Freakonomics Radio
1,329 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 29.3K ratingsFreakonomics 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.
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Episodes
477. Why Is U.S. Media So Negative?
October 07, 2021 03:00 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MBBreaking news! Sources say American journalism exploits our negativity bias to maximize profits, and social media algorithms add fuel to the fire. Stephen Dubner investigates.
That’s a Great Question! (Ep. 192 Rebroadcast)
September 30, 2021 03:00 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBVerbal 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.
“This Didn't End the Way It’s Supposed to End.”
September 27, 2021 03:00 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBThe 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.
“This Didn't End the Way It’s Supposed to End.” (Bonus)
September 27, 2021 03:00 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBThe 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.
476. What Are the Police for, Anyway?
September 23, 2021 03:00 - 45 minutes - 42.2 MBThe 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?
What Are the Police for, Anyway?
September 23, 2021 03:00 - 45 minutes - 42.2 MBThe 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?
475. Why Does the Richest Country in the World Have So Many Poor Kids?
September 16, 2021 03:00 - 48 minutes - 44.9 MBAmong 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.
Why Does the Richest Country in the World Have So Many Poor Kids?
September 16, 2021 03:00 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MBAmong 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.
474. All You Need Is Nudge
September 09, 2021 03:00 - 58 minutes - 54 MBWhen 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.
All You Need Is Nudge
September 09, 2021 03:00 - 58 minutes - 53.9 MBWhen 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.
Is There Really a “Loneliness Epidemic”? (Ep. 407 Rebroadcast)
September 02, 2021 03:00 - 35 minutes - 33 MBThat’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.
These Jobs Were Not Posted on ZipRecruiter
August 26, 2021 03:00 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MBIn 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.
473. These Jobs Were Not Posted on ZipRecruiter
August 26, 2021 03:00 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MBIn 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.
Reasons to Be Cheerful (Ep. 417 Rebroadcast)
August 19, 2021 03:00 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MBHumans 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?
472. This Is Your Brain on Pollution
August 12, 2021 03:00 - 46 minutes - 42.3 MBAir 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.
This Is Your Brain on Pollution
August 12, 2021 03:00 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MBAir 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.
471. Mayor Pete and Elaine Chao Hit the Road
August 05, 2021 03:00 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MBWhile 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.
Mayor Pete and Elaine Chao Hit the Road
August 05, 2021 03:00 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MBWhile 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.
Two (Totally Opposite) Ways to Save the Planet (Ep. 346 Rebroadcast)
July 29, 2021 03:00 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBThe 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?
470. The Pros and Cons of America’s (Extreme) Individualism
July 22, 2021 03:00 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBAccording 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.
The Pros and Cons of America’s (Extreme) Individualism
July 22, 2021 03:00 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBAccording 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.
The U.S. Is Just Different — So Let’s Stop Pretending We’re Not
July 15, 2021 03:00 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MBWe 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?
469. The U.S. Is Just Different — So Let’s Stop Pretending We’re Not
July 15, 2021 03:00 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MBWe 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?
Nap Time for Everyone!
July 08, 2021 03:00 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBThe 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?
468. Nap Time for Everyone!
July 08, 2021 03:00 - 36 minutes - 33.9 MBThe 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?
How Stupid Is Our Obsession With Lawns? (Ep. 289 Rebroadcast)
July 01, 2021 03:00 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBNearly 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?
Is the Future of Farming in the Ocean?
June 24, 2021 03:00 - 42 minutes - 39.4 MBBren 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.
467. Is the Future of Farming in the Ocean?
June 24, 2021 03:00 - 42 minutes - 39.4 MBBren 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.
She’s From the Government, and She’s Here to Help
June 17, 2021 03:00 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MBCecilia 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.
466. She’s From the Government, and She’s Here to Help
June 17, 2021 03:00 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MBCecilia 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.
465. Introducing a New “Freakonomics of Medicine” Podcast
June 10, 2021 03:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBBapu 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.
Introducing a New “Freakonomics of Medicine” Podcast
June 10, 2021 03:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBBapu 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.
464. Will Work-from-Home Work Forever?
June 03, 2021 03:00 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MBThe 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.
Will Work-from-Home Work Forever?
June 03, 2021 03:00 - 48 minutes - 44.1 MBThe 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.
463. How to Get Anyone to Do Anything
May 27, 2021 03:00 - 58 minutes - 53.3 MBThe 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.
How to Get Anyone to Do Anything
May 27, 2021 03:00 - 58 minutes - 53.3 MBThe 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.
These Shoes Are Killing Me! (Ep. 296 Rebroadcast)
May 20, 2021 03:00 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MBThe 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?
The Future of New York City Is in Question. Could Andrew Yang Be the Answer?
May 13, 2021 03:00 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MBThe 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.
462. The Future of New York City Is in Question. Could Andrew Yang Be the Answer?
May 13, 2021 03:00 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBThe 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.
How to Stop Worrying and Love the Robot Apocalypse
May 06, 2021 03:00 - 48 minutes - 44.4 MBIt’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?
461. How to Stop Worrying and Love the Robot Apocalypse
May 06, 2021 03:00 - 48 minutes - 44.4 MBIt’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?
The True Story of the Minimum-Wage Fight
April 29, 2021 03:00 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MBBackers 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.
460. The True Story of the Minimum-Wage Fight
April 29, 2021 03:00 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MBBackers 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.
Let’s Be Blunt: Marijuana Is a Boon for Older Workers
April 22, 2021 03:00 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MBThe 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.
459. Let’s Be Blunt: Marijuana Is a Boon for Older Workers
April 22, 2021 03:00 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MBThe 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.
How to Manage Your Goal Hierarchy
April 15, 2021 03:00 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MBIn 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.
458. How to Manage Your Goal Hierarchy
April 15, 2021 03:00 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MBIn 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.
Is Dialysis a Test Case of Medicare for All?
April 08, 2021 03:00 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBKidney 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.
457. Is Dialysis a Test Case of Medicare for All?
April 08, 2021 03:00 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBKidney 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.
How to Fix the Hot Mess of U.S. Healthcare
April 01, 2021 03:00 - 49 minutes - 45.7 MBMedicine 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?