
26. Memory Champion Nelson Dellis Helps Steve Train His Brain
From People I (Mostly) Admire by Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
June 13, 2026 · 35 min · Episode 26
About this episode
Memory champion Nelson Dellis shares his techniques for improving memory with host Steve.
He’s one of the world’s leading competitors, having won four U.S. memory tournaments and holding the record for most names memorized in 15 minutes (235!). But Nelson Dellis claims he was born with an average memory and that anyone can learn his tricks. Steve gives Nelson’s techniques a shot, without much hope — and is surprised by the result. This episode originally aired on May 7, 2021.
People in this episode
Host: Steve
Guest: Nelson Dellis
Topics covered
- memory techniques
- brain training
- memory competition
- self-improvement
- cognitive skills
Keywords
- memory
- memory champion
- brain training
- Nelson Dellis
- cognitive skills
- memory techniques
- self-improvement
More episodes of People I (Mostly) Admire
- 25. Sam Harris: “Spirituality Is a Loaded Term.” · June 6, 2026 · 43 min
- 24. Are We Under Threat from a New Kind of Terror? (Replay Ep. 24) · May 30, 2026 · 44 min
- 23. Greg Norman & Mark Broadie: Why Golf Beats an Orgasm and Why Data Beats Everything · May 23, 2026 · 42 min
- 22. Sal Khan: “If It Works for 15 Cousins, It Could Work for a Billion People.” · May 16, 2026 · 44 min
- 21. Pete Docter: “What If Monsters Really Do Exist?” · May 9, 2026 · 43 min
- 20. John Donohue: “I'm Frequently Called a Treasonous Enemy of the Constitution.” · May 2, 2026 · 37 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the People I (Mostly) Admire podcast page.