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Freakonomics Radio

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248 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 52min

619. How to Poison the A.I. Machine

Ben Zhao, a computer science professor at the University of Chicago, focuses on adversarial machine learning and safeguards against AI-related harms. He unveils tools like Glaze and Nightshade designed to protect artists from A.I. misuse and shares strategies to counter surveillance tech. Zhao warns of the A.I. bubble's burst, examines the ethical dilemmas within tech, and discusses the tension between innovation and protecting intellectual property in the creative realm. His insights draw a vivid picture of the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on art.
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151 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 59min

Is San Francisco a Failed State? (And Other Questions You Shouldn’t Ask the Mayor)

London Breed, former mayor of San Francisco, dives into the city's ongoing challenges, emphasizing homelessness and crime while sharing personal resilience stories. Koleman Strumpf, an economist, humorously navigates the complexities of illicit markets like sports betting and cannabis, and contrasts traditional polling with prediction markets. Erik Brynjolfsson discusses the potential of AI as a human-centered tool, advocating for technology that enhances rather than replaces human ability. It's a dynamic conversation interweaving urban struggles and economic insights.
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277 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 53min

618. Are Realtors Having an Existential Crisis?

Chad Syverson, a professor of economics, discusses the looming challenges faced by realtors amid a pivotal legal settlement. Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, provides insights into declining sales and rising mortgage rates. Kevin Sears, the 2024 NAR president, emphasizes the need for adapting commission structures. The conversation explores the potential obsolescence of realtors, drawing parallels with travel agents, and the implications for consumer trust and market dynamics as the real estate landscape evolves.
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228 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 1h 4min

617. Are You Really Allergic to Penicillin?

In this insightful discussion, allergists Elena Resnick and Kimberly Blumenthal, along with researcher Theresa MacPhail and professor Thomas Platts-Mills, unravel the myths surrounding penicillin allergies. They reveal that a staggering number of people mistakenly believe they are allergic, leading to enormous healthcare costs. The conversation dives into the importance of accurate testing, the impact of misdiagnosis on treatment, and the societal influences affecting our understanding of allergies. They advocate for better allergy assessment to improve patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary medication restrictions.
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152 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 39min

Highway Signs and Prison Labor

Incarcerated individuals tackle various jobs, from growing crops to manufacturing highway signs, often earning mere pennies an hour. The discussion uncovers the ethics of prison labor, tracing its evolution and economic implications. Dive into the nuanced world of highway sign production while learning about the challenges prisoners face in low-wage jobs. Experience the complex intersection of labor, profit, and the personal struggles of inmates, revealing both the exploitation and resilience within the system.
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120 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 1h 9min

Can Academic Fraud Be Stopped? (Update)

Max Bazerman, a Harvard Business School professor, discusses the ethics of academia, spotlighting the systemic pressures that lead to misconduct. Brian Nosek from the University of Virginia talks about his efforts in promoting transparency through the Open Science Framework, revealing the reluctance in academia to share data. Ivan Oransky, co-founder of Retraction Watch, exposes the challenges surrounding the integrity of publishing, especially after Hindawi's retraction of over 8,000 fraudulent papers. The episode sheds light on the pervasive issues of trust and accountability in research.
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202 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 1h 15min

Why Is There So Much Fraud in Academia? (Update)

Max Bazerman, a behavioral science expert from Harvard, Leif Nelson from UC Berkeley known for tackling research misconduct, and Brian Nosek, a champion of research integrity at the University of Virginia, explore the alarming rise of academic fraud. They discuss the pressures that lead researchers to manipulate data and the far-reaching consequences of retracted papers. The conversation delves into high-profile cases and their implications on public trust, while emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and ethical standards in academia.
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333 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 48min

Your Brain Doesn’t Work the Way You Think

David Eagleman, a Stanford neuroscientist and author, revisits our understanding of the brain's incredible adaptability. He reveals how neuroplasticity allows for astonishing skills like echolocation in blind individuals. The discussion covers sensory substitution technologies that transform sensory experiences and how cognitive biases shape our decision-making. Eagleman also explores the limitations of AI cognition compared to human thought processes, emphasizing the philosophical significance of these differences. Plus, he introduces 'possibilianism' for exploring varied interpretations of existence.
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146 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 48min

616. How to Make Something from Nothing

In this engaging conversation, Adam Moss, a renowned magazine editor and author of "The Work of Art," shares his journey from editorial excellence to exploring painting. He discusses the creative process, highlighting the challenges and joys of starting from scratch. Moss reflects on mentorship, emphasizing kindness and supportive growth over traditional criticism. He also delves into how his experiences in journalism enriched his artistic path and the importance of finding joy in the creation itself, rather than solely in the finished piece.
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323 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 57min

615. Is Ozempic as Magical as It Sounds?

In this enlightening discussion, Ezekiel Emanuel, an oncologist and healthcare policymaker, delves into the transformative potential of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic. He highlights their unexpected benefits for weight loss and other health issues, while addressing the ethical complexities surrounding accessibility and insurance coverage. Emanuel also shares insights on the future of cancer care and the impact of emerging technologies like AI in healthcare. His reflections on healthcare policy reveal crucial implications for equity and innovation in the U.S. healthcare system.

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