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
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.
8 snips
Oct 31, 2020 • 48min
6. Nathan Myhrvold: “I Am Interested in Lots of Things, and That's Actually a Bad Strategy”
In this engaging conversation, Nathan Myhrvold, a polymath who graduated high school at 14 and co-founded Intellectual Ventures, shares his remarkable journey from physics to technology. He discusses innovative projects like the Salter Sink to combat hurricanes and new nuclear reactor designs that minimize waste. Myhrvold expresses the challenges of being a diverse thinker while also emphasizing the importance of focused innovation. He reflects on the balance needed in nurturing giftedness and the fulfilling yet frustrating path of invention.
Oct 17, 2020 • 31min
5. Susan Wojcicki: “Hey, Let’s Go Buy YouTube!”
Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube and the sixteenth employee at Google, shares her remarkable journey from literature to tech leadership. She discusses the early days of Google and the evolving dynamics of the tech industry, highlighting the importance of encouraging girls in STEM. Wojcicki dives into YouTube's acquisition, initially met with skepticism but ultimately transformative. She addresses challenges like misinformation and content moderation while offering insights into balancing a fulfilling life with the responsibilities of leadership and parenting.
12 snips
Oct 10, 2020 • 38min
Steve Levitt: “I’m Not as Childlike as I’d Like to Be”
Stephen Dubner, co-author of the Freakonomics series, interviews Steve Levitt, a renowned economist known for his unconventional insights. They discuss the wisdom Levitt has gained from numerous interviews and his delight in challenging political norms. Levitt shares his passion for data science while addressing the gap between academic research and policy. The conversation also touches on educational reform, mental health initiatives, and the importance of critical thinking in public decision-making, culminating in a reflection on mentorship and the value of meaningful connections.
4 snips
Oct 3, 2020 • 42min
4. Ken Jennings: “Don’t Neglect the Thing That Makes You Weird”
Ken Jennings, the beloved Jeopardy! champion and best-selling author, shares insights from his journey of embracing trivia and unique memory. He opens up about transitioning from a tech career to entertainment and the joys of turning hobbies into professions. The conversation explores parenting myths and the authenticity behind them, along with the emotional complexities tied to midlife crises. Jennings emphasizes the importance of individuality, storytelling, and remaining true to one's passions, all while providing a humorous look at what it means to be quirky.
