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 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.
16 snips
Jan 20, 2024 • 51min
123. Walt Hickey Wants to Track Your Eyeballs
Walt Hickey is a journalist and data expert, author of "You Are What You Watch." He dives into why China's film industry struggles to produce hits and shares his quirky experience of having an avatar in Madden NFL. The conversation explores the role of eye tracking technology in media engagement and how it impacts audience interaction. Additionally, they discuss the emotional responses to cinematic experiences, contrasting the Star Wars prequels with the originals while reflecting on cultural exports and their global influence.
21 snips
Jan 6, 2024 • 40min
122. Arnold Schwarzenegger Has Some Advice for You
Arnold Schwarzenegger, former governor of California and iconic bodybuilder, shares insights from his multifaceted career. He discusses the importance of a clear vision and ambitious goals in achieving greatness. From overcoming skepticism in bodybuilding to mastering debate strategies with humor, Arnold emphasizes resilience. He also touches on environmental advocacy, urging a shift in focus from climate change to pollution. Throughout, his message revolves around collaboration and the transformative power of storytelling.
9 snips
Dec 23, 2023 • 45min
121. Exploring Physics, from Eggshells to Oceans
Physicist Helen Czerski, known for her engaging approach to complex science, dives into the fascinating world of physics. She discusses how studying bubbles can reveal crucial insights about ocean dynamics and climate change. Helen shares her thrilling experiments with eggs and explosives, illustrating fundamental principles in physics. She also highlights Walter Munk's contributions during WWII, showcasing how science impacts history. Overall, she emphasizes the importance of curiosity and making science relatable in understanding our world.
10 snips
Dec 9, 2023 • 51min
120. Werner Herzog Thinks His Films Are a Distraction
Acclaimed filmmaker Werner Herzog shares insights about his journey as a writer first, emphasizing that he doesn't want to be defined solely by his films. He reflects on the challenges of making 'Aguirre, The Wrath of God' with limited resources and discusses his experiences working as a rodeo clown. Herzog reveals heartfelt memories from his childhood in post-WWII Germany and highlights the importance of creative spirit. He also touches on the impact of fame, his role in 'The Mandalorian,' and the fascinating intersection of technology and storytelling.
26 snips
Nov 25, 2023 • 47min
119. Higher Education Is Broken. Can It Be Fixed?
Michael D. Smith, a Carnegie Mellon professor and author of "The Abundant University," tackles the pressing crises in higher education. He argues that the system is outdated and controlled by inequities, much like the entertainment industry. The skyrocketing tuition costs are unsustainable and exacerbate socioeconomic disparities. Smith envisions innovative strategies to reform higher education, focusing on access, personalized learning, and aligning educational outcomes with market needs. He challenges the status quo, urging for meaningful change.
10 snips
Nov 11, 2023 • 44min
118. “My God, This Is a Transformative Power”
Fei-Fei Li, a professor at Stanford and a pioneer in computer vision, discusses her audacious project of downloading a billion images to enhance AI's recognition capabilities. She reveals how the ImageNet contest spurred innovation and collaboration in AI research. Li reflects on her immigrant journey, highlighting resilience and mentorship. The conversation also addresses the ethical implications of AI, emphasizing the necessity of developing technology that enhances human welfare for a better future.
