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
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.
22 snips
May 1, 2021 • 43min
25. Sam Harris: “Spirituality Is a Loaded Term.”
Sam Harris, a cognitive neuroscientist and best-selling author, delves into the intriguing intersection of spirituality and skepticism. He discusses the challenges of navigating honesty, particularly in relationships and parenting, while also exploring the transformative effects of meditation. The conversation touches on the duality of consciousness, mindfulness in education, and how language shapes our spiritual experiences. With humor and personal anecdotes, Harris navigates the complexities of spirituality in today’s world.
Apr 24, 2021 • 50min
Nathan Myhrvold: “I Am Interested in Lots of Things, and That's Actually a Bad Strategy.” (Episode 6 Rebroadcast)
Nathan Myhrvold, a polymath with diverse degrees and a former chief technology officer at Microsoft, shares his journey from studying with Stephen Hawking to innovating for a better world. He reveals fascinating ideas like the Salter Sink to combat hurricanes and TerraPower's novel use of nuclear waste for energy. Myhrvold discusses the delicate balance between broad curiosity and specialized mastery, all while promoting the importance of nurturing academic talent and enjoying life's unpredictability with laughter.
Apr 17, 2021 • 58min
24. Amaryllis Fox: “What Does This New Version of Mutually Assured Destruction Look Like?”
Amaryllis Fox, a former undercover CIA operative and Netflix host renowned for her efforts in preventing terrorism, discusses her extraordinary journey in intelligence work. She underscores the necessity of empathy in her field and soothes concerns about nuclear threats. The conversation delves into the complexities of modern-day terrorism and cyber warfare while advocating for deeper understanding to address the roots of extremism. Fox also emphasizes the significance of compassion in economics, stemming from her unique upbringing.
Apr 10, 2021 • 43min
23. Greg Norman & Mark Broadie: Why Golf Beats an Orgasm and Why Data Beats Everything
In a captivating discussion, Greg Norman, the former world number one golfer, and Mark Broadie, a Columbia professor and golf analytics guru, dive into the transformative power of data in golf. They share humorous anecdotes and the emotional ties that bind players to the sport. From the innovative 'strokes gained' metric to a fresh scoring approach that prioritizes bold shots, they explore how analytics redefines player strategies and enhances enjoyment of the game. Norman and Broadie reflect on the balance of luck, talent, and hard work in achieving greatness.
Apr 3, 2021 • 44min
22. Sal Khan: “If It Works for 15 Cousins, It Could Work for a Billion People.”
Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, revolutionized education with his free online learning platform used by millions. He shares the journey from creating math tutorials for his cousins to a global resource. Sal discusses plans to reinvent in-school learning, emphasizing mastery and personalized instruction. He critiques traditional education while advocating for practical skills and emotional well-being. The conversation highlights the potential for innovative models to democratize access to education, proving that effective approaches can scale from families to entire populations.
Mar 27, 2021 • 44min
21. Pete Docter: “What If Monsters Really Do Exist?”
Pete Docter, the Academy Award-winning director of beloved Pixar films like Monsters, Inc. and Soul, shares insights into Pixar's humble beginnings and the collaboration with Disney that birthed Toy Story. He discusses the intricacies of animated storytelling, revealing how personal experiences shape narratives and the emotional dynamics that connect with audiences. The conversation also touches on the challenges of parenting, balancing creativity with academic success, and the importance of stepping out of comfort zones to embrace new experiences.
