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Freakonomics Radio

Freakonomics co-author Stephen J. Dubner uncovers the hidden side of everything. Why is it safer to fly in an airplane than drive a car? How do we decide whom to marry? Why is the media so full of bad news? Also: things you never knew you wanted to know about wolves, bananas, pollution, search engines, and the quirks of human behavior. To get every show in the Freakonomics Radio Network without ads and a monthly bonus episode of Freakonomics Radio, start a free trial for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

Fri, March 28, 2025
627. Sludge, Part 1: The World Is Drowning in It
Insurance forms that make no sense. Subscriptions that can’t be cancelled. A never-ending blizzard of automated notifications. Where does all this sludge come from — and how much is it costing us? (Part one of a two-part series .) SOURCES: Benjamin Handel, professor of economics at UC Berkeley. Neale Mahoney, professor of economics at Stanford University. Richard Thaler, professor of economics at The University of Chicago. RESOURCES: " Selling Subscriptions, " by Liran Einav, Ben Klopack, and Neale Mahoney (Stanford University, 2023). " The ‘Enshittification’ of TikTok, " by Cory Doctorow (WIRED, 2023). " Dominated Options in Health Insurance Plans, " by Chenyuan Liu and Justin Sydnor (American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, 2022). Nudge (The Final Edition) , by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein (2021). " Frictions or Mental Gaps: What’s Behind the Information We (Don’t) Use and When Do We Care? " by Benjamin Handel and Joshua Schwartzstein (Journal of Economic Perspectives, 2018). " Adverse Selection and Switching Costs in Health Insurance Markets: When Nudging Hurts, " by Benjamin Handel (National Bureau of Economic Research, 2011). EXTRAS: " People Aren’t Dumb. The World Is Hard. (Update) " by Freakonomics Radio (2024). " All You Need is Nudge, " by Freakonomics Radio (2021). " How to Fix the Hot Mess of U.S. Healthcare, " by Freakonomics Radio (2021). " Should We Really Behave Like Economists Say We Do? " by Freakonomics Radio (2015).
Fri, March 21, 2025
Should America Be Run by … Trader Joe’s? (Update)
The quirky little grocery chain with California roots and German ownership has a lot to teach all of us about choice architecture, efficiency, frugality, collaboration, and team spirit. SOURCES: Kirk DesErmia , facilities manager in Seward, Alaska. Mark Gardiner , journalist and author. Sheena Iyengar , professor of business at Columbia Business School. Michael Roberto , professor of management at Bryant University. RESOURCES: “ Trader Joe’s ,” David Ager and Michael Roberto ( Harvard Business School Case, 2014). “ What Brands Are Actually Behind Trader Joe’s Snacks? ,” Vince Dixon ( Eater, 2017). Build a Brand Like Trader Joe’s by Mark Gardiner (2012). “ When Choice is Demotivating: Can One Desire Too Much of a Good Thing? ,” Sheena Iyengar and Mark Lepper ( Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2000). Unlocking Creativity , by Michael Roberto (2019). EXTRAS: “ How Can This Possibly Be True? ,” by Freakonomics Radio (2016). “ How to Save $1 Billion Without Even Trying ,” by Freakonomics Radio (2016).
Fri, March 14, 2025
626. Ten Myths About the U.S. Tax System
Nearly everything that politicians say about taxes is at least half a lie. They are also dishonest when it comes to the national debt. Stephen Dubner finds one of the few people in Washington who is willing to tell the truth — and it’s even worse than you think. SOURCES: Jessica Riedl, senior fellow in budget, tax, and economic policy at the Manhattan Institute. RESOURCES: " The House Wants to Pass Trump’s Agenda in One Big Bill. Here’s What’s in It. " by Margot Sanger-Katz and Alicia Parlapiano (New York Times, 2025). " Correcting the Top 10 Tax Myths, " by Jessica Riedl (Manhattan Institute, 2024). " Spending, Taxes, and Deficits: A Book of Charts, " by Jessica Riedl (Manhattan Institute, 2024). " Why Did Americans Stop Caring About the National Debt? " by Jessica Riedl (Reason, 2024). " A Comprehensive Federal Budget Plan to Avert a Debt Crisis, " by Jessica Riedl (Manhattan Institute, 2024). " When Does Federal Debt Reach Unsustainable Levels? " by Jagadeesh Gokhale, Kent Smetters, and Mariko Paulson (The Wharton School of Business, 2023). " The Limits of Taxing the Rich, " by Jessica Riedl (Manhattan Institute, 2023). EXTRAS: " Farewell to a Generational Talent, " by Freakonomics Radio (2024).
Fri, March 07, 2025
625. The Biden Policy That Trump Hasn’t Touched
Lina Khan, the youngest F.T.C. chair in history, reset U.S. antitrust policy by thwarting mega-mergers and other monopolistic behavior. This earned her enemies in some places, and big fans in others — including the Trump administration. Stephen Dubner speaks with Khan about her tactics, her track record, and her future. SOURCES: Lina Khan, former commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission and professor of law at Columbia Law School. RESOURCES: " Merger Guidelines " (U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, 2023). " The Rise of Market Power and the Macroeconomic Implications, " by Jan De Loecker, Jan Eeckhout, and Gabriel Unger (National Bureau of Economic Research, 2019). " US Antitrust Law and Policy in Historical Perspective, " by Laura Phillips Sawyer (Harvard Business School, 2019). The Curse of Bigness: Antitrust in the New Gilded Age, by Tim Wu (2018). " Amazon’s Antitrust Paradox, " by Lina Khan (Yale Law Journal, 2017). " A Tempest In a Coffee Shop, " by Tanya Mohn (New York Times, 2004). EXTRAS: " The Economics of Eyeglasses, " by Freakonomics Radio (2024). " Should You Trust Private Equity to Take Care of Your Dog? " by Freakonomics Radio (2023). " Are Private Equity Firms Plundering the U.S. Economy? " by Freakonomics Radio (2023). " Is the U.S. Really Less Corrupt Than China — and How About Russia? (Update) " by Freakonomics Radio (2022).
Wed, March 05, 2025
EXTRA: The Downside of Disgust (Update)
It’s a powerful biological response that has preserved our species for millennia. But now it may be keeping us from pursuing strategies that would improve the environment, the economy, even our own health. So is it time to dial down our disgust reflex? You can help fix things — as Stephen Dubner does in this 2021 episode — by chowing down on some delicious insects. SOURCES: Paul Rozin, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. Val Curtis , late disgustologist at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Sandro Ambuehl , economist at the University of Zurich. Emily Kimmins, R&D lead for the sensory and consumer-science team for Kraft Heinz. Iliana Sermeno, former chef at The Black Ant. RESOURCES: “ Stink Bugs Could Add Cilantro Flavor to Red Win e,” by Alex Berezow ( Live Science, 2017). “ Edible insects: Future Prospects for Food and Feed Security ,” by the F.A.O. ( United Nations, 2013). “ I Hate to Break it to You, but You Already Eat Bugs ,” by Kyle Hill ( Scientific American, 2013). “ Five Banned Foods and One That Maybe Should Be ,” by Leah Binkovitz ( Smithsonian Magazine, 2012). “ Effects of Different Types of Antismoking Ads on Reducing Disparities in Smoking Cessation Among Socioeconomic Subgroups ,” by Sarah J. Durkin, Lois Biener, and Melanie A. Wakefield ( American Journal of Public Health, 2009). “ Flesh Trade ,” by Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt ( The New York Times, 2006). “ Feeding Poultry Litter to Beef Cattle ,” by Jay Daniel and K.C. Olson ( University of Missouri, 2005). EXTRAS: " Why Does Everyone Hate Rats? " by Freakonomics Radio (2025).
Fri, February 28, 2025
624. The Animal No One Loves, Until They Do
To most people, the rat is vile and villainous. But not to everyone! We hear from a scientist who befriended rats and another who worked with them in the lab — and from the animator who made one the hero of a Pixar blockbuster. (Part three of a three-part series , “Sympathy for the Rat.”) SOURCES: Bethany Brookshire , author of Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains Jan Pinkava, creator and co-writer of "Ratatouille," and director of the Animation Institute at the Film Academy Baden-Württemberg. Julia Zichello, evolutionary biologist at Hunter College. RESOURCES: " Weekend Column: Rat’s End, or, How a Rat Dies, " by Julia Zichello (West Side Rag, 2024). Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains by Bethany Brookshire (2022). " Rats: the history of an incendiary cartoon trope, " by Archie Bland (The Guardian, 2015). " Catching the Rat: Understanding Multiple and Contradictory Human-Rat Relations as Situated Practices, " by Koen Beumer (Society & Animals, 2014). " Effects of Chronic Methylphenidate on Dopamine/Serotonin Interactions in the Mesolimbic DA System of the Mouse, " by Bethany Brookshire (Wake Forest University, 2010). " A New Deal For Mice, " by C.C. Little (Scientific American, 1935).
Fri, February 21, 2025
623. Can New York City Win Its War on Rats?
Even with a new rat czar, an arsenal of poisons, and a fleet of new garbage trucks, it won’t be easy — because, at root, the enemy is us. (Part two of a three-part series , “Sympathy for the Rat.”) SOURCES: Kathy Corradi, director of rodent mitigation for New York City. Robert Corrigan, urban rodentologist and pest consultant for New York City. Ed Glaeser, professor of economics at Harvard University. Robert Sullivan, author of Rats: Observations on the History and Habitat of the City’s Most Unwanted Inhabitant. Jessica Tisch, New York City police commissioner. RESOURCES: " Increasing rat numbers in cities are linked to climate warming, urbanization, and human population, " by Jonathan Richardson, Elizabeth McCoy, Nicholas Parlavecchio, Ryan Szykowny, Eli Beech-Brown, Jan Buijs, Jacqueline Buckley, Robert Corrigan, Federico Costa, Ray Delaney, Rachel Denny, Leah Helms, Wade Lee, Maureen Murray, Claudia Riegel, Fabio Souza, John Ulrich, Adena Why, and Yasushi Kiyokawa (Science Advances, 2025). " The Next Frontier in New York's War on Rats: Birth Control, " by Emma Fitzsimmons (New York Times, 2024). " The Absurd Problem of New York City Trash, " by Emily Badger and Larry Buchanan (New York Times, 2024). " Mourning Flaco, the Owl Who Escaped, " by Naaman Zhou (The New Yorker, 2024). Rats: Observations on the History & Habitat of the City's Most Unwanted Inhabitants, by Robert Sullivan (2005). EXTRAS: " The Downside of Disgust, " by Freakonomics Radio (2021)
Bonus · Thu, February 20, 2025
The Show That Never Happened
A brief meditation on loss, relativity, and the vagaries of show business. RESOURCES: Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry, documentary (2021) Genius & Anxiety: How Jews Changed the World, 1847-1947 , by Norman Lebrecht (2019) The War Room , documentary (1993) EXTRAS: “ Is San Francisco a Failed State? (And Other Questions You Shouldn’t Ask the Mayor) ” by Freakonomics Radio (2025) “ Ari Emanuel Is Never Indifferent, ” by Freakonomics Radio (2023)
Fri, February 14, 2025
622. Why Does Everyone Hate Rats?
New York City’s mayor calls them “public enemy number one.” History books say they caused the Black Death — although recent scientific evidence disputes that claim. So is the rat a scapegoat? And what does our rat hatred say about us? (Part one of a three-part series .) SOURCES: Bethany Brookshire , author of Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains. Kathy Corradi , director of rodent mitigation for New York City. Ed Glaeser , professor of economics at Harvard University. Nils Stenseth , professor of ecology and evolution at the University of Oslo. RESOURCES: " On Patrol With the Rat Czar, " by Mark Chiusano (Intelligencer, 2024). " How Rats Took Over North America, " by Allison Parshall (Scientific American, 2024). " Where Are the Rats in New York City, " by Matt Yan (New York Times, 2024). " Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains " by Bethany Brookshire (2023). " Human ectoparasites and the spread of plague in Europe during the Second Pandemic, " by Nils Stenseth, Katharine Dean, Fabienne Krauer, Lars Walløe, Ole Christian Lingjærde, Barbara Bramanti, and Boris Schmid (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2018). EXTRAS: " Freakonomics Radio Live: 'Jesus Could Have Been a Pigeon.' " by Freakonomics Radio (2018).
Fri, February 07, 2025
621. Is Professional Licensing a Racket?
Licensing began with medicine and law; now it extends to 20 percent of the U.S. workforce, including hair stylists and auctioneers. In a new book, the legal scholar Rebecca Allensworth calls licensing boards “a thicket of self-dealing and ineptitude” and says they keep bad workers in their jobs and good ones out — while failing to protect the public. SOURCES: Rebecca Allensworth , professor of law at Vanderbilt University. RESOURCES: " The Licensing Racket: How We Decide Who Is Allowed to Work, and Why It Goes Wrong " by Rebecca Allensworth (2025). " Licensed to Pill, " by Rebecca Allensworth (The New York Review of Books, 2020). " Licensing Occupations: Ensuring Quality or Restricting Competition? " by Morris Kleiner (W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, 2006). " How Much of Barrier to Entry is Occupational Licensing? " by Peter Blair and Bobby Chung (British Journal of Industrial Relations, 2019). EXTRAS: " Is Ozempic as Magical as It Sounds? " by Freakonomics Radio (2024).
Wed, February 05, 2025
When Is a Superstar Just Another Employee? (Update)
In 2023, the N.F.L. players’ union conducted a workplace survey that revealed clogged showers, rats in the locker room — and some insights for those of us who don’t play football. Today we’re updating that episode, with extra commentary from Omnipresent Football Guy (and former Philadelphia Eagle) Jason Kelce. SOURCES: Tom Garfinkel , vice chairman, C.E.O., and president of the Miami Dolphins. Jim Ivler , certified contract advisor for players in the National Football League. Jason Kelce , host of New Heights podcast and former center for the Philadelphia Eagles. Jalen Reeves-Maybin , linebacker for the Detroit Lions and president of the National Football League Players Association. Betsey Stevenson , professor of public policy and economics at the University of Michigan. J.C. Tretter , former president of the National Football League Players Association and former offensive lineman. Mark Wilf , owner and president of the Minnesota Vikings. RESOURCES: “ N.F.L. Player Team Report Cards, ” by the National Football League Players Association (2024). " NFLPA team report cards: Dolphins rank No. 1; Jaguars jump from 28th to fifth; Commanders earn worst grade, " by Jonathan Jones (CBS Sports, 2024). Kelce , documentary (2023). “ The N.F.L. Cast Him Out; He Says That Only Makes Him More Powerful ,” by Alex Prewitt ( Sports Illustrated, 2022). New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce , (produced by Wave Sports + Entertainment). EXTRAS: " Why Don’t Running Backs Get Paid Anymore? " by Freakonomics Radio (2025) “<a href="https://freakonomics.com/podcast/how-does-playing-football-affect-your-heal
Fri, January 31, 2025
620. Why Don’t Running Backs Get Paid Anymore?
They used to be the N.F.L.’s biggest stars, with paychecks to match. Now their salaries are near the bottom, and their careers are shorter than ever. We speak with an analytics guru, an agent, some former running backs (including LeSean McCoy), and the economist Roland Fryer (a former Pop Warner running back himself) to understand why. SOURCES: Brian Burke, sports data scientist at ESPN Roland Fryer, professor of economics at Harvard University LeSean McCoy, former running back in the N.F.L. and co-host for Fox's daily studio show, "The Facility" Robert Smith, former running back for the Minnesota Vikings and N.F.L. analyst Robert Turbin, former running back, N.F.L. analyst for CBS Sports HQ, and college football announcer Jeffery Whitney, founder and president at The Sports & Entertainment Group RESOURCES: " The Economics of Running Backs, " by Roland Fryer (Wall Street Journal, 2024) " Confessions of a Hero-Worshiper, " by Stephen Dubner (2007) " T he Rest of the Iceberg: An Insider’s View on the World of Sports and Celebrity, " by Robert Smith (2004) EXTRAS: " Roland Fryer Refuses to Lie to Black America, " by Freakonomics Radio (2022) " Why Does the Most Monotonous Job in the World Pay $1 Million? " by Freakonomics Radio (2022)
Fri, January 24, 2025
619. How to Poison the A.I. Machine
When the computer scientist Ben Zhao learned that artists were having their work stolen by A.I. models, he invented a tool to thwart the machines. He also knows how to foil an eavesdropping Alexa and how to guard your online footprint. The big news, he says, is that the A.I. bubble is bursting. SOURCES: Erik Brynjolfsson , professor of economics at Stanford University Ben Zhao , professor of computer science at the University of Chicago RESOURCES: " The AI lab waging a guerrilla war over exploitative AI, " by Melissa Heikkilä (MIT Technology Review, 2024) " Glaze: Protecting Artists from Style Mimicry by Text-to-Image Models, " by Shawn Shan, Jenna Cryan, Emily Wenger, Haitao Zheng, Rana Hanocka, and Ben Y. Zhao (Cornell University, 2023) " Nightshade: Prompt-Specific Poisoning Attacks on Text-to-Image Generative Models, " by Shawn Shan, Wenxin Ding, Josephine Passananti, Stanley Wu, Haitao Zheng, and Ben Y. Zhao (Cornell University, 2023) " A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence: What It Is, Where We Are, and Where We Are Going, " by Michael Woodridge (2021) EXTRAS: " Nuclear Power Isn’t Perfect. Is It Good Enough? " by Freakonomics Radio (2022)
Bonus · Wed, January 22, 2025
Is San Francisco a Failed State? (And Other Questions You Shouldn’t Ask the Mayor)
Stephen Dubner, live on stage, mixes it up with outbound mayor London Breed, and asks economists whether A.I. can be “human-centered” and if Tang is a gateway drug. SOURCES: London Breed , former mayor of San Francisco. Erik Brynjolfsson , professor of economics at Stanford University Koleman Strumpf , professor of economics at Wake Forest University RESOURCES: " SF crime rate at lowest point in more than 20 years, mayor says, " by George Kelly ( The San Francisco Standard , 2025) " How the Trump Whale and Prediction Markets Beat the Pollsters in 2024, " by Niall Ferguson and Manny Rincon-Cruz (Wall Street Journal , 2024) " Artificial Intelligence, Scientific Discovery, and Product Innovation, " by Aidan Toner-Rodgers (MIT Department of Economics, 2024) EXTRAS: " Why Are Cities (Still) So Expensive? " by Freakonomics Radio (2020)
Fri, January 17, 2025
618. Are Realtors Having an Existential Crisis?
Their trade organization just lost a huge lawsuit. Their infamous commission model is under attack. And there are way too many of them. If they go the way of travel agents, will we miss them when they’re gone? SOURCES: Sonia Gilbukh , assistant professor of real estate at CUNY Baruch College. Kevin Sears , 2025 president of the National Association of Realtors. Chad Syverson , professor of economics at the University of Chicago. Lawrence Yun , chief economist for the National Association of Realtors. RESOURCES: " Heterogeneous Real Estate Agents and the Housing Cycle ," by Sonia Gilbukh and Paul Goldsmith-Pinkham ( NBER Working Paper, 2024). " Real Estate Commissions and Homebuying ," by Borys Grochulski and Zhu Wang ( Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Working Paper, 2024). " The Relationship Between Home Prices and Real Estate Commission Rates: Implications for Consumers and Public Policy ," by Stephen Brobeck ( Consumer Federation of America, 2022). " The Relationship of Residential Real Estate Commission Rate to Industry Structure and Culture ," by Stephen Brobeck ( Consumer Federation of America, 2021). " Competition in the Real Estate Brokerage Industry: A Critical Review ," by Panle Jia Barwick and Maisy Wong ( Economic Studies at Brookings, 2019). " Hidden Real Estate Commissions: Consumer Costs and Improved Transparency ," by Stephen Brobeck ( Consumer Federation of America, 2019). " Market Distortions when Agents are Better Informed: The Value of Information in Real Estate Transactions ," by Steven D. Levitt and Chad Syverson ( NBER Working Paper, 2005). The Residential Real Estate Brokerage Industry , staff report by the Los Angele
Fri, January 10, 2025
617. Are You Really Allergic to Penicillin?
Like tens of millions of people, Stephen Dubner thought he had a penicillin allergy. Like the vast majority, he didn’t. This misdiagnosis costs billions of dollars and causes serious health problems, so why hasn’t it been fixed? And how about all the other things we think we’re allergic to? SOURCES: Kimberly Blumenthal , allergist-immunologist and researcher at Mass General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Theresa MacPhail , associate professor of science and technology studies at Stevens Institute of Technology. Thomas Platts-Mills , professor of medicine at the University of Virginia. Elena Resnick , allergist and immunologist at Mount Sinai Hospital. RESOURCES: Allergic: Our Irritated Bodies in a Changing World , by Theresa MacPhail (2023). " Evaluation and Management of Penicillin Allergy: A Review ," by Erica S. Shenoy, Eric Macy, and Theresa Rowe ( JAMA, 2019). " The Allergy Epidemics: 1870–2010 ," by Thomas Platts-Mills ( The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2016). " Randomized Trial of Peanut Consumption in Infants at Risk for Peanut Allergy ," by George Du Toit, Graham Roberts, et al. ( The New England Journal of Medicine, 2015). EXTRAS: Freakonomics, M.D.
Bonus · Mon, January 06, 2025
Highway Signs and Prison Labor
Incarcerated people grow crops, fight wildfires, and manufacture everything from prescription glasses to highway signs — often for pennies an hour. Zachary Crockett takes the next exit, in this special episode of The Economics of Everyday Things . SOURCES: Laura Appleman , professor of law at Willamette University. Christopher Barnes, inmate at the Franklin Correctional Center. Lee Blackman , general manager at Correction Enterprises. Gene Hawkins , senior principal engineer at Kittelson and professor emeritus of civil engineering at Texas A&M University. Renee Roach, state signing and delineation engineer for the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Brian Scott, ex-inmate, former worker at the Correction Enterprises printing plant. Louis Southall , warden of Franklin Correctional Center. RESOURCES: “ Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, 11th Edition ,” by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (2023). “ Prisoners in the U.S. Are Part of a Hidden Workforce Linked to Hundreds of Popular Food Brands ,” by Robin McDowell and Margie Mason ( AP News, 2024). “ Ex-Prisoners Face Headwinds as Job Seekers, Even as Openings Abound ,” by Talmon Joseph Smith ( The New York Times, 2023). “ Bloody Lucre: Carceral Labor and Prison Profit ,” by Laura Appleman ( Wisconsin Law Review, 2022). “ The Road to Clarity ,” by Joshua Yaffa ( The New York Times Magazine, 2007). Correction Enterprises . EXTRAS: “ Do People Pay Attention to Signs? ” by No Stupid Questions (2022). The Economics of Everyday Things .
Thu, January 02, 2025
Can Academic Fraud Be Stopped? (Update)
Probably not — the incentives are too strong. But a few reformers are trying. We check in on their progress, in an update to an episode originally published last year. (Part 2 of 2) SOURCES: Max Bazerman , professor of business administration at Harvard Business School. Leif Nelson , professor of business administration at the University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business. Brian Nosek , professor of psychology at the University of Virginia and executive director at the Center for Open Science. Ivan Oransky , distinguished journalist-in-residence at New York University, editor-in-chief of The Transmitter , and co-founder of Retraction Watch. Joseph Simmons , professor of applied statistics and operations, information, and decisions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Uri Simonsohn , professor of behavioral science at Esade Business School. Simine Vazire , professor of psychology at the University of Melbourne and editor-in-chief of Psychological Science. RESOURCES: " How a Scientific Dispute Spiralled Into a Defamation Lawsuit ," by Gideon Lewis-Kraus ( The New Yorker, 2024). " The Harvard Professor and the Bloggers ," by Noam Scheiber ( The New York Times, 2023). " They Studied Dishonesty. Was Their Work a Lie? " by Gideon Lewis-Kraus ( The New Yorker, 2023). " Evolving Patterns of Extremely Productive Publishing Behavior Across Science ," by John P.A. Ioannidis, Thomas A. Collins, and Jeroen Baas ( bioRxiv, 2023). " Hindawi Reveals Process for Retracting More Than 8,000 Paper Mill Articles ," ( Retraction Watch, 2023). " Exclusive: Russian Site Says It Has Brokered Authorships for More Than 10,000 Researchers ," ( Retraction Watch, 2019)
Thu, December 26, 2024
Why Is There So Much Fraud in Academia? (Update)
Some of the biggest names in behavioral science stand accused of faking their results. Last year, an astonishing 10,000 research papers were retracted. In a series originally published in early 2024, we talk to whistleblowers, reformers, and a co-author who got caught up in the chaos. (Part 1 of 2) SOURCES: Max Bazerman , professor of business administration at Harvard Business School. Leif Nelson , professor of business administration at the University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business. Brian Nosek , professor of psychology at the University of Virginia and executive director at the Center for Open Science. Joseph Simmons , professor of applied statistics and operations, information, and decisions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Uri Simonsohn , professor of behavioral science at Esade Business School. Simine Vazire , professor of psychology at the University of Melbourne and editor-in-chief of Psychological Science. RESOURCES: " More Than 10,000 Research Papers Were Retracted in 2023 — a New Record ," by Richard Van Noorden ( Nature, 2023). " Data Falsificada (Part 1): 'Clusterfake ,'" by Joseph Simmons, Leif Nelson, and Uri Simonsohn ( Data Colada, 2023). " Fabricated Data in Research About Honesty. You Can't Make This Stuff Up. Or, Can You? " by Nick Fountain, Jeff Guo, Keith Romer, and Emma Peaslee ( Planet Money, 2023). Complicit: How We Enable the Unethical and How to Stop , by Max Bazerman (2022). " Evidence of Fraud in an Influential Field Experiment About Dishonesty ," by Joseph Simmons, Leif Nelson, and Uri Simonsohn ( Data Colada, 2021). " False-Positive Psychology: Undisclosed Flexibility in Data Collection and Analysis Allows Presenting Anything as Significant ," by Joseph Simmons, Leif Nelson, and Uri Simonsohn ( Psychological Science, 2011). EXTRAS: " Why Do We Cheat, and Why Shouldn’t We? " by No Stupid Questions (2023).
Bonus · Mon, December 23, 2024
Your Brain Doesn’t Work the Way You Think
David Eagleman upends myths and describes the vast possibilities of a brainscape that even neuroscientists are only beginning to understand. Steve Levitt interviews him in this special episode of People I (Mostly) Admire. SOURCES: David Eagleman , professor of cognitive neuroscience at Stanford University and C.E.O. of Neosensory. RESOURCES: Livewired: The Inside Story of the Ever-Changing Brain , by David Eagleman (2020). " Why Do We Dream? A New Theory on How It Protects Our Brains ," by David Eagleman and Don Vaughn ( TIME, 2020). " Prevalence of Learned Grapheme-Color Pairings in a Large Online Sample of Synesthetes ," by Nathan Witthoft, Jonathan Winawer, and David Eagleman ( PLoS One, 2015). Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives , by David Eagleman (2009). The vOICe app . Neosensory . EXTRAS: " Feeling Sound and Hearing Color ," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2024). " What’s Impacting American Workers? " by People I (Mostly) Admire (2024). " This Is Your Brain on Podcasts ," by Freakonomics Radio (2016).
Thu, December 19, 2024
616. How to Make Something from Nothing
Adam Moss was the best magazine editor of his generation. When he retired, he took up painting. But he wasn’t very good, and that made him sad. So he wrote a book about how creative people work— and, in the process, he made himself happy again. SOURCE: Adam Moss , magazine editor and author. RESOURCES: The Work of Art: How Something Comes from Nothing , by Adam Moss (2024). " Goodbye, New York. Adam Moss Is Leaving the Magazine He Has Edited for 15 Years ," by Michael M. Grynbaum ( The New York Times, 2019). Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking , by Samin Nosrat (2017). EXTRAS: " David Simon Is On Strike. Here’s Why ," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2023). " Samin Nosrat Always Wanted to Be Famous ," by Freakonomics Radio (2023). " What’s Wrong with Being a One-Hit Wonder? " by Freakonomics Radio (2023).
Thu, December 12, 2024
615. Is Ozempic as Magical as It Sounds?
In a wide-ranging conversation with Ezekiel Emanuel, the policymaking physician and medical gadfly, we discuss the massive effects of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. We also talk about the state of cancer care, mysteries in the gut microbiome, flaws in the U.S. healthcare system — and what a second Trump term means for healthcare policy. SOURCES: Ezekiel Emanuel , vice provost for Global Initiatives, co-director of the Health Transformation Institute, and professor at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. RESOURCES: " Obesity Drugs Would Be Covered by Medicare and Medicaid Under Biden Proposal ," by Margot Sanger-Katz ( The New York Times, 2024). " International Coverage of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: A Review and Ethical Analysis of Discordant Approaches ," by Johan L. Dellgren, and Govind Persad, and Ezekiel J. Emanuel ( The Lancet, 2024). The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century's Greatest Dilemma , by Mustafa Suleyman (2023). " The Significance of Blockbusters in the Pharmaceutical Industry ," by Alexander Schuhmacher, Markus Hinder, Nikolaj Boger, Dominik Hartl, and Oliver Gassmann ( Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2022). Reinventing American Health Care: How the Affordable Care Act Will Improve Our Terribly Complex, Blatantly Unjust, Outrageously Expensive, Grossly Inefficient, Error Prone System , by Ezekiel J. Emanuel (2014). " Why I Hope to Die at 75 ," by Ezekiel J. Emanuel ( The Atlantic , 2014). " Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Pharmaceuticals ," by Ziad F. Gellad and Kenneth W. Lyles ( The American Journal of Medicine, 2014). Brothers Emanuel: A Memoir of an American Family , by Ezekiel J. Emanuel (2013). " Bounds in Competing Risks Models and the War on Cancer ," by Bo E. Honoré and Adriana Lleras-Muney ( Econometrica, 2006). EXTRAS: " How to Fix Medical Research ," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2024). "<a href="https://freakonomics.com/podcast/the-suddenly-diplomatic-rahm-emanuel
Mon, December 09, 2024
How the Supermarket Helped America Win the Cold War (Update)
Last week, we heard a former U.S. ambassador describe Russia’s escalating conflict with the U.S. Today, we revisit a 2019 episode about an overlooked front in the Cold War — a “farms race” that, decades later, still influences what Americans eat. SOURCES: Anne Effland , former Senior Economist for the Office of Chief Economist in the U.S.D.A. Shane Hamilton , historian at the University of York. Peter Timmer , economist and former professor at Harvard University. Audra Wolfe , writer, editor, and historian. RESOURCES: Freedom’s Laboratory: The Cold War Struggle for the Soul of Science , by Audra Wolfe (2018). Supermarket USA: Food and Power in The Cold War Farms Race , by Shane Hamilton (2018). “ Association of Higher Consumption of Foods Derived From Subsidized Commodities With Adverse Cardiometabolic Risk Among US Adults ,” by Karen R. Siegel, Kai McKeever Bullard, K. M. Narayan, et al. ( JAMA Internal Medicine , 2016). The Rise and Fall of American Growth: The U.S. Standard of Living Since the Civil War , by Robert J. Gordon (2016). “ How the Mechanical Tomato Harvester Prompted the Food Movement ,” by Ildi Carlisle-Cummins ( UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences Newsletter , 2015). EXTRAS: " Is the U.S. Sleeping on Threats from Russia and China? " by Freakonomics Radio (2024).
Thu, December 05, 2024
614. Is the U.S. Sleeping on Threats from Russia and China?
John J. Sullivan, a former State Department official and U.S. ambassador, says yes: “Our politicians aren’t leading — Republicans or Democrats.” He gives a firsthand account of a fateful Biden-Putin encounter, talks about his new book Midnight in Moscow , and predicts what a second Trump term means for Russia, Ukraine, China — and the U.S. SOURCES: John Sullivan , former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and former U.S. Ambassador to Russia. RESOURCES: Midnight in Moscow: A Memoir from the Front Lines of Russia's War Against the West, by John Sullivan (2024). " The ‘Deathonomics’ Powering Russia’s War Machine ," by Georgi Kantchev and Matthew Luxmoore ( The Wall Street Journal, 2024). War , by Bob Woodward (2024). " On the Record: The U.S. Administration’s Actions on Russia ," by Alina Polyakova and Filippos Letsas ( Brookings, 2019). " Why Economic Sanctions Still Do Not Work ," by Robert A. Pape ( International Security, 1998). EXTRAS: " The Suddenly Diplomatic Rahm Emanuel ," by Freakonomics Radio (2023).
Thu, November 28, 2024
613. Dying Is Easy. Retail Is Hard.
Macy’s wants to recapture its glorious past. The author of the Wimpy Kid books wants to rebuild his dilapidated hometown. We just want to listen in. (Part two of a two-part series .) SOURCES: Mark Cohen , former professor and director of retail studies at Columbia Business School. Will Coss , vice president and executive producer of Macy’s Studios. Jeff Kinney , author, cartoonist, and owner of An Unlikely Story Bookstore and Café. Tony Spring , chairman and C.E.O. of Macy’s Inc. RESOURCES: " Macy’s Discovers Employee Hid Millions in Delivery Expenses ," by Jordyn Holman and Danielle Kaye ( The New York Times, 2024). " NBC Ready to Pay Triple to Gobble Up Thanksgiving Parade Broadcast Rights ," by Joe Flint ( The Wall Street Journal, 2024). " How Macy’s Set Out to Conquer the Department Store Business — and Lost ," by Daphne Howland ( Retail Dive, 2022). An Unlikely Story Bookstore and Café . EXTRA: " Can the Macy's Parade Save Macy's? " series by Freakonomics Radio (2024).
Thu, November 21, 2024
612. Is Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Its Most Valuable Asset?
The 166-year-old chain, which is fighting extinction, calls the parade its “gift to the nation.” With 30 million TV viewers, it’s also a big moneymaker. At least we think it is — Macy’s is famously tight-lipped about parade economics. We try to loosen them up. (Part one of a two-part series .) Please take our audience survey at freakonomics.com/survey . SOURCES: John Cheney, carpenter at Macy’s Studios. Will Coss , vice president and executive producer of Macy’s Studios. Jeff Kinney , author, cartoonist, and owner of An Unlikely Story Bookstore and Café. Kevin Lynch , vice president of global helium at Messer. Jen Neal, executive vice president of live events and specials for NBCUniversal Entertainment Tony Spring , chairman and C.E.O. of Macy's Inc. Jessica Tisch , commissioner of the New York City Department of Sanitation; incoming commissioner of the New York City Police Department. Dawn Tolson , executive director of Citywide Event Coordination and Management and the Street Activity Permit Office for the City of New York. RESOURCES: Macy's: The Store. The Star. The Story. , by Robert M. Grippo (2009). History of Macy's of New York, 1853-1919: Chapters in the Evolution of the Department Store , by Ralph M. Hower (1943). Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade . EXTRA: The Economics of Everyday Things .
Mon, November 18, 2024
How to Stop Worrying and Love the Robot Apocalypse (Update)
It’s true that robots (and other smart technologies) will kill many jobs. It may also be true that newer collaborative robots (“cobots”) will totally reinvigorate how work gets done. That, at least, is what the economists are telling us. Should we believe them? SOURCES: David Autor , professor of economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. James Rosenman , C.E.O. of Andrus on Hudson senior care community. Karen Eggleston , economist at Stanford University. Yong Suk Lee , professor of technology, economy, and global affairs at the University of Notre Dame. RESOURCES: " Robots and Labor in Nursing Homes ," by Yong Suk Lee, Toshiaki Iizuka, and Karen Eggleston ( NBER Working Paper, 2024). " Global Robotics Race: Korea, Singapore and Germany in the Lead ," by International Federation of Robotics (2024). " Unmet Need for Equipment to Help With Bathing and Toileting Among Older US Adults ," by Kenneth Lam, Ying Shi, John Boscardin, and Kenneth E. Covinsky ( JAMA Internal Medicine, 2021). " Robots and Labor in the Service Sector: Evidence from Nursing Homes, " by Karen Eggleston, Yong Suk Lee, and Toshiaki Iizuka (NBER Working Papers, 2021). The Work of the Future: Building Better Jobs in an Age of Intelligent Machines , by David Autor, David Mindell, Elisabeth Reynolds, and the MIT Task Force on the Work of the Future (2020). " Robots and Jobs: Evidence from US Labor Markets ," by Daron Acemoglu and Pascual Restrepo ( University of Chicago Press, 2020). " The Slowdown in Productivity Growth and Policies That Can Restore It ," by Emily Moss, Ryan Nunn, and Jay Shambaugh ( The Hamilton Project, 2020). " The China Shock: Learning from Labor Market Adjustment to Large Changes in Trade, " by David H. Autor, D
Thu, November 14, 2024
611. Fareed Zakaria on What Just Happened, and What Comes Next
After a dramatic election, Donald Trump has returned from exile. We hear what to expect at home and abroad — and what to do if you didn’t vote for Trump. SOURCE: Fareed Zakaria , journalist and author. RESOURCES: " The Most Dangerous Moment Since the Cold War ," by Fareed Zakaria ( The Washington Post, 2024). " America’s Failed Approach to Iran Can’t Really Be Called a Strategy ," by Fareed Zakaria ( The Washington Post, 2024). Age of Revolutions: Progress and Backlash from 1600 to the Present , by Fareed Zakaria (2024). EXTRAS: " Are We Living Through the Most Revolutionary Period in History? " by Freakonomics Radio (2024). " Are Private Equity Firms Plundering the U.S. Economy? " by Freakonomics Radio (2023).
Thu, November 07, 2024
610. Who Wins and Who Loses Once the U.S. Legalizes Weed?
Some people want the new cannabis economy to look like the craft-beer movement. Others are hoping to build the Amazon of pot. And one expert would prefer a government-run monopoly. We listen in as they fight it out. (Part four of a four-part series .) SOURCES: Jon Caulkins , professor of operations research and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University. Adam Goers , senior vice president of The Cannabist Company and chairperson of the Coalition for Cannabis Scheduling Reform. Yasmin Hurd , director of the Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai. Jared Polis , governor of Colorado. Ryan Stoa , associate professor of law at Louisiana State University. RESOURCES: " Prevalence of and Trends in Current Cannabis Use Among U.S. Youth and Adults, 2013–2022 ," by Delvon T. Mattingly, Maggie K. Richardson, and Joy L. Hart ( Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports, 2024). " Colorado’s Weed Market Is Coming Down Hard and It’s Making Other States Nervous ," by Mona Zhang ( Politico, 2024). " Reducing Alcohol Consumption, the Nordic Way: Alcohol Monopolies, Marketing Bans and Higher Taxation ," by the World Health Organization (2023). " Economic Benefits and Social Costs of Legalizing Recreational Marijuana ," by Jason P. Brown, Elior Cohen, and Alison Felix ( Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City Research Working Paper, 2023). " Competition in the Markets for Beer, Wine, and Spirits ," by the United States Department of the Treasury (2022). " Alcohol Monopolies ," by Robin Room ( Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems, 2021). " Craft Beer Is the Strangest, Happiest Economic Story in America ," by Derek Thompson ( The Atlantic, 2018). " Marijua
Thu, October 31, 2024
609. What Does It Take to Run a Cannabis Farm?
Chris Weld worked for years in emergency rooms, then ditched that career and bought an old farm in Massachusetts. He set up a distillery and started making prize-winning spirits. When cannabis was legalized, he jumped into that too — and the first few years were lucrative. But now? It turns out that growing, processing, and selling weed is more complicated than it looks. He gave us the grand tour. (Part three of a four-part series .) SOURCES: Chris Bennett, operations manager at Berkshire Mountain Distillers. Luca Boldrini, head of cultivation at The Pass. Yasmin Hurd , director of the Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai. Chris Weld , founder and owner of Berkshire Mountain Distillers. RESOURCES: " As America’s Marijuana Use Grows, So Do the Harms ," by Megan Twohey, Danielle Ivory, and Carson Kessler ( The New York Times, 2024). " Evaluation of Dispensaries’ Cannabis Flowers for Accuracy of Labeling of Cannabinoids Content ," by Mona M. Geweda, Chandrani G. Majumdar, Mahmoud A. ElSohly, et al. ( Journal of Cannabis Research, 2024). " The Complicated, Risky — but Potentially Lucrative — Business of Selling Cannabis ," by James R. Hagerty ( The Wall Street Journal, 2023). " Marijuana Content Labels Can’t Be Trusted ," by Shira Schoenberg ( CommonWealth Beacon, 2022). " Growing Cannabis Indoors Produces a Lot of Greenhouse Gases — Just How Much Depends on Where It’s Grown ," by Jason Quinn and Hailey Summers ( The Conversation, 2021). " Blood and Urinary Metal Levels Among Exclusive Marijuana Users in NHANES (2005-2018) ," by Katlyn E. McGraw, Anne E, Nigra, Tiffany R. Sanchez, et al. ( Environmental Health Perspectives, 2018). " The Carbon Footprint of Indoor Cannabis Production ," by Evan Mills ( Energy Policy, 2012). EXTRAS: "<a href="https://freakonomics.com
Mon, October 28, 2024
Abortion and Crime, Revisited (Update)
With abortion on the Nov. 5 ballot, we look back at Steve Levitt’s controversial research about an unintended consequence of Roe v. Wade . SOURCES: John Donohue , professor of law at Stanford Law School. Steve Levitt , professor emeritus of economics at the University of Chicago and host of People I (Mostly) Admire . Jessica Wolpaw Reyes , professor of economics at Amherst College. RESOURCES: “ The Impact of Legalized Abortion on Crime Over the Last Two Decades ,” by John J. Donohue and Steven D. Levitt ( The National Bureau of Economic Research , 2019). “ The Demise of the Death Penalty in Connecticut ,” by John J. Donohue (Stanford Law School Legal Aggregate , 2016). “ Environmental Policy as Social Policy? The Impact of Childhood Lead Exposure on Crime ,” by Jessica Wolpaw Reyes ( The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy , 2007). “ The Impact of Legalized Abortion on Crime ,” by John J. Donohue and Steven D. Levitt ( The Quarterly Journal of Economics , 2001). “ State Abortion Rates: The Impact of Policies, Providers, Politics, Demographics, and Economic Environment ,” by Rebecca M. Blank, Christine C. George, and Rebecca A. London ( The National Bureau of Economic Research , 1994). EXTRAS: " John Donohue: 'I’m Frequently Called a Treasonous Enemy of the Constitution,' " by People I (Mostly) Admire (2021).
Thu, October 24, 2024
608. Cannabis Is Booming, So Why Isn’t Anyone Getting Rich?
There are a lot of reasons, including heavy regulations, high taxes, and competition from illegal weed shops. Most operators are losing money and waiting for Washington to get out of the way. In the meantime, it’s not that easy being green. (Part two of a four-part series .) SOURCES: Jon Caulkins , professor of operations research and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University. Adam Goers , senior vice president of The Cannabist Company and chairperson of the Coalition for Cannabis Scheduling Reform. Precious Osagie-Erese , founder and C.E.O. of Precious Canna Co. Nikesh Patel , C.E.O. of Mammoth Distribution. Nikesh Patel , director of the San Francisco Office of Cannabis. Tom Standage , deputy editor of The Economist. RESOURCES: " Most Americans Favor Legalizing Marijuana for Medical, Recreational Use ," (Pew Research Center, 2024). " Whitney Economics U.S. Legal Cannabis Forecast - 2024 - 2035 ," by Beau Whitney ( Whitney Economics, 2024). " Beer Sellers Use a Loophole to Break Into Weed Drinks Market ," by Redd Brown ( Bloomberg, 2024). " Cannabis Producer Seeks Boston Beer Merger ," by Lauren Thomas ( The Wall Street Journal, 2024). " California's 'Apple Store of Weed' Declares Bankruptcy With $410M in Debt ," by Lester Black ( SFGate, 2024). " Is the State Democratic Chair Influencing Who Can Sell Legal Weed in this N.J. City? " by Jelani Gibson ( NJ.com, 2023). " When Prohibition Works: Comparing Fireworks and Cannabis Regulations, Markets, and Harms ," by Jonathan P. Caulkins and Kristi
Thu, October 17, 2024
607. Is America Switching From Booze to Weed?
We have always been a nation of drinkers — but now there are more daily users of cannabis than alcohol. Considering alcohol’s harms, maybe that’s a good thing. But some people worry that the legalization of cannabis has outpaced the research. (Part one of a four-part series .) SOURCES: Jon Caulkins , professor of operations research and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University. Yasmin Hurd , director of the Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai. Michael Siegel , professor of public health and community medicine at Tufts University. Tom Standage , deputy editor of The Economist. Ryan Stoa , associate professor of law at Louisiana State University. RESOURCES: " Cannabis Tops Alcohol as Americans’ Daily Drug of Choice ," by Christina Caron ( The New York Times, 2024). " Deaths from Excessive Alcohol Use — United States, 2016–2021 ," by Marissa B. Esser, Adam Sherk, Yong Liu, and Timothy S. Naimi ( Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 2024). " Nixon Started the War on Drugs. Privately, He Said Pot Was ‘Not Particularly Dangerous ,'" by Ernesto Londoño ( The New York Times, 2024). " A Brief Global History of the War on Cannabis ," by Ryan Stoa ( The MIT Press Reader, 2020). Craft Weed: Family Farming and the Future of the Marijuana Industry , by Ryan Stoa (2018). " How the Sugar Industry Shifted Blame to Fat ," by Anahad O’Connor ( The New York Times, 2016). " The Perils of Ignoring History: Big Tobacco Played Dirty and Millions Died. How Similar Is Big Food? " by Kelly D. Brownell and Kenneth E. Warner ( The Milbank Quarterly, 2009). A History Of The World In Six Glasses , by Tom Standage (2005). " Cancer and Coronary Artery Disease Among Seventh-Day Adventists ," by E
Fri, October 11, 2024
606. How to Predict the Presidency
Are betting markets more accurate than polls? What kind of chaos would a second Trump term bring? And is U.S. democracy really in danger, or just “sputtering on”? (Part two of a two-part series .) SOURCES: Eric Posner , professor of law at the University of Chicago Law School. Koleman Strumpf , professor of economics at Wake Forest University. RESOURCES: " A Trump Dictatorship Won’t Happen ," by Eric Posner ( Project Syndicate, 2023). The Demagogue's Playbook: The Battle for American Democracy from the Founders to Trump , by Eric Posner (2020). " The Long History of Political Betting Markets: An International Perspective ," by Paul W. Rhode and Koleman Strumpf ( The Oxford Handbook of the Economics of Gambling, 2013). " Manipulating Political Stock Markets: A Field Experiment and a Century of Observational Data ," by Paul W. Rhode and Koleman S. Strumpf (Working Paper, 2007). " Historical Presidential Betting Markets ," by Paul W. Rhode and Koleman S. Strumpf ( Journal of Economic Perspectives, 2004). EXTRAS: " Has the U.S. Presidency Become a Dictatorship? (Update) ," by Freakonomics Radio (2024). “ Does the President Matter as Much as You Think? ” by Freakonomics Radio (2020). " How Much Does the President Really Matter? " by Freakonomics Radio (2010).
Thu, October 10, 2024
Has the U.S. Presidency Become a Dictatorship? (Update)
Sure, we all pay lip service to the Madisonian system of checks and balances. But presidents have been steadily expanding the reach of the job. With an election around the corner, we updated our 2016 conversation with the legal scholar Eric Posner — who has some good news and some not-so-good news about the power of the presidency. (Part one of a two-part series .) SOURCE: Eric Posner , professor of law at the University of Chicago Law School. RESOURCES: " Presidential Leadership and the Separation of Powers ," by Eric Posner ( Daedalus, 2016). The Executive Unbound: After the Madisonian Republic , by Eric Posner and Adrian Vermeule (2010). EXTRA: " Does the President Matter as Much as You Think? " by Freakonomics Radio (2020).
Thu, October 03, 2024
605. What Do People Do All Day?
