The Colbert Report Season 7 Episode 18 Michael Lewis

The Colbert Report season 7 episode 18 features Michael Lewis, a prominent author and journalist. Lewis is known for his ability to take complex economic and financial concepts and present them in a way that is accessible to a wide audience. His most famous works include "Moneyball," "The Big Short," and "Flash Boys."

Throughout the episode, Lewis joins host Stephen Colbert to discuss a variety of topics related to his work. The conversation begins with a discussion of Lewis's latest book, "The Fifth Risk," which explores what happens when the federal government is unprepared for unexpected challenges. Lewis discusses his research for the book, which involved spending time with government workers from across a number of different agencies. He shares stories of individuals who are deeply committed to their work, but often unnoticed by the public. Lewis's insights into government bureaucracy and the importance of competent leadership in times of crisis provide valuable food for thought.

Colbert and Lewis then delve into a discussion of the financial crisis and its impact on everyday Americans. Lewis's book "The Big Short" tells the story of the individuals who profited from the crash of the housing market, and he shares insights into the complexities of that system. He discusses how the day-to-day workings of Wall Street can be inscrutable to the average person, and how that has contributed to distrust of the financial system. Lewis also talks about the importance of accountability and transparency in financial markets, and how those values can help protect against future crises.

The conversation then moves to Lewis's book "Moneyball," which tells the story of the Oakland Athletics' use of data analysis to build a winning baseball team. This leads into a discussion of the use of data and analytics in a variety of fields. Lewis talks about the ways in which data can help people make better decisions, and how it can be used to uncover hidden patterns and relationships. He also discusses the dangers of relying too heavily on data, and the importance of intuition and judgment in decision-making.

Throughout the episode, Colbert and Lewis display a friendly rapport and a shared interest in exploring complex ideas in an accessible way. They also share a willingness to take on difficult topics and to challenge conventional wisdom. The result is a thought-provoking conversation that gives viewers a glimpse into the mind of one of the most important writers of our time. Whether discussing the inner workings of the federal government, the mysteries of Wall Street, or the power of data analysis, Colbert and Lewis demonstrate a commitment to intellectual curiosity and a desire to better understand our world.