Podcast Episodes

Should Traffic Lights Be Abolished? (Ep. 454 Replay)

Americans are so accustomed to the standard intersection that we rarely consider how dangerous it can be — as well as costly, time-wasting, and polluting. Is it time to embrace the lowly, lovely roun…

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago

Extra: A Modern Whaler Speaks Up

Bjorn Andersen killed 111 minke whales this season. 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 o…

Published on 2 years, 4 months ago

552. Freakonomics Radio Presents: The Economics of Everyday Things

Episode 552

In three stories from our newest podcast, host Zachary Crockett digs into sports mascots, cashmere sweaters, and dinosaur skeletons. 

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Published on 2 years, 4 months ago

551. What Can Whales Teach Us About Clean Energy, Workplace Harmony, and Living the Good Life?

Episode 551

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.")

Hosted by Sim…

Published on 2 years, 5 months ago

550. Why Do People Still Hunt Whales?

Episode 550

For years, whale oil was used as lighting fuel, industrial lubricant, and the main ingredient in (yum!) margarine. Whale meat was also on a few menus. But today, demand for whale products is at a his…

Published on 2 years, 5 months ago

549. The First Great American Industry

Episode 549

Whaling was, in the words of one scholar, “early capitalism unleashed on the high seas.” How did the U.S. come to dominate the whale market? Why did whale hunting die out here — and continue to grow …

Published on 2 years, 5 months ago

548. Why Is the U.S. So Good at Killing Pedestrians?

Episode 548

Actually, the reasons are pretty clear. The harder question is: Will we ever care enough to stop?

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Published on 2 years, 5 months ago

Why Did You Marry That Person? (Ep. 511 Replay)

Sure, you were “in love.” But economists — using evidence from Bridgerton to Tinder — point to what’s called “assortative mating.” And it has some unpleasant consequences for society.

Hosted by Simpl…

Published on 2 years, 6 months ago

547. Satya Nadella’s Intelligence Is Not Artificial

Episode 547

But as C.E.O. of the resurgent Microsoft, he is firmly at the center of the A.I. revolution. We speak with him about the perils and blessings of A.I., Google vs. Bing, the Microsoft succession plan —…

Published on 2 years, 6 months ago

546. Are E.S.G. Investors Actually Helping the Environment?

Episode 546

Probably not. The economist Kelly Shue argues that E.S.G. investing just gives more money to firms that are already green while depriving polluting firms of the financing they need to get greener. Bu…

Published on 2 years, 6 months ago