386. How the Supermarket Helped America Win the Cold War
Aisle upon aisle of fresh produce, cheap meat, and sugary cereal — a delicious embodiment of free-market capitalism,...
43:22
stitcher podcasts
392. The Prime Minister Who Cried Brexit
In 2016, David Cameron held a referendum on whether the U.K. should stay in the European Union. A longtime...
56:30
394. Does Hollywood Still Have a Princess Problem?
For decades, there’s been a huge gender disparity both on-screen and behind the scenes. But it seems like cold, hard...
51:53
How to Change Your Mind (Ep. 379 Rebroadcast)
There are a lot of barriers to changing your mind: ego, overconfidence, inertia — and cost. Politicians who flip-flop...
47:27
Why Is This Man Running for President? (Ep. 362 Update)
A year ago, nobody was taking Andrew Yang very seriously. Now he is America’s favorite entrepre-nerd, with a...
01:02:01
Two (Totally Opposite) Ways to Save the Planet (Ep. 346)
The environmentalists say we’re doomed if we don’t drastically reduce consumption. The technologists say that human...
51:22
Why You Shouldn’t Open a Restaurant (Ep. 347)
Kenji Lopez-Alt became a rock star of the food world by bringing science into the kitchen in a way that everyday...
37:17
Here’s Why You’re Not an Elite Athlete (Ep. 351)
There are a lot of factors that go into greatness, many of which are not obvious. A variety of Olympic and...
01:08:43
Can This Man Stop a Trade War? (Ep. 352)
The World Trade Organization is the referee for 164 trading partners, each with their own political and economic...
42:59
How to Optimize Your Apology (Ep. 353)
You said, “I’m sorry,” but somehow you haven’t been forgiven. Why? Because you’re doing it wrong! A report from the...
50:57
355. Where Does Creativity Come From (and Why Do Schools Kill It Off)?
Family environments and “diversifying experiences” (including the early death of a parent); intrinsic versus...
01:15:15
We all know our political system is “broken” — but what if that’s not true? Some say the Republicans and Democrats...
55:33
357. Can an Industrial Giant Become a Tech Darling?
The Ford Motor Company is ditching its legacy sedans, doubling down on trucks, and trying to steer its stock price...
56:34
359. Should America Be Run by … Trader Joe’s?
The quirky little grocery chain with California roots and German ownership has a lot to teach all of us about choice...
49:38
360. Is the Protestant Work Ethic Real?
In the early 20th century, Max Weber argued that Protestantism created wealth. Finally, there are data to prove if he...
41:32
Freakonomics Radio Live: “Where Does Fear Live in the Brain?”
Our co-host is comedian Christian Finnegan, and we learn: the difference between danger and fear; the role of clouds...
56:10
How to Win Games and Beat People (Ep. 247 Rebroadcast)
Games are as old as civilization itself, and some people think they have huge social value regardless of whether you...
54:29
369. A Good Idea Is Not Good Enough
Whether you’re building a business or a cathedral, execution is everything. We ask artists, scientists, and inventors...
56:45
Why You Shouldn’t Open a Restaurant (Ep. 347 Update)
Kenji Lopez-Alt became a rock star of the food world by bringing science into the kitchen in a way that everyday...
50:34
376. The Data-Driven Guide to Sane Parenting
Humans have been having kids forever, so why are modern parents so bewildered? The economist Emily Oster marshals the...
52:46