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Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher · Business

Freakonomics Radio

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

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565. Are Private Equity Firms Plundering the U.S. Economy?

16 Nov 2023
51m
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Private equity firms' practices, such as roll-ups and the excessive use of debt, often lead to adverse consequences for consumers, workers, and communities, sparking debates about the need for regulatory reforms. Takeaways • Private equity firms acquire large amounts of debt to purchase companies, putting acquired com...

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480. How Much Does Discrimination Hurt the Economy? (Replay)

09 Nov 2023
57m
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This podcast episode explores the economic consequences of discrimination, with a focus on the expulsion of Jewish managers from German firms during the Holocaust. The study found that this discrimination had a negative impact on the performance of these firms, as well as on the German economy as a whole. The speakers ...

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

02 Nov 2023
51m
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This episode delves into the concept of failure, exploring its various facets and significance in human life and innovation. Through interviews with experts and engaging discussions, the episode challenges societal perceptions of failure and encourages embracing it as a natural and essential part of learning and growth...

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

26 Oct 2023
1h 3m
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This podcast episode explores the challenges and triumphs of home inventors, highlights the struggles faced by individuals in academia, and discusses the significance of learning from failures in innovation. It features personal stories of Travis Thull, Jill Hoffman, John Boykin, Mike Ridgeman, Joseph O'Connell, and ot...

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

19 Oct 2023
53m
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This podcast episode centers around the idea that failure is not to be avoided but rather embraced as an opportunity for learning and growth. It delves into instances of organizational failures and shares the perspectives of professionals who have navigated difficult and sensitive situations. The takeaway is that failu...

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

12 Oct 2023
54m
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Failures are not isolated incidents but rather interconnected events with multifaceted emotional consequences. Learning from failures is crucial for organizational and personal growth. Embracing risks and valuing the lessons learned from failures can lead to positive outcomes.

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232. A New Nobel Laureate Explains the Gender Pay Gap (Replay)

10 Oct 2023
44m
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This podcast episode delves into the complexities of the gender pay gap, exploring its historical roots, contributing factors beyond discrimination, such as occupational segregation, motherhood penalty, and temporal flexibility, and the challenges in achieving gender equality in the workplace. The discussion emphasizes...

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

05 Oct 2023
40m
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This podcast episode introduces John Ray, a bankruptcy expert and emergency CEO of FTX, who delves into the reasons why companies go bankrupt, his approach to bankruptcy restructuring, and insights into the FTX bankruptcy case.

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559. Are Two C.E.O.s Better Than One?

28 Sep 2023
50m
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Co-CEOs can bring diverse perspectives and skills to the table, leading to better decision-making and improved performance. However, success depends on factors such as individual personalities, company culture, and industry.

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558. The Facts Are In: Two Parents Are Better Than One

21 Sep 2023
1h 4m
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This podcast delves into the decreasing trend of two-parent households in the US, the impact of this trend on children's well-being and social mobility, and the economic and social factors driving this change. The discussion emphasizes the importance of examining the benefits of two-parent households, addressing racial...

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557. When Is a Superstar Just Another Employee?

14 Sep 2023
1h 0m
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The NFL Players Association survey aimed to evaluate workplace conditions across the league, with a focus on eight categories, including locker room facilities, nutrition, travel, and family accommodations. Findings showed that some teams lack adequate facilities and offer poor-quality meals, while others excel in prov...

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556. A.I. Is Changing Everything. Does That Include You?

07 Sep 2023
48m
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This podcast episode explores the concept of using AI as a creative enhancement tool, particularly in the context of ideation and entrepreneurship. Experts discuss the benefits and limitations of AI in generating creative ideas, emphasizing the need for human input and careful consideration to avoid reliance on AI alon...

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555. New Technologies Always Scare Us. Is A.I. Any Different?

31 Aug 2023
47m
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This podcast episode delves into artificial intelligence (AI), its capabilities, potential societal implications, and the challenges of ensuring its alignment with human values. It also examines AI's impact on jobs, citing historical examples and the complex relationship between technology and society.

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554. Can A.I. Take a Joke?

24 Aug 2023
48m
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This podcast dives into artificial intelligence (A.I.), examining its current capabilities, limitations, and societal implications. It dispels misconceptions, highlights A.I.'s role in reducing prediction costs, and explores its impact on writing, creativity, art forms, economic growth, and human existence. The podcast...

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553. The Suddenly Diplomatic Rahm Emanuel

17 Aug 2023
56m
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This podcast episode covers various topics related to Japan's political, economic, and social landscape, including its military buildup, evolving security dynamics, diplomatic relations with the United States and China, and the challenges posed by economic coercion and anti-Semitism. It also explores the country's uniq...

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Should Traffic Lights Be Abolished? (Ep. 454 Replay)

10 Aug 2023
46m
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This podcast episode explores the benefits of roundabouts compared to traditional intersections, including their potential to save lives, reduce emissions, and improve traffic flow. The discussion covers their advantages over traffic lights in terms of safety, efficiency, and maintenance costs. It also highlights the c...

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Extra: A Modern Whaler Speaks Up

06 Aug 2023
26m
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This podcast episode explores the life and experiences of Bjorn Anderson, a Norwegian fisherman and whaler, shedding light on the whaling industry, the challenges faced by whalers, and the importance of preserving traditional practices and knowledge.

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552. Freakonomics Radio Presents: The Economics of Everyday Things

03 Aug 2023
47m
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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 ma...

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

27 Jul 2023
47m
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This podcast episode explores the enduring relevance of Moby Dick, delves into the factors contributing to whale deaths, and examines the relationship between racial diversity and team productivity. It also explores the ecological importance of whales, the impact of diversity on productivity in various industries, and ...

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550. Why Do People Still Hunt Whales?

20 Jul 2023
37m
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This podcast episode provides a comprehensive overview of the history, technology, and controversies surrounding whaling. It delves into the rise and fall of whaling industries in countries like the United States, Norway, and Japan, exploring the economic, cultural, and technological factors that shaped this industry. ...

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