21. Pete Docter: “What If Monsters Really Do Exist?”

21. Pete Docter: “What If Monsters Really Do Exist?”

From People I (Mostly) Admire by Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher

May 9, 2026 · 43 min · Episode 21

About this episode

Pete Docter discusses Pixar's history and the filmmaking process with Steve.

He’s the chief creative officer of Pixar, and the Academy Award-winning director of Soul, Inside Out, Up, and Monsters, Inc. Pete Docter and Steve talk about Pixar’s scrappy beginnings, why it costs $200 million to make an animated film, and the movie moment that changed Steve’s life. This episode originally aired on March 26th, 2021.

People in this episode

Host: Steve

Guest: Pete Docter

Topics covered

  • Pixar
  • animation
  • film production
  • creativity
  • personal stories

Keywords

  • Pixar
  • Pete Docter
  • animation
  • film
  • Soul
  • Inside Out
  • Monsters, Inc.

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Pixar

Books & works: Soul, Inside Out, Up, Monsters, Inc.

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