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.
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It regulates 20 percent of the U.S. economy, and its commissioner has an aggressive agenda — faster drug approvals, healthier food, cures for diabetes and cancer. How much can he deliver? (Part two of “ The Freakonomics Radio Guide to Getting Better .”) SOURCES: Marty Makary , commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. RESOURCES: " Clinical Trials Affected by Research Grant Terminations at the National Institutes of Health ," by Vishal Patel, Michael Liu, and Anupam Jena (JAMA Internal Me...
We all want to stay sharp, and forestall the cognitive effects of aging. But do brain supplements actually work? Are they safe? And why doesn’t the F.D.A. even know what’s in them? (Part one of “ The Freakonomics Radio Guide to Getting Better .”) SOURCES: Marty Makary , commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Peter Attia , physician, author, and host of The Peter Attia Drive . Pieter Cohen , associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, physician at the Cambridge Health Al...
One Yale economist certainly thinks so. But even if he’s right, are economists any better? We find out, in this update of a 2022 episode. SOURCES: James Choi , professor of finance at the Yale School of Management. Morgan Housel , personal finance author and partner at the Collaborative Fund. RESOURCES: The Art of Spending Money: Simple Choices for a Richer Life , by Morgan Housel (2025). “ Popular Personal Financial Advice versus the Professors ,” by James J. Choi ( Journal of Economic Perspect...
Behavioral scientists investigate the "fresh start effect," where temporal landmarks like New Year's or new jobs motivate positive change by creating a sense of a clean slate. The episode delves into both intentional fresh starts, such as New Year's resolutions, and forced disruptions like a transit strike or the COVID-19 pandemic, analyzing their varying success rates and psychological impacts. Through real-world examples, including London Underground commuters and Major League Baseball players, it reveals how new beginnings can either boost performance, hinder it, or simply offer an opportunity for reflection and adaptation, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in habit formation.
A series of academic studies suggest that the wealthy are, to put it bluntly, selfish jerks. It’s an easy narrative to embrace — but is it true? As part of GiveDirectly’s “Pods Fight Poverty” campaign, we revisit a 2017 episode. SOURCES: Jim Andreoni , professor of economics at the University of California, San Diego. Nikos Nikiforakis , professor of economics at New York University in Abu Dhabi. Paul Piff , associate professor of psychology at the University of California, Irvine. Jan Stoop , a...
All sorts of people have put their mark on Messiah , and it has been a hit for nearly 300 years. How can a single piece of music thrive in so many settings? You could say it’s because Handel really knew how to write a banger. (Part three of “ Making Messiah . ”) SOURCES: Charles King , political scientist at Georgetown University. Jane Glover , classical music scholar, conductor. Katharine Hogg , musicologist, head librarian at the Foundling Museum. Susannah Heschel , religion professor, chair o...
This bonus episode features an interview with Gary Parr, a senior managing director at Apollo and a significant philanthropist, particularly for the arts. He delves into the complex economics of the New York Philharmonic, explaining why organizations like it rely heavily on private patronage rather than ticket sales or government funding, using Handel's Messiah as a key example. Parr also shares insights into the Philharmonic's strategic international outreach in China, its current strong creative and financial state, and the personal and universal appeal of classical music.
This episode delves into the incredible comeback story of George Frideric Handel, focusing on the creation and initial performances of his iconic oratorio, "Messiah." From his challenging journey to Dublin and a pivotal rehearsal in Chester, to his deep financial troubles and health decline, the narrative traces Handel's life and the entrepreneurial spirit that shaped his music. It reveals how "Messiah" not only rejuvenated his career but also pioneered a new business model for oratorios, cementing his legacy as a musical genius.
Stephen Dubner journeys to Dublin to uncover the story of George Frideric Handel's Messiah, from its first charity performance in 1742 to its unique place in modern culture. The episode delves into the piece's structure as an oratorio, its widespread popularity, and its philosophical core as a monument to hope amidst historical and personal adversity. Interviews with experts like Charles King and local Dubliners reveal the profound emotional and social impact of this participatory artwork.
Macy’s wants to recapture its glorious past. The author of the Wimpy Kid books wants to rebuild his dilapidated hometown. We just want to listen in. (Part two of a two-part series , first published in 2024) SOURCES: Mark Cohen , former professor and director of retail studies at Columbia Business School. Will Coss , vice president and executive producer of Macy’s Studios. Jeff Kinney , author, cartoonist, and owner of An Unlikely Story Bookstore and Café. Tony Spring , chairman and C.E.O. of Mac...
