Against the Rules with Michael Lewis

Against the Rules with Michael Lewis

Pushkin Industries

Journalist and bestselling author Michael Lewis explores the figures in American life who rely on the public's trust, whether in sports, in business, in the courtroom, or on TV. What happens when that trust erodes and we can no longer agree on what's fair and what's not? In the latest season of his podcast, Michael takes on America’s newest form of legalized gambling, sports betting, and how it’s changing what it means to be a player…a teenager…and most of all, a fan. iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal on the SAFE Bet Act

Sen. Richard Blumenthal on the SAFE Bet Act

Is anyone trying to regulate sports gambling on the federal level in the US? In the fall of 2024, Connecticut Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced a bill with New York Congressman Paul Tonko. The SAFE Bet would restrict sports gambling ads and would help fund more gambling addiction treatment, among other things. Blumenthal speaks with Michael Lewis about why he sees sports gambling as a public health disaster in the making. Further reading: Blumenthal’s press release on the SA

Feb 11, • 29:58

Dr. Laurie Santos on Group Psychology, the Teen Brain, and Happiness

Dr. Laurie Santos on Group Psychology, the Teen Brain, and Happiness

Michael Lewis invites over Yale psychology professor Dr. Laurie Santos, host of The Happiness Lab at Pushkin, for a chat about what scientific research has to tell us about sports fandom, teenagers, and gambling. You can sign up for The Happiness Lab newsletter here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 4, • 29:54

Natasha Schüll on the Antisocial Lure of Gambling

Natasha Schüll on the Antisocial Lure of Gambling

As an anthropologist, Natasha Schüll spent more than a decade doing field work in Vegas casinos, especially among the slot machine addicts. She tells Michael Lewis why many of those who play slots actually hate to win. And she talks about how the digital overhaul of Vegas has made all forms of gambling, including sports gambling, more like slots. For further reading: Addiction by Design: Machine Gambling in Las Vegas by Natasha Schüll.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information

Jan 28, • 30:40

Episode 10: “Anybody Can Win, but Everybody’s Gonna Lose”

Episode 10: “Anybody Can Win, but Everybody’s Gonna Lose”

Perhaps you have someone in your life who’s prone to sports gambling. Michael Lewis has someone. So he comes up with a scheme to “inoculate” his 17-year-old son against the lure of placing bets online. All the while, Lewis tries to craft the perfect “master class” for would-be gamblers to understand the dangers of what they might be getting themselves into. Here's his reading list: The Logic of Sports Betting by Matt Davidow and Ed Miller Stephen Pinker’s Rati

Jan 21, • 46:26

Episode 9: Framing the Gambler

Episode 9: Framing the Gambler

Michael Lewis gets a glimpse of sports gambling's future by talking with writers in Great Britain and Australia, where the industry is even more entrenched. But the US has its own peculiar history of failing to regulate dangerously addictive new products, and blaming the users instead. Especially when powerful industry advocates are able to pay scientists to sow doubt and delay the day of reckoning. For further reading: Lying for Money: How Legendary Frauds Reveal the Workings of our World

Jan 14, • 29:51

Episode 8: The Integrity Landscape

Episode 8: The Integrity Landscape

Has betting based on inside intel on games gone down since sports gambling was legalized in the US? Not really, as Michael Lewis finds out. But what's gone up is misery for athletes. We hear from Atlanta Hawks forward Larry Nance, Jr. about the rage, threats and wheedling that pro athletes now endure. The NCAA, former Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker, is trying to protect student athletes on campus, while their friends all bet on them, often underaged. Overall, the “integrity landscape

Jan 7, • 38:06

The Riskies: The Best, Worst, and Most Interesting Decisions of 2024

The Riskies: The Best, Worst, and Most Interesting Decisions of 2024

We hear from Nate Silver and Maria Konnikova, poker sharps and co-hosts of the Pushkin show “Risky Business,” as they share the year’s most notable decisions in their first annual Riskies award show. What were the best, worst and wildest decisions of 2024, from politics to sports to business? Also: degen of the year, nit of the year, and the cognitive bias that best explains 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 28, 2024 • 21:31

Michael Lewis on the Prof G Pod

Michael Lewis on the Prof G Pod

Just recently, Michael Lewis was a guest on the "Prof G" podcast with Scott Galloway. He talks about the rise of sports betting and why the consequences might be a "disaster" for US society. And the two discuss the subject of Lewis's latest book, "Going Infinite." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 24, 2024 • 31:47

Vegas Sports Bookies on Old-School Betting

Vegas Sports Bookies on Old-School Betting

On a visit to Las Vegas, Michael Lewis meets three old-school sports bookies. Chris Andrews, Jimmy Vaccaro, and Vinny Magliulo book bets and set odds at the South Point Hotel Casino. They talk about how they got started in Vegas, the origins of the prop bet, and why it's bad for business to limit smart bets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 17, 2024 • 30:12

Gambler Billy Walters on the Sharp's Life

Gambler Billy Walters on the Sharp's Life

Michael Lewis sits down with Billy Walters, one of the most famous sports bettors of all time. They talk about Walters' impoverished childhood in Kentucky, and his transformation from an auto dealer to a professional poker player in Las Vegas to a sobered-up millionaire who's been indicted five times. For further reading: Gambler: Secrets from a Life at Risk by Billy Walters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 10, 2024 • 37:10

Episode 7: Little Big Short

Episode 7: Little Big Short

As a resident of California, Michael Lewis cannot place bets on any of the online sports books at the center of this season. They’re not allowed to operate in the state. But why? We hear from pastors, Native Americans and short-sellers about why a handful of states are still holding out, and why those efforts are most likely doomed. For further reading: Steve Ruddock’s gaming newsletter Straight to the Point Inside the $400 million fight to control California sports betting by Gus Garcia-Roberts

Dec 3, 2024 • 43:17

Get Happier, Help Others: Some Good Ideas About Giving

Get Happier, Help Others: Some Good Ideas About Giving

It's the season of giving: colorful paper and shiny bows, sure, and charitable giving, too. In this special episode, Jacob Goldstein, the host of What's Your Problem, gets smart about donating. Did you know that spending money on others makes you happier than spending money on yourself? Or that altruistic nerds have discovered four of the most impactful charities in the world (per dollar spent)? Have you ever wondered how poker players think about giving? Dr. Laurie Santos from The Happiness Lab

Dec 2, 2024 • 51:09

Episode 6: VIP

Episode 6: VIP

What does it mean to be a “very important person” in the world of online sports betting? Not necessarily what you think. We hear from recovering gambling addicts and state regulators frustrated with some of the perverse incentives to keep people on a losing streak. Meanwhile, our show’s own producers hope for a VIP night at the concert of the year. For further reading: Legalizing Sports Gambling Was a Huge Mistake by Charles Fain Lehman. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 26, 2024 • 35:35

Episode 5: The Mule

Episode 5: The Mule

The role has many names: “Runner,” “mover,” “betting partner,” and “mule.” As skilled sports gamblers find themselves limited on apps, they turn to these affiliates to place their bets in return for a piece of the proceeds. Against the Rules decides to explore this murky world by signing up for mule-dom with one of the world’s most skilled sports bettors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 19, 2024 • 32:06

An Interview with Ted Olson

An Interview with Ted Olson

Constitutional lawyer and former US Solicitor Ted Olson recently died at the age of 84. Olson represented the state of New Jersey in its efforts to overturn a federal ban on sports gambling. Those efforts succeeded, as we hear in our episode "Welcome to the Garden State." But Olson and Michael Lewis talked about many other aspects of his vivid legal career. We're offering their full conversation today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 15, 2024 • 33:55

Episode 4: A Hard Way to Make an Easy Living

Episode 4: A Hard Way to Make an Easy Living

Michael Lewis heads to Las Vegas to explore the way sports betting used to work, up until the day it was rapidly legalized by states around the country. We meet the betting sharps who figured out what others couldn’t and set the odds for other bookies. That is, up until everyone seemed to have a casino on their smartphone. But the new online casino differs from the old ones in an important way: It doesn’t take all bets. For further reading:  Edward Thorp’s Beat the Dealer “Cigars, Booze, Money:

Nov 12, 2024 • 37:05

Preview: The Temptation Machine

Preview: The Temptation Machine

We get a sneak-peek of the next part of Michael Lewis's reporting on the rise of sports gambling: it involves a trip to Vegas to meet odds-makers and pro-gamblers, and a scheme that will have his producer betting tens of thousands of someone else's dollars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 5, 2024 • 2:58

Nate Silver on the Risky Business of Sports Betting

Nate Silver on the Risky Business of Sports Betting

As the US election nears, Michael Lewis sits down with Nate Silver, co-host of the Pushkin podcast Risky Business (along with the writer, psychologist and professional poker player Maria Konnikova). They talk about why people bet on elections, the problem with sports gamblers in the United States, and Silver’s new book, On the Edge: The Art of Risking Everything. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 29, 2024 • 37:40

Marci Cottingham on the Religious Passion of Steeler Nation

Marci Cottingham on the Religious Passion of Steeler Nation

Is there a difference between fandom and religion? In Pittsburgh, it can be hard to tell. Fans of the city’s football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, seem to have a cradle-to-grave devotion, complete with a golden relic, the “terrible towel.” Michael Lewis talks with sociologist Marci Cottingham, a native of Steeler Nation, about her work studying the religious overtones of fandom, and why the positive experiences of sports fans should get more scholarly attention. For further reading: Marci Cott

Oct 22, 2024 • 23:55

Alison LaCroix on How History Rhymes at the Supreme Court

Alison LaCroix on How History Rhymes at the Supreme Court

It may seem like sports gambling got legalized overnight in the US. But it was in fact a winding road to get there. Michael Lewis speaks with legal historian and University of Chicago professor Alison L. LaCroix about all the factors that led to the Supreme Court overturning, in 2018, a federal law called the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. And they explore why, in some eras of US history, the Court tends to lean towards “states rights” arguments. For further reading: Alison LaCr

Oct 15, 2024 • 34:13

Episode 3: Welcome to the Garden State

Episode 3: Welcome to the Garden State

How did we get from fantasy sports to legalized sports betting? The path is convoluted, but most of it winds through New Jersey. Michael Lewis speaks with former governor Chris Christie, among other Jersey politicians, as well as lobbyists for the gaming industry. Plus we hear from Ted Olson, the lawyer who kept bringing the Garden State’s constitutional challenge until it finally reached the Supreme Court — and hit a jackpot. For further reading: Albert Chen’s Billion Dollar Fantasy Murphy v. N

Oct 8, 2024 • 44:36

Episode 2: Values of the Game

Episode 2: Values of the Game

Bill Bradley was already famous in college as the epitome of certain American virtues: integrity, honesty, and athleticism. As an NBA star, he took those virtues to the big leagues. As a US Senator, he had a chance to codify some of them into law and prevent the rise of sports betting. But at the same time, others in Bradley's state were making huge money on this illicit form of gambling. For further reading: John McPhee’s A Sense of Where You Are American Bettors Voice, non-profit advocacy for

Oct 1, 2024 • 34:18

Episode 1: What’s Wrong with Eric?

Episode 1: What’s Wrong with Eric?

Sports fans experience incredible highs and lows, and spend loads of money on a product over which they have no control. But for a long time, no one bothered to study the minds or impulses of fans. Michael Lewis finds out how that's changing as writers and academics learn more about the powerful psychology of fandom. Just in time for technology to exploit fandom more than ever. For further reading:  Eric Simons’ book The Secret Lives of Sports Fans Research by Murray State University psychology

Sep 24, 2024 • 29:00

Against the Rules: Fans

Against the Rules: Fans

Against the Rules is going to Vegas (by way of New Jersey!). Host Michael Lewis bets high and low to find out how Americans, and their state governments, got addicted to a new form of legalized gambling. This season, we’ll meet bookies, lobbyists, lawyers and professional sharps. All in their own ways trying to figure out why fans might hitch their life savings to their favorite team’s performance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 5, 2024 • 2:53

Pushkin Goes to the Olympics

Pushkin Goes to the Olympics

Legends are made at the Olympics and this summer shows across the Pushkin network are bringing their unique takes to Olympic stories. This special episode includes excerpts from a few: a Cautionary Tale about underestimating female marathoners, a Jesse Owens story from Revisionist History’s series on Hitler’s Olympics, and—from What’s Your Problem—the new technology that’s helping Olympic athletes get stronger. Check out other show feeds as well, the Happiness Lab and A Slight Change of Plans ar

Jul 26, 2024 • 38:40

Introducing Medal of Honor: Stories of Courage

Introducing Medal of Honor: Stories of Courage

Medal of Honor: Stories of Courage is a new podcast telling extraordinary tales of heroism. The Medal of Honor is awarded for bravery in combat that goes far above and beyond the call of duty – those acts of heroism and courage that save lives despite impossible risk. Each week on the show, host Malcolm Gladwell dives into the story behind a different Medal of Honor recipient. If you enjoyed this episode, you can find Medal of Honor: Stories of Courage wherever you're listening now.See omnystudi

Jun 26, 2024 • 31:23

Introducing Lost Hills: Dark Canyon

Introducing Lost Hills: Dark Canyon

The disappearance and death of Mitrice Richardson remains Malibu, CA’s most baffling unsolved case. It’s been nearly 14 years since her remains were discovered in a remote canyon, and still, no one has been held accountable for her demise.  To this day, her death remains an unsolved mystery.  The truth lies in the remote Malibu community where Mitrice was last seen. And now, finally, people are starting to talk. Enjoy this episode from Lost Hills: Dark Canyon. Available wherever you listen to po

Jun 10, 2024 • 37:07

Judging Sam: The Sentencing

Judging Sam: The Sentencing

Sam Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years in prison after being convicted of fraud and conspiracy. Michael Lewis and Lidia Jean Kott were there in court. They talk about what happened with Judging Sam’s legal expert, Rebecca Mermelstein, a former federal prosecutor and partner at O'Melveny and Myers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 29, 2024 • 41:36

Judging Sam: Judging the FTX Bankruptcy

Judging Sam: Judging the FTX Bankruptcy

While Sam Bankman-Fried has been on trial, the cryptocurrency exchange he founded, FTX, has been going through bankruptcy proceedings. Jonathan Lipson, a professor at Temple Law School, tells Michael Lewis that he believes the proceedings have highlighted problems with the US bankruptcy system.  Jonathan Lipson’s research paper “FTX’d: Conflicting Public and Private Interests in Chapter 11” is forthcoming in the Stanford Law Review. You can read a draft here.  You can listen to our previous inte

Mar 27, 2024 • 43:17

Judging Sam is Coming Back

Judging Sam is Coming Back

This fall we covered the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of the failed cryptocurrency exchange FTX. He was found guilty of fraud and conspiracy and could face decades in prison. Now, we are covering his sentencing. Check here for those episodes starting the week of March 25th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 22, 2024 • 0:42

Pushkin Hosts Celebrate World Happiness Day

Pushkin Hosts Celebrate World Happiness Day

The Happiness Lab’s Dr. Laurie Santos brings together other Pushkin hosts to mark the International Day of Happiness. Revisionist History’s Malcolm Gladwell talks about the benefits of the misery of running in a Canadian winter. Dr. Maya Shankar from A Slight Change of Plans talks about quieting her mental chatter. And Cautionary Tales host Tim Harford surprises everyone with the happiness lessons to be learned from a colonoscopy. Hear more of The Happiness Lab HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener f

Mar 20, 2024 • 48:05

Michael Lewis on Freakonomics Radio

Michael Lewis on Freakonomics Radio

Enjoy this episode of Freakonomics Radio, where Michael Lewis sat down with Stephen Dubner to discuss his book “Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon.” Description from the original episode:Lewis got incredible access to Sam Bankman-Fried, the billionaire behind the spectacular FTX fraud. His book is a bestseller, but some critics say he went too easy on S.B.F. Lewis tells us why the critics are wrong — and what it’s like to watch your book get turned into a courtroom drama.See omny

