Search the Site

More Episodes

Episode image
Follow this show
Episode 627

Sludge, Part 1: The World Is Drowning in It

Insurance forms that make no sense. Subscriptions that can’t be cancelled. A never-ending blizzard of automated notifications. Where does all this sludge come from — and how much is it costing us? (Part one of a two-part series.)

00:00
54:34
Episode image
Follow this show
Episode 85

Executive Recruiters

When a Fortune 500 company needs a new leader, it turns to a well-connected headhunter who assesses candidates with psychological tests and mock TV interviews. Zachary Crockett activates his network.

00:00
21:11
Episode image
Follow this show
Episode 359

Should America Be Run by … Trader Joe’s? (Update)

The quirky little grocery chain with California roots and German ownership has a lot to teach all of us about choice architecture, efficiency, frugality, collaboration, and team spirit.

00:00
48:01
Episode image
Follow this show
Episode 84

Mall Cops

Security guards make malls feel safer, but what can they do when there’s trouble? Zachary Crockett observes and reports.

00:00
18:20

The Freakonomics Radio Network

Freakonomics Radio Follow this show 862 Episodes
People I (Mostly) Admire Follow this show 178 Episodes
The Economics of Everyday Things Follow this show 100 Episodes
The Freakonomics Radio Book Club Follow this show 26 Episodes

More From Our Network

How to Listen

You want to listen to Freakonomics Radio? That’s great! Most people use a podcast app on their smartphone. It’s free (with the purchase of a phone, of course). Looking for more guidance? We’ve got you covered.

Learn more about how to listen

Freakonomics Radio Network Newsletter

Stay up-to-date on all our shows. We promise no spam.

The Books

Freakonomics SuperFreakonomics Think Like a Freak When to Rob a Bank