logo
episode-header-image
Apr 5
44m 49s

Yul Kwon: “Don't Try to Change Yourself ...

Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
About this episode

He has been a lawyer, an instructor at the F.B.I. Academy, the owner of a frozen-yogurt chain, and a winner of the TV show Survivor. Today, Kwon works at Google, but things haven’t always come easily for him. Steve Levitt talks to Kwon about his debilitating childhood anxieties, his compulsion to choose the hardest path in life, and how Kwon used game theory to stage a victory on Survivor.

 

  • SOURCES:
    • Yul Kwon, vice president of product management at Google.

 

 

Up next
Jul 5
161. How to Captivate an Audience
Twenty years ago, before the Freakonomics book tour, Bill McGowan taught Steve Levitt to speak in public. In his new book he tries to teach everyone else. SOURCES:Bill McGowan, founder and C.E.O. of Clarity Media Group. RESOURCES:Speak, Memorably: The Art of Captivating an Audien ... Show More
48m 48s
Jun 28
Annie Duke Thinks You Should Quit (Update)
Former professional poker player Annie Duke wrote a book about Steve’s favorite subject: quitting. They talk about why quitting is so hard, how to do it sooner, and why we feel shame when we do something that’s good for us. SOURCES:Annie Duke, author and former professional poker ... Show More
48m 25s
Jun 21
160. How to Help Kids Succeed
Psychologist David Yeager thinks the conventional wisdom for how to motivate young people is all wrong. His model for helping kids cope with stress is required reading at Steve’s new high school. SOURCES:David Yeager, professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. ... Show More
1 h
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2025
Bruce Lee's 6 simple habits to build mastery, mental strength and a growth mindset
Bruce Lee wasn't just a martial arts icon. He was a master of mental discipline, using six powerful habits that transformed his approach to life and success. Bruce's journey reveals how deliberate practice shaped his legendary status. Instead of fearing failure, he embraced it as ... Show More
17m 32s
May 2020
Wes Watson - How To Survive COVID-19 Lockdown: Using My 10 Years Of Prison Experience To Thrive In Isolation
Wes Watson is an inspirational speaker, fitness trainer, and ex-convict. Watson grew up in San Diego, California, skating, surfing and snowboarding, before getting involved in dealing marijuana. This began a downward spiral which ultimately led to Wes being given a 10 year term i ... Show More
1h 30m
Nov 2024
RICKSON GRACIE | The Art and Science of Invisible Jiu-Jitsu
You guys have heard me talk about Jiu-Jitsu ad nauseum but what you may not have heard me talk too much about is the often-overlooked invisible form of the martial art that has taken over the world of MMA and combat sports. This is not about submitting or disabling an opponent on ... Show More
1h 4m
Jul 2024
💥 Self Awareness in Personal Branding with Chris Do
THIS EPISODE IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE INTERVIEWS EVER!Today I am joined by the amazing Chris Do, Chris is an Emmy award-winning designer, director, CEO and Chief Strategist of Blind and the founder of The Futur—an online education platform with the mission of teaching 1 billion peo ... Show More
1h 12m
Apr 2019
Ep36 - Haemin Sunim | How to Accept Yourself in a World Striving for Perfection
One of the world’s most prominent Buddhist monks, Haemin Sunim, joined us at Google in London to talk about self-care, discussing that only by accepting yourself - and the flaws which make you who you are - can you have compassionate and fulfilling relationships at home and work. ... Show More
46m 58s
May 29
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that’s all about skill, strategy, and using your opponent’s moves against them. Learn where it came from, how it works, and why it’s become one of the most popular martial arts in the world today. 🎉 Check out our new show, ⁠Bedtime Safari⁠! ⁠📺⁠ ⁠YouTu ... Show More
6m 18s
Feb 2025
How A Black Belt Became a Multi-Millionaire Business Owner
👇Click the link below to come see Aaron and I in 2025! 👇 https://rise720.com/--Today I'm sitting here with Aaron Hensely (‪@Riseusa‬ ), who is a martial arts warrior and successful entreprenuer. Aaron earned a BLACK BELT from Chuck Norris at 12 years old, and went on to sta ... Show More
24m 41s
May 15
547. The Movie Hollywood Didn’t See Coming... | Jocko Willink
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson sits down with Jocko Willink — decorated Navy SEAL, best-selling author, and serial entrepreneur — to explore the principles of discipline, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of meaningful goals. From parenting to entrepreneurship, from writing books to ... Show More
1h 40m
Apr 21
Former FBI Agent: If They Do This Please RUN! Narcissists Favourite Trick To Control You! They're Controlling You Like A Puppet!
Former FBI agent Joe Navarro reveals the body language mistakes silently destroying your success, and how to fix them today. Joe Navarro is a former FBI special agent and internationally renowned expert in nonverbal communication, human behavior, and body language. He is also the ... Show More
2h 25m
May 2024
052. Mastering the Art of Persistence w/ Randall Kaplan
In this episode, we dive deep into the principles of persistence, preparation, and the power of personal connection with Randall Kaplan who has mastered the art of turning obstacles into stepping stones. Discover the strategies that can help you stand out, foster meaningful relat ... Show More
19m 44s