Against the Rules: The Big Short Companion
Pushkin Industries
Michael Lewis’s best-selling book The Big Short is now 15 years old. The Oscar-winning movie based on it came out a decade ago. To mark the occasion, Lewis has narrated a new audiobook of The Big Short. Here on his podcast, he and co-host Lidia Jean Kott are thinking about the legacy of the book, the movie, and the financial crisis of 2008. Michael catches up with the director of the movie, Adam McKay, as well as some of the real-life characters depicted by the likes of Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell and Jeremy Strong. He also calls up journalists, economists, and historians to make sense of the 2008 financial crisis and to understand how it still affects the world today.
Get your copy of The Big Short audiobook, narrated by Michael Lewis, on Audible, Spotify, Apple Books, pushkin.fm/bigshort or wherever you get audiobooks.
iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.
Get your copy of The Big Short audiobook, narrated by Michael Lewis, on Audible, Spotify, Apple Books, pushkin.fm/bigshort or wherever you get audiobooks.
iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 31, 2023 • 3min
On Background from Against the Rules
The podcast dives into the dramatic world of cryptocurrency, focusing on Sam Bankman-Fried and the rise and fall of FTX. Michael Lewis engages with experts from various fields, including blockchain technology and white-collar crime. Each discussion reveals the complex landscape of regulations and the implications for personal finance and campaigning. Listeners are invited to explore these themes deeply as they uncover the secrets behind the digital currency boom.
38 snips
May 24, 2022 • 45min
Episode 7: The Person Who Knows
The podcast delves into the U.S. response to the pandemic, revealing the hesitations that arose despite having a plan in place. It draws parallels between past pandemics and COVID-19, emphasizing the need for early interventions. There's a candid look at the struggles within academia and the burden of misinformation on healthcare workers. Personal narratives highlight the emotional toll of loss, while discussions on the pursuit of scientific knowledge stress the importance of humility in expertise during uncertain times.
41 snips
May 17, 2022 • 34min
Episode 6: The Overconfidence Game
Maria Konnikova, an author known for her works on confidence and deception, dives into the compelling dynamics of overconfidence in men versus women. She discusses how male overconfidence impacts investment decisions and financial outcomes, advocating for more female leadership. The conversation highlights the systemic dismissal of women’s expertise and offers insights from her own experiences with poker, illustrating the art of bluffing and decision-making in life. The episode provides a thought-provoking lens on confidence, competence, and societal biases.
24 snips
May 3, 2022 • 40min
Episode 5: The Sanchez Problem
In this engaging discussion, Adam Mortera, a former gang member and founder of Juvenile Justice Advocates of California, shares his unique insights on the legal system. He highlights the troubling issue of biased expert testimony, particularly in gang-related cases, which has led to wrongful convictions. Mortera’s firsthand experience sheds light on the emotional challenges faced by these experts in court. He also humorously touches on the journey of balancing advocacy for at-risk youth with the hurdles of parenthood, revealing the complexities of navigating the justice system.
35 snips
Apr 19, 2022 • 33min
Episode 4: Respect the Polygon
James Spann, a seasoned meteorologist renowned for his work in Alabama's severe weather, shares insights on the intricacies of communicating probabilistic weather information. He delves into how public expectations clash with the realities of uncertainty in forecasting. Spann recounts the evolution of weather predictions and the backlash faced by meteorologists despite technological advancements. He stresses the significance of trusting expert guidance, especially during emergencies, and reflects on the broader implications of understanding probabilities across various domains.
56 snips
Apr 12, 2022 • 34min
Episode 3: Field of Ignorance
Bill James, the pioneer of sabermetrics, transformed baseball analytics with his groundbreaking statistical insights. He shares his journey from a security guard writing about baseball to revolutionizing how the game is analyzed. The conversation dives into the challenges of traditional metrics, the ethical implications of data-driven evaluations, and the broader impact of analytics in various fields. James reveals how accurate assessments can change the game while cautioning against over-relying on numbers, encouraging a deeper understanding of human performance.
37 snips
Apr 5, 2022 • 39min
Episode 2: The Art of the Untold Story
Joe Blustein shares his harrowing tale of survival after falling overboard in the Pacific, navigating the mental and physical challenges of being adrift. Alongside Art Allen, an oceanographer with the Coast Guard, they discuss mathematical models that revolutionize search and rescue operations. Both highlight how such expertise often goes unrecognized, despite its life-saving impact. Their stories underscore the resilience of the human spirit and the urgent need to appreciate and share the vital contributions of unsung heroes in crisis situations.
58 snips
Apr 5, 2022 • 42min
Episode 1: Six Levels Down
Todd Park, a healthcare and tech entrepreneur known for creating billion-dollar companies, dives into the often-overlooked world of medical billing challenges. He shares inspiring insights about a skilled medical biller who transforms financial chaos into revenue success. The conversation unveils the hidden expertise within organizations, emphasizing how recognizing unconventional roles can innovate the healthcare sector. Park also discusses the critical need for identifying knowledgeable individuals to navigate bureaucratic hurdles during tech crises like healthcare.gov.
Mar 22, 2022 • 3min
Against the Rules Season 3: The Ballad of Expertise
Delve into the complexities of being an expert and the emotional toll it takes. Discover why true experts often go unheard while navigating the shifting landscape of trust and decision-making. Join a conversation about the vital yet undervalued roles these professionals play in our everyday lives, and uncover the challenges they face in earning public confidence. It’s a thought-provoking examination of who really holds the power when it comes to expertise.
13 snips
Mar 8, 2022 • 28min
Other People’s Money: George Saunders on the Value of Failure
George Saunders, an acclaimed author known for his poignant storytelling, joins Michael Lewis to discuss the valuable lessons hidden in failure. They delve into the challenges of crafting fiction, revealing how humility and perseverance shape a writer's journey. Saunders shares personal anecdotes about the struggle to find one’s voice amid literary influences and the transformative power of embracing unfinished work. Their conversation highlights the emotional complexities of storytelling and the vital connection between authenticity and reader engagement.
