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
7 snips
Jan 8, 2022 • 43min
59. Who Gives the Worst Advice?
In this engaging discussion, a listener shares their experience with seeking advice from various guests. They question the value of wisdom offered by successful individuals and whether it genuinely applies to everyday life. Topics range from the balance of ambition and authenticity to the freedom found in quitting when necessary. The conversation even touches on the controversial implications of parenting in our changing climate, sparking intense reflections among the audience. It's a thought-provoking exploration of finding fulfillment and learning from failure.
Jan 1, 2022 • 47min
58. Why Is Richard Thaler Such a ****ing Optimist?
In this entertaining conversation, Richard Thaler, a Nobel laureate and pioneering behavioral economist, shares his insights on the complexities of decision-making. He humorously explores how emotions influence our choices and the importance of nudges in shaping behavior. Thaler admits economists often miss their blind spots while dissecting the evolution of behavioral economics. He emphasizes the necessity of broader systemic changes in areas like climate change, all while maintaining a refreshingly optimistic outlook.
8 snips
Dec 25, 2021 • 51min
57. What Makes John Doerr Think He Can Save the Planet?
John Doerr, a legendary venture capitalist known for his early investments in Google and Amazon, shares his vision for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. He advocates for substantial investments in clean energy and innovative technologies while discussing the challenges of rallying venture capital for climate startups. The conversation also explores the Peltzman effect, illustrating how safety measures can alter risk behaviors. Challenging traditional views, Doerr examines the complexities of implementing carbon taxes and the urgent call for global collaboration to combat climate change.
Dec 18, 2021 • 49min
56. Claudia Goldin: What’s “Greedy Work” and Why Is It a Problem?
Claudia Goldin, a Harvard economist and author of "Career and Family," dives into the complexities faced by women in the labor market. She discusses the idea of 'greedy work' and its impact on wage disparity. Goldin explores how inflexible jobs and family responsibilities hinder women's earnings and reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic might be a turning point. The conversation also highlights the need for policy changes to balance caregiving roles and employment, advocating for reforms to support gender equality in the workplace.
Dec 11, 2021 • 48min
55. Jared Diamond on the Downfall of Civilizations — and His Optimism for Ours
Jared Diamond, an award-winning author known for his works like "Guns, Germs, and Steel," shares his fascinating journey from studying gallbladders to exploring civilizations. He discusses the downfall of the Norse Greenlanders, who couldn't adapt their diet, and the broader implications for today's society. Diamond also reflects on the paradox of environmental destruction, tales of adventure in New Guinea, and the joys of later life. His insights inspire optimism about humanity's future despite historical challenges.
Dec 4, 2021 • 54min
54. Andrew Yang Is Not Giving Up on Politics — or the U.S. — Yet
Andrew Yang, an entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, shares his ongoing quest to reshape politics with his Forward Party. He candidly discusses the emotional toll of losing elections and the need for a viable third party to prevent societal discord. Yang emphasizes a humane approach to economics over traditional metrics, advocating for Universal Basic Income as both relief and long-term solution. With a focus on youth engagement and a fresh political discourse, he inspires listeners to rethink democracy and political ambitions.
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.