Sixty percent of the jobs that Americans do today didn’t exist in 1940. What happens as our labor becomes more technical and less physical? And what kinds of jobs will exist in the future? SOURCES: David Autor , professor of economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Paula Barmaimon , manager of coverage and audience analytics at The New York Times. Ellen Griesedieck , artist and president of the American Mural Project. Adina Lichtman , co-host of the Our Friends Are Smart party. Avi Popack , co-host of the Our Friends Are Smart party. Huck Scarry , author and illustrator. James Suzman , anthropologist and author. Ben Varon , rabbi and chaplain at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn . RESOURCES: " New Frontiers: The Origins and Content of New Work, 1940–2018 ," by David Autor, Caroline Chin, Anna Salomons, and Bryan Seegmiller ( The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 2024). Work: A Deep History, from the Stone Age to the Age of Robots , by James Suzman (2020). Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do , by Studs Terkel (1974). What Do People Do All Day? , by Richard Scarry (1968). " Economic Possibilities for our Grandchildren ," by John Maynard Keynes (1930). American Mural Project . EXTRAS: " Will the Democrats 'Make America Great Again'? " by Freakonomics Radio (2023). " How to Stop Worrying and Love the Robot Apocalypse ," by Freakonomics Radio (2021). " Did China Eat America’s Jobs? " by Freakonomics Radio (2017). <a href="https://freakonomics.com/series/people-i-mostly-admir
Mon, September 30, 2024
EXTRA: Roland Fryer Refuses to Lie to Black America (Update)
His research on police brutality and school incentives won him acclaim, but also enemies. He was suspended for two years by Harvard, during which time he took a hard look at corporate diversity programs. As a follow-up to our recent series on the Rooney Rule, we revisit our 2022 conversation with the controversial economist. SOURCE: Roland Fryer , professor of economics at Harvard University. RESOURCES: " How to Make Up the Covid Learning Loss ," by Roland Fryer ( Wall Street Journal, 2022). " Roland Fryer on Better Alternatives to Defunding the Police ," by Roland Fryer ( The Economist, 2020). " Harvard Suspends Roland Fryer, Star Economist, After Sexual Harassment Claims ," by Ben Casselman and Jim Tankersley ( The New York Times, 2019). " Why Diversity Programs Fail: And What Works Better ," by Frank Dobbin and Alexandra Kalev ( Harvard Business Review, 2016). " An Empirical Analysis of Racial Differences in Police Use of Force ," by Roland G. Fryer, Jr ( NBER Working Paper, 2016). " Getting Beneath the Veil of Effective Schools: Evidence from New York City ," by Will Dobbie and Roland G. Fryer ( American Economics Journal, 2013). " Financial Incentives and Student Achievement: Evidence From Randomized Trials ," by Roland G. Fryer ( The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 2011). " Toward a Unified Theory of Black America ," by Stephen J. Dubner ( The New York Times, 2005). Equal Opportunity Ventures . Intus Care . Reconstruction . Sigma Squared . EXTRAS: " Did the N.F.L. Solve Diversity Hiring? " series by Freakonomics Radio (2024)
Thu, September 26, 2024
604. Did the N.F.L. Solve Diversity Hiring? (Part 2)
What happened when the Rooney Rule made its way from pro football to corporate America? Some progress, some backsliding, and a lot of controversy. (Second in a two-part series .) SOURCES: Tynesia Boyea-Robinson , president and C.E.O. of CapEQ. N. Jeremi Duru , professor of law at American University. Herm Edwards , former N.F.L. player and head coach. Christopher Rider , professor of entrepreneurial studies at the University of Michigan. Jim Rooney , author and co-partner of Rooney Consulting. Scott Shephard , general counsel at the National Center for Public Policy Research. RESOURCES: The Social Impact Advantage: Win Customers and Talent By Harnessing Your Business For Good , by Tynesia Boyea-Robinson (2022). A Different Way to Win: Dan Rooney’s Story from the Super Bowl to the Rooney Rule , by Jim Rooney (2019). " If There’s Only One Woman in Your Candidate Pool, There’s Statistically No Chance She’ll Be Hired ," by Stefanie K. Johnson, David R. Hekman and Elsa T. Chan ( Harvard Business Review, 2016). " Racial Disparity in Leadership: Performance-Reward Bias in Promotions of National Football League Coaches ," by Christopher I. Rider, James Wade, Anand Swaminathan, and Andreas Schwab ( SSRN, 2016). Advancing the Ball: Race, Reformation, and the Quest for Equal Coaching Opportunity in the NFL , by N. Jeremi Duru (2010). EXTRAS: " Did the N.F.L. Solve Diversity Hiring? (Part 1) ," by Freakonomics Radio (2024). “ When Is a Superstar Just Another Employe
Thu, September 19, 2024
603. Did the N.F.L. Solve Diversity Hiring? (Part 1)
The biggest sports league in history had a problem: While most of its players were Black, almost none of its head coaches were. So the N.F.L. launched a hiring policy called the Rooney Rule. In the first episode of a two-part series , we look at how the rule succeeded — until it failed. SOURCES: N. Jeremi Duru , professor of law at American University. Herm Edwards , former N.F.L. player and head coach. Jim Rooney , author and co-partner of Rooney Consulting. RESOURCES: A Different Way to Win: Dan Rooney's Story from the Super Bowl to the Rooney Rule , by Jim Rooney (2019). " For ASU's Herm Edwards, Sports Bubble Helped to Overcome Racism Growing Up ," by Jeff Metcalfe ( The Arizona Republic, 2018). Advancing the Ball: Race, Reformation, and the Quest for Equal Coaching Opportunity in the NFL , by N. Jeremi Duru (2010). " Differences in the Success of NFL Coaches by Race, 1990-2002: Evidence of Last Hire, First Fire ," by Janice Madden ( Journal of Sports Economics, 2004). EXTRAS: " When Is a Superstar Just Another Employee? " by Freakonomics Radio (2023). " How Much Does Discrimination Hurt the Economy? (Replay) ," by Freakonomics Radio (2023).
Mon, September 16, 2024
EXTRA: In Praise of Maintenance (Update)
We revisit an episode from 2016 that asks: Has our culture’s obsession with innovation led us to neglect the fact that things also need to be taken care of? SOURCES: Martin Casado , general partner at Andreessen Horowitz. Ruth Schwartz Cowan , professor emerita of history and sociology of science at University of Pennsylvania. Edward Glaeser , professor of economics at Harvard University. Chris Lacinak , founder and president of AVPreserve. Andrew Russell , provost of SUNY Polytechnic Institute. Lawrence Summers , professor and president emeritus of Harvard University; former Secretary of the Treasury and former director of the National Economic Council. Lee Vinsel , professor of science, technology, and society at Virginia Tech. RESOURCES: “ Hail the Maintainers ," by Andrew Russell and Lee Vinsel ( Aeon, 2016). “ A Lesson on Infrastructure From the Anderson Bridge Fiasco ,” by Lawrence Summers and Rachel Lipson ( The Boston Globe , 2016). Triumph of the City: How Our Greatest Invention Makes Us Richer, Smarter, Greener, Healthier, and Happier , by Edward Glaeser (2008). More Work for Mother: The Ironies of Household Technology from the Open Hearth to the Microwave , by Ruth Schwartz Cowan (1983). EXTRAS: " Freakonomics Radio Takes to the Skies ," series by Freakonomics Radio (2023). " Edward Glaeser Explains Why Some Cities Thrive While Others Fade Away ," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2021). " Why Larry Summers Is the Economist Everyone Hates to Love ," by Freakonomics Radio (2017).
Thu, September 12, 2024
602. Is Screen Time as Poisonous as We Think?
Young people have been reporting a sharp rise in anxiety and depression. This maps neatly onto the global rise of the smartphone. Some researchers are convinced that one is causing the other. But how strong is the evidence? SOURCES: David Blanchflower , professor of economics at Dartmouth College. Lauren Oyler , novelist and cultural critic. Andrew Przybylski , professor of human behavior and technology at the University of Oxford. RESOURCES: " The Declining Mental Health Of The Young And The Global Disappearance Of The Hump Shape In Age In Unhappiness ," by David G. Blanchflower, Alex Bryson, and Xiaowei Xu ( NBER Working Paper, 2024). " Further Evidence on the Global Decline in the Mental Health of the Young ," by David G. Blanchflower, Alex Bryson, Anthony Lepinteur, and Alan Piper ( NBER Working Paper, 2024). No Judgment: Essays , by Lauren Oyler (2024). " To What Extent are Trends in Teen Mental Health Driven by Changes in Reporting? " by Adriana Corredor-Waldron and Janet Currie ( Journal of Human Resources, 2024). The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness , by Jonathan Haidt (2024). " Global Well-Being and Mental Health in the Internet Age ," by Matti Vuorre and Andrew K. Przybylski ( Clinical Psychological Science, 2023). " Are Mental Health Awareness Efforts Contributing to the Rise in Reported Mental Health Problems? A Call to Test the Prevalence Inflation Hypothesis ," by Lucy Foulkes and Jack L. Andrews ( New Ideas in Psychology, 2023). " The Association Between Adolescent Well-Being and Digital Technology Use ," by Amy Orben and Andrew K. Przybylski ( Nature Human Behaviour, 2019). iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy — and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood — and What That Means for the Rest of Us , by Jean M. Twenge (2017). EXTRAS: "<a href="https://freakonomi
Thu, September 05, 2024
601. Multitasking Doesn’t Work. So Why Do We Keep Trying?
Only a tiny number of “supertaskers” are capable of doing two things at once. The rest of us are just making ourselves miserable, and less productive. How can we put the — hang on a second, I've just got to get this . Come see Stephen Dubner live! “A Questionable Evening: A strategic interrogation from two people who ask questions for a living,” featuring Stephen Dubner and PJ Vogt from Search Engine . Thursday, Sept. 26th, at the Bell House in Brooklyn, NY. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-questionable-evening-evening-with-stephen-dubner-and-pj-vogt-tickets-1002544747327 SOURCES: Olivia Grace , senior product manager at Slack. Gloria Mark , professor of computer science at the University of California, Irvine. David Strayer , professor of cognition and neural science at the University of Utah. RESOURCES: " Immersion in Nature Enhances Neural Indices of Executive Attention ," by Amy S. McDonnell and David L. Strayer ( Nature: Scientific Reports, 2024). " Contribution to the Study on the ‘Right to Disconnect’ From Work. Are France and Spain Examples for Other Countries and E.U. Law? " by Loïc Lerouge and Francisco Trujillo Pons ( European Labour Law Journal, 2022). " Task Errors by Emergency Physicians Are Associated With Interruptions, Multitasking, Fatigue and Working Memory Capacity: A Prospective, Direct Observation Study ," by Johanna I. Westbrook, Magdalena Z. Raban, Scott R. Walter, and Heather Douglas ( BMJ Quality & Safety, 2018). " Supertaskers: Profiles in Extraordinary Multitasking Ability ," by Jason M. Watson and David L. Strayer ( Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 2010). " The Effects of Video Game Playing on Attention, Memory, and Executive Control ," by Walter R. Boot, Arthur F. Kramer, Daniel J. Simons, Monica Fabiani, and Gabriele Gratton ( Acta Psychologica, 2008). " 'Constant, Constant, Multi-Tasking Craziness': Managing Multiple Working Spheres ," by Victor M. González and Gloria Mark ( Proceedings of the 2004 Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, CHI, 2004). EXTRAS: " Why
Thu, August 29, 2024
What Is the Future of College — and Does It Have Room for Men? (Update)
Educators and economists tell us all the reasons college enrollment has been dropping, especially for men, and how to stop the bleeding. (Part 3 of our series from 2022, “ Freakonomics Radio Goes Back to School .”) SOURCES: Zachary Bleemer , assistant professor of economics at Princeton University and faculty research fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research. D'Wayne Edwards , founder and President of Pensole Lewis College. Catharine Hill , former president of Vassar College; trustee at Yale University; and managing director at Ithaka S+R. Pano Kanelos , founding president of the University of Austin. Amalia Miller , professor of economics at the University of Virginia. Donald Ruff , president and C.E.O. of the Eagle Academy Foundation. Morton Schapiro , professor of economics and former president of Northwestern University. Ruth Simmons , former president of Smith College, Brown University, and Prairie View A&M University. Miguel Urquiola , professor of economics at Columbia University. RESOURCES: " What Gay Men’s Stunning Success Might Teach Us About the Academic Gender Gap ," by Joel Mittleman ( The Washington Post , 2022). " We Can't Wait for Universities to Fix Themselves. So We're Starting a New One ," by Pano Kanelos ( Common Sense , 2021). " Academic Freedom in Crisis: Punishment, Political Discrimination, and Self-Censorship ," by Eric Kaufmann (Center for the Study of Partisanship and Ideology, 2021). “ A Generation of American Men Give Up on College: ‘I Just Feel Lost’ ,” by Douglas Belkin ( The Wall Street Journal , 2021). " Community Colleges and Upward Mobility ," by Jack Mountjoy ( NBER Working Pa
Bonus · Mon, August 26, 2024
EXTRA: Why Quitting Is Usually Worth It
Stephen Dubner appears as a guest on Fail Better , a new podcast hosted by David Duchovny. The two of them trade stories about failure, and ponder the lessons that success could never teach. SOURCES: David Duchovny , actor, director, writer, and musician. RESOURCES: " Martin Seligman and the Rise of Positive Psychology ," by Peter Gibbon ( Humanities, 2020). " Rick Reilly: ‘Donald Trump Will Cheat You on the Golf Course and Then Buy You Lunch ,'" by Donald McRae ( The Guardian, 2019). " How The X-Files Invented Modern Television ," by Emily St. James ( Vox, 2018). " Happiness & the Gorilla ," by Scott Galloway ( No Mercy/No Malice, 2018). EXTRAS: Fail Better with David Duchovny , podcast by Lemonada Media (2024). " How to Succeed at Failing ," series by Freakonomics Radio (2023). " Annie Duke Thinks You Should Quit ," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2022). " The Upside of Quitting ," by Freakonomics Radio (2011).
Thu, August 22, 2024
The University of Impossible-to-Get-Into (Update)
America’s top colleges are facing record demand. So why don’t they increase supply? (Part 2 of our series from 2022, “ Freakonomics Radio Goes Back to School .”) SOURCES: Peter Blair , professor of education at Harvard University and faculty research fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research. Zachary Bleemer , assistant professor of economics at Princeton University and faculty research fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research. Amalia Miller , professor of economics at the University of Virginia. Morton Schapiro , professor of economics and former president of Northwestern University. Miguel Urquiola , professor of economics at Columbia University. RESOURCES: “ Elite Schools and Opting In: Effects of College Selectivity on Career and Family Outcomes ,” by Suqin Ge, Elliott Isaac, and Amalia Miller ( Journal of Labor Economics , 2022). “ Why Don’t Elite Colleges Expand Supply? ” by Peter Q. Blair & Kent Smetters ( NBER Working Paper , 2021). “ Lori Loughlin Pleads Guilty via Zoom in College Admissions Case ,” by Kate Taylor ( The New York Times , 2020). Markets, Minds, and Money: Why America Leads the World in University Research , by Miguel Urquiola (2020). “ To Cheat and Lie in L.A.: How the College-Admissions Scandal Ensnared the Richest Families in Southern California ,” by Evgenia Peretz ( Vanity Fair , 2019). The Case Against Education: Why the Education System Is a Waste of Time and Money , by Bryan Caplan (2018). “ The World Might Be Better Off Without College for Everyone ,” by Bryan Caplan ( The Atlantic , 2018). “ Are Tenure Track Professors Better Teachers? ” by David N. Figlio, Morton O. Schapiro, and Kevin B. Soter ( NBER Working Paper , 2013). “ Estimating the Payoff to Attending a More Selective College: An Application
Thu, August 15, 2024
What Exactly Is College For? (Update)
We think of them as intellectual enclaves and the surest route to a better life. But U.S. colleges also operate like firms, trying to differentiate their products to win market share and prestige points. In the first episode of a special series originally published in 2022, we ask what our chaotic system gets right — and wrong. (Part 1 of “ Freakonomics Radio Goes Back to School .”) SOURCES: Peter Blair , faculty research Fellow of the National Bureau of Economic Research and professor of education at Harvard University. Catharine Hill , former president of Vassar College; trustee at Yale University; and managing director at Ithaka S+R. Morton Schapiro , professor of economics and former president of Northwestern University. Ruth Simmons , former president of Smith College, Brown University, and Prairie View A&M University. Miguel Urquiola , professor of economics at Columbia University. RESOURCES: " Progressivity of Pricing at U.S. Public Universities ," by Emily E. Cook and Sarah Turner ( NBER Working Paper , 2022). " Community Colleges and Upward Mobility ," by Jack Mountjoy ( NBER Working Paper , 2021). " How HBCUs Can Accelerate Black Economic Mobility ," (McKinsey & Company, 2021). Markets, Minds, and Money: Why America Leads the World in University Research , by Miguel Urquiola (2021). " Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility ," by Raj Chetty, John N. Friedman, Emmanuel Saez, Nicholas Turner, and Danny Yagan ( NBER Working Paper , 2017). EXTRAS: " 'If We’re All in It for Ourselves, Who Are We?' " by Freakonomics Radio (2024). "<a href="https://freakonomics.com/podcast/a-low-moment-in-hi
Mon, August 12, 2024
EXTRA: Here’s Why You’re Not an Elite Athlete (Update)
There are a lot of factors that go into greatness, many of which are not obvious. As the Olympics come to a close, we revisit a 2018 episode in which top athletes from a variety of sports tell us how they made it, and what they sacrificed. SOURCES: Lance Armstrong , former professional cyclist. David Canton , director of African American studies and professor of history at the University of Florida. David Epstein , science journalist and author. Domonique Foxworth , former professional football player. Justin Humphries , former professional baseball player. Andre Ingram , professional basketball player. Shawn Johnson , former professional gymnast and Olympian. Steve Levitt , professor of economics at the University of Chicago. Simone Manuel , professional swimmer and Olympian. Brandon McCarthy , former professional baseball player. Mike McGlinchey , offensive tackle for the Denver Broncos. Daryl Morey , president of basketball operations of the Philadelphia 76ers. Lauren Murphy , professional mixed martial artist. Kim Ng , advisor with Athletes Unlimited Pro Softball, former general manager of the Miami Marlins. JJ Redick , head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. Mikaela Shiffrin , professional alpine ski racer and Olympian. Mark Teixeira , former professional baseball player. Sudhir Venkatesh , professor of sociology at Columbia University. Kerri Walsh-Jennings , professional beach volleyball player and Olympian. RESOURCES: " Compromising Talent: Issues in Identifying and Selecting Talent in Sport ," by Joseph Baker, Jörg Schorer, and Nick Wattie ( Quest, 2017). " Practice and Play in the Develop
Thu, August 08, 2024
600. “If We’re All in It for Ourselves, Who Are We?”
Tania Tetlow, a former federal prosecutor and now the president of Fordham University, thinks the modern campus could use a dose of old-fashioned values. SOURCE: Tania Tetlow , president of Fordham University. RESOURCES: " Not a Priest, Not a Man, but Ready to Run Fordham ," by David Waldstein ( The New York Times, 2024). " Tech Glitch Upends Financial Aid for About a Million Students ," by Oyin Adedoyin and Melissa Korn ( The Wall Street Journal, 2024). " Where Protesters on U.S. Campuses Have Been Arrested or Detained ," by The New York Times ( The New York Times, 2024). " 15 Arrested as NYPD Clears Protester Encampment at Fordham's Lincoln Center Campus ," ( NBC News, 2024). " Inside the Week That Shook Columbia University ," by Nicholas Fandos and Sharon Otterman ( The New York Times, 2024). " Address of his Holiness Pope Francis to the Members of the Blanquerna — Universitat Ramón Llull Foundation, Barcelona ," by Pope Francis ( The Holy See Press Office Bulletin , 2024). " Why Don’t Elite Colleges Expand Supply? " by Peter Q. Blair and Kent Smetters ( NBER Working Paper, 2021). EXTRAS: " Freakonomics Radio Goes Back to School ," series by Freakonomics Radio (2022).
Thu, August 01, 2024
599. The World's Most Valuable Unused Resource
It’s not oil or water or plutonium — it’s human hours. We've got an idea for putting them to use, and for building a more human-centered economy. But we need your help. SOURCES: Nathan Dietz , research director at the Do Good Institute at the University of Maryland. Al Roth , professor of economics at Stanford University. Krista Wyatt , C.E.O. of Timebanks.org . Andrew Yang , co-chair of the Forward Party and former U.S. presidential candidate. RESOURCES: " The Employment Effects of a Guaranteed Income: Experimental Evidence from Two U.S. States ," by Eva Vivalt, Elizabeth Rhodes, Alexander W. Bartik, David E. Broockman, and Sarah Miller ( NBER Working Paper, 2024). " Where Are America's Volunteers ," by Nathan Dietz and Robert T. Grimm Jr. (Do Good Institute, 2018). " Believe in People ," talk by Edgar Cahn at TEDxAshokaU (2010). The Pencil , by Allan Ahlberg (2008). No More Throw-Away People: The Co-Production Imperative , by Edgar S. Cahn (2000). Time Dollars: The New Currency That Enables Americans to Turn Their Hidden Resource-Time-Into Personal Security and Community Renewal , by Edgar S. Cahn and Jonathan Rowe (1992). EXTRAS: " Why Don’t We Have Better Candidates for President? " by Freakonomics Radio (2024). “ Andrew Yang Is Not Giving Up on Politics — or the U.S. — Yet ,” by People I (Mostly) Admire (2021). “ The Future of New York City Is in Question. Could Andrew Yang Be the Answer? ” by Freakonomics Radio (2021). “ Why Is This Man Running for President? (Update) ,” by Freakonomics Radio (2019). " Make Me a Match ," by Freakonomics Radio (2015).
Mon, July 29, 2024
EXTRA: Why Rent Control Doesn’t Work (Update)
A new proposal from the Biden administration calls for a nationwide cap on rent increases. Economists think that’s a terrible idea. We revisit a 2019 episode to hear why. SOURCES: Tommy Andersson , professor of economics at Lund University. Vicki Been , professor of law at New York University and former deputy mayor for housing and economic development in New York City. Rebecca Diamond , professor of economics at Stanford Graduate School of Business. David Eisenbach , history lecturer at the Manhattan School of Music and Columbia University. Ed Glaeser , professor of economics at Harvard University. RESOURCES: " The State of the Nation's Housing 2024 ," by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University (2024). “ The Effects of Rent Control Expansion on Tenants, Landlords, and Inequality: Evidence from San Francisco ,” by Rebecca Diamond, Tim McQuade, and Franklin Qian ( American Economic Review , 2019). “ Housing Market Spillovers: Evidence from the End of Rent Control in Cambridge, Massachusetts ,” by David H. Autor, Christopher J. Palmer, and Parang A. Pathak ( Journal of Political Economy , 2014). “ An Econometric Analysis of Rent Control ,” by Edgar O. Olsen ( Journal of Political Economy , 1972). Roofs or Ceilings?: The Current Housing Problem , by Milton Friedman and George J. Stigler (1946).
Thu, July 25, 2024
598. Is Overconsolidation a Threat to Democracy?
That’s the worry. Even the humble eyeglass industry is dominated by a single firm. We look into the global spike in myopia, how the Lemtosh got its name, and what your eye doctor knows that you don’t. (Part two of a two-part series .) SOURCES: Maria Liu , professor of clinical optometry at the University of California, Berkeley. Harvey Moscot , C.E.O. of MOSCOT Eyewear and Eyecare. Zachary Moscot , chief design officer of MOSCOT Eyewear and Eyecare. Cédric Rossi , equity research analyst at Bryan Garnier. Tim Wu , professor of law, science and technology at Columbia Law School. RESOURCES: " Meta in Talks to Buy Stake in Eyewear Giant EssilorLuxottica ," by Salvador Rodriguez and Lauren Thomas ( The Wall Street Journal, 2024). " The Story Behind Soaring Myopia Among Kids ," by Manoush Zomorodi, Katie Monteleone, Sanaz Meshkinpour, and Rachel Faulkner White ( Body Electric, 2024). " Why So Many People Need Glasses Now ," by Christophe Haubursin ( Vox, 2023). " Eyes on World Sight: Taking Action to Advance Eye Health in China ," by EssilorLuxottica (2022). " Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050 ," by Brien A. Holden, Timothy R. Fricke, Serge Resnikoff, et al. ( Ophthalmology, 2016). " Increased Prevalence of Myopia in the United States Between 1971-1972 and 1999-2004 ," by Susan Vitale, Robert D. Sperduto, and Frederick L. Ferris ( Archives of Ophthalmology, 2009). EXTRAS: " The Economics of Eyeglasses ," series by Freakonomics Radio (2024).
Thu, July 18, 2024
597. Why Do Your Eyeglasses Cost $1,000?
A single company, EssilorLuxottica, owns so much of the eyewear industry that it’s hard to escape their gravitational pull — or their “obscene” markups. Should regulators do something? Can Warby Parker steal market share? And how did Ray-Bans become a luxury brand? (Part one of a two-part series .) SOURCES: Neil Blumenthal , co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker. Dave Gilboa , co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker. Jessica Glasscock , fashion historian and lecturer at the Parsons School of Design. Neil Handley , curator of the British Optical Association Museum at the College of Optometrists. Ryan McDevitt , professor of economics at Duke University. Cédric Rossi , equity research analyst at Bryan Garnier. Tim Wu , professor of law, science and technology at Columbia Law School. RESOURCES: " Leonardo Del Vecchio Dies at 87; Transformed Eyeglass Industry ," by Jonathan Kandell ( The New York Times, 2022). Making a Spectacle: A Fashionable History of Glasses , by Jessica Glasscock (2021). " Dave Gilboa and Neil Blumenthal: ‍A Vision for Business ," by Lucy Handley ( CNBC, 2020). " The Roots of Big Tech Run Disturbingly Deep ," by Tim Wu and Stuart A. Thompson ( The New York Times, 2019). " The Spectacular Power of Big Lens ," by Sam Knight ( The Guardian, 2018). The Curse of Bigness: Antitrust in the New Gilded Age , by Tim Wu (2018). " Statement of the Federal Trade Commission Concerning the Proposed Acquisition of Luxottica Group S.p.A. by Essilor International (Compagnie Generale d’Optique) S.A. ," FTC File No. 171-0060 (2018). Cult Eyewear: T
Mon, July 15, 2024
EXTRA: People Aren’t Dumb. The World Is Hard. (Update)
You wouldn’t think you could win a Nobel Prize for showing that humans tend to make irrational decisions. But that’s what Richard Thaler has done. In an interview from 2018, the founder of behavioral economics describes his unlikely route to success; his reputation for being lazy; and his efforts to fix the world — one nudge at a time. SOURCES: Richard Thaler , professor of behavioral science and economics at the University of Chicago. RESOURCES: “ Behavioral Economics ,” by Richard Thaler ( The Past, Present, and Future of Economics: A Celebration of the 125-Year Anniversary of the JPE and of Chicago Economics , December 2017). Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics , by Richard Thaler (2015). Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness , by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein (2008). EXTRAS: " Farewell to a Generational Talent ," by Freakonomics Radio (2024). " Why Is Richard Thaler Such a ****ing Optimist? " by People I (Mostly) Admire (2021). " All You Need Is Nudge ," by Freakonomics Radio (2021). " How to Launch a Behavior-Change Revolution ," by Freakonomics Radio (2017). “ How To Win A Nobel Prize ," by Freakonomics Radio (2015). The Big Short , film by Adam McKay (2015).
Thu, July 11, 2024
596. Farewell to a Generational Talent
Daniel Kahneman left his mark on academia (and the real world) in countless ways. A group of his friends and colleagues recently gathered in Chicago to reflect on this legacy — and we were there, with microphones. SOURCES: Maya Bar-Hillel , professor emeritus of psychology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Shane Frederick , professor of marketing at the Yale School of Management. Thomas Gilovich , professor of psychology at Cornell University. Matt Killingsworth , senior fellow at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Barbara Mellers , professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. Eldar Shafir , director of the Kahneman-Treisman Center for Behavioral Science & Public Policy at Princeton University. Richard Thaler , professor of behavioral science and economics at the University of Chicago. RESOURCES: " Experienced Well-Being Rises With Income, Even Above $75,000 Per Year ," by Matthew A. Killingsworth ( PNAS, 2021). " The False Allure of Fast Lures ," by Yigal Attali and Maya Bar-Hillel ( Judgment and Decision Making, 2020). " Learning Psychology From Riddles: The Case of Stumpers ," by Maya Bar-Hillel and Tom Noah ( Judgment and Decision Making, 2018). Thinking, Fast and Slow , by Daniel Kahneman (2011). " High Income Improves Evaluation of Life but Not Emotional Well-Being ," by Daniel Kahneman and Angus Deaton ( PNAS, 2010). " Varieties of Regret: A Debate and Partial Resolution ," by Thomas Gilovich, Victoria Husted Medvec, and Daniel Kahneman ( Psychological Review, 1998). " Some Counterfactual Determinants of Satisfaction and Re
Thu, July 04, 2024
595. Why Don't We Have Better Candidates for President?
American politics is trapped in a duopoly, with two all-powerful parties colluding to stifle competition. We revisit a 2018 episode to explain how the political industry works, and talk to a reformer (and former presidential candidate) who is pushing for change. SOURCES: Katherine Gehl , former president and C.E.O. of Gehl Foods. Michael Porter , professor at Harvard Business School. Andrew Yang , co-chair of the Forward Party and former U.S. presidential candidate. RESOURCES: " Why U.S. Politics Is Broken — and How to Fix It ," by Andrew Yang ( TED, 2024). The Politics Industry: How Political Innovation Can Break Partisan Gridlock and Save Our Democracy , by Michael Porter and Katherine Gehl (2020). “ Why Competition in the Politics Industry is Failing America ,” Katherine Gehl and Michael Porter ( Harvard Business School, 2017). “ Stronger Parties, Stronger Democracy: Rethinking Reform ,” by Ian Vandewalker and Daniel I. Weiner ( Brennan Center for Justice, 2015). On Competition , by Michael Porter (2008). Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors , by Michael Porter (1980). EXTRAS: " Andrew Yang Is Not Giving Up on Politics — or the U.S. — Yet ," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2021). " The Future of New York City Is in Question. Could Andrew Yang Be the Answer? " by Freakonomics Radio (2021). " Why Is This Man Running for President? (Update) ," by Freakonomics Radio (2019). “ Ten Ideas to Make Politics Less Rotten ,” Freakonomics Radio (2016).
Thu, June 27, 2024
594. Your Brand’s Spokesperson Just Got Arrested — Now What?
It’s hard to know whether the benefits of hiring a celebrity are worth the risk. We dig into one gruesome story of an endorsement gone wrong, and find a surprising result. SOURCES: John Cawley , professor of economics at Cornell University. Elizabeth (Zab) Johnson , executive director and senior fellow with the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania. Alvin Roth , professor of economics at Stanford University. RESOURCES: " Kanye and Adidas: Money, Misconduct and the Price of Appeasement ," by Megan Twohey ( The New York Times, 2023). " The Role of Repugnance in Markets: How the Jared Fogle Scandal Affected Patronage of Subway ," by John Cawley, Julia Eddelbuettel, Scott Cunningham, Matthew D. Eisenberg, Alan D. Mathios, and Rosemary J. Avery ( NBER Working Paper, 2023). " How Celebrity Status and Gaze Direction in Ads Drive Visual Attention to Shape Consumer Decisions ," by Simone D'Ambrogio, Noah Werksman, Michael L. Platt, and Elizabeth Johnson ( Psychology & Marketing, 2022). " Consumer Responses to Firms’ Voluntary Disclosure of Information: Evidence from Calorie Labeling by Starbucks ," by Rosemary Avery, John Cawley, Julia Eddelbuettel, Matthew D. Eisenberg, Charlie Mann, and Alan D. Mathios ( NBER Working Paper, 2021). " Consumer Heterogeneity and Paid Search Effectiveness: A Large Scale Field Experiment ," by Thomas Blake, Chris Nosko, and Steven Tadelis ( NBER Working Paper, 2014). " The Economics of Obesity ," by John Cawley ( The Reporter, 2013). " Repugnance as a Constraint on Markets ," by Alvin Roth ( Journal of Economic Perspectives, 2007). EXTRAS: " Does Advertising Actually Work? (Part 2: Digital) ," by Freakonomics Radio (2020). " Does Advertising Actually Work? (Part 1: TV) ," by Freakonomics Radio (2020).
Thu, June 20, 2024
593. You Can Make a Killing, but Not a Living
Broadway operates on a winner-take-most business model. A runaway hit like Stereophonic — which just won five Tony Awards — will create a few big winners. But even the stars of the show will have to go elsewhere to make real money. (Part two of a two-part series .) SOURCES: David Adjmi , author and playwright. Sonia Friedman , theater producer and founder of Sonia Friedman Productions. John Johnson , theater producer and co-founder of Wagner Johnson Productions. Tom Pecinka , actor. Sarah Pidgeon , actor. RESOURCES: " Tony Award Winners 2024: The Full List ," by Rachel Sherman ( The New York Times, 2024). " Everything to Know About the Stranger Things: The First Shadow Play in London ," by Tara Bitran ( Tudum, 2024). Stereophonic , by David Adjmi, Will Butler, and Daniel Aukin (2023). EXTRAS: " How to Make the Coolest Show on Broadway ," by Freakonomics Radio (2024).
Bonus · Mon, June 17, 2024
EXTRA: The Fascinatingly Mundane Secrets of the World’s Most Exclusive Nightclub
The Berlin dance mecca Berghain is known for its eight-hour line and inscrutable door policy. PJ Vogt, host of the podcast Search Engine , joins us to crack the code. It has to do with Cold War rivalries, German tax law, and one very talented bouncer. SOURCES: Lutz Leichsenring , executive board member of Clubcommission Berlin and co-founder of VibeLab. PJ Vogt , reporter, writer, and host of the podcast Search Engine. RESOURCES: " Berghain: 36 Hours Inside the World's Most Exclusive Nightclub ," by Linux ( Paper Magazine, 2022). Berlin Bouncer , documentary by David Dietl (2019). " High Culture Club: Berghain Secures Same Tax Status as Berlin Concert Venues ," by Philip Oltermann ( The Guardian, 2016). " One Eye on the Door, the Other on His Photography ," by Nicholas Kulish ( The New York Times, 2011). Lost and Sound: Berlin, Techno and the Easyjet Set , by Tobias Rapp (2009). EXTRA: Search Engine , podcast by PJ Vogt.
Thu, June 13, 2024
592. How to Make the Coolest Show on Broadway
Hit by Covid, runaway costs, and a zillion streams of competition, serious theater is in serious trouble. A new hit play called Stereophonic — the most Tony-nominated play in history — has something to say about that. We speak with the people who make it happen every night. (Part one of a two-part series .) SOURCES: David Adjmi , author and playwright. Sonia Friedman , theater producer and founder of Sonia Friedman Productions. John Johnson , theater producer and co-founder of Wagner Johnson Productions. Tom Pecinka , actor. Sarah Pidgeon , actor. RESOURCES: Stereophonic , by David Adjmi, Will Butler, and Daniel Aukin (2023). Lot Six: A Memoir , by David Adjmi (2020). " On the Performing Arts: The Anatomy of Their Economic Problems ," by W. J. Baumol and W. G. Bowen ( The American Economic Review , 1965).
Thu, June 06, 2024
591. Signs of Progress, One Year at a Time
Every December, a British man named Tom Whitwell publishes a list of 52 things he’s learned that year. These fascinating facts reveal the spectrum of human behavior, from fraud and hypocrisy to Whitwell’s steadfast belief in progress. Should we also believe? SOURCES: Tom Whitwell , managing consultant at Magnetic. RESOURCES: " Supercentenarian and Remarkable Age Records Exhibit Patterns Indicative of Clerical Errors and Pension Fraud ," by Saul Justin Newman (Working Paper , 2024). " 52 things I learned in 2023 ," by Tom Whitwell ( Magnetic Notes, 2023). " Job Satisfaction 2023 ," by The Conference Board (2023). " What Fax Machines and Floppy Disks Reveal About Britain’s Productivity Problem ," ( The Economist, 2017). Fighting Traffic: The Dawn of the Motor Age in the American City , by Peter D. Norton (2008). " Beyond Propaganda ," by John Kenney ( The New York Times, 2006).
Bonus · Mon, June 03, 2024
EXTRA: The Opioid Tragedy — How We Got Here
An update of our 2020 series, in which we spoke with physicians, researchers, and addicts about the root causes of the crisis — and the tension between abstinence and harm reduction. SOURCES: Gail D’Onofrio , professor and chair of emergency medicine at the Yale School of Medicine and chief of emergency services at Yale-New Haven Health. Keith Humphreys , professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University. Stephen Loyd , chief medical officer of Cedar Recovery and chair of the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council. Nicole O’Donnell , certified recovery specialist at the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy. Jeanmarie Perrone , professor of emergency medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Eileen Richardson, restaurant manager. RESOURCES: “ Toward Healthy Drug Policy in the United States — The Case of Safehouse ,” by Evan D. Anderson, Leo Beletsky, Scott Burris, and Corey S. Davis ( The New England Journal of Medicine , 2020). “ Buprenorphine Deregulation and Mainstreaming Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder ,” by Leo Beletsky, Kevin Fiscella, and Sarah E. Wakeman ( JAMA Psychiatry , 2018). “ Emergency Department–Initiated Buprenorphine/Naloxone Treatment for Opioid Dependence ,” by Gail D’Onofrio, Patrick G. O’Connor, Michael V. Pantalon, Marek C. Chawarski, Susan H. Busch, Patricia H. Owens, Steven L. Bernstein, and David A. Fiellin ( JAMA , 2015). “ Buprenorphine-Naloxone Therapy In Pain Management ,” by Lucy Chen, Kelly Yan Chen, and Jianren Mao ( National Institutes of Health , 2014). “ Prevalence and Correlates of Street-Obtained Buprenorphine Use Among Current and Former Injectors In Baltimore, Maryland ,” by Jacquie Astemborski, Becky L. Genberg, Mirinda Gillespie, Chris-Ellyn Johanson, Gregory D. Kirk, Shruti H. Mehta, Charles R. Schuster, and David Vlahov ( U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health , 2014). “ The Promotion and Marketing of OxyContin: Commercial Triumph, Public He
Thu, May 30, 2024
590. Can $55 Billion End the Opioid Epidemic?
Thanks to legal settlements with drug makers and distributors, states have plenty of money to boost prevention and treatment. Will it work? (Part two of a two-part series .) SOURCES: Keith Humphreys , professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University. Stephen Loyd , chief medical officer of Cedar Recovery and chair of the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council. Christine Minhee , founder of OpioidSettlementTracker.com. RESOURCES: " Court Conflicted Over Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy Plan That Shields Sacklers From Liability ," by Amy Howe ( SCOTUSblog, 2023). NationalOpioidSettlement.com . OpioidSettlementTracker.com . The Helios Alliance . EXTRAS: " The Opioid Tragedy, Part 2: 'It’s Not a Death Sentence ,'" by Freakonomics Radio (2020).
Thu, May 23, 2024
589. Why Has the Opioid Crisis Lasted So Long?
Most epidemics flare up, do their damage, and fade away. This one has been raging for almost 30 years. To find out why, it’s time to ask some uncomfortable questions. (Part one of a two-part series .) SOURCES: David Cutler , professor of economics at Harvard University. Travis Donahoe , professor of health policy and management at the University of Pittsburgh. Keith Humphreys , professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University. Stephen Loyd , chief medical officer of Cedar Recovery and chair of the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council. RESOURCES: " Thick Market Externalities and the Persistence of the Opioid Epidemic ," by David Cutler and J. Travis Donahoe ( NBER Working Paper, 2024). " Responding to the Opioid Crisis in North America and Beyond: Recommendations of the Stanford-Lancet Commission ," by Keith Humphreys, Chelsea L. Shover, Christine Timko, et al. ( The Lancet, 2022). " When Innovation Goes Wrong: Technological Regress and the Opioid Epidemic ," by David Cutler and Edward Glaeser ( Journal of Economic Perspectives, 2021). EXTRAS: " Nuclear Power Isn’t Perfect. Is It Good Enough? " by Freakonomics Radio (2022). " The Opioid Tragedy, Part 2: 'It’s Not a Death Sentence ,'" by Freakonomics Radio (2020). " The Opioid Tragedy, Part 1: 'We’ve Addicted an Entire Generation ,'" by Freakonomics Radio (2020).
Bonus · Mon, May 20, 2024
Extra: Car Colors & Storage Units
Presenting two stories from The Economics of Everyday Things: Why does it seem like every car is black, white, or gray these days? And: How self-storage took over America. SOURCES: Tom Crockett, classic car enthusiast. Zachary Dickens , executive vice president and chief investment officer of Extra Space Storage. Mark Gutjahr , global head of design at BASF. Kara Kolodziej, self-storage unit tenant. Anne Mari DeCoster , self-storage consultant. Nikkie Riedel , carline planning manager at Subaru of America. RESOURCES: “ A Fifth Of Americans Rent Self Storage, With Millennials Overtaking Gen Xers In Generational Storage Wars ,” by Francis Chantree ( Storage Cafe, 2024). “ Lessors of Mini Warehouses and Self-Storage Units Show Significant Financial Gains During COVID-19 Pandemic ,” by Ben Chandler and Robin Enlow (United States Census Bureau, 2024). BASF Color Report 2023 for Automotive OEM Coatings , (2023). “ The Fate of Oversupplied Self-Storage Markets and How to Pull Back From the Brink ,” by Frank DeSalvo and David Perlleshi ( Inside Self Storage, 2023). “ A Pandemic Space Race: Self-Storage Roars Back ,” by Ellen Rosen ( The New York Times, 2021). “ Beige on an S.U.V. Will Cost You, but for Pickups It’s Golden ,” by Roy Furchgott ( The New York Times, 2021). “ A Brief History Of Car Colors — And Why Are We So Boring Now? ” ( Consumer Reports, 2018). “ The Link Between the Colour of Cars and the Economy ,” ( The Economist, 2018). “ Need to Store That? Booming Self-Storage Industr
Thu, May 16, 2024
588. Confessions of a Black Conservative
The economist and social critic Glenn Loury has led a remarkably turbulent life, both professionally and personally. In a new memoir, he has chosen to reveal just about everything. Why? SOURCE: Glenn Loury , professor of economics at Brown University and host of The Glenn Show . RESOURCES: Late Admissions: Confessions of a Black Conservative , by Glenn Loury (2024). " Amy Wax – The DEI Witch Hunt at Penn Law ," by Glenn Loury ( The Glenn Show, 2024). " The Conservative Line on Race ," by Glenn Loury ( The Atlantic, 1997). " Will Affirmative-Action Policies Eliminate Negative Stereotypes? " by Stephen Coate and Glenn Loury ( The American Economic Review, 1993). EXTRAS: " Roland Fryer Refuses to Lie to Black America ," by Freakonomics Radio (2022). " How Much Does Discrimination Hurt the Economy? " by Freakonomics Radio (2021). " The Pros and Cons of Reparations ," by Freakonomics Radio (2020).
Thu, May 09, 2024
587. Should Companies Be Owned by Their Workers?
The employee ownership movement is growing, and one of its biggest champions is also a private equity heavyweight. Is this meaningful change, or just window dressing? SOURCES: Marjorie Kelly , distinguished senior fellow at The Democracy Collaborative. Corey Rosen , founder and senior staff member of the National Center for Employee Ownership. Pete Stavros , co-head of Global Private Equity at KKR. RESOURCES: " Private Equity Is Starting to Share With Workers, Without Taking a Financial Hit ," by Lydia DePillis ( The New York Times, 2024). " Private Equity Heavyweight Pushing Employee Ownership ," ( 60 Minutes, 2024). " Ownership Works: Scaling a Profitable Social Mission ," by Ethan Rouen, Dennis Campbell, and Andrew Robinson ( HBS Case Collection, 2023). " Research on Employee Ownership ," by the National Center for Employee Ownership (2023). Wealth Supremacy: How the Extractive Economy and the Biased Rules of Capitalism Drive Today’s Crises , by Marjorie Kelly (2023). " Is Private Equity Joining — or Co-Opting—the Employee Ownership Movement? " by Marjorie Kelly and Karen Kahn ( Fast Company, 2022). " How Well Is Employee Ownership Working? " by Corey Rosen and Michael Quarrey ( Harvard Business Review, 1987). EXTRAS: " Are Private Equity Firms Plundering the U.S. Economy? " by Freakonomics Radio (2023). " Do You Know Who Owns Your Vet? " by Freakonomics Radio (2023). " Should You Trust Private Equity to Take Care of Your Dog? " by Freakonomics Radio (2023).
Thu, May 02, 2024
586. How Does the Lost World of Vienna Still Shape Our Lives?
From politics and economics to psychology and the arts, many of the modern ideas we take for granted emerged a century ago from a single European capital. In this episode of the Freakonomics Radio Book Club, the historian Richard Cockett explores all those ideas — and how the arrival of fascism can ruin in a few years what took generations to build. SOURCE: Richard Cockett , author and senior editor at The Economist . RESOURCES: Vienna: How the City of Ideas Created the Modern World , by Richard Cockett (2023). " Birth, Death and Shopping ," ( The Economist, 2007). The Hidden Persuaders , by Vance Packard (1957). " An Economist's View of 'Planning ,'" by Henry Hazlitt ( The New York Times, 1944). The World of Yesterday: Memoires of a European , by Stefan Zweig (1942). EXTRA: " Arnold Schwarzenegger Has Some Advice for You ," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2024).
Bonus · Mon, April 29, 2024
Extra: Why Is 23andMe Going Under? (Update)
Five years ago, we published an episode about the boom in home DNA testing kits, focusing on the high-flying firm 23andMe and its C.E.O. Anne Wojcicki. Their flight has been extremely bumpy since then. This update includes an additional interview with the Wall Street Journal reporter who has been investigating the firm’s collapse. SOURCES: Rolfe Winkler , reporter at The Wall Street Journal. Anne Wojcicki , co-founder and C.E.O. of 23andMe. RESOURCES: " 23andMe’s Fall From $6 Billion to Nearly $0 ," by Rolfe Winkler ( The Wall Street Journal, 2024). " 23andMe User Data Stolen in Targeted Attack on Ashkenazi Jews ," by Lily Hay Newman ( Wired, 2023). Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love , by Dani Shapiro (2019). How To Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results , by Esther Wojcicki (2019). “ Diet and exercise changes following direct-to-consumer personal genomic testing ,” by Daiva Elena Nielsen, Deanna Alexis Carere, Catharine Wang, J. Scott Roberts, and Robert C. Green ( BMC Medical Genomics , 2016) . “ The impact of communicating genetic risks of disease on risk-reducing health behaviour: systematic review with meta-analysis ,” Gareth J Hollands, David P. French, Simon J. Griffin, A. Toby Prevost, Stephen Sutton, Sarah King, Theresa M. Marteau ( The British Medical Journal , 2016). EXTRAS: " Does Your DNA Determine Your Weight? " by No Stupid Questions (2023). " What’s Stopping Us From Curing Rare Diseases? " by Freakonomics, M.D. (2023). " We Can Play God Now ," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2022). " Susan Wojcicki: 'Hey, Let’s Go Buy YouTube!' " by People I (Mostly) Admire (2020).
Thu, April 25, 2024
585. A Social Activist in Prime Minister’s Clothing
Justin Trudeau, facing record-low approval numbers, is doubling down on his progressive agenda. But he is so upbeat (and Canada-polite) that it’s easy to miss just how radical his vision is. Can he make it work? SOURCE: Justin Trudeau , Prime Minister of Canada. RESOURCES: 2024 Canadian Federal Budget . " Canada to Set First-Ever Cap on Temporary Residents ," by Nadine Yousif ( BBC News, 2023). Common Ground , by Justin Trudeau (2014). EXTRAS: " Why Is Everyone Moving to Canada? " by Freakonomics Radio (2024).
Thu, April 18, 2024
584. How to Pave the Road to Hell
So you want to help people? That’s great — but beware the law of unintended consequences. Three stories from the modern workplace. SOURCES: Joshua Angrist , professor of economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Zoe Cullen , professor of business administration at Harvard Business School. Marina Gertsberg , senior lecturer in finance at the University of Melbourne. RESOURCES: " Is Pay Transparency Good? " by Zoë Cullen ( Journal of Economic Perspectives, 2024). " DP18969 Economics Coauthorships in the Aftermath of MeToo ," by Noriko Amano-Patino, Elisa Faraglia, and Chryssi Giannitsarou ( CEPR Discussion Paper, 2024). " The Underground Economy of Company Reviews ," by Shikhar Sachdev ( Career Fair, 2023). " Why Did Gender Wage Convergence in the United States Stall? " by Peter Q. Blair and Benjamin Posmanick ( NBER Working Paper, 2023). " The Unintended Consequences of #MeToo: Evidence from Research Collaborations ," by Marina Gertsberg ( SSRN, 2022). " Outsourcing Tasks Online: Matching Supply and Demand on Peer-to-Peer Internet Platforms ," by Zoë Cullen and Chiara Farronato ( Management Science, 2021). " Equilibrium Effects of Pay Transparency ," by Zoe B. Cullen and Bobak Pakzad-Hurson ( NBER Working Paper, 2021). " How Much Does Your Boss Make? The Effects of Salary Comparisons ," by Zoë Cullen and Ricardo Perez-Truglia ( NBER Working Paper, 2018). " Wall Street Rule for the #MeToo Era: Avoid Women at All Cost ," by Gillian Tan and Katia Porzecanski ( Bloomberg, 2018). " A Comprehensive Analysis of the Effects of US Disability Discrimination Laws on the Employment of the Disabled Population ," by Patrick Button, Philip Armour, and Simon Hollands ( NBER Working Paper, 2016). "<a href=
