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567. Do the Police Have a Management Problem? Dec 07, 2023

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 (NBER Working Paper, 2017).
- "Management as a Technology?" by Nicholas Bloom, Raffaella Sadun, and John Van Reenen (NBER Working Paper, 2017).
- "Measuring and Explaining Management Practices Across Firms and Countries," by Nick Bloom and John Van Reenen (NBER Working Paper, 2006).
- "Crime, Urban Flight, and the Consequences for Cities," by Julie Berry Cullen and Steven D. Levitt (SSRN, 1997).

EXTRAS:
- "Why Are There So Many Bad Bosses?" by Freakonomics Radio (2022).
- "What Are the Police for, Anyway?" by Freakonomics Radio (2021).

513. Should Public Transit Be Free? (Update) Nov 30, 2023

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).
"Should Public Transit Be Free?" by Freakonomics Radio (2022).
“Should Traffic Lights Be Abolished?” by Freakonomics Radio (2021).
“The Perfect Crime,” by Freakonomics Radio (2014).
“Parking Is Hell,” by Freakonomics Radio (2013).

566. Why Is It So Hard (and Expensive) to Build Anything in America? Nov 23, 2023

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.

Extra: Jason Kelce Hates to Lose Nov 19, 2023

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.

565. Are Private Equity Firms Plundering the U.S. Economy? Nov 16, 2023

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).

EXTRAS:

"Should You Trust Private Equity to Take Care of Your Dog?" by Freakonomics Radio (2023).
"Do You Know Who Owns Your Vet?" by Freakonomics Radio (2023).
"Mobile Home Parks," by The Economics of Everyday Things (2023).
"The Secret Life of a C.E.O.," series by Freakonomics Radio (2018).
"Extra: David Rubenstein Full Interview," by Freakonomics Radio (2018).

SOURCES:

Brendan Ballou, special counsel at the Department of Justice.
Dan Glickberg, venture-capital investor.
Hannah Howard, food writer.
Sachin Khajuria, investor.

480. How Much Does Discrimination Hurt the Economy? (Replay) Nov 09, 2023

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 (Replay)," by Freakonomics Radio (2023).
"Edward Glaeser Explains Why Some Cities Thrive While Others Fade Away," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2021).
"What Are the Secrets of the German Economy — and Should We Steal Them?" by Freakonomics Radio (2017).

SOURCES:

Kilian Huber, professor of economics at the University of Chicago.
Silke-Maria Weineck, professor of German studies and comparative literature at the University of Michigan.
Sophie Calder-Wang, professor of economics at the University of Pennsylvania.

564. How to Succeed at Failing, Part 4: Extreme Resiliency Nov 02, 2023

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 Premortem," 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.

563. How to Succeed at Failing, Part 3: Grit vs. Quit Oct 26, 2023

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 making.
Steve Levitt, host of People I (Mostly) Admire, co-author of the Freakonomics books, and professor of economics at the University of Chicago.
Joseph O’Connell, artist.
Mike Ridgeman, advocacy manager at Trek Bicycles and former professor.
Melanie Stefan, professor of physiology at Medical School Berlin.
Travis Thul, director of operations and senior fellow at the University of Minnesota Technological Leadership Institute.

562. How to Succeed at Failing, Part 2: Life and Death Oct 19, 2023

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 London School of Economics.

561. How to Succeed at Failing, Part 1: The Chain of Events Oct 12, 2023

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.
John Van Reenen, professor at the London School of Economics.

232. A New Nobel Laureate Explains the Gender Pay Gap (Replay) Oct 10, 2023

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.

560. Is This “the Worst Job in Corporate America” — or Maybe the Best? Oct 05, 2023

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.

559. Are Two C.E.O.s Better Than One? Sep 28, 2023

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...

558. The Facts Are In: Two Parents Are Better Than One Sep 21, 2023

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.

557. When Is a Superstar Just Another Employee? Sep 14, 2023

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/

556. A.I. Is Changing Everything. Does That Include You? Sep 07, 2023

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.")

555. New Technologies Always Scare Us. Is A.I. Any Different? Aug 31, 2023

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.")

554. Can A.I. Take a Joke? Aug 24, 2023

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.")

553. The Suddenly Diplomatic Rahm Emanuel Aug 17, 2023

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.

Should Traffic Lights Be Abolished? (Ep. 454 Replay) Aug 10, 2023

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?

Extra: A Modern Whaler Speaks Up Aug 06, 2023

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.")

552. Freakonomics Radio Presents: The Economics of Everyday Things Aug 03, 2023

In three stories from our newest podcast, host Zachary Crockett digs into sports mascots, cashmere sweaters, and dinosaur skeletons.

551. What Can Whales Teach Us About Clean Energy, Workplace Harmony, and Living the Good Life? Jul 27, 2023

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.")

550. Why Do People Still Hunt Whales? Jul 20, 2023

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.”)

549. The First Great American Industry Jul 13, 2023

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.”)

548. Why Is the U.S. So Good at Killing Pedestrians? Jul 06, 2023

Actually, the reasons are pretty clear. The harder question is: Will we ever care enough to stop?

Why Did You Marry That Person? (Ep. 511 Replay) Jun 29, 2023

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.

547. Satya Nadella’s Intelligence Is Not Artificial Jun 22, 2023

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.

546. Are E.S.G. Investors Actually Helping the Environment? Jun 15, 2023

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.

545. Enough with the Slippery Slopes! Jun 08, 2023

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?

544. Ari Emanuel Is Never Indifferent Jun 01, 2023

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.

Make Me a Match (Ep. 209 Update) May 25, 2023

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.

543. How to Return Stolen Art May 18, 2023

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.”)

542. Is a Museum Just a Trophy Case? May 11, 2023

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.”)

541. The Case of the $4 Million Gold Coffin May 04, 2023

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.”)

Why Your Projects Are Always Late — and What to Do About It (Ep. 323 Replay) Apr 27, 2023

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.

540. Swearing Is More Important Than You Think Apr 20, 2023

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.

539. Why Does One Tiny State Set the Rules for Everyone? Apr 13, 2023

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.

538. A Radically Simple Way to Boost a Neighborhood Apr 06, 2023

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.

How to Hate Taxes a Little Bit Less (Ep. 400 Replay) Mar 30, 2023

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?

537. “Insurance Is Sexy.” Discuss. Mar 23, 2023

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?

Why Are There So Many Bad Bosses? (Ep. 495 Replay) Mar 16, 2023

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.

536. Is Your Plane Ticket Too Expensive — or Too Cheap? Mar 09, 2023

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.”)

535. Why Is Flying Safer Than Driving? Mar 02, 2023

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.”)

534. Air Travel Is a Miracle. Why Do We Hate It? Feb 23, 2023

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.”)

Why Does the Most Monotonous Job in the World Pay $1 Million? (Ep. 493 Update) Feb 16, 2023

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.

The Economics of Everyday Things: Used Hotel Soaps Feb 13, 2023

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.

533. Will the Democrats “Make America Great Again”? Feb 09, 2023

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?

The Economics of Everyday Things: “My Sharona” Feb 06, 2023

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.

Is Economic Growth the Wrong Goal? (Ep. 429 Update) Feb 02, 2023

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?

The Economics of Everyday Things: Girl Scout Cookies Jan 30, 2023

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.

532. Do You Know Who Owns Your Vet? Jan 26, 2023

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.)

Introducing “The Economics of Everyday Things” Jan 23, 2023

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?

531. Should You Trust Private Equity to Take Care of Your Dog? Jan 19, 2023

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.

