Bestselling Author, Journalist & Podcast Host; Co-Author of "Freakonomics"; Host of Freakonomics Radio; Emmy-Nominated TV Contributor
Stephen Dubner Biography
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.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Stephen Dubner and other top speakers and celebrities.
Stephen Dubner Speaking Topics
-
Author Talk: 'Freakonomics' Franchise
Each idea presented by Stephen Dubner of "Freakonomics" illustrates a story or example, providing audiences with illuminating thoughts for profitable thinking. With a trademark blend of captivating storytelling and unconventional analysis, Dubner takes us inside his process and teaches us all to think a bit more productively, more creatively, more rationally—to think, that is, like a Freak.
Information on book buys and signings is available upon request.
-
Freakonomics: Business & Management
Tailored to your industry interests, preeminent journalist Stephen Dubner aims to provide insights specific to the marketplace, elucidating his opinion on risks of the future and the best practices for today. By sharing the stories the data is telling, Dubner educates audiences on the latest cases and research relevant to their organization.
-
How do I book Stephen Dubner to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Stephen Dubner for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Stephen Dubner, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Stephen Dubner or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Stephen Dubner
Speaking fees for Stephen Dubner, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Stephen Dubner are available upon request for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Stephen Dubner, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Stephen Dubner speak about?
Stephen Dubner is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, Bestselling Authors, Business, Children's Authors, Economy, Faith & Religion, Faith & Religion, Finance, Jewish Heritage, Marketing, Podcast Host, Sales, Technology -
Where does Stephen Dubner travel from?
Stephen Dubner generally travels from New York, NY, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
Who is Stephen Dubner’s agent?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Stephen Dubner for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Stephen Dubner for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Stephen Dubner or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best, unbiased speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Stephen Dubner is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Author Talk: 'Freakonomics' Franchise, Freakonomics: Business & Management, Freakonomics: The Power of Incentive and How to Think Like a Freak. The estimated speaking fee range to book Stephen Dubner for your event is available upon request. Stephen Dubner generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Mike Walsh, Malcolm Gladwell, Daymond John, Gary Vaynerchuk and Peter Diamandis. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Stephen Dubner for an upcoming live or virtual event.
This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.
All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.
If you are the talent and wish to request a profile update or removal from our online directory, please submit a profile request form.








