Steve Levitt

Steve Levitt, Professor emeritus of economics at the University of Chicago, explores the unexpected link between legalized abortion and declining crime rates with Stanford's John Donohue and Amherst's Jessica Wolpaw Reyes. They delve into their groundbreaking research, revealing how abortion legalization may correlate with reduced crime and the complexities surrounding this controversial finding. The conversation also addresses misconceptions, the influence of environmental factors like lead exposure, and the role of data in public debates about sensitive topics.

Steve Levitt, a Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago and co-author of Freakonomics, shares his unconventional journey in economics and discusses its current state. He offers a candid view on climate change, arguing it's unlikely to be solved just by changing behaviors. Levitt reflects on mental health awareness in education, highlighting the stigma surrounding it. He also dives into decision-making flaws and shares insights on horse racing's stagnation, making for a fascinating exploration of human behavior and societal challenges.

Bapu Jena, an expert on healthcare pricing, joins researcher Steve Levitt to explore the complex link between price and quality in hospitals. They discuss how biases in price perception affect patient choices, drawing insights from an intriguing wine tasting experiment. The conversation reveals challenges with price transparency in healthcare, emphasizing why many prioritize quality over cost. Jena shares findings on market competition's impact on patient outcomes, painting a nuanced picture of what truly drives the effectiveness of healthcare services.

Join Professor Steve Levitt, a behavioral economist and co-author of Freakonomics, as he shares his parenting struggles and late-night Googling adventures. He recounts a harrowing tale of discovering a worm in his child's poop, leading to an anxiety-filled pediatric visit. Levitt discusses the inherent frustrations of medical misdiagnoses, the quirks of online health advice, and the vital role of self-advocacy in navigating parenting fears. His blend of humor and candidness makes for an engaging exploration of the parenting journey.

Steven Levitt, a prominent economist and co-author of "Freakonomics," joins rising star Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, a Harvard Fellow focused on economic inequality. They dive into the GameStop phenomenon and discuss innovative ideas like Universal Basic Income. The duo also tackles the complexities of childhood financial education, including allowances, while contemplating the balance between environmental preservation and exploitation of the Amazon rainforest. With humor and insight, they make economics engaging and relatable for everyone.