Bonus · Sun, April 14, 2024
Extra: The Men Who Started a Thinking Revolution (Update)
The psychologist Daniel Kahneman — a Nobel laureate and the author of Thinking, Fast and Slow — recently died at age 90. Along with his collaborator Amos Tversky, he changed how we all think about decision-making. The journalist Michael Lewis told the Kahneman-Tversky story in a 2016 book called The Undoing Project. In this episode, Lewis explains why they had such a profound influence. SOURCE: Michael Lewis , writer. RESOURCES: The Undoing Project , by Michael Lewis (2016). Thinking, Fast and Slow , by Daniel Kahneman (2011). The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine , by Michael Lewis (2010). Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness , by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein (2009). Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game , by Michael Lewis (2004). “ Who’s On First ,” by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein ( New Republic , 2003). “ The Framing of Decisions and the Psychology of Choice ,” by Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky ( Science , 1981). “ Prospect Theory: An Analysis of Decision Under Risk ,” by Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky ( Econometrica , 1979). “ Judgment under Uncertainty: Heuristics and Biases ,” by Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky ( Science , 1974). “ Subjective Probability: A Judgment of Representativeness ,” by Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky ( Cognitive Psychology, 1972). EXTRAS: " Remembering Daniel Kahneman ," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2024). " Why Are People So Mad at Michael Lewis? " by Freakonomics Radio (2023). " Did Michael Lewis Just Get Lucky with 'Moneyball'? " by Freakonomics Radio (2022).
Thu, April 11, 2024
Why Are There So Many Bad Bosses? (Update)
People who are good at their jobs routinely get promoted into bigger jobs they’re bad at. We explain why firms keep producing incompetent managers — and why that’s unlikely to change. SOURCES: Nick Bloom , professor of economics at Stanford University. Katie Johnson , freelance data and analytics coach. Kelly Shue , professor of finance at the Yale University School of Management. Steve Tadelis , professor of economics at the University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business. RESOURCES: “ People Management Skills, Employee Attrition, and Manager Rewards: An Empirical Analysis ,” by Mitchell Hoffman and Steven Tadelis ( Journal of Political Economy, 2021). “ Promotions and the Peter Principle ,” by Alan Benson, Danielle Li, and Kelly Shue ( The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 2019). “ Bosses Matter: The Effects of Managers on Workers’ Performance ,” by Kathryn L. Shaw (IZA World of Labor, 2019). “ The Value of Bosses ,” by Edward P. Lazear, Kathryn L. Shaw, and Christopher T. Stanton ( Journal of Labor Economics, 2015). The Peter Principle: Why Things Always Go Wrong , by Laurence J. Peter and Raymond Hull (1969). EXTRAS: “ The Secret Life of C.E.O.s ” series by Freakonomics Radio. “ What Does a C.E.O. Actually Do? ” by Freakonomics Radio (2018).
Thu, April 04, 2024
583. Are We Living Through the Most Revolutionary Period in History?
Fareed Zakaria says yes. But it’s not just political revolution — it’s economic, technological, even emotional. He doesn’t offer easy solutions but he does offer some hope. SOURCES: Fareed Zakaria , journalist and author. RESOURCES: Age of Revolutions: Progress and Backlash from 1600 to the Present , by Fareed Zakaria (2024). " The Ultimate Election Year: All the Elections Around the World in 2024 ," by Koh Ewe ( TIME, 2023). " The Tea Party and the Remaking of Republican Conservatism ," by Vanessa Williamson, Theda Skocpol, and John Coggin ( Perspectives on Politics, 2011). The Post-American World , by Fareed Zakaria (2008). The Future of Freedom: Illiberal Democracy at Home and Abroad , by Fareed Zakaria (2003). EXTRAS: " Is the U.S. Really Less Corrupt Than China? " by Freakonomics Radio (2021).
Bonus · Mon, April 01, 2024
Extra: How Much Do You Know About Immigration?
The political debates over immigration can generate a lot of fuzzy facts. We wanted to test Americans’ knowledge — so, to wrap up our special series on immigration , we called some Freakonomics Radio listeners and quizzed them. SOURCES: Zeke Hernandez , professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. RESOURCES: The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers , by Zeke Hernandez (2024, available for pre-order). EXTRA: “ The True Story of America’s Supremely Messed-Up Immigration System ,” series by Freakonomics Radio (2024).
Thu, March 28, 2024
582. Why Is Everyone Moving to Canada?
As the U.S. tries to fix its messy immigration system, our neighbor to the north is scooping up more talented newcomers every year. Are the Canadians stealing America’s bacon? (Part three of a three-part series .) SOURCES: Zeke Hernandez , professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. William Kerr , professor of business administration at Harvard Business School. David Leonhardt , senior writer at the New York Times . Sindhu Mahadevan , creator of This Immigrant Life newsletter. Marc Miller , Member of Parliament and Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship of Canada. Mike Savage , Mayor of Halifax, Nova Scotia. RESOURCES: The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers , by Zeke Hernandez (2024, available for pre-order). " The Border Where Different Rules Apply ," by Seth Freed Wessler ( The New York Times Magazine, 2023). " Last Year, Canada Became My Home. Feeling Like a Canadian Will Take a Bit Longer ," by Sindhu Mahadevan ( CBC News, 2023). " Canadians Are Starting to Sour on Migration ," ( The Economist, 2023). The Gift of Global Talent: How Migration Shapes Business, Economy & Society , by William Kerr (2018). EXTRAS: “ The True Story of America’s Supremely Messed-Up Immigration System ,” series by Freakonomics Radio (2024). " Is the American Dream Really Dead? " by Freakonomics Radio (2017).
Thu, March 21, 2024
581. What Both Parties Get Wrong About Immigration
The U.S. immigration system is a massively complicated machine, with a lot of worn-out parts. How to fix it? Step one: Get hold of some actual facts and evidence. (We did this step for you.) (Part two of a three-part series .) SOURCES: Zeke Hernandez , professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. David Leonhardt , senior writer at the New York Times . Sindhu Mahadevan , creator of This Immigrant Life newsletter. RESOURCES: The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers , by Zeke Hernandez (2024, available for pre-order). " Illegal Immigration Is a Bigger Problem Than Ever. These Five Charts Explain Why ," by Andrew Mollica, Alicia A. Caldwell, Michelle Hackman, and Santiago Pérez ( The Wall Street Journal, 2023). Ours Was the Shining Future: The Story of the American Dream , by David Leonhardt (2023). The Economic and Fiscal Consequences of Immigration , by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2017). EXTRAS: “ The True Story of America’s Supremely Messed-Up Immigration System ,” series by Freakonomics Radio (2024). " And the New Six-Word Motto for the U.S. Is … ," by Stephen Dubner ( Freakonomics blog, 2008).
Bonus · Mon, March 18, 2024
Extra: Madeleine Albright’s Warning on Immigration
She arrived in the U.S. as an 11-year-old refugee, then rose to become Secretary of State. Her views on immigration, nationalism, and borders, from this 2015 interview, are almost strangely appropriate to the present moment. SOURCE: Madeleine Albright , U.S. Secretary of State under President Bill Clinton and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. RESOURCES: " Madeleine Albright, First Woman to Serve as Secretary of State, Dies at 84 ," by Robert D. McFadden ( The New York Times, 2022). " The Case for Getting Rid of Borders — Completely ," by Alex Tabarrok ( The Atlantic, 2015). EXTRAS: " The True Story of America's Supremely Messed-Up Immigration System ," series by Freakonomics Radio (2024). " Is Migration a Basic Human Right? " by Freakonomics Radio (2015).
Thu, March 14, 2024
580. The True Story of America’s Supremely Messed-Up Immigration System
How did a nation of immigrants come to hate immigration? We start at the beginning, sort through the evidence, and explain why your grandfather was lying about Ellis Island. (Part one of a three-part series .) SOURCES: Leah Boustan , professor of economics at Princeton University. Zeke Hernandez , professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Roger Nam , professor of Hebrew Bible at Emory University. RESOURCES: The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers , by Zeke Hernandez (2024, available for pre-order). " The Refugee Advantage: English-Language Attainment in the Early Twentieth Century ," by Ran Abramitzky, Leah Platt Boustan, Peter Catron, Dylan Connor, and Rob Voigt ( NBER Working Paper, 2023). Streets of Gold: America's Untold Story of Immigrant Success , by Leah Boustan and Ran Abramitzky (2022). " If Liberals Won't Enforce Borders, Fascists Will ," by David Frum ( The Atlantic, 2019). EXTRAS: " Is Migration a Basic Human Right? " by Freakonomics Radio (2015). " Who Are the Most Successful Immigrants in the World? " by Freakonomics Radio (2013).
Thu, March 07, 2024
579. Are You Caught in a Social Media Trap?
Economists have discovered an odd phenomenon: many people who use social media (even you, maybe?) wish it didn’t exist. But that doesn’t mean they can escape. SOURCES: Leonardo Bursztyn , professor of economics at the University of Chicago. Benjamin Handel , professor of economics at the University of California, Berkeley. RESOURCES: " When Product Markets Become Collective Traps: The Case of Social Media ," by Leonardo Bursztyn, Benjamin Handel, Rafael Jimenez, and Christopher Roth ( NBER Working Paper, 2023). " Social Media and Xenophobia: Evidence from Russia ," by Leonardo Bursztyn, Georgy Egorov, Ruben Enikolopov, and Maria Petrova ( NBER Working Paper, 2019). " Status Goods: Experimental Evidence from Platinum Credit Cards ," by Leonardo Bursztyn, Bruno Ferman, Stefano Fiorin, Martin Kanz, and Gautam Rao ( NBER Working Paper, 2017). " 'Acting Wife': Marriage Market Incentives and Labor Market Investments ," by Leonardo Bursztyn, Thomas Fujiwara, and Amanda Pallais ( American Economic Review, 2017). " Measuring Crack Cocaine and Its Impact ," by Roland G. Fryer Jr., Paul S. Heaton, Steven D. Levitt, and Kevin M. Murphy ( Economic Inquiry, 2013). EXTRAS: " Is Facebook Bad for Your Mental Health? " by Freakonomics, M.D. (2022). " Why Is U.S. Media So Negative? " by Freakonomics Radio (2021).
Mon, March 04, 2024
Extra: What Is Sportswashing — and Does It Work? (Update)
In ancient Rome, it was bread and circuses. Today, it’s a World Cup, an Olympics, and a new Saudi-backed golf league that’s challenging the PGA Tour. Can a sporting event really repair a country’s reputation — or will it trigger the dreaded Streisand Effect? Also: why the major U.S. sports leagues are warming up to the idea of foreign investment. SOURCES: Jodi Balsam , professor of clinical law at Brooklyn Law School. Brandel Chamblee , Golf Channel analyst. Karen Crouse , sports journalist. Bomani Jones , sports journalist. Victor Matheson , professor of economics at the College of the Holy Cross. Alan Shipnuck , sports journalist. RESOURCES: " The New N.F.L. Owners? " by Lauren Hirsch, Kevin Draper, Michael J. de la Merced and Sarah Kessler ( The New York Times, 2024). " PGA Tour Raises $1.5 Billion From Group of U.S. Investors ," by Lauren Hirsch ( The New York Times, 2024). " PGA Tour, LIV Golf Agree to Merge ," by Andrew Beaton and Louise Radnofsky ( The Wall Street Journal, 2023). Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf's Most Colorful Superstar , by Alan Shipnuck (2022). " Dustin Johnson Paid £100m to Perform Late U-Turn and Join Saudi-Backed Rebel Series ," by By James Corrigan and Tom Morgan ( The Telegraph , 2022). " Russia Was the Hottest Place in Sports. Now It’s Frozen Out ," by Joshua Robinson, Ben Cohen, and Louise Radnofsky ( The Wall Street Journal , 2022). " Could This Be the Year ‘Sportwashing’ Backfires? " by Andrés Martinez ( The Los Angeles Times , 2022). " The Truth About Phil and Saudi Arabia ," by Alan Shipnuck (The Fire Pit Collective, 2022). <a href="ht
Thu, February 29, 2024
578. Water, Water Everywhere — But You Have to Stop and Think
What surprises lurk in our sewage? How did racist city planners end up saving Black lives? Why does Arizona grow hay for cows in Saudi Arabia? Three strange stories about the most fundamental substance we all take for granted. SOURCES: Brian Beach , professor of economics at Vanderbilt University. Marc Johnson , professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. Amy Kirby , program lead for the National Wastewater Surveillance System at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Natalie Koch , professor of geography at Syracuse University. RESOURCES: Arid Empire: The Entangled Fates of Arizona and Arabia , by Natalie Koch (2023). " How a Saudi Firm Tapped a Gusher of Water in Drought-Stricken Arizona ," by Isaac Stanley-Becker, Joshua Partlow, and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez ( The Washington Post, 2023). " Arizona Is in a Race to the Bottom of Its Water Wells, With Saudi Arabia’s Help ," by Natalie Koch ( The New York Times, 2022). " Tracing the Origin of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron-Like Spike Sequences Detected in Wastewater ," by Martin Shafer, Devon Gregory, Marc Johnson, et al. ( medRxiv, 2022). " Water and Waste: A History of Reluctant Policymaking in U.S. Cities ," by Brian Beach ( Working Paper, 2022). Water, Race, and Disease , by Werner Troesken (2004). COVID Data Tracker: Wastewater Surveillance , by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. EXTRAS: " What Is Sportswashing (and Does It Work)? " by Freakonomics Radio (2022). " Covid-19 ," series by Freakonomics Radio (2020-2021).
Thu, February 22, 2024
Is Google Getting Worse? (Update)
It used to feel like magic. Now it can feel like a set of cheap tricks. Is the problem with Google — or with us? And is Google Search finally facing a real rival, in the form of A.I.-powered “answer engines”? SOURCES: Marissa Mayer , co-founder of Sunshine; former C.E.O. of Yahoo! and vice president at Google. Ryan McDevitt ; professor of economics at Duke University. Tim Hwang , media researcher and author; former Google employee. Elizabeth Reid , vice president of Search at Google. Aravind Srinivas , C.E.O. and co-founder of Perplexity. Jeremy Stoppelman , C.E.O. and co-founder of Yelp. RESOURCES: “ A Fraudster Who Just Can’t Seem to Stop … Selling Eyeglasses ,” by David Segal ( The New York Times, 2022). Subprime Attention Crisis: Advertising and the Time Bomb at the Heart of the Internet , by Tim Hwang (2020). “ Complaint: U.S. and Plaintiff States v. Google LLC ,” by the U.S. Department of Justice (2020). “ Fake Online Locksmiths May Be Out to Pick Your Pocket, Too ,” by David Segal ( The New York Times, 2016). “ ‘A’ Business by Any Other Name: Firm Name Choice as a Signal of Firm Quality ,” by Ryan C. McDevitt ( Journal of Political Economy, 2014). In the Plex: How Google Thinks, Works, and Shapes Our Lives , by Steven Levy (2011). “ The Anatomy of a Large-Scale Hypertextual Web Search Engine ,” by Sergey Brin and Lawrence Page ( Computer Networks and ISDN Systems , 1998). EXTRAS: “ Is Dialysis a Test Case of Medicare for All? ” by Freakonomics Radio (2021). “ How Big is My Penis? (And Other Things We Ask Google) ,” by Freakonomics Radio (2017).
Bonus · Mon, February 19, 2024
Extra: Mr. Feynman Takes a Trip — But Doesn’t Fall
A wide-open conversation with three women who guided Richard Feynman through some big adventures at the Esalen Institute. (Part of our Feynman series .) SOURCES: Barbara Berg, friend of Richard Feynman. Cheryl Haley, friend of Richard Feynman. Debby Harlow, friend of Richard Feynma Sam Stern, content creator at the Esalen Institute. EXTRAS: Richard Feynman Series , by Freakonomics Radio (2024). " The Future of Therapy Is Psychedelic ," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2023).
Thu, February 15, 2024
The Vanishing Mr. Feynman
In his final years, Richard Feynman's curiosity took him to some surprising places. We hear from his companions on the trips he took — and one he wasn’t able to. (Part three of a three-part series .) SOURCES: Alan Alda , actor and screenwriter. Barbara Berg, friend of Richard Feynman. Helen Czerski , physicist and oceanographer at University College London. Michelle Feynman , photographer and daughter of Richard Feynman. Cheryl Haley, friend of Richard Feynman. Debby Harlow, friend of Richard Feynman. Ralph Leighton , biographer and film producer. Charles Mann , science journalist and author. John Preskill , professor of theoretical physics at the California Institute of Technology. Lisa Randall , professor of theoretical particle physics and cosmology at Harvard University. Christopher Sykes , documentary filmmaker. Stephen Wolfram , founder and C.E.O. of Wolfram Research; creator of Mathematica, Wolfram|Alpha, and the Wolfram Language. RESOURCES: I Love My Wife... , directed by Ian Tierney (2020). Quantum Man: Richard Feynman's Life in Science , by Lawrence M. Krauss (2011). Perfectly Reasonable Deviations From the Beaten Track: Selected Letters of Richard P. Feynman , edited by Michelle Feynman (2005). The Pleasure of Finding Things Out , by Richard Feynman (1999). The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark , by Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan (1995). Genius: The Life and Science of Richard Feynman , by James Gleick (1992). The Quest for Tannu Tuva , by Christopher Sykes (1988) “What Do You
Thu, February 08, 2024
The Brilliant Mr. Feynman
What happens when an existentially depressed and recently widowed young physicist from Queens gets a fresh start in California? We follow Richard Feynman out west, to explore his long and extremely fruitful second act. (Part two of a three-part series .) SOURCES: Seamus Blackley , video game designer and creator of the Xbox. Carl Feynman , computer scientist and son of Richard Feynman. Michelle Feynman , photographer and daughter of Richard Feynman. Ralph Leighton , biographer and film producer. Charles Mann , science journalist and author. John Preskill , professor of theoretical physics at the California Institute of Technology. Lisa Randall , professor of theoretical particle physics and cosmology at Harvard University. Christopher Sykes , documentary filmmaker. Stephen Wolfram , founder and C.E.O. of Wolfram Research; creator of Mathematica, Wolfram|Alpha, and the Wolfram Language. Alan Zorthian , architect. RESOURCES: " Love After Life: Nobel-Winning Physicist Richard Feynman’s Extraordinary Letter to His Departed Wife ," by Maria Popova ( The Marginalian, 2017). Quantum Man: Richard Feynman's Life in Science , by Lawrence M. Krauss (2011). The Pleasure of Finding Things Out , by Richard Feynman (1999). Genius: The Life and Science of Richard Feynman , by James Gleick (1992). " G. Feynman; Landscape Expert, Physicist’s Widow ," ( Los Angeles Times, 1990). " Nobel Physicist R. P. Feynman of Caltech Dies ," by Lee Dye ( Los Angeles Times, 1988). The Second Creation: Makers of the Revolution in Twentieth-century Physics , by Robert Crease and Charles Mann (1986).
Bonus · Mon, February 05, 2024
How the San Francisco 49ers Stopped Being Losers (Update)
They’re heading to the Super Bowl for the second time in five years. But back in 2018, they were coming off a long losing streak — and that’s the year we sat down with 49ers players, coaches, and executives to hear their turnaround plans. It’s probably time to consider the turnaround a success. SOURCES: Jimmy Garoppolo , quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders; former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. Al Guido , president of the San Francisco 49ers. Kyle Juszczyk , fullback for the San Francisco 49ers. Bob Lange , senior vice president of communications for the Philadelphia Eagles; former vice-president of communications for the San Francisco 49ers. John Lynch , general manager of the San Francisco 49ers. Paraag Marathe , president of 49ers Enterprises and executive vice-president of football operations for the San Francisco 49ers. Victor Matheson , economist at College of the Holy Cross. Kyle Shanahan , head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Malcolm Smith , former linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers. Joe Staley , former offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers. Solomon Thomas , defensive tackle for the New York Jets; former defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers. Jed York , C.E.O. of the San Francisco 49ers. RESOURCES: " 49ers Overreactions: Have Shanahan, Lynch Built Team That Can Last? " by Matt Maiocco ( NBC Sports, 2023). “ Jimmy Garoppolo Leads a 49ers Resurgence ,” Victor Mather, The New York Times (December 29, 2017). “ Why American Sports Are Organized As Cartels ,” Tim Worstall, Forbes (January 14, 2013).</li
Thu, February 01, 2024
The Curious Mr. Feynman
From the Manhattan Project to the Challenger investigation, the physicist Richard Feynman loved to shoot down what he called “lousy ideas.” Today, the world is awash in lousy ideas — so maybe it’s time to get some more Feynman in our lives? (Part one of a three-part series.) SOURCES: Helen Czerski , physicist and oceanographer at University College London. Michelle Feynman , photographer and daughter of Richard Feynman. Ralph Leighton , biographer and film producer. Charles Mann , science journalist and author. John Preskill , professor of theoretical physics at the California Institute of Technology. Stephen Wolfram , founder and C.E.O. of Wolfram Research; creator of Mathematica, Wolfram|Alpha, and the Wolfram Language. RESOURCES: " How Legendary Physicist Richard Feynman Helped Crack the Case on the Challenger Disaster ," by Kevin Cook ( Literary Hub, 2021). Challenger: The Final Flight , docuseries (2020). Perfectly Reasonable Deviations From the Beaten Track: Selected Letters of Richard P. Feynman , edited by Michelle Feynman (2005). The Pleasure of Finding Things Out , by Richard Feynman (1999). Genius: The Life and Science of Richard Feynman , by James Gleick (1992). “What Do You Care What Other People Think?” by Richard Feynman and Ralph Leighton (1988). " Mr. Feynman Goes to Washington ," by Richard Feynman and Ralph Leighton (Engineering & Science, 1987). The Second Creation: Makers of the Revolution in Twentieth-century Physics , by Robert Crease and Charles Mann (1986). <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/surely-y
Thu, January 25, 2024
574. “A Low Moment in Higher Education”
Michael Roth of Wesleyan University doesn’t hang out with other university presidents. He also thinks some of them have failed a basic test of good sense and decency. It’s time for a conversation about college, and courage. SOURCE: Michael S. Roth , president of Wesleyan University. RESOURCES: " Opinion: College Presidents Are Supposed to Be Moral Leaders, Not Evasive Bureaucrats ," by Michael S. Roth ( Los Angeles Times, 2023). " Transcript: What Harvard, MIT and Penn Presidents Said at Antisemitism Hearing ," by CQ Roll Call Staff ( Roll Call, 2023). " To Testify or Not to Testify in Congress? Your Job Could Hang in the Balance ," by Annie Karni ( The New York Times, 2023). " You Could Not Pay Me Enough to Be a College President ," by Daniel W. Drezner ( The Chronicle of Higher Education, 2023). " The Case for College: Promising Solutions to Reverse College Enrollment Declines ," by Katharine Meyer ( Brookings, 2023). " Arab Funding of American Universities: Donors, Recipients, and Impact ," by Mitchell G. Bard ( American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise, 2023). " Racist Attack Spotlights Stefanik’s Echo of Replacement Theory ," by Annie Karni ( The New York Times, 2022). " Why Is There So Much Saudi Money in American Universities? " by Michael Sokolove ( The New York Times Magazine, 2019). Safe Enough Spaces: A Pragmatist’s Approach to Inclusion, Free Speech, and Political Correctness on College Campuses , by Michael S. Roth (2019). " The Opening of the Liberal Mind ," by Michael S. Roth ( The Wall Street Journal, 2017). EXTRAS: " Ac
Bonus · Mon, January 22, 2024
5 Psychology Terms You’re Probably Misusing (Replay)
We all like to throw around terms that describe human behavior — “bystander apathy” and “steep learning curve” and “hard-wired.” Most of the time, they don’t actually mean what we think they mean. But don’t worry — the experts are getting it wrong, too. SOURCES: Sharon Begley , senior science writer for Stat at The Boston Globe . Jerome Kagan , emeritus professor of psychology at Harvard University. Bibb Latané , social psychologist and senior fellow at the Center for Human Science. Scott Lilienfeld , professor of psychology at Emory University. James Solomon , director and producer of The Witness . RESOURCES: “ Tech Metaphors Are Holding Back Brain Research ,” by Anna Vlasits ( Wired , 2017). Can’t Just Stop: An Investigation of Compulsions , by Sharon Begley (2017). The Witness , film by James Solomon (2016). “ Fifty Psychological and Psychiatric Terms to Avoid: a List of Inaccurate, Misleading, Misused, Ambiguous, and Logically Confused Words and Phrases ,” by Scott Lilienfeld, Katheryn Sauvigne, Steven Jay Lynn, Robin Cautin, Robert Latzman, and Irwin Waldman ( Frontiers in Psychology , 2015). SuperFreakonomics , by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner (2011). Fifty Great Myths of Popular Psychology , by Scott Lilienfeld, Steven Jay Lynn, John Ruscio, and Barry Beyerstein (2009). <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WJVMJM/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=freakonomic08-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B000WJVMJM&link
Thu, January 18, 2024
573. Can Academic Fraud Be Stopped?
Probably not — the incentives are too strong. Scholarly publishing is a $28 billion global industry, with misconduct at every level. But a few reformers are gaining ground. (Part 2 of 2) SOURCES: Max Bazerman , professor of business administration at Harvard Business School. Leif Nelson , professor of business administration at the University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business. Brian Nosek , professor of psychology at the University of Virginia and executive director at the Center for Open Science. Ivan Oransky , distinguished journalist-in-residence at New York University, editor-in-chief of The Transmitter , and co-founder of Retraction Watch. Joseph Simmons , professor of applied statistics and operations, information, and decisions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Uri Simonsohn , professor of behavioral science at Esade Business School. Simine Vazire , professor of psychology at the University of Melbourne and editor-in-chief of Psychological Science. RESOURCES: " The Harvard Professor and the Bloggers ," by Noam Scheiber ( The New York Times, 2023). " They Studied Dishonesty. Was Their Work a Lie? " by Gideon Lewis-Kraus ( The New Yorker, 2023). " Evolving Patterns of Extremely Productive Publishing Behavior Across Science ," by John P.A. Ioannidis, Thomas A. Collins, and Jeroen Baas ( bioRxiv, 2023). " Hindawi Reveals Process for Retracting More Than 8,000 Paper Mill Articles ," ( Retraction Watch, 2023). " Exclusive: Russian Site Says It Has Brokered Authorships for More Than 10,000 Researchers ," ( Retraction Watch, 2019). " How Many Scientists Fabricate and Falsify Research? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Survey Data ," by Daniele Fanelli ( PLOS
Thu, January 11, 2024
572. Why Is There So Much Fraud in Academia?
Some of the biggest names in behavioral science stand accused of faking their results. Last year, an astonishing 10,000 research papers were retracted. We talk to whistleblowers, reformers, and a co-author who got caught up in the chaos. (Part 1 of 2) SOURCES: Max Bazerman , professor of business administration at Harvard Business School. Leif Nelson , professor of business administration at the University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business. Brian Nosek , professor of psychology at the University of Virginia and executive director at the Center for Open Science. Joseph Simmons , professor of applied statistics and operations, information, and decisions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Uri Simonsohn , professor of behavioral science at Esade Business School. Simine Vazire , professor of psychology at the University of Melbourne and editor-in-chief of Psychological Science. RESOURCES: " More Than 10,000 Research Papers Were Retracted in 2023 — a New Record ," by Richard Van Noorden ( Nature, 2023). " Data Falsificada (Part 1): 'Clusterfake ,'" by Joseph Simmons, Leif Nelson, and Uri Simonsohn ( Data Colada, 2023). " Fabricated Data in Research About Honesty. You Can't Make This Stuff Up. Or, Can You? " by Nick Fountain, Jeff Guo, Keith Romer, and Emma Peaslee ( Planet Money, 2023). Complicit: How We Enable the Unethical and How to Stop , by Max Bazerman (2022). " Evidence of Fraud in an Influential Field Experiment About Dishonesty ," by Joseph Simmons, Leif Nelson, and Uri Simonsohn ( Data Colada, 2021). " False-Positive Psychology: Undisclosed Flexibility in Data Collection and Analysis Allows Presenting Anything as Significant ," by Joseph Simmons, Leif Nelson, and Uri Simonsohn ( Psychological Science, 2011). EXTRAS: " Why Do We Cheat, and Why Shouldn’t We? " by No Stupid Questions (2023). "<a href="https://freakonomi
Thu, January 04, 2024
571. Greeting Cards, Pizza Boxes, and Personal Injury Lawyers
In a special episode of The Economics of Everyday Things, host Zachary Crockett explains what millennials do to show they care, how corrugated cardboard keeps your food warm, and why every city has a billboard for a guy who calls himself “The Hammer.” SOURCES: Jason Abraham , managing partner of Hupy & Abraham. Nora Engstrom , professor at Stanford Law School. Kyle Hebenstreit , C.E.O. of Practice Made Perfect. Patrick Kivits , president of corrugated packaging at WestRock. Mia Mercado , writer and former editor at Hallmark. Eric Nelson , green business program manager for Johnson County, Kansas. Scott Wiener , founder of Scott's Pizza Tours. George White , president of Up With Paper and former president of the American Greeting Card Association. RESOURCES: 34th Louie Awards - Finalists & Winners , (2022-2023). " Personal Injury Settlement Amounts Examples (2024 Guide) ," by Jeffrey Johnson ( Forbes Advisor, 2022). " Who Is the Fastest Pizza Box Folder?! World Pizza Games 2021 ," video by The Laughing Lion (2021). " Season’s (and Other...) Greetings ," by Maria Ricapito ( Marie Claire, 2020). " Scott's Pizza Chronicles: A Brief History of the Pizza Box ," by Scott Wiener ( Serious Eats, 2018). " Apple Patented a Pizza Box, for Pizzas ," by Jacob Kastrenakes ( The Verge, 2017). " Hallmark Greeting Cards Have Adjusted to the Digital Revolution ," by Trent Gillies ( CNBC, 2017). " We Eat 100 Ac
Thu, December 28, 2023
570. Is Gynecology the Best Innovation Ever?
In a special episode of People I (Mostly) Admire, Steve Levitt talks to Cat Bohannon about her new book Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution. SOURCE: Cat Bohannon , researcher and author. RESOURCES: Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution , by Cat Bohannon (2023). " Genomic Inference of a Severe Human Bottleneck During the Early to Middle Pleistocene Transition ," by Wangjie Hu, Ziqian Hao, Pengyuan Du, Fabio Di Vincenzo, Giorgio Manzi, Jialong Cui, Yun-Xin Fu, Yi-Hsuan, and Haipeng Li ( Science, 2023). " The Greatest Invention in the History of Humanity ," by Cat Bohannon ( The Atlantic, 2023). " A Newborn Infant Chimpanzee Snatched and Cannibalized Immediately After Birth: Implications for 'Maternity Leave' in Wild Chimpanzee ," by Hitonaru Nishie and Michio Nakamura ( American Journal of Biological Anthropology, 2018). " War in the Womb ," by Suzanne Sadedin ( Aeon, 2014). " Timing of Childbirth Evolved to Match Women’s Energy Limits ," by Erin Wayman ( Smithsonian Magazine, 2012). " Bonobo Sex and Society ," by Frans B. M. de Waal ( Scientific American, 2006). EXTRAS: " Yuval Noah Harari Thinks Life Is Meaningless and Amazing ," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2022). " Jared Diamond on the Downfall of Civilizations — and His Optimism for Ours ," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2021).
Thu, December 21, 2023
569. Do You Need Closure?
In a special episode of No Stupid Questions, Angela Duckworth and Mike Maughan talk about unfinished tasks, recurring arguments, and Irish goodbyes. SOURCES: Roy Baumeister , social psychologist and visiting scholar at Harvard University. Daniel Gilbert , professor of psychology at Harvard University. John Gottman , professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Washington. Kurt Lewin , 20th-century German-American psychologist. E. J. Masicampo , professor of psychology at Wake Forest University. Timothy Wilson , professor of psychology at the University of Virginia. Bluma Zeigarnik , 20th-century Soviet psychologist. RESOURCES: " Life and Work of the Psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik ," by M. Marco ( Neurosciences and History, 2018). " Why We Need Answers ," by Maria Konnikova ( The New Yorker, 2013). " Consider It Done! Plan Making Can Eliminate the Cognitive Effects of Unfulfilled Goals ," by E. J. Masicampo and Roy Baumeister ( Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2011). The Science of Trust: Emotional Attunement for Couples , by John Gottman (2011). " 'Let Me Dream On!' Anticipatory Emotions and Preference for Timing in Lotteries ," by Martin Kocher, Michal Krawczyk, and Frans van Winden ( Tinbergen Institute Discussion Paper, 2009). " Explaining Away: A Model of Affective Adaptation ," by Timothy Wilson and Daniel Gilbert ( Perspectives on Psychological Science, 2008). " On Finished and Unfinished Tasks ," by Bluma Zeigarnik ( A Source Book of Gestalt Psychology, 1938). EXTRAS: " Can We Disagree Better? " by No Stupid Questions (2023). " Would You Be Happier if You Were More Creative? " by No Stupid Questions (2023).
Thu, December 14, 2023
568. Why Are People So Mad at Michael Lewis?
Lewis got incredible access to Sam Bankman-Fried, the billionaire behind the spectacular FTX fraud. His book is a bestseller, but some critics say he went too easy on S.B.F. Lewis tells us why the critics are wrong — and what it’s like to watch your book get turned into a courtroom drama. SOURCES: Michael Lewis , author. RESOURCES: Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon , by Michael Lewis (2023). " Column: In Michael Lewis, Sam Bankman-Fried Found His Last and Most Willing Victim ," by Michael Hiltzik ( Los Angeles Times, 2023). " Even Michael Lewis Can’t Make a Hero Out of Sam Bankman-Fried ," by Jennifer Szalai ( The New York Times, 2023). " Michael Lewis Goes Close on Sam Bankman-Fried — Maybe Too Close ," by James Ledbetter ( The Washington Post, 2023). " What You Won’t Learn From Michael Lewis’ Book on FTX Could Fill Another Book ," by Julia M. Klein ( Los Angeles Times, 2023). " Michael Lewis’s Big Contrarian Bet ," by Gideon Lewis-Kraus ( The New Yorker, 2023). " He-Said, They-Said ," by John Lanchester ( London Review of Books, 2023). " Downfall of the Crypto King ," by Jesse Armstrong ( The Times Literary Supplement, 2023). " FTX Debtors vs. Joseph Bankman and Barbara Fried ," in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (2023). Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses: Eighth Edition , by Richard C. Pilger (2017). " Pay Candidates to Drop Out? That Should Be Legal ," by Stephen L. Carter ( Bloomberg, 2016). "<a href="https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/9a7xMXoSiQs3EYPA2/the-history
Thu, December 07, 2023
567. Do the Police Have a Management Problem?
In policing, as in most vocations, the best employees are often promoted into leadership without much training. One economist thinks he can address this problem — and, with it, America’s gun violence. SOURCES Kenneth Corey , director of outreach and engagement for the Policing Leadership Academy at the University of Chicago and retired chief of department for the New York Police Department. Stephanie Drescher , operations captain in the City of Madison Police Department. Max Kapustin , assistant professor of economics and public policy at Cornell University. Jens Ludwig , economist and director of the Crime Lab at the University of Chicago. Sandy Jo MacArthur , curriculum design director for the Policing Leadership Academy at the University of Chicago. Sean Malinowski , D.O.J. strategic site liaison for the Philadelphia Police Department and retired chief of detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department. Sindyanna Paul-Noel , lieutenant with the City of Miami Police Department. Michael Wolley , deputy chief of operations with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. RESOURCES: " Policing Leadership Academy (PLA) Graduation of Inaugural Cohort ," by the University of Chicago Crime Lab (2023). " Policing and Management ," by Max Kapustin, Terrence Neumann, and Jens Ludwig ( NBER Working Paper, 2022). " Getting More Out of Policing in the U.S. ," by Jens Ludwig, Terrence Neumann, and Max Kapustin ( VoxEU, 2022). " University of Chicago Crime Lab Launches National Policing and Community Violence Intervention Leadership Academies ," by the University of Chicago Crime Lab (2022). " What Drives Differences in Management? " by Nicholas Bloom, Erik Brynjolfsson, Lucia Foster, Ron S. Jarmin, Megha Patnaik, Itay Saporta-Eksten, and John Van Reenen (
Thu, November 30, 2023
513. Should Public Transit Be Free? (Update)
It boosts economic opportunity and social mobility. It’s good for the environment. So why do we charge people to use it? The short answer: it’s complicated. Also: We talk to the man who gets half the nation’s mass-transit riders where they want to go (most of the time). SOURCES: Marcus Finbom , traffic planner in Stockholm, Sweden. Robbie Makinen , former president and C.E.O. of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority. Janno Lieber , chair and C.E.O. of the M.T.A. in New York City. Brian Taylor , professor of urban planning and public policy and director of the Institute of Transportation Studies at U.C.L.A. Shashi Verma , director of strategy and C.T.O. at Transport for London. Michelle Wu , mayor of Boston. RESOURCES: " Free Bus Service Starts Sunday on 5 Routes in New York City ," by Ana Ley ( The New York Times, 2023). “ Vehicle Access and Falling Transit Ridership: Evidence From Southern California ,” by Michael Manville, Brian D. Taylor, Evelyn Blumenberg, and Andrew Schouten ( Transportation, 2023). “ Route-28 Fare-Free Pilot Evaluation: Summary Findings ,” by the City of Boston Transportation (2022). “ Forget Fare Hikes — Make the T Free ,” by Michelle Wu ( The Boston Globe, 2019). Traffic Power Structure , by Planka.nu (2016). " The Impacts of Neighborhoods on Intergenerational Mobility: Childhood Exposure Effects and County-Level Estimates ," by Raj Chetty and Nathaniel Hendren ( NBER Working Paper, 2015). " Fare, Free, or Something in Between? " by Jennifer S. Perone and Joel M. Volinski ( World Transit Research, 2003). Planka.Nu . EXTRAS: " Why Is the U.S. So Good at Killing Pedestrians? " by Freakonomics Radio (2023). "<a href="http
Thu, November 23, 2023
566. Why Is It So Hard (and Expensive) to Build Anything in America?
Most industries have become more productive over time. But not construction! We identify the causes — and possible solutions. (Can you say ... “prefab”?) RESOURCES: " The Strange and Awful Path of Productivity in the US Construction Sector ," by Austan Goolsbee and Chad Syverson ( BFI Working Paper, 2023). " Infrastructure Costs ," by Leah Brooks and Zachary D. Liscow ( American Economic Journal: Applied, 2023). " The Silicon Valley Elite Who Want to Build a City From Scratch ," by Conor Dougherty and Erin Griffith ( The New York Times, 2023). " A Decent Home ," report by the President's Committee on Urban Housing (1968). EXTRAS: " Edward Glaeser Explains Why Some Cities Thrive While Others Fade Away ," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2021). " Why Are Cities (Still) So Expensive? " by Freakonomics Radio (2020). SOURCES: Vaughan Buckley , founder and C.E.O. of the Volumetric Building Companies. Carrie Sturts Dossick , professor of construction management at the University of Washington. Ed Glaeser , professor of economics and chair the economics department at Harvard University. Michael Hough , director of MJH Structural Engineers. Ivan Rupnik , professor of architecture at Northeastern University. Chad Syverson , professor of economics at the University of Chicago.
Bonus · Sun, November 19, 2023
Extra: Jason Kelce Hates to Lose
Pro footballer and star podcaster Jason Kelce is ubiquitous right now (almost as ubiquitous as his brother and co-host Travis, who's been in the limelight for his relationship with Taylor Swift). After you hear this wide-ranging interview, you might want even more Kelce in your life. RESOURCES: “ N.F.L. Player Team Report Cards ,” by the National Football League Players Association (2023). Kelce , documentary (2023). New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce , (produced by Wave Sports + Entertainment). EXTRAS: " When Is a Superstar Just Another Employee? " by Freakonomics Radio (2023). SOURCES: Jason Kelce , center for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Thu, November 16, 2023
565. Are Private Equity Firms Plundering the U.S. Economy?
They say they make companies more efficient through savvy management. Critics say they bend the rules to enrich themselves at the expense of consumers and employees. Can they both be right? (Probably not.) RESOURCES: Plunder: Private Equity's Plan to Pillage America , by Brendan Ballou (2023). Two and Twenty: How the Masters of Private Equity Always Win , by Sachin Khajuria (2022). " Local Journalism under Private Equity Ownership ," by Michael Ewens, Arpit Gupta, and Sabrina T. Howell ( NBER Working Paper, 2022). “ Owner Incentives and Performance in Healthcare: Private Equity Investment in Nursing Homes ,” by Atul Gupta, Sabrina T. Howell, Constantine Yannelis, and Abhinav Gupta ( NBER Working Paper, 2021). “ Leveraged Buyouts and Financial Distress ,” by Brian Ayash and Mahdi Rastad ( Finance Research Letters, 2021). “ Have Private Equity Owned Nursing Homes Fared Worse Under COVID-19? ” by Ashvin Gandhi, YoungJun Song, and Prabhava Upadrashta ( SSRN, 2020). “ When Investor Incentives and Consumer Interests Diverge: Private Equity in Higher Education ,” by Charlie Eaton, Sabrina T. Howell, and Constantine Yannelis ( The Review of Financial Studies, 2020). “ The Economic Effects of Private Equity Buyouts ,” by Steven J. Davis, John Haltiwanger, Kyle Handley, Ben Lipsius, Josh Lerner, and Javier Miranda ( SSRN, 2019). “ How Acquisitions Affect Firm Behavior and Performance: Evidence from the Dialysis Industry ,” by Paul J. Eliason, Benjamin Heebsh, Ryan C. McDevitt, and James W. Roberts ( The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 2019). " In Silicon Valley, Even Mobile Homes Are Getting Too Pricey for Longtime Residents ," by Tracy Lien ( Los Angeles Times, 2017). “ The Operational Consequences of Private Equity Buyouts: Evidence from the Restaurant Industry ,” by Shai Bernstein and Albert Sheen ( SSRN, 2013). " Private Equity and Employment ," by Steven J. Davis, John C. Haltiwanger, Ron S. Jarmin, Josh Lerner, and Javier Miranda ( NBER Working Paper, 2011).
Thu, November 09, 2023
480. How Much Does Discrimination Hurt the Economy? (Replay)
Evidence from Nazi Germany and 1940’s America (and pretty much everywhere else) shows that discrimination is incredibly costly — to the victims, of course, but also the perpetrators. One modern solution is to invoke a diversity mandate. But new research shows that’s not necessarily the answer. RESOURCES: " Discrimination, Managers, and Firm Performance: Evidence from 'Aryanizations' in Nazi Germany ," by Kilian Huber, Volker Lindenthal, and Fabian Waldinger ( Journal of Political Economy, 2021). " Diversity and Performance in Entrepreneurial Teams ," by Sophie Calder-Wang, Paul A. Gompers, and Kevin Huang ( SSRN, 2021). " Systemic Discrimination Among Large U.S. Employers ," by Patrick M. Kline, Evan K. Rose, and Christopher R. Walters ( NBER Working Papers, 2021). City of Champions: A History of Triumph and Defeat in Detroit , by Silke-Maria Weineck and Stefan Szymanski (2020). " The Allocation of Talent and U.S. Economic Growth ," by Chang-Tai Hsieh, Erik Hurst, Charles I. Jones, and Peter J. Klenow ( Econometrica, 2019). Genius & Anxiety: How Jews Changed the World, 1847-1947 , by Norman Lebrecht (2019). " And the Children Shall Lead: Gender Diversity and Performance in Venture Capital ," by Paul A. Gompers and Sophie Q. Wang ( NBER Working Papers, 2017). " The Political Economy of Hatred ," by Edward Glaeser ( The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 2005). " Statistical Theories of Discrimination in Labor Markets ," by Dennis J. Aigner and Glen G. Cain ( Industrial and Labor Relations Review, 1977). The Economics of Discrimination , by Gary S. Becker (1957). EXTRAS: " A New Nobel Laureate Explains the Gender Pay Gap (Rep
Thu, November 02, 2023
564. How to Succeed at Failing, Part 4: Extreme Resiliency
Everyone makes mistakes. How do you learn from them? Lessons from the classroom, the Air Force, and the world’s deadliest infectious disease. RESOURCES: Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well , by Amy Edmondson (2023). " You Think Failure Is Hard? So Is Learning From It ," by Lauren Eskreis-Winkler and Ayelet Fishbach ( Perspectives on Psychological Science, 2022). " The Market for R&D Failures ," by Manuel Trajtenberg and Roy Shalem ( SSRN, 2010). " Performing a Project Pre mortem ," by Gary Klein ( Harvard Business Review, 2007). EXTRAS: “ How to Succeed at Failing ,” series by Freakonomics Radio (2023). " Moncef Slaoui: 'It’s Unfortunate That It Takes a Crisis for This to Happen ,'" by People I (Mostly) Admire (2020). SOURCES: Will Coleman , founder and C.E.O. of Alto. Amy Edmondson , professor of leadership management at Harvard Business School. Babak Javid , physician-scientist and associate director of the University of California, San Francisco Center for Tuberculosis. Gary Klein , cognitive psychologist and pioneer in the field of naturalistic decision making. Theresa MacPhail , medical anthropologist and associate professor of science & technology studies at the Stevens Institute of Technology. Roy Shalem , lecturer at Tel Aviv University. Samuel West , curator and founder of The Museum of Failure.
Thu, October 26, 2023
563. How to Succeed at Failing, Part 3: Grit vs. Quit
Giving up can be painful. That's why we need to talk about it. Today: stories about glitchy apps, leaky paint cans, broken sculptures — and a quest for the perfect bowl of ramen. RESOURCES " Data Snapshot: Tenure and Contingency in US Higher Education ," by Glenn Colby ( American Association of University Professors , 2023). Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance , by Angela Duckworth (2016). " Entrepreneurship and the U.S. Economy ," by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2016). " A CV of Failures ," by Melanie Stefan ( Nature, 2010). EXTRAS “ How to Succeed at Failing ,” series by Freakonomics Radio (2023). " Annie Duke Thinks You Should Quit ," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2022). " How Do You Know When It’s Time to Quit? " by No Stupid Questions (2020). “ Honey, I Grew the Economy, ” by Freakonomics Radio (2019). “ The Upside of Quitting ," by Freakonomics Radio (2011). " The Ramen Now - Rapid Desktop Cooking for Delicious Meals ," Kickstarter campaign by Travis Thul. SOURCES: John Boykin , website designer and failed paint can re-inventor. Angela Duckworth , host of No Stupid Questions , co-founder of Character Lab, and professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. Amy Edmondson , professor of leadership management at Harvard Business School. Helen Fisher , senior research fellow at The Kinsey Institute and chief science advisor to Match.com. Eric von Hippel, professor of technological innovation at M.I.T.’s Sloan School of Management. Jill Hoffman , founder and C.E.O. of Path 2 Flight. Gary Klein , cognitive psychologist and pioneer in the field of naturalistic decision maki
Thu, October 19, 2023
562. How to Succeed at Failing, Part 2: Life and Death
