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
4 snips
Sep 18, 2021 • 41min
45. Leidy Klotz on Why the Best Solutions Involve Less — Not More
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.
5 snips
Sep 11, 2021 • 46min
44. Edward Glaeser Explains Why Some Cities Thrive While Others Fade Away
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.
Sep 4, 2021 • 47min
43. Arne Duncan Says All Kids Deserve a Chance — and Criminals Deserve a Second One
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.
Aug 28, 2021 • 43min
42. America’s Math Curriculum Doesn’t Add Up
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.
Aug 21, 2021 • 41min
41. Dr. Bapu Jena on Why Freakonomics Is the Best Medicine
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.
Aug 14, 2021 • 47min
40. Harold Pollack on Why Managing Your Money Is as Easy as Taking Out the Garbage
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.
Aug 7, 2021 • 49min
39. Aicha Evans Wants You to Take Your Eyes Off the Road
Aicha Evans, CEO of Zoox, brings her engineering expertise to the forefront as she discusses the promises of the autonomous vehicle industry. She shares insights on the revolutionary vision Zoox has for a driverless future and addresses the hurdles they face, including societal trust and technical challenges. Aicha also reflects on personal happiness, emphasizing the importance of embracing joy and risk-taking. With her unique background and innovative mindset, she inspires listeners to reimagine mobility and the future of transportation.
Jul 31, 2021 • 37min
38. Sendhil Mullainathan Explains How to Generate an Idea a Minute (Part 2)
Sendhil Mullainathan, a MacArthur 'Genius Grant' recipient and author, explores the concepts from his book 'Scarcity.' He discusses how financial stress impacts cognitive functions and productivity, urging a redesign of social programs to alleviate cognitive overload. Sendhil also highlights the collaboration between humans and machines, emphasizing that technology complements rather than competes with human intelligence. He shares insights on enhancing creativity through appreciating others' ideas, and how this can lead to innovative thinking.
14 snips
Jul 24, 2021 • 52min
37. Sendhil Mullainathan Thinks Messing Around Is the Best Use of Your Time
Sendhil Mullainathan, a renowned professor and MacArthur
Jul 17, 2021 • 43min
36. How Rahm Emanuel Would Run the World
Rahm Emanuel, former senior advisor to Presidents Clinton and Obama and author of 'The Nation City,' discusses the unique role mayors play in solving real-world issues. He highlights how local leaders stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing data literacy and practical decision-making. Emanuel shares his complex opinions on historical presidents and reflects on maintaining a public persona, revealing how personal experiences shape political identity. The conversation also touches on urban revitalization and the importance of equitable opportunities in cities.