Extra: Samin Nosrat Always Wanted to Be Famous Jan 16, 2023

And with her book "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat," she succeeded. Now she's not so sure how to feel about all the attention.

530. What's Wrong with Being a One-Hit Wonder? Jan 12, 2023

We tend to look down on artists who can't match their breakthrough success. Should we be celebrating them instead?

529. Can Our Surroundings Make Us Smarter? Jan 05, 2023

In a special episode of No Stupid Questions, Stephen Dubner and Angela Duckworth discuss classroom design, open offices, and cognitive drift.

528. Yuval Noah Harari Thinks Life is Meaningless and Amazing Dec 29, 2022

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.

527. Can Adam Smith Fix Our Economy? Dec 22, 2022

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.”)

526. Was Adam Smith Really a Right-Winger? Dec 15, 2022

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.”)

Freakonomics Radio Needs Your Help Dec 12, 2022

A sneak peek at an upcoming series — and a call for would-be radio reporters.

525. In Search of the Real Adam Smith Dec 08, 2022

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.)

524. How Important Is Breastfeeding, Really? Dec 01, 2022

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.

523. Did Michael Lewis Just Get Lucky with “Moneyball”? Nov 24, 2022

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.

522. Is Google Getting Worse? Nov 17, 2022

It used to feel like magic. Now it can feel like a set of cheap tricks. Is the problem with Google — or with us?

The Most Interesting Fruit in the World (Ep. 375 Update) Nov 10, 2022

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?

521. I’m Your Biggest Fan! Nov 03, 2022

It’s fun to obsess over pop stars and racecar drivers — but is fandom making our politics even more toxic?

520. The Unintended Consequences of Working from Home Oct 27, 2022

The last two years have radically changed the way we work — producing winners, losers, and a lot of surprises.

519. Has Globalization Failed? Oct 20, 2022

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.

518. Are Personal Finance Gurus Giving You Bad Advice? Oct 13, 2022

One Yale economist certainly thinks so. But even if he’s right, are economists any better?

517. Are M.B.A.s to Blame for Wage Stagnation? Oct 06, 2022

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?

Please Get Your Noise Out of My Ears (Ep. 439 Update) Sep 29, 2022

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?

516. Nuclear Power Isn’t Perfect. Is It Good Enough? Sep 22, 2022

Liberals endorse harm reduction when it comes to the opioid epidemic. Are they ready to take the same approach to climate change?

Extra: Ken Burns | People I (Mostly) Admire Sep 19, 2022

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.

515. When You Pray to God Online, Who Else Is Listening? Sep 15, 2022

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 …

This Is Your Brain on Pollution (Ep. 472 Update) Sep 08, 2022

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.

514. Roland Fryer Refuses to Lie to Black America Sep 01, 2022

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.”

513. Should Public Transit Be Free? Aug 25, 2022

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.

Why Is U.S. Media So Negative? (Ep. 477 Replay) Aug 18, 2022

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.

The Pros and Cons of America’s (Extreme) Individualism (Ep. 470 Replay) Aug 11, 2022

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.

The U.S. Is Just Different — So Let’s Stop Pretending We’re Not (Ep. 469 Replay) Aug 04, 2022

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?

512. Does Philosophy Still Matter? Jul 28, 2022

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.

511. Why Did You Marry That Person? Jul 21, 2022

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.

The Economist’s Guide to Parenting: 10 Years Later (Ep. 479 Replay) Jul 14, 2022

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.

510. What Problems Does Crypto Solve, Anyway? Jul 07, 2022

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?")

509. Are N.F.T.s All Scams? Jun 30, 2022

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?")

508. Does the Crypto Crash Mean the Blockchain Is Over? Jun 23, 2022

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.)

507. 103 Pieces of Advice That May or May Not Work Jun 16, 2022

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.

506. What Is Sportswashing (and Does It Work)? Jun 09, 2022

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?

505. Did Domestic Violence Really Spike During the Pandemic? Jun 02, 2022

When the world went into lockdown, experts predicted a rise in intimate-partner assaults. What actually happened was more complicated.

504. Introducing “Off Leash” May 26, 2022

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.

503. What Is the Future of College — and Does It Have Room for Men? May 19, 2022

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.”)

Abortion and Crime, Revisited (Ep. 384 Update) May 12, 2022

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.

502. “I Don’t Think the Country Is Turning Away From College.” May 05, 2022

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.”)

501. The University of Impossible-to-Get-Into Apr 28, 2022

America’s top colleges are facing record demand. So why don’t they increase supply? (Part 2 of “Freakonomics Radio Goes Back to School.”)

500. What Exactly Is College For? Apr 21, 2022

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.”)

Is the U.S. Really Less Corrupt Than China — and How About Russia? (Ep. 481 Update) Apr 14, 2022

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.

499. Don't Worry, Be Tacky Apr 07, 2022

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?

498. In the 1890s, the Best-Selling Car Was … Electric Mar 31, 2022

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.

497. Can the Big Bad Wolf Save Your Life? Mar 24, 2022

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 …

How to Change Your Mind (Ep. 379 Update) Mar 17, 2022

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?

496. Do Unions Still Work? Mar 10, 2022

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.

495. Why Are There So Many Bad Bosses? Mar 03, 2022

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.

494. Why Do Most Ideas Fail to Scale? Feb 24, 2022

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.”

Why Does the Richest Country in the World Have So Many Poor Kids? (Ep. 475 Update) Feb 17, 2022

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.

493. Why Does the Most Monotonous Job in the World Pay $1 Million? Feb 10, 2022

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.

Are You Ready for a Fresh Start? (Ep. 455 Replay) Feb 03, 2022

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?

492. How Did a Hayfield Become One of America’s Hottest Cities? Jan 27, 2022

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?

491. Why Is Everyone Moving to Dallas? Jan 20, 2022

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.)

490. What Do Broken-Hearted Knitters, Urinating Goalkeepers, and the C.I.A. Have in Common? Jan 13, 2022

Curses and other superstitions may have no basis in reality, but that doesn’t stop us from believing.

489. Is “Toxic Positivity” a Thing? Jan 06, 2022

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.

488. Does Death Have to Be a Death Sentence? Dec 30, 2021

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?

487. Is It Okay to Have a Party Yet? Dec 23, 2021

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.

486. “The Art Market Is in Massive Disruption.” Dec 16, 2021

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.”)

485. “I’ve Been Working My Ass Off for You to Make that Profit?” Dec 09, 2021

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.”)

484. “A Fascinating, Sexy, Intellectually Compelling, Unregulated Global Market.” Dec 02, 2021

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.”)

How Do You Cure a Compassion Crisis? (Ep. 444 Replay) Nov 25, 2021

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?

483. What’s Wrong With Shortcuts? Nov 18, 2021

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.

482. Is Venture Capital the Secret Sauce of the American Economy? Nov 11, 2021

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.

481. Is the U.S. Really Less Corrupt Than China? Nov 04, 2021

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.

480. How Much Does Discrimination Hurt the Economy? Oct 28, 2021

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.

479. The Economist’s Guide to Parenting: 10 Years Later Oct 21, 2021

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.

478. How Can We Break Our Addiction to Contempt? Oct 14, 2021

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?

477. Why Is U.S. Media So Negative? Oct 07, 2021

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.

That’s a Great Question! (Ep. 192 Rebroadcast) Sep 30, 2021

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.

“This Didn't End the Way It’s Supposed to End.” (Bonus) Sep 27, 2021

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.

476. What Are the Police for, Anyway? Sep 23, 2021

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?

