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
86 snips
May 27, 2023 • 57min
106. Will A.I. Make Us Smarter?
In this engaging discussion, Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired Magazine and celebrated futurist, shares his visionary insights on AI's impact on society. He argues that while AI presents challenges, it also offers extraordinary opportunities, much like electricity did. Emphasizing the need for long-term thinking, he critiques simplistic models and advocates for embracing complexity in decision-making. With anecdotes on timeless wisdom and personal growth, Kelly inspires optimism in navigating the future shaped by technology.
4 snips
May 13, 2023 • 51min
105. Can Data Keep People Out of Prison?
Clementine Jacoby, founder of Recidiviz, transitioned from circus performer to advocate for criminal justice reform using data. She discusses innovative strategies to reduce incarceration rates and improve probation processes. The conversation explores how data-driven decisions helped manage prison populations during the pandemic, emphasizing low recidivism rates. Jacoby also shares personal stories about navigating the complexities of the justice system, blending humor and insight from her unique career path.
5 snips
Apr 29, 2023 • 53min
104. The Joy of Math With Sarah Hart
Joining the conversation is Sarah Hart, Gresham Professor of Geometry and author known for weaving math into literature. She dives into the beauty of patterns in everyday life and how constraints can spark creativity in storytelling. Sarah discusses the fascinating intersection of math and literature, from haikus to graph theory in narratives. She advocates for engaging teaching methods that blend creativity with math, sharing how innovative approaches can inspire students to embrace the subject with joy and curiosity.
18 snips
Apr 15, 2023 • 57min
103. Rick Rubin on How to Make Something Great
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.
50 snips
Apr 1, 2023 • 57min
102. Adding Ten Healthy Years to Your Life
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.
11 snips
Mar 18, 2023 • 50min
101. Celebrating 100 People I (Mostly) Admire
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.
Mar 4, 2023 • 1h 4min
100. Chicago’s Renegade Sheriff Wants to Fix Law Enforcement
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.
Feb 18, 2023 • 48min
99. Greg Norman Takes On the P.G.A. Tour
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.
Feb 4, 2023 • 57min
98. Searching for Our Aquatic Ancestors
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.
7 snips
Jan 21, 2023 • 58min
97. How Smart Is a Forest?
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.
