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
Jul 10, 2021 • 51min
35. David Epstein Knows Something About Almost Everything
David Epstein, a best-selling author known for his book "Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World," discusses why early specialization may not be the golden ticket to success. He explores how frustration can actually enhance learning and debunks the 10,000-hour rule for expertise. The conversation shifts to the increasing global IQ scores and the evolving cognitive abilities of children today. Epstein critiques traditional math teaching methods, advocating for a generalist approach in skill development and promoting curiosity and adaptability in problem-solving.
Jul 3, 2021 • 45min
34. Maya Shankar Is Changing People’s Behavior — and Her Own
Maya Shankar, a behavioral economist who shaped policy in the Obama administration and now influences Google, dives into the power of behavioral economics. She discusses how people respond to change and shares her personal journey, from a Juilliard violin prodigy to learning Mandarin after adopting two daughters. The conversation touches on the ethical implications of nudging, the importance of personal growth, and rediscovering joy through music. Maya's insights blend science and storytelling, offering a fresh lens on meaningful change.
Jun 26, 2021 • 46min
33. Travis Tygart Is Coming for Cheaters — Just Ask Lance Armstrong
Travis Tygart, CEO of the United States Anti-Doping Agency, is known for unveiling Lance Armstrong's doping scandal. He discusses the ethical dilemmas athletes face in the competitive world of sports, emphasizing the importance of integrity. Tygart also highlights innovative testing methods like the athlete biological passport. The conversation dives into the psychological effects of cheating, and the broader implications for sports ethics, particularly in light of the Horse Integrity Safety Act. Prepare for a riveting exploration into the fight against cheating!
29 snips
Jun 19, 2021 • 51min
32. Angela Duckworth Explains How to Manage Your Goal Hierarchy
Angela Duckworth, a psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author of 'Grit', dives into the dynamic relationship between grit and achievement. She discusses managing goal hierarchies and the importance of flexibility in pursuing objectives. The conversation also touches on the profound impact of parental support on resilience and self-esteem, alongside the challenge of balancing relentless goal pursuit with genuine happiness. With personal anecdotes, Duckworth highlights the value of mindfulness and meaningful engagement in one's endeavors.
Jun 12, 2021 • 46min
31. Peter Leeson on Why Trial-by-Fire Wasn’t Barbaric and Why Pirates Were Democratic
Peter Leeson, an economist known for his exploration of quirky historical topics, dives into the bizarre practice of medieval judicial ordeals and their parallels to modern judicial systems. He argues that trial-by-fire was less barbaric than believed and unveils the democratic nature of pirate governance. The conversation is filled with humor, touching on Leeson's personal journey to becoming a competitive golfer and the importance of embracing one's uniqueness in life and love. The blend of economics, history, and personal anecdotes keeps the discussion fascinating.
Jun 5, 2021 • 44min
30. Dambisa Moyo Says Foreign Aid Can’t Solve Problems, but Maybe Corporations Can
Dambisa Moyo, a renowned economist and author of bestsellers like 'Dead Aid,' dives into the limitations of foreign aid in Africa, suggesting it often fosters dependence instead of growth. She discusses how corporate boards can play a vital role in addressing societal challenges and contrasts the differing approaches of Western and Chinese aid strategies. Moyo also promotes innovative ideas, such as incentivizing vaccinations with lotteries, and emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in economic problem-solving.
May 29, 2021 • 46min
29. Bruce Friedrich Thinks There’s a Better Way to Eat Meat
Bruce Friedrich, the Founder of the Good Food Institute, shares his evolution from bold animal-rights activist to advocate for market-driven solutions in meat consumption. He discusses the environmental and ethical dilemmas of factory-farmed meat and highlights innovative plant-based alternatives. Friedrich also emphasizes the need for increased government funding to support sustainable food technology. With a mix of personal anecdotes and transformative ideas, he reflects on the importance of empathy and collaboration in the dialogue around ethical eating.
May 22, 2021 • 45min
28. Professor Carl Hart Argues All Drugs Should Be Legal — Can He Convince Steve?
Guest Carl Hart, a neuroscientist and psychology professor at Columbia University, advocates for the legalization of all drugs, arguing that it's as American as apple pie. He discusses his book, "Drug Use for Grown-Ups," and challenges traditional drug policies by highlighting successful decriminalization efforts in places like Portugal. The conversation delves into the societal implications of drug laws, the importance of context in drug experiences, and how compassion for those struggling with addiction can reshape public perception.
May 15, 2021 • 44min
27. Daniel Kahneman on Why Our Judgment is Flawed — and What to Do About It
Daniel Kahneman, Nobel laureate and pioneer in behavioral economics, discusses his new book, 'Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment.' He delves into the critical concepts of noise and bias in decision-making, illustrating how they affect everything from criminal sentencing to insurance evaluations. Kahneman shares insights on the importance of tackling discrepancies to improve accuracy and advocates for respectful dialogues around challenging ideas. The conversation highlights his collaborations and the evolution of psychology in understanding human behavior.
May 8, 2021 • 36min
26. Memory Champion Nelson Dellis Helps Steve Train His Brain
Nelson Dellis, a four-time USA Memory Champion and author of "Memory Superpowers," shares his journey from having an average memory to mastering impressive techniques. He reveals that anyone can learn his skills and challenges Steve to try them out, leading to surprising results. The conversation covers the health implications of memory enhancement, particularly concerning aging and Alzheimer's. Dellis also explores fascinating memory tournaments, the effectiveness of visualization techniques, and the impact of multilingualism on memory skills.
