
Freakonomics Radio
Freakonomics co-author Stephen J. Dubner uncovers the hidden side of everything. Why is it safer to fly in an airplane than drive a car? How do we decide whom to marry? Why is the media so full of bad news? Also: things you never knew you wanted to know about wolves, bananas, pollution, search engines, and the quirks of human behavior.
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Latest episodes

21 snips
May 14, 2025 • 53min
How to Succeed at Failing, Part 2: Life and Death (Update)
Join organizational psychologist Amy Edmondson, who tackles the science of failing well, and Carole Hemmelgarn, a patient safety advocate, as they discuss the catastrophic consequences of medical errors and the urgent need for transparency in healthcare. MIT's Robert Langer shares insights from biomedical research, illustrating how failures can lead to breakthroughs like COVID vaccine development. Through personal anecdotes, they emphasize viewing failures as learning opportunities, advocating for resilience and accountability in medical practices.

296 snips
May 9, 2025 • 56min
How to Succeed at Failing, Part 1: The Chain of Events (Update)
In this discussion, Amy Edmondson, a Harvard Business School professor, and David Riedman, founder of the K-12 School Shooting Database, explore the tragic chain of events leading to disasters. They emphasize the need for accountability after wildfires and school shootings, advocating for improved emergency responses. The conversation also touches on embracing failure as a pathway to growth, highlighting its vital role in both personal and organizational development. They argue for a cultural shift that supports open discussions around failure to prevent future tragedies.

379 snips
May 2, 2025 • 54min
632. When Did We All Start Watching Documentaries?
R.J. Cutler, an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker known for his work with icons like Billie Eilish and Martha Stewart, dives into the changing landscape of documentary filmmaking. He explores how streaming has turned documentaries into mainstream entertainment, reshaping viewer preferences. Cutler shares insights on the emotional depth behind his projects, the complexities of editing narratives from raw footage, and the ethical dilemmas in balancing creative integrity with financial pressures, all while hinting at his desire to document the New York Mets.

93 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 46min
631. Will "3 Summers of Lincoln" Make It to Broadway?
Christopher Ashley, a Tony Award-winning director, alongside playwright Joe DiPietro and actor Quentin Earl Darrington, discusses the musical 'Three Summers of Lincoln'. They share behind-the-scenes anecdotes of the show's turbulent journey, including the last-minute casting crisis after the lead actor's departure. The trio dives into the challenges of financing Broadway productions, the emotional weight of portraying historical figures, and the broader implications for theater's future amidst increasing competition from streaming services.

84 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 37min
Is It a Theater Piece or a Psychological Experiment? (Update)
Philip Zimbardo, professor emeritus at Stanford University, famously known for the Stanford Prison Experiment, dives into the intriguing interplay between theater and psychology with Felix Barrett, the artistic director of Punchdrunk and co-creator of the immersive experience Sleep No More. They discuss how immersive theater challenges audience expectations, blurring the lines between performance and psychological experimentation. The conversation touches on authority's influence on behavior, ethical dilemmas in research, and the emotional impact of unique theatrical experiences on participants.

119 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 1h 2min
630. On Broadway, Nobody Knows Nothing
Jeffrey Seller, a Broadway producer famous for Hamilton and Rent, teams up with Hal Luftig, known for Kinky Boots, and Stacy Wolf, a theater professor at Princeton. They explore the unpredictable nature of Broadway productions, delving into the financial risks producers face. The hosts discuss how a guaranteed hit can emerge unexpectedly while others flop, and the importance of balancing artistic integrity with commercial pressures. The conversation unveils how theater economics shape audience experiences and highlights the cultural significance of musicals beyond Broadway.

347 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 60min
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive?
Joe DiPietro, a renowned playwright and lyricist, dives deep into the evolving world of live theater. He discusses the surprising challenges of producing musicals today, including financial hurdles and fierce competition. The conversation touches on his bold new project, 'Three Summers of Lincoln,' and the audacity of bringing Lincoln to the stage. DiPietro also highlights the resilience of theater in adapting to modern times, emphasizing its unique ability to foster human connection through live performance. A must-listen for theater lovers!

195 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 45min
Policymaking Is Not a Science — Yet (Update)
John List, a renowned economist at the University of Chicago, explores why great policies often fail to scale, emphasizing the need for rigorous implementation science. Dana L. Suskind, a pediatric surgeon, highlights the critical role of early childhood interventions in improving outcomes for disadvantaged children. Patti Chamberlain discusses the complexities of translating evidence-based practices into effective policies across sectors like education and child welfare. Together, they delve into the challenges and strategies necessary to bridge the gap between research and impactful policymaking.

339 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 49min
628. Sludge, Part 2: Is Government the Problem, or the Solution?
Jennifer Pahlka, founder of Code for America, teams up with UC Berkeley's Benjamin Handel, an expert in health care economics. They dive into the sludge of bureaucratic inefficiencies in Washington, D.C., and how even Elon Musk is implicated. The discussion touches on consumer rights, data privacy in healthcare, and the pressing need for reform in government digital infrastructure. They offer innovative solutions for reducing complexity and enhancing service delivery, all while advocating for a future where technology streamlines rather than complicates.

426 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 55min
627. Sludge, Part 1: The World Is Drowning in It
Benjamin Handel, a Professor of Economics at UC Berkeley, and Neale Mahoney, a Stanford University Economics Professor, dive into the perplexing issue of 'sludge'—bureaucratic inefficiencies that complicate everyday interactions. They discuss the frustrating complexities of the U.S. healthcare system, contrasting it with more streamlined models. The conversation also highlights the challenges consumers face with subscription services, exploring how automated systems can entrap users, impacting their finances and experiences dramatically.