The Economics of Everyday Things
Business & Finance
About
Who decides which snacks are in your office’s vending machine? How much is a suburban elm tree worth, and to whom? How did Girl Scout Cookies become a billion-dollar business? In bite-sized episodes, journalist Zachary Crockett looks at quotidian things and finds amazing stories. 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
- 37. Personal Injury Lawyers
This episode from The Economics of Everyday Things, originally published on February 18th, 2024, discusses the economics of personal injury lawyers. Zachary Crockett makes the case.
- 36. ATMs
This episode of The Economics of Everyday Things explores the economic reasons behind ATM fees. It examines why users pay surcharges for cash withdrawals and who benefits from these transactions, with Zachary Crockett investigating the top…
- 35. Dental Insurance
This episode of "The Economics of Everyday Things" investigates the unique aspects of dental insurance, including its distinction from medical insurance. Zachary Crockett explores the topic.
- 34. Store-Brand Products
This episode of The Economics of Everyday Things features Zachary Crockett investigating the source of store-brand products. He attends a national convention for private-label manufacturers to gather information.
- 33. Sex Scenes
This episode explores the production side of film sex scenes, examining the roles of body doubles, intimacy choreographers, and legal protections. Host Zachary Crockett discusses the logistical and professional efforts required to create t…
- 32. Used Golf Balls
This episode explores the business model surrounding the 300 million golf balls lost by American golfers each year. Learn how these lost balls are collected and turned into a significant industry opportunity.
- 31. Superhot Chili Peppers
This episode explores the competitive market surrounding superhot chili peppers. It was originally published on January 7th, 2024.
- 30. Card Counting
Zachary Crockett explores whether casinos can effectively prevent skilled gamblers from using card counting to gain an edge in blackjack. This episode originally aired on December 31, 2023.
- 29. Greeting Cards
This episode examines how a new generation of consumers revived the greeting card industry and how their preferences differ from traditional sentiments. It explores the history and recent trends of the tradition of sending cards.
- 28. Horseshoe Crab Blood
This episode explores how the blood of 450-million-year-old horseshoe crabs is used to prevent lethal infections in humans and examines the potential risks to the supply. Host Zachary Crockett discusses the scientific and environmental imp…
- 27. Romance Novels
This episode explores the history and economic success of the romance novel genre. Host Zachary Crockett examines how romance fiction became the highest-grossing genre globally.
- 26. Graffiti
This episode explores the debate over whether graffiti should be considered public art or a public nuisance. Host Zachary Crockett examines the origins and perceptions of graffiti.
- 25. Private Jets
This episode explores the costs and impacts of private jet travel for corporate executives. It examines the personal and broader societal implications of this method of aviation.
- 24. Pistachios
This episode explores the history and commercial success of pistachios, examining how they evolved into a billion-dollar product featuring high-profile marketing. It was originally published on November 5, 2023.
- 23. Cadavers - Part 2
In the second part of a two-part series, Zachary Crockett interviews a man with a career in the human body parts industry. This episode was originally released on October 29th, 2023.
- 22. Cadavers - Part 1
In the first of a two-part series, Zachary Crockett examines the history of human cadavers and the industry that has developed around them. This episode was originally released on October 22nd, 2023.
- 21. Car Washes
This episode explores the reasons for the rapid growth of the car wash industry in the United States. Host Zachary Crockett examines the business model behind these roadside establishments.
- 20. Tattoo Parlors
This episode explores the history and evolving business model of tattoo parlors, noting how social media has shifted the trade. Host Zachary Crockett examines current trends in the popular industry.
- 19. Pizza Boxes
In this episode of The Economics of Everyday Things, host Zachary Crockett explores the design and function of pizza boxes. This episode was originally broadcast on October 1, 2023.
- 18. Mobile Home Parks
Zachary Crockett explores the changing landscape of mobile home parks and the increasing interest from investors in these properties. This episode examines the historical stigma associated with these communities as new business models emer…
- 17. Truffles
This episode explores the complex process of bringing truffles to market, examining the roles of trained dogs, industry middlemen, and the individuals involved in the trade. Host Zachary Crockett traces the supply chain of this sought-afte…
- 16. Prop Money
This episode explores the production of fake cash for the film industry and examines how creators navigate counterfeit laws. Zachary Crockett investigates the business of prop money.
- 15. Home Staging
Host Zachary Crockett examines the process of home staging and how it is used to make empty properties more appealing to potential buyers. This episode was originally released on August 27, 2023.
- 14. “Happy Birthday to You”
This episode examines the history of the song "Happy Birthday to You," exploring its status as a popular 20th-century staple and the legal challenges surrounding its copyright. Host Zachary Crockett discusses the song's role in American cu…
- 13. Carnival Games
Zachary Crockett explores the inner workings of carnival games and looks at the likelihood of winning prizes like giant teddy bears.