475. Why Does the Richest Country in the World Have So Many Poor Kids? Sep 16, 2021

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.

474. All You Need Is Nudge Sep 09, 2021

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.

Is There Really a “Loneliness Epidemic”? (Ep. 407 Rebroadcast) Sep 02, 2021

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.

473. These Jobs Were Not Posted on ZipRecruiter Aug 26, 2021

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.

Reasons to Be Cheerful (Ep. 417 Rebroadcast) Aug 19, 2021

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?

472. This Is Your Brain on Pollution Aug 12, 2021

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.

471. Mayor Pete and Elaine Chao Hit the Road Aug 05, 2021

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.

Two (Totally Opposite) Ways to Save the Planet (Ep. 346 Rebroadcast) Jul 29, 2021

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?

470. The Pros and Cons of America’s (Extreme) Individualism Jul 22, 2021

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.

469. The U.S. Is Just Different — So Let’s Stop Pretending We’re Not Jul 15, 2021

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?

468. Nap Time for Everyone! Jul 08, 2021

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?

How Stupid Is Our Obsession With Lawns? (Ep. 289 Rebroadcast) Jul 01, 2021

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?

467. Is the Future of Farming in the Ocean? Jun 24, 2021

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.

466. She’s From the Government, and She’s Here to Help Jun 17, 2021

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.

465. Introducing a New “Freakonomics of Medicine” Podcast Jun 10, 2021

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.

464. Will Work-from-Home Work Forever? Jun 03, 2021

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.

463. How to Get Anyone to Do Anything May 27, 2021

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.

These Shoes Are Killing Me! (Ep. 296 Rebroadcast) May 20, 2021

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?

462. The Future of New York City Is in Question. Could Andrew Yang Be the Answer? May 13, 2021

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.

461. How to Stop Worrying and Love the Robot Apocalypse May 06, 2021

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?

460. The True Story of the Minimum-Wage Fight Apr 29, 2021

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.

459. Let’s Be Blunt: Marijuana Is a Boon for Older Workers Apr 22, 2021

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.

458. How to Manage Your Goal Hierarchy Apr 15, 2021

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.

457. Is Dialysis a Test Case of Medicare for All? Apr 08, 2021

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.

456. How to Fix the Hot Mess of U.S. Healthcare Apr 01, 2021

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?

Policymaking Is Not a Science (Yet) (Ep. 405 Rebroadcast) Mar 25, 2021

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?

How Does New York City Keep Reinventing Itself? (Bonus) Mar 21, 2021

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.

455. Are You Ready for a Fresh Start? Mar 18, 2021

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?

454. Should Traffic Lights Be Abolished? Mar 11, 2021

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?

453. A Rescue Plan for Black America Mar 04, 2021

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.)

Am I Boring You? (Ep. 225 Rebroadcast) Feb 25, 2021

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?

452. Jeff Immelt Knows He Let You Down Feb 18, 2021

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?

451. Can I Ask You a Ridiculously Personal Question? Feb 11, 2021

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!

450. How to Be Better at Death Feb 04, 2021

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.

449. How to Fix the Incentives in Cancer Research Jan 28, 2021

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.

448. The Downside of Disgust Jan 21, 2021

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.

447. How Much Do We Really Care About Children? Jan 14, 2021

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.

446. “We Get All Our Great Stuff from Europe — Including Witch Hunting.” Jan 07, 2021

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.

Trust Me (Ep. 266 Rebroadcast) Dec 31, 2020

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?

445. Why Do We Seek Comfort in the Familiar? Dec 24, 2020

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?

444. How Do You Cure a Compassion Crisis? Dec 17, 2020

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?

443. A Sneak Peek at Biden’s Top Economist Dec 10, 2020

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.

PLAYBACK (2015): Could the Next Brooklyn Be ... Las Vegas?! Dec 06, 2020

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.

442. Is it Too Late for General Motors to Go Electric? Dec 03, 2020

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.”

441. Does Advertising Actually Work? (Part 2: Digital) Nov 26, 2020

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.

440. Does Advertising Actually Work? (Part 1: TV) Nov 19, 2020

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.

439. Please Get Your Noise Out of My Ears Nov 12, 2020

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?

438. How to Succeed by Being Authentic (Hint: Carefully) Nov 05, 2020

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?

Why the Left Had to Steal the Right’s Dark-Money Playbook Oct 31, 2020

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.

437. Many Businesses Thought They Were Insured for a Pandemic. They Weren’t. Oct 29, 2020

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?

436. Forget Everything You Know About Your Dog Oct 22, 2020

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.

435. Why Are Cities (Still) So Expensive? Oct 15, 2020

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 (!).

434. Is New York City Over? Oct 08, 2020

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.

“Don’t Neglect the Thing That Makes You Weird” | People I (Mostly) Admire: Ken Jennings Oct 03, 2020

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.

433. How Are Psychedelics and Other Party Drugs Changing Psychiatry? Oct 01, 2020

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.

432. When Your Safety Becomes My Danger Sep 24, 2020

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.

“One Does Not Know Where an Insight Will Come From” | People I (Mostly) Admire: Kerwin Charles Sep 19, 2020

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.

Does Anyone Really Know What Socialism Is? (Ep. 408 Rebroadcast) Sep 17, 2020

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.

What if Your Company Had No Rules? Sep 12, 2020

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.

431. Why Can’t Schools Get What the N.F.L. Has? Sep 10, 2020

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).

"I Started Crying When I Realized How Beautiful the Universe Is” | People I (Mostly) Admire Ep. 2: Mayim Bialik Sep 05, 2020

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.

America’s Hidden Duopoly (Ep. 356 Rebroadcast) Sep 03, 2020

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?

430. Will a Covid-19 Vaccine Change the Future of Medical Research? Aug 27, 2020

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.

Introducing “People I (Mostly) Admire" Aug 22, 2020

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.

The Economics of Sports Gambling (Ep. 388 Rebroadcast) Aug 20, 2020

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.

429. Is Economic Growth the Wrong Goal? Aug 13, 2020

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.

How the Supermarket Helped America Win the Cold War (Ep. 386 Rebroadcast) Aug 06, 2020

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.

428. The Simple Economics of Saving the Amazon Rain Forest Jul 30, 2020

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

427. The Pros and Cons of Reparations Jul 23, 2020

Most Americans agree that racial discrimination has been, and remains, a big problem. But that is where the agreement ends.

426. Should America (and FIFA) Pay Reparations? Jul 16, 2020

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.

425. Remembrance of Economic Crises Past Jul 09, 2020

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.

424. How to Make Your Own Luck Jul 02, 2020

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.

423. The Doctor Will Zoom You Now Jun 25, 2020

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.

422. Introducing "No Stupid Questions" Jun 18, 2020

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.

421. How to Prevent Another Great Depression Jun 11, 2020

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.

420. Which Jobs Will Come Back, and When? Jun 04, 2020

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.

How to Make Meetings Less Terrible (Ep. 389 Rebroadcast) May 28, 2020

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.

419. 68 Ways to Be Better at Life May 21, 2020

The accidental futurist Kevin Kelly on why enthusiasm beats intelligence, how to really listen, and why the solution to bad technology is more technology.

418. What Will College Look Like in the Fall (and Beyond)? May 14, 2020

Three university presidents try to answer our listeners’ questions. The result? Not much pomp and a whole lot of circumstance.

417. Reasons to Be Cheerful May 07, 2020

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?

416. How Do You Reopen a Country? Apr 30, 2020

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?)

415. How Rahm Emanuel Would Run the World Apr 27, 2020

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.

