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
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.
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.
