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.
This podcast episode delves into the transformative potential of observation, positive reinforcement, and the acceptance of failure as essential components of personal growth. Through an engaging conversation between Dubner and Duchovny, listeners explore various perspectives on struggle, the thrill of lifelong learnin...
This podcast episode explores the complexities surrounding elite universities and their reluctance to expand, revealing how prestige and exclusivity act as powerful forces that not only drive demand but also shape societal perceptions of value in education. With insights from economists Peter Blair and Miguel Urquiola,...
This podcast episode delves into the complexities and challenges facing higher education in the US, addressing significant issues such as income inequality, the evolving role of colleges, and differing educational models. Through discussions with economists and educational leaders, the episode emphasizes the importance...
This podcast episode explores the multifaceted nature of athletic success, emphasizing that while talent and hard work are crucial, factors such as luck, opportunity, and socio-economic access weigh heavily on an athlete's journey. Through personal stories and expert insights, the discussion illuminates the complex int...
This podcast episode features Tania Tetlow, president of Fordham University, who shares her journey from being a federal prosecutor to leading a diverse institution, emphasizing the importance of discernment, liberal arts education, and the role of universities in fostering social trust and community engagement. Highli...
This podcast episode delves into the innovative concept of time banking, which aims to reshape our perception of value beyond traditional monetary systems by allowing individuals to trade services using "human dollars" as currency, ultimately fostering community and social trust while addressing the challenges of moder...
This podcast episode examines the complexities of rent control, tracing its historical roots to World War II and discussing its economic implications, particularly in urban settings like San Francisco. Economists Ed Glaeser and Rebecca Diamond reveal how rent control can create housing scarcity, limit tenant mobility, ...
This podcast episode reveals the intricate history and current dynamics of the eyeglass industry, emphasizing the significant influence of corporate giants like Essilor Luxottica while illuminating the challenges posed by new entrants such as Warby Parker. It tackles pressing issues surrounding pricing and market power...
This podcast episode delves into the history and evolution of the eyewear industry, focusing on the emergence of vision correcting devices and the dominance of companies like EssilorLuxottica. It discusses the increasing cost of spectacles over time and the involvement of fashion designers in creating high fashion eyew...
This podcast episode explores the field of behavioral economics through an interview with Richard Thaler, a Nobel Prize-winning economist. Thaler's research challenged traditional economic models and his ideas are now being implemented worldwide. The episode also discusses the concept of supposedly irrelevant factors a...
This podcast episode explores the concept of decision-making and the role of cognitive biases. It discusses the inherent flaws in human decision-making and the importance of recognizing and understanding these biases. The episode also examines the life and personality of Danny Kahneman, as well as his contribution to t...
This podcast episode explores the concept of duopoly in both the beverage industry and the political system. It highlights the historic rivalry between Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola, as well as the dominance and self-perpetuation found in various industries. The political system is compared to an industry, with the duopoly ...
This podcast episode delves into the Jared Fogle scandal and its impact on Subway's brand reputation and consumer demand. It explores how Subway grew into a global franchise, largely due to Fogle's successful weight loss story and celebrity endorsement. However, the scandal revealed Fogle's involvement in criminal acti...
This podcast episode explores the challenges and changes faced by the theater industry, particularly in terms of financial stability and audience demographics. It discusses the impact of the pandemic on the industry and highlights the resilience and potential for growth. The section also delves into the financial aspec...
This podcast episode explores the allure and enigma surrounding Berghain, a renowned techno club in Berlin known for its exclusivity and legendary parties. It delves into the experiences of individuals trying to gain entry into the club, the role of the selective bouncer Sven, the history of the club, online speculatio...
This podcast episode explores the economics and challenges of the live theater industry, including the concept of Baumol's cost disease. It discusses the allure and distinct qualities of live theater, the struggles faced by artists in creating unconventional works, and the production of the play "Stereophonic" with the...
This podcast episode explores the origins of the "52 Things I Learned" list by Tom Whitwell, which contains informative and interesting items and serves as a creativity resume and content marketing endeavor. The conversation also delves into the origins of jaywalking and the influence of the auto industry on its develo...
This podcast episode explores different aspects of opioid addiction and its treatment, including the decline in opioid deaths, the effectiveness and challenges of buprenorphine treatment, the barriers to prescribing buprenorphine, the debate between medication-assisted treatment and abstinence-based programs, the under...
This podcast episode explores the ongoing stigma surrounding the opioid crisis and discusses the impact of COVID-19 on addiction rates. It highlights the challenges in allocating settlement funds effectively and the importance of prevention, harm reduction, and comprehensive treatment options. The lack of accountabilit...
This podcast episode explores the origins and persistence of the opioid epidemic, with a focus on the role of OxyContin, the influence of social spillovers, and the increasing presence of fentanyl in the drug market. The discussion highlights the need to understand the underlying factors driving the epidemic and emphas...
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