Feb 19, 2024 • 1:00:59

Murder Brokers from Hot Money: The New Narcos

Murder Brokers from Hot Money: The New Narcos

When a Dutch crime reporter makes an unbelievable discovery, a small-town murder case begins to look like an international assassination plot. Enjoy this episode from Hot Money: The New Narcos, a podcast from Pushkin Industries and the Financial Times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 20, 2023 • 29:08

The Rise and Fall of Crypto Billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried from Talk Easy

The Rise and Fall of Crypto Billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried from Talk Easy

Enjoy this episode from another Pushkin Industries podcast, Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso. Upon taking a walk with crypto billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried, writer Michael Lewis had a sense that there might be a story here. In the intervening two years, that story has taken a series of twists and turns, resulting in Lewis’ new book Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon. At the top, we walk through Bankman-Fried’s Manhattan trial, the subject at the center of this winding story, and why Lewi

Dec 12, 2023 • 1:04:48

Judging Sam: Millennial Frauds

Judging Sam: Millennial Frauds

Lidia Jean Kott talks to journalist Elizabeth Lopatto about what it was like to cover the trial, the similarities it shared with Elizabeth Holmes’ trial, and what this all says about millennials, fraud, and the future of the tech industry.  This conversation was recorded on November 13. Questions for Michael? Submit them by clicking the link in our show notes or visiting atrpodcast.com To access bonus episodes, and to listen to all of our coverage ad-free, sign up for Pushkin plus on the Against

Nov 17, 2023 • 30:48

Listen As I Get Financially Planned from Other People's Pockets

Listen As I Get Financially Planned from Other People's Pockets

Today on Other People's Pockets, you're going to hear what it's like to receive financial planning advice, and the person receiving the advice is... host Maya Lau! Her income, savings, and retirement goals will get scrutinized by Isabel Barrow, director of financial planning at Edelman Financial Engines and frequent guest on the podcast Everyday Wealth, along with Jean Chatzky, financial journalist and bestselling New York Times author who is also the host of Everyday Wealth.This special episode

Nov 15, 2023 • 34:04

Judging Sam: The Aftermath

Judging Sam: The Aftermath

It's all over. Sam Bankman-Fried was found guilty on all seven counts. But what now? Michael Lewis, Lidia Jean Kott, and Judging Sam’s legal expert, O’Melveny defense attorney Rebecca Mermelstein, reflect on the outcome and look ahead to sentencing, SBF's other legal troubles, and the fate of the cooperating witnesses. This conversation was recorded on November 7. Questions for Michael? Submit them by clicking the link in our show notes or visiting atrpodcast.com To access bonus episodes, and to

Nov 9, 2023 • 34:22

Judging Sam: Guilty on all counts

Judging Sam: Guilty on all counts

The jury, after about 4 and a half hours of deliberation, has delivered its verdict – guilty on all seven counts. Lidia Jean Kott was in the courtroom when it happened. Her conversation with financial reporter Jacob Goldstein was recorded on November 2. Questions for Michael? Submit them by clicking the link in our show notes or visiting atrpodcast.com To access bonus episodes, and to listen to all of our coverage ad-free, sign up for Pushkin plus on the Against The Rules show page in Apple Podc

Nov 3, 2023 • 8:42

Judging Sam: The jury's job

Judging Sam: The jury's job

CORRECTION: In an earlier version of this episode, our guest incorrectly stated that in the case of a hung jury, a defendant cannot be retried without risking double jeopardy. This is incorrect. If the jury hangs, then the defendant can be retried. We have edited the episode to remove this and apologize for the error. It’s nearly time for the jury to begin their deliberations. They’ll file into a backroom at the courthouse, and SBF’s fate will be in their hands. But what goes on behind those do

Nov 2, 2023 • 20:32

Judging Sam: The Hail Mary That Wasn’t

Judging Sam: The Hail Mary That Wasn’t

We're finally in the home stretch. Today the prosecution finished their cross examination of Sam Bankman-Fried, the defense followed up with a redirect, and then both sides rested. It’s Michael’s last day at court, but Lidia Jean will attend until the bitter end. They sit down to talk through the trial day’s events. This conversation was recorded on October 31. Questions for Michael? Submit them by clicking the link in our show notes or visiting atrpodcast.com To access bonus episodes, and to li

Nov 1, 2023 • 24:22

Judging Sam: Sam Bankman-Fried Faces Cross-Examination

Judging Sam: Sam Bankman-Fried Faces Cross-Examination

Sam Bankman-Fried finishes direct and faces withering cross-examination by the government’s chief prosecutor, Danielle Sassoon. Michael Lewis and Lidia Jean Kott share notes during lunch, then Lidia Jean sits down with Pushkin financial reporter and host Jacob Goldstein to talk through the day’s events. This conversation was recorded on October 30. Questions for Michael? Submit them by clicking the link in our show notes or visiting atrpodcast.com To access bonus episodes, and to listen to all o

Oct 31, 2023 • 13:44

Judging Sam: Sam Bankman-Fried Takes The Stand

Judging Sam: Sam Bankman-Fried Takes The Stand

The day is finally upon us: Sam Bankman-Fried takes the stand. Michael Lewis and Lidia Jean meet up after a long day in court and discuss everything that went down. This conversation was recorded on October 27. Questions for Michael? Submit them by clicking the link in our show notes or visiting atrpodcast.com To access bonus episodes, and to listen to all of our coverage ad-free, sign up for Pushkin plus on the Against The Rules show page in Apple Podcasts or at Pushkin.fm/plus.See omnystudio.c

Oct 28, 2023 • 21:11

Judging Sam: Michael Lewis comes to court

Judging Sam: Michael Lewis comes to court

Michael Lewis finishes his book tour and joins Lidia Jean Kott in court. His timing, as usual, is impeccable. The government rests its case. And then, everyone thinks Sam Bankman-Fried will take the stand. Instead, in a surprise twist, Judge Kaplan sends the jury home. LJ and Michael meet up on the courthouse steps to talk through the day’s events.  This conversation was recorded on October 26. Questions for Michael? Submit them by clicking the link in our show notes or visiting atrpodcast.com T

Oct 27, 2023 • 17:54

Judging Sam: After The Prosecution Rests

Judging Sam: After The Prosecution Rests

After a few days off, the trial resumes tomorrow, October 26. The prosecution has said they will likely be ready to rest their case by midday. Michael Lewis, Lidia Jean Kott and Rebecca Mermelstein, a partner at the law firm O’Melveny & Myers, sit down to analyze the prosecution’s case and talk about what might happen next, including the possibility of Sam Bankman-Fried taking the stand. This conversation was recorded on October 23. Questions for Michael? Submit them by clicking the link in

Oct 25, 2023 • 28:39

Judging Sam: An FTX Victim Speaks Out

Judging Sam: An FTX Victim Speaks Out

Voices of the victims of Sam Bankman-Fried’s alleged crimes have been few and far between during the prosecution’s presentation of its case. On today’s show, Lidia Jean Kott sits down with Jake Thacker, a tech worker from Portland, Oregon who borrowed money to bet big on FTX, only to be left holding the bag. He says he’s now bankrupt and unsure whether he’ll be able to keep his home.  This conversation was recorded on October 23.  Questions for Michael? Submit them by clicking the link in our sh

Oct 24, 2023 • 20:33

Judging Sam: Week 3 is in the books

Judging Sam: Week 3 is in the books

Another week come and gone, and like everything SBF, it wasn’t without a healthy dose of drama. Lidia Jean Kott catches Michael Lewis and Jacob Goldstein up on all that has gone down.  This conversation was recorded on the evening of October 19. Questions for Michael? Submit them by clicking the link in our show notes or visiting atrpodcast.com To access bonus episodes, and to listen to all of our coverage ad-free, sign up for Pushkin plus on the Against The Rules show page in Apple Podcasts or

Oct 20, 2023 • 18:26

Listen Now: Spellcaster - The Fall of Sam Bankman-Fried

Listen Now: Spellcaster - The Fall of Sam Bankman-Fried

When nerdy gamer Sam Bankman-Fried rocketed to fame as the world’s richest 29-year-old, he pledged to donate his billions to good causes. But when Sam's crypto exchange FTX collapsed, billions of dollars went missing, and Sam was in handcuffs, those who knew him were left wondering — who was Sam really? A well-meaning billionaire who made a mistake? Or a calculated con man? From Wondery and Bloomberg, the makers of The Shrink Next Door, comes a new story of incredible wealth, betrayal, and what

