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.
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.
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
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.
17 snips
Sep 16, 2023 • 59min
114. Is Perfectionism Ruining Your Life?
Psychologist Thomas Curran, an expert on perfectionism from the London School of Economics, argues that perfectionism often stems from a sense of never being enough. He highlights its negative effects in education, mental health, and the economy. Curran discusses the emotional toll on writers and how social media aggravates feelings of inadequacy. He addresses parental expectations and critiques the role of capitalism in promoting perfectionist ideals, ultimately advocating for a healthier 'good enough' mindset to combat these pressures.
9 snips
Sep 2, 2023 • 50min
113. Do We Have Evidence of Alien Life?
Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb dives into the possibility of extraterrestrial technology and challenges conventional thinking. He discusses the peculiar interstellar object 'Oumuamua and its controversial nature, exploring theories of it being an artificial construct. Loeb also examines recent congressional hearings on unidentified anomalous phenomena, shedding light on military encounters with unusual flying objects. With a call for the Galileo Project, he advocates for a data-driven approach to studying alien life, urging a reassessment of humanity's place in the cosmos.
16 snips
Aug 19, 2023 • 54min
112. Reading Dostoevsky Behind Bars
Reginald Dwayne Betts, a Yale Law graduate and MacArthur Fellow, discusses his journey from prison to poet and advocate. He emphasizes the power of literature in transforming lives through his nonprofit, Freedom Reads, which builds libraries in prisons. Betts shares personal stories of how reading Dostoevsky and other authors helped him navigate moral dilemmas during incarceration. He also reflects on the emotional challenges of reintegration into society and the ongoing battle against imposter syndrome, highlighting the importance of second chances.
22 snips
Aug 5, 2023 • 56min
111. Can a Moonshot Approach to Mental Health Work?
Obi Felten, former Head of Getting Moonshots Ready at Google X and founder of Flourish Labs, discusses her shift from groundbreaking tech projects to the critical realm of mental health. She reveals the soul-crushing aspects of her dream job and champions the transformative power of peer support. The conversation highlights the urgent need for accessible mental health care, especially for over 58 million adults in the U.S. Felten emphasizes how shared experiences can foster healing and reshape the therapeutic landscape.
8 snips
Jul 22, 2023 • 1h 2min
110. Drawing from Life (and Death)
Wendy MacNaughton, an artist and graphic journalist with work featured in the New York Times, shares her poignant insights on art and mortality. She discusses drawing hospice residents and the lessons learned from her time in Rwanda and Guantanamo Bay. Wendy emphasizes the therapeutic power of art in facing grief while encouraging the embrace of imperfection. The conversation also highlights the importance of incorporating fun and creativity into life post-pandemic, revealing how joy can coexist with the heavier themes of life and death.
7 snips
Jul 15, 2023 • 25min
Extra: An Update on the Khan World School
Sal Khan, the visionary behind Khan Academy and Khan World School, is joined by Chloe Peterson, a student at the innovative online high school. They discuss the school’s unique self-paced learning model that stands apart from traditional education. Chloe shares her transformative experiences, showcasing how personalized learning has positively impacted her, especially in math. Sal also highlights the collaborative environment that champions creativity and mental well-being, all while striving to empower future leaders through accessible education.
