Episode
Episode 7: Stephen Dubner, co-author of Freakonomics
1:11:06
Published: Mon May 19 2014
Description
Stephen J. Dubner is an award-winning author, journalist, and radio and TV personality. He is best-known for writing, along with the economist Steven D. Levitt, Freakonomics (2005), SuperFreakonomics (2009), and Think Like a Freak (2014), which have sold more than 5 million copies in 35 languages.In this podcast, we discuss dozens of topics, including: his writing process, religion, how to "think like freak," parenting, favorite documentaries, and much, much more.Show notes and more at http://www.fourhourblog.com Just search "Dubner" Enjoy!***If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading the reviews!For show notes and past guests, please visit tim.blog/podcast.Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (“5-Bullet Friday”) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Visit tim.blog/sponsor and fill out the form.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss YouTube: youtube.com/timferrissSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Chapters
Tim Ferriss discusses how he used the techniques of storytelling and data analytics from Freakonomics to write his book, The Four-Hour Body.
00:00 - 04:34 (04:34)
Summary
Tim Ferriss discusses how he used the techniques of storytelling and data analytics from Freakonomics to write his book, The Four-Hour Body. The transcript contains an advertisement for a special offer from Athletic Greens at the beginning of the text.
EpisodeEpisode 7: Stephen Dubner, co-author of Freakonomics
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The host discusses with the guest how to approach writing while making something using different methods and how to know if it's a good idea or not, inspired by the book 'Think Like a Freak'.
04:34 - 12:28 (07:53)
Summary
The host discusses with the guest how to approach writing while making something using different methods and how to know if it's a good idea or not, inspired by the book 'Think Like a Freak'.
EpisodeEpisode 7: Stephen Dubner, co-author of Freakonomics
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The best kind of storytelling includes real reporting and numbers to make an argument that acknowledges imperfections in one's own argument.
12:28 - 17:42 (05:14)
Summary
The best kind of storytelling includes real reporting and numbers to make an argument that acknowledges imperfections in one's own argument. Danny Kahneman was not initially recognized by the speaker during their conversation on storytelling.
EpisodeEpisode 7: Stephen Dubner, co-author of Freakonomics
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker shares his personal journey of finding meaning and purpose in life and suggests that a religious way of looking at the world is not that dissimilar from an economic or psychological way of looking at the world.
17:42 - 31:01 (13:19)
Summary
The speaker shares his personal journey of finding meaning and purpose in life and suggests that a religious way of looking at the world is not that dissimilar from an economic or psychological way of looking at the world. He also talks about his encounter with famous rockers and how these interactions helped him in his quest for understanding and balance.
EpisodeEpisode 7: Stephen Dubner, co-author of Freakonomics
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker shares his experience about the social circle intensity among girls in middle school and his realization that being a good parent to two different kids requires different approaches.
31:01 - 36:16 (05:14)
Summary
The speaker shares his experience about the social circle intensity among girls in middle school and his realization that being a good parent to two different kids requires different approaches.
EpisodeEpisode 7: Stephen Dubner, co-author of Freakonomics
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The impact of mentors in breaking gender stereotypes and allowing kids to pursue their interests, even if they don't align with traditional gender roles.
36:16 - 44:25 (08:08)
Summary
The impact of mentors in breaking gender stereotypes and allowing kids to pursue their interests, even if they don't align with traditional gender roles.
EpisodeEpisode 7: Stephen Dubner, co-author of Freakonomics
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The use of your moral compass can sometimes be thrown off course when trying to solve problems, and using it as the only solution can lead to errors, assumptions, and exclude good solutions.
44:25 - 59:13 (14:48)
Summary
The use of your moral compass can sometimes be thrown off course when trying to solve problems, and using it as the only solution can lead to errors, assumptions, and exclude good solutions. The 7 Up series of documentaries is highly recommended by the speaker as a great example of sociology and human decision making.
EpisodeEpisode 7: Stephen Dubner, co-author of Freakonomics
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker shares his daily routine, which starts with an early morning warm-up involving reading, writing, and planning the day, followed by a large block of unbroken time for deep work during daytime hours.
59:13 - 1:05:06 (05:52)
Summary
The speaker shares his daily routine, which starts with an early morning warm-up involving reading, writing, and planning the day, followed by a large block of unbroken time for deep work during daytime hours.
EpisodeEpisode 7: Stephen Dubner, co-author of Freakonomics
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker reflects on how reading various types of content such as news, sports, and related projects helps overcome fear and find inspiration.
1:05:06 - 1:11:00 (05:53)
Summary
The speaker reflects on how reading various types of content such as news, sports, and related projects helps overcome fear and find inspiration.