Podcst

26. Memory Champion Nelson Dellis Helps Steve Train His Brain

People I (Mostly) Admire

Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher

June 13, 2026

Show Notes

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.


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26. Memory Champion Nelson Dellis Helps Steve Train His Brain — Podcst