

#1437 - Stephen Dubner
Mar 5, 2020
In this engaging conversation, Stephen Dubner, the award-winning co-author of the Freakonomics series, dives into the intriguing effects of noise pollution on our lives and how different sounds impact our emotions. He also explores the introspective moments flying can evoke, alongside the role of substances in enhancing creativity and the joys of solitude. The discussion touches on the moral complexities of environmental actions, offering insights into health debates around diet and the resilience of urban wildlife. It's a thought-provoking blend of humor, science, and personal stories.
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Dubner's Hearing Loss
- Stephen Dubner damaged his hearing by playing loud rock music for years.
- He now uses noise-canceling headphones daily, initially to focus in newsrooms.
Noise as an Externality
- Noise is an externality, affecting others without cost to the producer.
- People perceive and react to noise differently, varying from burden to necessity.
Misophonia and ASMR
- Misophonia is an intensely negative reaction to sounds like chewing.
- ASMR, conversely, triggers positive responses in some people.