Design Matters with Debbie Millman

Stephen J. Dubner

10 snips
Sep 15, 2025
Stephen J. Dubner, an award-winning journalist and co-creator of Freakonomics, dives into fascinating discussions on curiosity and its decline with age. He shares insights from his journey in media, including a new talk show focused on human stories. Reflecting on two decades of Freakonomics, Dubner emphasizes the blend of economics and human behavior. He also examines the interplay between authenticity and fame, offering a candid look at the pressures of media recognition while exploring the hidden dynamics of the publishing world.
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ANECDOTE

Family Conversion Sparked A Book

  • Dubner investigated his parents' conversions from Judaism to Catholicism by interviewing his mother and building an oral history.
  • That reporting expanded into his first book Turbulent Souls and led him back toward Judaism.
INSIGHT

Informed Conscience Eased Family Rift

  • Cardinal O'Connor explained the primacy of an informed conscience after Vatican II, allowing religious choices guided by conscience.
  • That counsel helped Dubner mend his relationship with his mother around his return to Judaism.
ADVICE

Protect And Use Your Curiosity

  • Cultivate and preserve your natural curiosity into adulthood because it fuels interesting work and relationships.
  • Seek conversations with genuinely curious people and approach subjects without cynicism to learn deeply.
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