Oct 19, 2023 • 8:31

Judging Sam: Michael Lewis Talks Money with Matt Levine

Judging Sam: Michael Lewis Talks Money with Matt Levine

Today on the show, Michael talks with Matt Levine, business columnist at Bloomberg News and author of the newsletter “Money Stuff.” Matt knows more about how crypto markets work than just about anyone else. And also about how they don’t work. Like when there’s a more than eight billion dollar hole nobody seems to have been able to fill. Matt and Michael talk trial, SBF and FTX.  This conversation was recorded at 2pm on October 17.  Questions for Michael? Submit them by clicking the link in our s

Oct 18, 2023 • 26:28

Judging Sam: Nishad Singh Takes the Stand

Judging Sam: Nishad Singh Takes the Stand

It was supposed to be a quiet Monday in court, but it turned out to be everything but. Nishad Singh, a former top executive at FTX, and a close personal friend of the Bankman-Fried family took the stand. Lidia Jean calls Michael Lewis from court during her lunch break to get his take on Singh, and updates us with the latest as the SBF trial enters its third week. This conversation was recorded on the evening of October 16.  Questions for Michael? Submit them by clicking the link in our show note

Oct 17, 2023 • 8:05

Judging Sam: Week 2 Catch-up with Michael Lewis

Judging Sam: Week 2 Catch-up with Michael Lewis

Week 2 of Sam Bankman-Fried’s trial is in the books. The prosecution has called witnesses, including star witness Caroline Ellison, and the defense has cross-examined. There have been dramatic, emotional moments, a secret recording and laughter in the overflow rooms. Lidia Jean has been in court, and Michael has been on book tour. In this episode they catch each other up. Michael is curious how the characters he got to know while reporting his book have come off in court. This conversation was

Oct 16, 2023 • 25:36

Judging Sam: Ellison Testimony Wraps Up

Judging Sam: Ellison Testimony Wraps Up

Caroline Ellison, former co-CEO of Alameda Research and Sam Bankman-Fried’s ex-girlfriend, spent 3 days on the stand this week. Ellison recently pled guilty to financial fraud, and is cooperating with the prosecution. In this episode Lidia Jean Kott discusses Caroline’s testimony with Jacob Goldstein, financial reporter and author of the book Money.  This conversation was recorded in the evening on October 12.  Questions for Michael? Submit them by clicking the link in our show notes or visiting

Oct 13, 2023 • 18:01

Judging Sam: Caroline Ellison Takes The Stand

Judging Sam: Caroline Ellison Takes The Stand

Caroline Ellison, former co-CEO of Alameda Research and Sam Bankman-Fried’s ex-girlfriend, takes the stand and has a lot to say. Ellison recently pled guilty to financial fraud, and is cooperating with the prosecution. In this episode Lidia Jean Kott discusses what came up on Day 1 of Caroline’s testimony with Jacob Goldstein, financial reporter and author of the book Money.  This conversation was recorded in the evening on October 10.  Questions for Michael? Submit them by clicking the link in

Oct 11, 2023 • 16:46

Judging Sam: Catching up with Michael Lewis

Judging Sam: Catching up with Michael Lewis

Week 1 of Sam Bankman-Fried’s trial is in the books. The jury is seated, opening statements have been given, and witnesses are taking the stand. Lidia Jean has been in court, and Michael has been on book tour. In this episode they catch each other up. Michael wants to know what it’s like inside the courtroom, and Lidia Jean is curious about what new information Michael is learning. This conversation was recorded on October 7.  Questions for Michael? Submit them by clicking the link in our show n

Oct 9, 2023 • 21:07

Judging Sam: Opening Statements

Judging Sam: Opening Statements

SBF’s trial has been on for three days, and a lot has happened: jury selection, opening statements, and the first witnesses. Pushkin co-founder Jacob Weisberg sits down with reporter Lidia Jean Kott and Rebecca Mermelstein, a partner at the law firm O’Melveny and Myers, to talk about what’s happened in court so far. This conversation was recorded on October 5 at 3 pm ET. Questions for Michael? Submit them by clicking the link in our show notes or visiting atrpodcast.com To listen to all of our c

Oct 6, 2023 • 23:07

Judging Sam: Jury Selection

Judging Sam: Jury Selection

The trial of former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried got underway yesterday in the Southern District of New York. First order of business? Empanelling a jury. Reporter Lidia Jean Kott was there. To get more insight into how jury selection works, Lidia Jean sat down with trial consultant Ellen Leggett. Their episode was recorded on October 2 at 6pm ET, with an update after court on October 3. Questions for Michael? Submit them by clicking the link in our show notes or visiting atrpodcast.com To listen t

Oct 4, 2023 • 31:46

Hugging Face and watsonx: Why Open Source Is the Future of AI in Business

Hugging Face and watsonx: Why Open Source Is the Future of AI in Business

Open-source innovation is the future of AI. In this episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell and Tim Harford discuss the open-source AI community with Jeff Boudier, head of product and growth at Hugging Face. They chat about the history and future of open-source AI, its critical importance to AI progress, the IBM watsonx partnership with Hugging Face, and how businesses can leverage open-source AI for their specific needs. Visit us at: https://www.ibm.com/smarttalks/ Learn more about th

Oct 3, 2023 • 30:41

Judging Sam: The Case Against SBF

Judging Sam: The Case Against SBF

Sam Bankman-Fried's trial starts today in the formidable Southern District of New York, with Judge Lewis A. Kaplan presiding. If convicted, the former multi-billionaire and CEO of crypto exchange FTX could spend the rest of his life behind bars. In this episode, Michael talks with court reporter and producer Lidia Jean Kott and former Southern District of New York prosecutor Rebecca Mermelstein, now a defense attorney with O'Melveny and Myers, about the charges against Sam and what we might expe

Oct 3, 2023 • 30:28

Judging Sam: Going Infinite – Jacob Weisberg interviews Michael Lewis

Judging Sam: Going Infinite – Jacob Weisberg interviews Michael Lewis

For the past year and a half, journalist Michael Lewis has been following crypto entrepreneur and former CEO of FTX Sam Bankman-Fried. The resulting book, "Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon", is out October 3. When Michael started his reporting, SBF was heralded as a wunderkind, a genius, a crypto innovator, a major philanthropist and political donor. Now, Sam Bankman-Fried is standing trial on multiple charges, including wire fraud, securities fraud, and misusing billions of dol

Oct 2, 2023 • 33:05

Judging Sam: The Trial of Sam Bankman-Fried

Judging Sam: The Trial of Sam Bankman-Fried

Just a year ago, Sam Bankman-Fried was heralded as a wunderkind, a genius, a crypto innovator, a major philanthropist and political donor. He was worth tens of billions of dollars. FTX, the crypto exchange he founded, was buying Super Bowl ads. Now, he’s standing trial on multiple fraud charges. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.  “Judging Sam: The Trial of Sam Bankman-Fried” is a special series from Michael Lewis and Against the Rules covering the daily workings of t

Sep 25, 2023 • 1:35

On Background: Preparing for Sam Bankman-Fried's Trial

On Background: Preparing for Sam Bankman-Fried's Trial

The former CEO of now-bankrupt crypto firm FTX, Sam Bankman-Fried has been charged with fraud and conspiracy. His trial is supposed to begin in October. In the final episode of On Background, Michael Lewis speaks to former prosecutor Rebecca Mermelstein, now a defense attorney with O’Melveny and Myers, about how prosecutors are building the case against Bankman-Fried, and how his defense team can prepare him. For our coverage of Sam Bankman-Fried’s trial, check back here soon! See omnystudio.com

Sep 12, 2023 • 30:29

The Sudden Celebrity of Sir John Knight from Revisionist History

The Sudden Celebrity of Sir John Knight from Revisionist History

In the battles over gun rights, a shadowy English nobleman from the 17th century has unexpectedly taken center stage. Who was he? What did he do that has — 300 years later — endeared him to a generation of legal scholars? Revisionist History explores the cult of personality around the mysterious Sir John Knight. Enjoy this episode from Revisionist History, another Pushkin Industries podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 31, 2023 • 48:26

On Background: The Political Spender America Deserves

On Background: The Political Spender America Deserves

During the 2022 election cycle, crypto mogul Sam Bankman-Fried gave as much as $40 million in political donations. That whopping sum caught the attention of campaign finance watchdogs, even before Bankman-Fried was arrested and charged with various financial crimes. Michael Lewis talks to Jordan Libowitz of the Campaign for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) to understand the complex world of campaign finance law. And we hear why SBF, in confessing his dark-money deeds, may be a game

Aug 15, 2023 • 30:43

On Background: Who Buys Distressed Assets?

