Freakonomics Radio
Society & Culture
About
Freakonomics co-author Stephen J. Dubner uncovers the hidden side of everything. Why is it safer to fly in an airplane than drive a car? How do we decide whom to marry? Why is the media so full of bad news? Also: things you never knew you wanted to know about wolves, bananas, pollution, search engines, and the quirks of human behavior. To get every show in the Freakonomics Radio Network without ads and a monthly bonus episode of Freakonomics Radio, start a free trial for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
Episodes
- 674. How Does a Composer Feel After the World Premiere?
David Lang, composer and professor at the Yale School of Music, shares his experience after a world premiere. Matías Tarnopolsky, president and C.E.O. of the New York Philharmonic, also contributes to the discussion. This episode is part t…
- Was Adam Smith Really a Right-Winger? (Update)
This episode of Freakonomics Radio discusses whether Adam Smith was a right-winger and examines how economists and politicians have interpreted his work. It explores the differing views on his association with free-market ideology.
- 673. What Is Money?
David Lang, a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, created an oratorio from Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations" to explore the concept of money. This episode documents the journey of Lang's piece to its world premiere with the New York Philha…
- 672. What Makes Judy Faulkner Run?
This episode of Freakonomics Radio explores Judy Faulkner, the founder of Epic Systems, a company that manages electronic health records for hundreds of millions of people. The episode delves into her career as a successful female entrepre…
- Why Does Everyone Hate Rats? (Update)
This Freakonomics Radio episode investigates the widespread dislike of rats. It questions whether rats are unfairly blamed and explores the human perception of these animals. The discussion includes perspectives on historical claims and mo…
- 671. Why Has There Been So Little Progress on Alzheimer’s Disease?
This Freakonomics Radio episode investigates the slow progress in Alzheimer's disease research. It examines a prominent hypothesis now appearing to be based on fraudulent science, featuring interviews with the scientist and journalist who…
- 670. Beeconomics 101
This episode, titled "Beeconomics 101," investigates the economics of beekeeping, honey fraud, and the disappearance of bees. Guest host Steve Levitt discusses these topics with various experts, including historians, honey producers, and a…
- Ten Myths About the U.S. Tax System (Update)
This Freakonomics Radio episode discusses ten myths about the U.S. tax system and the national debt. Stephen Dubner interviews Jessica Riedl from the Brookings Institution about these topics.
- 669. Why Is 95 Percent of the World’s Bourbon Made in Kentucky?
This episode investigates the reasons behind Kentucky's dominance in bourbon production, discussing tradition, protectionism, and the industry's future amidst a potential glut. It features insights from agricultural economists, business ex…
- 668. Do Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny Have Blood on Their Hands?
This episode of Freakonomics Radio investigates a study on the link between smartphone use, online music streaming, and traffic fatalities. Researchers from Harvard Medical School discuss their findings on how these modern technologies may…
- In a Driverless World, Who Loses and Who Wins?
This episode, originally from the Search Engine podcast, discusses the impact of self-driving cars. It examines the resistance from unions and politicians in some cities, contrasting it with factual information about the technology.
- Are Human Drivers Finally Obsolete?
Freakonomics Radio investigates the history and development of driverless cars, starting with a secret project at Google. The discussion covers the evolution of autonomous vehicles.
- 667. Here’s Why You Are Constantly Fighting Off Scammers
Freakonomics Radio investigates how the scam industry operates and what scam-fighters are doing to counter it. The discussion includes perspectives from former FTC officials and professors researching scams.
- 666. This Is How Progress Happens
Economist Joel Mokyr and Stephen Dubner discuss the role of culture in driving innovation and economic progress. Mokyr's research explores how cultural factors contribute to the origins of the modern economy.
- The Most Powerful People You’ve Never Heard Of (Update)
This Freakonomics Radio episode features journalists Javier Blas and Jack Farchy, who discuss the impact of commodity traders on the global economy. They explain how these dealmakers can find business opportunities amidst war, chaos, and s…
- 665. Werner Herzog Isn’t Afraid ...
