The Brian Lehrer Show 20 Years of Freakonomics
10 snips
Nov 26, 2025 
Stephen Dubner, co-author of Freakonomics and host of Freakonomics Radio, shares insights from 20 years of exploring economics through storytelling. He discusses the power of non-financial incentives and how conventional wisdom often misses the mark. Dubner delves into the impact of legalized abortion on crime rates and the intricacies of private equity’s influence on the market. He also offers thoughts on housing policy and how adjusting regulations could alleviate affordability issues, all while teasing his upcoming TV show.
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How The Title 'Freakonomics' Was Chosen
- Dubner recounts how he and Steve Levitt chose the title "Freakonomics" by offering worse options.
- They intentionally pushed the publisher until the quirky title was accepted.
Incentives Extend Beyond Money
- Incentives shape behavior beyond money, including reputation and morality.
- Stephen J. Dubner argues people respond to many nonfinancial incentives that steer choices.
Creative Work Versus Industry Business Models
- Dubner describes working across creative industries and tensions with business-minded publishers.
- He emphasizes keeping creative control by producing work himself when needed.
