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, Stephen Dubner explores the world of personal finance advice, questioning whether the popular gurus are truly offering sound guidance. Economist James Choi compares the recommendations of these authors to those of economic theory, highlighting significant differences, especially c...
This Freakonomics Radio episode explores the "fresh start effect" and its impact on behavior change, particularly in the context of New Year's resolutions. Katy Milkman, a behavior change specialist, discusses the psychological shifts that fresh starts can trigger, such as providing a sense of a clean slate and encoura...
This episode of Freakonomics Radio, updated as part of the Pods Fight Poverty campaign for GiveDirectly, explores the complex relationship between wealth and altruism. It begins with an anecdote about income disparity and questions whether the rich are inherently more selfish than the poor. The episode references studi...
In the final episode of the "Making Messiah" series on Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner explores the enduring legacy of Handel's Messiah. The episode features Jane Glover, an early music scholar and conductor, who shares her lifelong connection to the oratorio. The discussion covers Handel's business acumen, the Foun...
In this bonus episode of Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner interviews Gary Parr, a senior managing director at Apollo and a philanthropist, about his involvement with the New York Philharmonic and the arts. Parr discusses his early exposure to classical music, the financial challenges faced by orchestras, and the impo...
This episode of Freakonomics Radio delves into the life and career of George Frideric Handel, focusing on his entrepreneurial endeavors and the creation of his masterpiece, Messiah. The episode traces Handel's journey from Germany to Italy and then London, highlighting his financial struggles and eventual triumph with ...
Stephen Dubner explores the enduring appeal of Handel's "Messiah" in the first of a three-part series, beginning with his own personal connection to the music and its themes of hope. The episode features interviews with Handel enthusiast Stuart Kinsella, conductor Francius O'Din, and political scientist Charles King, a...
In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner explores the economics and future of Macy's with CEO Tony Spring, retail expert Mark Cohen, and Jeff Kinney, author and bookstore owner. Spring discusses his strategy to revitalize Macy's by closing underperforming stores, improving merchandise, and enhancing custom...
In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner explores the economics behind the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a beloved annual tradition. Dubner interviews key figures involved in the parade's production, including Will Coss, the parade's executive producer, Jen Neal from NBCUniversal, and Jeff Kinney, author...
Stephen Dubner hosts a Freakonomics Radio episode exploring the potential democratization of private equity investments for retail investors, such as those with 401(k)s, following President Trump's executive order. The episode features Elisabeth de Fontenay, a law professor at Duke University, and Steve Kaplan, an econ...
In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner explores the economics of thoroughbred racehorses, focusing on the Keeneland September yearling sale in Lexington, Kentucky. The episode features interviews with key figures in the horse racing industry, including Cormac Breathnach from Keeneland, horse breeder Anne...
This bonus episode of Freakonomics Radio commemorates the 20th anniversary of the book "Freakonomics." It begins with Stephen Dubner reading the foreword to the anniversary edition, reflecting on the book's origins, impact, and the partnership with Steve Levitt. The episode transitions into a live conversation between ...
In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner explores the economics of thoroughbred horse breeding and racing. The episode features interviews with Richard Migliore, a former jockey, who discusses the physical and mental demands of being a jockey, and Mark Taylor, the president of Taylor Made Farm, who provide...
Stephen Dubner introduces an upcoming episode on brain supplements and invites listeners to share their experiences. He also announces live shows in Washington, D.C., and New York City. The main episode explores the economics of horses ("Equinomics"), starting with a visit to Chester Racecourse in England. The episode ...
In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner explores the concept of co-CEOs in large companies, revisiting a previous episode with updated information. The episode features insights from Marc Feigen, a CEO advisor who advocates for co-CEOs based on his research indicating higher shareholder returns in compani...
In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner interviews Rochelle Walensky, former director of the CDC, about the looming healthcare workforce crisis in the U.S. The discussion covers factors contributing to the physician shortage, including the aging population, geographic maldistribution, and limitations in m...
This podcast episode features Stephen Dubner as a guest on Debbie Millman's "Design Matters," where he discusses various aspects of his life and career. Dubner recounts his early writing experiences, including his first published poem, and reflects on the influence of teachers. He delves into his family history, focusi...
In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, host Angela Duckworth interviews Arthur Brooks, a professor at Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, about his book "Love Your Enemies" and the concept of contempt in American politics. Brooks argues that the U.S. is experiencing a "contempt crisis," fueled by econom...
In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner explores the possibility of merging the NFL and NBA with top-level college football and basketball programs, creating a promotion-relegation system similar to European soccer. Dubner interviews sports economist Stefan Szymanski, former NFL player Domonique Foxworth,...
In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner explores the complex economics of college sports and the NFL, focusing on the exploitation of college athletes and the changing landscape of compensation. Through interviews with Domonique Foxworth, Victor Matheson, Jeffrey Kessler, Oliver Luck, and DeMaurice Smith,...
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