# Unconventional Wisdom

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/if-then-6755579/unconventional-wisdom
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/if-then-6755579/unconventional-wisdom.md
Podcast: [If/Then](https://stenobird.com/podcast/if-then-6755579)
Published: 2026-05-06T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://op3.dev/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/zA4xtlPBvf2K1K9zesjz/mgln.ai/e/p853501/rss.art19.com/episodes/1d60550f-b92f-4188-b699-5e44979cc90e.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIg90cmFuc2NyaWJyBjoGRVQ%3D--952c5701c84ad333c69d5faa668f8177091704f0
Audio file: https://op3.dev/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/zA4xtlPBvf2K1K9zesjz/mgln.ai/e/p853501/rss.art19.com/episodes/1d60550f-b92f-4188-b699-5e44979cc90e.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIg90cmFuc2NyaWJyBjoGRVQ%3D--952c5701c84ad333c69d5faa668f8177091704f0
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/if-then-6755579/episodes/unconventional-wisdom
Duration seconds: 1571

## Resource

“I don’t see things like anybody else,” says Jonathan Berk, a professor of finance at Stanford Graduate School of Business. “And so I can see things people don't see.”  On this episode, Berk explores recent research that pushes against conventional wisdom, from questioning the utility of the debt-to-GDP ratio to asking whether regulation is actually in the best interests of the consumer.  “If you disagree with me… You have to write down a convincing theoretical model and analyze [it].” Berk admits his unique lens doesn’t always make life easy. But on the other hand, “it confers an enormous advantage” — and he believes that organizations which are able to harness the power of unconventional thinking can gain a competitive edge. “It’s allowed me to solve problems that other people couldn't solve,” he says.   Has seeing the world differently helped you resolve a conundrum? Tell us more at ifthenpod@stanford.edu. Related Content: Jonathan Berk faculty profile   What If We’re Looking at the National Debt All Wrong?   Chapters: 00:00:00 The Fosbury Flop, innovation, & unconventional thinking 00:03:18 Introduction 00:04:24 Questioning conventional wisdom 00:04:57 Rethinking the debt-to-GDP ratio 00:08:21 A finance perspective on national debt 00:10:36 Why theory matters before alarm 00:12:38 Regulation, charlatans, & consumer interests 00:16:22 Licensing, certification, & competition 00:19:51 The cost of pushing back 00:21:16 Building organizations that welcome dissent 00:24:59 Conclusion If/Then, from Stanford GSB, features conversations with faculty that explore how their research deepens our understanding of business and leadership. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/p…

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