Podcast Episodes

The Pros and Cons of America’s (Extreme) Individualism (Ep. 470 Replay)

According to a decades-long research project, the U.S. is not only the most individualistic country on earth; we’re also high on indulgence, short-term thinking, and masculinity (but low on “uncertai…

Published on 3 years, 4 months ago

The U.S. Is Just Different — So Let’s Stop Pretending We’re Not (Ep. 469 Replay)

We often look to other countries for smart policies on education, healthcare, infrastructure, etc. But can a smart policy be simply transplanted into a country as culturally unusual (and as supremely…

Published on 3 years, 4 months ago

512. Does Philosophy Still Matter?

Episode 512

It used to be at the center of our conversations about politics and society. Scott Hershovitz (author of Nasty, Brutish, and Short) argues that philosophy still has a lot to say about work, justice, …

Published on 3 years, 5 months ago

511. Why Did You Marry That Person?

Episode 511

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 3 years, 5 months ago

The Economist’s Guide to Parenting: 10 Years Later (Ep. 479 Replay)

In one of the earliest Freakonomics Radio episodes, we asked a bunch of economists with young kids how they approached child-rearing. Now the kids are old enough to talk — and they have a lot to say.…

Published on 3 years, 5 months ago

510. What Problems Does Crypto Solve, Anyway?

Episode 510

Boosters say blockchain technology will usher in a brave new era of decentralization. Are they right — and would it be a dream or a nightmare? (Part 3 of "What Can Blockchain Do for You?")

Hosted by …

Published on 3 years, 5 months ago

509. Are N.F.T.s All Scams?

Episode 509

Some of them are. With others, it’s more complicated (and more promising). We try to get past the Bored Apes and the ripoffs to see if we can find art on the blockchain. (Part 2 of "What Can Blockcha…

Published on 3 years, 6 months ago

508. Does the Crypto Crash Mean the Blockchain Is Over?

Episode 508

No. But now is a good time to sort out the potential from the hype. Whether you’re bullish, bearish, or just confused, we’re here to explain what the blockchain can do for you. (Part 1 of a series.) …

Published on 3 years, 6 months ago

507. 103 Pieces of Advice That May or May Not Work

Episode 507

Kevin Kelly calls himself “the most optimistic person in the world.” And he has a lot to say about parenting, travel, A.I., being luckier — and why we should spend way more time on YouTube.

Hosted by…

Published on 3 years, 6 months ago

506. What Is Sportswashing (and Does It Work)?

Episode 506

In ancient Rome, it was bread and circuses. Today, it’s a World Cup, an Olympics, and a new Saudi-backed golf league that’s challenging the P.G.A. Tour. Can a sporting event really repair a country’s…

Published on 3 years, 6 months ago