Reviews
But had to say terrible choice of Marci Cottingham. Your questions were far better than her answers. Next time, just throw the over educated and under informed responses in the trash and find another person to interview, don’t waste our time. The “I don’t understand” and “my dad listened to Myron...Read full review »
moving on-missu via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/22/24
I think I might like the bonus episodes better than the actual ones. It’s just an engaged listener speaking with an expert. Today’s was very entertaining. I also liked last year’s interviews with the crypto skeptic (her name escapes me) and the bankruptcy attorney (bankruptcy!).
justnuisance via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/15/24
I can listen to Michael Lewis talk to and about anyone and anything he’s interested in. The way his mind works out a question, how he gets his subjects to talk straight, his own curiosity and delight in discovery… he’s never not compelling. And the arc of all seasons as a whole is so satisfying....Read full review »
@TheGirlPie via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/10/24
Given the client journalism of “Going Infinite” and what is emerging about “The Blindside”, you sadly have to be weary about anything Lewis is associated with.
Alan Mahon via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 10/06/24
As someone who is overly familiar with courtrooms, and sometimes takes it for granted that others are as well, JL does an incredible job of describing things to people who aren’t and gives great insight into the intricacies and nuances of criminal courts and especially criminal Trials, from...Read full review »
tgsblazers via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/29/24
Sorry to add to the negative comments about Lydia’s voice but it’s just not meant for this type of medium. Also, the production just isn’t up to Pushkin standards. Disappointing. I’m going to delete the podcast.
annsonline via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 07/24/24
I’m not sure how he wasn’t implicated in the trial. He was present and documented all this fraud while it was occurring which should implicate him in the conspiracy. His laughing in episode 10 with Levine wreaks of guilty conscience. This podcast also shows him as a complete sellout. There is...Read full review »
Frump2020 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/24/24
Meh
Subject matter of the SBF trial is interesting, but the pacing and delivery of the story aren't that gripping. A little bit clunky and disjointed. It's not as good as other podcasts covering a trial such as The Dropout. Michael Lewis' reverance of SBF is jarring to say the least, he...Read full review »
rauhlemotions via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 06/19/24
When this was Against the Rules it was a brilliantly produced, well-crafted series. The first two seasons were exceptional. Then the SBF series was launched and it feels like they’ve sacrificed quality to churn out as many episodes as possible with appalling quality of both content, and audio...Read full review »
Hokusai ocean via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 06/05/24
Just pretend there’s is t anything past season 2. If you pretend Micheal Lewis died after that it makes everything before still acceptable. Still cannot believe how incredibly dumb this forced push into SBF is. 1 star for whatever credit is deserved for season 1 and 2. Now if only I could...Read full review »
Justwool via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/16/24
Lewis being conned is really the best case scenario, because it’s more likely “host of podcast sympathizes terrible criminal for podcast listens.”
Josh from Spoilers! via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/15/24
I’ve lost a lot of respect for Michael Lewis as a consequence of his seemingly deep sympathy for SBF. SBF is an arrogant, narcissist criminal who deserves every day he serves.
rand0 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/05/24
Bankman-Fried’s favorite philsophy, Utilitarianism, is featured a little bit in “Hard Times,” by Dickens … and includes a word of warning from Dickens to utilitarians!:”Utilitarian economists … the poor you will have always with you. Cultivate in them, while there is yet time, the utmost graces...Read full review »
Gradgrind X via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/03/24
This is a compelling story and very well told. Five stars on this one.
Vr&a via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/01/24
That he immediately pushes back and interjects against anyone who thinks differently than him.
jneuhauser via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/30/24
Gave this season a shot. Hard to listen to.
ulyfv35 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/27/24
Michael Lewis is terrific. Probably my favorite writer and podcaster. That said, Gladwell has ruined all Pushkin pods by caring only about ad money. Years ago, the Pushkin pods were spectacular. Making money is great, but focusing solely on short-term profits is deplorable. On a recent 11...Read full review »
Mauiguy1 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/26/24
GREAT JOB! YOU ALL ARE DOING AMAZING WORK!
auty home via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/24/24
Only bummed I didn’t discover this sooner. Big Pushkin fan and even bigger M. Lewis fan. Absolutely loved the BTS and real life interviews and insights of such a game changing book. Didn’t know Liars Poker was such a big deal. I, too left a life of Wall Street for something else.
JT Akers via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/21/24
I once loved this podcast. Michael Lewis and the team did a great job for three seasons. This fourth however is pretty much unlistenable. A decent portion of the blame falls on the new reporter whose voice is a challenge and writing weak, but also the overall composition of the whole season feels...Read full review »
Callahansfeedstore via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/29/24
Ms Kott has a voice that I find intolerable - I simply cannot listen to her.
GracieEsq via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/20/24
SBF
I love the SBF season, Lydia J Cott is a star!
DL3222 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/29/24
I get that this is a business and you need to raise revenue, but this was ridiculous. After all, you’re already saving money by having your fourteen year old baby-sitter act as the court reporter. Love the writer, but this season was not good.
buddhatim via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/15/24
This is so oddly pro Sam Bankman, non stop downplaying and justifying his crimes. “The money was just not where it was supposed to be” and calling Sam a genius? Not sure how you are all drinking that kool aid unless this is Lewis’s attempt at avoiding culpability for hanging out with Sam as he...Read full review »
Pya3g via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/12/24
The high pitch of the main interviewer made this podcast painful to listen to. And Michael Lewis barely features. Disappointed.