414. Will Covid-19 Spark a Cold War (or Worse) With China? Apr 23, 2020

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.

413. Who Gets the Ventilator? Apr 16, 2020

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.

412. What Happens When Everyone Stays Home to Eat? Apr 09, 2020

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.

411. Is $2 Trillion the Right Medicine for a Sick Economy? Apr 02, 2020

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?

410. What Does Covid-19 Mean for Cities (and Marriages)? Mar 26, 2020

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.

409. The Side Effects of Social Distancing Mar 19, 2020

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?

Why Rent Control Doesn’t Work (Ep. 373 Rebroadcast) Mar 12, 2020

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?

408. Does Anyone Really Know What Socialism Is? Mar 05, 2020

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.

407. Is There Really a “Loneliness Epidemic”? Feb 27, 2020

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.

406. Can You Hear Me Now? Feb 20, 2020

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.

405. Policymaking Is Not a Science (Yet) Feb 13, 2020

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?

404. Does the President Matter as Much as You Think? Feb 06, 2020

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.

How the San Francisco 49ers Stopped Being Losers (Ep. 350 Update) Jan 30, 2020

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.

403. The Opioid Tragedy, Part 2: “It’s Not a Death Sentence” Jan 23, 2020

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.

402. The Opioid Tragedy, Part 1: “We’ve Addicted an Entire Generation” Jan 16, 2020

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.

5 Psychology Terms You’re Probably Misusing (Rebroadcast) Jan 09, 2020

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.

The Zero-Minute Workout (Rebroadcast) Jan 02, 2020

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?

401. How Many Prince Charleses Can There Be in One Room? Dec 26, 2019

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.

Why Is This Man Running for President? (Update) Dec 19, 2019

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.

400. How to Hate Taxes a Little Bit Less Dec 12, 2019

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?

399. Honey, I Grew the Economy Dec 05, 2019

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).

How to Change Your Mind (Rebroadcast) Nov 28, 2019

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?

398. The Truth About the Vaping Crisis Nov 21, 2019

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.

397. How to Save $32 Million in One Hour Nov 14, 2019

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).

396. Why Does Tipping Still Exist? Nov 07, 2019

It’s an acutely haphazard way of paying workers, and yet it keeps expanding. We dig into the data to find out why.

395. Speak Softly and Carry Big Data Oct 31, 2019

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.

394. Does Hollywood Still Have a Princess Problem? Oct 24, 2019

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.

393. Can Britain Get Its “Great” Back? Oct 17, 2019

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.

392. The Prime Minister Who Cried Brexit Oct 10, 2019

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.)

391. America’s Math Curriculum Doesn’t Add Up Oct 03, 2019

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.

390. Fed Up Sep 26, 2019

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.

389. How to Make Meetings Less Terrible Sep 19, 2019

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.

Yes, the Open Office Is Terrible — But It Doesn’t Have to Be (Rebroadcast) Sep 12, 2019

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?

388. The Economics of Sports Gambling Sep 05, 2019

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.

The Future of Meat (Rebroadcast) Aug 29, 2019

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™?

Should America Be Run by … Trader Joe’s? (Rebroadcast) Aug 22, 2019

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.

387. Hello, My Name Is Marijuana Pepsi! Aug 15, 2019

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.

How Much Does Your Name Matter? (Rebroadcast ) Aug 08, 2019

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?

386. How the Supermarket Helped America Win the Cold War Aug 01, 2019

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.

America’s Hidden Duopoly (Rebroadcast) Jul 25, 2019

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?

385. What Do Nancy Pelosi, Taylor Swift, and Serena Williams Have in Common? Jul 18, 2019

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.

384. Abortion and Crime, Revisited Jul 11, 2019

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.

A Better Way to Eat (Rebroadcast ) Jul 04, 2019

Takeru Kobayashi revolutionized the sport of competitive eating. What can the rest of us learn from his breakthrough?

383. The Zero-Minute Workout Jun 27, 2019

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?

382. How Goes the Behavior-Change Revolution? Jun 20, 2019

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.

381. Long-Term Thinking in a Start-Up Town Jun 13, 2019

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.

380. Notes From an Imperfect Paradise Jun 06, 2019

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.

379. How to Change Your Mind May 30, 2019

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?

Here’s Why All Your Projects Are Always Late — and What to Do About It (Rebroadcast) May 23, 2019

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.

378. 23andMe (and You, and Everyone Else) May 16, 2019

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.

377. The $1.5 Trillion Question-How to fix student loan debt? May 09, 2019

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.

376. The Data-Driven Guide to Sane Parenting May 02, 2019

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.

The Invisible Paw (Rebroadcast) Apr 25, 2019

Humans, it has long been thought, are the only animal to engage in economic activity. But what if we've had it exactly backward?

375. The Most Interesting Fruit in the World Apr 18, 2019

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?

374. How Spotify Saved the Music Industry (But Not Necessarily Musicians) Apr 11, 2019

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?

373. Why Rent Control Doesn’t Work Apr 04, 2019

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?

372. Freakonomics Radio Live: “Would You Eat a Piece of Chocolate Shaped Like Dog Poop?” Mar 28, 2019

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.

Why You Shouldn’t Open a Restaurant (Update) Mar 21, 2019

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.

371. A Free-Trade Democrat in the Trump White House Mar 14, 2019

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.”

370. How to Fail Like a Pro Mar 07, 2019

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.)

369. A Good Idea Is Not Good Enough Feb 28, 2019

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.)

368. Where Do Good Ideas Come From? Feb 21, 2019

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.)

367. The Future of Meat Feb 14, 2019

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™?

366. This Economist Predicted the Last Crisis. What’s the Next One? Feb 07, 2019

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.

Extra: Domonique Foxworth Full Interview Feb 02, 2019

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.

365. Not Just Another Labor Force Jan 31, 2019

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.)

Extra: Mark Cuban Full Interview Jan 26, 2019

A conversation with the Shark Tank star, entrepreneur, and Dallas Mavericks owner recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “The Hidden Side of Sports.”

364. Inside the Sports-Industrial Complex Jan 24, 2019

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.)

Extra: Mark Teixeira Full Interview Jan 19, 2019

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.”

363. Think Like a Winner Jan 17, 2019

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.)

Hacking the World Bank (Update) Jan 12, 2019

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.

362. Why Is This Man Running for President? Jan 10, 2019

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.

How to Be Happy (Rebroadcast) Jan 03, 2019

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).

How to Win Games and Beat People (Rebroadcast) Dec 27, 2018

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.

People Aren’t Dumb. The World Is Hard. (Rebroadcast) Dec 20, 2018

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.

Freakonomics Radio Live: “We Thought of a Way to Manipulate Your Perception of Time.” Dec 15, 2018

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.

Freakonomics Radio Live: “The World’s a Mess. But Oysters, They Hold it Down.” Dec 15, 2018

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.

Freakonomics Radio Live: “Where Does Fear Live in the Brain?” Dec 15, 2018

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.

361. Freakonomics Radio Live: “Jesus Could Have Been a Pigeon.” Dec 13, 2018

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.

360. Is the Protestant Work Ethic Real? Dec 06, 2018

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.

359. Should America Be Run by … Trader Joe’s? Nov 29, 2018

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.

There’s a War on Sugar. Is It Justified? (Rebroadcast) Nov 22, 2018

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.

358. Yes, the Open Office Is Terrible — But It Doesn’t Have to Be Nov 15, 2018

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?

357. Can an Industrial Giant Become a Tech Darling? Nov 08, 2018

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?

356. America’s Hidden Duopoly Nov 01, 2018

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?

