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
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.
28 snips
Jan 7, 2023 • 58min
96. Steven Strogatz Thinks You Don’t Know What Math Is
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.
Dec 24, 2022 • 1h 7min
95. The One Thing Stephen Dubner Hasn’t Quit
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.
47 snips
Dec 10, 2022 • 1h 6min
94. The Price of Doing Business with John List
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.
42 snips
Nov 26, 2022 • 55min
93. Annie Duke Thinks You Should Quit
Annie Duke, a former professional poker player turned bestselling author, dives into the art of quitting as a strategic decision. She discusses the societal stigma surrounding quitting and its emotional toll, advocating for the freedom from guilt that comes with making thoughtful changes. Personal stories illustrate the balance between persistence and knowing when to pivot, particularly in competitive environments like poker and academia. Duke also highlights the unique challenges faced by women in poker, urging listeners to rethink their own unproductive pursuits.
8 snips
Nov 12, 2022 • 1h 8min
92. John Green’s Reluctant Rocket Ship Ride
In this engaging conversation, John Green, bestselling author of young adult novels and creator of the Crash Course YouTube channel, shares his unexpected journey from aspiring priest to literary sensation. He reflects on the challenges of vulnerability in writing, the emotional weight of grief, and the complexities of navigating fame. Green also discusses his philanthropic work in Sierra Leone and the importance of sustainable healthcare. With personal anecdotes, he highlights the art of letting go in creative pursuits and the impact of educational platforms on society.
Oct 29, 2022 • 59min
91. Jane Goodall Changed the Way We See Animals. She’s Not Done.
Jane Goodall, the pioneering ethologist and conservationist, shares her extraordinary journey studying chimpanzees in the wild. At 88, she reflects on the emotional depth of animal intelligence and the importance of nurturing, inspired by chimpanzee mothers. Goodall discusses engaging communities in conservation and the vital link between human welfare and wildlife. She also offers profound thoughts on death as an adventure, emphasizing hope and connection in our lives. Her passion for animal welfare and education continues to inspire younger generations.