The iconic department store calls the parade its “gift to the nation.” With 30 million TV viewers, it’s also a big moneymaker — at least we think it is: when it comes to parade economics, Macy’s is famously tight-lipped. In this 2024 episode, we try to loosen them up. (Part one of a two-part series .) SOURCES: John Cheney, carpenter at Macy’s Studios. Will Coss , vice president and executive producer of Macy’s Studios. Jeff Kinney , author, cartoonist, and owner of An Unlikely Story Bookstore an...
This episode explores the implications of a new executive order granting retail investors access to private equity via 401k plans. Experts discuss private equity's historical outperformance and recent decline, contrasting its light regulation and market dominance with concerns about high fees, illiquidity, and potential for investors to receive inferior opportunities. The discussion questions whether this "democratization" is a genuine benefit or a strategic move by the industry to tap new capital as institutional interest wanes, potentially undermining investor protection and leading to a "caveat emptor" economy.
Despite record-breaking thoroughbred auction prices at sales like Keeneland, the horse racing industry faces significant challenges including dwindling popularity, fewer races, and cultural shifts away from animal racing. The episode delves into the economics of horse ownership and betting, the impact of sophisticated computer players, and the industry's increasing dependence on alternative revenue streams like "racinos" and historical horse racing machines to sustain its future.
On its 20th anniversary, Stephen Dubner of Freakonomics Radio reflects on the book's unconventional journey and unexpected success, from challenging academic norms to influencing public discourse. In a live discussion with Geoff Bennett, Dubner delves into the power of data for understanding human incentives, the importance of "curiosity without cynicism" in an age of misinformation, and the transformative potential of AI. He also shares insights on his creative process and offers career advice, emphasizing passion over prestige.
Dive into the high-stakes world of thoroughbred racing, examining the economics of breeding elite horses like American Pharoah and the demanding career of jockeys, as shared by veteran Richard Migliore. The episode also uncovers how Kentucky maintains its global leadership in horse breeding, the intricate economic cluster it supports, and the critical role of immigrant labor in the industry, including the debate around artificial insemination.
For most of human history, horsepower made the world go. Then came the machines. So why are there still seven million horses in America? (Part one of a series, “ The Horse Is Us .”) SOURCES: Ann N. Greene , historian of 19th century America, retired professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Constance Hunter , chief economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit. Elizabeth Bortuzzo, professional horse rider. Mark Paul , professor of economics at Rutgers University. Peter Frankopan , professor of...
Spotify, Oracle, and Comcast have each recently announced they’re going with co-C.E.O.s. In this 2023 episode, we dig into the research and hear firsthand stories of triumph and disaster. Also: lessons from computer programmers, Simon and Garfunkel, and bears versus alligators. SOURCES: Jim Balsillie , retired chairman and co-C.E.O. of Research In Motion. Mike Cannon-Brookes , co-founder and C.E.O. of Atlassian. Scott Farquhar , co-founder and former co-C.E.O. of Atlassian. Marc Feigen , C.E.O. ...
This episode explores the multifaceted physician shortage in the U.S., examining how a century-old medical school reform (the Flexner Report) unexpectedly improved public health while limiting doctor supply. It delves into the current challenges, including rising demand from an aging population, barriers to medical school entry, federally capped training slots, and widespread physician burnout. The discussion highlights the financial burden of medical education and the need for policy changes, particularly in preventative care, to address this looming healthcare crisis.
For the 20th anniversary of Freakonomics , Debbie Millman of Design Matters interviews Stephen Dubner about his upbringing, his writing career, and why it's important to “swing your swing.” Plus: a sneak peek at a new project. SOURCES: Debbie Millman , writer and host of Design Matters with Debbie Millman. RESOURCES: " Stephen J. Dubner ," by Design Matters with Debbie Millman (2025). Turbulent Souls: A Catholic Son's Return To His Jewish Family , by Stephen Dubner (1999). " Choosing My Religion...
Arthur Brooks, an economist and former head of the American Enterprise Institute, believes that there is only one remedy for our political polarization: love. In this 2021 episode, we ask if Brooks is a fool for thinking this — and if perhaps you are his kind of fool? SOURCES: Arthur Brooks , professor of public and nonprofit leadership at Harvard University. RESOURCES: “ Vital Statistics on Congress ,” by Molly Reynolds and Naomi Maehr ( Brookings Institute, 2024). Dopamine Nation: Finding Bala...
