Freakonomics Radio

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Sheena Iyengar, a Columbia Business School professor known for her work on the psychology of choice, and Mark Gardiner, a journalist and author with insider knowledge of Trader Joe's, explore how the grocery chain's innovative practices could reshape American governance. They discuss Trader Joe's unique model of limited product offerings and community engagement, revealing how its treasure hunt shopping experience enhances customer interaction. The conversation highlights psychology's role in consumer behavior and the potential lessons for broader business and social systems.

Jessica Riedl, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, shares her expertise on U.S. tax policy and the national debt. She debunks ten pervasive myths about the tax system, revealing how political narratives often distort public perception. Riedl critiques both current and past administrations' fiscal policies, highlighting the miscalculations in tax rates and the ramifications of government spending. The discussion emphasizes the urgency for accurate information and reform, especially with rising national debt and upcoming elections on the horizon.

Lina Khan, the youngest chair of the Federal Trade Commission, revolutionized U.S. antitrust policy by challenging monopolistic giants like Amazon. She shares insights on the FTC's strategies against corporate power and the complexities of regulatory frameworks. Khan discusses the often-overlooked implications of non-compete clauses on workers and reflects on her childhood influences that shaped her commitment to antitrust reform. She emphasizes the need for equitable practices in labor markets while navigating the challenges of public leadership in an era of increased market consolidation.

Join Paul Rozin, a psychology professor, Val Curtis, a disgustologist, and economist Sandro Ambuehl as they dive into the fascinating world of disgust. They discuss how this powerful emotion evolved to protect us but may also hinder progress in areas like health and the environment. The trio explores cultural attitudes toward eating insects as a sustainable protein source, the dual nature of disgust as both a deterrent and motivator, and the groundbreaking hand hygiene campaign in Ghana that leveraged disgust to promote better practices.