In medicine, failure can be catastrophic. It can also produce discoveries that save millions of lives. Tales from the front line, the lab, and the I.T. department. RESOURCES: Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well , by Amy Edmondson (2023). " Reconsidering the Application of Systems Thinking in Healthcare: The RaDonda Vaught Case ," by Connor Lusk, Elise DeForest, Gabriel Segarra, David M. Neyens, James H. Abernathy III, and Ken Catchpole ( British Journal of Anaesthesia, 2022). " Dispelling the Myth That Organizations Learn From Failure ," by Jeffrey Ray ( SSRN, 2016). " A New, Evidence-Based Estimate of Patient Harms Associated With Hospital Care ," by John T. James ( Journal of Patient Safety, 2013). To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System , by the National Academy of Sciences (1999). " Polymers for the Sustained Release of Proteins and Other Macromolecules ," by Robert Langer and Judah Folkman ( Nature, 1976). EXTRAS: " How to Succeed at Failing ," series by Freakonomics Radio (2023). " Will a Covid-19 Vaccine Change the Future of Medical Research? " by Freakonomics Radio (2020). " Bad Medicine, Part 3: Death by Diagnosis ," by Freakonomics Radio (2016). SOURCES: Amy Edmondson , professor of leadership management at Harvard Business School. Carole Hemmelgarn , co-founder of Patients for Patient Safety U.S. and director of the Clinical Quality, Safety & Leadership Master’s program at Georgetown University. Gary Klein , cognitive psychologist and pioneer in the field of naturalistic decision making. Robert Langer , institute professor and head of the Langer Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. John Van Reenen , professor at the Lo
Thu, October 12, 2023
561. How to Succeed at Failing, Part 1: The Chain of Events
We tend to think of tragedies as a single terrible moment, rather than the result of multiple bad decisions. Can this pattern be reversed? We try — with stories about wildfires, school shootings, and love. RESOURCES Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well , by Amy Edmondson (2023). " Michigan School Shooter Is Found Eligible for Life Sentence Without Parole ," by Stephanie Saul and Dana Goldstein ( The New York Times, 2023). " How Fire Turned Lahaina Into a Death Trap ," by Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Serge F. Kovaleski, Shawn Hubler, and Riley Mellen ( The New York Times, 2023). The Violence Project: How to Stop a Mass Shooting Epidemic , by Jillian Peterson and James Densley (2021). " I Was Almost A School Shooter ," by Aaron Stark ( TEDxBoulder, 2018). EXTRAS " Is Perfectionism Ruining Your Life? " by People I (Mostly) Admire (2023). " Why Did You Marry That Person? " by Freakonomics Radio (2022). " What Do We Really Learn From Failure? " by No Stupid Questions (2021). " How to Fail Like a Pro ," by Freakonomics Radio (2019). " Failure Is Your Friend ," by Freakonomics Radio (2014). SOURCES: Amy Edmondson , professor of leadership management at Harvard Business School. Helen Fisher , senior research fellow at The Kinsey Institute and chief science advisor to Match.com. Ed Galea , founding director of the Fire Safety Engineering Group at the University of Greenwich. Gary Klein , cognitive psychologist and pioneer in the field of naturalistic decision making. David Riedman , founder of the K-12 School Shooting Database. Aaron Stark , assistant manager at Kum & Go and keynote speaker. <a href="https://www.lse.ac.uk/economics/people/faculty/john-van-r
Bonus · Tue, October 10, 2023
232. A New Nobel Laureate Explains the Gender Pay Gap (Replay)
Claudia Goldin is the newest winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics. We spoke with her in 2016 about why women earn so much less than men — and how it’s not all explained by discrimination. SOURCES: Claudia Goldin , professor of economics at Harvard University.
Thu, October 05, 2023
560. Is This “the Worst Job in Corporate America” — or Maybe the Best?
John Ray is an emergency C.E.O., a bankruptcy expert who takes over companies that have succumbed to failure or fraud. He’s currently cleaning up the mess left by alleged crypto scammer Sam Bankman-Fried. And he loves it. RESOURCES: " United States of America v. Samuel Bankman-Fried, a/k/a 'SBF,' " by the United States District Court Southern District of New York (2023). " Does FTX’s New CEO Have the Worst Job in Corporate America? " by Ben Cohen ( The Wall Street Journal, 2022). " John J. Ray III, a St. Joseph’s Grad From Pittsfield, Is Earning $1,300 an Hour to Sort Out the Remains of the FTX Cryptocurrency Collapse ," by Larry Parnass ( The Berkshire Eagle, 2022). " 'Pit Bull' Fights to Pick Up Enron's Pieces ," by Ameet Sachdev ( Chicago Tribune, 2007). EXTRAS: “ The Secret Life of a C.E.O. ,” series by Freakonomics Radio (2018-2023). " Did Michael Lewis Just Get Lucky with Moneyball ? " by Freakonomics Radio (2022). " Does the Crypto Crash Mean the Blockchain Is Over? " by Freakonomics Radio (2022). " What Can Blockchain Do for You? " series by Freakonomics Radio (2022). SOURCES: John Ray , C.E.O. of FTX.
Thu, September 28, 2023
559. Are Two C.E.O.s Better Than One?
If two parents can run a family, why shouldn’t two executives run a company? We dig into the research and hear firsthand stories of both triumph and disaster. Also: lessons from computer programmers, Simon and Garfunkel, and bears versus alligators. RESOURCES: " How Allbirds Lost Its Way ," by Suzanne Kapner (The Wall Street Journal, 2023). " Is It Time to Consider Co-C.E.O.s? " by Marc A. Feigen, Michael Jenkins, and Anton Warendh (Harvard Business Review, 2022). " The Costs and Benefits of Pair Programming, " by Alistair Cockburn and Laurie Williams (2000). " Strengthening the Case for Pair Programming, " by Laurie Williams, Robert R. Kessler, Ward Cunningham, and Ron Jeffries (IEEE Software, 2000). EXTRAS: " The Facts Are In: Two Parents Are Better Than One ," by Freakonomics Radio (2023). " The Secret Life of a C.E.O. ," series by Freakonomics Radio (2018-2023). SOURCES: Jim Balsillie , retired chairman and co-C.E.O. of Research In Motion. Mike Cannon-Brookes , co-founder and co-C.E.O. of Atlassian. Scott Farquhar , co-founder and co-C.E.O. of Atlassian. Marc Feigen , C.E.O. advisor. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld , professor of management studies and senior associate dean at the Yale School of Management and founding president of the Chief Executive Leadership Institute. Laurie Williams , professor of computer science at North Carolina State University...
Thu, September 21, 2023
558. The Facts Are In: Two Parents Are Better Than One
In her new book The Two-Parent Privilege , the economist Melissa Kearney says it’s time for liberals to face the facts: U.S. marriage rates have plummeted but the babies keep coming, and the U.S. now leads the world in single-parent households. Plus: our friends at Atlas Obscura explore just how many parents a kid can have.
Thu, September 14, 2023
557. When Is a Superstar Just Another Employee?
The union that represents N.F.L. players conducted their first-ever survey of workplace conditions, and issued a report card to all 32 teams. What did the survey reveal? Clogged showers, rats in the locker room — and some helpful insights for those of us who don’t play pro football. For show notes, visit freakonomics.com/podcast/when-is-a-superstar-just-another-employee/
Thu, September 07, 2023
556. A.I. Is Changing Everything. Does That Include You?
For all the speculation about the future, A.I. tools can be useful right now. Adam Davidson discovers what they can help us do, how we can get the most from them — and why the things that make them helpful also make them dangerous. (Part 3 of " How to Think About A.I." )
Thu, August 31, 2023
555. New Technologies Always Scare Us. Is A.I. Any Different?
Guest host Adam Davidson looks at what might happen to your job in a world of human-level artificial intelligence, and asks when it might be time to worry that the machines have become too powerful. (Part 2 of " How to Think About A.I. ")
Thu, August 24, 2023
554. Can A.I. Take a Joke?
Artificial intelligence, we’ve been told, will destroy humankind. No, wait — it will usher in a new age of human flourishing! Guest host Adam Davidson (co-founder of Planet Money ) sorts through the big claims about A.I.'s future by exploring its past and present — and whether it has a sense of humor. (Part 1 of " How to Think About A.I. ")
Thu, August 17, 2023
553. The Suddenly Diplomatic Rahm Emanuel
The famously profane politician and operative is now U.S. ambassador to Japan, where he’s trying to rewrite the rules of diplomacy. But don’t worry: When it comes to China, he’s every bit as combative as you’d expect.
Thu, August 10, 2023
Should Traffic Lights Be Abolished? (Ep. 454 Replay)
Americans are so accustomed to the standard intersection that we rarely consider how dangerous it can be — as well as costly, time-wasting, and polluting. Is it time to embrace the lowly, lovely roundabout?
Sun, August 06, 2023
Extra: A Modern Whaler Speaks Up
Bjorn Andersen killed 111 minke whales this season. He tells us how he does it, why he does it, and what he thinks would happen if whale-hunting ever stopped. (This bonus episode is a follow-up to our series “ Everything You Never Knew About Whaling .")
Thu, August 03, 2023
552. Freakonomics Radio Presents: The Economics of Everyday Things
In three stories from our newest podcast, host Zachary Crockett digs into sports mascots, cashmere sweaters, and dinosaur skeletons.
Thu, July 27, 2023
551. What Can Whales Teach Us About Clean Energy, Workplace Harmony, and Living the Good Life?
In the final episode of our whale series, we learn about fecal plumes, shipping noise, and why "Moby-Dick" is still worth reading. (Part 3 of " Everything You Never Knew About Whaling .")
Thu, July 20, 2023
550. Why Do People Still Hunt Whales?
For years, whale oil was used as lighting fuel, industrial lubricant, and the main ingredient in (yum!) margarine. Whale meat was also on a few menus. But today, demand for whale products is at a historic low. And yet some countries still have a whaling industry. We find out why. (Part 2 of “ Everything You Never Knew About Whaling .”)
Thu, July 13, 2023
549. The First Great American Industry
Whaling was, in the words of one scholar, “early capitalism unleashed on the high seas.” How did the U.S. come to dominate the whale market? Why did whale hunting die out here — and continue to grow elsewhere? And is that whale vomit in your perfume? (Part 1 of “Everything You Never Knew About Whaling.”)
Thu, July 06, 2023
548. Why Is the U.S. So Good at Killing Pedestrians?
Actually, the reasons are pretty clear. The harder question is: Will we ever care enough to stop?
Thu, June 29, 2023
Why Did You Marry That Person? (Ep. 511 Replay)
Sure, you were “in love.” But economists — using evidence from Bridgerton to Tinder — point to what’s called “assortative mating.” And it has some unpleasant consequences for society.
Thu, June 22, 2023
547. Satya Nadella’s Intelligence Is Not Artificial
But as C.E.O. of the resurgent Microsoft, he is firmly at the center of the A.I. revolution. We speak with him about the perils and blessings of A.I., Google vs. Bing, the Microsoft succession plan — and why his favorite use of ChatGPT is translating poetry.
Thu, June 15, 2023
546. Are E.S.G. Investors Actually Helping the Environment?
Probably not. The economist Kelly Shue argues that E.S.G. investing just gives more money to firms that are already green while depriving polluting firms of the financing they need to get greener. But she has a solution.
Thu, June 08, 2023
545. Enough with the Slippery Slopes!
Gun control, abortion rights, drug legalization — it seems like every argument these days claims that if X happens, then Y will follow, and we’ll all be doomed to Z. Is the slippery-slope argument a valid logical construction or just a game of feelingsball?
Thu, June 01, 2023
544. Ari Emanuel Is Never Indifferent
He turned a small Hollywood talent agency into a massive sports-and-entertainment empire. In a freewheeling conversation, he explains how he did it and why it nearly killed him.
Thu, May 25, 2023
Make Me a Match (Ep. 209 Update)
Sure, markets work well in general. But for some transactions — like school admissions and organ transplants — money alone can’t solve the problem. That’s when you need a market-design wizard like Al Roth. Plus: We hear from a listener who, inspired by this episode, made a remarkable decision.
Thu, May 18, 2023
543. How to Return Stolen Art
Museums are purging their collections of looted treasures. Can they also get something in return? And what does it mean to be a museum in the 21st century? (Part 3 of “Stealing Art Is Easy. Giving It Back Is Hard.”)
Thu, May 11, 2023
542. Is a Museum Just a Trophy Case?
The world’s great museums are full of art and artifacts that were plundered during an era when plunder was the norm. Now there’s a push to return these works to their rightful owners. Sounds simple, right? It's not. (Part 2 of “Stealing Art Is Easy. Giving It Back Is Hard.”)
Thu, May 04, 2023
541. The Case of the $4 Million Gold Coffin
How did a freshly looted Egyptian antiquity end up in the Metropolitan Museum of Art? Why did it take Kim Kardashian to crack the case? And how much of what you see in any museum is stolen? (Part 1 of “Stealing Art Is Easy. Giving It Back Is Hard.”)
Thu, April 27, 2023
Why Your Projects Are Always Late — and What to Do About It (Ep. 323 Replay)
Whether it’s a giant infrastructure plan or a humble kitchen renovation, it’ll inevitably take way too long and cost way too much. That’s because you suffer from “the planning fallacy.” (You also have an “optimism bias” and a bad case of overconfidence.) But don’t worry: we’ve got the solution.
Thu, April 20, 2023
540. Swearing Is More Important Than You Think
Every language has its taboo words (which many people use all the time). But the list of forbidden words is always changing — and those changes tell us some surprising things about ourselves. Note: The swear words in this episode have been bleeped out. To hear a version of this episode without the bleeps, go to freakonomics.com.
Thu, April 13, 2023
539. Why Does One Tiny State Set the Rules for Everyone?
Delaware is beloved by corporations, bankruptcy lawyers, tax avoiders, and money launderers. Critics say the Delaware “franchise” is undemocratic and corrupt. Insiders say it’s wildly efficient. We say: they’re both right.
Thu, April 06, 2023
538. A Radically Simple Way to Boost a Neighborhood
Many companies say they want to create more opportunities for Black Americans. One company is doing something concrete about it. We visit the South Side of Chicago to see how it’s working out.
Thu, March 30, 2023
How to Hate Taxes a Little Bit Less (Ep. 400 Replay)
Every year, Americans short the I.R.S. nearly half a trillion dollars. Most ideas to increase compliance are more stick than carrot — scary letters, audits, and penalties. But what if we gave taxpayers a chance to allocate how their money is spent, or even bribed them with a thank-you gift?
Thu, March 23, 2023
537. “Insurance Is Sexy.” Discuss.
In this installment of the Freakonomics Radio Book Club, the economist Amy Finkelstein explains why insurance markets are broken and how to fix them. Also: why can’t you buy divorce insurance?
Thu, March 16, 2023
Why Are There So Many Bad Bosses? (Ep. 495 Replay)
People who are good at their jobs routinely get promoted into bigger jobs they’re bad at. We explain why firms keep producing incompetent managers — and why that’s unlikely to change.
Thu, March 09, 2023
536. Is Your Plane Ticket Too Expensive — or Too Cheap?
Most travelers want the cheapest flight they can find. Airlines, meanwhile, need to manage volatile fuel costs, a pricey workforce, and complex logistics. So how do they make money — and how did America’s grubbiest airport suddenly turn into a palace? (Part 3 of “ Freakonomics Radio Takes to the Skies .”)
Thu, March 02, 2023
535. Why Is Flying Safer Than Driving?
Thanks to decades of work by airlines and regulators, plane crashes are nearly a thing of the past. Can we do the same for cars? (Part 2 of “ Freakonomics Radio Takes to the Skies .”)
Thu, February 23, 2023
534. Air Travel Is a Miracle. Why Do We Hate It?
It’s an unnatural activity that has become normal. You’re stuck in a metal tube with hundreds of strangers (and strange smells), defying gravity and racing through the sky. But oh, the places you’ll go! We visit the world’s busiest airport to see how it all comes together. (Part 1 of “ Freakonomics Radio Takes to the Skies .”)
Thu, February 16, 2023
Why Does the Most Monotonous Job in the World Pay $1 Million? (Ep. 493 Update)
Adam Smith famously argued that specialization is the key to prosperity. In the N.F.L., the long snapper is proof of that argument. Here’s everything there is to know about a job that didn’t used to exist.
Mon, February 13, 2023
The Economics of Everyday Things: Used Hotel Soaps
Hotel guests adore those cute little soaps, but is it just a one-night stand? In our fourth episode of The Economics of Everyday Things , Zachary Crockett discovers what happens to those soaps when we love ’em and leave ’em.
Thu, February 09, 2023
533. Will the Democrats “Make America Great Again”?
For decades, the U.S. let globalization run its course and hoped China would be an ally. Now the Biden administration is spending billions to bring high-tech manufacturing back home. Is this the beginning of a new industrial policy — or just another round of corporate welfare?
Mon, February 06, 2023
The Economics of Everyday Things: “My Sharona”
Can a hit single from four decades ago still pay the bills? Zachary Crockett f-f-f-finds out in the third episode of our newest podcast, The Economics of Everyday Things .
Thu, February 02, 2023
Is Economic Growth the Wrong Goal? (Ep. 429 Update)
The economist Kate Raworth says the aggressive pursuit of G.D.P. is trashing the planet and shortchanging too many people. She has proposed an alternative — and the city of Amsterdam is giving it a try. How's it going?
Mon, January 30, 2023
The Economics of Everyday Things: Girl Scout Cookies
How does America's cutest sales force get billions of Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs into our hands every year? Zachary Crockett finds out in the second episode of our newest podcast, The Economics of Everyday Things .
Thu, January 26, 2023
532. Do You Know Who Owns Your Vet?
When small businesses get bought by big investors, the name may stay the same — but customers and employees can feel the difference. (Part 2 of 2.)
Mon, January 23, 2023
Introducing “The Economics of Everyday Things”
A new podcast hosted by Zachary Crockett. In the first episode: Gas stations. When gas prices skyrocket, do station owners get a windfall? And where do their profits really come from?
Thu, January 19, 2023
531. Should You Trust Private Equity to Take Care of Your Dog?
Big investors are buying up local veterinary practices (and pretty much everything else). What does this mean for scruffy little Max* — and for the U.S. economy? (Part 1 of 2.) *The most popular dog name in the U.S. in 2022.
Mon, January 16, 2023
Extra: Samin Nosrat Always Wanted to Be Famous
And with her book "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat," she succeeded. Now she's not so sure how to feel about all the attention.
Thu, January 12, 2023
530. What's Wrong with Being a One-Hit Wonder?
We tend to look down on artists who can't match their breakthrough success. Should we be celebrating them instead?
Thu, January 05, 2023
529. Can Our Surroundings Make Us Smarter?
In a special episode of No Stupid Questions , Stephen Dubner and Angela Duckworth discuss classroom design, open offices, and cognitive drift.
Thu, December 29, 2022
528. Yuval Noah Harari Thinks Life is Meaningless and Amazing
In this special episode of People I (Mostly) Admire , Steve Levitt talks to the best-selling author of Sapiens and Homo Deus about finding the profound in the obvious.
Thu, December 22, 2022
527. Can Adam Smith Fix Our Economy?
Labor exploitation! Corporate profiteering! Government corruption! The 21st century can look a lot like the 18th. In the final episode of a series, we turn to “the father of economics” for solutions. (Part 3 of “ In Search of the Real Adam Smith .”)
Thu, December 15, 2022
526. Was Adam Smith Really a Right-Winger?
Economists and politicians have turned him into a mascot for free-market ideology. Some on the left say the right has badly misread him. Prepare for a very Smithy tug of war. (Part 2 of “In Search of the Real Adam Smith.”)
Mon, December 12, 2022
Freakonomics Radio Needs Your Help
A sneak peek at an upcoming series — and a call for would-be radio reporters.
Thu, December 08, 2022
525. In Search of the Real Adam Smith
How did an affable 18th-century “moral philosopher” become the patron saint of cutthroat capitalism? Does “the invisible hand” mean what everyone thinks it does? We travel to Smith’s hometown in Scotland to uncover the man behind the myth. (Part 1 of a series.)
Thu, December 01, 2022
524. How Important Is Breastfeeding, Really?
In this special episode of Freakonomics, M.D. , host Bapu Jena looks at a clever new study that could help answer one of parenting’s most contentious questions.
Thu, November 24, 2022
523. Did Michael Lewis Just Get Lucky with “Moneyball”?
No — but he does have a knack for stumbling into the perfect moment, including the recent FTX debacle. In this installment of the Freakonomics Radio Book Club, we revisit the book that launched the analytics revolution.
Thu, November 17, 2022
522. Is Google Getting Worse?
It used to feel like magic. Now it can feel like a set of cheap tricks. Is the problem with Google — or with us?
Thu, November 10, 2022
The Most Interesting Fruit in the World (Ep. 375 Update)
The banana, once a luxury good, rose to become America’s favorite fruit. Now a deadly fungus threatens to wipe it out. Can it be saved?
Thu, November 03, 2022
521. I’m Your Biggest Fan!
It’s fun to obsess over pop stars and racecar drivers — but is fandom making our politics even more toxic?
Thu, October 27, 2022
520. The Unintended Consequences of Working from Home
The last two years have radically changed the way we work — producing winners, losers, and a lot of surprises.
Thu, October 20, 2022
519. Has Globalization Failed?
It was supposed to boost prosperity and democracy at the same time. What really happened? According to the legal scholar Anthea Roberts, it depends which story you believe.
Thu, October 13, 2022
518. Are Personal Finance Gurus Giving You Bad Advice?
One Yale economist certainly thinks so. But even if he’s right, are economists any better?
Thu, October 06, 2022
517. Are M.B.A.s to Blame for Wage Stagnation?
New research finds that bosses who went to business school pay their workers less. So what are M.B.A. programs teaching — and should they stop?
Thu, September 29, 2022
Please Get Your Noise Out of My Ears (Ep. 439 Update)
The pandemic provided city dwellers with a break from the din of the modern world. Now the noise is coming back. What does that mean for our productivity, health, and basic sanity?
Thu, September 22, 2022
516. Nuclear Power Isn’t Perfect. Is It Good Enough?
Liberals endorse harm reduction when it comes to the opioid epidemic. Are they ready to take the same approach to climate change?
Mon, September 19, 2022
Extra: Ken Burns | People I (Mostly) Admire
The documentary filmmaker, known for The Civil War , Jazz , and Baseball , turns his attention to the Holocaust, and asks what we can learn from the evils of the past.
Thu, September 15, 2022
515. When You Pray to God Online, Who Else Is Listening?
The pandemic moved a lot of religious activity onto the internet. With faith-based apps, Silicon Valley is turning virtual prayers into earthly rewards. Does this mean sharing user data? Dear God, let’s hope not …
Thu, September 08, 2022
This Is Your Brain on Pollution (Ep. 472 Update)
As the Biden administration rushes to address climate change, Stephen Dubner looks at another, hidden cost of air pollution — one that’s affecting how we think.
Thu, September 01, 2022
514. Roland Fryer Refuses to Lie to Black America
The controversial Harvard economist, recently back from a suspension, “broke a lot of glass early in my career,” he says. His research on school incentives and police brutality won him acclaim — but also enemies. Now he’s taking a hard look at corporate diversity programs. The common thread in his work? “I refuse to not tell the truth.”
Thu, August 25, 2022
513. Should Public Transit Be Free?
It boosts economic opportunity and social mobility. It’s good for the environment. So why do we charge people to use it? The short answer: it’s complicated.
Thu, August 18, 2022
Why Is U.S. Media So Negative? (Ep. 477 Replay)
Breaking news! Sources say American journalism exploits our negativity bias to maximize profits, and social media algorithms add fuel to the fire. Stephen Dubner investigates.
Thu, August 11, 2022
The Pros and Cons of America’s (Extreme) Individualism (Ep. 470 Replay)
According to a decades-long research project, the U.S. is not only the most individualistic country on earth; we’re also high on indulgence, short-term thinking, and masculinity (but low on “uncertainty avoidance,” if that makes you feel better). We look at how these traits affect our daily lives and why we couldn’t change them even if we wanted to.
Thu, August 04, 2022
The U.S. Is Just Different — So Let’s Stop Pretending We’re Not (Ep. 469 Replay)
We often look to other countries for smart policies on education, healthcare, infrastructure, etc. But can a smart policy be simply transplanted into a country as culturally unusual (and as supremely WEIRD) as America?
Thu, July 28, 2022
512. Does Philosophy Still Matter?
It used to be at the center of our conversations about politics and society. Scott Hershovitz (author of Nasty, Brutish, and Short ) argues that philosophy still has a lot to say about work, justice, and parenthood. Our latest installment of the Freakonomics Radio Book Club.
Thu, July 21, 2022
511. Why Did You Marry That Person?
Sure, you were “in love.” But economists — using evidence from Bridgerton to Tinder — point to what’s called “assortative mating.” And it has some unpleasant consequences for society.
Thu, July 14, 2022
The Economist’s Guide to Parenting: 10 Years Later (Ep. 479 Replay)
In one of the earliest Freakonomics Radio episodes, we asked a bunch of economists with young kids how they approached child-rearing. Now the kids are old enough to talk — and they have a lot to say. We hear about nature vs. nurture, capitalism vs. Marxism, and why you don’t tell your friends that your father is an economist.
Thu, July 07, 2022
510. What Problems Does Crypto Solve, Anyway?
Boosters say blockchain technology will usher in a brave new era of decentralization. Are they right — and would it be a dream or a nightmare? (Part 3 of "What Can Blockchain Do for You?")
Thu, June 30, 2022
509. Are N.F.T.s All Scams?
Some of them are. With others, it’s more complicated (and more promising). We try to get past the Bored Apes and the ripoffs to see if we can find art on the blockchain. (Part 2 of " What Can Blockchain Do for You? ")
Thu, June 23, 2022
508. Does the Crypto Crash Mean the Blockchain Is Over?
No. But now is a good time to sort out the potential from the hype. Whether you’re bullish, bearish, or just confused, we’re here to explain what the blockchain can do for you. (Part 1 of a series .)
Thu, June 16, 2022
507. 103 Pieces of Advice That May or May Not Work
Kevin Kelly calls himself “the most optimistic person in the world.” And he has a lot to say about parenting, travel, A.I., being luckier — and why we should spend way more time on YouTube.
Thu, June 09, 2022
506. What Is Sportswashing (and Does It Work)?
In ancient Rome, it was bread and circuses. Today, it’s a World Cup, an Olympics, and a new Saudi-backed golf league that’s challenging the P.G.A. Tour. Can a sporting event really repair a country’s reputation — or will it trigger the dreaded Streisand Effect?
Thu, June 02, 2022
505. Did Domestic Violence Really Spike During the Pandemic?
When the world went into lockdown, experts predicted a rise in intimate-partner assaults. What actually happened was more complicated.
Thu, May 26, 2022
504. Introducing “Off Leash”
In this new podcast from the Freakonomics Radio Network, dog-cognition expert and bestselling author Alexandra Horowitz ( Inside of a Dog ) takes us inside the scruffy, curious, joyful world of dogs. This is the first episode of Off Leash ; you can find more episodes in your podcast app now.
Thu, May 19, 2022
503. What Is the Future of College — and Does It Have Room for Men?
Educators and economists tell us all the reasons college enrollment has been dropping, especially for men, and how to stop the bleeding. (Part 4 of “ Freakonomics Radio Goes Back to School.”)
Thu, May 12, 2022
Abortion and Crime, Revisited (Ep. 384 Update)
As the Supreme Court considers overturning Roe v. Wade , we look back at Steve Levitt’s controversial research on an unintended consequence of the 1973 ruling.
Thu, May 05, 2022
502. “I Don’t Think the Country Is Turning Away From College.”
Enrollment is down for the first time in memory, and critics complain college is too expensive, too elitist, and too politicized. The economist Chris Paxson — who happens to be the president of Brown University — does not agree. (Part 3 of “ Freakonomics Radio Goes Back to School.”)
Thu, April 28, 2022
501. The University of Impossible-to-Get-Into
America’s top colleges are facing record demand. So why don’t they increase supply? (Part 2 of “ Freakonomics Radio Goes Back to School.”)
Thu, April 21, 2022
500. What Exactly Is College For?
We think of them as intellectual enclaves and the surest route to a better life. But U.S. colleges also operate like firms, trying to differentiate their products to win market share and prestige points. In the first episode of a special series, we ask what our chaotic system gets right — and wrong. (Part 1 of “ Freakonomics Radio Goes Back to School.”)
Thu, April 14, 2022
Is the U.S. Really Less Corrupt Than China — and How About Russia? (Ep. 481 Update)
The political scientist Yuen Yuen Ang argues that different forms of government create different styles of corruption. The U.S. and China have more in common than we’d like to admit — but Russia is a different story, which could explain its willingness to invade Ukraine.
Thu, April 07, 2022
499. Don't Worry, Be Tacky
The British art superstar Flora Yukhnovich, the Freakonomist Steve Levitt, and the upstart American Basketball Association were all unafraid to follow their joy — despite sneers from the Establishment. Should we all be more willing to embrace the déclassé?
Thu, March 31, 2022
498. In the 1890s, the Best-Selling Car Was … Electric
After a huge false start, electric cars are finally about to flourish. We speak with a technology historian about this all-too-common story, and what it means for innovation everywhere.
Thu, March 24, 2022
497. Can the Big Bad Wolf Save Your Life?
Every year, there are more than a million collisions in the U.S. between drivers and deer. The result: hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, and billions in damages. Enter the wolf …
Thu, March 17, 2022
How to Change Your Mind (Ep. 379 Update)
There are a lot of barriers to changing your mind: ego, overconfidence, inertia — and cost. Politicians who flip-flop get mocked; family and friends who cross tribal borders are shunned. But shouldn’t we be encouraging people to change their minds? And how can we get better at it ourselves?
Thu, March 10, 2022
496. Do Unions Still Work?
Organized labor hasn’t had this much public support in 50 years, and yet the percentage of Americans in a union is near a record low. A.F.L-C.I.O. president Liz Shuler tries to explain this gap — and persuade Stephen Dubner that “the folks who brought you the weekend” still have the leverage to fix a broken economy.
Thu, March 03, 2022
495. Why Are There So Many Bad Bosses?
People who are good at their jobs routinely get promoted into bigger jobs they’re bad at. We explain why firms keep producing incompetent managers — and why that’s unlikely to change.
Thu, February 24, 2022
494. Why Do Most Ideas Fail to Scale?
In a new book called The Voltage Effect , the economist John List — who has already revolutionized how his profession does research — is trying to start a scaling revolution. In this installment of the Freakonomics Radio Book Club, List teaches us how to avoid false positives, how to know whether a given success is due to the chef or the ingredients, and how to practice “optimal quitting.”
Thu, February 17, 2022
Why Does the Richest Country in the World Have So Many Poor Kids? (Ep. 475 Update)
Among O.E.C.D. nations, the U.S. has one of the highest rates of child poverty. Until recently, it looked as if Washington was about to change that. But then … Washington happened.
Thu, February 10, 2022
493. Why Does the Most Monotonous Job in the World Pay $1 Million?
Adam Smith famously argued that specialization is the key to prosperity. In the N.F.L., the long snapper is proof of that argument. Just in time for the Super Bowl, here’s everything there is to know about a job that didn’t used to exist.
Thu, February 03, 2022
Are You Ready for a Fresh Start? (Ep. 455 Replay)
Behavioral scientists have been exploring if — and when — a psychological reset can lead to lasting change. We survey evidence from the London Underground, Major League Baseball, and New Year’s resolutions; we look at accidental fresh starts, forced fresh starts, and fresh starts that backfire. And we wonder: will the pandemic’s end provide the biggest fresh start ever?
Thu, January 27, 2022
492. How Did a Hayfield Become One of America’s Hottest Cities?
Frisco used to be just another sleepy bedroom community outside of Dallas. Now it’s got corporate headquarters, billions of investment dollars, and a bunch of Democrats in a place that used to be deep red. Is Frisco nothing more than a suburb on steroids — or is it the future of the American city?
Thu, January 20, 2022
491. Why Is Everyone Moving to Dallas?
When Stephen Dubner learned that Dallas–Fort Worth will soon overtake Chicago as the third-biggest metro area in the U.S., he got on a plane to find out why. Despite getting stood up by the mayor, nearly drowning on a highway, and eating way too much barbecue, he came away impressed. (Part 1 of 2 — because even podcasts are bigger in Texas.)
Thu, January 13, 2022
490. What Do Broken-Hearted Knitters, Urinating Goalkeepers, and the C.I.A. Have in Common?
Curses and other superstitions may have no basis in reality, but that doesn’t stop us from believing.
Thu, January 06, 2022
489. Is “Toxic Positivity” a Thing?
In this special episode of No Stupid Questions , Stephen Dubner and Angela Duckworth discuss the consequences of seeing every glass as at least half-full.
Thu, December 30, 2021
488. Does Death Have to Be a Death Sentence?
In this special episode of People I (Mostly) Admire , Steve Levitt speaks with the palliative physician B.J. Miller about modern medicine’s goal of “protecting a pulse at all costs.” Is there a better, even beautiful way to think about death and dying?
Thu, December 23, 2021
487. Is It Okay to Have a Party Yet?
In this special episode of Freakonomics, M.D. , host Bapu Jena looks at data from birthday parties, March Madness parties, and a Freakonomics Radio holiday party to help us all manage our risk of Covid-19 exposure.
Thu, December 16, 2021
486. “The Art Market Is in Massive Disruption.”
Is art really meant to be an “asset class”? Will the digital revolution finally democratize a market that just keeps getting more elitist? And what will happen to the last painting Alice Neel ever made? (Part 3 of “The Hidden Side of the Art Market.”)
Thu, December 09, 2021
485. “I’ve Been Working My Ass Off for You to Make that Profit?”
The more successful an artist is, the more likely their work will later be resold at auction for a huge markup — and they receive nothing. Should that change? Also: why doesn’t contemporary art impact society the way music and film do? (Part 2 of “The Hidden Side of the Art Market.”)
Thu, December 02, 2021
484. “A Fascinating, Sexy, Intellectually Compelling, Unregulated Global Market.”
The art market is so opaque and illiquid that it barely functions like a market at all. A handful of big names get all the headlines (and most of the dollars). Beneath the surface is a tangled web of dealers, curators, auction houses, speculators — and, of course, artists. In the first episode of a three-part series, we meet the key players and learn how an obscure, long-dead American painter suddenly became a superstar. (Part 1 of “The Hidden Side of the Art Market.”)
Thu, November 25, 2021
How Do You Cure a Compassion Crisis? (Ep. 444 Replay)
Patients in the U.S. healthcare system often feel they’re treated with a lack of empathy. Doctors and nurses have tragically high levels of burnout. Could fixing the first problem solve the second? And does the rest of society need more compassion too?
Thu, November 18, 2021
483. What’s Wrong With Shortcuts?
You know the saying: “There are no shortcuts in life.” What if that saying is just wrong? In his new book Thinking Better: The Art of the Shortcut in Math and Life , the mathematician Marcus du Sautoy argues that shortcuts can be applied to practically anything: music, psychotherapy, even politics. Our latest installment of the Freakonomics Radio Book Club.
Thu, November 11, 2021
482. Is Venture Capital the Secret Sauce of the American Economy?
The U.S. is home to seven of the world’s 10 biggest companies. How did that happen? The answer may come down to two little letters: V.C. Is venture capital good for society, or does it just help the rich get richer? Stephen Dubner invests the time to find out.
Thu, November 04, 2021
481. Is the U.S. Really Less Corrupt Than China?
A new book by an unorthodox political scientist argues that the two rivals have more in common than we’d like to admit. It’s just that most American corruption is essentially legal.
Thu, October 28, 2021
480. How Much Does Discrimination Hurt the Economy?
Evidence from Nazi Germany and 1940’s America (and pretty much everywhere else) shows that discrimination is incredibly costly — to the victims, of course, but also the perpetrators. One modern solution is to invoke a diversity mandate. But new research shows that’s not necessarily the answer.
Thu, October 21, 2021
479. The Economist’s Guide to Parenting: 10 Years Later
In one of the earliest Freakonomics Radio episodes (No. 39!), we asked a bunch of economists with young kids how they approached child-rearing. Now the kids are old enough to talk — and they have a lot to say. We hear about nature vs. nurture, capitalism vs. Marxism, and why you sometimes don’t tell your friends that your father is an economist.
Thu, October 14, 2021
478. How Can We Break Our Addiction to Contempt?
Arthur Brooks is an economist who for 10 years ran the American Enterprise Institute, one of the most influential conservative think tanks in the world. He has come to believe there is only one weapon that can defeat our extreme political polarization: love. Is Brooks a fool for thinking this — and are you perhaps his kind of fool?
Thu, October 07, 2021
477. Why Is U.S. Media So Negative?
Breaking news! Sources say American journalism exploits our negativity bias to maximize profits, and social media algorithms add fuel to the fire. Stephen Dubner investigates.
Thu, September 30, 2021
That’s a Great Question! (Ep. 192 Rebroadcast)
Verbal tic or strategic rejoinder? Whatever the case: it’s rare to come across an interview these days where at least one question isn’t a “great” one.
Mon, September 27, 2021
“This Didn't End the Way It’s Supposed to End.”
The N.B.A. superstar Chris Bosh was still competing at the highest level when a blood clot abruptly ended his career. In his new book, Letters to a Young Athlete, Bosh covers the highlights and the struggles. In this installment of the Freakonomics Radio Book Club, he talks with guest host Angela Duckworth.
Mon, September 27, 2021
“This Didn't End the Way It’s Supposed to End.” (Bonus)
The N.B.A. superstar Chris Bosh was still competing at the highest level when a blood clot abruptly ended his career. In his new book, Letters to a Young Athlete , Bosh covers the highlights and the struggles. In this installment of the Freakonomics Radio Book Club, he talks with guest host Angela Duckworth.
Thu, September 23, 2021
476. What Are the Police for, Anyway?
The U.S. is an outlier when it comes to policing, as evidenced by more than 1,000 fatal shootings by police each year. But we’re an outlier in other ways too: a heavily-armed populace, a fragile mental-health system, and the fact that we spend so much time in our cars. Add in a history of racism and it’s no surprise that barely half of all Americans have a lot of confidence in the police. So what if we start to think about policing as … philanthropy?
Thu, September 16, 2021
475. Why Does the Richest Country in the World Have So Many Poor Kids?
Among O.E.C.D. nations, the U.S. has one of the highest rates of child poverty. How can that be? To find out, Stephen Dubner speaks with a Republican senator, a Democratic mayor, and a large cast of econo-nerds. Along the way, we hear some surprisingly good news: Washington is finally ready to attack the problem head-on.
Thu, September 09, 2021
474. All You Need Is Nudge
When Richard Thaler published Nudge in 2008 (with co-author Cass Sunstein), the world was just starting to believe in his brand of behavioral economics. How did nudge theory hold up in the face of a global financial meltdown, a pandemic, and other existential crises? With the publication of a new, radically updated edition, Thaler tries to persuade Stephen Dubner that nudging is more relevant today than ever.
Thu, September 02, 2021
Is There Really a “Loneliness Epidemic”? (Ep. 407 Rebroadcast)
That’s what some health officials are saying, but the data aren’t so clear. We look into what’s known (and not known) about the prevalence and effects of loneliness — including the possible upsides.
Thu, August 26, 2021
473. These Jobs Were Not Posted on ZipRecruiter
In a conversation fresh from the Freakonomics Radio Network’s podcast laboratory, Michèle Flournoy (one of the highest-ranking women in Defense Department history) speaks with Cecil Haney (one of the U.S. Navy’s first Black four-star admirals) about nuclear deterrence, smart leadership, and how to do inclusion right.
Thu, August 19, 2021
Reasons to Be Cheerful (Ep. 417 Rebroadcast)
Humans have a built-in “negativity bias,” which means we give bad news much more power than good. Would the Covid-19 crisis be an opportune time to reverse this tendency?
Thu, August 12, 2021
472. This Is Your Brain on Pollution
Air pollution is estimated to cause 7 million deaths a year and cost the global economy nearly $3 trillion. But is the true cost even higher? Stephen Dubner explores the links between pollution and cognitive function, and enlists two fellow Freakonomics Radio Network hosts in a homegrown experiment.
Thu, August 05, 2021
471. Mayor Pete and Elaine Chao Hit the Road
While other countries seem to build spectacular bridges, dams, and even entire cities with ease, the U.S. is stuck in pothole-fixing mode. We speak with an array of transportation nerds — including the secretary of transportation and his immediate predecessor — to see if a massive federal infrastructure package can put America back in the driver’s seat.
Thu, July 29, 2021
Two (Totally Opposite) Ways to Save the Planet (Rebroadcast)
The environmentalists say we’re doomed if we don’t drastically reduce consumption. The technologists say that human ingenuity can solve just about any problem. A debate that’s been around for decades has become a shouting match. Is anyone right?
Thu, July 22, 2021
470. The Pros and Cons of America’s (Extreme) Individualism
According to a decades-long research project, the U.S. is not only the most individualistic country on earth; we’re also high on indulgence, short-term thinking, and masculinity (but low on “uncertainty avoidance,” if that makes you feel better). We look at how these traits affect our daily lives and why we couldn’t change them even if we wanted to.
Thu, July 15, 2021
469. The U.S. Is Just Different — So Let’s Stop Pretending We’re Not
We often look to other countries for smart policies on education, healthcare, infrastructure, etc. But can a smart policy be simply transplanted into a country as culturally unusual (and as supremely WEIRD) as America?
Thu, July 08, 2021
468. Nap Time for Everyone!
The benefits of sleep are by now well established, and yet many people don’t get enough. A new study suggests we should channel our inner toddler and get 30 minutes of shut-eye in the afternoon. But are we ready for a napping revolution?
Thu, July 01, 2021
How Stupid Is Our Obsession With Lawns? (Ep. 289 Rebroadcast)
Nearly two percent of America is grassy green. Sure, lawns are beautiful and useful and they smell great. But are the costs — financial, environmental and otherwise — worth the benefits?
Thu, June 24, 2021
467. Is the Future of Farming in the Ocean?
Bren Smith, who grew up fishing and fighting, is now part of a movement that seeks to feed the planet while putting less environmental stress on it. He makes his argument in a book called Eat Like a Fish ; his secret ingredient: kelp. But don’t worry, you won’t have to eat it (not much, at least). An installment of The Freakonomics Radio Book Club .
Thu, June 17, 2021
466. She’s From the Government, and She’s Here to Help
Cecilia Rouse, the chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisors, is as cold-blooded as any economist. But she admits that her profession would do well to focus on policy that actually helps people. Rouse explains why President Biden wants to spend trillions of dollars to reshape the economy, and why — as the first Black chair of the C.E.A. — she has a good idea of what needs fixing.
Thu, June 10, 2021
465. Introducing a New “Freakonomics of Medicine” Podcast
Bapu Jena was already a double threat: a doctor who’s also an economist. Now he’s a podcast host too. In this sneak preview of the Freakonomics Radio Network’s newest show, Bapu discovers that marathons can be deadly — but not for the reasons you may think.
Thu, June 03, 2021
464. Will Work-from-Home Work Forever?
The pandemic may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean we’ll return to full-time commuting and packed office buildings. The greatest accidental experiment in the history of labor has lessons to teach us about productivity, flexibility, and even reversing the brain drain. But don’t buy another dozen pairs of sweatpants just yet.
Thu, May 27, 2021
463. How to Get Anyone to Do Anything
The social psychologist Robert Cialdini is a pioneer in the science of persuasion. His 1984 book Influence is a classic, and he has just published an expanded and revised edition. In this episode of the Freakonomics Radio Book Club , he gives a master class in the seven psychological levers that bewitch our rational minds and lead us to buy, behave, or believe without a second thought.
Thu, May 20, 2021
These Shoes Are Killing Me! (Ep. 296 Rebroadcast)
The human foot is an evolutionary masterpiece, far more functional than we give it credit for. So why do we encase it in “a coffin” (as one foot scholar calls it) that stymies so much of its ability — and may create more problems than it solves?
Thu, May 13, 2021
462. The Future of New York City Is in Question. Could Andrew Yang Be the Answer?
The man who wants America to “think harder” has parlayed his quixotic presidential campaign into front-runner status in New York’s mayoral election. And he has some big plans.
Thu, May 06, 2021
461. How to Stop Worrying and Love the Robot Apocalypse
It’s true that robots (and other smart technologies) will kill many jobs. It may also be true that newer collaborative robots (“cobots”) will totally reinvigorate how work gets done. That, at least, is what the economists are telling us. Should we believe them?
Thu, April 29, 2021
460. The True Story of the Minimum-Wage Fight
Backers of a $15 federal wage say it’s a no-brainer if you want to fight poverty. Critics say it’s a blunt instrument that leads to job loss. Even the economists can’t agree! We talk to a bunch of them — and a U.S. Senator — to sort it out, and learn there’s a much bigger problem to worry about.
Thu, April 22, 2021
459. Let’s Be Blunt: Marijuana Is a Boon for Older Workers
The state-by-state rollout of legalized weed has given economists a perfect natural experiment to measure its effects. Here’s what we know so far — and don’t know — about the costs and benefits of legalization.
Thu, April 15, 2021
458. How to Manage Your Goal Hierarchy
In this special crossover episode, People I (Mostly) Admire host Steve Levitt admits to No Stupid Questions co-host Angela Duckworth that he knows almost nothing about psychology. But once Angela gives Steve a quick tutorial on “goal conflict,” he is suddenly a fan. They also talk parenting, self-esteem, and how easy it is to learn econometrics if you feel like it.
Thu, April 08, 2021
457. Is Dialysis a Test Case of Medicare for All?
Kidney failure is such a catastrophic (and expensive) disease that Medicare covers treatment for anyone, regardless of age. Since Medicare reimbursement rates are fairly low, the dialysis industry had to find a way to tweak the system if they wanted to make big profits. They succeeded.
Thu, April 01, 2021
456. How to Fix the Hot Mess of U.S. Healthcare
Medicine has evolved from a calling into an industry, adept at dispensing procedures and pills (and gigantic bills), but less good at actual health. Most reformers call for big, bold action. What happens if, instead, you think small?
Thu, March 25, 2021
Policymaking Is Not a Science (Yet) (Ep. 405 Rebroadcast)
Why do so many promising solutions — in education, medicine, criminal justice, etc. — fail to scale up into great policy? And can a new breed of “implementation scientists” crack the code?
Sun, March 21, 2021
How Does New York City Keep Reinventing Itself? (Bonus)
In a word: networks. Once it embraced information as its main currency, New York was able to climb out of a deep fiscal (and psychic) pit. Will that magic trick still work after Covid? In this installment of the Freakonomics Radio Book Club, guest host Kurt Andersen interviews Thomas Dyja, author of New York, New York, New York: Four Decades of Success, Excess and Transformation.
