Freakonomics Radio

Rochelle Walensky, a physician-scientist and former CDC director, teams up with economist Karen Clay to discuss the U.S. physician shortage. They reveal historical reforms that increased the gap, focusing on the legacy of the Flexner Report and its implications. Walensky highlights the burden of medical school applications and geographic distribution challenges, while Clay questions whether a bad doctor is worse than none at all. They also explore burnout among physicians and the need for better public health strategies to ease demand.

Stephen J. Dubner, an award-winning journalist and co-creator of Freakonomics Radio, reflects on his journey from a farm upbringing as the youngest of eight to a celebrated author. He shares the thrill of writing his first poem at age eleven and discusses the impact of his dual heritage on his quest for identity. Dubner also teases a new TV talk show centered on understanding people, emphasizing the power of curiosity and storytelling grounded in data. With insights on choosing creativity over fame, he inspires listeners to 'swing their swing' and pursue their passions.

Arthur Brooks, an esteemed economist and Harvard professor, believes love is the antidote to today's political contempt. He dives into how media consumption fuels a dopamine-driven addiction to contempt, driving polarization. Brooks distinguishes contempt from anger, emphasizing its cold nature. He shares practical love-centered strategies to combat contempt in everyday life and discusses leadership's role in shaping our political climate. With insights from his personal journey, Brooks urges listeners to embrace actionable love to foster unity.

Joined by Stefan Szymanski, an economist from the University of Michigan, Victor Matheson, a sports economist, and Domonique Foxworth, a former NFL cornerback, the discussion centers on the intriguing idea of promotion and relegation in American sports. They explore how this system could reshape the dynamics of college and professional leagues, enhancing competition and opportunities for players. Foxworth shares personal insights on the pressures of NFL contracts, while Szymanski and Matheson project the potential benefits and challenges of such a reform in the U.S. sports landscape.

Join former NFL player and sports analyst Domonique Foxworth, along with sports economist Victor Matheson, antitrust litigator Jeffrey Kessler, and sports executive Oliver Luck, as they explore the provocative idea of merging college and NFL football. They discuss the exploitation of student-athletes, groundbreaking legal battles transforming compensation rules, and the implications of a potential merger for the sports landscape. Get insights into the future of promotions, relegation, and how colleges might adapt their revenue structures.

Yuen Yuen Ang, a political scientist at Johns Hopkins University and author of "China's Gilded Age," dives into the intriguing parallels of corruption in the U.S. and China. She describes China as a corrupt meritocracy and explores how corruption evolves alongside development. Ang presents her corruption typology and discusses the impact of access money on economic outcomes. Comparing the U.S. and China's Gilded Ages, she highlights the similarities in access money, arguing for institutional changes to address underlying corruption issues.

In a fascinating discussion, Dan Wang, a research fellow at the Hoover Institution and author of 'Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future,' shares insights on the parallels between China and the U.S. He emphasizes the differences between China's engineering-centric governance and America's legalistic approach. Wang explores the implications of China's zero-COVID lockdowns and discusses technological advancements, manufacturing strategies, and policy lessons that could benefit the U.S. He also reflects on the identity and choices of Chinese expats.

Evelyn Forget, an economist from the University of Manitoba known for her research on poverty and health, discusses the merits of guaranteed basic income (GBI). She reflects on the Canadian Mincome experiment, revealing how it improved health and education outcomes. The conversation navigates the contentious debates surrounding GBI, especially in the context of technological job displacement. Forget also prompts listeners to rethink the nature of work and the necessity of a safety net in today's economy.

Kenneth Levin, a retired air traffic controller with 23 years of experience, shares behind-the-scenes insights into his high-pressure career, emphasizing the multitasking required in managing aircraft at high speeds. Ed Bolen, president of the National Business Aviation Association, discusses the vital role of general aviation in supporting various industries. The conversation delves into the urgent need for modernizing the air traffic control system, exploring the implications of a $12.5 billion funding boost and the ongoing challenges in enhancing safety and efficiency.

Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Airlines, shares insights on the airline industry's view of air traffic control, emphasizing safety and modernization needs. Polly Trottenberg, former deputy secretary of transportation, discusses FAA operations challenges and the historical context of air traffic control. Economist John Strong highlights infrastructure issues and staffing shortages, urging investment in new technology. Dorothy Robyn advocates for corporatization of the FAA, addressing policy implications and the need for a more efficient air traffic system.