Freakonomics Radio

Marty Makary, a prominent physician-scientist and FDA Commissioner, passionately discusses pivotal healthcare reforms. He critiques historical FDA failures, like OxyContin's approval, and the impact of outdated medical dogmas on allergies and dietary advice. Makary emphasizes his agenda for faster drug approvals and price transparency, while tackling misleading prescription ads. He also highlights innovative approaches using AI and organ-on-chip technology for drug testing. Listeners gain insight into his bold vision to cure diabetes and improve public health.

In this insightful discussion, physician and longevity expert Peter Attia shares his perspective on the booming brain supplement market, emphasizing potential risks due to mislabeling and contamination. Harvard's Pieter Cohen highlights the lack of FDA oversight and alarming safety issues with common supplements. They explore the limited efficacy of popular brain boosters and stress that a solid lifestyle—sleep, exercise, and nutrition—trumps quick-fix solutions. Attia also offers recommendations for specific supplements while urging evidence-based use.

James Choi, a Yale finance professor, and Morgan Housel, a renowned author, delve into the pitfalls of popular personal finance advice. Choi critiques the disparity between academic recommendations and mainstream guidance, particularly around debt strategies and mortgage choices. Housel emphasizes the psychological aspects influencing financial decisions, arguing that human emotions often derail sound strategies. Together, they explore the complexities of household finance, the significance of mental accounting, and the value of low-cost index funds.

Katy Milkman, a behavioral scientist from the Wharton School and author of 'How to Change,' delves into the fascinating concept of the fresh start effect. She discusses how psychological resets, such as New Year’s resolutions and environmental disruptions, can foster lasting behavior change. Milkman critiques studies on resolution success rates and shares insights from experiments showing how flexible routines can lead to better exercise habits. The discussion also touches on the impact of fresh starts in sports and the emotional dynamics behind performance after trades.

In this engaging discussion, economist Jim Andreoni, behavioral economist Jan Stoop, and Nikos Nikiforakis delve into the surprising dynamics of wealth and generosity. They explore groundbreaking research that challenges the notion that the rich are inherently less altruistic. By conducting an innovative field experiment involving misdelivered envelopes, they reveal that wealthier households actually returned more envelopes than poorer ones. The conversation also highlights how financial stress may diminish the returns of the less wealthy, reshaping understandings of generosity.

All sorts of people have put their mark on Messiah, and it has been a hit for nearly 300 years. How can a single piece of music thrive in so many settings? You could say it’s because Handel really knew how to write a banger. (Part three of “Making Messiah.”) SOURCES:Charles King, political scientist at Georgetown University.Jane Glover, classical music scholar, conductor.Katharine Hogg, musicologist, head librarian at the Foundling Museum.Susannah Heschel, religion professor, chair of Jewish Studies at Dartmouth College.Mark Risinger, teacher at St. Bernard’s School.Michael Marissen, professor emeritus of music at Swarthmore College, author of Tainted Glory in Handel’s Messiah: The Unsettling History of the World’s Most Beloved Choral Work. RESOURCES:Every Valley: The Desperate Lives and Troubled Times That Made Handel’s Messiah, by Charles King (2024)."Why These Christmas Songs Could Only Be Written in America," by Eli Lake (The Free Press, 2024)."Reflections on Bernstein’s 1956 “Messiah,”" by Mark Risinger (Leonard Bernstein Office, 2022).Handel in London: The Making of a Genius, by Jane Glover (2018).Tainted Glory in Handel's Messiah: The Unsettling History of the World's Most Beloved Choral Work, by Michael Marissen (2014).“Handel’s Messiah,” performed by The London Symphony Orchestra (2007). EXTRAS:"Making Messiah," series by Freakonomics Radio (2025). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gary Parr, senior managing director at Apollo and a philanthropist, shares his insights on music philanthropy and the economics behind the New York Philharmonic. He discusses the costly nature of orchestras and how donations play a vital role in funding the arts, comparing U.S. practices with European models. Parr also reflects on the enduring appeal of Handel's Messiah, its significance in holiday programming, and his personal connection to the piece. He highlights the impact of the Shanghai residency on audience and donor engagement, revealing a fascinating intersection of culture and finance.

Ellen Harris, a musicologist and Handel expert, and Charles King, a political scientist and author, delve into the fascinating journey of Handel. They uncover how Handel composed the monumental Messiah in just 24 days while facing financial woes. The discussion reveals the multicultural influences in his work, the emotional connection audiences feel with Messiah, and how a single performance in Dublin revitalized his career. They also highlight the struggles, entrepreneurial spirit, and eventual success that transformed Handel into a musical legend.

Join Charles King, a political scientist and author, and tenor Stuart Kinsella, as they explore the enduring relevance of Handel's Messiah. King delves into the historical context and the emotional weight that this 18th-century masterpiece carries in turbulent times. Kinsella shares insights from Fishamble Street, the site of its premiere, and discusses local traditions surrounding the oratorio. Together, they reflect on the themes of hope, charity, and the transformative power of music, revealing why Messiah resonates so deeply across generations.

Tony Spring, CEO of Macy's Inc., shares insights on revitalizing iconic brands while grappling with market pressures and store closures. Mark Cohen offers a critical historical perspective on Macy's faltering legacy and emphasizes the need for clear brand vision. Jeff Kinney, author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, discusses his community-focused bookstore, highlighting challenges in the retail space and ambitious plans to redevelop downtown Plainville. The conversation bridges the gap between corporate challenges and local retail vibrancy, imagining a brighter future for both.