Thu, March 18, 2021
455. Are You Ready for a Fresh Start?
Behavioral scientists have been exploring if — and when — a psychological reset can lead to lasting change. We survey evidence from the London Underground, Major League Baseball, and New Year’s resolutions; we look at accidental fresh starts, forced fresh starts, and fresh starts that backfire. And we wonder: will the pandemic’s end provide the biggest fresh start ever?
Thu, March 11, 2021
454. Should Traffic Lights Be Abolished?
Americans are so accustomed to the standard intersection that we rarely consider how dangerous it can be — as well as costly, time-wasting, and polluting. Is it time to embrace the lowly, lovely roundabout?
Thu, March 04, 2021
453. A Rescue Plan for Black America
New York Times columnist Charles Blow argues that white supremacy in America will never fully recede, and that it’s time for Black people to do something radical about it. In The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto , he urges a “reverse migration” to the South to consolidate political power and create a region where it’s safe to be Black. (This is an episode of the Freakonomics Radio Book Club.)
Thu, February 25, 2021
Am I Boring You? (Ep. 225 Rebroadcast)
Researchers are trying to figure out who gets bored — and why — and what it means for ourselves and the economy. But maybe there’s an upside to boredom?
Thu, February 18, 2021
452. Jeff Immelt Knows He Let You Down
Not so long ago, G.E. was the most valuable company in the world, a conglomerate that included everything from light bulbs and jet engines to financial services and The Apprentice . Now it’s selling off body parts to survive. What does the C.E.O. who presided over the decline have to say for himself?
Thu, February 11, 2021
451. Can I Ask You a Ridiculously Personal Question?
Most of us are are afraid to ask sensitive questions about money, sex, politics, etc. New research shows this fear is largely unfounded. Time for some interesting conversations!
Thu, February 04, 2021
450. How to Be Better at Death
Caitlin Doughty is a mortician who would like to put herself out of business. Our corporate funeral industry, she argues, has made us forget how to offer our loved ones an authentic sendoff. Doughty is the author of Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: And Other Lessons From the Crematory . In this installment of the Freakonomics Radio Book Club, she is interviewed by guest host Maria Konnikova.
Thu, January 28, 2021
449. How to Fix the Incentives in Cancer Research
For all the progress made in fighting cancer, it still kills 10 million people a year, and some types remain especially hard to detect and treat. Pancreatic cancer, for instance, is nearly always fatal. A new clinical-trial platform could change that by aligning institutions that typically compete against one another.
Thu, January 21, 2021
448. The Downside of Disgust
It’s a powerful biological response that has preserved our species for millennia. But now it may be keeping us from pursuing strategies that would improve the environment, the economy, even our own health. So is it time to dial down our disgust reflex? You can help fix things — as Stephen Dubner does in this episode — by chowing down on some delicious insects.
Thu, January 14, 2021
447. How Much Do We Really Care About Children?
They can’t vote or hire lobbyists. The policies we create to help them aren’t always so helpful. Consider the car seat: parents hate it, the safety data are unconvincing, and new evidence suggests an unintended consequence that is as anti-child as it gets.
Thu, January 07, 2021
446. “We Get All Our Great Stuff from Europe — Including Witch Hunting.”
We’ve collected some of our favorite moments from People I (Mostly) Admire , the latest show from the Freakonomics Radio Network. Host Steve Levitt seeks advice from scientists and inventors, memory wizards and basketball champions — even his fellow economists. He also asks about quitting, witch trials, and whether we need a Manhattan Project for climate change.
Thu, December 31, 2020
Trust Me (Ep. 266 Rebroadcast)
Societies where people trust one another are healthier and wealthier. In the U.S. (and the U.K. and elsewhere), social trust has been falling for decades — in part because our populations are more diverse. What can we do to fix it?
Thu, December 24, 2020
445. Why Do We Seek Comfort in the Familiar?
In this episode of No Stupid Questions — a Freakonomics Radio Network show launched earlier this year — Stephen Dubner and Angela Duckworth debate why we watch, read, and eat familiar things during a crisis, and if it might in fact be better to try new things instead. Also: is a little knowledge truly as dangerous as they say?
Thu, December 17, 2020
444. How Do You Cure a Compassion Crisis?
Patients in the U.S. healthcare system often feel they’re treated with a lack of empathy. Doctors and nurses have tragically high levels of burnout. Could fixing the first problem solve the second? And does the rest of society need more compassion too?
Thu, December 10, 2020
443. A Sneak Peek at Biden’s Top Economist
The incoming president argues that the economy and the environment are deeply connected. This is reflected in his choice for National Economic Council director — Brian Deese, a climate-policy wonk and veteran of the no-drama-Obama era. But don’t mistake Deese’s lack of drama for a lack of intensity.
Sun, December 06, 2020
PLAYBACK (2015): Could the Next Brooklyn Be ... Las Vegas?!
Tony Hsieh, the longtime C.E.O. of Zappos, was an iconoclast and a dreamer. Five years ago, we sat down with him around a desert campfire to talk about those dreams. Hsieh died recently from injuries sustained in a house fire; he was 46.
Thu, December 03, 2020
442. Is it Too Late for General Motors to Go Electric?
G.M. produces more than 20 times as many cars as Tesla, but Tesla is worth nearly 10 times as much. Mary Barra, the C.E.O. of G.M., is trying to fix that. We speak with her about the race toward an electrified (and autonomous) future, China and Trump, and what it’s like to be the “fifth-most powerful woman in the world.”
Thu, November 26, 2020
441. Does Advertising Actually Work? (Part 2: Digital)
Google and Facebook are worth a combined $2 trillion, with the vast majority of their revenue coming from advertising. In our previous episode, we learned that TV advertising is much less effective than the industry says. Is digital any better? Some say yes, some say no — and some say we’re in a full-blown digital-ad bubble.
Thu, November 19, 2020
440. Does Advertising Actually Work? (Part 1: TV)
Companies around the world spend more than half-a- trillion dollars each year on ads. The ad industry swears by its efficacy — but a massive new study tells a different story.
Thu, November 12, 2020
439. Please Get Your Noise Out of My Ears
The modern world overwhelms us with sounds we didn’t ask for, like car alarms and cell-phone “halfalogues.” What does all this noise cost us in terms of productivity, health, and basic sanity?
Thu, November 05, 2020
438. How to Succeed by Being Authentic (Hint: Carefully)
John Mackey, the C.E.O. of Whole Foods, has learned the perils of speaking his mind. But he still says what he thinks about everything from “conscious leadership” to the behavioral roots of the obesity epidemic. He also argues for a style of capitalism and politics that at this moment seems like a fantasy. What does he know that we don’t?
Sat, October 31, 2020
Why the Left Had to Steal the Right’s Dark-Money Playbook
The sociologist Sudhir Venkatesh spent years studying crack dealers, sex workers, and the offspring of billionaires. Then he wandered into an even stranger world: social media. He spent the past five years at Facebook and Twitter. Now that he’s back in the real world, he’s here to tell us how the digital universe really works. In this pilot episode of a new podcast, Venkatesh interviews the progressive political operative Tara McGowan about her digital successes with the Obama campaign, her noisy failure with the Iowa caucus app, and why the best way for Democrats to win more elections was to copy the Republicans.
Thu, October 29, 2020
437. Many Businesses Thought They Were Insured for a Pandemic. They Weren’t.
A fine reading of most policies for “business interruption” reveals that viral outbreaks aren’t covered. Some legislators are demanding that insurance firms pay up anyway. Is it time to rethink insurance entirely?
Thu, October 22, 2020
436. Forget Everything You Know About Your Dog
As beloved and familiar as they are, we rarely stop to consider life from the dog’s point of view. That stops now. In this latest installment of the Freakonomics Radio Book Club, we discuss Inside of a Dog with the cognitive scientist (and dog devotee) Alexandra Horowitz.
Thu, October 15, 2020
435. Why Are Cities (Still) So Expensive?
It isn’t just supply and demand. We look at the complicated history and skewed incentives that make “affordable housing” more punch line than reality in cities from New York and San Francisco to Flint, Michigan (!).
Thu, October 08, 2020
434. Is New York City Over?
The pandemic has hit America's biggest city particularly hard. Amidst a deep fiscal hole, rising homicides, and a flight to the suburbs, some people think the city is heading back to the bad old 1970s. We look at the history — and the data — to see why that’s probably not the case.
Sat, October 03, 2020
“Don’t Neglect the Thing That Makes You Weird” | People I (Mostly) Admire: Ken Jennings
It was only in his late twenties that America’s favorite brainiac began to seriously embrace his love of trivia. Now he holds the “Greatest of All Time” title on Jeopardy! Steve Levitt digs into how he trained for the show, what it means to have a "geographic memory," and why we lie to our children.
Thu, October 01, 2020
433. How Are Psychedelics and Other Party Drugs Changing Psychiatry?
Three leading researchers from the Mount Sinai Health System discuss how ketamine, cannabis, and ecstasy are being used (or studied) to treat everything from severe depression to addiction to PTSD. We discuss the upsides, downsides, and regulatory puzzles.
Thu, September 24, 2020
432. When Your Safety Becomes My Danger
The families of U.S. troops killed and wounded in Afghanistan are suing several companies that did reconstruction there. Why? These companies, they say, paid the Taliban protection money, which gave them the funding — and opportunity — to attack U.S. soldiers instead. A look at the messy, complicated, and heart-breaking tradeoffs of conflict-zone economies.
Sat, September 19, 2020
“One Does Not Know Where an Insight Will Come From” | People I (Mostly) Admire: Kerwin Charles
The dean of Yale’s School of Management grew up in a small village in Guyana. During his unlikely journey, he has researched video-gaming habits, communicable disease, and why so many African-Americans haven’t had the kind of success he’s had. Steve Levitt talks to Charles about his parents’ encouragement, his love of Sports Illustrated , and how he talks to his American-born kids about the complicated history of Blackness in America.
Thu, September 17, 2020
Does Anyone Really Know What Socialism Is? (Ep. 408 Rebroadcast)
Trump says it would destroy us. Biden needs the voters who support it (especially the Bernie voters). The majority of millennials would like it to replace capitalism. But what is “it”? We bring in the economists to sort things out and tell us what the U.S. can learn from the good (and bad) experiences of other (supposedly) socialist countries.
Sat, September 12, 2020
What if Your Company Had No Rules?
Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings came to believe that corporate rules can kill creativity and innovation. In this latest edition of the Freakonomics Radio Book Club, guest host Maria Konnikova talks to Hastings about his new book, No Rules Rules , and why for some companies the greatest risk is taking no risks at all.
Thu, September 10, 2020
431. Why Can’t Schools Get What the N.F.L. Has?
Thanks to daily Covid testing and regimented protocols, the new football season is underway. Meanwhile, most teachers, students, and parents are essentially waiting for the storm to pass. And school isn’t even a contact sport (usually).
Sat, September 05, 2020
"I Started Crying When I Realized How Beautiful the Universe Is” | People I (Mostly) Admire Ep. 2: Mayim Bialik
She’s best known for playing neurobiologist Amy Farrah Fowler on The Big Bang Theory , but the award-winning actress has a rich life outside of her acting career, as a teacher, mother — and a real-life neuroscientist. Steve Levitt tries to learn more about this one-time academic and Hollywood non-conformist, who is both very similar to him and also quite his opposite.
Thu, September 03, 2020
America’s Hidden Duopoly (Ep. 356 Rebroadcast)
We all know our political system is “broken” — but what if that’s not true? Some say the Republicans and Democrats constitute a wildly successful industry that has colluded to kill off competition, stifle reform, and drive the country apart. So what are you going to do about it?
Thu, August 27, 2020
430. Will a Covid-19 Vaccine Change the Future of Medical Research?
We explore the science, scalability, and (of course) economics surrounding the global vaccine race. Guests include the chief medical officer of the first U.S. firm to go to Phase 3 trials with a vaccine candidate; a former F.D.A. commissioner who’s been warning of a pandemic for years; and an economist who thinks Covid-19 may finally change how diseases are cured.
Sat, August 22, 2020
Introducing “People I (Mostly) Admire"
A new interview show with host Steve Levitt. Today he speaks with the Harvard psychologist and linguist Steven Pinker. By cataloging the steady march of human progress, the self-declared “polite Canadian” has managed to enrage people on opposite ends of the political spectrum. Levitt tries to understand why.
Thu, August 20, 2020
The Economics of Sports Gambling (Ep. 388 Rebroadcast)
What happens when tens of millions of fantasy-sports players are suddenly able to bet real money on real games? We’re about to find out. A recent Supreme Court decision has cleared the way to bring an estimated $300 billion in black-market sports betting into the light. We sort out the winners and losers.
Thu, August 13, 2020
429. Is Economic Growth the Wrong Goal?
The endless pursuit of G.D.P., argues the economist Kate Raworth, shortchanges too many people and also trashes the planet. Economic theory, she says, “needs to be rewritten” — and Raworth has tried, in a book called Doughnut Economics . It has found an audience among reformers, and now the city of Amsterdam is going whole doughnut.
Thu, August 06, 2020
How the Supermarket Helped America Win the Cold War (Ep. 386 Rebroadcast)
Aisle upon aisle of fresh produce, cheap meat, and sugary cereal — a delicious embodiment of free-market capitalism, right? Not quite. The supermarket was in fact the endpoint of the U.S. government’s battle for agricultural abundance against the U.S.S.R. Our farm policies were built to dominate, not necessarily to nourish — and we are still living with the consequences.
Thu, July 30, 2020
428. The Simple Economics of Saving the Amazon Rain Forest
Everyone agrees that massive deforestation is an environmental disaster. But most of the standard solutions — scolding the Brazilians, invoking universal morality — ignore the one solution that might actually work
Thu, July 23, 2020
427. The Pros and Cons of Reparations
Most Americans agree that racial discrimination has been, and remains, a big problem. But that is where the agreement ends.
Thu, July 16, 2020
426. Should America (and FIFA) Pay Reparations?
The racial wealth gap in the U.S. is massive. We explore the causes, consequences, and potential solutions. Also: another story of discrimination and economic disparity, this one perpetrated by an international sporting authority. The first of a two-part series.
Thu, July 09, 2020
425. Remembrance of Economic Crises Past
Christina Romer was a top White House economist during the Great Recession. As a researcher, she specializes in the Great Depression. She tells us what those disasters can (and can’t) teach us about the Covid crash.
Thu, July 02, 2020
424. How to Make Your Own Luck
Before she decided to become a poker pro, Maria Konnikova didn’t know how many cards are in a deck. But she did have a Ph.D. in psychology, a brilliant coach, and a burning desire to know whether life is driven more by skill or chance. She found some answers in poker — and in her new book The Biggest Bluff , she’s willing to tell us everything she learned.
Thu, June 25, 2020
423. The Doctor Will Zoom You Now
Thanks to the pandemic, the telehealth revolution we’ve been promised for decades has finally arrived. Will it stick? Will it cut costs — and improve outcomes? We ring up two doctors and, of course, an economist to find out.
Thu, June 18, 2020
422. Introducing "No Stupid Questions"
In this new addition to the Freakonomics Radio Network, co-hosts Stephen Dubner and Angela Duckworth discuss the relationship between age and happiness. Also: does all creativity come from pain? New episodes of "No Stupid Questions" are released every Sunday evening — please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Thu, June 11, 2020
421. How to Prevent Another Great Depression
Millions and millions are out of work, with some jobs never coming back. We speak with four economists — and one former presidential candidate — about the best policy options and the lessons (good and bad) from the past.
Thu, June 04, 2020
420. Which Jobs Will Come Back, and When?
Covid-19 is the biggest job killer in a century. As the lockdown eases, what does re-employment look like? Who will be first and who last? Which sectors will surge and which will disappear? Welcome to the Great Labor Reallocation of 2020.
Thu, May 28, 2020
How to Make Meetings Less Terrible (Ep. 389 Rebroadcast)
In the U.S. alone, we hold 55 million meetings a day. Most of them are woefully unproductive, and tyrannize our offices. The revolution begins now — with better agendas, smaller invite lists, and an embrace of healthy conflict.
Thu, May 21, 2020
419. 68 Ways to Be Better at Life
The accidental futurist Kevin Kelly on why enthusiasm beats intelligence, how to really listen, and why the solution to bad technology is more technology.
Thu, May 14, 2020
418. What Will College Look Like in the Fall (and Beyond)?
Three university presidents try to answer our listeners’ questions. The result? Not much pomp and a whole lot of circumstance.
Thu, May 07, 2020
417. Reasons to Be Cheerful
Humans have a built-in “negativity bias,” which means we give bad news much more power than good. Would the Covid-19 crisis be an opportune time to reverse this tendency?
Thu, April 30, 2020
416. How Do You Reopen a Country?
We speak with a governor, a former C.D.C. director, a pandemic forecaster, a hard-charging pharmacist, and a pair of economists — who say it’s all about the incentives. (Pandemillions, anyone?)
Mon, April 27, 2020
415. How Rahm Emanuel Would Run the World
As a former top adviser to presidents Clinton and Obama, he believes in the power of the federal government. But as former mayor of Chicago, he says that cities are where real problems get solved — especially in the era of Covid-19.
Thu, April 23, 2020
414. Will Covid-19 Spark a Cold War (or Worse) With China?
The U.S. spent the past few decades waiting for China to act like the global citizen it said it wanted to be. The waiting may be over.
Thu, April 16, 2020
413. Who Gets the Ventilator?
Should a nurse or doctor who gets sick treating Covid-19 patients have priority access to a potentially life-saving healthcare device? Americans aren’t used to rationing in medicine, but it’s time to think about it. We consult a lung specialist, a bioethicist, and (of course) an economist.
Thu, April 09, 2020
412. What Happens When Everyone Stays Home to Eat?
Covid-19 has shocked our food-supply system like nothing in modern history. We examine the winners, the losers, the unintended consequences — and just how much toilet paper one household really needs.
Thu, April 02, 2020
411. Is $2 Trillion the Right Medicine for a Sick Economy?
Congress just passed the biggest aid package in modern history. We ask six former White House economic advisors and one U.S. Senator: Will it actually work? What are its best and worst features? Where does $2 trillion come from, and what are the long-term effects of all that government spending?
Thu, March 26, 2020
410. What Does Covid-19 Mean for Cities (and Marriages)?
There are a lot of upsides to urban density — but viral contagion is not one of them. Also: a nationwide lockdown will show if familiarity really breeds contempt. And: how to help your neighbor.
Thu, March 19, 2020
409. The Side Effects of Social Distancing
In just a few weeks, the novel coronavirus has undone a century’s worth of our economic and social habits. What consequences will this have on our future — and is there a silver lining in this very black pandemic cloud?
Thu, March 12, 2020
Why Rent Control Doesn’t Work (Ep. 373 Rebroadcast)
As cities become ever-more expensive, politicians and housing advocates keep calling for rent control. Economists think that’s a terrible idea. They say it helps a small (albeit noisy) group of renters, but keeps overall rents artificially high by disincentivizing new construction. So what happens next?
Thu, March 05, 2020
408. Does Anyone Really Know What Socialism Is?
Trump says it would destroy us. Sanders says it will save us. The majority of millennials would like it to replace capitalism. But what is “it”? We bring in the economists to sort things out and tell us what the U.S. can learn from the good (and bad) experiences of other (supposedly) socialist countries.
Thu, February 27, 2020
407. Is There Really a “Loneliness Epidemic”?
That’s what some health officials are saying, but the data aren’t so clear. We look into what’s known (and not known) about the prevalence and effects of loneliness — including the possible upsides.
Thu, February 20, 2020
406. Can You Hear Me Now?
When he became chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Ajit Pai announced that he was going to take a “weed whacker” to Obama-era regulations. So far, he’s kept his promise, and earned the internet’s ire for reversing the agency’s position on net neutrality. Pai defends his actions and explains how the U.S. can “win” everything from the 5G race to the war on robocalls.
Thu, February 13, 2020
405. Policymaking Is Not a Science (Yet)
Why do so many promising solutions — in education, medicine, criminal justice, etc. — fail to scale up into great policy? And can a new breed of “implementation scientists” crack the code?
Thu, February 06, 2020
404. Does the President Matter as Much as You Think?
We asked this same question nearly a decade ago. The answer then: probably not. But a lot has changed since then, and we’re three years into one of the most anomalous presidencies in American history. So once again we try to sort out presidential signal from noise. What we hear from legal and policy experts may leave you surprised, befuddled — and maybe infuriated.
Thu, January 30, 2020
How the San Francisco 49ers Stopped Being Losers (Ep. 350 Update)
One of the most storied (and valuable) sports franchises in the world had fallen far. So they decided to do a full reboot — and it worked: this week, they are headed back to the Super Bowl. Before the 2018 season, we sat down with the team’s owner, head coach, general manager, and players as they were plotting their turnaround. Here’s an update of that episode.
Thu, January 23, 2020
403. The Opioid Tragedy, Part 2: “It’s Not a Death Sentence”
One prescription drug is keeping some addicts from dying. So why isn’t it more widespread? A story of regulation, stigma, and the potentially fatal faith in abstinence.
Thu, January 16, 2020
402. The Opioid Tragedy, Part 1: “We’ve Addicted an Entire Generation”
How pharma greed, government subsidies, and a push to make pain the “fifth vital sign” kicked off a crisis that costs $80 billion a year and has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans.
Thu, January 09, 2020
5 Psychology Terms You’re Probably Misusing (Rebroadcast)
We all like to throw around terms that describe human behavior — “bystander apathy” and “steep learning curve” and “hard-wired.” Most of the time, they don’t actually mean what we think they mean. But don’t worry — the experts are getting it wrong, too.
Thu, January 02, 2020
The Zero-Minute Workout (Rebroadcast)
There is strong evidence that exercise is wildly beneficial. There is even stronger evidence that most people hate to exercise. So if a pill could mimic the effects of working out, why wouldn’t we want to take it?
Thu, December 26, 2019
401. How Many Prince Charleses Can There Be in One Room?
In a special holiday episode, Stephen Dubner and Angela Duckworth take turns asking each other questions about charisma, wealth vs. intellect, and (of course) grit.
Thu, December 19, 2019
Why Is This Man Running for President? (Update)
A year ago, nobody was taking Andrew Yang very seriously. Now he is America’s favorite entrepre-nerd, with a candidacy that keeps gaining momentum. This episode includes our Jan. 2019 conversation with the leader of the Yang Gang and a fresh interview recorded from the campaign trail in Iowa.
Thu, December 12, 2019
400. How to Hate Taxes a Little Bit Less
Every year, Americans short the I.R.S. nearly half a trillion dollars. Most ideas to increase compliance are more stick than carrot — scary letters, audits, and penalties. But what if we gave taxpayers a chance to allocate how their money is spent, or even bribed them with a thank-you gift?
Thu, December 05, 2019
399. Honey, I Grew the Economy
Innovation experts have long overlooked where a lot of innovation actually happens. The personal computer, the mountain bike, the artificial pancreas — none of these came from some big R&D lab, but from users tinkering in their homes. Acknowledging this reality — and encouraging it — would be good for the economy (and the soul too).
Thu, November 28, 2019
How to Change Your Mind (Rebroadcast)
There are a lot of barriers to changing your mind: ego, overconfidence, inertia — and cost. Politicians who flip-flop get mocked; family and friends who cross tribal borders are shunned. But shouldn’t we be encouraging people to change their minds? And how can we get better at it ourselves?
Thu, November 21, 2019
398. The Truth About the Vaping Crisis
A recent outbreak of illness and death has gotten everyone’s attention — including late-to-the-game regulators. But would a ban on e-cigarettes do more harm than good? We smoke out the facts.
Thu, November 14, 2019
397. How to Save $32 Million in One Hour
For nearly a decade, governments have been using behavioral nudges to solve problems — and the strategy is catching on in healthcare, firefighting, and policing. But is that thinking too small? Could nudging be used to fight income inequality and achieve world peace? Recorded live in London, with commentary from Andy Zaltzman ( The Bugle ).
Thu, November 07, 2019
396. Why Does Tipping Still Exist?
It’s an acutely haphazard way of paying workers, and yet it keeps expanding. We dig into the data to find out why.
Thu, October 31, 2019
395. Speak Softly and Carry Big Data
Do economic sanctions work? Are big democracies any good at spreading democracy? What is the root cause of terrorism? It turns out that data analysis can help answer all these questions — and make better foreign-policy decisions. Guests include former Department of Defense officials Chuck Hagel and Michèle Flournoy and Chicago Project on Security and Threats researchers Robert Pape and Paul Poast. Recorded live in Chicago; Steve Levitt is co-host.
Thu, October 24, 2019
394. Does Hollywood Still Have a Princess Problem?
For decades, there’s been a huge gender disparity both on-screen and behind the scenes. But it seems like cold, hard data — with an assist from the actor Geena Davis — may finally be moving the needle.
Thu, October 17, 2019
393. Can Britain Get Its “Great” Back?
It used to be a global capital of innovation, invention, and exploration. Now it’s best known for its messy European divorce. We visit London to see if the British spirit of discovery is still alive. Guests include the mayor of London, undersea explorers, a time-use researcher, and a theoretical physicist who helped Liverpool win the Champions League. Dan Schreiber from No Such Thing as a Fish rides shotgun.
Thu, October 10, 2019
392. The Prime Minister Who Cried Brexit
In 2016, David Cameron held a referendum on whether the U.K. should stay in the European Union. A longtime Euroskeptic, he nevertheless led the Remain campaign. So what did Cameron really want? We ask him that and much more — including why he left office as soon as his side lost and what he’d do differently if given another chance. (Hint: not much.)
Thu, October 03, 2019
391. America’s Math Curriculum Doesn’t Add Up
Most high-school math classes are still preparing students for the Sputnik era. Steve Levitt wants to get rid of the “geometry sandwich” and instead have kids learn what they really need in the modern era: data fluency.
Thu, September 26, 2019
390. Fed Up
Mary Daly rose from high-school dropout to president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. She thinks the central bank needs an upgrade too. It starts with recognizing that the economy is made up of actual humans.
Thu, September 19, 2019
389. How to Make Meetings Less Terrible
In the U.S. alone, we hold 55 million meetings a day. Most of them are woefully unproductive, and tyrannize our offices. The revolution begins now — with better agendas, smaller invite lists, and an embrace of healthy conflict.
Thu, September 12, 2019
Yes, the Open Office Is Terrible — But It Doesn’t Have to Be (Rebroadcast)
It began as a post-war dream for a more collaborative and egalitarian workplace. It has evolved into a nightmare of noise and discomfort. Can the open office be saved, or should we all just be working from home?
Thu, September 05, 2019
388. The Economics of Sports Gambling
What happens when tens of millions of fantasy-sports players are suddenly able to bet real money on real games? We’re about to find out. A recent Supreme Court decision has cleared the way to bring an estimated $300 billion in black-market sports betting into the light. We sort out the winners and losers.
Thu, August 29, 2019
The Future of Meat (Rebroadcast)
Global demand for beef, chicken, and pork continues to rise. So do concerns about environmental and other costs. Will reconciling these two forces be possible — or, even better, Impossible™?
Thu, August 22, 2019
Should America Be Run by … Trader Joe’s? (Rebroadcast)
The quirky little grocery chain with California roots and German ownership has a lot to teach all of us about choice architecture, efficiency, frugality, collaboration, and team spirit.
Thu, August 15, 2019
387. Hello, My Name Is Marijuana Pepsi!
Research shows that having a distinctively black name doesn’t affect your economic future. But what is the day-to-day reality of living with such a name? Marijuana Pepsi Vandyck, a newly-minted Ph.D., is well-qualified to answer this question. Her verdict: the data don’t tell the whole story.
Thu, August 08, 2019
How Much Does Your Name Matter? (Rebroadcast )
A kid’s name can tell us something about his parents — their race, social standing, even their politics. But is your name really your destiny?
Thu, August 01, 2019
386. How the Supermarket Helped America Win the Cold War
Aisle upon aisle of fresh produce, cheap meat, and sugary cereal — a delicious embodiment of free-market capitalism, right? Not quite. The supermarket was in fact the endpoint of the U.S. government’s battle for agricultural abundance against the U.S.S.R. Our farm policies were built to dominate, not necessarily to nourish — and we are still living with the consequences.
Thu, July 25, 2019
America’s Hidden Duopoly (Rebroadcast)
We all know our political system is “broken” — but what if that’s not true? Some say the Republicans and Democrats constitute a wildly successful industry that has colluded to kill off competition, stifle reform, and drive the country apart. So what are you going to do about it?
Thu, July 18, 2019
385. What Do Nancy Pelosi, Taylor Swift, and Serena Williams Have in Common?
They — along with a great many other high-achieving women — were all once Girl Scouts. So was Sylvia Acevedo. Raised in a poor, immigrant family, she was told that “girls like her” didn’t go to college. But she did, and then became a rocket scientist and tech executive. Now she’s C.E.O. of the very organization she credits with shaping her life. Acevedo tells us how the Girl Scouts are trying to stay relevant, why they’re suing the Boy Scouts, and how they sell so many cookies.
Thu, July 11, 2019
384. Abortion and Crime, Revisited
The controversial theory linking Roe v. Wade to a massive crime drop is back in the spotlight as several states introduce abortion restrictions. Steve Levitt and John Donohue discuss their original research, the challenges to its legitimacy, and their updated analysis. Also: what this means for abortion policy, crime policy, and having intelligent conversations about contentious topics.
Thu, July 04, 2019
A Better Way to Eat (Rebroadcast )
Takeru Kobayashi revolutionized the sport of competitive eating. What can the rest of us learn from his breakthrough?
Thu, June 27, 2019
383. The Zero-Minute Workout
There is strong evidence that exercise is wildly beneficial. There is even stronger evidence that most people hate to exercise. So if a pill could mimic the effects of working out, why wouldn’t we want to take it?
Thu, June 20, 2019
382. How Goes the Behavior-Change Revolution?
An all-star team of behavioral scientists discovers that humans are stubborn (and lazy, and sometimes dumber than dogs). We also hear about binge drinking, humblebragging, and regrets. Recorded live in Philadelphia with guests including Richard Thaler, Angela Duckworth, Katy Milkman, and Tom Gilovich.
Thu, June 13, 2019
381. Long-Term Thinking in a Start-Up Town
Recorded live in San Francisco. Guests include the keeper of a 10,000-year clock, the co-founder of Lyft, a pioneer in male birth control, a specialist in water security, and a psychology professor who is also a puppy. With co-host Angela Duckworth, fact-checker Mike Maughan, and the Freakonomics Radio Orchestra.
Thu, June 06, 2019
380. Notes From an Imperfect Paradise
Recorded live in Los Angeles. Guests include Mayor Eric Garcetti, the “Earthquake Lady,” the head of the Port of L.A., and a scientist with NASA’s Planetary Protection team. With co-host Angela Duckworth, fact-checker Mike Maughan, and the worldwide debut of Luis Guerra and the Freakonomics Radio Orchestra.
Thu, May 30, 2019
379. How to Change Your Mind
There are a lot of barriers to changing your mind: ego, overconfidence, inertia — and cost. Politicians who flip-flop get mocked; family and friends who cross tribal borders are shunned. But shouldn’t we be encouraging people to change their minds? And how can we get better at it ourselves?
Thu, May 23, 2019
Here’s Why All Your Projects Are Always Late — and What to Do About It (Rebroadcast)
Whether it’s a giant infrastructure plan or a humble kitchen renovation, it’ll inevitably take way too long and cost way too much. That’s because you suffer from “the planning fallacy.” (You also have an “optimism bias” and a bad case of overconfidence.) But don’t worry: we’ve got the solution.
Thu, May 16, 2019
378. 23andMe (and You, and Everyone Else)
The revolution in home DNA testing is giving consumers important, possibly life-changing information. It’s also building a gigantic database that could lead to medical breakthroughs. But how will you deal with upsetting news? What if your privacy is compromised? And are you prepared to have your DNA monetized? We speak with Anne Wojcicki, founder and C.E.O. of 23andMe.
Thu, May 09, 2019
377. The $1.5 Trillion Question-How to fix student loan debt?
As the cost of college skyrocketed, it created a debt burden that’s putting a drag on the economy. One possible solution: shifting the risk of debt away from students and onto investors looking for a cut of the graduates’ earning power.
Thu, May 02, 2019
376. The Data-Driven Guide to Sane Parenting
Humans have been having kids forever, so why are modern parents so bewildered? The economist Emily Oster marshals the evidence on the most contentious topics — breastfeeding and sleep training, vaccines and screen time — and tells her fellow parents to calm the heck down.
Thu, April 25, 2019
The Invisible Paw (Rebroadcast)
Humans, it has long been thought, are the only animal to engage in economic activity. But what if we've had it exactly backward?
Thu, April 18, 2019
375. The Most Interesting Fruit in the World
The banana used to be a luxury good. Now it’s the most popular fruit in the U.S. and elsewhere. But the production efficiencies that made it so cheap have also made it vulnerable to a deadly fungus that may wipe out the one variety most of us eat. Scientists do have a way to save it — but will Big Banana let them?
Thu, April 11, 2019
374. How Spotify Saved the Music Industry (But Not Necessarily Musicians)
Daniel Ek, a 23-year-old Swede who grew up on pirated music, made the record labels an offer they couldn’t refuse: a legal platform to stream all the world’s music. Spotify reversed the labels’ fortunes, made Ek rich, and thrilled millions of music fans. But what has it done for all those musicians stuck in the long tail?
Thu, April 04, 2019
373. Why Rent Control Doesn’t Work
As cities become ever-more expensive, politicians and housing advocates keep calling for rent control. Economists think that’s a terrible idea. They say it helps a small (albeit noisy) group of renters, but keeps overall rents artificially high by disincentivizing new construction. So what happens next?
Thu, March 28, 2019
372. Freakonomics Radio Live: “Would You Eat a Piece of Chocolate Shaped Like Dog Poop?”
What your disgust level says about your politics, how Napoleon influenced opera, why New York City’s subways may finally run on time, and more. Five compelling guests tell Stephen Dubner, co-host Angela Duckworth, and fact-checker Jody Avirgan lots of things they didn’t know.
Thu, March 21, 2019
Why You Shouldn’t Open a Restaurant (Update)
Kenji Lopez-Alt became a rock star of the food world by bringing science into the kitchen in a way that everyday cooks can appreciate. Then he dared to start his own restaurant — and discovered problems that even science can’t solve.
Thu, March 14, 2019
371. A Free-Trade Democrat in the Trump White House
For years, Gary Cohn thought he’d be the next C.E.O. of Goldman Sachs. Instead, he became the “adult in the room” in a chaotic administration. Cohn talks about the fights he won, the fights he lost, and the fights he was no longer willing to have. Also: why he and Trump are still on speaking terms even after he reportedly called the president “a professional liar.”
Thu, March 07, 2019
370. How to Fail Like a Pro
The road to success is paved with failure, so you might as well learn to do it right. (Ep. 5 of the “How to Be Creative” series .)
Thu, February 28, 2019
369. A Good Idea Is Not Good Enough
Whether you’re building a business or a cathedral, execution is everything. We ask artists, scientists, and inventors how they turned ideas into reality. And we find out why it’s so hard for a group to get things done — and what you can do about it. (Ep. 4 of the “How to Be Creative” series .)
Thu, February 21, 2019
368. Where Do Good Ideas Come From?
Whether you’re mapping the universe, hosting a late-night talk show, or running a meeting, there are a lot of ways to up your idea game. Plus: the truth about brainstorming. (Ep. 3 of the “How to Be Creative” series .)
Thu, February 14, 2019
367. The Future of Meat
Global demand for beef, chicken, and pork continues to rise. So do concerns about environmental and other costs. Will reconciling these two forces be possible — or, even better, Impossible™?
Thu, February 07, 2019
366. This Economist Predicted the Last Crisis. What’s the Next One?
In 2005, Raghuram Rajan said the financial system was at risk “of a catastrophic meltdown.” After stints at the I.M.F. and India’s central bank, he sees another potential crisis — and he offers a solution. Is it stronger governments? Freer markets? Rajan’s answer: neither.
Sat, February 02, 2019
Extra: Domonique Foxworth Full Interview
Stephen Dubner’s conversation with the former N.F.L. player, union official, and all-around sports thinker, recorded for our “Hidden Side of Sports” series .
Thu, January 31, 2019
365. Not Just Another Labor Force
If you think talent and hard work give top athletes all the leverage to succeed, think again. As employees in the Sports-Industrial Complex, they’ve got a tight earnings window, a high injury rate, little choice in where they work — and a very early forced retirement. (Ep. 6 of “The Hidden Side of Sports” series .)
Sat, January 26, 2019
Extra: Mark Cuban Full Interview
A conversation with the Shark Tank star, entrepreneur, and Dallas Mavericks owner recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “The Hidden Side of Sports.”
Thu, January 24, 2019
364. Inside the Sports-Industrial Complex
For most of us, the athletes are what make sports interesting. But if you own the team or run the league, your players are essentially very expensive migrant workers who eat into your profits. We talk to N.F.L., N.B.A., and U.F.C. executives about labor costs, viewership numbers, legalized gambling, and the rise of e-sports. (Ep. 5 of “The Hidden Side of Sports” series .)
Sat, January 19, 2019
Extra: Mark Teixeira Full Interview
A conversation with former Major League Baseball player and current ESPN analyst Mark Teixeira, recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “The Hidden Side of Sports.”
Thu, January 17, 2019
363. Think Like a Winner
Great athletes aren’t just great at the physical stuff. They’ve also learned how to handle pressure, overcome fear, and stay focused. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to be an athlete to use what they know. (Ep. 4 of “The Hidden Side of Sports” series .)
Sat, January 12, 2019
Hacking the World Bank (Update)
Jim Yong Kim has an unorthodox background for a World Bank president — and his reign has been just as unorthodox. He has just announced he’s stepping down, well before his term is over; we recorded this interview with him in 2015.
Thu, January 10, 2019
362. Why Is This Man Running for President?
In the American Dream sweepstakes, Andrew Yang was a pretty big winner. But for every winner, he came to realize, there are thousands upon thousands of losers — a “war on normal people,” he calls it. Here’s what he plans to do about it.
Thu, January 03, 2019
How to Be Happy (Rebroadcast)
The U.N.’s World Happiness Report — created to curtail our unhealthy obsession with G.D.P. — is dominated every year by the Nordic countries. We head to Denmark to learn the secrets of this happiness epidemic (and to see if we should steal them).
Thu, December 27, 2018
How to Win Games and Beat People (Rebroadcast)
Games are as old as civilization itself, and some people think they have huge social value regardless of whether you win or lose. Tom Whipple is not one of those people. That’s why he consulted an army of preposterously overqualified experts to find the secret to winning any game.
Thu, December 20, 2018
People Aren’t Dumb. The World Is Hard. (Rebroadcast)
You wouldn’t think you could win a Nobel Prize for showing that humans tend to make irrational decisions. But that’s what Richard Thaler has done. The founder of behavioral economics describes his unlikely route to success; his reputation for being lazy; and his efforts to fix the world — one nudge at a time.
Sat, December 15, 2018
Freakonomics Radio Live: “Where Does Fear Live in the Brain?”
Our co-host is comedian Christian Finnegan, and we learn: the difference between danger and fear; the role of clouds in climate change; and why (and when) politicians are bad at math. Washington Post columnist Alexandra Petri is our real-time fact-checker.
Sat, December 15, 2018
Freakonomics Radio Live: “The World’s a Mess. But Oysters, They Hold it Down.”
Celebrity chef Alex Guarnaschelli joins us to co-host an evening of delicious fact-finding: where a trillion oysters went, whether a soda tax can work, and how beer helped build an empire. Washington Post columnist Alexandra Petri is our real-time fact-checker.
Sat, December 15, 2018
Freakonomics Radio Live: “We Thought of a Way to Manipulate Your Perception of Time.”
We learn how to be less impatient, how to tell fake news from real, and the simple trick that nurses used to make better predictions than doctors. Journalist Manoush Zomorodi co-hosts; our real-time fact-checker is the author and humorist A.J. Jacobs.
Thu, December 13, 2018
361. Freakonomics Radio Live: “Jesus Could Have Been a Pigeon.”
Our co-host is Grit author Angela Duckworth, and we learn fascinating, Freakonomical facts from a parade of guests. For instance: what we all get wrong about Darwin; what an iPod has in common with the “hell ant”; and how a “memory athlete” memorizes a deck of cards. Mike Maughan is our real-time fact-checker.
Thu, December 06, 2018
360. Is the Protestant Work Ethic Real?
In the early 20th century, Max Weber argued that Protestantism created wealth. Finally, there are data to prove if he was right. All it took were some missionary experiments in the Philippines and a clever map-matching trick that goes back to 16th-century Germany.
Thu, November 29, 2018
359. Should America Be Run by … Trader Joe’s?
The quirky little grocery chain with California roots and German ownership has a lot to teach all of us about choice architecture, efficiency, frugality, collaboration, and team spirit.
Thu, November 22, 2018
There’s a War on Sugar. Is It Justified? (Rebroadcast)
Some people argue that sugar should be regulated, like alcohol and tobacco, on the grounds that it’s addictive and toxic. How much sense does that make? We hear from a regulatory advocate, an evidence-based skeptic, a former F.D.A. commissioner — and the organizers of Milktoberfest.
Thu, November 15, 2018
358. Yes, the Open Office Is Terrible — But It Doesn’t Have to Be
It began as a post-war dream for a more collaborative and egalitarian workplace. It has evolved into a nightmare of noise and discomfort. Can the open office be saved, or should we all just be working from home?
Thu, November 08, 2018
357. Can an Industrial Giant Become a Tech Darling?
The Ford Motor Company is ditching its legacy sedans, doubling down on trucks, and trying to steer its stock price out of a long skid. But C.E.O. Jim Hackett has even bigger plans: to turn a century-old automaker into the nucleus of a “transportation operating system.” Is Hackett just whistling past the graveyard, or does he see what others can’t?
Thu, November 01, 2018
356. America’s Hidden Duopoly
We all know our political system is “broken” — but what if that’s not true? Some say the Republicans and Democrats constitute a wildly successful industry that has colluded to kill off competition, stifle reform, and drive the country apart. So what are you going to do about it?
Sat, October 27, 2018
Extra: Elvis Costello Full Interview
A conversation with the iconic singer-songwriter, recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “How to Be Creative.”
Thu, October 25, 2018
355. Where Does Creativity Come From (and Why Do Schools Kill It Off)?
Family environments and “diversifying experiences” (including the early death of a parent); intrinsic versus extrinsic motivations; schools that value assessments, but don't assess the things we value. All these elements factor into the long, mysterious march towards a creative life. To learn more, we examine the early years of Ai Weiwei, Rosanne Cash, Elvis Costello, Maira Kalman, Wynton Marsalis, Jennifer Egan, and others. (Ep. 2 of the “How to Be Creative” series.)
Sat, October 20, 2018
Extra: Jeremy Lin Full Interview
A conversation with veteran NBA point guard Jeremy Lin, recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “ The Hidden Side of Sports .”
Thu, October 18, 2018
354. How to Be Creative
There are thousands of books on the subject, but what do we actually know about creativity? In this new series, we talk to the researchers who study it as well as artists, inventors, and pathbreakers who live it every day: Ai Weiwei, James Dyson, Elvis Costello, Jennifer Egan, Rosanne Cash, Wynton Marsalis, Maira Kalman, and more. (Ep. 1 of the “How to Be Creative” series.)
Thu, October 11, 2018
353. How to Optimize Your Apology
You said, “I’m sorry,” but somehow you haven’t been forgiven. Why? Because you’re doing it wrong! A report from the front lines of apology science.
Thu, October 04, 2018
352. Can This Man Stop a Trade War?
The World Trade Organization is the referee for 164 trading partners, each with their own political and economic agendas. Lately, those agendas have gotten more complicated — especially with President Trump’s tariff blitz. Roberto Azevêdo, head of the W.T.O., tells us why it’s so hard to balance protectionism and globalism; what’s really behind the loss of jobs; and what he’d say to Trump (if he ever gets the chance).
Mon, October 01, 2018
Extra: Shawn Johnson Full Interview
A conversation with 2008 Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson, recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “ The Hidden Side of Sports .”
Thu, September 27, 2018
351. Here’s Why You’re Not an Elite Athlete
