Podcast Episodes

360. Is the Protestant Work Ethic Real?

Episode 360

In the early 20th century, Max Weber argued that Protestantism created wealth. Finally, there are data to prove if he was right. All it took were some missionary experiments in the Philippines and a …

Published on 7 years ago

359. Should America Be Run by … Trader Joe’s?

Episode 359

The quirky little grocery chain with California roots and German ownership has a lot to teach all of us about choice architecture, efficiency, frugality, collaboration, and team spirit.

Hosted by Sim…

Published on 7 years, 1 month ago

There’s a War on Sugar. Is It Justified? (Rebroadcast)

Some people argue that sugar should be regulated, like alcohol and tobacco, on the grounds that it’s addictive and toxic. How much sense does that make? We hear from a regulatory advocate, an evidenc…

Published on 7 years, 1 month ago

358. Yes, the Open Office Is Terrible — But It Doesn’t Have to Be

Episode 358

It began as a post-war dream for a more collaborative and egalitarian workplace. It has evolved into a nightmare of noise and discomfort. Can the open office be saved, or should we all just be workin…

Published on 7 years, 1 month ago

357. Can an Industrial Giant Become a Tech Darling?

Episode 357

The Ford Motor Company is ditching its legacy sedans, doubling down on trucks, and trying to steer its stock price out of a long skid. But C.E.O. Jim Hackett has even bigger plans: to turn a century-…

Published on 7 years, 1 month ago

356. America’s Hidden Duopoly

Episode 356

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 7 years, 2 months ago

Extra: Elvis Costello Full Interview

A conversation with the iconic singer-songwriter, recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “How to Be Creative.”

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

Published on 7 years, 2 months ago

355. Where Does Creativity Come From (and Why Do Schools Kill It Off)?

Episode 355

Family environments and “diversifying experiences” (including the early death of a parent); intrinsic versus extrinsic motivations; schools that value assessments, but don't assess the things we valu…

Published on 7 years, 2 months ago

Extra: Jeremy Lin Full Interview

A conversation with veteran NBA point guard Jeremy Lin, recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “The Hidden Side of Sports.”

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

Published on 7 years, 2 months ago

354. How to Be Creative

Episode 354

There are thousands of books on the subject, but what do we actually know about creativity? In this new series, we talk to the researchers who study it as well as artists, inventors, and pathbreakers…

Published on 7 years, 2 months ago