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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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Is the U.S. Really Less Corrupt Than China? (Update)

26 Sep 2025
57m
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In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, host Angela Duckworth interviews political scientist Yuen Yuen Ang about her book, "China's Gilded Age." Ang discusses the paradox of China's rapid economic growth despite high levels of corruption, arguing that the type of corruption—specifically "access money," akin to steroids ...

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647. China Is Run by Engineers. America Is Run by Lawyers.

19 Sep 2025
1h 1m
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In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, Angela interviews Dan Wang, a research fellow at the Hoover Institution and author of "Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future." Wang discusses his background, growing up in China and immigrating to Canada and the U.S., before returning to China as an economic analyst. The...

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Is the World Ready for a Guaranteed Basic Income? (Update)

17 Sep 2025
36m
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This episode of Freakonomics Radio explores the concept of a guaranteed basic income (UBI) as a potential solution to job displacement caused by increasing automation and AI technologies. The episode revisits a 2016 discussion on UBI, updated with current data and perspectives. It examines historical attempts at implem...

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646. An Air Traffic Controller Walks Into a Radio Studio ...

12 Sep 2025
1h 1m
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This episode of Freakonomics Radio, part two of a series inspired by retired air traffic controller Kenneth Levin, delves into the complexities of air traffic control (ATC) in the U.S. Through interviews with Levin, economist John Strong, National Business Aviation Association CEO Ed Bolen, former Department of Transpo...

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645. Is the Air Traffic Control System Broken?

05 Sep 2025
1h 2m
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This episode of Freakonomics Radio explores the complexities of the U.S. air traffic control (ATC) system. Stephen Dubner interviews several guests, including Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian, former Deputy Secretary of Transportation Polly Trottenberg, and policy expert Dorothy Robyn, to discuss the challenges facing the...

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644. Has America Lost Its Appetite for the Common Good?

29 Aug 2025
1h 16m
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In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner interviews Patrick Deneen, a political theorist, about his book "Why Liberalism Failed" and his views on the current political climate in the United States. Deneen discusses the tension between democracy and oligarchy, proposing a mixed constitution or "aristopopuli...

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Extra: A Modern Whaler Speaks Up (Update)

27 Aug 2025
26m
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This episode of Freakonomics Radio features an interview with Bjorn Andersen, a Norwegian fisherman and whale hunter. Andersen discusses his work, the economics of whaling, and the ecological impact of minke whales on fish stocks. He shares insights into the modern whaling industry, his views on the Save the Whales mov...

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What Can Whales Teach Us About Clean Energy, Workplace Harmony, and Living the Good Life? (Update)

22 Aug 2025
48m
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In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner explores the multifaceted world of whaling, blending historical context with contemporary issues. The episode features insights from Hester Blum, a Melville scholar, on the cultural significance of Moby-Dick and the diverse crews of 19th-century whaling ships. It de...

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Why Do People Still Hunt Whales? (Update)

15 Aug 2025
37m
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This episode of Freakonomics Radio, part two of a series on whaling, explores the history and economics of the whaling industry, particularly focusing on Norway and Japan. It features interviews with economic historians Bjorn Basberg and Eric Hilt, as well as journalist Jay Alabaster, who provide insights into Norway's...

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The First Great American Industry (Update)

08 Aug 2025
45m
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This episode of Freakonomics Radio, hosted by Stephen Dubner, delves into the history of the American whaling industry, particularly focusing on its economic impact and evolution. Featuring insights from historian Nathaniel Philbrick and economic historian Eric Hilt, the podcast traces whaling from its origins in Nantu...

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Why Does Tipping Still Exist? (Update)

06 Aug 2025
47m
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This Freakonomics Radio episode delves into the complexities of tipping, exploring its history, economic impact, and social implications. The episode features insights from economists like John List and Uri Gneezy, who conducted experiments on tipping behavior, as well as restaurateur Danny Meyer, who attempted to elim...

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643. Why Do Candles Still Exist?

01 Aug 2025
47m
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In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner explores the enduring popularity of candles in a world dominated by electricity. He interviews Steve Horenziak, president of the National Candle Association and a research fellow at Procter & Gamble, about the history, uses, and surprising growth of the candle indus...

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642. How to Wage Peace, According to Tony Blinken

25 Jul 2025
1h 6m
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In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner interviews former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, focusing on his background, his views on international relations, and his tenure in the Biden administration. Blinken shares personal stories from his family history that shaped his worldview, particularly regardi...

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Why Does One Tiny State Set the Rules for Everyone? (Update)

23 Jul 2025
47m
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In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner interviews Hal Weitzman, author of "What's the Matter with Delaware?", to explore why Delaware has become the go-to state for corporate incorporation. They discuss Delaware's efficient legal system, particularly its Court of Chancery, and its business-friendly polic...

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641. What Does It Cost to Lead a Creative Life?

18 Jul 2025
46m
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In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner interviews playwright David Adjmi about his hit play "Stereophonic," its journey to Broadway and the West End, and the economics of theater. Adjmi discusses the sacrifices he made for his art, the collaborative process behind "Stereophonic" with Will Butler and Dani...

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640. Why Governments Are Betting Big on Sports

11 Jul 2025
50m
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This episode of Freakonomics Radio explores the intersection of global trade, sports, and geopolitics, focusing on how Gulf State investments are reshaping sports in America and Europe. The episode features Kash Shaikh, CEO of Baseball United, who discusses his efforts to introduce professional baseball to the Middle E...

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How to Make Your Own Luck (Update)

09 Jul 2025
58m
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In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, host Angela Duckworth interviews writer Maria Konnikova about her book "The Biggest Bluff," detailing her journey from a poker novice to a professional player. Konnikova, who holds a Ph.D. in psychology, discusses how poker serves as a metaphor for life, highlighting the balance b...

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639. “This Country Kicks My Ass All the Time”

04 Jul 2025
53m
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In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner interviews United States Senator Cory Booker on a range of topics including the Republican party, Donald Trump, the economy, and the future of American politics. Booker shares personal anecdotes, discusses his political philosophy, and critiques the Trump administra...

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638. Are You Ready for the Elder Swell?

27 Jun 2025
54m
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This episode of Freakonomics Radio, titled "The Elder Swell," explores the demographic shift towards an aging population and its implications. Stephen Dubner presents surprising statistics about the increasing number of older adults and their improved healthspan. The episode features interviews conducted by Kyla Scanlo...

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What Do Medieval Nuns and Bo Jackson Have in Common? (Update)

25 Jun 2025
36m
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This episode of Freakonomics Radio, originally released in 2013 and updated, explores the concept of spite through the lens of economics and human behavior. The episode begins with the story of Saint Ebba and medieval nuns who mutilated themselves to avoid rape, connecting it to the phrase "cutting off your nose to spi...

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