05/17/2026: Betting on War, The Knowledge, Christopher Nolan

About this episode

The episode explores the phenomenon of betting on war, the London black cab industry's reliance on 'The Knowledge', and features an interview with filmmaker Christopher Nolan.

Last month a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier was indicted for using classified intelligence to make bets online. It comes as online prediction markets have exploded in popularity. The war in Iran and capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro have revealed suspiciously-timed bets on when an attack might happen, even the fate of world leaders. Correspondent Jon Wertheim reports on the phenomenon of betting on war and the creation of a whole new category of insider trading. As tech companies promise that AI-powered autonomous vehicles will transform transportation, correspondent Anderson Cooper takes a ride down the ancient roads and medieval alleyways of London in the iconic black cab. London’s black cab industry still relies on a 161-year-old test called “the Knowledge”, requiring prospective cabbies to memorize thousands of London's landmarks and the shortest routes between them all. Cooper reports on this legacy institution and why London cab drivers aren’t about to hand over their keys to big tech. Legendary Hollywood director Christopher Nolan, whose blockbuster films have earned 18 Academy Awards, meets with correspondent Scott Pelley ahead of the release of his…

People in this episode

Host: Scott Pelley

Guest: Christopher Nolan

Topics covered

• betting on war
• online prediction markets
• London black cab industry
• The Knowledge
• Christopher Nolan
• filmmaking

Keywords

• betting
• war
• online markets
• London
• The Knowledge
• Christopher Nolan
• filmmaking
• Academy Awards

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: U.S. Army

Books & works: The Odyssey

Places: Iran, Venezuela, London

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