There are a lot of factors that go into greatness, many of which are not obvious. A variety of Olympic and professional athletes tell us how they made it and what they sacrificed to get there. And if you can identify the sport most likely to get a kid into a top college — well then, touché! (Ep. 3 of “ The Hidden Side of Sports ” series.)
Sun, September 23, 2018
Extra: Full Interviews With Jimmy Garoppolo, Joe Staley, Mike McGlinchey, and Kyle Juszczyk
Stephen Dubner’s conversations with members of the San Francisco 49ers offense, recorded for Freakonomics Radio episode No. 350, part of the “ Hidden Side of Sports ” series.
Thu, September 20, 2018
350. How to Stop Being a Loser
The San Francisco 49ers, one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world, also used to be one of the best. But they’ve been losing lately — a lot — and one of their players launched a controversy by taking a knee during the national anthem. So why is everyone there so optimistic? To find out, we speak with the team’s owner, head coach, general manager, and star players, including their new $137.5 million quarterback. (Ep. 2 of “The Hidden Side of Sports” series.)
Thu, September 13, 2018
349. How Sports Became Us
Dollar-wise, the sports industry is surprisingly small, about the same size as the cardboard-box industry. So why does it make so much noise? Because it reflects — and often amplifies — just about every political, economic, and social issue of the day. Introducing a new series, “The Hidden Side of Sports.”
Thu, September 06, 2018
348. Is the Government More Entrepreneurial Than You Think?
We all know the standard story: our economy would be more dynamic if only the government would get out of the way. The economist Mariana Mazzucato says we’ve got that story backward. She argues that the government, by funding so much early-stage research, is hugely responsible for big successes in tech, pharma, energy, and more. But the government also does a terrible job in claiming credit — and, more important, getting a return on its investment.
Thu, August 30, 2018
347. Why You Shouldn’t Open a Restaurant
Kenji Lopez-Alt became a rock star of the food world by bringing science into the kitchen in a way that everyday cooks can appreciate. Then he dared to start his own restaurant — and discovered problems that even science can’t solve.
Thu, August 23, 2018
346. Two (Totally Opposite) Ways to Save the Planet
The environmentalists say we’re doomed if we don’t drastically reduce consumption. The technologists say that human ingenuity can solve just about any problem. A debate that’s been around for decades has become a shouting match. Is anyone right?
Thu, August 16, 2018
345. How to Be Happy
The U.N.’s World Happiness Report — created to curtail our unhealthy obsession with G.D.P. — is dominated every year by the Nordic countries. We head to Denmark to learn the secrets of this happiness epidemic (and to see if we should steal them).
Thu, August 09, 2018
344. Who Decides How Much a Life Is Worth?
After every mass shooting or terrorist attack, victims and survivors receive a huge outpouring of support — including a massive pool of compensation money. How should that money be allocated? We speak with the man who’s done that job after many tragedies, including 9/11. The hard part, it turns out, isn’t attaching a dollar figure to each victim; the hard part is acknowledging that dollars can’t heal the pain.
Tue, August 07, 2018
A Conversation With PepsiCo C.E.O. Indra Nooyi (Ep. 316 Update)
One of the world’s biggest and best-known companies just announced that its C.E.O. would be stepping down in the fall. We interviewed her as part of our series “The Secret Life of a C.E.O.," and we thought you might like to hear that episode again, or for the first time if you missed it back then.
Thu, August 02, 2018
343. An Astronaut, a Catalan, and Two Linguists Walk Into a Bar…
In this live episode of “Tell Me Something I Don’t Know,” we learn why New York has skinny skyscrapers, how to weaponize water, and what astronauts talk about in space. Joining Stephen J. Dubner as co-host is the linguist John McWhorter; Bari Weiss (The New York Times) is the real-time fact-checker.
Thu, July 26, 2018
342. Has Lance Armstrong Finally Come Clean?
He was once the most lionized athlete on the planet, with seven straight Tour de France wins and a victory over cancer too. Then the doping charges caught up with him. When he finally confessed to Oprah, he admits, “it didn’t go well at all.” That’s because he wasn’t actually contrite yet. Now, five years later, he says he is. Do you believe him?
Thu, July 19, 2018
341. Why We Choke Under Pressure (and How Not To)
It happens to just about everyone, whether you’re going for Olympic gold or giving a wedding toast. We hear from psychologists, economists, and the golfer who some say committed the greatest choke of all time.
Thu, July 12, 2018
340. People Aren’t Dumb. The World Is Hard.
You wouldn’t think you could win a Nobel Prize for showing that humans tend to make irrational decisions. But that’s what Richard Thaler has done. The founder of behavioral economics describes his unlikely route to success; his reputation for being lazy; and his efforts to fix the world — one nudge at a time.
Tue, July 03, 2018
339. The Future of Freakonomics Radio
After 8 years and more than 300 episodes, it was time to either 1) quit, or 2) make the show bigger and better. We voted for number 2. Here’s a peek behind the curtain and a preview of what you’ll be hearing next.
Thu, June 28, 2018
In Praise of Incrementalism (Rebroadcast)
What do Renaissance painting, civil-rights movements, and Olympic cycling have in common? In each case, huge breakthroughs came from taking tiny steps. In a world where everyone is looking for the next moonshot, we shouldn’t ignore the power of incrementalism.
Thu, June 21, 2018
In Praise of Maintenance (Rebroadcast)
Has our culture's obsession with innovation led us to neglect the fact that things also need to be taken care of?
Thu, June 14, 2018
338. How to Catch World Cup Fever
For soccer fans, it's easy. For the rest of us? Not so much, especially since the U.S. team didn't qualify. So here's what to watch for even if you have no team to root for. Because the World Cup isn't just a gargantuan sporting evént; it's a microcosm of human foibles and (yep) economic theory brought to life.
Thu, June 07, 2018
337. How to Build a Smart City
We are in the midst of a historic (and wholly unpredicted) rise in urbanization. But it's hard to retrofit old cities for the 21st century. Enter Dan Doctoroff. The man who helped modernize New York City — and tried to bring the Olympics there — is now C.E.O. of a Google-funded startup that is building, from scratch, the city of the future.
Thu, May 31, 2018
How Stupid Is Our Obsession With Lawns? (Rebroadcast)
Nearly two percent of America is grassy green. Sure, lawns are beautiful and useful and they smell great. But are the costs — financial, environmental and otherwise — worth the benefits?
Thu, May 24, 2018
336. The Most Vilified Industry in America Is Also the Most Charitable
Pharmaceutical firms donate an enormous amount of their products (and some cash too). But it doesn't seem to be helping their reputation. We ask Pfizer's generosity chief why the company gives so much, who it really helps, and whether all this philanthropy is just corporate whitewashing.
Thu, May 17, 2018
335. Does Doing Good Give You License to Be Bad?
Corporate Social Responsibility programs can attract better job applicants who'll work for less money. But they also encourage employees to misbehave. Don't laugh — you too probably engage in “moral licensing,” even if you don't know it.
Thu, May 10, 2018
334. 5 Psychology Terms You’re Probably Misusing
We all like to throw around terms that describe human behavior — “bystander apathy” and “steep learning curve” and “hard-wired.” Most of the time, they don't actually mean what we think they mean. But don't worry — the experts are getting it wrong, too.
Thu, May 03, 2018
Evolution, Accelerated (Rebroadcast)
A breakthrough in genetic technology has given humans more power than ever to change nature. It could help eliminate hunger and disease; it could also lead to the sort of dystopia we used to only read about in sci-fi novels. So what happens next?
Thu, April 26, 2018
333. The Most Ambitious Thing Humans Have Ever Attempted
Sure, medical progress has been astounding. But today the U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other country, with so-so outcomes. Atul Gawande — cancer surgeon, public-health researcher, and best-selling author — has some simple ideas for treating a painfully complex system.
Thu, April 19, 2018
332. Why the Trump Tax Cuts Are Terrible/Awesome (Part 2)
Three former White House economists weigh in on the new tax bill. A sample: "The overwhelming evidence is that the trickle-down, magic-beanstalk beans argument — that's just nonsense."
Thu, April 12, 2018
331. Why the Trump Tax Cuts are Awesome/Terrible (Part 1)
Kevin Hassett, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, explains the thinking behind the controversial new Republican tax package — and why its critics are wrong. (Next week, we'll hear from the critics.)
Mon, April 09, 2018
330. Extra: Ray Dalio Full Interview
Stephen Dubner's conversation with the founder and longtime C.E.O. of Bridgewater Associates, recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “The Secret Life of a C.E.O.”
Thu, April 05, 2018
329. The Invisible Paw
Humans, it has long been thought, are the only animal to engage in economic activity. But what if we've had it exactly backward?
Mon, April 02, 2018
328. Extra: Mark Zuckerberg Full Interview
Stephen Dubner's conversation with the Facebook founder and C.E.O., recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “The Secret Life of a C.E.O.”
Thu, March 29, 2018
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Money (But Were Afraid to Ask) (Rebroadcast)
The bad news: roughly 70 percent of Americans are financially illiterate. The good news: all the important stuff can fit on one index card. Here's how to become your own financial superhero.
Mon, March 26, 2018
327. Extra: Carol Bartz Full Interview
Stephen Dubner's conversation with the former C.E.O. of Yahoo, recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “The Secret Life of a C.E.O.”
Thu, March 22, 2018
The Stupidest Thing You Can Do With Your Money (Rebroadcast)
It's hard enough to save for a house, tuition, or retirement. So why are we willing to pay big fees for subpar investment returns? Enter the low-cost index fund. The revolution will not be monetized.
Mon, March 19, 2018
326. Extra: Jack Welch Full Interview
Stephen Dubner's conversation with the former longtime C.E.O. of General Electric, recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “The Secret Life of a C.E.O.”
Thu, March 15, 2018
325. How to Train Your Dragon Child
Every 12 years, there's a spike in births among certain communities across the globe, including the U.S. Why? Because the Year of the Dragon, according to Chinese folk belief, confers power, fortune, and more. We look at what happens to Dragon babies when they grow up, and why timing your kid's birth based on the zodiac isn't as ridiculous it sounds.
Mon, March 12, 2018
324. Extra: Satya Nadella Full Interview
Stephen Dubner's conversation with the C.E.O. of Microsoft, recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “The Secret Life of a C.E.O.”
Thu, March 08, 2018
323. Here’s Why All Your Projects Are Always Late — and What to Do About It
Whether it's a giant infrastructure plan or a humble kitchen renovation, it'll inevitably take way too long and cost way too much. That's because you suffer from “the planning fallacy.” (You also have an “optimism bias” and a bad case of overconfidence.) But don't worry: we've got the solution.
Mon, March 05, 2018
322. Extra: David Rubenstein Full Interview
Stephen Dubner's conversation with the co-founder and longtime co-C.E.O. of the Carlyle Group, recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “The Secret Life of a C.E.O.”
Thu, March 01, 2018
Does “Early Education” Come Way Too Late? (Rebroadcast)
In our collective zeal to reform schools and close the achievement gap, we may have lost sight of where most learning really happens — at home.
Mon, February 26, 2018
321. Extra: Richard Branson Full Interview
Stephen Dubner's conversation with the Virgin Group founder, recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “The Secret Life of a C.E.O.”
Thu, February 22, 2018
320. Letting Go
If you're a C.E.O., there are a lot of ways to leave your job, from abrupt firing to carefully planned succession (which may still go spectacularly wrong). In this final episode of our "Secret Life of a C.E.O." series, we hear those stories and many more. Also: what happens when you no longer have a corner office to go to — and how will you spend all that money?
Thu, February 15, 2018
319. After the Glass Ceiling, a Glass Cliff
Only 5 percent of Fortune 500 companies are run by women. Why? Research shows that female executives are more likely to be put in charge of firms that are already in crisis. Are they being set up to fail? (Part 5 of a special series, "The Secret Life of C.E.O.'s.")
Thu, February 08, 2018
318. It’s Your Problem Now
No, it's not your fault the economy crashed. Or that consumer preferences changed. Or that new technologies have blown apart your business model. But if you're the C.E.O., it is your problem. So what are you going to do about it? First-hand stories of disaster (and triumph) from Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Ballmer, Satya Nadella, Jack Welch, Ellen Pao, Richard Branson, and more. (Part 4 of a special series, "The Secret Life of C.E.O.'s.")
Tue, February 06, 2018
317. What Can Uber Teach Us About the Gender Pay Gap?
The gig economy offers the ultimate flexibility to set your own hours. That's why economists thought it would help eliminate the gender pay gap. A new study, using data from over a million Uber drivers, finds the story isn't so simple.
Sat, February 03, 2018
An Egghead’s Guide to the Super Bowl (Rebroadcast)
We assembled a panel of smart dudes -- a two-time Super Bowl champ; a couple of N.F.L. linemen, including one who's getting a math Ph.D. at MIT; and our resident economist -- to tell you what to watch for, whether you're a football fanatic or a total newbie.
Thu, February 01, 2018
316. “I Wasn’t Stupid Enough to Say This Could Be Done Overnight”
Indra Nooyi became C.E.O. of PepsiCo just in time for a global financial meltdown. She also had a portfolio full of junk food just as the world decided that junk food is borderline toxic. Here's the story of how she overhauled that portfolio, stared down activist investors, and learned to "leave the crown in the garage." (Part 3 of a special series, "The Secret Life of C.E.O.'s")
Thu, January 25, 2018
315. How to Become a C.E.O.
Mark Zuckerberg's dentist dad was an early adopter of digital x-rays. Jack Welch blew the roof off a factory. Carol Bartz was a Wisconsin farm girl who got into computers. No two C.E.O.'s have the same origin story — so we tell them all! How the leaders of Facebook, G.E., Yahoo!, PepsiCo, Microsoft, Virgin, the Carlyle Group, Reddit, and Bridgewater Associates made it to the top. (Part 2 of a special series, "The Secret Life of C.E.O.'s.")
Thu, January 18, 2018
314. What Does a C.E.O. Actually Do?
They're paid a fortune — but for what, exactly? What makes a good C.E.O. — and how can you even tell? Is "leadership science" a real thing — or just airport-bookstore mumbo jumbo? We put these questions to Mark Zuckerberg, Richard Branson, Indra Nooyi, Satya Nadella, Jack Welch, Ray Dalio, Carol Bartz, David Rubenstein, and Ellen Pao. (Part 1 of a special series, "The Secret Life of C.E.O.'s.")
Thu, January 11, 2018
313. How to Be a Modern Democrat — and Win
Gina Raimondo, the governor of tiny Rhode Island, has taken on unions, boosted big business, and made friends with Republicans. She is also one of just 15 Democratic governors in the country. Would there be more of them if there were more like her?
Thu, January 04, 2018
Why Is My Life So Hard? (Rebroadcast)
Most of us feel we face more headwinds and obstacles than everyone else — which breeds resentment. We also undervalue the tailwinds that help us — which leaves us ungrateful and unhappy. How can we avoid this trap?
Thu, December 28, 2017
Trust Me (Rebroadcast)
Societies where people trust one another are healthier and wealthier. In the U.S. (and the U.K. and elsewhere), social trust has been falling for decades — in part because our populations are more diverse. What can we do to fix it?
Thu, December 21, 2017
Make Me a Match (Rebroadcast)
Sure, markets generally work well. But for some transactions — like school admissions and organ transplants — money alone can't solve the problem. That's when you need a market-design wizard like Al Roth.
Thu, December 14, 2017
312. Not Your Grandmother’s I.M.F.
The International Monetary Fund has long been the "lender of last resort" for economies in crisis. Christine Lagarde, who runs the institution, would like to prevent those crises from ever happening. She tells us her plans.
Thu, December 07, 2017
311. Why Is the Live-Event Ticket Market So Screwed Up?
The public has almost no chance to buy good tickets to the best events. Ticket brokers, meanwhile, make huge profits on the secondary markets. Here's the story of how this market got so dysfunctional, how it can be fixed – and why it probably won't be.
Thu, November 30, 2017
310. Are We Running Out of Ideas?
Economists have a hard time explaining why productivity growth has been shrinking. One theory: true innovation has gotten much harder – and much more expensive. So what should we do next?
Thu, November 23, 2017
Is America Ready for a “No-Lose Lottery”? (Update)
Most people don't enjoy the simple, boring act of putting money in a savings account. But we do love to play the lottery. So what if you combine the two, creating a new kind of savings account with a lottery payout?
Thu, November 16, 2017
309. Nurses to the Rescue!
They are the most-trusted profession in America (and with good reason). They are critical to patient outcomes (especially in primary care). Could the growing army of nurse practitioners be an answer to the doctor shortage? The data say yes but — big surprise — doctors' associations say no.
Thu, November 09, 2017
308. How Can I Do the Most Social Good With $100? And Other FREAK-quently Asked Questions
Dubner and his Freakonomics co-author Steve Levitt answer your questions about crime, traffic, real-estate agents, the Ph.D. glut, and how to not get eaten by a bear.
Tue, November 07, 2017
Why Is There So Much Ground Beef in the World? (Special Feature)
In this live episode of "Tell Me Something I Don't Know," you'll learn about carcass balancing, teen sleeping, and brand naming. Joining Stephen J. Dubner as co-host is Alex Wagner (CBS This Morning Saturday); author A.J. Jacobs (It's All Relative) is the live fact-checker.
Thu, November 02, 2017
307. Thinking Is Expensive. Who’s Supposed to Pay for It?
Corporations and rich people donate billions to their favorite think tanks and foundations. Should we be grateful for their generosity — or suspicious of their motives?
Thu, October 26, 2017
306. How to Launch a Behavior-Change Revolution
Academic studies are nice, and so are Nobel Prizes. But to truly prove the value of a new idea, you have to unleash it to the masses. That's what a dream team of social scientists is doing — and we sat in as they drew up their game plan.
Thu, October 19, 2017
305. The Demonization of Gluten
Celiac disease is thought to affect roughly one percent of the population. The good news: it can be treated by quitting gluten. The bad news: many celiac patients haven't been diagnosed. The weird news: millions of people without celiac disease have quit gluten – which may be a big mistake.
Thu, October 12, 2017
304. What Are the Secrets of the German Economy — and Should We Steal Them?
Smart government policies, good industrial relations, and high-end products have helped German manufacturing beat back the threats of globalization.
Sun, October 01, 2017
“Tell Me Something I Don't Know” on the topic of Behavior Change (Special Feature)
Stephen J. Dubner hosts an episode full of the world's most renowned behavior change experts, including Colin Camerer, Ayelet Fishbach, David Laibson, Max Bazerman, Katy Milkman, and Kevin Volpp. Angela Duckworth (psychologist and author of Grit) is our special guest co-host, with Mike Maughan (head of global insights at Qualtrics) as real-time fact-checker.
Thu, September 28, 2017
303. Why Larry Summers Is the Economist Everyone Hates to Love
He's been U.S. Treasury Secretary, a chief economist for the Obama White House and the World Bank, and president of Harvard. He's one of the most brilliant economists of his generation (and perhaps the most irascible). And he thinks the Trump Administration is wrong on just about everything.
Tue, September 26, 2017
302. Why Learn Esperanto?
A language invented in the 19th century, and meant to be universal, it never really caught on. So why does a group of Esperantists from around the world gather once a year to celebrate their bond?
Thu, September 21, 2017
301. What Would Be the Best Universal Language? (Earth 2.0 Series)
We explore votes for English, Indonesian, and … Esperanto! The search for a common language goes back millennia, but so much still gets lost in translation. Will technology finally solve that?
Thu, September 14, 2017
300. Why Don’t We All Speak the Same Language? (Earth 2.0 Series)
There are 7,000 languages spoken on Earth. What are the costs — and benefits — of our modern-day Tower of Babel?
Thu, September 07, 2017
299. "How Much Brain Damage Do I Have?"
John Urschel was the only player in the N.F.L. simultaneously getting a math Ph.D. at M.I.T. But after a new study came out linking football to brain damage, he abruptly retired. Here's the inside story — and a look at how we make decisions in the face of risk versus uncertainty.
Thu, August 31, 2017
Bad Medicine, Part 3: Death by Diagnosis (Rebroadcast)
By some estimates, medical error is the third-leading cause of death in the U.S. How can that be? And what's to be done? Our third and final episode in this series offers some encouraging answers.
Thu, August 24, 2017
Bad Medicine, Part 2: (Drug) Trials and Tribulations (Rebroadcast)
How do so many ineffective and even dangerous drugs make it to market? One reason is that clinical trials are often run on "dream patients" who aren't representative of a larger population. On the other hand, sometimes the only thing worse than being excluded from a drug trial is being included.
Thu, August 17, 2017
Bad Medicine, Part 1: The Story of 98.6 (Rebroadcast)
We tend to think of medicine as a science, but for most of human history it has been scientific-ish at best. In the first episode of a three-part series, we look at the grotesque mistakes produced by centuries of trial-and-error, and ask whether the new era of evidence-based medicine is the solution.
Thu, August 10, 2017
What Are You Waiting For? (Rebroadcast)
Standing in line represents a particularly sloppy — and frustrating — way for supply and demand to meet. Why haven't we found a better way to get what we want? Is it possible that we secretly enjoy waiting in line? And might it even be (gulp) good for us?
Thu, August 03, 2017
298. Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Money (But Were Afraid to Ask)
The bad news: roughly 70 percent of Americans are financially illiterate. The good news: all the important stuff can fit on one index card. Here's how to become your own financial superhero.
Thu, July 27, 2017
297. The Stupidest Thing You Can Do With Your Money
It's hard enough to save for a house, tuition, or retirement. So why are we willing to pay big fees for subpar investment returns? Enter the low-cost index fund. The revolution will not be monetized.
Thu, July 20, 2017
296. These Shoes Are Killing Me!
The human foot is an evolutionary masterpiece, far more functional than we give it credit for. So why do we encase it in "a coffin" (as one foot scholar calls it) that stymies so much of its ability — and may create more problems than it solves?
Thu, July 13, 2017
295. When Helping Hurts
Good intentions are nice, but with so many resources poured into social programs, wouldn't it be even nicer to know what actually works?
Thu, July 06, 2017
294. The Fracking Boom, a Baby Boom, and the Retreat From Marriage
Over 40 percent of U.S. births are to unmarried mothers, and the numbers are especially high among the less-educated. Why? One argument is that the decline in good manufacturing jobs led to a decline in "marriageable" men. Surely the fracking boom reversed that trend, right?
Thu, June 29, 2017
The Harvard President Will See You Now (Rebroadcast)
How a pain-in-the-neck girl from rural Virginia came to run the most powerful university in the world.
Fri, June 23, 2017
293. Why Hate the Koch Brothers? (Part 2)
Charles Koch, the mega-billionaire CEO of Koch Industries and half of the infamous political machine, sees himself as a classical liberal. So why do most Democrats hate him so much? In a rare series of interviews, he explains his political awakening, his management philosophy, and why he supports legislation that goes against his self-interest.
Thu, June 22, 2017
292. Why Hate the Koch Brothers? (Part 1)
Charles Koch, the mega-billionaire CEO of Koch Industries and half of the infamous political machine, sees himself as a classical liberal. So why do most Democrats hate him so much? In a rare series of interviews, he explains his political awakening, his management philosophy and why he supports legislation that goes against his self-interest.
Tue, June 20, 2017
"Tell Me Something I Don't Know" on the topic of Rivalry
Steve Levitt, Scott Turow and Bridget Gainer are panelists. For the "Freakonomics" co-author, the attorney and novelist, and the Cook County commissioner it's "game on!" as they tackle competition of all kinds: athletic, sexual, geopolitical, and the little-known battle between butter and margarine that landed in the Supreme Court. WBEZ's Tricia Bobeda, co-host of the "Nerdette" podcast, is fact-checker.
Thu, June 15, 2017
291. Evolution, Accelerated
A breakthrough in genetic technology has given humans more power than ever to change nature. It could help eliminate hunger and disease; it could also lead to the sort of dystopia we used to only read about in sci-fi novels. So what happens next? Help us meet the Freakonomics Radio listener challenge. If 500 of you become sustaining members at just $7/month before June 30th we'll unlock an additional $25,000 from the Tow Foundation. Become a member now!
Thu, June 08, 2017
290. He’s One of the Most Famous Political Operatives in America. America Just Doesn’t Know It Yet.
Steve Hilton was the man behind David Cameron's push to remake British politics. Things didn't work out so well there. Now he's trying to launch a new political revolution – from sunny California.
Thu, June 01, 2017
289. How Stupid Is Our Obsession With Lawns?
Nearly two percent of America is grassy green. Sure, lawns are beautiful and useful and they smell great. But are the costs — financial, environmental and otherwise — worth the benefits?
Thu, May 25, 2017
288. Are the Rich Really Less Generous Than the Poor?
A series of academic studies suggest that the wealthy are, to put it bluntly, selfish jerks. It's an easy narrative to swallow — but is it true? A trio of economists set out to test the theory. All it took was a Dutch postal worker's uniform, some envelopes stuffed with cash, and a slight sense of the absurd.
Thu, May 18, 2017
287. Hoopers! Hoopers! Hoopers!
As CEO of Microsoft, Steve Ballmer was famous for over-the-top enthusiasm. Now he's brought that same passion to the N.B.A. -- and to a pet project called USAFacts, which performs a sort of fiscal colonoscopy on the American government.
Thu, May 11, 2017
286. How Big is My Penis? (And Other Things We Ask Google)
On the Internet, people say all kinds of things they'd never say aloud -- about sex and race, about their true wants and fears. Seth Stephens-Davidowitz has spent years parsing the data. His conclusion: our online searches are the reflection of our true selves. In the real world, everybody lies.
Thu, May 04, 2017
Food + Science = Victory! (Rebroadcast)
A kitchen wizard and a nutrition detective talk about the perfect hamburger, getting the most out of garlic, and why you should use vodka in just about everything.
Thu, April 27, 2017
285. There’s a War on Sugar. Is It Justified?
Some people argue that sugar should be regulated, like alcohol and tobacco, on the grounds that it's addictive and toxic. How much sense does that make? We hear from a regulatory advocate, an evidence-based skeptic, a former FDA commissioner — and the organizers of Milktoberfest.
Thu, April 20, 2017
284. Is Income Inequality Inevitable? (Earth 2.0 Series)
In pursuit of a more perfect economy, we discuss the future of work; the toxic remnants of colonization; and whether giving everyone a basic income would be genius -- or maybe the worst idea ever.
Thu, April 13, 2017
283. What Would Our Economy Look Like? (Earth 2.0 Series)
If we could reboot the planet and create new systems and institutions from scratch, would they be any better than what we've blundered our way into through trial and error? This is the first of a series of episodes that we'll release over several months. Today we start with — what else? — economics. You'll hear from Nobel laureate Angus Deaton, the poverty-fighting superhero Jeff Sachs; and many others.
Thu, April 06, 2017
282. Could Solving This One Problem Solve All the Others?
The biggest problem with humanity is humans themselves. Too often, we make choices — what we eat, how we spend our money and time — that undermine our well-being. An all-star team of academic researchers thinks it has the solution: perfecting the science of behavior change. Will it work?
Thu, March 30, 2017
281. Big Returns from Thinking Small
By day, two leaders of Britain's famous Nudge Unit use behavioral tricks to make better government policy. By night, they repurpose those tricks to improve their personal lives. They want to help you do the same.
Tue, March 28, 2017
280. “Tell Me Something I Don’t Know” on the topic of Collections.
Hear live journalism wrapped in a game show package and hosted by Stephen J. Dubner. In this episode, Tim Ferriss, Eugene Mirman and Anne Pasternak are panelists. The self-help guru, the comedian and the Brooklyn Museum director talk about brainwaves, sugar, stars and — thanks to fact-checker AJ Jacobs — barf bags.
Thu, March 23, 2017
How Safe Is Your Job? (Rebroadcast)
Economists preach the gospel of "creative destruction," whereby new industries -- and jobs -- replace the old ones. But has creative destruction become too destructive?
Thu, March 16, 2017
279. Why Is My Life So Hard?
Most of us feel we face more headwinds and obstacles than everyone else — which breeds resentment. We also undervalue the tailwinds that help us — which leaves us ungrateful and unhappy. How can we avoid this trap?
Thu, March 09, 2017
278. Chuck E. Cheese’s: Where a Kid Can Learn Price Theory
The pizza-and-gaming emporium prides itself on affordability, which means its arcade games are really cheap to play. Does that lead to kids hogging the best games — and parents starting those infamous YouTube brawls?
Thu, March 02, 2017
277. The Taboo Trifecta
The serial entrepreneur Miki Agrawal loves to talk about the bodily functions that make most people flinch. That's why she's building a business around the three P's: periods, pee, and poop.
Thu, February 23, 2017
276. No Hollywood Ending for the Visual-Effects Industry
In their chase for a global audience, American movie studios spend billions to make their films look amazing. But almost none of those dollars stay in America. What would it take to bring those jobs back -- and would it be worth it?
Thu, February 16, 2017
275. Professor Hendryx vs. Big Coal
What happens when a public-health researcher deep in coal country argues that mountaintop mining endangers the entire community? Hint: it doesn't go very well.
Thu, February 09, 2017
How to Get More Grit in Your Life
The psychologist Angela Duckworth argues that a person's level of stick-to-itiveness is directly related to their level of success. No big surprise there. But grit, she says, isn't something you're born with — it can be learned. Here's how.
Thu, February 02, 2017
274. An Egghead’s Guide to the Super Bowl
We assembled a panel of smart dudes -- a two-time Super Bowl champ; a couple of NFL linemen, including one who's getting a math Ph.D. at MIT; and our resident economist -- to tell you what to watch for, whether you're a football fanatic or a total newbie.
Thu, January 26, 2017
273. Did China Eat America’s Jobs?
For years, economists promised that global free trade would be mostly win-win. Now they admit the pace of change has been "traumatic." This has already led to a political insurrection -- so what's next?
Thu, January 19, 2017
Is the American Dream Really Dead?
Just a few decades ago, more than 90 percent of 30-year-olds earned more than their parents had earned at the same age. Now it's only about 50 percent. What happened -- and what can be done about it?
Thu, January 12, 2017
272. Trevor Noah Has a Lot to Say
The Daily Show host grew up as a poor, mixed-race South African kid going to three churches every Sunday. So he has a sui generis view of America — especially on race, politics, and religion — and he's not afraid to speak his mind.
Thu, January 05, 2017
271. The Men Who Started a Thinking Revolution
Starting in the late 1960s, the Israeli psychologists Amos Tversky and Danny Kahneman began to redefine how the human mind actually works. Michael Lewis's new book The Undoing Project explains how the movement they started -- now known as behavioral economics -- has had such a profound effect on academia, governments, and society at large.
Thu, December 29, 2016
How to Become Great at Just About Anything (Rebroadcast)
What if the thing we call "talent" is grotesquely overrated? And what if deliberate practice is the secret to excellence? Those are the claims of the research psychologist Anders Ericsson, who has been studying the science of expertise for decades. He tells us everything he's learned.
Thu, December 22, 2016
How to Be More Productive (Rebroadcast)
In this busy time of year, we could all use some tips on how to get more done in less time. First, however, a warning: there's a big difference between being busy and being productive.
Thu, December 15, 2016
270. Bad Medicine, Part 3: Death by Diagnosis
By some estimates, medical error is the third-leading cause of death in the U.S. How can that be? And what's to be done? Our third and final episode in this series offers some encouraging answers.
Thu, December 08, 2016
269. Bad Medicine, Part 2: (Drug) Trials and Tribulations
How do so many ineffective and even dangerous drugs make it to market? One reason is that clinical trials are often run on "dream patients" who aren't representative of a larger population. On the other hand, sometimes the only thing worse than being excluded from a drug trial is being included.
Thu, December 01, 2016
268. Bad Medicine, Part 1: The Story of 98.6
We tend to think of medicine as a science, but for most of human history it has been scientific-ish at best. In the first episode of a three-part series, we look at the grotesque mistakes produced by centuries of trial-and-error, and ask whether the new era of evidence-based medicine is the solution.
Thu, November 24, 2016
The No-Tipping Point (Rebroadcast)
The restaurant business model is warped: kitchen wages are too low to hire cooks, while diners are put in charge of paying the waitstaff. So what happens if you eliminate tipping, raise menu prices, and redistribute the wealth? New York restaurant maverick Danny Meyer is about to find out.
Thu, November 17, 2016
267. How to Make a Bad Decision
Some of our most important decisions are shaped by something as random as the order in which we make them. The gambler's fallacy, as it's known, affects loan officers, federal judges -- and probably you too. How to avoid it? The first step is to admit just how fallible we all are.
Tue, November 15, 2016
Introducing Stephen J. Dubner's new podcast, "Tell Me Something I Don't Know"
"Tell Me Something I Don't Know" is a live game show hosted by Stephen J. Dubner of "Freakonomics Radio." He has always had a mission: to tell you the things you thought you knew but didn't, and things you never thought you wanted to know, but do. Now, with "TMSIDK," he has a new way of doing just that. This new show is still journalism, still factual -- but disguised in the most entertaining, unexpected, and occasionally ridiculous conversation you're likely to hear. Audience contestants come on stage and try to wow a panel of experts with a fascinating fact, a historical wrinkle, a new line of research -- anything, really, as long as it's interesting, useful and true (or at least true-ish). The panel -- an ever-changing mix of comedians, brainiacs, and other high achievers -- poke and prod the contestants, and ultimately choose a winner. And there's a real-time, human fact-checker on hand to filter out the bull. This debut episode features Barnard College president Debora Spar, New York Public Library president Tony Marx, and comedian Andy Zaltzman; Jody Avirgan from FiveThirtyEight handles the fact-checking. You can subscribe now on iTunes. And don't worry, Freakonomics Radio isn't going anywhere -- this is just a special bonus episode of Dubner's new side gig.
Thu, November 10, 2016
266. Trust Me
Societies where people trust one another are healthier and wealthier. In the U.S. (and the U.K. and elsewhere), social trust has been falling for decades -- in part because our populations are more diverse. What can we do to fix it?
Wed, November 09, 2016
How Much Does the President Really Matter? (Rebroadcast )
The U.S. president is often called the "leader of free world." But if you ask an economist or a Constitutional scholar how much the occupant of the Oval Office matters, they won't say much. We look at what the data have to say about measuring leadership, and its impact on the economy and the country.
Thu, November 03, 2016
265. The White House Gets Into the Nudge Business
A tiny behavioral-sciences startup is trying to improve the way federal agencies do their work. Considering the size (and habits) of most federal agencies, this isn't so simple. But after a series of early victories -- and a helpful executive order from President Obama -- they are well on their way.
Thu, October 27, 2016
264. In Praise of Incrementalism
What do Renaissance painting, civil-rights movements, and Olympic cycling have in common? In each case, huge breakthroughs came from taking tiny steps. In a world where everyone is looking for the next moonshot, we shouldn't ignore the power of incrementalism.
Thu, October 20, 2016
263. In Praise of Maintenance
Has our culture's obsession with innovation led us to neglect the fact that things also need to be taken care of?
Thu, October 13, 2016
262. This Is Your Brain on Podcasts
Neuroscientists still have a great deal to learn about the human brain. One recent MRI study sheds some light, finding that a certain kind of storytelling stimulates enormous activity across broad swaths of the brain. The takeaway is obvious: you should be listening to even more podcasts.
Thu, October 06, 2016
How To Win A Nobel Prize (Rebroadcast)
The process is famously secretive (and conducted in Swedish!) but we pry the lid off at least a little bit.
Thu, September 29, 2016
261. Why Are We Still Using Cash?
It facilitates crime, bribery, and tax evasion -- and yet some governments (including ours) are printing more cash than ever. Other countries, meanwhile, are ditching cash entirely. And if Star Trek is right, we won't have money of any sort in the 24th century.
Thu, September 22, 2016
260. Has the U.S. Presidency Become a Dictatorship?
Sure, we all pay lip service to the Madisonian system of checks and balances. But as one legal scholar argues, presidents have been running roughshod over the system for decades. The result? An accumulation of power that's turned the presidency into a position the founders wouldn't have recognized.
Thu, September 15, 2016
259. Ten Signs You Might Be a Libertarian
Gary Johnson, the Libertarian Party's presidential candidate, likes to say that most Americans are libertarians but don't know it yet. So why can't Libertarians (and other third parties) gain more political traction?
Thu, September 08, 2016
258. Why Uber Is an Economist’s Dream
To you, it's just a ride-sharing app that gets you where you're going. But to an economist, Uber is a massive repository of moment-by-moment data that is helping answer some of the field's most elusive questions.
Thu, September 01, 2016
257. The Future (Probably) Isn’t as Scary as You Think
Internet pioneer Kevin Kelly tries to predict the future by identifying what's truly inevitable. How worried should we be? Yes, robots will probably take your job -- but the future will still be pretty great.
Thu, August 25, 2016
Are You Ready for a Glorious Sunset? (Rebroadcast)
The gist: we spend billions on end-of-life healthcare that doesn’t do much good. So what if a patient could forego the standard treatment and get a cash rebate instead?
Thu, August 18, 2016
Aziz Ansari Needs Another Toothbrush (Rebroadcast)
The comedian, actor -- and now, author -- answers our FREAK-quently Asked Questions.
Thu, August 11, 2016
256. What Are You Waiting For?
Standing in line represents a particularly sloppy - and frustrating - way for supply and demand to meet. Why haven't we found a better way to get what we want? Is it possible that we secretly enjoy waiting in line? And might it even be (gulp) good for us?
Thu, August 04, 2016
Is It Okay for Restaurants to Racially Profile Their Employees? (Rebroadcast)
We seem to have decided that ethnic food tastes better when it's served by people of that ethnicity (or at least something close). Does this make sense -- and is it legal?
Thu, July 28, 2016
255. Ten Ideas to Make Politics Less Rotten
We Americans may love our democracy -- at least in theory -- but at the moment our feelings toward the federal government lie somewhere between disdain and hatred. Which electoral and political ideas should be killed off to make way for a saner system?
Thu, July 21, 2016
254. What Are Gender Barriers Made Of?
Overt discrimination in the labor markets may be on the wane, but women are still subtly penalized by all sorts of societal conventions. How can those penalties be removed without burning down the house?
Thu, July 14, 2016
253. Is the Internet Being Ruined?
It's a remarkable ecosystem that allows each of us to exercise control over our lives. But how much control do we truly have? How many of our decisions are really being made by Google and Facebook and Apple? And, perhaps most importantly: is the Internet's true potential being squandered?
Thu, July 07, 2016
252. Confessions of a Pothole Politician
Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles, has big ambitions but knows he must first master the small stuff. He's also a polymath who relies heavily on data and new technologies. Could this be what modern politics is supposed to look like?
Thu, June 30, 2016
The Suicide Paradox (Rebroadcast )
There are more than twice as many suicides as murders in the U.S., but suicide attracts far less scrutiny. Freakonomics Radio digs through the numbers and finds all kinds of surprises.
Thu, June 23, 2016
How Much Does the President Really Matter? (Rebroadcast)
The U.S. president is often called the "leader of free world." But if you ask an economist or a Constitutional scholar how much the occupant of the Oval Office matters, they won't say much. We look at what the data have to say about measuring leadership, and its impact on the economy and the country.
Thu, June 16, 2016
Why Do We Really Follow the News? (Rebroadcast)
There are all kinds of civics-class answers to that question. But how true are they? Could it be that we like to read about war, politics, and miscellaneous heartbreak simply because it's (gasp) entertaining?
Thu, June 09, 2016
251. Are We in a Mattress-Store Bubble?
You've seen them — everywhere! — and often clustered together, as if central planners across America decided that what every city really needs is a Mattress District. There are now dozens of online rivals too. Why are there so many stores selling something we buy so rarely?
Thu, June 09, 2016
Time to Take Back the Toilet
Public bathrooms are noisy, poorly designed, and often nonexistent. What to do?
Thu, June 02, 2016
250. Why Does Everyone Hate Flying? And Other Questions Only a Pilot Can Answer
Patrick Smith, the author of Cockpit Confidential, answers every question we can throw at him about what really happens up in the air. Just don't get him started on pilotless planes -- or whether the autopilot is actually doing the flying.
Thu, May 26, 2016
249. The Longest Long Shot
When the uncelebrated Leicester City Football Club won the English Premier League, it wasn't just the biggest underdog story in recent history. It was a sign of changing economics — and that other impossible, wonderful events might be lurking just around the corner.
Thu, May 19, 2016
248. How to Be Tim Ferriss
Our Self-Improvement Month concludes with a man whose entire life and career are one big pile of self-improvement. Nutrition? Check. Bizarre physical activities? Check. Working less and earning more? Check. Tim Ferriss, creator of the Four-Hour universe, may at first glance look like a charlatan, but it seems more likely that he's a wizard -- and the kind of self-improvement ally we all want on our side.
Thu, May 12, 2016
247. How to Win Games and Beat People
Games are as old as civilization itself, and some people think they have huge social value regardless of whether you win or lose. Tom Whipple is not one of those people. That's why he consulted an army of preposterously overqualified experts to find the secret to winning any game.
Thu, May 05, 2016
246. How to Get More Grit in Your Life
The psychologist Angela Duckworth argues that a person's level of stick-to-itiveness is directly related to their level of success. No big surprise there. But grit, she says, isn't something you're born with -- it can be learned. Here's how.
Mon, May 02, 2016
245. Being Malcolm Gladwell
"Books are a pain in the ass," says Gladwell, who has written some of the most popular, influential, and beloved non-fiction books in recent history. In this wide-ranging and candid conversation, he describes other pains in the ass -- as well as his passions, his limits, and why he'll never take up golf.
Thu, April 28, 2016
244. How to Become Great at Just About Anything
What if the thing we call "talent" is grotesquely overrated? And what if deliberate practice is the secret to excellence? Those are the claims of the research psychologist Anders Ericsson, who has been studying the science of expertise for decades. He tells us everything he's learned.
Thu, April 21, 2016
243. How to Be More Productive
It's Self-Improvement Month at Freakonomics Radio. We begin with a topic that seems to be on everyone's mind: how to get more done in less time. First, however, a warning: there's a big difference between being busy and being productive.
Thu, April 14, 2016
242. Is the World Ready for a Guaranteed Basic Income?
A lot of full-time jobs in the modern economy simply don't pay a living wage. And even those jobs may be obliterated by new technologies. What's to be done so that financially vulnerable people aren't just crushed? It may finally be time for an idea that economists have promoted for decades.
Thu, April 07, 2016
241. Are Payday Loans Really as Evil as People Say?
Critics -- including President Obama -- say short-term, high-interest loans are predatory, trapping borrowers in a cycle of debt. But some economists see them as a useful financial instrument for people who need them. As the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau promotes new regulation, we ask: who's right?
Thu, March 31, 2016
The Economics of Sleep, Part 2 (Rebroadcast)
People who sleep better earn more money. Now all we have to do is teach everyone to sleep better.
Thu, March 24, 2016
The Economics of Sleep, Part 1 (Rebroadcast)
Could a lack of sleep help explain why some people get much sicker than others?
Thu, March 17, 2016
240. Yes, the American Economy Is in a Funk -- But Not for the Reasons You Think
As sexy as the digital revolution may be, it can't compare to the Second Industrial Revolution (electricity! the gas engine! antibiotics!), which created the biggest standard-of-living boost in U.S. history. The only problem, argues the economist Robert Gordon, is that the Second Industrial Revolution was a one-time event. So what happens next?
Fri, March 11, 2016
239. The No-Tipping Point
The restaurant business model is warped: kitchen wages are too low to hire cooks, while diners are put in charge of paying the waitstaff. So what happens if you eliminate tipping, raise menu prices, and redistribute the wealth? New York restaurant maverick Danny Meyer is about to find out.
Thu, March 03, 2016
238. The United States of Cory Booker
The junior U.S. Senator from New Jersey thinks bipartisanship is right around the corner. Is he just an idealistic newbie or does he see a way forward that everyone else has missed?
Thu, February 25, 2016
237. Ask Not What Your Podcast Can Do for You
Now and again, Freakonomics Radio puts hat in hand and asks listeners to donate to the public-radio station that produces the show. Why on earth should anyone pay good money for something that can be had for free? Here are a few reasons.
Thu, February 18, 2016
236. How Can This Possibly Be True?