On Background: Who Buys Distressed Assets?

Andy Mitchell could be called a "doctor for business." His firm, Lantern Asset Management, buys up businesses in immediate need of cash and willing to sell at bargain-basement prices. Michael Lewis calls up Mitchell to get the "distressed asset" angle on the company at the center of Lewis's next book: the now extremely distressed crypto exchange, FTX. But along the way, we hear about other businesses on the skids, including the maker of Twinkies, and the Weinstein Company. Head to atrpodcast.com

Jul 11, 2023 • 35:25

Introducing Lost Hills: The Dark Prince

Introducing Lost Hills: The Dark Prince

Sharing a preview of Lost Hills Season 3: The Dark Prince. Host Dana Goodyear takes a deep dive into the surf world to explore the legacy of Malibu's Dark Prince, Miki Dora. A surfer known for his style, grace and aggression, he ruled Malibu from the 1950s to the 1970s. Celebrated for his rebellious spirit, he was also a conman who led the FBI on a 7-year manhunt around the world. Hear it all at: https://apple.co/losthillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 29, 2023 • 11:04

On Background: Effective Altruism Still Has Friends

On Background: Effective Altruism Still Has Friends

One-time crypto-currency king Sam Bankman-Fried was a big proponent of a philosophical movement known as “effective altruism,” or EA. Advocates of EA say we should use data and reason to find the best ways of doing good. EA’s popularity grew as investors like Bankman-Fried used it to guide generous donations to causes. Micheal Lewis speaks with two college students who got involved in effective altruism through clubs at their universities. Gabriel Mukobi and aL Xin explain the philosophy behind

Jun 13, 2023 • 34:27

On Background: Crypto Skeptic Proven Right

On Background: Crypto Skeptic Proven Right

If you spend any time reporting on the world of crypto currency and Bitcoin, then you’re going to run across the name Molly White. She’s a software engineer who has been called "the cryptocurrency world's biggest critic." Michael Lewis gets her on the line for a lively conversation about why she spotted hucksterism and fraud early on in crypto's rise. Questions for Michael? Submit them by visiting atrpodcast.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 16, 2023 • 31:51

On Background: A History of Bankruptcy in the US

On Background: A History of Bankruptcy in the US

Often when a corporation declares bankruptcy, that happens at the end of a long and difficult road. But entering bankruptcy proceedings also means setting out on a new and equally difficult road. That’s where Michael Lewis finds the subject of his next book, Sam Bankman-Fried. The company Bankman-Fried founded, FTX, entered bankruptcy late last year. For some perspective on what could be one of the messiest bankruptcy cases of recent times, Michael turns to David Skeel. Skeel is a professor of c

Apr 11, 2023 • 33:12

On Background: White-Collar Crime and Punishment

On Background: White-Collar Crime and Punishment

Why do people commit white-collar crimes? And how has the way we think about — and prosecute — white-collar criminals changed over time? As part of the background research for his next book, which is about Sam Bankman-Fried and FTX, Michael Lewis wants the historical view of financial fraudsters, embezzlers and Ponzi schemers. So he speaks with Eugene Soltes, professor at the Harvard Business School and author of Why They Do It: Inside the Mind of the White-Collar Criminal. If you have a questio

Mar 14, 2023 • 39:25

On Background: Bad Actors on the Blockchain

On Background: Bad Actors on the Blockchain

For his next book, Michael Lewis wants to find out how investigators manage to trace the murky trail of illicit crypto. Cryptocurrency started with the dream of cash changing hands without a trace. But that dream has turned into a nightmare for many would-be criminals. A new field has emerged of data geeks and law-enforcement experts trying to find out who’s behind transactions on the blockchain. Michael calls up Andy Greenberg, senior cybersecurity writer for WIRED and author of “Tracers in the

Feb 14, 2023 • 36:09

On Background from Against the Rules

On Background from Against the Rules

Michael Lewis's next book is all about Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the crypto-currency exchange FTX, who now faces federal charges. As with all of his books, Lewis is talking with experts to get background context on the world his characters inhabit. For the first time, these interviews will be recorded, on the record.In this special monthly series from Against the Rules, we'll hear Lewis in conversation with experts such as a tech wizard who traces secrets on the blockchain; a scholar of whit

Jan 31, 2023 • 2:56

Prepping for the Apocalypse from Story of the Week

Prepping for the Apocalypse from Story of the Week

Here’s a preview of a new Pushkin podcast, Story of the Week. Each week, journalist Joel Stein chooses an article that fascinates him, convinces the writer to tell him about it, and then interrupts a good conversation by talking about himself. Sometimes the story will be the one everyone is talking about, like the New Yorker article on smoking hallucinogenic toads. Other times, it’s a story you might have missed, like the one in the Verge about the rock groupie turned hacker who had huge corpora

Dec 15, 2022 • 11:46

From The Plot Thickens: Here Comes Pam

From The Plot Thickens: Here Comes Pam

We’re sharing a bonus episode from our friends at The Plot Thickens, a podcast from TCM about movies and the people who make them. Their new season is all about Pam Grier, the iconic Blaxploitation star of the 1970s. In this episode, we're taking you to Denver in the 1960s, where Pam grew up. She was a country girl during the Civil Rights era, and on her first trip to Los Angeles, she finds herself trapped there during the historic Watts Rebellion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat

Nov 30, 2022 • 45:37

From What's Your Problem: Sam Bankman-Fried Revisited

From What's Your Problem: Sam Bankman-Fried Revisited

Michael Lewis is off working on a book about a guy who has been in the news this week: Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX. Last week, in a matter of a few days, FTX collapsed and filed for bankruptcy, and Sam resigned. It's unclear if customers or investors will ever get their money back. As it happens, our colleagues at the Pushkin show What's Your Problem? interviewed Sam earlier this year.  We're all looking forward to the book about Sam. In the meantime, here is th

Nov 18, 2022 • 26:29

From The January 6 Tapes with celebrated legal analyst Preet Bharara

From The January 6 Tapes with celebrated legal analyst Preet Bharara

This excerpt from Pushkin's new audiobook, The January 6 Tapes, features lawyer and legal analyst Preet Bharara's thoughtful breakdown of the January 6 Select Committee Hearings. The only compilation of the actual hearings, this audiobook is filled with the riveting testimonies that will define history. Go buy yourself a copy at pushkin.fm, Audible, Apple Books, Spotify or anywhere audiobooks are sold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 15, 2022 • 6:56

From Revisionist History: When Will Met Grace

From Revisionist History: When Will Met Grace

We’re sharing a bonus episode from another Pushkin podcast, Revisionist History. Revisionist History is Malcolm Gladwell’s podcast about things misunderstood and overlooked. This season, Malcolm’s obsessed with experiments – natural experiments, scientific experiments, thought experiments. In this preview, Revisionist History does a deep dive into the 90s sitcom, Will and Grace. Will and Grace was quietly revolutionary in changing our collective beliefs around gay marriage. Malcolm explores the

Jul 21, 2022 • 36:48

Who Rules Porn? From Hot Money

Who Rules Porn? From Hot Money

Sharing a preview of Hot Money, a new podcast from our friends at the Financial Times and Pushkin. When Financial Times reporter Patricia Nilsson started digging into the porn industry, she made a shocking discovery: Nobody knew who controlled the biggest porn company in the world. Now, Nilsson and her editor, Alex Barker, have figured out who the guy was, and much more. Their reporting reveals a shadowy power structure that includes billionaires, tech geniuses and the most powerful finance comp

Jun 28, 2022 • 32:59

Relax and Win from Legacy of Speed

Relax and Win from Legacy of Speed

Sharing a new Pushkin show, Legacy of Speed. When two Black sprinters raised their fists in protest at the 1968 Olympic Games, it shook the world. More than 50 years later, the ripple effects of their activism are still felt. Host Malcolm Gladwel tells the stories of the runners who took a stand, and the coaches and mentors who helped make them fast enough — and brave enough — to change the world.In this episode, we hear how coach Bud Winter took what he learned from working with fighter pilots

Jun 14, 2022 • 32:55

From Freakonomics, M.D. with Bapu Jena: How Do We Know if Alcohol Is Bad for Us?

