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
Mar 20, 2021 • 37min
20. John Donohue: “I'm Frequently Called a Treasonous Enemy of the Constitution.”
John Donohue, a Stanford law professor and economist, dives into heated debates on pivotal topics like guns, the death penalty, and their notorious research on abortion's link to crime rates. He discusses the complexities of concealed carry laws and their often misunderstood effects on crime. The conversation also tackles the challenges of proving truths in social sciences, the perplexities of gun control, and the financial burdens of capital punishment. Donohue reflects on identity and public perception, shedding light on the fierce backlash from academia surrounding his controversial theories.
Mar 13, 2021 • 38min
19. Marina Nitze: “If You Googled ‘Business Efficiency Consultant,’ I Was the Only Result.”
Marina Nitze, the former CTO of the Department of Veterans Affairs and a fierce advocate for foster care reform, shares her extraordinary journey from building websites for soap stars at age 12 to leading a federal agency at 27. She discusses her unique approach to tackling bureaucracy and the pressing challenges within the foster care system. Marina also opens up about her experience with Type 1 diabetes, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and innovative dietary solutions in managing health.
14 snips
Mar 6, 2021 • 42min
18. Robert Sapolsky: “I Don’t Think We Have Any Free Will Whatsoever.”
Robert Sapolsky, a leading neuroscientist renowned for his research on stress and baboon behavior, dives deep into the intertwining of free will and biology. He reveals why he believes we lack free will and discusses the ethical dilemmas surrounding the value of human versus animal lives. Sapolsky shares poignant stories from his fieldwork in Kenya, shedding light on the social dynamics and health impacts of stress among baboons. He also reflects on his disillusionment with the criminal justice system and the heartbreak of witnessing a tuberculosis outbreak among his subjects.
Feb 27, 2021 • 42min
17. Emily Oster: “I Am a Woman Who Is Prominently Discussing Vaginas.”
Emily Oster, a Brown University economist and best-selling author, is known for her data-driven insights on pregnancy and child-rearing. She shares her journey from academic to advocate during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of reopening schools backed by data. The conversation dives into parenting myths, such as whether coffee is harmful during pregnancy, and the emotional toll of remote learning on children. Oster also tackles gender bias in research and the need for open discussions about women's health issues, breaking societal taboos.
Feb 20, 2021 • 42min
16. Joshua Jay: “Humans Are So, So Easy to Fool.”
Join Joshua Jay, a world-renowned magician, author, and consultant in the film industry, as he reveals the fascinating world of magic. He discusses how magicians skillfully construct their tricks and the evolution of magic in the digital age. Joshua explores the psychology behind magic and how it can manipulate human perception. The conversation also covers the role of mindfulness in performance and the importance of storytelling in engaging audiences. Plus, Joshua shares insights on embracing passion and the emotional impact of magic on various audiences.
Feb 13, 2021 • 43min
15. Tim Harford: “If You Can Make Sure You're Not An Idiot, You've Done Well.”
Tim Harford, a former World Bank economist and acclaimed author of 'The Undercover Economist' and 'The Data Detective,' discusses the joys of making mistakes in data storytelling. He highlights Florence Nightingale's pioneering contributions to public health through innovative statistics. The conversation dives into the complexities of measuring gun ownership and the impact of motives behind data. Harford also explores how disruption can fuel creative storytelling, tying it back to his own journey in engaging audiences.
Feb 6, 2021 • 29min
Yul Kwon: “Hey, Do You Have Any Bright Ideas?” (Part 2)
In this engaging discussion, Yul Kwon, a multi-talented lawyer, political organizer, organ donation activist, and Survivor winner, shares his journey and altruistic motivations. He reflects on his experience on Survivor to raise awareness for ALS and discusses the ethical complexities of organ donation. Yul delves into innovative tech solutions for COVID-19 tracking, highlighting collaborations between Google and Apple. He also adds humor to topics like presidential ambitions and brain health, creating a captivating mix of serious and lighthearted insights.
Jan 30, 2021 • 35min
13. Yul Kwon: “Don't Try to Change Yourself All at Once.”
Yul Kwon, a lawyer and entrepreneur who won Survivor, shares his unique journey through childhood anxieties and immigrant experiences. He discusses his knack for choosing difficult paths and the lessons learned from his time in the Marine Corps. Kwon highlights the importance of personal growth and resilience while navigating career transitions. He also reveals game theory strategies from his Survivor days, emphasizing balance between kindness and assertiveness. Lastly, he reflects on the meaningful insights gained from his time on the show and their impact on life.
Jan 23, 2021 • 40min
12. Sue Bird: “You Have to Pay the Superstars.”
Sue Bird, one of basketball's all-time greats, shares her insights on the game and the fight for gender equality in sports. She discusses the stark pay gap between NBA and WNBA players, stressing the importance of valuing female athletes. Bird also opens up about the pressure of high-stakes competition, her journey with injuries, and the significance of mental health in sports. Plus, she reflects on her role as part of a groundbreaking couple in ESPN's Body Issue, embodying authenticity in both sports and personal life.
Jan 9, 2021 • 34min
11. Paul Romer: “I Figured Out How to Get Myself Fired From the World Bank.”
Paul Romer, a Nobel laureate in economics, shares his journey of redefining economic thought and the importance of creativity in research. He discusses his bold yet controversial concept of charter cities, inspired by Hong Kong's model, and the challenges that come with it. Romer reflects on his tenure at the World Bank, revealing his philosophy on knowing when to quit and pivot, emphasizing that big ideas can't be manufactured. He also tackles the delicate balance of emotions and rationality in economic decision-making, sparking a lively conversation about morality in economic thought.
