People I (Mostly) Admire

Join Ken Jennings, Jeopardy! champion and author, as he recounts his unexpected journey from a conventional career in computers to becoming America's trivia titan. He shares insights on training for Jeopardy!, the fascinating concept of 'geographic memory,' and the art of transforming midlife crises into opportunities for reinvention. The conversation touches on the competitive nature of trivia leagues, the complexities of parenting myths, and the joy of lifelong learning, sprinkled with humor and personal anecdotes.

Mayim Bialik, best known as Amy Farrah Fowler on The Big Bang Theory, is not just an actress but also a neuroscientist and author. In this engaging discussion, she delves into the challenges of maintaining authenticity in Hollywood and the pressures of childhood acting. Mayim shares her insights on the importance of female role models in STEM and how technology can transform education. They also explore the intricacies of transitioning from academia to the entertainment industry, balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities.

Robert Axelrod, a political scientist from the University of Michigan, delves into the fascinating world of game theory and the Prisoner's Dilemma. He discusses how cooperation and kindness can be powerful strategies in both personal relationships and global conflicts. Axelrod emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and the 'tit for tat' approach in fostering positive interactions. The conversation touches on real-world applications, from ethical considerations in pandemic responses to the complexities of cancer research and cyber warfare.

Amanda Levitt, author and Steve Levitt’s adopted daughter, and Lily Levitt, a Vassar College student and anorexia survivor, share heartfelt stories about growing up in a famous family. They discuss Amanda’s struggle with social anxiety and her choice to forgo college, while Lily opens up about her battle with anorexia and the pivotal conversation that pushed her toward recovery. Their candid insights into family dynamics, identity, and overcoming personal fears offer a relatable glimpse into life as Steve's daughters.

Leidy Klotz, a Professor of Engineering at the University of Virginia and author of "Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less," discusses the often-overlooked power of subtraction in problem-solving. He shares how people instinctively lean towards adding rather than simplifying, drawing from engaging experiments, including ones with Legos. Klotz emphasizes that minimalist approaches can lead to more efficient solutions and communication. He challenges listeners to reconsider their cognitive defaults and embrace simplicity for better outcomes.

Edward Glaeser, a Harvard professor renowned for his expertise in urban economics and author of "Triumph of the City," delves into what makes cities thrive. He compares the surprising functionality of Mumbai’s slums to the empty luxury housing in China. Glaeser also discusses historical urban challenges, including how cities are resilient against pandemics. The conversation touches on the intricate relationship between local policies, education, and economic prospects, offering captivating insights into the anatomy of urban success and decline.

Arne Duncan, former U.S. Secretary of Education and anti-gun violence advocate, shares his insights on education reform and the impact of integrity in schools. He discusses the challenges of cheating scandals in Chicago, emphasizing the need for equitable opportunities. The conversation touches on the emotional journey from tragedy to redemption through the stories of at-risk youth. Duncan also reveals his love for basketball and how it serves as both competition and a stress reliever, highlighting the importance of community support and mentorship.

David Coleman, CEO of the College Board and a key architect of Common Core, teams up with Daphne Marchenko, a data analysis expert from the University of Chicago, to tackle the shortcomings of America's high school math curriculum. They discuss outdated teaching methods that fail to prepare students for today's data-driven world. Emphasizing data fluency over traditional topics, they advocate for innovative approaches that make math relevant and engaging. Their insights challenge the status quo and propose a revitalized education framework for future success.

Bapu Jena, a Harvard physician and economist, applies innovative economic methods to delve into medical research. He explores the vital role of randomized experiments in establishing causality and expresses frustration over traditional study limitations, especially regarding red meat and heart health. Jena discusses the ethical challenges of human-challenge trials and reflects on COVID-19 transmission in social gatherings. With a touch of humor, he underscores the importance of embracing unconventional thinking in medicine and shares insights from his new podcast, Freakonomics, M.D.

Harold Pollack, a public policy professor at the University of Chicago, shares his perspective on personal finance, arguing it can be simplified to just a few key principles. He discusses why managing money is as straightforward as taking out the garbage. Pollack also addresses gun violence, proposing innovative approaches to reduce it, and reflects on personal finance through stories of health crises that shaped his understanding. The conversation blends insights on financial literacy with impactful ideas for public safety.