Podcast · 72 episodes
People I (Mostly) Admire, page 3
by Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher · English
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.
All episodes, page 3
168. Chemistry, EvolvedSteve Levitt engages with high achievers in candid discussions about their unique lives, interests, and transformative ideas.11 Oct 2025 · 57 min
167. The Secret of Humanity? It’s Common Knowledge.In this episode of *People I (Mostly) Admire*, host Steve Levitt engages in a profound discussion with renowned psychologist Steven Pinker about his new book, *When Everyone Knows That Everyone…27 Sep 2025 · 59 min
How to Have Great Conversations (Update)In this episode of *People I (Mostly) Admire*, host Steve Levitt engages in an insightful conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charles Duhigg, author of *Super Communicators: How to…20 Sep 2025 · 44 min
166. The World’s Most Effective Public Health Intervention Is Under AttackIn this episode, Steve Levitt interviews Seth Berkley, an epidemiologist and former head of Gavi, about the incredible value of vaccines, the economics of immunization in the developing world, and…13 Sep 2025 · 1 h 2 min
165. The Economist Who (Gasp!) Asks People What They ThinkIn this episode, host Steve Levitt speaks with Harvard economist Stefanie Stantcheva about her innovative approach to economic research, which involves conducting surveys to understand public…30 Aug 2025 · 53 min
Rick Rubin on How to Make Something Great (Update)Rick Rubin on How to Make Something Great (Update)23 Aug 2025 · 53 min
164. Unravelling the Universe, AgainAdam Riess, Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist16 Aug 2025 · 1 h 2 min
163. The Data Sleuth Taking on Shoddy ScienceUri Simonsohn, a behavioral science professor, explores the prevalence of shoddy and fraudulent research in academia and discusses his efforts to improve standards in behavioral science.2 Aug 2025 · 56 min
Arne Duncan Says All Kids Deserve a Chance — and Criminals Deserve a Second One (Update)features Steve Levitt, co-author of Freakonomics, as he interviews high achievers about their lives, obsessions, and the intricacies of their journeys.26 Jul 2025 · 46 min
162. Will We Solve the Climate Problem?In this episode of *People I (Mostly) Admire*, Steve Levitt converses with climate scientist Kate Marvel, whose work revolves around climate modeling and understanding the emotional dimensions of…19 Jul 2025 · 58 min
161. How to Captivate an AudienceIn this episode of "People I (Mostly) Admire," host Steve Levitt interviews Bill McGowan, an expert in public speaking and the author of "Speak Memorably: The Art of Captivating an Audience." The…5 Jul 2025 · 49 min
Annie Duke Thinks You Should Quit (Update)Steve Levitt engages in revealing conversations with high achievers about their lives and challenges.28 Jun 2025 · 48 min
160. How to Help Kids SucceedIn this episode of *People I (Mostly) Admire*, host Steve Levitt interviews psychologist David Yeager, who challenges traditional beliefs about motivating young people.21 Jun 2025 · 1 h
159. Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Manifesto for a Gift EconomyThe intersection of indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge, particularly in the context of environmental stewardship and economic structures.7 Jun 2025 · 57 min
Does Death Have to Be a Death Sentence? (Update)B.J. Miller, palliative physician and President of Mettle Health31 May 2025 · 42 min
158. Why Did Rome Fall — and Are We Next?In this episode, historian Tom Holland discusses the fragility of democracy and its historical context, drawing parallels between ancient Rome and contemporary America, particularly in relation to…24 May 2025 · 55 min
157. The Deadliest Disease in Human HistoryIn this episode, Steve Levitt welcomes back John Green, the renowned author and YouTube creator, to discuss tuberculosis (TB), a disease that claims over a million lives annually.10 May 2025 · 1 h 5 min
Abraham Verghese Thinks Medicine Can Do Better (Update)In this episode, Steve Levitt engages in a deep conversation with physician and author Abraham Verghese.3 May 2025 · 47 min
156. A Solution to America’s Gun ProblemExploring unconventional solutions to America's gun violence problem by challenging existing political narratives.26 Apr 2025 · 59 min
155. Helping People DieThe show features conversations with high achievers about their lives and obsessions, with a focus on revealing insights and surprising stories.12 Apr 2025 · 55 min
Yul Kwon: “Don't Try to Change Yourself All at Once.” (Update)Encore presentation of the original conversation from January 2021.5 Apr 2025 · 45 min
154. Can Robots Get a Grip?Ken Goldberg, Professor of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research at UC Berkeley29 Mar 2025 · 58 min
153. We’re Not Getting Sicker — We’re OverdiagnosedSuzanne O'Sullivan, neurologist and author15 Mar 2025 · 1 h 4 min
Reading Dostoevsky Behind Bars (Update)This episode features Reginald Dwayne Betts, a Yale Law graduate, MacArthur Fellow, poet, and founder of the nonprofit Freedom Reads.8 Mar 2025 · 49 min