Werner Herzog discusses his perspectives on various topics including artificial intelligence, bad reviews, and financing. He also shares his concerns about sloppy thinkers who confuse facts with truth.
- 664. Are Thousands of Medical Cures Hiding in Plain Sight?
Guest host Steve Levitt investigates the challenges of using existing drugs to treat rare diseases. The episode covers the difficulty of finding these matches and the impact of limited financial incentives for such research.
- All You Need Is Nudge (Update)
This episode of Freakonomics Radio revisits "Nudge" theory with Richard Thaler, examining its resilience and evolution through global challenges. It explores how behavioral economics has adapted to events like financial meltdowns and pande…
- 663. Is Weed a Performance-Enhancing Drug?
This Freakonomics Radio episode discusses if weed is a performance-enhancing drug, featuring former N.F.L. star Ricky Williams and professor Angela Bryan. They explore the psychic benefits of cannabis for athletes, with Williams advocating…
- 662. If You’re Not Cheating, You’re Not Trying
This episode of Freakonomics Radio discusses the topic of cheating and performance-enhancing drugs in sports. It includes contributions from experts and former athletes, examining different perspectives on the issue.
- Why Don’t Running Backs Get Paid Anymore? (Update)
This episode explores why NFL running backs are no longer paid as highly as they once were and why their careers have become shorter. It features insights from various experts including a sports data scientist, an economist, an agent, and…
- 661. Can A.I. Save Your Life?
This episode examines the history and potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare, discussing its readiness for clinical use and its impact on medical professionals and patients. It is the fourth installment of the series, "The Frea…
- 660. The Wellness Industry Is Gigantic — and Mostly Wrong
Physician and medical ethicist Zeke Emanuel offers his perspective on living a healthy, meaningful life and discusses his book, Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life. This episode is the third part of the Freakon…
- Steve Levitt Quits His Podcast, Joins Ours
Steve Levitt is concluding his podcast, People I (Mostly) Admire, after five years. Following this, he will begin hosting occasional episodes of Freakonomics Radio.
- 659. Can Marty Makary Fix the F.D.A.?
This episode examines the agenda of the F.D.A. commissioner, including goals for drug approvals, food safety, and disease treatment, as part of the Freakonomics Radio series on healthcare. Marty Makary discusses the F.D.A.'s role in the U.…
- 658. This Is Your Brain on Supplements
This episode explores the efficacy and safety of brain supplements, examining why they are not strictly regulated by the FDA. Experts discuss the potential risks associated with these products as part of the "Freakonomics Radio Guide to Ge…
- Are Personal Finance Gurus Giving You Bad Advice? (Update)
This update of a 2022 episode of Freakonomics Radio examines the advice given by personal finance gurus and whether economists provide better guidance. Guests include Yale professor James Choi and author Morgan Housel.
- Are You Ready for a Fresh Start? (Update)
This episode examines the psychological concept of the "fresh start" and how temporal landmarks can influence behavior. Drawing on research from behavioral science and examples from sports and transportation, the show explores how to make…
- Are the Rich Really Less Generous Than the Poor? (Update)
This episode examines the common belief that wealthy individuals are less generous than those with lower incomes. It revisits academic research and studies to determine the validity of the narrative that the rich are inherently selfish.
- 657. Whose “Messiah” Is It Anyway?
This episode of Freakonomics Radio explores the enduring popularity of Handel's Messiah over the last 300 years. It is the third installment in the "Making Messiah" series.
- Who Pays for “Messiah”?
In this bonus episode of the "Making Messiah" series, Gary Parr discusses the economics behind the New York Philharmonic and the role of philanthropic donors in supporting orchestral music.
- 656. How Handel Got His Mojo Back
In the second part of a series on the creation of Handel's Messiah, this episode examines how the composer, struggling financially and professionally, managed to write the work in 24 days following a pivotal trip to Dublin.
