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
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.
Dec 26, 2020 • 36min
10. Suzanne Gluck: “I'm a Person Who Can Convince Other People to Do Things”
Suzanne Gluck is a leading literary agent whose clients have collectively sold over 100 million books. In a fascinating discussion, she shares insights on negotiating deals and guiding aspiring authors. Gluck talks about the importance of genuine writing over commercial success, revealing the complexities of the literary landscape. She emphasizes intuition in negotiation and explores the impact of women in the workforce, especially post-Me Too. Her personal anecdotes illustrate the power of authenticity and incrementalism in achieving personal and professional growth.
Dec 12, 2020 • 37min
9. Moncef Slaoui: "It’s Unfortunate That It Takes a Crisis for This to Happen"
Moncef Slaoui, a pivotal figure in global health, led Operation Warp Speed, implementing revolutionary COVID-19 vaccines at unprecedented speeds. He discusses the innovative mRNA technology that transformed immune responses and the ethical challenges of challenge trials in vaccine development. Slaoui emphasizes the need for 'educated intuition' in innovation and reflects on the importance of readiness for future pandemics. With insights on engaging ideological differences, he advocates for proactive strategies in public health and climate challenges.
Nov 28, 2020 • 38min
8. Peter Attia: “I Definitely Lost a Lot of IQ Points That Day”
Peter Attia, a physician specializing in longevity and a former surgeon, dives deep into intriguing health insights with Steve Levitt. They discuss the contentious notion of immortality and what the COVID-19 response lacked. Attia challenges nicotine’s negative reputation, sharing its cognitive benefits, while also emphasizing the critical role of sleep. Their engaging conversation includes personal lessons learned from pandemics, dietary choices regarding sugar and ketosis, and how unexpected events can affect cognitive function.
Nov 14, 2020 • 39min
7. Caverly Morgan: "I Am Not This Voice. I Am Not This Narrative."
Caverly Morgan, a mindfulness educator and founder of Peace in Schools, shares her fascinating journey from a confused retreatant to an eight-year veteran of Zen monastery life. She reveals how structured silence transformed her perspective and emphasizes the ease with which teens embrace meditation. The conversation highlights mindfulness in education and its power to reshape students' lives, including inspiring stories of those who found purpose through practice. Caverly also discusses breaking free from limiting narratives and fostering emotional health in families.