A famous economics essay features a pencil (yes, a pencil) arguing that “not a single person on the face of this earth knows how to make me.” Is the pencil just bragging? In any case, what can the pencil teach us about our global interdependence — and the proper role of government in the economy?
Thu, February 11, 2016
235. Who Needs Handwriting?
The digital age is making pen and paper seem obsolete. But what are we giving up if we give up on handwriting?
Thu, February 04, 2016
How to Fix a Broken High Schooler, in Four Easy Steps (Rebroadcast)
Okay, maybe the steps aren't so easy. But a program run out of a Toronto housing project has had great success in turning around kids who were headed for trouble.
Thu, January 28, 2016
Is America’s Education Problem Really Just a Teacher Problem? (Rebroadcast)
If U.S. schoolteachers are indeed "just a little bit below average," it's not really their fault. So what should be done about it?
Thu, January 21, 2016
234. Do Boycotts Work?
The Montgomery Bus Boycott, the South African divestment campaign, Chick-fil-A! Almost anyone can launch a boycott, and the media loves to cover them. But do boycotts actually produce the change they're fighting for?
Thu, January 14, 2016
233. How to Be Less Terrible at Predicting the Future
Experts and pundits are notoriously bad at forecasting, in part because they aren't punished for bad predictions. Also, they tend to be deeply unscientific. The psychologist Philip Tetlock is finally turning prediction into a science -- and now even you could become a superforecaster.
Thu, January 07, 2016
232. The True Story of the Gender Pay Gap
Discrimination can't explain why women earn so much less than men. If only it were that easy.
Thu, December 31, 2015
When Willpower Isn’t Enough (Rebroadcast)
Sure, we all want to make good personal decisions, but it doesn't always work out. That's where "temptation bundling" comes in.
Thu, December 24, 2015
Fixing the World, Bang-for-the-Buck Edition (Rebroadcast)
A team of economists has been running the numbers on the U.N.'s development goals. They have a different view of how those billions of dollars should be spent.
Thu, December 17, 2015
231. Is Migration a Basic Human Right?
The argument for open borders is compelling -- and deeply problematic.
Thu, December 10, 2015
230. The Cheeseburger Diet
One woman's quest to find the best burger in town can teach all of us to eat smarter.
Thu, December 03, 2015
229. Ben Bernanke Gives Himself a Grade
He was handed the keys to the global economy just as it started heading off a cliff. Fortunately, he'd seen this movie before.
Thu, November 26, 2015
Why Do People Keep Having Children? (Rebroadcast)
Even a brutal natural disaster doesn't diminish our appetite for procreating. This surely means we're heading toward massive overpopulation, right? Probably not.
Thu, November 19, 2015
228. Does “Early Education” Come Way Too Late?
In our collective zeal to reform schools and close the achievement gap, we may have lost sight of where most learning really happens -- at home.
Thu, November 12, 2015
227. Should Everyone Be in a Rock Band?
Lessons from Tom Petty's rise and another rocker's fall.
Thu, November 05, 2015
226. Food + Science = Victory!
A kitchen wizard and a nutrition detective talk about the perfect hamburger, getting the most out of garlic, and why you should use vodka in just about everything.
Thu, October 29, 2015
225. Am I Boring You?
Researchers are trying to figure out who gets bored - and why - and what it means for ourselves and the economy. But maybe there's an upside to boredom?
Thu, October 22, 2015
How to Save $1 Billion Without Even Trying (Rebroadcast)
Doctors, chefs, and other experts are much more likely than the rest of us to buy store-brand products. What do they know that we don't?
Thu, October 15, 2015
224. How To Win A Nobel Prize
The process is famously secretive (and conducted in Swedish!) but we pry the lid off at least a little bit.
Thu, October 08, 2015
223. Should Kids Pay Back Their Parents for Raising Them?
When one athlete turned pro, his mom asked him for $1 million. Our modern sensibilities tell us she doesn't have a case. But should she?
Thu, October 01, 2015
222. Meet the Woman Who Said Women Can’t Have It All
Anne-Marie Slaughter was best known for her adamant views on Syria when she accidentally became a poster girl for modern feminism. As it turns out, she can be pretty adamant in that realm as well.
Thu, September 24, 2015
221. How Did the Belt Win?
Suspenders may work better, but the dork factor is too high. How did an organ-squeezing belly tourniquet become part of our everyday wardrobe -- and what other suboptimal solutions do we routinely put up with?
Thu, September 17, 2015
220. “I Don't Know What You've Done With My Husband, But He's a Changed Man.”
From domestic abusers to former child soldiers, there is increasing evidence that behavioral therapy can turn them around.
Thu, September 10, 2015
219. Preventing Crime for Pennies on the Dollar
Conventional programs tend to be expensive, onerous, and ineffective. Could something as simple (and cheap) as cognitive behavioral therapy do the trick?
Thu, September 03, 2015
218. The Harvard President Will See You Now
How a pain-in-the-neck girl from rural Virginia came to run the most powerful university in the world.
Thu, August 27, 2015
217. Are You Ready for a Glorious Sunset?
We spend billions on end-of-life healthcare that doesn't do much good. So what if a patient could forego the standard treatment and get a cash rebate instead?
Thu, August 20, 2015
216. How to Make a Smart TV Ad
Step 1: Hire a Harvard psych professor as the pitchman. Step 2: Have him help write the script ...
Thu, August 13, 2015
The Dangers of Safety (Rebroadcast)
What do NASCAR drivers, Glenn Beck and the hit men of the NFL have in common?
Thu, August 06, 2015
215. Why Do We Really Follow the News?
There are all kinds of civics-class answers to that question. But how true are they? Could it be that we like to read about war, politics, and miscellaneous heartbreak simply because it's (gasp) entertaining?
Thu, July 30, 2015
214. How to Create Suspense
Why is soccer the best sport? How has Harlan Coben sold 70 million books? And why does "Apollo 13" keep you enthralled even when you know the ending?
Thu, July 23, 2015
213. Aziz Ansari Needs Another Toothbrush
The comedian, actor -- and now, author -- answers our FREAK-quently Asked Questions
Thu, July 16, 2015
212. The Economics of Sleep, Part 2
People who sleep better earn more money. Now all we have to do is teach everyone to sleep better.
Thu, July 09, 2015
211. The Economics of Sleep, Part 1
Could a lack of sleep help explain why some people get much sicker than others?
Thu, July 02, 2015
A Better Way to Eat (Rebroadcast)
Takeru Kobayashi revolutionized the sport of competitive eating. What can the rest of us learn from his breakthrough?
Thu, June 25, 2015
210. Is It Okay for Restaurants to Racially Profile Their Employees?
We seem to have decided that ethnic food tastes better when it's served by people of that ethnicity (or at least something close). Does this make sense -- and is it legal?
Thu, June 18, 2015
209. Make Me a Match
Sure, markets generally work well. But for some transactions -- like school admissions and organ transplants -- money alone can't solve the problem. That's when you need a market-design wizard like Al Roth.
Thu, June 11, 2015
208. Making Sex Offenders Pay -- and Pay and Pay and Pay
Sure, sex crimes are horrific, and the perpetrators deserve to be punished harshly. But society keeps exacting costs -- out-of-pocket and otherwise -- long after the prison sentence has been served.
Thu, June 04, 2015
207. Should We Really Behave Like Economists Say We Do?
One man's attempt to remake his life in the mold of homo economicus.
Thu, May 28, 2015
Tell Me Something I Don’t Know (Rebroadcast)
The debut of a live game show from Freakonomics Radio, with judges Malcolm Gladwell, Ana Gasteyer, and David Paterson.
Thu, May 21, 2015
Failure Is Your Friend (Rebroadcast)
In which we argue that failure should not only be tolerated but celebrated.
Thu, May 14, 2015
206. Ten Years of Freakonomics
Dubner and Levitt are live onstage at the 92nd Street Y in New York to celebrate their new book "When to Rob a Bank" -- and a decade of working together.
Thu, May 07, 2015
205. Could the Next Brooklyn Be ... Las Vegas?!
Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh has a wild vision and the dollars to try to make it real. But it still might be the biggest gamble in town.
Thu, April 30, 2015
Think Like a Child (Rebroadcast)
When it comes to generating ideas and asking questions it can be really fruitful to have the mentality of an eight year old.
Thu, April 23, 2015
204. Nate Silver Says: “Everyone Is Kind of Weird”
America's favorite statistical guru answers our FREAK-quently Asked Questions, and more.
Thu, April 16, 2015
203. Diamonds Are a Marriage Counselor’s Best Friend
It may seem like winning a valuable diamond is an unalloyed victory. It's not. It's not even clear that a diamond is so valuable.
Thu, April 09, 2015
202. How Many Doctors Does It Take to Start a Healthcare Revolution?
The practice of medicine has been subsumed by the business of medicine. This is great news for healthcare shareholders -- and bad news for pretty much everyone else.
Thu, April 02, 2015
201. How Do We Know What Really Works in Healthcare?
A lot of the conventional wisdom in medicine is nothing more than hunch or wishful thinking. A new breed of data detectives is hoping to change that.
Thu, March 26, 2015
The Perfect Crime (Rebroadcast)
If you are driving and kill a pedestrian, there's a good chance you'll barely be punished. Why?
Thu, March 19, 2015
What You Don’t Know About Online Dating (Rebroadcast)
Thick markets, thin markets, and the triumph of attributes over compatibility.
Thu, March 12, 2015
200. When Willpower Isn’t Enough
Sure, we all want to make good personal decisions, but it doesn't always work out. That's where "temptation bundling" comes in.
Thu, March 05, 2015
199. This Idea Must Die
Every year, Edge.org asks its salon of big thinkers to answer one big question. This year's question borders on heresy: what scientific idea is ready for retirement?
Thu, February 26, 2015
198. The Maddest Men of All
Advertisers have always been adept at manipulating our emotions. Now they're using behavioral economics to get even better.
Thu, February 19, 2015
197. Hacking the World Bank
Jim Yong Kim has an unorthodox background for a World Bank president — and his reign thus far is just as unorthodox.
Thu, February 12, 2015
196. Is There a Better Way to Fight Terrorism?
The White House is hosting an anti-terror summit next week. Summits being what they are, we try to offer some useful advice.
Thu, February 05, 2015
195. How Efficient Is Energy Efficiency?
It's a centerpiece of U.S. climate policy and a sacred cow among environmentalists. Does it work?
Thu, January 29, 2015
194. How Safe Is Your Job?
Economists preach the gospel of "creative destruction," whereby new industries -- and jobs -- replace the old ones. But has creative destruction become too destructive?
Thu, January 22, 2015
193. Someone Else’s Acid Trip
As Kevin Kelly tells it, the hippie revolution and the computer revolution are nearly one and the same.
Thu, January 15, 2015
192. That’s a Great Question!
Verbal tic or strategic rejoinder? Whatever the case: it’s rare to come across an interview these days where at least one question isn’t a “great” one.
Thu, January 08, 2015
191. Why Doesn’t Everyone Get the Flu Vaccine?
Influenza kills, but you’d never know it by how few of us get the vaccine.
Thu, January 01, 2015
What’s the “Best” Exercise? (Rebroadcast)
Most people blame lack of time for being out of shape. So maybe the solution is to exercise more efficiently.
Thu, December 25, 2014
What’s More Dangerous: Marijuana or Alcohol? (Rebroadcast)
Imagine that both substances were undiscovered until today. How would we think about their relative risks?
Thu, December 18, 2014
190. Time to Take Back the Toilet
Public bathrooms are noisy, poorly designed, and often nonexistent. What to do?
Thu, December 11, 2014
The Troubled Cremation of Stevie the Cat (Rebroadcast)
We spend billions on our pets, and one of the fastest-growing costs is pet "aftercare." But are those cremated remains you got back really from your pet?
Thu, December 04, 2014
189. How to Fix a Broken High Schooler, in Four Easy Steps
Okay, maybe the steps aren’t so easy. But a program run out of a Toronto housing project has had great success in turning around kids who were headed for trouble.
Thu, November 27, 2014
188. Is America’s Education Problem Really Just a Teacher Problem?
If U.S. schoolteachers are indeed “just a little bit below average,” it’s not really their fault. So what should be done about it?
Thu, November 20, 2014
187. The Man Who Would Be Everything
Boris Johnson -- mayor of London, biographer of Churchill, cheese-box painter and tennis-racket collector -- answers our FREAK-quently Asked Questions.
Thu, November 13, 2014
186. Why Do People Keep Having Children?
Even a brutal natural disaster doesn’t diminish our appetite for procreating. This surely means we’re heading toward massive overpopulation, right? Probably not.
Thu, November 06, 2014
185. Should the U.S. Merge With Mexico?
Corporations around the world are consolidating like never before. If it’s good enough for companies, why not countries? Welcome to Amexico!
Thu, October 30, 2014
184. What Can Vampires Teach Us About Economics?
A lot! “The Economics of the Undead” is a book about dating strategy, job creation, and whether there should be a legal market for blood.
Thu, October 23, 2014
183. “Tell Me Something I Don’t Know”
The debut of a live game show from Freakonomics Radio, with judges Malcolm Gladwell, Ana Gasteyer, and David Paterson.
Thu, October 16, 2014
182. How Can Tiny Norway Afford to Buy So Many Teslas?
The Norwegian government parleys massive oil wealth into huge subsidies for electric cars. Is that carbon laundering or just pragmatic environmentalism?
Thu, October 09, 2014
How to Raise Money Without Killing a Kitten (Rebroadcast)
The science of what works -- and doesn't work -- in fund-raising
Thu, October 02, 2014
181. Fixing the World, Bang-for-the-Buck Edition
A team of economists has been running the numbers on the U.N.'s development goals. They have a different view of how those billions of dollars should be spent.
Thu, September 25, 2014
180. Fitness Apartheid
Markets are hardly perfect, but the results can be ugly when you try to subvert them.
Thu, September 18, 2014
179. Outsiders by Design
What does it mean to pursue something that everyone else thinks is nuts? And what does it take to succeed?
Thu, September 11, 2014
178. How to Save $1 Billion Without Even Trying
Doctors, chefs, and other experts are much more likely than the rest of us to buy store-brand products. What do they know that we don’t?
Thu, September 04, 2014
177. Regulate This!
Airbnb, Uber, Lyft, EatWith, and other companies in the “sharing economy” are practically daring government regulators to shut them down. The regulators are happy to comply.
Thu, August 28, 2014
Who Runs the Internet? (Rebroadcast)
The online universe doesn't have nearly as many rules, or rulemakers, as the real world. Discuss.
Thu, August 21, 2014
Parking Is Hell (Rebroadcast)
There ain't no such thing as a free parking spot. Somebody has to pay for it -- and that somebody is everybody.
Thu, August 14, 2014
What Do Medieval Nuns and Bo Jackson Have in Common? (Rebroadcast)
A look at whether spite pays -- and if it even exists.
Thu, August 07, 2014
Should Tipping be Banned? (Rebroadcast)
It's awkward, random, confusing -- and probably discriminatory too.
Thu, July 31, 2014
How Much Does Your Name Matter? (Rebroadcast)
A kid's name can tell us something about his parents -- their race, social standing, even their politics. But is your name really your destiny?
Thu, July 24, 2014
176. Does Religion Make You Happy?
It’s a hard question to answer, but we do our best.
Thu, July 17, 2014
175. Why You Should Bribe Your Kids
Educational messaging looks good on paper but kids don’t respond to it -- and adults aren’t much better.
Thu, July 10, 2014
174. What Do King Solomon and David Lee Roth Have in Common?
It isn’t easy to separate the guilty from the innocent, but a clever bit of game theory can help.
Thu, July 03, 2014
173. A Better Way to Eat
Takeru Kobayashi revolutionized the sport of competitive eating. What can the rest of us learn from his breakthrough?
Thu, June 26, 2014
172. How to Screen Job Applicants, Act Your Age, and Get Your Brain Off Autopilot
Dubner and Levitt answer reader questions in this first installment of the “Think Like a Freak” Book Club.
Thu, June 19, 2014
171. There’s No Such Thing as a Free Appetizer
Is it really in a restaurant’s best interest to give customers free bread or chips before they even order?
Thu, June 12, 2014
170. Why America Doesn’t Love Soccer (Yet)
Every four years, the U.S. takes a look at the World Cup and develops a slight crush. What would it take to really fall in love?
Thu, June 05, 2014
169. Failure Is Your Friend
In which we argue that failure should not only be tolerated but celebrated.
Thu, May 29, 2014
The Upside of Quitting (Rebroadcast )
You know the saying: a winner never quits and a quitter never wins. To which Freakonomics Radio says ... Are you sure?
Thu, May 22, 2014
168. Think Like a Child
When it comes to generating ideas and asking questions it can be really fruitful to have the mentality of an eight year old.
Thu, May 15, 2014
167. The Three Hardest Words in the English Language
Why learning to say “I don’t know” is one of the best things you can do.
Thu, May 08, 2014
166. How to Think Like a Freak -- and Other FREAK-quently Asked Questions
Stephen Dubner and Steve Levitt talk about their new book and field questions about prestige, university life, and (yum yum) bacon.
Thu, May 01, 2014
165. The Perfect Crime
If you are driving and kill a pedestrian, there's a good chance you'll barely be punished. Why?
Thu, April 24, 2014
164. Which Came First, the Chicken or the Avocado?
When it comes to exercising outrage, people tend to be very selective. Could it be that humans are our least favorite animal?
Thu, April 17, 2014
163. What’s More Dangerous: Marijuana or Alcohol?
Imagine that both substances were undiscovered until today. How would we think about their relative risks?
Thu, April 10, 2014
162. “If Mayors Ruled the World”
Unlike certain elected officials in Washington, mayors all over the country actually get stuff done. So maybe we should ask them to do more?
Thu, April 03, 2014
161. How to Make People Quit Smoking
The war on cigarettes has been fairly successful in some places. But 1 billion humans still smoke -- so what comes next?
Thu, March 27, 2014
160. Why Everybody Who Doesn’t Hate Bitcoin Loves It
Thinking of Bitcoin as just a digital currency is like thinking about the Internet as just e-mail. Its potential is much more exciting than that.
Thu, March 20, 2014
Women Are Not Men (Rebroadcast)
In many ways, the gender gap is closing. In others, not so much. And that's not always a bad thing.
Thu, March 13, 2014
159. “It’s Fun to Smoke Marijuana”
A psychology professor argues that the brain's greatest attribute is knowing what other people are thinking. And that a Queen song, played backwards, can improve your mind-reading skills.
Thu, March 06, 2014
158. Is Learning a Foreign Language Really Worth It?
Yes, it expands the mind but we usually don't retain much -- and then there's the opportunity cost.
Thu, February 27, 2014
157. Why Are Japanese Homes Disposable?
In most countries, houses get more valuable over time. In Japan, a new buyer will often bulldoze the home. We'll tell you why.
Thu, February 20, 2014
156. Why Marry? (Part 2)
The consequences of our low marriage rate -- and if the old model is less attractive, how about a new one?
Thu, February 13, 2014
155. Why Marry? (Part 1)
The myths of modern marriage.
Thu, February 06, 2014
154. What You Don’t Know About Online Dating
Thick markets, thin markets, and the triumph of attributes over compatibility. This episode is included in the Freakonomics #smartbinge podcast playlist at wnyc.org/smartbinge
Thu, January 30, 2014
153. Reasons to Not Be Ugly
The "beauty premium" is real, for everyone from babies to NFL quarterbacks.
Thu, January 23, 2014
152. Everybody Gossips (and That’s a Good Thing)
The benefits of rumor-mongering
Thu, January 16, 2014
Fear Thy Nature (Rebroadcast)
What "Sleep No More" and the Stanford Prison Experiment tell us about who we really are.
Thu, January 09, 2014
151. Are We Ready to Legalize Drugs? And Other FREAK-Quently Asked Questions
Dubner and Levitt talk about fixing the post office, putting cameras in the classroom, and wearing hats.
Thu, January 02, 2014
150. What’s the “Best” Exercise?
Most people blame lack of time for being out of shape. So maybe the solution is to exercise more efficiently.
Thu, December 26, 2013
Save Me From Myself (Rebroadcast)
A commitment device forces you to be the person you really want to be. What could possibly go wrong?
Thu, December 19, 2013
149. Pontiff-icating on the Free-Market System
The Pope just gave it to the global economy with both barrels. Was he right to do so?
Thu, December 12, 2013
148. Are Gay Men Really Rich?
It’s easy to get that idea. But is the stereotype true?
Thu, December 05, 2013
147. The Most Dangerous Machine
More than 1 million people die worldwide each year from traffic accidents. But there's never been a safer time to drive.
Wed, November 27, 2013
146. Fighting Poverty With Actual Evidence
It's time to do away with feel-good stories, gut hunches, and magical thinking.
Thu, November 21, 2013
145. What Do Skating Rinks, Ultimate Frisbee, and the World Have in Common?
Spontaneous order is everywhere if you know where to look for it.
Thu, November 14, 2013
144. Who Runs the Internet?
The online universe doesn't have nearly as many rules, or rulemakers, as the real world. Discuss.
Thu, November 07, 2013
Freakonomics Goes to College, Part 2 (Rebroadcast)
College tends to make people happier, healthier, and wealthier. But how?
Thu, October 31, 2013
Freakonomics Goes to College, Part 1 (Rebroadcast)
What's a college degree really worth these days?
Thu, October 24, 2013
143. Why Bad Environmentalism Is Such an Easy Sell
Being green is rarely a black-and-white issue -- but that doesn't stop marketers and politicians from pretending it is.
Mon, October 14, 2013
142. The Troubled Cremation of Stevie the Cat
We spend billions on our pets, and one of the fastest-growing costs is pet "aftercare." But are those cremated remains you got back really from your pet?
Thu, October 10, 2013
141. How to Raise Money Without Killing a Kitten
The science of what works -- and doesn't work -- in fund-raising
Thu, October 03, 2013
140. How to Think About Money, Choose Your Hometown, and Buy an Electric Toothbrush
Dubner and Levitt field your queries in this latest installment of our FREAK-quently Asked Questions.
Thu, September 26, 2013
139. Would a Big Bucket of Cash Really Change Your Life?
A 19th-century Georgia land lottery may have something to teach us about today's income inequality.
Thu, September 19, 2013
The Economist’s Guide to Parenting (Rebroadcast)
Think you know how much parents matter? Think again. Economists crunch the numbers to learn the ROI on child-rearing.
Thu, September 12, 2013
138. Whatever Happened to the Carpal Tunnel Epidemic?
Once upon a time, office workers across America lived in fear of a dreaded infirmity. Was the computer keyboard really the villain -- and did carpal tunnel syndrome really go away?
Thu, September 05, 2013
The Suicide Paradox (Rebroadcast)
There are more than twice as many suicides as murders in the U.S., but suicide attracts far less scrutiny. Freakonomics Radio digs through the numbers and finds all kinds of surprises.
Thu, August 29, 2013
137. Who Are the Most Successful Immigrants in the World?
It's impossible to say for sure, but the Lebanese do remarkably well. Why?
Thu, August 22, 2013
The Folly of Prediction (Rebroadcast)
Human beings love to predict the future, but we're quite terrible at it. So how about punishing all those bad predictions?
Thu, August 15, 2013
136. The Middle of Everywhere
Chicago has given the world more than sausage, crooked politics, and Da Bears.
Thu, August 08, 2013
The Church of "Scionology" (Rebroadcast)
We worship the tradition of handing off a family business to the next generation. But is that really such a good idea?
Thu, August 01, 2013
135. Do Baby Girls Cause Divorce?
Even American parents have a strong "son preference" -- which means that a newborn daughter can be bad news for a marriage.
Mon, July 22, 2013
The Upside of Quitting (Rebroadcast)
You know the saying: a winner never quits and a quitter never wins. To which Freakonomics Radio says ... Are you sure?
Thu, July 18, 2013
134. Government Employees Gone Wild
The Encyclopedia of Ethical Failures catalogs the fiscal, sexual, and mental lapses of federal workers -- all with an eye toward preventing the next big mistake.
Thu, July 11, 2013
133. A Burger a Day
Is junk food an abomination or a modern miracle?
Wed, July 03, 2013
132. Jane Austen, Game Theorist
What does "Pride and Prejudice" have to do with nuclear deterrence?
Thu, June 27, 2013
Legacy of a Jerk (Rebroadcast)
What happens to your reputation when you're no longer around to defend it?
Thu, June 20, 2013
131. Do You Really Want to Know Your Future?
You might think that someone with a 50-50 chance of getting a fatal disease would want to know for sure -- but you would be wrong. What does this say about our supposed thirst for certainty?
Wed, June 12, 2013
130. Why Family and Business Don’t Mix
Yet another reason to blame your parents for pretty much everything.
Mon, June 03, 2013
129. Should Tipping be Banned?
It's awkward, random, confusing -- and probably discriminatory too.
Wed, May 29, 2013
128. Baby, You Can Program My Car
A glimpse into our driverless future.
Thu, May 23, 2013
127. Can You Be Too Smart for Your Own Good? And Other FREAK-quently Asked Questions
Dubner and Levitt talk about circadian rhythms, gay marriage, autism, and whether "pay what you want" is everything it's cracked up to be.
Wed, May 15, 2013
The Hidden Cost of False Alarms (Rebroadcast)
If any other product failed 94 percent of the time, you'd probably stop using it. So why do we put up with burglar alarms?
Thu, May 09, 2013
126. What Do Medieval Nuns and Bo Jackson Have in Common?
A look at whether spite pays — and if it even exists.
Wed, May 01, 2013
125. It’s Crowded at the Top
Why is unemployment still so high? It may be because of something that happened well before the Great Recession.
Thu, April 25, 2013
124. Running to Do Evil
An interview with Unabomber Ted Kaczynski, whose younger brother turned him in -- and what it says about the Boston bombers.
Wed, April 17, 2013
123. Help Wanted. No Smokers Need Apply
In many states, it is perfectly legal to not hire someone who smokes. Should employers also be able to weed out junk-food lovers or motorcyclists -- or anyone who wants to have a baby?
Mon, April 08, 2013
122. How Much Does Your Name Matter?
A kid's name can tell us something about his parents -- their race, social standing, even their politics. But is your name really your destiny?
Wed, April 03, 2013
121. The Tax Man Nudgeth
Real tax reform may or may not ever happen. In the meantime, how about making the current system work a bit better?
Wed, March 27, 2013
120. 100 Ways to Fight Obesity
Freakonomics asks a dozen smart people for their best ideas. Get ready for a fat tax, a sugar ban, and a calorie-chomping tapeworm.
Thu, March 21, 2013
119. How Money Is March Madness?
The NCAA basketball tournament grabs a lot of eyeballs, but turning them into dollars hasn't always been easy -- even when the "talent" is playing for free.
Wed, March 13, 2013
118. Parking Is Hell
There ain't no such thing as a free parking spot. Somebody has to pay for it -- and that somebody is everybody.
Wed, March 06, 2013
117. When Is a Negative a Positive?
Sure, we all like to hear compliments. But if you're truly looking to get better at something, it's the negative feedback that will get you there.
Sun, February 24, 2013
116. Women Are Not Men
In many ways, the gender gap is closing. In others, not so much. And that's not always a bad thing.
Wed, February 20, 2013
115. The Downside of More Miles Per Gallon
The gas tax doesn't work well, and it's only going to get worse. What's next?
Wed, February 13, 2013
114. How to Think About Guns
No one wants mass shootings. Unfortunately, no one has a workable plan to stop them either.
Wed, February 06, 2013
113. Sure, I Remember That
It is startlingly easy to create false memories, especially in politics.
Wed, January 30, 2013
112. Would You Let a Coin Toss Decide Your Future?
Levitt and Dubner go deep on "Freakonomics Experiments," a new research project that lets you take a chance on life.
Wed, January 23, 2013
111. Introducing “Freakonomics Experiments”
Steve Levitt has a novel idea for helping people make tough decisions
Wed, January 16, 2013
110. Who Owns the Words That Come Out of Your Mouth?
The very long reach of Winston Churchill -- and how the British government is remaking copyright law.
Wed, January 09, 2013
109. How to Live Longer
Why do Hall of Fame inductees, Oscar winners, and Nobel laureates outlive their peers?
Wed, January 02, 2013
108. How Did “Freakonomics” Get Its Name? … and Other FREAK-quently Asked Questions
Levitt and Dubner answer your questions about driving, sneezing, and ladies’ nights. Plus a remembrance of Levitt’s sister Linda.
Wed, December 26, 2012
107. How Much Does a Good Boss Really Matter?
It's harder than you'd think to measure the value of a boss. But some enterprising economists have done just that -- and the news is good.
Wed, December 19, 2012
106. The House of Dreams
Dubner's childhood home goes from sacred to profane -- and then back again.
Wed, December 12, 2012
105. Have a Very Homo Economicus Christmas
Who better than an economist to help with your shopping list?
Wed, December 05, 2012
104. The Things They Taught Me
College, at its best, is about learning to think. Stephen Dubner chats up three of his former professors who made the magic happen.
Wed, November 28, 2012
103. Free-conomics
Economists are a notoriously self-interested bunch. But a British outfit called Pro Bono Economics is giving away its services to selected charities.
Wed, November 21, 2012
102. I Consult, Therefore I Am
There are enough management consultants these days to form a small nation. But what do they actually do? And does it work?
Wed, November 14, 2012
101. Mass Transit Hysteria
Adding more train and bus lines looks like an environmental slam dunk. Until you start to do the math.
Mon, November 05, 2012
100. Our 100th Episode!
Turkey sex and chicken wings, selling souls and swapping organs, the power of the president and the price of wine: these are a few of our favorite things.
Wed, October 31, 2012
99. How to Maximize Your Halloween Candy Haul
Is it as simple as going to the richest neighborhood you can find? Of course not ...
Wed, October 24, 2012
98. We the Sheeple
Politicians tell voters exactly what they want to hear, even when it makes no sense. Which is pretty much all the time.
Wed, October 17, 2012
97. Lying to Ourselves
We rely on polls and surveys to tell us how people will behave in the future. Too bad they're completely unreliable.
Wed, October 10, 2012
96. The Cobra Effect
When you want to get rid of a nasty pest, one obvious solution comes to mind: just offer a cash reward. But be careful -- because nothing backfires quite like a bounty.
Wed, October 03, 2012
95. Why America’s Economic Growth May Be (Shh!) Over
Sure, we love our computers and all the rest of our digital toys. But when it comes to real economic gains, can we ever match old-school innovations like the automobile and electricity?
Sun, September 23, 2012
94. The Tale of the $15 Tomato
Trying to go rustic by baking, brewing, and knitting at home can be terribly inefficient. And that's a wonderful thing.
Wed, September 19, 2012
93. Why Online Poker Should Be Legal
The data show that poker is indeed a game of skill, not chance, and a Federal judge agrees. So why are players still being treated like criminals?
Wed, September 12, 2012
92. Fear Thy Nature
What "Sleep No More" and the Stanford Prison Experiment tell us about who we really are.
Wed, September 05, 2012
91. Can Selling Beer Cut Down on Public Drunkenness?
Binge drinking is a big problem at college football games. Oliver Luck -- father of No. 1 NFL pick Andrew, and the athletic director at West Virginia University -- had an unusual idea to help solve it.
Wed, August 29, 2012
90. How Deep Is the Shadow Economy?
What we know -- and don't know -- about the gazillions of dollars that never show up on anyone's books.
Wed, August 22, 2012
89. There’s Cake in the Breakroom!
If you think working from home offers too many distractions, just think about what happens at the office.
Wed, August 15, 2012
88. Freakonomics Goes to College, Part 2
College tends to make people happier, healthier, and wealthier. But how?
Wed, August 08, 2012
87. The Season of Death
We know that summertime brings far too many fatal accidents. But you may be surprised if you dig into the numbers.
Sun, July 29, 2012
86. Freakonomics Goes to College, Part 1
What's a college degree really worth these days?
Wed, July 25, 2012
85. Olympian Economics
Do host cities really get the benefits their boosters promise, or are they just engaging in some fiscal gymnastics?
Wed, July 18, 2012
84. Legacy of a Jerk
What happens to your reputation when you're no longer around to defend it?
Tue, July 10, 2012
83. What's Wrong With Cash for Grades?
If we want our kids to thrive in school, maybe we should just pay them.
Wed, July 04, 2012
82. Please Steal My Car
Levitt and Dubner answer your FREAK-quently Asked Questions about junk food, insurance, and how to make an economist happy.
Tue, June 26, 2012
81. Star-Spangled Banter?
Once a week, the British Prime Minister goes before the House of Commons for a lightning round of hard questions. Should the U.S. give it a try?
Wed, June 20, 2012
80. Riding the Herd Mentality
How using peer pressure -- and good, old-fashioned shame -- can push people to do the right thing.
Wed, June 13, 2012
79. A Cheap Employee Is … a Cheap Employee
Paying workers as little as possible seems smart -- unless you can make more money by paying them more.
Wed, June 06, 2012
78. You Eat What You Are, Part 2
To feed 7 billion people while protecting the environment, it would seem that going local is a no-brainer -- until you start looking at the numbers.
Wed, May 30, 2012
77. Playing the Nerd Card
The NBA’s superstars are suddenly sporting Urkel glasses -- but is it more than a fashion statement?
Wed, May 23, 2012
76. You Eat What You Are, Part 1
How American food so got bad -- and why it's getting so much better.
Wed, May 16, 2012
75. Retirement Kills
Sure, we all dream of leaving the office forever. But what if it's bad for your health?
Mon, May 07, 2012
74. Soul Possession
In a world where nearly everything is for sale, is it always okay to buy what isn’t yours?
Wed, May 02, 2012
73. A Rose By Any Other Distance
At a time when people worry about every mile their food must travel, why is it okay to import most of our cut flowers from thousands of miles away?
Wed, April 25, 2012
72. Lottery Loopholes and Deadly Doctors
What do you do when smart people keep making stupid mistakes? And: are we a nation of financial illiterates?
Wed, April 18, 2012
71. Is Good Corporate Citizenship Also Good for the Bottom Line?
A new study says that yes, it is -- but try telling that to the United Nations officials who are preaching sustainability practices.
Wed, April 11, 2012
70. Eating and Tweeting
Does the future of food lie in its past – or inside a tank of liquid nitrogen? Also: how anti-social can you be on a social network?
Tue, April 03, 2012
69. The Hidden Cost of False Alarms
If any other product failed 94 percent of the time, you’d probably stop using it. So why do we put up with burglar alarms?
Wed, March 28, 2012
68. The Power of the President -- and the Thumb
How much does the President of the United States really matter? And: where did all the hitchhikers go? A pair of "attribution errors."
Thu, March 22, 2012
67. The Patent Gap
Women hold fewer than one in 10 patents. Why? And what are we missing out on?
Wed, March 14, 2012
66. Show and Yell
Is booing an act of verbal vandalism or the last true expression of democracy? And: when you drive a Prius, are you guilty of “conspicuous conservation”?
Wed, March 07, 2012
65. It’s Not the President, Stupid
Isn’t it time to admit that the U.S. economy doesn’t have a commander in chief?
Mon, February 27, 2012
64. The Days of Wine and Mouses
Do more expensive wines taste better? And: what does one little rodent in a salad say about a restaurant’s future?
Wed, February 22, 2012
63. The Dilbert Index?
Measuring workplace morale -- and how to game the sick-day system.
Wed, February 15, 2012
62. How Biased Is Your Media?
The left and the right blame each other for pretty much everything, including slanted media coverage. Can they both be right?
Wed, February 08, 2012
61. Does This Recession Make Me Look Fat?
A look at some non-obvious ways to lose weight.
Wed, February 01, 2012
60. Save Me From Myself
A commitment device forces you to be the person you really want to be. What could possibly go wrong?
Wed, January 25, 2012
59. The Hidden Side of the Super Bowl
A football cheat sheet to help you sound like the smartest person at the party.
Thu, January 19, 2012
58. What Do Hand-Washing and Financial Illiteracy Have in Common?
Education is the surest solution to a lot of problems. Except when it’s not.
Wed, January 11, 2012
57. Does Money Really Buy Elections?
We all know the answer is yes. But the data -- and Rudy Giuliani -- say no.
Wed, January 04, 2012
56. Why Is “I Don’t Know” So Hard to Say?
Levitt and Dubner answer your FREAK-quently Asked Questions about certifying politicians, irrational fears, and the toughest three words in the English language.
Tue, December 27, 2011
55. The Perils of Drunk Walking
We know it's terribly dangerous to drive drunk. But heading home on foot isn't the solution.
Wed, December 21, 2011
54. How Is a Bad Radio Station Like Our Public-School System? (Encore)
The thrill of customization, via Pandora and a radical new teaching method
Tue, December 13, 2011
53. How American Food Got So Bad
Tyler Cowen points fingers. There's plenty of blame to go around.
Fri, December 02, 2011
52. Weird Recycling
Clever ways to not waste our waste.
Tue, November 29, 2011
51. What Makes a Donor Donate?
The science of charity, with economist John List.
Tue, November 22, 2011
50. The Truth Is Out There…Isn’t It?
There’s a nasty secret about hot-button topics like global warming: knowledge is not always power.
Wed, November 16, 2011
49. Unnatural Turkeys
Our appetite for breast meat renders our holiday birds unable to reproduce.
Tue, November 08, 2011
48. Boo…Who?
Is booing an act of verbal vandalism—or the last true expression of democracy?
Wed, November 02, 2011
47. Wildfires, Cops, and Keggers
On Election Day, most people focus on the obvious winners and losers -- that is, the candidates. But we went looking for some of the strange side effects that elections produce.
Tue, October 25, 2011
46. Misadventures in Baby-Making
We are constantly wowed by new technologies and policies meant to make childbirth better. But beware the unintended consequences.
Tue, October 18, 2011
45. Those Cheating Teachers!
High-stakes testing has produced some rotten apples. But they can be caught.
Mon, October 10, 2011
44. Where Have All the Hitchhikers Gone?
Did we needlessly scare ourselves into ditching a good thing? And, with millions of cars driving around with no passengers, should we be rooting for a renaissance?
Wed, October 05, 2011
43. The Decline and Fall of Violence
The world is a more peaceful place today that at any time in history -- by a long, long shot.
Wed, September 28, 2011
42. The Upside of Quitting
You know the saying: a winner never quits and a quitter never wins. To which Freakonomics Radio says … Are you sure?
Wed, September 14, 2011
41. The Folly of Prediction
Human beings love to predict the future, but we're quite terrible at it. So how about punishing all those bad predictions?
Wed, August 31, 2011
40. The Suicide Paradox
There are more than twice as many suicides as murders in the U.S., but suicide attracts far less scrutiny. Freakonomics Radio digs through the numbers and finds all kinds of surprises.
Tue, August 16, 2011
39. The Economist’s Guide to Parenting
Think you know how much parents matter? Think again. Economists crunch the numbers to learn the ROI on child-rearing.
Wed, August 03, 2011
38. The Church of "Scionology"
We worship the tradition of handing off a family business to the next generation. But is that really such a good idea?
Wed, July 20, 2011
37. Mouse in the Salad
In restaurants and in life, bad things happen. But what happens next is just as important.
Wed, July 06, 2011
36. Hey Baby, Is That a Prius You're Driving?
"Conspicuous conservation" is about showing off your environmental bona fides. In other words, if you lean green, there's extra value in being seen leaning green.
Wed, June 22, 2011
35. Live From St. Paul!
Freakonomics Radio hits the road, and plays some Quiz Bowl
Wed, June 08, 2011
34. Things Our Fathers Gave Us
What did Levitt and Dubner learn as kids from their dads?
Wed, May 25, 2011
33. To Catch a Fugitive
Who is likelier to get to the fugitive first? When a fugitive is on the run, it’s not only the police he has to worry about. A bounty hunter could be coming after him, too.
Wed, May 11, 2011
32. Growing Up Buffett
What’s it like to wake up one day and realize Dad is a multi-billionaire? That's what happened to Warren Buffett’s son Peter -- who then started to think about whether or not to join the family business.
Wed, April 27, 2011
31. Gambling With Your Life
Does Las Vegas increase your risk of suicide? A researcher embeds himself in the city where Americans are most likely to kill themselves.
Wed, April 13, 2011
30. Does College Still Matter? And Other Freaky Questions Answered ...
In our second round of FREAK-quently Asked Questions, Steve Levitt answers some queries from listeners and readers.
Wed, April 06, 2011
29. Smarter Kids at 10 Bucks a Pop
It won’t work for everyone, but there’s a cheap, quick, and simple way to lift some students’ grades.
Wed, March 30, 2011
28. Why Can’t We Predict Earthquakes?
We talk to a U.S. Geological Survey physicist about the science -- and folly -- of predicting earthquakes. There are lots of known knowns; and, fortunately, not too many unknown unknowns. But it's the known unknowns -- the timing of the next Big One -- that are the most dangerous.
Wed, March 23, 2011
27. Death by Fire? Probably Not
Fire deaths in the U.S. have fallen 90 percent over the past 100 years, a great and greatly underappreciated gain. How did it happen -- and could we ever get to zero?
Wed, March 16, 2011
26. The Health of Nations
For decades, GDP has been the yardstick for measuring living standards around the world. Martha Nussbaum would rather use something that actually works.
Wed, March 09, 2011
25. Is Twitter a Two-Way Street?
To get a lot of followers on Twitter, do you need to follow a lot of other Tweeps? And if not, why not?
Wed, March 02, 2011
24. The Power of Poop
Since the beginning of civilization, we’ve thought that human waste was worthless and dangerous. What if we were wrong?
Thu, February 24, 2011
23. Millionaires vs. Billionaires
Five things you don’t know about the NFL labor standoff
Thu, February 17, 2011
22. Why Cities Rock
Could it be that cities are "our greatest invention" -- that, despite a reputation as black-soot-spewing engines of doom, they in fact make us richer, smarter, happier and (believe it!) greener?
Wed, February 09, 2011
21. Bring on the Pain!
It's not about how much something hurts -- it's how you remember the pain. This week, lessons on pain from the New York City subway, the professional hockey rink, and a landmark study of colonoscopy patients. So have a listen; we promise, it won't hurt a bit.
Wed, February 02, 2011
20. Waiter, There’s a Physicist in My Soup! (Part 2)
What do a computer hacker, an Indiana farm boy, and Napoleon Bonaparte have in common? The past, present, and future of food science.
Wed, January 26, 2011
19. Waiter, There’s a Physicist in My Soup! (Part 1)
The "molecular gastronomy" movement -- which gets a bump in visibility next month with the publication of the mammoth cookbook "Modernist Cuisine" -- is all about bringing more science into the kitchen. In many ways, it's the opposite of the "slow food" movement. In this episode, you'll hear chieftains from the two camps square off: Alice Waters for the slow foodies and Nathan Myhrvold for the mad scientists. Bon appetit!
Wed, January 19, 2011
18. Freakonomics FAQ, No. 1
Levitt and Dubner field questions from the public and hold forth on everything from dating strategies and rock-and-roll accordion music to whether different nations have different economic identities. Oh, and also: is it worthwhile to vote?
Thu, January 13, 2011
17. Trashed
How economics -- and emotion -- have turned our garbage into such a mess
Wed, January 05, 2011
16. Exit Interview: Schools Chancellor, NYC
Having already amassed an eventful resume -- the Clinton White House, the Department of Justice, and Bertelsmann -- Joel I. Klein spent the past eight years at chancellor of the biggest school system in the country. So what'd he learn?
Wed, December 29, 2010
15. You Say Repugnant, I Say … Let's Do It!
What happens when the most disturbing ideas are also the best?
Wed, December 15, 2010
14. Do More Expensive Wines Taste Better?
They should! It's a cardinal rule: more expensive items are supposed to be qualitatively better than their cheaper versions. But is that true for wine?
Wed, December 01, 2010
13. The "No-Lose Lottery," Part 2
It’s the banking tool that got millions of people around the world to stop wasting money on the lottery. So why won't state and federal officials in the U.S. give it a chance?
Wed, November 17, 2010
12. Is America Ready for a "No-Lose Lottery"?
For the most part, Americans don't like the simple, boring act of putting money in a savings account. We do, however, love to play the lottery. So what if you combined the two, creating a new kind of savings account with a lottery payout?
Wed, November 03, 2010
11. How Much Does the President of the U.S. Really Matter?
The U.S. president is often called the "leader of free world." But if you ask an economist or a Constitutional scholar how much the occupant of the Oval Office matters, they won't say much. We look at what the data have to say about measuring leadership, and its impact on the economy and the country.
Thu, October 28, 2010
10. The NFL's Best Real Estate Isn't For Sale. Yet.
The NFL is very good at making money. So why on earth doesn't it sell ad space on the one piece of real estate that football fans can’t help but see: the players themselves? The explanation is trickier than you might think. It has to do with Peyton Manning, with Eli Manning, and with ... wait for it ... Tevye.
Thu, October 21, 2010
9. Reading, Rockets, and 'Rithmetic
Government and the private sector often feel far apart. One is filled with compliance-driven bureaucracy. The other, with market-fueled innovation. But something is changing in a multi-billion dollar corner of the Department of Education. It's an experiment, which takes cues from the likes of Google and millionaires who hope to go to the moon.
Thu, October 07, 2010
8. Who Stole All the Runs in Major League Baseball?
It was a pretty good baseball season -- especially if you're a fan of the Yankees, Rays, Twins, Rangers, Reds, Braves, Phillies, or Giants, all of whom made the playoffs. But the post-season just opened with a telling event, a no-hitter pitched by the Phillies' Roy Halladay, which shows what's been missing all season: runs.
Thu, September 30, 2010
7. Two Book Authors and a Microphone
The next chapter in the adventures of Dubner and Levitt has begun. Listen to a preview of what's to come for the fall season of Freakonomics Radio.
Thu, June 10, 2010
6. Why the World Cup Is an Economist's Dream
Steve Levitt talks about why the center cannot hold in penalty kicks, why a running track hurts home-field advantage, and why the World Cup is an economist's dream.
Thu, May 13, 2010
5. How Is a Bad Radio Station Like Our Public-School System?
In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, we explore a way to make 1.1 million schoolkids feel like they have 1.1 million teachers.
Tue, April 13, 2010
4. Faking It
Do you "fake it"? If so, you're hardly alone. In this episode, you'll hear how everyone from the President of the United States to a kosher-keeping bacon lover lives in a state of fallen grace. All the time. And gets by.
Wed, March 24, 2010
3. What Would the World Look Like if Economists Were in Charge?
In this episode we speculate what would happen if economists got to run the world. Hear from a high-end call girl; an Estonian who ran his country according to the gospel of Milton Friedman; and a guy who wants to start building new nations in the middle of the ocean.
Fri, February 26, 2010
2. Is America's Obesity Epidemic For Real?
Americans keep putting on pounds. So is it time for a cheeseburger tax? Or would a chill pill be the best medicine? In this episode, we explore the underbelly of fat through the eyes of a 280-pound woman, a top White House doctor, and a couple of overweight academics.
Sat, February 06, 2010
1. The Dangers of Safety
What do NASCAR drivers, Glenn Beck and the hit men of the NFL have in common?

