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
Nov 27, 2021 • 33min
53. The Simple Economics of Saving the Amazon Rainforest
Michael Greenstone, former Chief Economist for the Obama administration, and Gretchen Daly, a leading Professor at Stanford, discuss the intricate relationship between economics and the Amazon rainforest crisis. They argue that traditional moral pleas often miss the root causes of deforestation. The duo emphasizes innovative economic strategies for conservation, such as carbon pricing and the significance of natural capital. They draw on global examples, highlighting lessons from China and Brazil, to showcase how financial incentives can effectively combat environmental degradation.
Nov 20, 2021 • 30min
52. Max Tegmark on Why Superhuman Artificial Intelligence Won’t be Our Slave (Part 2)
Max Tegmark, an MIT cosmologist and co-founder of the Future of Life Institute, dives deep into the existential threats posed by artificial intelligence. He discusses how AI can either empower democracy or exacerbate polarization. Tegmark emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in news consumption, advocating for tools like improvethenews.org to combat media bias. He also explores ethical questions surrounding superhuman AI, urging a balance between technological advancements and human values while fostering a culture of optimism and ambition for the future.
Nov 13, 2021 • 46min
51. Max Tegmark on Why Treating Humanity Like a Child Will Save Us All
Max Tegmark, an MIT cosmologist and physicist, dives into profound discussions about humanity's future. He weighs the risks of nuclear war against pandemics and argues that we should cultivate optimism. Tegmark draws fascinating parallels between the realms of economics and cosmology, and he delves into the multiverse theory, emphasizing the importance of embracing unconventional ideas. He advocates for ethical technological advancements and proactive measures to tackle existential threats, all while maintaining a sense of joy in life's pursuits.
Nov 6, 2021 • 52min
50. Edward Miguel on Collecting Economic Data by Canoe and Correlating Conflict with Rainfall
Edward Miguel, a UC Berkeley professor renowned for his work on randomized controlled trials in economics, dives into an array of fascinating topics. He discusses the dramatic impacts of deworming on children's health and education in Kenya. Miguel also sheds light on the surprising link between climate change and conflict in Africa, illustrating how rainfall patterns can influence instability. Additionally, he shares insights from a unique study on parking violations by UN diplomats, revealing unexpected ties between corruption and diplomatic behaviors.
Oct 30, 2021 • 46min
49. Mathematician Sarah Hart on Why Numbers are Music to Our Ears
Sarah Hart, a professor at Birkbeck College and Gresham Professor of Geometry, shares her passion for the intersection of mathematics and music. She demonstrates how whole numbers resonate with pleasing sounds and reveals the fascinating imperfections of octaves. The conversation touches on the gender gap in mathematics and the importance of creative teaching in making math accessible. Hart also discusses overcoming creative slumps, emphasizing adaptability and inspiration as keys to success in both math and the arts.
Oct 23, 2021 • 47min
48. Marc Davis Can’t Stop Watching Basketball — But He Doesn’t Care Who Wins
Mark Davis, a seasoned NBA referee with over 20 years in the game, shares his journey from aspiring player to top official. He reveals how he meticulously reviews every call and navigates scrutiny from players and fans alike. Davis discusses the importance of fairness, the significant work behind officiating, and why conversations about race matter both on and off the court. With a deep passion for basketball, he emphasizes enjoying the game over who wins, reflecting on the thrill of the sport and its cultural impact.
Oct 16, 2021 • 48min
Ken Jennings on How a Midlife Crisis Led Him to Jeopardy! (People I (Mostly) Admire, Ep. 4 Replay)
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.
Oct 9, 2021 • 50min
Mayim Bialik on the Surprising Risks of Academia and Stability of Show Biz (People I (Mostly) Admire, Ep. 2 Replay)
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.
6 snips
Oct 2, 2021 • 45min
47. Robert Axelrod on Why Being Nice, Forgiving, and Provokable are the Best Strategies for Life
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.
Sep 25, 2021 • 48min
46. Amanda & Lily Levitt Share What It’s Like to be Steve’s Daughters
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.