From Freakonomics, M.D. with Bapu Jena: How Do We Know if Alcohol Is Bad for Us?

Today, we’re giving you a sneak peek of an episode from Freakonomics, M.D., a show from the Freakonomics Radio Network. On Freakonomics, M.D., Harvard physician and economist Dr. Bapu Jena digs into fascinating topics and ideas at the intersection of economics and healthcare. In this preview, Bapu discusses a research method that’s helping to solve some of science’s most challenging questions. You can hear more episodes of Freakonomics, M.D. wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/list

Jun 7, 2022 • 31:50

Episode 7: The Person Who Knows

Episode 7: The Person Who Knows

The United States had a pandemic plan. But when a pandemic came, we hesitated to follow it. The country was hobbled by argument and doubt. Much of that doubt came from experts who proposed that Covid might not be as lethal as scientists feared. Michael Lewis returns to the subject of his latest book, The Premonition, to understand why it's so hard to trust the truest signs of expertise: a willingness to follow the evidence. If you’d like to keep up with the most recent news from this and o

May 24, 2022 • 45:21

Episode 6: The Overconfidence Game

Episode 6: The Overconfidence Game

In which several people, including Rebecca Solnit, Katty Kay, and Maria Konnikova, help Michael understand the not-so-secret power of men to offer themselves up as experts, when they clearly are not. If you’d like to keep up with the most recent news from this and other Pushkin podcasts be sure to sign up for our email list at Pushkin.fm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 17, 2022 • 33:32

Programming Note

Programming Note

We’re hard at work now on episode 6. Check back here for it next Tuesday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 10, 2022 • 0:22

Episode 5: The Sanchez Problem

Episode 5: The Sanchez Problem

There’s one kind of expert whose role is enshrined in law: that of the expert witness, who’s called on to bolster one side of a case. But courtrooms are not great places for nuance. Overconfident expert testimony has been linked to countless wrongful convictions, especially in gang-related cases. Michael speaks with a new kind of expert witness: former gang members who struggle to counteract the testimony of police.If you’d like to keep up with the most recent news from this an

May 3, 2022 • 40:02

REBROADCAST: The Hand of Leonardo

REBROADCAST: The Hand of Leonardo

Season Three of Against the Rules continues in this feed next Tuesday. In the meantime, Michael Lewis has an update on one of the most popular episodes from his first season, about a painting that may or may not have been done by Leonardo. If you’d like to keep up with the most recent news from this and other Pushkin podcasts be sure to sign up for our email list at Pushkin.fm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 26, 2022 • 43:37

Episode 4: Respect the Polygon

Episode 4: Respect the Polygon

Experts know more now than ever before. And we’re more critical of them than ever before, too. But one kind of expert really gets us riled up: the type who deals in probabilities. We hear from meteorologists, political forecasters, and even nurses about why calculating the odds is so hard, and why we all suffer the deadly consequences as a result.If you’d like to keep up with the most recent news from this and other Pushkin podcasts be sure to sign up for our email list at Pushkin.fm. Learn mor

Apr 19, 2022 • 33:00

Episode 3: Field of Ignorance

Episode 3: Field of Ignorance

The right kind of expert, at the right time, can change everything. While working as a security guard at a pork-and-beans cannery in Kansas, Bill James started writing about baseball. But writing about it through the poetry of statistical analysis. It took a long time, but James's way of looking at the game changed more than just baseball.If you’d like to keep up with the most recent news from this and other Pushkin podcasts be sure to sign up for our email list at Pushkin.fm. Learn more about

Apr 12, 2022 • 34:27

Episode 1: Six Levels Down

Episode 1: Six Levels Down

Athenahealth was just another healthcare provider facing the biggest problem US doctors face: not treating patients, but getting insurance companies to pay their bills. But then the company figured out how to fix the problem, by recognizing an overlooked expert toiling in the hospital basement.If you’d like to keep up with the most recent news from this and other Pushkin podcasts be sure be sure to sign up for our email list at Pushkin.fm. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartp

Apr 5, 2022 • 42:17

Episode 2: The Art of the Untold Story

Episode 2: The Art of the Untold Story

Why can’t we see the experts right in front of us, even when they're saving our lives? Maybe it's because the specialized knowledge of many experts defies good storytelling. We hear from a nonprofit trying to elevate the esoteric work of government experts, and we hear from one of their nominees. His work has changed the survival prospects for many lost at sea, but even those survivors have never heard his name.If you’d like to keep up with the most recent news from this and other Pushkin podcas

Apr 5, 2022 • 38:47

Against the Rules Season 3: The Ballad of Expertise

Against the Rules Season 3: The Ballad of Expertise

In “Against the Rules,” journalist and bestselling author Michael Lewis takes a searing look at what’s happened to fairness—in financial markets, newsrooms, basketball games, courts of law, and much more. In Season 3, Michael tackles America’s expert problem. Why is it so hard to figure out who the real experts are? And why, once we’ve found them, are they so rarely the people calling the shots?If you’d like to keep up with the most recent news from this and other Pushkin podcasts be sure to sig

Mar 22, 2022 • 2:55

The Future of Drones from What’s Your Problem

The Future of Drones from What’s Your Problem

As we're getting ready for the new season of Against the Rules on April 5, we're sharing an episode from Pushkin's newest show, What's Your Problem?Former Planet Money host Jacob Goldstein talks to entrepreneurs about the future they’re trying to build—and the problems they have to solve to get there. It’s a show about trying to figure out how to do things no one on the planet knows how to do—from creating a drone delivery business, to building a car that can truly drive itself. In the preview y

Mar 17, 2022 • 22:12

Other People’s Money: George Saunders on the Value of Failure

Other People’s Money: George Saunders on the Value of Failure

After the surprise success of Liar’s Poker, publishers urged Michael Lewis to try his hand at fiction. It was a bad idea. But even award-winning fiction authors have struggled with failure. Michael speaks with Booker Prize-winning author George Saunders about the urge to imitate other writers, and what we all can learn from bad first drafts. We also hear why Saunders was identified early as a gifted student, while Michael Lewis was – emphatically – not.You can order the new Liar’s Poker audioboo

Mar 8, 2022 • 28:25

Other People’s Money: Ira Glass on Finding Your Voice

Other People’s Money: Ira Glass on Finding Your Voice

Michael Lewis did not rest long on his laurels after publishing Liar’s Poker. In the 1990s, he hit the presidential campaign trail, writing a series of magazine pieces. Some of his dispatches got adapted for audio by a then-new public radio show called “This American Life.” Michael speaks with the show’s creator, Ira Glass, about how they both found their voices as storytellers. Trigger warning: this episode contains vintage NPR sounds.You can order the new Liar’s Poker audiobook at Pushkin.fm/L

Mar 1, 2022 • 26:46

Other People’s Money: Anne Clarke Wolff on the Wages of Sexism

Other People’s Money: Anne Clarke Wolff on the Wages of Sexism

Liar’s Poker is set on a Wall Street where women were the last hired and first fired — and that was probably the least of their worries. Is Wall Street today any better for women? Michael speaks with Anne Clarke Wolff, who was in the training class at Salomon Brothers a few years after him. She is starting an investment bank that will be majority owned and managed by women and minorities. The firm’s nickname? “Salomon Sisters.”You can order the new Liar’s Poker audiobook at Pushkin.fm/LiarsPoker

