The Freakonomics Radio Book Club

Licensing began with medicine and law; now it extends to 20 percent of the U.S. workforce, including hair stylists and auctioneers. In a new book, the legal scholar Rebecca Allensworth calls licensing boards “a thicket of self-dealing and ineptitude” and says they keep bad workers in their jobs and good ones out — while failing to protect the public. SOURCES:Rebecca Allensworth, professor of law at Vanderbilt University. RESOURCES:"The Licensing Racket: How We Decide Who Is Allowed to Work, and Why It Goes Wrong" by Rebecca Allensworth (2025)."Licensed to Pill," by Rebecca Allensworth (The New York Review of Books, 2020)."Licensing Occupations: Ensuring Quality or Restricting Competition?" by Morris Kleiner (W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, 2006)."How Much of Barrier to Entry is Occupational Licensing?" by Peter Blair and Bobby Chung (British Journal of Industrial Relations, 2019). EXTRAS:"Is Ozempic as Magical as It Sounds?" by Freakonomics Radio (2024).

Adam Moss, a renowned magazine editor and the author of 'The Work of Art,' shares his journey from editing to painting. He reflects on the creative process and how it can bring joy, even amid self-doubt. The conversation sheds light on mentorship dynamics within creative fields and the importance of collaboration. Moss emphasizes the pleasure found in creation itself, rather than the end product. He also discusses the role of self-awareness and external validation in shaping artistic identity, along with insights from influential figures that inspire creativity.

John J. Sullivan, a former State Department official and U.S. ambassador, says yes: “Our politicians aren’t leading — Republicans or Democrats.” He gives a firsthand account of a fateful Biden-Putin encounter, talks about his new book Midnight in Moscow, and predicts what a second Trump term means for Russia, Ukraine, China — and the U.S. SOURCES:John Sullivan, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and former U.S. Ambassador to Russia. RESOURCES:Midnight in Moscow: A Memoir from the Front Lines of Russia's War Against the West, by John Sullivan (2024)."The ‘Deathonomics’ Powering Russia’s War Machine," by Georgi Kantchev and Matthew Luxmoore (The Wall Street Journal, 2024).War, by Bob Woodward (2024)."On the Record: The U.S. Administration’s Actions on Russia," by Alina Polyakova and Filippos Letsas (Brookings, 2019)."Why Economic Sanctions Still Do Not Work," by Robert A. Pape (International Security, 1998). EXTRAS:"The Suddenly Diplomatic Rahm Emanuel," by Freakonomics Radio (2023).

Glenn Loury, a Professor of Economics at Brown University and author of the memoir "Late Admissions: Confessions of a Black Conservative," shares his candid reflections on race, identity, and conservatism. He discusses the complexities of self-critique in political beliefs and the impact of his own academic journey. Loury explores themes of personal growth, societal challenges, and the role of honesty in fostering meaningful dialogue about race and systemic issues affecting marginalized communities.

Historian Richard Cockett discusses Vienna's influence on modern ideas and how fascism can destroy progress. The podcast explores Viennese intellectuals' impact on America, including economics, culture, and politics. It highlights the city's complex identity, intellectual diaspora, and legacy of innovation.

Nobel laureate and psychologist Daniel Kahneman discusses his book 'Noise' with Steve Levitt. They explore decision-making, the impact of noise, and the origins of behavioral economics. The conversation delves into Kahneman's collaboration with Amos Tversky and the intersection of psychology and economics, highlighting challenges and successes in applying behavioral economics for behavior change.

Journalist and author Fareed Zakaria discusses how we are living through a revolutionary period in history encompassing political, economic, and technological changes. He explores global chaos, identity politics, geopolitical challenges, and the state of the US. Zakaria reflects on the impact of global revolutions, the complexities of the Palestinian cause, and the demographic shifts in the US. The conversation also touches on moral courage scarcity, illiberal populism, and the importance of strategic alliances in the Middle East.

Michael Lewis defends his bestselling book on Sam Bankman-Fried, the billionaire behind the FTX fraud, against critics who say he went too easy on him. The podcast explores Sam's eccentric character, his legal troubles, and his detached relationship with the outside world. It also delves into the concept of effective altruism and discusses the idea of paying Donald Trump not to run for president.

US marriage rates have declined while single-parent households have increased. Melissa Kearney discusses the problem and the need for liberals to recognize it. The podcast also explores alternative family structures and the benefits of communal living and shared child-rearing responsibilities.

The economist Amy Finkelstein explains why insurance markets are broken and how to fix them. Also: why can’t you buy divorce insurance?