Extra: Elvis Costello Full Interview Oct 27, 2018

A conversation with the iconic singer-songwriter, recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “How to Be Creative.”

355. Where Does Creativity Come From (and Why Do Schools Kill It Off)? Oct 25, 2018

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.)

Extra: Jeremy Lin Full Interview Oct 20, 2018

A conversation with veteran NBA point guard Jeremy Lin, recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “The Hidden Side of Sports.”

354. How to Be Creative Oct 18, 2018

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.)

353. How to Optimize Your Apology Oct 11, 2018

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.

352. Can This Man Stop a Trade War? Oct 04, 2018

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).

Extra: Shawn Johnson Full Interview Oct 01, 2018

A conversation with 2008 Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson, recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “The Hidden Side of Sports.”

351. Here’s Why You’re Not an Elite Athlete Sep 27, 2018

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.)

Extra: Full Interviews With Jimmy Garoppolo, Joe Staley, Mike McGlinchey, and Kyle Juszczyk Sep 23, 2018

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.

350. How to Stop Being a Loser Sep 20, 2018

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.)

349. How Sports Became Us Sep 13, 2018

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.”

348. Is the Government More Entrepreneurial Than You Think? Sep 06, 2018

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.

347. Why You Shouldn’t Open a Restaurant Aug 30, 2018

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.

346. Two (Totally Opposite) Ways to Save the Planet Aug 23, 2018

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?

345. How to Be Happy Aug 16, 2018

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).

344. Who Decides How Much a Life Is Worth? Aug 09, 2018

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.

A Conversation With PepsiCo C.E.O. Indra Nooyi (Ep. 316 Update) Aug 07, 2018

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.

343. An Astronaut, a Catalan, and Two Linguists Walk Into a Bar… Aug 02, 2018

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.

342. Has Lance Armstrong Finally Come Clean? Jul 26, 2018

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?

341. Why We Choke Under Pressure (and How Not To) Jul 19, 2018

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.

340. People Aren’t Dumb. The World Is Hard. Jul 12, 2018

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.

339. The Future of Freakonomics Radio Jul 03, 2018

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.

In Praise of Incrementalism (Rebroadcast) Jun 28, 2018

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.

In Praise of Maintenance (Rebroadcast) Jun 21, 2018

Has our culture's obsession with innovation led us to neglect the fact that things also need to be taken care of?

338. How to Catch World Cup Fever Jun 14, 2018

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.

337. How to Build a Smart City Jun 07, 2018

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.

How Stupid Is Our Obsession With Lawns? (Rebroadcast) May 31, 2018

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?

336. The Most Vilified Industry in America Is Also the Most Charitable May 24, 2018

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.

335. Does Doing Good Give You License to Be Bad? May 17, 2018

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.

334. 5 Psychology Terms You’re Probably Misusing May 10, 2018

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.

Evolution, Accelerated (Rebroadcast) May 03, 2018

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?

333. The Most Ambitious Thing Humans Have Ever Attempted Apr 26, 2018

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.

332. Why the Trump Tax Cuts Are Terrible/Awesome (Part 2) Apr 19, 2018

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."

331. Why the Trump Tax Cuts are Awesome/Terrible (Part 1) Apr 12, 2018

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.)

330. Extra: Ray Dalio Full Interview Apr 09, 2018

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.”

329. The Invisible Paw Apr 05, 2018

Humans, it has long been thought, are the only animal to engage in economic activity. But what if we've had it exactly backward?

328. Extra: Mark Zuckerberg Full Interview Apr 02, 2018

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.”

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Money (But Were Afraid to Ask) (Rebroadcast) Mar 29, 2018

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.

327. Extra: Carol Bartz Full Interview Mar 26, 2018

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.”

The Stupidest Thing You Can Do With Your Money (Rebroadcast) Mar 22, 2018

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.

326. Extra: Jack Welch Full Interview Mar 19, 2018

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.”

325. How to Train Your Dragon Child Mar 15, 2018

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.

324. Extra: Satya Nadella Full Interview Mar 12, 2018

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.”

323. Here’s Why All Your Projects Are Always Late — and What to Do About It Mar 08, 2018

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.

322. Extra: David Rubenstein Full Interview Mar 05, 2018

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.”

Does “Early Education” Come Way Too Late? (Rebroadcast) Mar 01, 2018

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.

321. Extra: Richard Branson Full Interview Feb 26, 2018

Stephen Dubner's conversation with the Virgin Group founder, recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “The Secret Life of a C.E.O.”

320. Letting Go Feb 22, 2018

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?

319. After the Glass Ceiling, a Glass Cliff Feb 15, 2018

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.")

318. It’s Your Problem Now Feb 08, 2018

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.")

317. What Can Uber Teach Us About the Gender Pay Gap? Feb 06, 2018

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.

An Egghead’s Guide to the Super Bowl (Rebroadcast) Feb 03, 2018

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.

316. “I Wasn’t Stupid Enough to Say This Could Be Done Overnight” Feb 01, 2018

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")

315. How to Become a C.E.O. Jan 25, 2018

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.")

314. What Does a C.E.O. Actually Do? Jan 18, 2018

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.")

313. How to Be a Modern Democrat — and Win Jan 11, 2018

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?

Why Is My Life So Hard? (Rebroadcast) Jan 04, 2018

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?

Trust Me (Rebroadcast) Dec 28, 2017

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?

Make Me a Match (Rebroadcast) Dec 21, 2017

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.

312. Not Your Grandmother’s I.M.F. Dec 14, 2017

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.

311. Why Is the Live-Event Ticket Market So Screwed Up? Dec 07, 2017

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.

310. Are We Running Out of Ideas? Nov 30, 2017

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?

Is America Ready for a “No-Lose Lottery”? (Update) Nov 23, 2017

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?

309. Nurses to the Rescue! Nov 16, 2017

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.

308. How Can I Do the Most Social Good With $100? And Other FREAK-quently Asked Questions Nov 09, 2017

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.

Why Is There So Much Ground Beef in the World? (Special Feature) Nov 07, 2017

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.

307. Thinking Is Expensive. Who’s Supposed to Pay for It? Nov 02, 2017

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?

306. How to Launch a Behavior-Change Revolution Oct 26, 2017

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.

305. The Demonization of Gluten Oct 19, 2017

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.

304. What Are the Secrets of the German Economy — and Should We Steal Them? Oct 12, 2017

Smart government policies, good industrial relations, and high-end products have helped German manufacturing beat back the threats of globalization.

“Tell Me Something I Don't Know” on the topic of Behavior Change (Special Feature) Oct 01, 2017

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.

303. Why Larry Summers Is the Economist Everyone Hates to Love Sep 28, 2017

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.

302. Why Learn Esperanto? Sep 26, 2017

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?

301. What Would Be the Best Universal Language? (Earth 2.0 Series) Sep 21, 2017

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?

300. Why Don’t We All Speak the Same Language? (Earth 2.0 Series) Sep 14, 2017

There are 7,000 languages spoken on Earth. What are the costs — and benefits — of our modern-day Tower of Babel?

299. "How Much Brain Damage Do I Have?" Sep 07, 2017

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.

Bad Medicine, Part 3: Death by Diagnosis (Rebroadcast) Aug 31, 2017

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.

Bad Medicine, Part 2: (Drug) Trials and Tribulations (Rebroadcast) Aug 24, 2017

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.

Bad Medicine, Part 1: The Story of 98.6 (Rebroadcast) Aug 17, 2017

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.

What Are You Waiting For? (Rebroadcast) Aug 10, 2017

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?

298. Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Money (But Were Afraid to Ask) Aug 03, 2017

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.

297. The Stupidest Thing You Can Do With Your Money Jul 27, 2017

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.

296. These Shoes Are Killing Me! Jul 20, 2017

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?

295. When Helping Hurts Jul 13, 2017

Good intentions are nice, but with so many resources poured into social programs, wouldn't it be even nicer to know what actually works?

294. The Fracking Boom, a Baby Boom, and the Retreat From Marriage Jul 06, 2017

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?

The Harvard President Will See You Now (Rebroadcast) Jun 29, 2017

How a pain-in-the-neck girl from rural Virginia came to run the most powerful university in the world.

293. Why Hate the Koch Brothers? (Part 2) Jun 23, 2017

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.

292. Why Hate the Koch Brothers? (Part 1) Jun 22, 2017

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.

"Tell Me Something I Don't Know" on the topic of Rivalry Jun 20, 2017

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.

291. Evolution, Accelerated Jun 15, 2017

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!

290. He’s One of the Most Famous Political Operatives in America. America Just Doesn’t Know It Yet. Jun 08, 2017

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.

289. How Stupid Is Our Obsession With Lawns? Jun 01, 2017

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?

288. Are the Rich Really Less Generous Than the Poor? May 25, 2017

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.

287. Hoopers! Hoopers! Hoopers! May 18, 2017

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.

286. How Big is My Penis? (And Other Things We Ask Google) May 11, 2017

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.

Food + Science = Victory! (Rebroadcast) May 04, 2017

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.

285. There’s a War on Sugar. Is It Justified? Apr 27, 2017

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.

284. Is Income Inequality Inevitable? (Earth 2.0 Series) Apr 20, 2017

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.

283. What Would Our Economy Look Like? (Earth 2.0 Series) Apr 13, 2017

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.

282. Could Solving This One Problem Solve All the Others? Apr 06, 2017

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?

281. Big Returns from Thinking Small Mar 30, 2017

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.

280. “Tell Me Something I Don’t Know” on the topic of Collections. Mar 28, 2017

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.

How Safe Is Your Job? (Rebroadcast) Mar 23, 2017

Economists preach the gospel of "creative destruction," whereby new industries -- and jobs -- replace the old ones. But has creative destruction become too destructive?

279. Why Is My Life So Hard? Mar 16, 2017

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?

278. Chuck E. Cheese’s: Where a Kid Can Learn Price Theory Mar 09, 2017

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?

277. The Taboo Trifecta Mar 02, 2017

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.

276. No Hollywood Ending for the Visual-Effects Industry Feb 23, 2017

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?

275. Professor Hendryx vs. Big Coal Feb 16, 2017

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.

How to Get More Grit in Your Life Feb 09, 2017

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.

274. An Egghead’s Guide to the Super Bowl Feb 02, 2017

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.

273. Did China Eat America’s Jobs? Jan 26, 2017

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?

Is the American Dream Really Dead? Jan 19, 2017

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?

272. Trevor Noah Has a Lot to Say Jan 12, 2017

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.

271. The Men Who Started a Thinking Revolution Jan 05, 2017

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.

How to Become Great at Just About Anything (Rebroadcast) Dec 29, 2016

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.

How to Be More Productive (Rebroadcast) Dec 22, 2016

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.

270. Bad Medicine, Part 3: Death by Diagnosis Dec 15, 2016

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.

269. Bad Medicine, Part 2: (Drug) Trials and Tribulations Dec 08, 2016

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.

268. Bad Medicine, Part 1: The Story of 98.6 Dec 01, 2016

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.

The No-Tipping Point (Rebroadcast) Nov 24, 2016

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.

267. How to Make a Bad Decision Nov 17, 2016

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.

Introducing Stephen J. Dubner's new podcast, "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" Nov 15, 2016

"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.

266. Trust Me Nov 10, 2016

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?

How Much Does the President Really Matter? (Rebroadcast ) Nov 09, 2016

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.

265. The White House Gets Into the Nudge Business Nov 03, 2016

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.

264. In Praise of Incrementalism Oct 27, 2016

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.

263. In Praise of Maintenance Oct 20, 2016

Has our culture's obsession with innovation led us to neglect the fact that things also need to be taken care of?

262. This Is Your Brain on Podcasts Oct 13, 2016

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.

How To Win A Nobel Prize (Rebroadcast) Oct 06, 2016

The process is famously secretive (and conducted in Swedish!) but we pry the lid off at least a little bit.

261. Why Are We Still Using Cash? Sep 29, 2016

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.

260. Has the U.S. Presidency Become a Dictatorship? Sep 22, 2016

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.

259. Ten Signs You Might Be a Libertarian Sep 15, 2016

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?

258. Why Uber Is an Economist’s Dream Sep 08, 2016

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.

257. The Future (Probably) Isn’t as Scary as You Think Sep 01, 2016

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.

Are You Ready for a Glorious Sunset? (Rebroadcast) Aug 25, 2016

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?

Aziz Ansari Needs Another Toothbrush (Rebroadcast) Aug 18, 2016

The comedian, actor -- and now, author -- answers our FREAK-quently Asked Questions.

256. What Are You Waiting For? Aug 11, 2016

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?

Is It Okay for Restaurants to Racially Profile Their Employees? (Rebroadcast) Aug 04, 2016

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?

255. Ten Ideas to Make Politics Less Rotten Jul 28, 2016

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?

254. What Are Gender Barriers Made Of? Jul 21, 2016

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?

253. Is the Internet Being Ruined? Jul 14, 2016

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?

252. Confessions of a Pothole Politician Jul 07, 2016

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?

The Suicide Paradox (Rebroadcast ) Jun 30, 2016

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.

How Much Does the President Really Matter? (Rebroadcast) Jun 23, 2016

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.

Why Do We Really Follow the News? (Rebroadcast) Jun 16, 2016

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?

251. Are We in a Mattress-Store Bubble? Jun 09, 2016

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?

Time to Take Back the Toilet Jun 09, 2016

Public bathrooms are noisy, poorly designed, and often nonexistent. What to do?

250. Why Does Everyone Hate Flying? And Other Questions Only a Pilot Can Answer Jun 02, 2016

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.

249. The Longest Long Shot May 26, 2016

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.

248. How to Be Tim Ferriss May 19, 2016

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.

247. How to Win Games and Beat People May 12, 2016

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.

246. How to Get More Grit in Your Life May 05, 2016

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.

245. Being Malcolm Gladwell May 02, 2016

"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.

244. How to Become Great at Just About Anything Apr 28, 2016

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.

243. How to Be More Productive Apr 21, 2016

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.

242. Is the World Ready for a Guaranteed Basic Income? Apr 14, 2016

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.

241. Are Payday Loans Really as Evil as People Say? Apr 07, 2016

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?

The Economics of Sleep, Part 2 (Rebroadcast) Mar 31, 2016

People who sleep better earn more money. Now all we have to do is teach everyone to sleep better.

The Economics of Sleep, Part 1 (Rebroadcast) Mar 24, 2016

Could a lack of sleep help explain why some people get much sicker than others?

240. Yes, the American Economy Is in a Funk -- But Not for the Reasons You Think Mar 17, 2016

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?

239. The No-Tipping Point Mar 11, 2016

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.

238. The United States of Cory Booker Mar 03, 2016

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?

237. Ask Not What Your Podcast Can Do for You Feb 25, 2016

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.

236. How Can This Possibly Be True? Feb 18, 2016

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?