Feb 22, 2022 • 28:21

Other People’s Money: Dash Riprock and the Human Piranha Revealed

Other People’s Money: Dash Riprock and the Human Piranha Revealed

Liar’s Poker describes many of the mentors Michael Lewis had at the investment bank Salomon Brothers. He chose to keep some of their identities secret, out of a well-founded fear that the book might cost them their cushy Wall Street jobs. Now for the first time, we get to hear their side of the story and learn their names.You can order the new Liar’s Poker audiobook at Pushkin.fm/LiarsPoker. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for

Feb 15, 2022 • 29:18

Other People’s Money: Jacob Goldstein and the Bonds of Wall Street

Other People’s Money: Jacob Goldstein and the Bonds of Wall Street

For the first time in more than 30 years, Michael Lewis has re-read Liar’s Poker. That experience brought up a lot of questions — especially, why is a book set in the pre-Internet Wall Street of the 1980s still relevant today? So Michael turned to Jacob Goldstein, finance reporter and host of the Pushkin show "What’s Your Problem?". They discuss how Liar’s Poker foreshadowed the ups and downs of the world we live in now.You can listen to Jacob Goldstein’s new show “What’s Your Problem?” here: ht

Feb 8, 2022 • 42:14

Introducing Other People's Money: A Liar's Poker Companion

Introducing Other People's Money: A Liar's Poker Companion

Michael Lewis published his first book, Liar's Poker, in 1989. It’s about his time as a bond salesman on Wall Street — and it was a runaway best seller. Pushkin Industries is re-releasing it for the first time as an unabridged audiobook, read by the author. And to celebrate, Lewis has made a special mini-series about the book. Over the course of five weeks, he'll revisit people he worked with, explore how he found his voice as a writer, and ask why Wall Street firms still assign the book to thei

Jan 26, 2022 • 3:14

The Michael Lewis Story, from Talk Easy

The Michael Lewis Story, from Talk Easy

This week, we present a special episode: Michael's interview on Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso. It begins with the release of "The Premonition" (2:40), which reveals how the U.S. mishandled the pandemic (5:05) and why the 2009 H1N1 virus was a precursor to 2020 (10:15). Then, Michael and Sam discuss how he grew up in New Orleans (20:48) and fell in love with writing at Princeton (26:20), before working as a bond salesman on Wall Street (29:29). He also shares his approach to creating honest journali

Dec 13, 2021 • 59:00

Against the Rules Presents: Miracle and Wonder: Conversations with Paul Simon

Against the Rules Presents: Miracle and Wonder: Conversations with Paul Simon

Presenting: An Excerpt from Miracle And Wonder: Conversations With Paul Simon by Malcolm Gladwell and Bruce Headlam. Download the audiobook today at miracleaudiook.com and receive an exclusive listener's guide pdf featuring additional commentary from Bruce, the producers and editors of Miracle and Wonder. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Nov 22, 2021 • 5:21

Michael Reverses Roles With His Voice Coach

Michael Reverses Roles With His Voice Coach

In this special episode of Against the Rules, Michael Lewis and Eric Vetro talk about their recent role reversal. Listeners will remember Eric as Michael’s singing coach in our last season… Now, Michael has been helping Eric launch his own podcast. Against the Rules is proud to introduce the world to Backstage Pass with Eric Vetro through an excerpt featuring Ariana Grande, one of his many famous voice students. Eric has inspired so many stars, he’s inspired Michael, and we think he’ll do the sa

Oct 20, 2021 • 21:27

The Spaceman's Ritual with The Happiness Lab

The Spaceman's Ritual with The Happiness Lab

This week, we're presenting an episode of The Happiness Lab. On the show, Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos shares surprising research and inspiring stories that will change the way you think about happiness.  In this episode, Laurie dives into why athletes, space crews and pop stars all indulge in strange rituals before moments of high stress. It's easy to mock these behaviors - even the people who practice them admit they're a bit weird - but they can act like performance enhancing drugs. Lauri

Aug 30, 2021 • 35:00

Live Interview 5/19/21: Michael Lewis and Geraldine Brooks

Live Interview 5/19/21: Michael Lewis and Geraldine Brooks

Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Geraldine Brooks interviews Michael Lewis about his new book “The Premonition: A Pandemic Story.” They also discuss how Michael started his writing career and why growing up in New Orleans made him a better storyteller. This conversation was recorded as part of the Live Talks Los Angeles series and posted May 19, 2021. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 16, 2021 • 47:21

Against the Rules Presents: A Slight Change of Plans

Against the Rules Presents: A Slight Change of Plans

Michael Lewis speaks to his friend, the cognitive scientist Dr. Maya Shankar, about her new podcast, A Slight Change of Plans. They discuss Maya’s own life change, why she decided to make a podcast, and what science can teach us about how we deal with change.  You can subscribe to A Slight Change of Plans at: http://podcasts.pushkin.fm/slight-change-of-plans?sid=atr.drop Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

May 27, 2021 • 42:03

The Premonition

The Premonition

In this special bonus episode of Against the Rules, Michael Lewis reads a chapter from his new book about the pandemic, The Premonition —available now wherever books are sold. This episode includes the voice of Charity Dean, former Assistant Director of the California Department of Public Health and one of the medical visionaries featured in the book. And stay around for an exclusive author interview.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/li

May 4, 2021 • 34:02

Presenting: The Bomber Mafia by Malcolm Gladwell

Presenting: The Bomber Mafia by Malcolm Gladwell

I’m hard at work on the next season of Against the Rules, coming this fall. Until then, I wanted to share a new audiobook from my good friend, Malcolm Gladwell. The Bomber Mafia looks at one of the greatest moral challenges of the Second World War. It’s a riveting tale of persistence, obsession, innovation, and the incalculable wages of war. You’ll hear the voices of generals, the sound of aircrafts and bombs crashing. It is history brought to life through the power of audio. You can order the B

Apr 6, 2021 • 11:31

Against the Rules Presents: Hasta La Vista, America

Against the Rules Presents: Hasta La Vista, America

The news is overwhelming right now. Maybe we all need a laugh. Here's an excerpt from Hasta la Vista, America: Trump’s Farewell Address, an original audiobook parody written by Kurt Andersen and performed by Alec Baldwin. The book imagines Trump holed up in the White House with only advisor Hope Hicks there to run the recording session. It's available exclusively from Pushkin Industries at ATrumpFarewell.com. And it's just $0.99. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/

Jan 14, 2021 • 2:56

Against the Rules Presents: Michael Lewis on Axios Today

Against the Rules Presents: Michael Lewis on Axios Today

President-elect Joe Biden and his team can now officially begin the transition of power. But President Trump's delay cost the new administration 20 days of highly valuable planning time that is essential to pulling off a smooth transition of power across multiple agencies in the vast federal government. Michael Lewis joined Axios Today host Niala Boodhoo for an exclusive interview. Axios Today is a 10-minute, daily news podcast that gets you smarter, faster. Discover more at https://www.axios.co

Dec 2, 2020 • 0:00

Against the Rules Presents: Brave New Planet

Against the Rules Presents: Brave New Planet

Introducing Brave New Planet, a seven-part series that delves deep into the powerful technologies changing our world. These technologies have amazing potential upsides, but if we’re not careful, some might leave us a lot worse off.  Brave New Planet is hosted Dr. Eric Lander, president and founding director of The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT. To get the world we want, we’ll need to make wise choices. And, those decisions aren’t just up to scientists or politicians.  We—all of us—are th

Oct 12, 2020 • 0:00

Against the Rules Presents: Hearing with Tali Farhadian Weinstein

Against the Rules Presents: Hearing with Tali Farhadian Weinstein

Here is a preview of the newest podcast from Pushkin Industries:  Hearing with Tali Farhadian Weinstein.  It’s an interview show devoted to the battle for a better criminal justice system.  Tali is a veteran of the Obama Justice Department and former General Counsel to the Brooklyn District Attorney.  And now she’s a candidate to become the next District Attorney of Manhattan.  In this episode, you’ll hear Tali in conversation with New Yorker staff writer Jiayang Fan talking about doing justice

