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.
In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, host John Sullivan, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, shares his firsthand experiences during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and sheds light on the current dynamics of U.S.-Russia relations. He recounts a meeting between Presidents Biden and Putin, noting Putin's dismissiv...
In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, we delve into the different paths taken by Macy's, a struggling retail giant, and a small-town bookstore. Under the leadership of new CEO Tony Spring, Macy's is trying to turn things around by streamlining operations, enhancing its product offerings, and capitalizing on its famous...
This two-part episode of Freakonomics Radio delves into the hidden economics behind the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. With nearly 30 million viewers on TV and millions more attending in person, the true costs—ranging from helium and balloon construction to city services and security—are mostly kept under wraps by Mac...
In this bonus episode of Freakonomics Radio, the focus returns to the effects of robots and collaborative robots (cobots) on the workforce, especially in healthcare. Economists share their research on robot use in Japanese nursing homes and provide updates on their findings. While the rise of automation often sparks fe...
In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, Fareed Zakaria delves into the implications of Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 US election. He interprets this result as a strong reaction against globalization, open borders, and the feelings of disconnection experienced by many working-class Americans in today's knowledge-dri...
This episode of Freakonomics Radio delves into the intricate landscape of the legal cannabis market in the United States. Despite strong public support for legalization and notable economic gains in states like Colorado, several challenges persist. These include varying state regulations, a lack of federal research on ...
In this podcast episode, Chris Weld, a cannabis farmer, shares his journey through the rapidly evolving cannabis industry. He discusses the challenges of educating consumers about safe usage and highlights the key differences in cultivation methods and regulations compared to alcohol. Weld offers valuable insights into...
In this podcast episode, we explore the intriguing link between legalized abortion and the unexpected decline in violent crime in the U.S. since the 1990s. It introduces the Levitt-Donohue hypothesis, which posits that legalized abortion has resulted in fewer unwanted children who might have otherwise been drawn into c...
This podcast episode explores the changing landscape of the American cannabis industry, contrasting the old stigma surrounding cannabis with today's growing acceptance and legalization efforts. It addresses the various challenges entrepreneurs encounter, including hefty tax burdens from the 280E tax code, strict regula...
This podcast episode dives into the rising popularity of cannabis in the U.S. as societal attitudes shift from alcohol to cannabis use. Through various interviews and historical perspectives, it explores the intricate stories behind cannabis legalization, the backgrounds of both cannabis and alcohol, and the addictive ...
In this podcast episode, the hosts explore the intricacies of American politics by comparing the presidencies of Trump and Biden. Drawing from Posner's "The Demagogue's Playbook," they discuss the notion of demagoguery, highlighting Trump as a "political monstrosity" in contrast to Biden's more competent approach to le...
In this podcast episode, the evolution of presidential power in the United States is explored, highlighting the gap between the Founding Fathers' initial vision and today's expansive executive authority. The discussion delves into historical examples and the workings of the administrative state, examining how president...
This podcast episode delves into the evolution of work, tracing the journey from hunter-gatherer societies to today's economies, and discussing the impact of AI on future job satisfaction and productivity. Featuring insights from economist David Autor and anthropologist James Suzman, it provides a rich understanding of...
This podcast episode delves into the complexities of racial bias, DEI initiatives, and the pursuit of Black dignity, as articulated by Fryer, who underscores the significance of data-driven approaches to uncovering truths and fostering genuine change. By navigating through his research on police use of force, critiques...
This podcast episode critically analyzes the evolution and implementation of the Rooney Rule in the NFL amidst broader societal discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) following significant events like George Floyd's murder. It highlights both the shortcomings and intentions behind DEI initiatives, scruti...
This podcast episode delves into the transformative journey of the Rooney Rule in the NFL, highlighting its origins as a response to systemic bias and the critical voices advocating for diversity in coaching positions. Through the stories of notable figures like Tony Dungy and Marvin Lewis, it examines both the success...
This podcast episode makes a compelling case for the moral importance of maintenance, arguing that while innovation drives progress, we must equally value the dedicated labor required to sustain existing infrastructure and systems. Through expert insights, historical perspectives, and personal anecdotes, the discussion...
This podcast episode delves into the multifaceted relationship between smartphones and mental health, examining claims that smartphones are the primary culprits behind the decline in youth well-being while also challenging this narrative by highlighting additional societal factors that contribute to mental health issue...
This podcast episode delves into the complexities of multitasking, examining its detrimental effects on productivity and attention spans in the modern workplace, as highlighted by experts like David Strayer and Gloria Mark. It presents the concept of "supertaskers," individuals who can multitask without incurring the u...
This podcast episode explores the evolving landscape of higher education, highlighting the significant gender gap in college enrollment, economic barriers, and innovative educational models aimed at empowering marginalized groups, particularly men of color. It delves into the nuanced reasons behind the increased enroll...
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