Scribbler Logo
    Freakonomics Radio

    Freakonomics Radio

    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. Join the Freakonomics Radio Plus membership program for weekly member-only episodes of Freakonomics Radio. You’ll also get every show in our network without ads. To sign up, visit our show page on Apple Podcasts or go to freakonomics.com/plus.

    Freakonomics Radio

    Thu Jul 25 2024

    598. Is Overconsolidation a Threat to Democracy?

    eyewear industryEssilor LuxotticaWarby Parkermyopianovel spectacles

    This episode explores the dominance of Essilor Luxottica in the eyewear industry, challenges faced by disruptors like Warby Parker, and concerns about market abuses. It also delves into the rise of myopia rates globally, treatments for myopia, and the high cost of novel spectacles. The episode raises questions about corporate control, threats to democracy, and the implications of excessive economic power.

    Freakonomics Radio

    Thu Jul 18 2024

    597. Why Do Your Eyeglasses Cost $1,000?

    eyeglassesEssilor Luxotticafashion eyewearmonopolyanti-monopoly actions

    This episode explores the history of eyeglasses, the dominance of Essilor Luxottica in the industry, the role of high fashion eyewear, debates on monopoly status, anti-monopoly actions in the Biden administration, and the disruption caused by Warby Parker. The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming topics.

    Freakonomics Radio

    Mon Jul 15 2024

    EXTRA: People Aren’t Dumb. The World Is Hard. (Update)

    behavioral economicsRichard Thalertraditional economic theoriesholistic thinking in economicsNobel Prize

    The episode explores the rise of Richard Thaler in the field of behavioral economics, his work challenging traditional economic theories, the resurgence of holistic thinking in economics, Thaler's Nobel Prize experience, the impact of behavioral economics on finance and investing, the concept of libertarian paternalism, and Cam's Wi-Fi security measures.

    Freakonomics Radio

    Thu Jul 11 2024

    596. Farewell to a Generational Talent

    adversarial collaborationsciencedecision-makingcognitive biasesregrets

    The episode explores the concept of adversarial collaboration in science through the work of Daniel Kahneman and his collaborations with Amos Tversky. It delves into their research on decision-making, cognitive biases, regrets, income and happiness, and the benefits of adversarial collaborations. The episode highlights the importance of understanding human fallibility and the potential for valuable insights when researchers engage in constructive disagreements.

    Freakonomics Radio

    Thu Jul 04 2024

    595. Why Don't We Have Better Candidates for President?

    US politicsduopoliespolitical reformcompetitionForward Party

    The episode discusses Andrew Yang's political journey, the concept of duopolies in various industries, and the issues with the US political system. It explores barriers to entry and lack of competition, challenges and optimism for political reform, structural reforms for change, and successful political reform in Alaska. The Forward Party aims to reform the political system by supporting ballot reforms and positive candidates from any party.

    Freakonomics Radio

    Thu Jun 27 2024

    594. Your Brand’s Spokesperson Just Got Arrested — Now What?

    celebrity endorsementsconsumer behaviorJared Fogle scandalSubwaybrand reputation

    This episode explores the impact of celebrity endorsements on consumer behavior, focusing on the case of Jared Fogle's scandal and its effects on Subway. It analyzes the influence of scandals on patronage and consumer behavior, as well as the risks and rewards of celebrity endorsements. The episode concludes with a preview of the upcoming episode on America's political duopoly.

    Freakonomics Radio

    Thu Jun 20 2024

    593. You Can Make a Killing, but Not a Living

    BroadwaytheaterStereophoniclive theateraudience demographics

    The episode discusses the success of the Broadway show Stereophonic, the challenges of producing theater, ticket pricing strategies, actor perspectives, the Broadway industry, the importance of live theatre, and upcoming episodes. It explores the shift in theater audience demographics, financial considerations, and the impact of digital marketing. The episode concludes with insights from performers and producers of Stereophonic and a preview of future episodes.

    Freakonomics Radio

    Mon Jun 17 2024

    EXTRA: The Fascinatingly Mundane Secrets of the World’s Most Exclusive Nightclub

    PJ VoteSearch EngineBerghainBerlin nightlifedoor policy

    PJ Vote discusses his show Search Engine and the story of being rejected from Berghain. The episode explores the economics, history, and cultural significance of Berghain's strict door policy. It also delves into the unique economic model of Berlin's nightlife scene and the tax scrutiny faced by clubs. The victory of Berghain in court and the role of bouncers are highlighted. Insights are provided on gaining access to exclusive nightclubs and the impact of Berghain on the podcaster's personal experience.

    Freakonomics Radio

    Thu Jun 13 2024

    592. How to Make the Coolest Show on Broadway

    live theaterBroadway'Stereophonic'theater industryfinancial struggles

    The episode discusses the challenges and costs of live theater, key insights from the play 'Stereophonic,' creating realism in the play, character insights, financial struggles in the theater industry, the journey of 'Stereophonic' from Off-Broadway to Broadway, and a therapist's perspective on theater and 'Stereophonic.' The play 'Stereophonic' is highly acclaimed and nominated for multiple Tony Awards.

    Freakonomics Radio

    Thu Jun 06 2024

    591. Signs of Progress, One Year at a Time

    Tom WhitwellJaywalking lawsMarketing influenceJob satisfactionHR practices

    This episode covers a range of topics including Tom Whitwell's annual list of interesting facts, the origin and influence of jaywalking laws, marketing campaigns' impact on societal behaviors, job satisfaction and improvements in HR practices, challenges to the Blue Zone concept of longevity, and unique annual lists and a Broadway play.

    Page 1 of 12