People I (Mostly) Admire

Rick Rubin, a legendary music producer known for his work with icons like Johnny Cash and Run-DMC, delves into his new book and creative philosophy. He shares insights on the evolution of hip-hop, emphasizing powerful collaborations that transformed the genre. The discussion highlights the complexities of creative expression and the importance of personal satisfaction over commercial success. Rubin also reflects on the role of meditation in enhancing creativity, encouraging artists to embrace both their successes and failures.

Peter Attia, a physician specializing in longevity and author of "Outlive," shares groundbreaking insights on extending healthy life. He discusses the evolution from Medicine 2.0 to 3.0, emphasizing lifestyle changes over mere lifespan extension. Attia critiques modern medicine's limits and advocates for proactive health investments to enhance vitality. He also examines the impact of genetics, exercise, and emotional health on longevity, while navigating complex medical decisions and the implications of new weight loss drugs like Ozempic.

Morgan Levey, the producer behind the podcast, reflects on its first 100 episodes. The discussion highlights surprising insights from guests, blending genius with eccentricity, like a Nobel Prize-winning chemist who played in a band. Listeners share transformative stories influenced by episodes, emphasizing the power of storytelling in personal growth. The conversation also delves into innovative cancer treatments, the balance of ambition and happiness, and the complexities of grief, all while celebrating the journey and anticipating future guests.

Tom Dart, the reform-minded Sheriff of Cook County, discusses his groundbreaking efforts to transform the jail system and improve eviction processes. He emphasizes compassion in law enforcement, sharing the importance of supporting vulnerable populations during housing crises. Dart also dives into innovative strategies for community safety, including advancements in electronic monitoring technologies. By addressing the unique challenges faced by pretrial inmates, he advocates for a more empathetic criminal justice system that focuses on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.

Greg Norman, a former world number one golfer and CEO of LIV Golf, returns to discuss his polarizing impact on the sport. He unveils the competitive dynamics between LIV and the PGA Tour, highlighting the innovative tournament formats designed to engage younger audiences. Norman explores the financial implications of his league, fueled by Saudi investments, while questioning the monopolistic nature of traditional golf. The conversation also touches on the future of golf and the need for new communication strategies to adapt to evolving player motivations.

Neil Shubin, a distinguished paleontologist at the University of Chicago, dives into the fascinating evolution of land animals from fish. He shares captivating stories from his fossil hunting expeditions in the Arctic, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of scientific exploration. Shubin discusses the significance of his key discovery, Tiktaalik, and how understanding evolutionary connections aids in studying human genetic diseases. By blending paleontology with molecular biology, he highlights groundbreaking insights into life's intricate adaptations.

Suzanne Simard, a renowned ecologist and professor at the University of British Columbia, reveals the astonishing interconnections between trees in forests. She discusses how trees communicate, compete, and cooperate through intricate networks with fungi. These relationships challenge traditional views on forest management, emphasizing the need for biodiversity and sustainable practices. Simard also highlights the importance of storytelling in advocating for environmental causes, showcasing how personal narratives can inspire resilience and change.

Steven Strogatz, a mathematics professor at Cornell University, shares his passion for making math accessible to everyone. He draws fascinating connections between math and real-world phenomena, like the synchronization of fireflies and DNA structure. Strogatz critiques traditional math education, advocating for methods that foster curiosity rather than fear. He also touches on the intricacies of mathematical patterns in social networks and broader implications for our understanding of collective behavior, making mathematics relatable and engaging.

Stephen Dubner, co-author of the Freakonomics books and host of Freakonomics Radio, shares insights from two decades of collaboration with Steve Levitt, including their initial rivalry. He discusses the art of interviewing, the balance of listening and speaking, and a transformative experience with Ted Kaczynski. Dubner reflects on leaving music for journalism, the importance of following passions, and the intimate nature of podcasting. The conversation uniquely intertwines creativity, collaboration, and the playful relationship between math and music.

John List, an innovative Economics professor at the University of Chicago, takes listeners on a captivating journey through field experiments that reshape economic understanding. He discusses the surprising role of apologies in business dynamics and the importance of scaling initiatives. From his unconventional experiments at baseball card conventions to advising companies like Uber on customer satisfaction, List highlights the real-world complexities of applying economic theories. His insights bridge academia and industry, proving that data-driven decisions can drive meaningful change.