Soccer leagues around the world use a promotion-and-relegation system to reward the best teams and punish the worst. We ask whether American sports fans would enjoy a similar system. (Part two of a two-part series .) SOURCES: Domonique Foxworth , sports analyst and former N.F.L. player. Stefan Szymanski , professor of sport management at the University of Michigan. Victor Matheson , professor of economics at the College of the Holy Cross. RESOURCES: "' Root, root, root for the home team" did TV ...
The N.F.L. is a powerful cartel with imperial desires. College football is about to undergo a financial reckoning. So maybe they should team up? (Part one of a two-part series.) SOURCES: DeMaurice Smith , former executive director of the National Football League Players Association. Domonique Foxworth , sports analyst and former N.F.L. player. Jeffrey Kessler , partner at the law firm of Winston & Strawn. Oliver Luck , sports executive and consultant. Victor Matheson , professor of economics...
In this episode we first published in 2021, the political scientist Yuen Yuen Ang argues that different forms of government create different styles of corruption — and that the U.S. and China have more in common than we’d like to admit. SOURCES: Yuen Yuen Ang , professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University. RESOURCES: " China’s Anti-Graft Show Is Educational, With Unintended Lessons ," by Li Yuan ( The New York Times , 2022). China’s Gilded Age: The Paradox of Economic Boom and Vast...
In his new book “Breakneck,” Dan Wang argues that the U.S. has a lot to learn from China. He also says that “no two peoples are more alike.” We have questions. SOURCES: Dan Wang , research fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, author of Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future. RESOURCES: Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future , by Dan Wang (2025). The Anaconda in the Chandelier: Writings on China , by Perry Link (2025). " Is the U.S. Ready for the Next War? " ...
A lot of jobs in the modern economy don’t pay a living wage, and some of those jobs may be wiped out by new technologies. So what’s to be done? We revisit an episode from 2016 for a potential solution. SOURCES: Erik Brynjolfsson , professor of economics at Stanford University. Evelyn Forget , professor of economics and community health sciences at the University of Manitoba. Sam Altman , C.E.O. of OpenAI. Robert Gordon , professor emeritus of economics at Northwestern University. Greger Larson ,...
What does it take to “play 3D chess at 250 miles an hour”? And how far will $12.5 billion of “Big, Beautiful” funding go toward modernizing the F.A.A.? (Part two of a two-part series .) SOURCES: David Strayer , professor of cognition and neural science at the University of Utah. Dorothy Robyn , senior fellow at I.T.I.F. Ed Bastian , C.E.O. of Delta Airlines. Ed Bolen , president and C.E.O. of the National Business Aviation Association. John Strong , professor of finance and economics at the Will...
Flying in the U.S. is still exceptionally safe, but the system relies on outdated tech and is under tremendous strain. Six experts tell us how it got this way and how it can (maybe) be fixed. (Part one of a two-part series .) SOURCES: Dorothy Robyn , senior fellow at I.T.I.F. Ed Bastian , C.E.O. of Delta Airlines. John Strong , professor of finance and economics at the William and Mary School of Business. Kenneth Levin, retired air traffic controller. Polly Trottenberg , former deputy secretary ...
Patrick Deneen, a political philosopher at Notre Dame, says yes. He was a Democrat for years, and has now come to be seen as an “ideological guru” of the Trump administration. But that only tells half the story ... SOURCES: Patrick Deneen , professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame. RESOURCES: " The Ideological Gurus Battling for the Soul of Trump World ," by Joshua Chaffin and Zusha Elinson (Wall Street Journal, 2025). " Why the MAGA-DOGE coalition will hold ," by Patrick D...
Bjørn Andersen has killed hundreds of minke whales. He tells us how he does it, why he does it, and what he thinks would happen if whale-hunting ever stopped. (This bonus episode is a follow-up to our series “ Everything You Never Knew About Whaling .”) SOURCES: Bjørn Andersen, Norwegian whaler. RESOURCES: " Digestive physiology of minke whales ," by S.D. Mathiesen, T.H. Aagnes, W. Sørmo, E.S. Nordøy, A.S. Blix, M.A. Olsen (Developments in Marine Biology, 1995). " Norway Is Planning to Resume Wh...
In the final episode of our whale series, we learn about fecal plumes, shipping noise, and why Moby-Dick is still worth reading. (Part 3 of " Everything You Never Knew About Whaling. ") SOURCES: Michele Baggio , professor of economics at the University of Connecticut. Mary K. Bercaw-Edwards , professor of maritime English at the University of Connecticut and lead foreman at the Mystic Seaport Museum. Hester Blum , professor of English at Washington University in St. Louis. Eric Hilt , professor ...
