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Freakonomics Radio · September 16, 2026 · 32m 32s

How to Be a Double Unicorn, with John Urschel | Better in Person

John Urschel
Show Notes

John Urschel joins Stephen Dubner to talk about leaving a thriving NFL career for mathematics. He now teaches at MIT and walks through the decision and path that took him there. In the hands-on style of Better in Person, he also teaches Dubner some football blocking techniques. Along the way he explains one of mathematics' mind-bending ideas: why some infinities are bigger than others.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

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Leaving the NFL for mathematics
John Urschel was thriving in the NFL but decided to leave and focus on mathematics, a subject he now teaches at MIT.
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Teaching blocking technique to Stephen Dubner
During the episode, John gives Stephen Dubner a hands-on lesson in football blocking technique.
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Why some infinities are bigger than others
John explains the mathematical idea that not all infinities are equal; some infinities are bigger than others.
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The double unicorn identity
The episode frames John Urschel as a double unicorn, a person who has reached elite levels in both football and mathematics.
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