Picture an economist who makes the dismal science downright delightful—meet Charles Wheelan! A Dartmouth professor, former journalist, and master storyteller, Wheelan has transformed how we understand economics with his bestselling 'Naked' series. With wit sharper than a Wall Street trader’s instincts, he unravels complex topics like money, markets, and statistics, making them accessible and, dare we say, fun for everyone.
From lecture halls to global bookshelves, Wheelan’s knack for blending rigor with humor has earned him fans worldwide. Whether you’re a policy wonk or just curious about why a $20 bill isn’t just paper, his work invites you to see the world through an economic lens—without falling asleep.
The Making of Charles Wheelan
Born with a curiosity for how the world ticks, Charles Wheelan earned a B.A. from Dartmouth College, a Master’s in Public Affairs from Princeton, and a Ph.D. in public policy from the University of Chicago. Before becoming an academic rockstar, he was a Midwest correspondent for The Economist, covering everything from ex-convict populations to regional growth. His time as Director of Policy and Communications for Chicago Metropolis 2020 honed his ability to translate dense ideas into clear, engaging narratives.
Wheelan’s journalism roots and policy passion set the stage for his writing career. Frustrated by dry economics textbooks, he decided to shake things up, crafting books that speak to ‘smart people who never studied economics’—and those who forgot everything they learned.
Charles Wheelan’s Unforgettable Stories
Wheelan’s 'Naked' series is his claim to fame, starting with Naked Economics: Undressing the Dismal Science (2003). This international bestseller, translated into 14 languages, demystifies markets, trade, and government policy with real-world examples and a breezy tone. The Chicago Tribune called it ‘clear, concise, informative, and witty,’ while readers dubbed Wheelan ‘the Dave Barry of the coin-flipping set.’
He followed up with Naked Statistics: Stripping the Dread from the Data (2013), tackling the world of data with the same humor and clarity. From Netflix algorithms to medical research, Wheelan shows how statistics shape our lives. Naked Money: A Revealing Look at Our Financial System (2016) dives into banking and fiat currency, answering why paper money holds value. Beyond the series, We Came, We Saw, We Left (2021) chronicles his family’s nine-month global adventure, blending economics with family dynamics and travel mishaps.
Wheelan’s style is conversational yet rigorous, peppered with anecdotes and analogies. He avoids jargon and equations, making complex ideas feel like chats with a clever friend. His books don’t just teach—they entertain, encouraging readers to question the world’s economic gears.
Why Charles Wheelan Matters
Wheelan’s impact lies in making economics and statistics approachable, empowering readers to navigate financial news, policy debates, and even personal decisions. His books are staples in classrooms and book clubs, inspiring a generation to see economics as a tool for understanding, not a snooze-fest. His teaching at Dartmouth and past roles at the University of Chicago, where he was voted Professor of the Year, reflect his gift for sparking curiosity.
Beyond academia, Wheelan’s work with Unite America and his global travel tales highlight his commitment to bridging divides and exploring human connections. He’s not just an economist—he’s a storyteller who makes us smarter about the world and ourselves.
- Born: Date not publicly available, but active since the 1990s
- Key Works: Naked Economics, Naked Statistics, Naked Money, We Came, We Saw, We Left
- Awards: New York Times bestseller, Professor of the Year (Harris School, 2004-05)
- Fun Fact: Once led students on a policy trip to India, meeting economists and civic leaders
About Charles Wheelan
Ready to unravel the mysteries of money and markets? Snag Naked Economics and dive into Charles Wheelan’s witty, wisdom-packed world!