Stephen Dubner
Born 1963 · Age 62
American author, journalist, and podcast and radio host; co-author of the Freakonomics books and host of Freakonomics Radio.
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Duanesburg, New York
Stephen Joseph Dubner born to Solomon (Paul) Dubner and Florence Greenglass.
Father's death
Dubner's father (a copy editor at The Record in Troy, NY) died when Stephen was ten.
First published piece (Highlights for Children)
Dubner's first published work appeared in Highlights for Children when he was 11.
Completed high school early
Finished Duanesburg Central High School a year ahead of his graduating class.
Entered Appalachian State University
Began undergraduate studies at Appalachian State University (College of Fine and Applied Arts).
Graduated Appalachian State University (BA)
Received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Appalachian State University (class of '84).
Band 'The Right Profile' signed to Arista Records
While an undergrad he played in The Right Profile, which signed with Arista shortly before he decided against a music career.
Stopped pursuing music professionally
Decided against a professional music career and shifted focus toward writing.
Joined New York magazine as editor/writer
Worked as an editor and writer at New York magazine (tenure later cited as 1990–1994).
Earned MFA in Writing from Columbia University
Received a Master of Fine Arts degree in writing and later taught in Columbia's English Department.
Taught English at Columbia University
Served as an instructor in Columbia's English Department after completing his MFA.
Joined The New York Times Magazine staff
Became an editor and writer at The New York Times Magazine (tenure cited as 1994–1999).
Published 'Choosing My Religion' essay in NYT
Published 'Choosing My Religion' in The New York Times, recounting his religious background and journey back to Judaism.
Published first full-length book 'Turbulent Souls'
Released Turbulent Souls: A Catholic Son's Return to His Jewish Family (later republished as Choosing My Religion).
Finalist for Koret Jewish Book Award
Turbulent Souls was named a finalist for the Koret National Jewish Book Award.
Married Ellen Binder
Marriage to documentary photographer Ellen Binder (NYT wedding announcement).
Published NYT Magazine profile of Steven Levitt
Wrote a profile of economist Steven D. Levitt that led to a collaboration and eventual co-authored books.
Published 'Confessions of a Hero-Worshiper'
Released the book Confessions of a Hero-Worshiper.
Freakonomics wins the inaugural Quill Award
Freakonomics received the Quill Award and other honors and was named a Notable Book by the New York Times.
Shortlisted for FT/Goldman Sachs Business Book Award
Freakonomics was short-listed for the Financial Times and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year award.
Published 'Freakonomics' (with Steven D. Levitt)
Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything published and became an international bestseller.
Republished 'Turbulent Souls' as 'Choosing My Religion'
Turbulent Souls was republished under the new title Choosing My Religion; noted as being developed for film.
Regular contributor to ABC News (approx.)
Appeared widely on television, including a multi-year stint as a Freakonomics contributor on ABC News (Good Morning America, 'Freakonomics Friday').
Published children's book 'The Boy With Two Belly Buttons'
Released a children's book diversifying his publications.
Published 'SuperFreakonomics'
Second Freakonomics book (co-authored with Steven Levitt) published to similar international acclaim.
Launched Freakonomics Radio (weekly podcast)
Started the Freakonomics Radio podcast; later expanded into a public-radio project and show network.
Film 'Freakonomics: The Movie' released; closed Tribeca Film Festival
Documentary film version of Freakonomics released and chosen as the closing film of the Tribeca Film Festival.
Freakonomics franchise discussions and public appearances grow
Ongoing appearances, radio episodes and public events expanding the Freakonomics enterprise.
Appalachian State University Alumni Award (2012)
Recognized by his alma mater in alumni awards listings (citation: 'Alumni Awards 2012: Stephen J. Dubner '84').
Freakonomics Radio episodes addressing tipping, names, and other topics
Hosted notable episodes and media discussions (e.g., tipping economics) illustrating podcast's topical reach.
Published 'Think Like a Freak'
Dubner and Levitt released Think Like a Freak (2014), a book focused on retraining thinking patterns.
Launched Freakonomics live game-show (Greene Space)
Freakonomics Radio Presents: 'Tell Me Something I Don't Know' live game show debuted at The Greene Space with guests Malcolm Gladwell and David Paterson.
Published 'When to Rob a Bank'
Released When to Rob a Bank...And 131 More Warped Suggestions and Well-Intended Rants, a collection from the Freakonomics blog.
Contributed a chapter to 'Tools of Titans'
Dubner contributed a chapter to Tim Ferriss' Tools of Titans.
Partnership with The New York Times for 'Tell Me Something I Don't Know' podcast
Created Tell Me Something I Don't Know in partnership with The New York Times (later part of Freakonomics Radio ecosystem).
Freakonomics Radio reaches 15 million monthly downloads
Podcast reported to be getting approximately 15 million global monthly downloads as of 2018.
Hosted and spoke at conferences (e.g., MIT Sloan Sports Analytics)
Continued high-profile speaking engagements at conferences such as the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference and university events.
Launched or co-hosted new Freakonomics series/podcasts
Expansion of Freakonomics network with additional shows and live events (e.g., live game-show iterations and new podcast series).
Guest appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience
Dubner appeared on Joe Rogan's podcast to discuss his work and ideas.
Residence in New York City with family
As of June 2023, Dubner resides in NYC with wife Ellen Binder, their two children and a dog.
Continued public speaking and touring
Active as a speaker (events, universities, corporate audiences) and maintains Freakonomics Radio and spin-off shows.
Net worth estimate (public estimates)
Third-party sources estimate Dubner's net worth at roughly $10M based on book sales, podcast revenue, speaking fees and media projects.
Key Achievement Ages
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