552. Freakonomics Radio Presents: The Economics of Everyday Things

This podcast episode embarks on a captivating journey into the world of mascots, delving into the fascinating stories behind the creation of beloved characters like the Phillie Phanatic and Gritty, exploring the creative process behind their design and performance, and uncovering the financial aspects that drive the mascot industry. Additionally, it examines the challenges faced by herders and producers in the cashmere industry, from overgrazing and climate change to the intricate process of obtaining fossil permits, emphasizing the delicate balance between scientific research and commercial gain surrounding dinosaur fossils, and concludes with a discussion about dinosaur vomit and the use of traffic roundabouts to improve traffic flow.