Episode · People I (Mostly) Admire · 2025-08-23
Books mentioned on Rick Rubin on How to Make Something Great (Update)
From recording some of the first rap hits to revitalizing Johnny Cash's career, the legendary producer has had an extraordinary creative life. In this episode he talks about his new book and his art-making process — and helps Steve get in touch with his own artistic side.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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The Creative Act: a Way of Being [Spiral-Bound] Rick Rubin
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by legendary music producer Rick Rubin is a philosophical guide designed to help readers unlock, nurture, and sustain their inherent creative potential.
Recommended“There was a lot in Rick Rubin's book that spoke to me. But if there's one big message, one that I would love for you to carry away, it's something early in the book. He writes, "Creativity is not a rare ability."”
Where to get it
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Freakonomics
Freakonomics by Steven D.
Discussed“When I read that, I immediately thought about when Steven Dubner and I began writing Freconomics. We spent a few months mapping out the book together, abiding by all sorts of unconscious rules. we had about what a non-fiction book should look like.”
Where to get it
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Dao de Jing
Discussed“The way of code is based on Lasu's Dao Di Jing, a 30,000-year-old wisdom text.”
Where to get it
