Episode · Freakonomics Radio · 2026-07-29
Books mentioned on How Gary Gulman Turned Depression Into Comedy Gold | Better in Person
Gary and Stephen talk about creativity, recovery, getting fired, and holding grudges. They also get outside and play basketball, which is a big part of how Gary stays well.
Stephen Dubner recommended Misfit by Gary Gulman. Gary Gulman discussed The Most Good You Can Do by Peter Singer and How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
-
Misfit
Misfit by Gary Gulman is a poignant and humorous memoir that chronicles the comedian's childhood, struggles with growing up awkward during the 1980s, and his early journey toward finding his unique voice.
Recommended“He's also smart. He enunciates beautifully. He's got an amazing vocabulary. And he wrote a really nice memoir called Misfit, Growing Up Awkward in the 80s.”
Where to get it
-
The Most Good You Can Do
The Most Good You Can Do by Peter Singer examines effective altruism, arguing that individuals can make a massive, measurable difference in saving lives globally by living within modest means and donating surplus income to high-impact charities.
Discussed“I want to get a bigger place but it has to fall within this range of not too ostentatious where I would feel guilty because I read this book by Peter Singer The Most Good You Can Do where if you live within certain means and give away a certain amount you can save lives”
Where to get it
-
How to Change Your Mind
How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan is a compelling non-fiction investigation into the history, science, and cultural renaissance of psychedelic substances like psilocybin and LSD in therapeutic settings.
Discussed“but they are still in tests of psilocybin mushrooms Michael Pollan wrote that book how to change your mind and it was yeah it's very influential”
Where to get it