Freakonomics Radio

627. Sludge, Part 1: The World Is Drowning in It

Should America Be Run by … Trader Joe’s? (Update)

626. Ten Myths About the U.S. Tax System

625. The Biden Policy That Trump Hasn’t Touched

EXTRA: The Downside of Disgust (Update)

624. The Animal No One Loves, Until They Do

623. Can New York City Win Its War on Rats?

The Show That Never Happened

622. Why Does Everyone Hate Rats?

621. Is Professional Licensing a Racket?

When Is a Superstar Just Another Employee? (Update)

620. Why Don’t Running Backs Get Paid Anymore?

619. How to Poison the A.I. Machine

Is San Francisco a Failed State? (And Other Questions You Shouldn’t Ask the Mayor)

618. Are Realtors Having an Existential Crisis?

617. Are You Really Allergic to Penicillin?

Highway Signs and Prison Labor

Can Academic Fraud Be Stopped? (Update)

Why Is There So Much Fraud in Academia? (Update)

Your Brain Doesn’t Work the Way You Think

616. How to Make Something from Nothing

615. Is Ozempic as Magical as It Sounds?

How the Supermarket Helped America Win the Cold War (Update)

614. Is the U.S. Sleeping on Threats from Russia and China?

613. Dying Is Easy. Retail Is Hard.

612. Is Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Its Most Valuable Asset?

How to Stop Worrying and Love the Robot Apocalypse (Update)

611. Fareed Zakaria on What Just Happened, and What Comes Next

610. Who Wins and Who Loses Once the U.S. Legalizes Weed?

609. What Does It Take to Run a Cannabis Farm?

Abortion and Crime, Revisited (Update)

608. Cannabis Is Booming, So Why Isn’t Anyone Getting Rich?

607. Is America Switching From Booze to Weed?

606. How to Predict the Presidency

Has the U.S. Presidency Become a Dictatorship? (Update)

605. What Do People Do All Day?

EXTRA: Roland Fryer Refuses to Lie to Black America (Update)

604. Did the N.F.L. Solve Diversity Hiring? (Part 2)

603. Did the N.F.L. Solve Diversity Hiring? (Part 1)

EXTRA: In Praise of Maintenance (Update)

602. Is Screen Time as Poisonous as We Think?

601. Multitasking Doesn’t Work. So Why Do We Keep Trying?

What Is the Future of College — and Does It Have Room for Men? (Update)

EXTRA: Why Quitting Is Usually Worth It

The University of Impossible-to-Get-Into (Update)

What Exactly Is College For? (Update)

EXTRA: Here’s Why You’re Not an Elite Athlete (Update)

600. “If We’re All in It for Ourselves, Who Are We?”

599. The World's Most Valuable Unused Resource

EXTRA: Why Rent Control Doesn’t Work (Update)

598. Is Overconsolidation a Threat to Democracy?

597. Why Do Your Eyeglasses Cost $1,000?

EXTRA: People Aren’t Dumb. The World Is Hard. (Update)

596. Farewell to a Generational Talent

595. Why Don't We Have Better Candidates for President?

594. Your Brand’s Spokesperson Just Got Arrested — Now What?

593. You Can Make a Killing, but Not a Living

EXTRA: The Fascinatingly Mundane Secrets of the World’s Most Exclusive Nightclub

592. How to Make the Coolest Show on Broadway

591. Signs of Progress, One Year at a Time

EXTRA: The Opioid Tragedy — How We Got Here

590. Can $55 Billion End the Opioid Epidemic?

589. Why Has the Opioid Crisis Lasted So Long?

Extra: Car Colors & Storage Units

588. Confessions of a Black Conservative

587. Should Companies Be Owned by Their Workers?

586. How Does the Lost World of Vienna Still Shape Our Lives?

Extra: Why Is 23andMe Going Under? (Update)

585. A Social Activist in Prime Minister’s Clothing

584. How to Pave the Road to Hell

Extra: The Men Who Started a Thinking Revolution (Update)

Why Are There So Many Bad Bosses? (Update)

583. Are We Living Through the Most Revolutionary Period in History?

Extra: How Much Do You Know About Immigration?

582. Why Is Everyone Moving to Canada?

581. What Both Parties Get Wrong About Immigration

Extra: Madeleine Albright’s Warning on Immigration

580. The True Story of America’s Supremely Messed-Up Immigration System

579. Are You Caught in a Social Media Trap?