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
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.
13 snips
Oct 28, 2023 • 43min
117. Nate Silver Says We're Bad at Making Predictions
Nate Silver, the founder of FiveThirtyEight, is a renowned data scientist celebrated for his election predictions. In this conversation, he delves into the difficulties of making accurate forecasts, particularly in politics and economics. Silver discusses the art and science of election predictions and critiques common statistical models. He also explores the surprising correlation between COVID-19 death rates and political affiliations, illustrating how bias can cloud judgment. His journey emphasizes the importance of data literacy and adapting to the unpredictable nature of human behavior.
5 snips
Oct 14, 2023 • 49min
116. Abraham Verghese Thinks Medicine Can Do Better
Abraham Verghese, a physician and best-selling author, shares insights on the vital role of empathy in healthcare. He distinguishes between curing and healing, advocating for more patient interaction over screen time. Verghese reflects on his early life in Ethiopia, navigating identity, and the pivotal moments during the AIDS epidemic that shaped his career. He emphasizes the necessity of maintaining compassion in an increasingly technology-driven medical landscape, using storytelling to bridge gaps in understanding and highlight serious societal issues.
13 snips
Oct 9, 2023 • 43min
EXTRA: Nobel Laureate Claudia Goldin on "Greedy Work" and the Wage Gap
Claudia Goldin, a Nobel laureate in Economics and professor at Harvard, delves into the gender wage gap and the complexities surrounding it. She discusses how inflexible jobs and family duties hinder women's earning potential. Goldin highlights the concept of 'greedy work' and the uneven distribution of household labor, especially during COVID-19. She advocates for policies like universal preschool and equitable parental leave. Additionally, Goldin shares insights on negotiating careers and the historical barriers women faced in economics, blending personal stories with broader societal implications.
11 snips
Sep 30, 2023 • 53min
115. The Future of Therapy Is Psychedelic
Rick Doblin, founder of MAPS, shares his 37-year journey advocating for MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. He discusses shifting perceptions of psychedelics from 'recreational' use to therapeutic potential. Doblin explains the intricacies of MDMA therapy, emphasizing its transformative impact on neuroplasticity and mental health. With humor and heart, he also reflects on his unconventional bond with a pet wolf, symbolizing deeper connections and healing. The conversation highlights both the rigorous research behind these therapies and the urgent need for societal change in mental health approaches.
