Are modern parents too protective? Why do we worry so much about things that almost never happen? And how did Mike learn about bus stops?
Journalist Walt Hickey uses data to understand how culture works. He and Steve talk about why China hasn’t produced any hit movies yet and how he got his own avatar in the Madden NFL video game.
Economist Daron Acemoglu likes to tackle big questions. He tells Steve how colonialism still affects us today, who benefits from new technology, and why democracy wasn’t always a sure thing.
Why is it separate from medical insurance? And is it really insurance at all? Zachary Crockett goes in for a cleaning.
Should you shout your sins from the rooftops? How many skeletons are in the average person’s closet? And what has Angela been hiding?
Ralph Leighton reflects on his decades-long friendship with Richard Feynman.
To get Plus episodes, you can sign up for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts here.
Cat Bohannon’s new book puts female anatomy at the center of human evolution. She tells Steve why it takes us so long to give birth, what breast milk is really for, and why the human reproductive system is a flaming pile of garbage.
Sportswriter Karen Crouse talks about the battle between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
To get Plus episodes, you can sign up for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts here.
Interest in houseplants has exploded in recent years. But what causes floral trends, and prices, to grow? Zachary Crockett sows a few seeds.
Stephen talks with Roger Nam, a professor of Hebrew Bible at Emory University, about how ancient migrations intersect with today.
To get Plus episodes, you can sign up for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts here.
Stephen Dubner speaks with the University of Warwick’s Economics Society.
To get Plus episodes, you can sign up for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts here.
Stephen Dubner speaks with journalist David Leonhardt about the causes and consequences of the U.S. immigration mess.
To get Plus episodes, you can sign up for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts here.
Fareed Zakaria says yes. But it’s not just political revolution — it’s economic, technological, even emotional. He doesn’t offer easy solutions but he does offer some hope.
Fareed Zakaria says yes. But it’s not just political revolution — it’s economic, technological, even emotional. He doesn’t offer easy solutions but he does offer some hope.
Stephen Dubner talks with the political scientist about liberal democracy, globalization, and the challenges of persuasion.
To get Plus episodes, you can sign up for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts here.
Stephen Dubner speaks with the economist Nicholas Bloom about the qualities of successful C.E.O.s.
To get Plus episodes, you can sign up for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts here.
Stephen Dubner joins Voices of Esalen host Sam Stern to talk about Richard Feynman.
To get Plus episodes, you can sign up for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts here.
The economist and social critic Glenn Loury has led a remarkably turbulent life, both professionally and personally. In a new memoir, he has chosen to reveal just about everything. Why?
The economist and social critic Glenn Loury has led a remarkably turbulent life, both professionally and personally. In a new memoir, he has chosen to reveal just about everything. Why?
Stephen Dubner talked to the economist and social critic in 2020 about whether Black Americans should receive government payments for the lasting damages of slavery.
To get Plus episodes, you can sign up for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts here.
Stephen Dubner talks with addiction doctor Stephen Loyd about Loyd’s own experience with addiction, and how we should approach recovery in the U.S.
To get Plus episodes, you can sign up for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts here.
Stephen Dubner speaks with Pfizer corporate responsibility chief Caroline Roan.
To get Plus episodes, you can sign up for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts here.
Why do we use a specific kind of tree-bark tissue to seal up 70 percent of wine bottles? Zachary Crockett takes a sniff and gives the waiter a nod.
Stephen Dubner talks with the transportation scholar Kelcie Ralph about why so many pedestrians are killed on America’s roads.
To get Plus episodes, you can sign up for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts here.
Stephen Dubner talks with three of the people responsible for the Tony-winning play Stereophonic.
To get Plus episodes, you can sign up for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts here.
We revisit an episode about whether a multi-billion dollar industry is effective.
To get Plus episodes, you can sign up for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts here.
Channeling the voices of celebrities can be a lucrative career — one that requires empathy and discretion, as well as literary chops. Zachary Crockett checks the acknowledgements.
Performing at a strip club can be lucrative, but it requires financial and psychological savvy — and an eye for social trends. Zachary Crockett takes a look.
Thanks to online booking platforms, the way we make reservations has changed — but a table at a hot restaurant on a Friday night is still a valuable commodity. Zachary Crockett books a four-top for 7 p.m.
Do you see yourself the same way others see you? What’s the difference between self-perception and self-awareness? And why do Mike and Angela both hate fishing?
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.
Stay up-to-date on all our shows. We promise no spam.
