts. She also highlights the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare and the pressing need for public advocacy to shape international policies, urging a collective fight for a world free of these weapons.
7 snips
Apr 9, 2022 • 36min
70. You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Experiment
Joshua Angrist, a Nobel Prize-winning economist from MIT, dives into the fascinating world of natural experiments. He discusses how the draft lottery and military conscription during the Vietnam era provide unique insights into economic outcomes. Angrist also shares his research on educational policies in Israel, revealing unexpected findings about class size and student achievement. Listeners will be intrigued by creative strategies for buying homes in competitive markets and how psychological factors play a key role in negotiations.
Apr 2, 2022 • 46min
69. Does Death Have to Be a Death Sentence?
B.J. Miller, a palliative care physician and advocate for humane end-of-life approaches, tackles the often-taboo subject of death. He urges listeners to rethink dying as a natural part of life and suggests integrating conversations about death into education. The discussion critiques conventional medical practices and promotes compassion in end-of-life care. Miller also shares personal stories that highlight the beauty in dying and the importance of meaningful conversations to foster comfort and acceptance.
Mar 26, 2022 • 46min
68. “No One Can Resist a Jolly, Happy Pig.”
Join best-selling author and naturalist Sy Montgomery as she shares her enchanting experiences with animals. Discover how a jolly pig named Christopher taught her about social connections and the emotional depth of creatures like octopuses, which she believes have souls. Montgomery challenges human superiority, highlighting bonds across species and the ethical dilemmas of animal welfare. Her heartfelt anecdotes and transformative insights remind us of the wisdom animals impart, revealing profound lessons about love, patience, and compassion.
Mar 19, 2022 • 42min
67. We Can Play God Now
In this discussion, Jennifer Doudna, a Nobel laureate and trailblazer in gene editing, shares her insights on the revolutionary potential of CRISPR technology. She voices concerns about humanity's readiness to handle such transformative advances responsibly. The conversation touches on the real-world impacts of gene editing in medicine and agriculture. Doudna highlights the ethical dilemmas and public perceptions associated with these innovations, suggesting a future where society learns to navigate these powerful tools safely.
Mar 12, 2022 • 48min
66. The Professor Who Said “No” to Tenure
David Helfand, a Columbia astrophysicist, shares his unique perspective on academia, notably his choice to turn down tenure for a more unconventional path. He discusses the challenges posed by traditional tenure systems and champions performance-based contracts for greater innovation. Helfand delves into engaging science education, emphasizing the importance of curiosity in students. He also highlights an alternative school in Canada that redefines education, advocating for a fresh approach that values exploration and personal growth over conventional success.
Mar 5, 2022 • 51min
65. A Rockstar Chemist and Her Cancer-Attacking “Lawn Mower”
Carolyn Bertozzi is a Stanford professor and a MacArthur Genius Grant recipient, known for her groundbreaking work in bioorthogonal chemistry. In a fascinating discussion, she shares her innovative approaches to immune therapy and how glycobiology plays a crucial role in cancer treatment. Carolyn also ponders the allure of a rock star lifestyle versus her scientific career, offering playful insights into her love for music and the importance of women in chemistry. The conversation seamlessly weaves in both personal aspirations and the challenges of translating science into tangible healthcare solutions.
Feb 26, 2022 • 37min
64. How Larry Miller Went from Prison Valedictorian to Nike Executive
Larry Miller, a former Nike executive and author of "Jump," shares his remarkable journey from being a teenage murder convict to leading Nike's Jordan brand. He discusses the challenges of living with his past while climbing the corporate ladder. Education in prison changed his life, allowing him to become valedictorian. Miller also explores the importance of collaboration and insights in effective leadership at Nike, advocating for educational reforms in the justice system to foster transformation and reintegration.
Feb 19, 2022 • 50min
63. The Only Covid-19 Book Worth Reading
Michael Lewis, bestselling author known for hits like 'Moneyball' and 'The Big Short', discusses his latest work, 'The Premonition', which critiques the U.S. COVID-19 response. He reflects on the pandemic's failures and emphasizes the importance of preparedness for future crises. Lewis also revisits his earlier work 'Liar's Poker', exploring how his views on Wall Street have evolved over three decades. The conversation touches on personal experiences, the ethical dilemmas faced in finance, and the necessity for improved public health methodologies.
Feb 12, 2022 • 45min
62. How Does Historian Brad Gregory Make a Boring Topic So Mind-Blowing?
Brad Gregory, a Notre Dame history professor and Reformation expert, joins the conversation to reveal how to make history captivating. He discusses the disconnect between historians and economists, emphasizing the importance of narrative in making historical events relatable. Gregory also explores Martin Luther's lasting influence on modern society and how themes of strategy in sports can mirror historical transformations. With humor, he connects the pursuit of a meaningful life with deeper human connections beyond mere self-interest.
