Stephen Dubner

Stephen Dubner is a best-selling author, co-author of the wildly popular Freakonomics books, and radio host of the Freakonomics Radio podcast. He is an award-winning journalist, television producer, and has written extensively on the impact of economics and human behavior. He is noted for his ability to take complex topics and make them accessible and interesting to a wide audience.

Dubner was born and raised in New York City. He attended college at the University of West Georgia then moved to New York City to pursue a career in writing. After writing for The New York Times Magazine and other publications, Dubner gained the attention of an editor at the popular magazine, “Freakonomics.” He immediately became a regular contributor to the publication. He later collaborated with the magazine’s Editor, Steve Levitt, to create the groundbreaking book, “Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything.”

In the book, Dubner and Levitt take on an “against the grain” approach to exploring the interactions between economics and human behavior. The best-selling book delves into topics such as the real reasons why people cheat, the connection between parenting methods and a child’s success, and why incentives and rewards don’t always lead to better performance. Dubner’s accessible writing style has made the subject of economics personal and interesting to the average reader.

Since the success of “Freakonomics,” Dubner has gone on to write several additional books, including “Supersize Me: The Incredible Subject of Economics.” He has also adapted the Freakonomics series into an animated television series. Additionally, he is the host of the Freakonomics Radio podcast, a weekly show that applies the authors' trademark wit and unconventional wisdom to global topics.

Dubner has won numerous awards for his writing, including the Christopher Award, the 2020 National Magazine Award for Columns and Commentary, and the Chagrin Falls Literary Prize. His work has been featured in The Economist, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, and other major publications.

Dubner’s passion for making complex subjects personal and understandable for any audience has brought the principles of economics to the masses. His humorous, thought-provoking style has created a new way of looking at traditionally serious topics. Stephen Dubner continues to lecture and write about economics and human behavior. His books and podcasts have been praised as both illuminating and entertaining.