Search the Site

Weight Loss

 
Date
Length

Save Me From Myself

Season 3, Episode 1

Sometimes we have a hard time committing ourselves – whether it’s quitting a bad habit or following through on a worthy goal. In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, we share stories about “commitment devices.” They’re a clever way to force yourself to do something that you know will be hard. Host Stephen Dubner talks to a struggling gambler who signs himself up for a program that bans him from state casinos – only to return, win a jackpot, and have it confiscated. We’ll also hear from a new father trying to shed bad habits. So he makes a list of things he wants to change and vows to pay a penalty if he can’t shape up in 30 days. The penalty? He’d write a $750 check to someone he really dislikes: Oprah Winfrey. Freakonomics co-author Steve Levitt offers a few of his own off-the-wall commitment devices, and the Brown economist Anna Aizer talks about using commitment devices to fight domestic violence.

10/11/12

Save Me From Myself (Replay)

Season 7, Episode 47 A commitment device forces you to be the person you really want to be. What could possibly go wrong? To find out more, check out the podcast from which this hour was drawn: “Save Me From Myself.”

7/26/18

The Freakonomics Radio Network

Freakonomics Radio Follow this show 766 Episodes
No Stupid Questions Follow this show 202 Episodes
People I (Mostly) Admire Follow this show 136 Episodes
The Economics of Everyday Things Follow this show 46 Episodes
The Freakonomics Radio Book Club Follow this show 19 Episodes

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.