Stephen Dubner

Stephen J. Dubner is an author, journalist, and podcast host whose career encompasses music, academia, magazine editing, and media. As an undergraduate, Dubner started a rock band that was signed to Arista Records, which brought him to New York City. He later left music to earn an MFA in writing at Columbia University, where he also taught in the English Department. Dubner became an editor and writer at New York magazine and The New York Times before transitioning to book authorship. His journalism has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Time, and other publications, and has been anthologized in "The Best American Sports Writing," "The Best American Crime Writing," and additional collections.

Dubner first gained recognition as a memoirist with his book "Turbulent Souls: A Catholic Son's Return to His Jewish Family," which was a finalist for the Koret Jewish Book Award and was named a Notable Book by The New York Times. The book was later republished as "Choosing My Religion." He followed this with "Confessions of a Hero-Worshiper" and the children's book "The Boy With Two Belly Buttons."

Dubner's collaboration with University of Chicago economist Steven D. Levitt began after Dubner was assigned to write a profile on Levitt for The New York Times Magazine. Their partnership led to the co-authorship of "Freakonomics," which became an international best-seller, appeared on numerous books of the year lists, won several awards including the Quill Award, BookSense Book of the Year Award, and Visionary Award from the National Council on Economic Education, and was named a Notable Book by The New York Times. "Freakonomics" has been translated into 40 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.

Dubner and Levitt co-authored three additional books: "SuperFreakonomics," "Think Like a Freak," and "When to Rob a Bank." Their work uses economics to analyze real-world phenomena and provide unconventional insights. A documentary film adaptation of "Freakonomics" was selected as the closing film of the Tribeca Film Festival. Dubner has appeared on television as a contributor to ABC News and as host of NFL Network's "Football Freakonomics," which received an Emmy nomination.

Dubner launched the weekly podcast "Freakonomics Radio," which has reached a global audience with millions of monthly downloads and airs on NPR stations and other platforms. He also hosts "Freakonomics Radio Live!"—formerly "Tell Me Something I Don't Know"—a live game-show version of the podcast. "No Stupid Questions" is another podcast in the Freakonomics Radio family, co-hosted with psychologist Angela Duckworth, where they explore a range of topics. Dubner is also active as a keynote speaker, known for his research-driven approach and analysis in economics, behavioral science, and media. In 2026, Dubner announced he was launching a new self-financed, TV-style talk show called "Better in Person," in which he will host in-depth conversations with a variety of guests at his New York City home.