Oct 8, 2020 • 0:00

Against the Rules Presents: Deep Cover

Against the Rules Presents: Deep Cover

Against the Rules presents Deep Cover: The Drug Wars. Marijuana, motorcycles, and mayhem. Deep Cover is the true story of an FBI agent in Detroit who goes undercover in an outlaw motorcycle gang and makes a series of bizarre discoveries that inadvertently lead to the US invasion of a foreign country. Subscribe to Deep Cover here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 21, 2020 • 40:23

Against the Rules Presents: Axios Today

Against the Rules Presents: Axios Today

Pushkin Industries and Axios are joining forces to produce a daily news podcast that gets audiences smarter, faster on the most pressing topics of the day. Start your morning with news that matters in just 10 minutes. Host Niala Boodhoo and a team of award-winning journalists will bring you the latest scoops from the White House and Congress, analysis on the economy and insight into the trends shaping your world—from China to AI, and all the forces shaping the next five years. And it’s all deliv

Jun 23, 2020 • 11:41

Against the Rules Presents: Cautionary Tales

Against the Rules Presents: Cautionary Tales

Listen to the first episode of the new Cautionary Tales mini-season where host Tim Harford asks: Why did audience members fail to flee a deadly fire... despite being told to escape? Flames are spreading through a Cincinnati hotel. The staff know it, the fire department is coming, and the people in the packed cabaret bar have been told to evacuate… and yet they hesitate to leave. Why don’t we react to some warnings until it’s too late? Read more about Tim's work at http://timharford.com/ Tim's la

Jun 18, 2020 • 24:32

Aim Higher

Aim Higher

Can everyone be coached — or are some people beyond help?The transformative power of coaching is put to the test as Michael enlists a coach to help him tackle his greatest fear. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 16, 2020 • 44:29

The Unfair Coach

The Unfair Coach

Back when coaching didn’t do very much, it didn’t matter who got it and who didn’t. But coaching is clearly getting better and better, and spreading into more areas of life, which means it matters a great deal who gets it and who does not. And the people who don’t get it are often the ones who need it most. A professor attempts to teach the art of landing a joke to America’s next generation of business leaders, but will she tip the scales of privilege even more along the way? We see the other da

Jun 9, 2020 • 34:28

The Data Coach

The Data Coach

We explore the quantitative, scientific, and data-driven new frontier of coaching.  Major League baseball is undergoing a coaching revolution from old-school to new tech. We talk to players whose careers were turned around not by a charismatic coach, but by data, and the techies who coach them. We see how data coaching is creeping into the workspace with a computerized conversation coach that has pinned the successful sales pitch down to a science.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://

Jun 2, 2020 • 36:44

The Coach Effect

The Coach Effect

Colleges today talk a big game about valuing diversity — so why are so many of them failing to retain first-generation students? We meet a homeless straight-A track star and her ad-hoc college application coach to look at why it’s so hard to get into college while rural, poor, and uncoached. We go deep with coaches and students at a non-profit called ScholarMatch, founded by novelist David Eggers, to find out just what it can take to get first-generation college students over the graduation fini

May 27, 2020 • 42:04

The Coach in Your Head

The Coach in Your Head

Just about anyone today can call themselves a coach. Michael traces this trend back to its source and finds out that the secret to effective coaching lies not in retraining the body, but the mind. We meet the original guru of “the inner game”: Timothy Gallwey, author of the 1974 classic, “The Inner Game of Tennis.” We find out how mental skills coaches only need one coaching toolkit to work with everyone from New York City firefighters, youth softball players, professional musicians, and even wr

May 19, 2020 • 49:03

Don't Be Good – Be Great

Don't Be Good – Be Great

Michael revisits his high school days in New Orleans to tell the story of Billy Fitzgerald, the baseball coach who changed his life; and makes the case for the old-school, tough- love coaching that many parents find hard to take these days. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 12, 2020 • 44:31

Against the Rules Presents: Michael Lewis in Conversation with Malcolm Gladwell and Jacob Weisberg

Against the Rules Presents: Michael Lewis in Conversation with Malcolm Gladwell and Jacob Weisberg

Michael Lewis interviews the Co-Founders of Pushkin Industries, Malcolm Gladwell and Jacob Weisberg, as part of Dell Technologies Small Business Podference, Hear what it's like to start a business with a close friend and how Pushkin Industries is navigating the COVID-19 crisis.Find more episodes from the Small Business Podference at https://delltechnologiespodference.com/. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information

May 7, 2020 • 35:47

The Invisible Coach

The Invisible Coach

Credit card companies are making billions of dollars off of people who don’t understand the rules of the money game. Can a good coach help level the playing field? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 5, 2020 • 44:11

Introducing Against the Rules Season 2

Introducing Against the Rules Season 2

Journalist and bestselling author Michael Lewis (Liar's Poker, Moneyball) takes a searing look at what’s happened to fairness. It feels like there's less of it every day—whether it comes to lending practices, college admissions, professional sports, or psychological well-being. Who are the people trying to level the playing field, and are they making an impact? In the second season, Lewis looks at the rise in coaching in American life, bringing his trademark insight and wry humor to their storie

Apr 21, 2020 • 2:13

Bonus Against the Rules: Help in a Crisis

Bonus Against the Rules: Help in a Crisis

While working on the next season of Against the Rules coming later this spring, Michael Lewis has had some conversations that we didn’t want to hold. Conversations with people who are helping others through the Covid-19 crisis. We’ll hear from a software developer focused on helping the 40 million Americans on food assistance manage their benefits, as well as a teacher on the frontlines of the crisis in New York State. To help those in need, go to givedirectly.org/covid-19. Learn more about you

Mar 25, 2020 • 19:04

Against the Rules Presents: Cautionary Tales

Against the Rules Presents: Cautionary Tales

A new show from Pushkin Industries: Cautionary Tales. We tell our children unsettling fairy tales to teach them valuable life lessons, but these Cautionary Tales are for the education of the grown ups – and they are all true. Tim Harford (Financial Times, BBC, author of “Messy” and “The Undercover Economist”) brings you stories of awful human error, tragic catastrophes, daring heists and hilarious fiascos. They'll delight you, scare you, but also make you wiser. Featuring original music and an a

Nov 15, 2019 • 36:58

Live Episode: Michael Lewis and Malcolm Gladwell

Live Episode: Michael Lewis and Malcolm Gladwell

Around the launch of Against the Rules, Michael spoke with his friend and co-producer, the author Malcolm Gladwell, at the 92Y in New York. Hear them talk about podcasting, referees, and the magic of “conversational delight.” Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 21, 2019 • 54:02

The Magic Shoebox

The Magic Shoebox

Where is a millisecond worth a million dollars? The New York Stock Exchange.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 14, 2019 • 53:34

Baby Judge School

Baby Judge School

Judges now want us to know they’re human. But maybe we’d be better off if we didn’t know. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 7, 2019 • 39:49

The Neutral

The Neutral

What kind of person makes a neutral referee? It’s not the kind of person you think. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 30, 2019 • 39:13

The Hand of Leonardo

The Hand of Leonardo

The authenticator ref absolves everyone of blame. And sometimes generates money out of thin air. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 23, 2019 • 42:54

The Alex Kogan Experience

The Alex Kogan Experience

Everyone hates grammar and ethics cops. Until they need one. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 16, 2019 • 41:59

The Seven Minute Rule

The Seven Minute Rule

The government protects us from some dangerous products, but not from others that, over time, ruin countless lives.Michael has started a Go Fund Me campaign to help Katie finally be free of her student loan burden. If you would like to contribute, visit Katie's Go Fund Me. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 9, 2019 • 45:58

Ref, You Suck!

Ref, You Suck!

Rage at referees is all the rage in professional sports. Michael Lewis visits a replay center that’s trying to do the impossible: adjudicate fairness. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 2, 2019 • 37:15

Introducing Against the Rules with Michael Lewis

Introducing Against the Rules with Michael Lewis

Get ready for the launch of Michael Lewis's first podcast, where he takes listeners from student-loan call centers to the courts of Uzbekistan to the new trading hubs of Wall Street (in New Jersey). What happens when fairness can't be enforced? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 22, 2019 • 2:38

Switch to the Fountain App