235. Who Needs Handwriting? Feb 11, 2016

The digital age is making pen and paper seem obsolete. But what are we giving up if we give up on handwriting?

How to Fix a Broken High Schooler, in Four Easy Steps (Rebroadcast) Feb 04, 2016

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.

Is America’s Education Problem Really Just a Teacher Problem? (Rebroadcast) Jan 28, 2016

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?

234. Do Boycotts Work? Jan 21, 2016

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?

233. How to Be Less Terrible at Predicting the Future Jan 14, 2016

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.

232. The True Story of the Gender Pay Gap Jan 07, 2016

Discrimination can't explain why women earn so much less than men. If only it were that easy.

When Willpower Isn’t Enough (Rebroadcast) Dec 31, 2015

Sure, we all want to make good personal decisions, but it doesn't always work out. That's where "temptation bundling" comes in.

Fixing the World, Bang-for-the-Buck Edition (Rebroadcast) Dec 24, 2015

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.

231. Is Migration a Basic Human Right? Dec 17, 2015

The argument for open borders is compelling -- and deeply problematic.

230. The Cheeseburger Diet Dec 10, 2015

One woman's quest to find the best burger in town can teach all of us to eat smarter.

229. Ben Bernanke Gives Himself a Grade Dec 03, 2015

He was handed the keys to the global economy just as it started heading off a cliff. Fortunately, he'd seen this movie before.

Why Do People Keep Having Children? (Rebroadcast) Nov 26, 2015

Even a brutal natural disaster doesn't diminish our appetite for procreating. This surely means we're heading toward massive overpopulation, right? Probably not.

228. Does “Early Education” Come Way Too Late? Nov 19, 2015

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.

227. Should Everyone Be in a Rock Band? Nov 12, 2015

Lessons from Tom Petty's rise and another rocker's fall.

226. Food + Science = Victory! Nov 05, 2015

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.

225. Am I Boring You? Oct 29, 2015

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?

How to Save $1 Billion Without Even Trying (Rebroadcast) Oct 22, 2015

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?

224. How To Win A Nobel Prize Oct 15, 2015

The process is famously secretive (and conducted in Swedish!) but we pry the lid off at least a little bit.

223. Should Kids Pay Back Their Parents for Raising Them? Oct 08, 2015

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?

222. Meet the Woman Who Said Women Can’t Have It All Oct 01, 2015

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.

221. How Did the Belt Win? Sep 24, 2015

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?

220. “I Don't Know What You've Done With My Husband, But He's a Changed Man.” Sep 17, 2015

From domestic abusers to former child soldiers, there is increasing evidence that behavioral therapy can turn them around.

219. Preventing Crime for Pennies on the Dollar Sep 10, 2015

Conventional programs tend to be expensive, onerous, and ineffective. Could something as simple (and cheap) as cognitive behavioral therapy do the trick?

218. The Harvard President Will See You Now Sep 03, 2015

How a pain-in-the-neck girl from rural Virginia came to run the most powerful university in the world.

217. Are You Ready for a Glorious Sunset? Aug 27, 2015

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?

216. How to Make a Smart TV Ad Aug 20, 2015

Step 1: Hire a Harvard psych professor as the pitchman. Step 2: Have him help write the script ...

The Dangers of Safety (Rebroadcast) Aug 13, 2015

What do NASCAR drivers, Glenn Beck and the hit men of the NFL have in common?

215. Why Do We Really Follow the News? Aug 06, 2015

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?

214. How to Create Suspense Jul 30, 2015

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?

213. Aziz Ansari Needs Another Toothbrush Jul 23, 2015

The comedian, actor -- and now, author -- answers our FREAK-quently Asked Questions

212. The Economics of Sleep, Part 2 Jul 16, 2015

People who sleep better earn more money. Now all we have to do is teach everyone to sleep better.

211. The Economics of Sleep, Part 1 Jul 09, 2015

Could a lack of sleep help explain why some people get much sicker than others?

A Better Way to Eat (Rebroadcast) Jul 02, 2015

Takeru Kobayashi revolutionized the sport of competitive eating. What can the rest of us learn from his breakthrough?

210. Is It Okay for Restaurants to Racially Profile Their Employees? Jun 25, 2015

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?

209. Make Me a Match Jun 18, 2015

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.

208. Making Sex Offenders Pay -- and Pay and Pay and Pay Jun 11, 2015

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.

207. Should We Really Behave Like Economists Say We Do? Jun 04, 2015

One man's attempt to remake his life in the mold of homo economicus.

Tell Me Something I Don’t Know (Rebroadcast) May 28, 2015

The debut of a live game show from Freakonomics Radio, with judges Malcolm Gladwell, Ana Gasteyer, and David Paterson.

Failure Is Your Friend (Rebroadcast) May 21, 2015

In which we argue that failure should not only be tolerated but celebrated.

206. Ten Years of Freakonomics May 14, 2015

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.

205. Could the Next Brooklyn Be ... Las Vegas?! May 07, 2015

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.

Think Like a Child (Rebroadcast) Apr 30, 2015

When it comes to generating ideas and asking questions it can be really fruitful to have the mentality of an eight year old.

204. Nate Silver Says: “Everyone Is Kind of Weird” Apr 23, 2015

America's favorite statistical guru answers our FREAK-quently Asked Questions, and more.

203. Diamonds Are a Marriage Counselor’s Best Friend Apr 16, 2015

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.

202. How Many Doctors Does It Take to Start a Healthcare Revolution? Apr 09, 2015

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.

201. How Do We Know What Really Works in Healthcare? Apr 02, 2015

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.

The Perfect Crime (Rebroadcast) Mar 26, 2015

If you are driving and kill a pedestrian, there's a good chance you'll barely be punished. Why?

What You Don’t Know About Online Dating (Rebroadcast) Mar 19, 2015

Thick markets, thin markets, and the triumph of attributes over compatibility.

200. When Willpower Isn’t Enough Mar 12, 2015

Sure, we all want to make good personal decisions, but it doesn't always work out. That's where "temptation bundling" comes in.

199. This Idea Must Die Mar 05, 2015

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?

198. The Maddest Men of All Feb 26, 2015

Advertisers have always been adept at manipulating our emotions. Now they're using behavioral economics to get even better.

197. Hacking the World Bank Feb 19, 2015

Jim Yong Kim has an unorthodox background for a World Bank president — and his reign thus far is just as unorthodox.

196. Is There a Better Way to Fight Terrorism? Feb 12, 2015

The White House is hosting an anti-terror summit next week. Summits being what they are, we try to offer some useful advice.

195. How Efficient Is Energy Efficiency? Feb 05, 2015

It's a centerpiece of U.S. climate policy and a sacred cow among environmentalists. Does it work?

194. How Safe Is Your Job? Jan 29, 2015

Economists preach the gospel of "creative destruction," whereby new industries -- and jobs -- replace the old ones. But has creative destruction become too destructive?

193. Someone Else’s Acid Trip Jan 22, 2015

As Kevin Kelly tells it, the hippie revolution and the computer revolution are nearly one and the same.

192. That’s a Great Question! Jan 15, 2015

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.

191. Why Doesn’t Everyone Get the Flu Vaccine? Jan 08, 2015

Influenza kills, but you’d never know it by how few of us get the vaccine.

What’s the “Best” Exercise? (Rebroadcast) Jan 01, 2015

Most people blame lack of time for being out of shape. So maybe the solution is to exercise more efficiently.

What’s More Dangerous: Marijuana or Alcohol? (Rebroadcast) Dec 25, 2014

Imagine that both substances were undiscovered until today. How would we think about their relative risks?

