Podcast Episodes

America’s Hidden Duopoly (Rebroadcast)

We all know our political system is “broken” — but what if that’s not true? Some say the Republicans and Democrats constitute a wildly successful industry that has colluded to kill off competition, s…

Published on 6 years, 5 months ago

385. What Do Nancy Pelosi, Taylor Swift, and Serena Williams Have in Common?

Episode 385

They — along with a great many other high-achieving women — were all once Girl Scouts. So was Sylvia Acevedo. Raised in a poor, immigrant family, she was told that “girls like her” didn’t go to colle…

Published on 6 years, 5 months ago

384. Abortion and Crime, Revisited

Episode 384

The controversial theory linking Roe v. Wade to a massive crime drop is back in the spotlight as several states introduce abortion restrictions. Steve Levitt and John Donohue discuss their original r…

Published on 6 years, 5 months ago

A Better Way to Eat (Rebroadcast )

Takeru Kobayashi revolutionized the sport of competitive eating. What can the rest of us learn from his breakthrough?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information abo…

Published on 6 years, 5 months ago

383. The Zero-Minute Workout

Episode 383

There is strong evidence that exercise is wildly beneficial. There is even stronger evidence that most people hate to exercise. So if a pill could mimic the effects of working out, why wouldn’t we wa…

Published on 6 years, 6 months ago

382. How Goes the Behavior-Change Revolution?

Episode 382

An all-star team of behavioral scientists discovers that humans are stubborn (and lazy, and sometimes dumber than dogs). We also hear about binge drinking, humblebragging, and regrets. Recorded live …

Published on 6 years, 6 months ago

381. Long-Term Thinking in a Start-Up Town

Episode 381

Recorded live in San Francisco. Guests include the keeper of a 10,000-year clock, the co-founder of Lyft, a pioneer in male birth control, a specialist in water security, and a psychology professor w…

Published on 6 years, 6 months ago

380. Notes From an Imperfect Paradise

Episode 380

Recorded live in Los Angeles. Guests include Mayor Eric Garcetti, the “Earthquake Lady,” the head of the Port of L.A., and a scientist with NASA’s Planetary Protection team. With co-host Angela Duckw…

Published on 6 years, 6 months ago

379. How to Change Your Mind

Episode 379

There are a lot of barriers to changing your mind: ego, overconfidence, inertia — and cost. Politicians who flip-flop get mocked; family and friends who cross tribal borders are shunned. But shouldn’…

Published on 6 years, 7 months ago

Here’s Why All Your Projects Are Always Late — and What to Do About It (Rebroadcast)

Whether it’s a giant infrastructure plan or a humble kitchen renovation, it’ll inevitably take way too long and cost way too much. That’s because you suffer from “the planning fallacy.” (You also hav…

Published on 6 years, 7 months ago