- 12. Women’s Sports Bars
In this episode of The Economics of Everyday Things, Zachary Crockett explores the business approach behind the establishment of a sports bar dedicated to screening women's games. The episode highlights the efforts to change the landscape…
- 11. Cashmere
This episode of The Economics of Everyday Things examines the rise of cashmere from a luxury good to a mass-market product and its impact on goat populations in Mongolia. Zachary Crockett explores the economic implications of this industry…
- 10. Michelin Stars
This episode explores the Michelin Star rating system and its impact on fine dining restaurants. This is a rebroadcast of an episode originally published on July 16, 2023.
- 9. Bowling Alleys
This episode explores the history and recent shifts in the bowling industry, highlighting how some bowling alleys are adapting to keep the sport alive. It examines the decline of once-popular bowling venues and the strategies they are usin…
- 8. Delaware License Plates
This episode explores the market for low-digit Delaware license plates, where the rarity of low numbers leads to high-value transactions. Zachary Crockett examines this unique phenomenon in the state.
- 7. Animal Urine
In this episode of The Economics of Everyday Things, Zachary Crockett explores the economic potential and profit found in animal urine. This episode was originally released on June 25, 2023.
- 6. T. rex Skeletons
Zachary Crockett explores the journey of T. rex skeletons as they move from the Upper Cretaceous period into natural-history museums and private collections.
- 5. Sports Mascots
This episode explores the financial aspects of sports mascots, examining the costs associated with these ballpark figures. It was originally released on June 11, 2023.
- 4. Used Hotel Soaps
This episode explores the life cycle of hotel soaps after guests depart. Zachary Crockett investigates what happens to these small amenities once they are left behind.
- 3. My Sharona
This episode examines the enduring financial impact of a hit song from forty years ago. It explores whether a single track can continue to provide income decades after its release.
- 2. Girl Scout Cookies
This episode examines the supply chain and sales operations behind Girl Scout Cookies. Zachary Crockett explores how the organization manages the distribution of its popular cookie varieties.
- 120. An update on the show
Host Zachary Crockett provides an update on the status of The Economics of Everyday Things, announcing that the program is entering an indefinite hiatus.
- 119. Christmas Lights
This episode explores the professional holiday lighting industry, examining why some homeowners choose to pay thousands of dollars for expert installation services. Zachary Crockett investigates the trends and business aspects behind elabo…
- 118. Urban Trees
This episode explores the economic value of urban trees, examining how they function as living assets for cities and neighborhoods. Host Zachary Crockett discusses the measurable costs and benefits of urban forestry with experts in the fie…
- 117. Cut Flowers
This episode traces the global supply chain behind grocery store cut flowers, from farms to retail distribution. Host Zachary Crockett examines the logistics network that makes fresh floral arrangements available to consumers.
- 116. Cobblers
This episode examines the state of the shoe repair industry, exploring why independent shops are becoming rarer even as demand for their services increases. The host visits a shoe repair shop to discuss the challenges and realities of the…
- Superhot Chili Peppers (Replay)
This episode of The Economics of Everyday Things examines the competitive market for extremely spicy chili peppers. Zachary Crockett explores the industry behind superhot peppers, featuring insights from experts like Ed Currie and Stephani…
- 115. Miniature Golf
Zachary Crockett explores the costs, design process, and operation of miniature golf courses with help from industry professionals. The episode examines how these courses are built and what goes into running a mini-golf business.
- 114. Natural and Artificial Flavors
In this episode of The Economics of Everyday Things, host Zachary Crockett explores the process flavorists use to create natural and artificial flavors for food and drink products. The episode examines how these flavors are developed and s…
- 113. Laundromats
This episode of The Economics of Everyday Things examines the business and daily operations of laundromats, featuring insights from owner Jordan Berry. It explores the industry's functions and history through various resources.
- 112. Campgrounds
Zachary Crockett explores the business realities of operating a campground, moving beyond the popular image of camping to examine industry operations. The episode features insights from campground owner and executive Mark Lemoine.
- Gas Stations (UPDATED)
Zachary Crockett explores the economics of gas stations, investigating whether station owners profit from rising gas prices and identifying their true sources of revenue. The episode includes insights from industry experts and a gas statio…
- 111. Product Recalls
This episode examines how the product recall process functions and investigates which parties are responsible for the associated costs. Host Zachary Crockett explores the complexities of supply chain safety and recalls through the example…
- 110. Formula 1 Teams
Zachary Crockett explores the economics of Formula 1, examining the high costs of vehicle development and the financial scale of the sport. The episode includes insights from Williams Racing CFO Steve Cripps.
- 109. Billboards
This episode examines how the billboard industry has adapted to the digital age. Host Zachary Crockett explores the evolution of this advertising medium, featuring insights from industry professionals.