KNGaskin via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 01/08/24
Very disappointed with the judging Sam season. Stopped listening after three episodes. The reporting was lazy and amateur and making distasteful jokes. Lost all interest and credibility making comments about the defendant’s hair cut, not being able to answer a simple question like why are...Read full review »
KasperInOrbit via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 01/06/24
Book was fascinating storytelling as always. The trial series is the perfect sequel. We know what Michael Lewis is capable of, but how about that Lydia. Definitely not out of central casting for a talking head, which is refreshing. In addition, she is intelligent and sounds so sweet and innocent...Read full review »
Robon180 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/03/24
This season featured the impulsive reactions of four, five, six? people to the federal criminal trial proceedings in a highly publicized case. I’m not sure why this was turned into a podcast; I’d venture to guess that it was for ratings, primarily. But it was rushed, not well understood by anyone...Read full review »
Arns19 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/18/23
This podcast really tarnishes a great writer I’ve long enjoyed. Michael Lewis seems unable to recognize Sam Bankman Fried is both not a genius and little more than a scam artist. This podcast comes off very very poorly.
Cohasset Pod Man via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/09/23
No one listens to The Rules with Michael Lewis to hear LJ talk about her experiences in the courtroom. More SBF, more Michael Lewis, less LJ please
Sank transform via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 12/02/23
I really wanted to listen to this podcast. I am interested in the trial and the subject matter. But I find Lydia’s voice is very difficult to listen to. Apologies, Lydia.
VictoriaGT14 via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 11/27/23
This review is specifically about Season 4, Judging Sam. It’s unfortunate that Lidia Jean is only credited as “court reporter” because honestly she did a fantastic job covering the trial, conveying both the facts but also the sentiment and nuance of the proceedings. They should have just made her...Read full review »
Three ducks in a trench coat via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/19/23
I’ve listened to thousands of hours worth of podcasts, and Lidia Jean Kott’s talent for asking the most amazing questions is incredible. She not only asks what I wish she did, she also asks what I wish I had thought of asking. Her instincts as a reporter are so good, Michael Lewis is lucky to...Read full review »
MexicanRodrigo via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/18/23
Hard to find the actual show amongst all the ads.
thoughtsfrombelmont via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/17/23
This podcast is fantastic. Lidia Jean Kott is a national treasure. Protect her at all costs.
maralikesthedog via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/17/23
Oh I think people are being very unfair to Lydia due to her voice when in reality she’s actually excellent, knows the case very well and gives very good recaps. The issue I have is how ridiculous Michael Lewis comes across as almost a Sam apologist. It’s actually embarrassing to hear Lewis...Read full review »
Bojado72 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/16/23
???
Borderline unlistenable. Without the first person singular pronoun these people couldn’t compose a sentence. It’s a real trick to start with a complex fascinating story and leave the listener bored. And the ads! Interminable. I’ll never buy anything advertised on this podcast. If Pushkin...Read full review »
Hurt-dance via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/16/23
Worst podcast ever. Michael, stick to writing books. Bonus episode on financial planning was an embarrassment. You seem to have thing for career woman, usually intelligent of a certain age who really are not suited for communicating in podcast. You’ve made plenty of money, and will make more....Read full review »
Beavis67 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/15/23
Interesting content but impossible to get through & enjoy with “LJ” as a major host. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a worse voice on a podcast. She’s uneducated & juvenile on top of it. I agree with another commenter that she treats the trial like a HS field trip. If she’s a journalist...Read full review »
court1413 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/14/23
The host’s childish voice makes this podcast unlistenable. She needs some voice training.
Curious Sam via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/11/23
Late to the party and only started this pod a few days ago. Overall I find it engaging and informative on a subject I haven’t had a chance to learn much about - Sam’s story. My only criticism is- sorry!- using Lidia to report; her voice and mannerisms convey a lack of confidence and the...Read full review »
SF Lupa via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/11/23
I was surprised to see first comment praising narrator’s fresh enthusiastic voice. I guess I am stale and dull, but I have trouble getting past the voice to get to the meaning. The story is interesting though.
Sapdoug via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/10/23
Lewis isn’t a big part of the podcast, but when he *is* on he comes across as slightly arrogant and as an SBF apologist. To hear him say SBF’s parents don’t deserve this and he hopes that the press/law leave them alone is 🤯. SBF wasn’t created/enabled in a vacuum. Not that they should go to jail,...Read full review »
Bookgasm via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/10/23
There are some solid pieces of analysis, here, however, it’s hard to get past Michael Lewis, worshiping Sam Bankman-Fried. He’s completely blind to some of the wrongdoings, including his parents. Felt very biased.
MeganAnn1978 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/09/23
Where is your full response and reaction to the verdict? Don’t leave us hanging.
REI Cliff via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/06/23
Michael Lewis is great but regrettably absent from most of this podcast. The problem is the host. If someone can be said to have a voice made for sign language she does. Horrible.
Bill, Just Bill via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/06/23
…has the right voice for a podcast. Lydia Jean’s voice is like nails on a chalkboard. Cringe worthy.
B Frie via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/05/23
Poor audio quality. Not much analysis or insight. Michael Lewis was on book tour and so others filled in.
LynnieAllwell via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/05/23
Had lots of potential but came off quite amateur. LJK is not an expert but gets a lot of the air time talking about her first visit to the outside of a prison just to “see how far” she could get and her impressions of her first court case. Really not much coverage of the proceedings from an...Read full review »
KR1313 via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 11/05/23
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