The whole idea of Naked Economics is breaking out of that ivory tower and talking about policy and planning in conversational, “real” language. And, my life shouldn’t read any different – I’m not a distant professor or a jaded commentator, but a guy lucky enough to do a lot of things that I really find interesting.

I live in one of Chicago’s most historic neighborhoods with my wife, Leah, and three beautiful children (yes, the ones above).

When I’m not talking / writing / sharing economics, I’m an avid traveler. In fact, I’ve been around the world twice and lived for brief stints in London, Blois (France), Kuwait, and Kathmandu. In the summer of 2004, my two daughters and I traveled through China, Mongolia, and Siberia on the Trans-Mongolian Railroad. We're headed to India soon.

My latest adventure was "Sharkfest," a swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco. I came in 402nd, just behind a guy with one leg (really):

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