The Economics of Everyday Things

Freakonomics Network & Zachary Crockett•freakonomics.com

Who decides which snacks are in your office’s vending machine? How much is a suburban elm tree worth, and to whom? How did Girl Scout Cookies become a billion-dollar business? In bite-sized episodes, journalist Zachary Crockett looks at quotidian things and finds amazing stories. 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.

Last refreshed: June 29th, 2026 at 12:03 AM

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Episodes

7. Animal Urine

One creature’s trash is another’s cash. Zachary Crockett flushes out the numbers with a man who found profit in pee. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jun 26, 2023•12 min•Ep. 7

6. T. rex Skeletons

How do they emerge from the Upper Cretaceous period to end up in natural-history museums and private collections? Zachary Crockett digs for answers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jun 19, 2023•18 min•Ep. 6

5. Sports Mascots

This episode explores the unexpected economics behind sports mascots, starting with the creation and impact of the iconic Philly Fanatic. Learn how mascots evolve from walking logos to dynamic entertainers, the process of designing and maintaining these characters, the challenges of finding and training performers, and the wide range of salaries they can earn, from minor league to top tier.

Jun 12, 2023•14 min•Ep. 5

4. Used Hotel Soaps

This episode explores the surprising journey of used hotel soaps, from guest convenience to landfill waste. It follows the founder of Clean the World, an organization that collects, recycles, and distributes these soaps to communities in need, detailing their innovative process and unique funding model derived from hotels themselves.

Feb 13, 2023•16 min•Ep. 4

3. My Sharona

This episode explores the lasting economic impact of The Knack's 1979 hit song "My Sharona." It details the song's creation, the band's quick rise to fame, their record deal and royalties, and the various income streams—including sync and streaming—that continue to generate six figures annually for co-writer Burton Averre decades later. The episode also includes the perspective of Sharona Alperin, the song's namesake.

Feb 06, 2023•17 min•Ep. 3

2. Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scout cookies are an $800 million annual business, mobilizing a huge sales force of young girls. This episode dives into how the organization is structured, where the money goes to support local troops, and features a record-holding seller sharing her strategies. It also explores the evolution of sales tactics, from door-to-door to online and delivery apps, and discusses the challenges and life skills gained through the process.

Jan 30, 2023•13 min•Ep. 2

1. Gas Stations

This episode explores the economics of gas stations, revealing that contrary to popular belief, they make very little profit on gasoline itself. The real income comes from convenience store sales. The discussion covers the supply chain, price fluctuations, and the looming challenge posed by the rise of electric vehicles.

Jan 23, 2023•14 min•Ep. 1

Coming Soon: The Economics of Everyday Things

A new show is coming to the Freakonomics Radio Network. Stay tuned for The Economics of Everyday Things, hosted by Zachary Crockett. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 19, 2023•40 sec

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