- 655. “The Greatest Piece of Participatory Art Ever Created”
Stephen Dubner explores the origins and enduring legacy of George Frideric Handel’s oratorio, Messiah. This episode, the first in the "Making Messiah" series, examines why the 18th-century work remains significant today.
- Dying Is Easy. Retail Is Hard. (Update)
This episode examines the efforts of Macy's to revitalize its retail business and explores author Jeff Kinney's project to restore his hometown. This is the second part of a two-part series originally published in 2024.
- Is Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Its Most Valuable Asset? (Update)
This 2024 episode of Freakonomics Radio examines the economics of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The program discusses the event's cultural significance and commercial impact, featuring insights from Macy’s executives and other indust…
- 654. Is the Public Ready for Private Equity?
This episode explores the implications of a Trump executive order that expands retail investor access to private markets. Experts discuss whether this policy offers a valuable opportunity or poses risks for individual investors.
- 653. Does Horse Racing Have a Future?
This episode of Freakonomics Radio, the third in the series "The Horse Is Us," examines the economic contradictions of the horse racing industry, including record auction prices contrasted with track closures and falling gambling revenues.
- What Happens When You Turn 20
In this live anniversary episode of Freakonomics Radio, host Stephen Dubner discusses the evolution of his work and what he has learned since the book's initial publication with guest Geoff Bennett. The episode celebrates the twentieth ann…
- 652. Inside the Horse-Industrial Complex
This episode examines the thoroughbred horse industry in Kentucky, discussing its economic impact and the business of breeding champion stallions. It is the second part of the series, "The Horse Is Us."
- 651. The Ultimate Dance Partner
This episode explores the continued presence of millions of horses in America long after the rise of machines. It marks the first part of the series "The Horse Is Us," examining the historical and economic role of horses.
- Are Two C.E.O.s Better Than One? (Update)
This episode examines the effectiveness of the co-C.E.O. leadership model by exploring research and real-world experiences from various companies. It also draws parallels to other collaborative structures, including computer programming pa…
- 650. The Doctor Won’t See You Now
This episode explores the U.S. physician shortage, examining its historical roots, the challenges facing current medical professionals, and the trade-offs between limited access to healthcare and the quality of medical training.
- A Question-Asker Becomes a Question-Answerer
Debbie Millman interviews Stephen Dubner about his life, career, and philosophy on the 20th anniversary of Freakonomics. The episode also features a sneak peek at a new project.
- How Can We Break Our Addiction to Contempt? (Update)
In this updated 2021 episode, economist Arthur Brooks discusses his belief that love is the primary remedy for political polarization and the culture of contempt. The program examines the feasibility of his perspective in the context of Am…
- 649. Should Ohio State (and Michigan, and Clemson) Join the N.F.L.?
This episode examines whether American sports would benefit from adopting the promotion-and-relegation systems used in global soccer leagues. Experts discuss the potential impacts and practicalities of implementing such a model in the Unit…
- 648. The Merger You Never Knew You Wanted
This episode examines a potential merger between the N.F.L. and college football in light of the financial challenges facing the college game. This is the first part of a two-part series on the topic.
- Is the U.S. Really Less Corrupt Than China? (Update)
In this re-released 2021 episode, political scientist Yuen Yuen Ang discusses why the U.S. and China may have more similarities in their corruption styles than commonly perceived. The episode explores how different forms of government shap…
- 647. China Is Run by Engineers. America Is Run by Lawyers.
Author Dan Wang discusses his book "Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future" and explores comparisons between the U.S. and China, specifically focusing on their professional governance structures.
- Is the World Ready for a Guaranteed Basic Income? (Update)
This episode revisits a 2016 discussion on universal basic income, examining it as a potential solution to low wages and job displacement caused by new technologies. It includes interviews with economists and experts, alongside research an…
- 646. An Air Traffic Controller Walks Into a Radio Studio ...
This episode, the second in a two-part series, explores the challenges of air traffic control and the impact of funding on F.A.A. modernization efforts. It features insights from industry experts, including representatives from airlines an…