190. Time to Take Back the Toilet Dec 18, 2014

Public bathrooms are noisy, poorly designed, and often nonexistent. What to do?

The Troubled Cremation of Stevie the Cat (Rebroadcast) Dec 11, 2014

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?

189. How to Fix a Broken High Schooler, in Four Easy Steps Dec 04, 2014

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.

188. Is America’s Education Problem Really Just a Teacher Problem? Nov 27, 2014

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?

187. The Man Who Would Be Everything Nov 20, 2014

Boris Johnson -- mayor of London, biographer of Churchill, cheese-box painter and tennis-racket collector -- answers our FREAK-quently Asked Questions.

186. Why Do People Keep Having Children? Nov 13, 2014

Even a brutal natural disaster doesn’t diminish our appetite for procreating. This surely means we’re heading toward massive overpopulation, right? Probably not.

185. Should the U.S. Merge With Mexico? Nov 06, 2014

Corporations around the world are consolidating like never before. If it’s good enough for companies, why not countries? Welcome to Amexico!

184. What Can Vampires Teach Us About Economics? Oct 30, 2014

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.

183. “Tell Me Something I Don’t Know” Oct 23, 2014

The debut of a live game show from Freakonomics Radio, with judges Malcolm Gladwell, Ana Gasteyer, and David Paterson.

182. How Can Tiny Norway Afford to Buy So Many Teslas? Oct 16, 2014

The Norwegian government parleys massive oil wealth into huge subsidies for electric cars. Is that carbon laundering or just pragmatic environmentalism?

How to Raise Money Without Killing a Kitten (Rebroadcast) Oct 09, 2014

The science of what works -- and doesn't work -- in fund-raising

181. Fixing the World, Bang-for-the-Buck Edition Oct 02, 2014

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.

180. Fitness Apartheid Sep 25, 2014

Markets are hardly perfect, but the results can be ugly when you try to subvert them.

179. Outsiders by Design Sep 18, 2014

What does it mean to pursue something that everyone else thinks is nuts? And what does it take to succeed?

178. How to Save $1 Billion Without Even Trying Sep 11, 2014

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?

177. Regulate This! Sep 04, 2014

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.

Who Runs the Internet? (Rebroadcast) Aug 28, 2014

The online universe doesn't have nearly as many rules, or rulemakers, as the real world. Discuss.

Parking Is Hell (Rebroadcast) Aug 21, 2014

There ain't no such thing as a free parking spot. Somebody has to pay for it -- and that somebody is everybody.

What Do Medieval Nuns and Bo Jackson Have in Common? (Rebroadcast) Aug 14, 2014

A look at whether spite pays -- and if it even exists.

Should Tipping be Banned? (Rebroadcast) Aug 07, 2014

It's awkward, random, confusing -- and probably discriminatory too.

How Much Does Your Name Matter? (Rebroadcast) Jul 31, 2014

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?

176. Does Religion Make You Happy? Jul 24, 2014

It’s a hard question to answer, but we do our best.

175. Why You Should Bribe Your Kids Jul 17, 2014

Educational messaging looks good on paper but kids don’t respond to it -- and adults aren’t much better.

174. What Do King Solomon and David Lee Roth Have in Common? Jul 10, 2014

It isn’t easy to separate the guilty from the innocent, but a clever bit of game theory can help.

173. A Better Way to Eat Jul 03, 2014

Takeru Kobayashi revolutionized the sport of competitive eating. What can the rest of us learn from his breakthrough?

172. How to Screen Job Applicants, Act Your Age, and Get Your Brain Off Autopilot Jun 26, 2014

Dubner and Levitt answer reader questions in this first installment of the “Think Like a Freak” Book Club.

171. There’s No Such Thing as a Free Appetizer Jun 19, 2014

Is it really in a restaurant’s best interest to give customers free bread or chips before they even order?

170. Why America Doesn’t Love Soccer (Yet) Jun 12, 2014

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?

169. Failure Is Your Friend Jun 05, 2014

In which we argue that failure should not only be tolerated but celebrated.

The Upside of Quitting (Rebroadcast ) May 29, 2014

You know the saying: a winner never quits and a quitter never wins. To which Freakonomics Radio says ... Are you sure?

168. Think Like a Child May 22, 2014

When it comes to generating ideas and asking questions it can be really fruitful to have the mentality of an eight year old.

167. The Three Hardest Words in the English Language May 15, 2014

Why learning to say “I don’t know” is one of the best things you can do.

166. How to Think Like a Freak -- and Other FREAK-quently Asked Questions May 08, 2014

Stephen Dubner and Steve Levitt talk about their new book and field questions about prestige, university life, and (yum yum) bacon.

165. The Perfect Crime May 01, 2014

If you are driving and kill a pedestrian, there's a good chance you'll barely be punished. Why?

164. Which Came First, the Chicken or the Avocado? Apr 24, 2014

When it comes to exercising outrage, people tend to be very selective. Could it be that humans are our least favorite animal?

163. What’s More Dangerous: Marijuana or Alcohol? Apr 17, 2014

Imagine that both substances were undiscovered until today. How would we think about their relative risks?

162. “If Mayors Ruled the World” Apr 10, 2014

Unlike certain elected officials in Washington, mayors all over the country actually get stuff done. So maybe we should ask them to do more?

161. How to Make People Quit Smoking Apr 03, 2014

The war on cigarettes has been fairly successful in some places. But 1 billion humans still smoke -- so what comes next?

160. Why Everybody Who Doesn’t Hate Bitcoin Loves It Mar 27, 2014

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.

Women Are Not Men (Rebroadcast) Mar 20, 2014

In many ways, the gender gap is closing. In others, not so much. And that's not always a bad thing.

159. “It’s Fun to Smoke Marijuana” Mar 13, 2014

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.

158. Is Learning a Foreign Language Really Worth It? Mar 06, 2014

Yes, it expands the mind but we usually don't retain much -- and then there's the opportunity cost.

157. Why Are Japanese Homes Disposable? Feb 27, 2014

In most countries, houses get more valuable over time. In Japan, a new buyer will often bulldoze the home. We'll tell you why.

156. Why Marry? (Part 2) Feb 20, 2014

The consequences of our low marriage rate -- and if the old model is less attractive, how about a new one?

155. Why Marry? (Part 1) Feb 13, 2014

The myths of modern marriage.

154. What You Don’t Know About Online Dating Feb 06, 2014

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

153. Reasons to Not Be Ugly Jan 30, 2014

The "beauty premium" is real, for everyone from babies to NFL quarterbacks.

152. Everybody Gossips (and That’s a Good Thing) Jan 23, 2014

The benefits of rumor-mongering

Fear Thy Nature (Rebroadcast) Jan 16, 2014

What "Sleep No More" and the Stanford Prison Experiment tell us about who we really are.

151. Are We Ready to Legalize Drugs? And Other FREAK-Quently Asked Questions Jan 09, 2014

Dubner and Levitt talk about fixing the post office, putting cameras in the classroom, and wearing hats.

150. What’s the “Best” Exercise? Jan 02, 2014

Most people blame lack of time for being out of shape. So maybe the solution is to exercise more efficiently.

Save Me From Myself (Rebroadcast) Dec 26, 2013

A commitment device forces you to be the person you really want to be. What could possibly go wrong?

149. Pontiff-icating on the Free-Market System Dec 19, 2013

The Pope just gave it to the global economy with both barrels. Was he right to do so?

148. Are Gay Men Really Rich? Dec 12, 2013

It’s easy to get that idea. But is the stereotype true?

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