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 11, 2024 • 53min
131. Getting Old, Adventurously
Caroline Paul, an adventurous author and former firefighter, shares her exhilarating life experiences from battling fires to wing walking. She passionately encourages women to embrace adventure as they age, discussing how life can still be thrilling and meaningful. The conversation explores the emotional toll of her firefighting career, the positive impacts of connection with nature, and the need to redefine aging narratives. With humor and insight, Caroline emphasizes that adventure can range from extreme feats to the simple awe of birdwatching.
19 snips
May 4, 2024 • 48min
What It’s Like to Be Steve Levitt’s Daughters (Update)
Amanda Levitt, an author focusing on social anxiety, and her sister Lily, who speaks candidly about her battle with anorexia, share their personal journeys. They discuss how growing up with different personalities shaped their paths, with Amanda reflecting on her decision not to pursue college due to social anxiety. Lily opens up about her recovery journey, emphasizing the importance of family support. Together, they explore the emotional complexities of identity, societal pressures, and the significance of open communication in overcoming personal challenges.
23 snips
Apr 27, 2024 • 56min
130. Is Our Concept of Freedom All Wrong?
Joseph Stiglitz, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, shares his insights on the complexities of freedom and market failures. He discusses winning debates against Milton Friedman and the misconception that small governments equate to more freedom. Stiglitz emphasizes the importance of information economics, critiques traditional economic models, and argues for progressive capitalism to tackle income inequality. He reflects on his transition from academia to government, advocating for policies that enhance opportunities for all, and warns of existential risks like climate change and AI.
27 snips
Apr 13, 2024 • 56min
129. How to Fix Medical Research
Monica Bertagnolli, the Director of the NIH and former head of the National Cancer Institute, shares her remarkable journey from a Wyoming cattle ranch to leading medical research. She discusses the critical role of federal funding in advancing innovations like mRNA vaccines and CRISPR. Bertagnolli highlights the need for more community engagement in clinical trials and confronts the challenges of self-censorship in healthcare decision-making. With personal narratives interwoven, she emphasizes the importance of transparency and patient involvement in improving cancer care.
60 snips
Apr 6, 2024 • 42min
EXTRA: Remembering Daniel Kahneman
In a heartfelt tribute, Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel laureate and pioneer in behavioral economics, reflects on his groundbreaking work. He discusses his influential book 'Noise,' elucidating how errors in judgment, influenced by bias, impact decision-making, particularly in the justice system. Kahneman shares insights on his early life and collaboration with Amos Tversky, highlighting the roots of behavioral economics. The conversation navigates the complex relationship between psychology and economic behavior, leaving a lasting impression on understanding human choices.
111 snips
Mar 30, 2024 • 56min
128. Are Our Tools Becoming Part of Us?
Blaise Agüera y Arcas, a Google Research Fellow and author of 'Who Are We Now?', shares insights on artificial intelligence and its impact on identity. He recounts designing a groundbreaking algorithm for the U.S. Navy at just 14, revealing how historical innovations like Gutenberg's printing press connect to today's tech landscape. The discussion dives into how AI's evolution raises philosophical questions about consciousness and intelligence, alongside patterns in identity shaped by emerging technologies and social contexts.
Mar 16, 2024 • 57min
127. Rajiv Shah Never Wastes a Crisis
Rajiv Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation and former head of USAID, dives into his vast humanitarian experience. He shares gripping tales from the 2010 Haiti earthquake response, stressing the need for data-driven decisions. Shah discusses the importance of embracing mistakes while pursuing ambitious goals. He also reflects on the challenges in public health, highlighting his work on global vaccination strategies at the Gates Foundation. Lastly, he critiques the disparity in nonprofit compensation, advocating for fairer remuneration to enhance philanthropic impact.
147 snips
Mar 2, 2024 • 48min
126. How to Have Great Conversations
Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Charles Duhigg as he delves into the art of great conversations. He shares insights from his new book, emphasizing the importance of emotional awareness and the transformative power of vulnerability in dialogues. Learn about techniques to foster genuine connections, even in challenging discussions, and uncover how personal stories can break social norms to deepen relationships. Duhigg's exploration of habit loops further illustrates how understanding ourselves can enhance our interactions with others.
6 snips
Feb 17, 2024 • 49min
125. Is Gynecology the Best Innovation Ever?
Cat Bohannon, a researcher and author of "Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution," dives deep into the fascinating interplay between female biology and human evolution. She discusses the challenges of human childbirth, the true purpose of breast milk, and critiques the reproductive system. The conversation also touches on the historical significance of gynecology, evolving mating strategies, and the societal impact of these innovations on women’s health and survival, offering a thought-provoking perspective on gender dynamics.
27 snips
Feb 3, 2024 • 45min
124. Daron Acemoglu on Economics, Politics, and Power
Daron Acemoglu, a prominent MIT economist and co-author of "Why Nations Fail," dives into the lasting impacts of colonialism on today’s economy. He discusses how new technologies often favor the elite, creating stark income inequality. The conversation touches on the evolution of democracy and governance, shedding light on how historical institutions shape economic outcomes. Acemoglu also critiques the paradox of innovation: while technology can drive growth, it frequently leaves less-educated workers behind.
