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471. Mayor Pete and Elaine Chao Hit the Road
Episode 471
While other countries seem to build spectacular bridges, dams, and even entire cities with ease, the U.S. is stuck in pothole-fixing mode. We speak w…
4 years, 7 months ago
Two (Totally Opposite) Ways to Save the Planet (Rebroadcast)
The environmentalists say we’re doomed if we don’t drastically reduce consumption. The technologists say that human ingenuity can solve just about an…
4 years, 7 months ago
470. The Pros and Cons of America’s (Extreme) Individualism
Episode 470
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-te…
4 years, 7 months ago
469. The U.S. Is Just Different — So Let’s Stop Pretending We’re Not
Episode 469
We often look to other countries for smart policies on education, healthcare, infrastructure, etc. But can a smart policy be simply transplanted into…
4 years, 7 months ago
468. Nap Time for Everyone!
Episode 468
The benefits of sleep are by now well established, and yet many people don’t get enough. A new study suggests we should channel our inner toddler and…
4 years, 8 months ago
How Stupid Is Our Obsession With Lawns? (Ep. 289 Rebroadcast)
Nearly two percent of America is grassy green. Sure, lawns are beautiful and useful and they smell great. But are the costs — financial, environmenta…
4 years, 8 months ago
467. Is the Future of Farming in the Ocean?
Episode 467
Bren Smith, who grew up fishing and fighting, is now part of a movement that seeks to feed the planet while putting less environmental stress on it. …
4 years, 8 months ago
466. She’s From the Government, and She’s Here to Help
Episode 466
Cecilia Rouse, the chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisors, is as cold-blooded as any economist. But she admits that her profession wou…
4 years, 8 months ago
465. Introducing a New “Freakonomics of Medicine” Podcast
Episode 465
Bapu Jena was already a double threat: a doctor who’s also an economist. Now he’s a podcast host too. In this sneak preview of the Freakonomics Radio…
4 years, 9 months ago
464. Will Work-from-Home Work Forever?
Episode 464
The pandemic may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean we’ll return to full-time commuting and packed office buildings. The greatest accidental expe…
4 years, 9 months ago