Podcast Episodes
Back to SearchSteve Levitt Quits His Podcast, Joins Ours
After five years, Levitt is ending People I (Mostly) Admire, and will start hosting the occasional Freakonomics Radio episode. We couldn’t be happier…
1 month, 2 weeks ago
659. Can Marty Makary Fix the F.D.A.?
Episode 659
It regulates 20 percent of the U.S. economy, and its commissioner has an aggressive agenda — faster drug approvals, healthier food, cures for diabete…
1 month, 2 weeks ago
658. This Is Your Brain on Supplements
Episode 658
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…
1 month, 3 weeks ago
Are Personal Finance Gurus Giving You Bad Advice? (Update)
Episode 518
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:Jam…
2 months ago
Are You Ready for a Fresh Start? (Update)
Episode 455
Behavioral scientists have been exploring whether a psychological reset can lead to lasting change. In this update of a 2021 episode, we survey evide…
2 months, 1 week ago
Are the Rich Really Less Generous Than the Poor? (Update)
Episode 288
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 p…
2 months, 1 week ago
657. Whose “Messiah” Is It Anyway?
Episode 657
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 set…
2 months, 2 weeks ago
Who Pays for “Messiah”?
In the 18th century, Handel relied on royal patronage. Today, it’s donors like Gary Parr who keep the music playing. In this bonus episode of our “Ma…
2 months, 2 weeks ago
656. How Handel Got His Mojo Back
Episode 656
When he wrote Messiah (in 24 days), Handel was past his prime and nearly broke. One night in Dublin changed all that. (Part two of “Making Messiah.”)…
2 months, 3 weeks ago
655. “The Greatest Piece of Participatory Art Ever Created”
Episode 655
Why does an 18th-century Christian oratorio lend such comfort to our own turbulent times? Stephen Dubner sets out for Dublin to tell the story of Geo…
3 months ago