Freakonomics Radio

Kathy Corradi, NYC's Director of Rodent Mitigation, delves into innovative strategies to combat the city's notorious rat population. Joining her is Bethany Brookshire, a science journalist and author, who explores the cultural perceptions surrounding these misunderstood creatures. They discuss the historical misconceptions linking rats to the Black Death, the ethical challenges of rat control, and the critical role of sanitation. The conversation also uncovers why our disdain for rats may reflect human biases rather than true health threats.

Rebecca Allensworth, a Vanderbilt law professor and author of "The Licensing Racket," critiques the pervasive system of professional licensing in the U.S. She reveals how licensing began in medicine and law but now extends to diverse fields like hairstyling and auctioneering, often creating barriers for qualified workers. Allensworth explores the self-dealing nature of licensing boards, their failure to protect the public, and the hidden costs totaling $250 billion annually. Her insights challenge listeners to rethink the necessity and ethics of these regulations.

Jason Kelce, a former Eagles center and co-host of the New Heights podcast, joins J.C. Tretter, ex-NFL player and former NFLPA president, along with Betsey Stevenson, an economist, and contract advisor Jim Ivler. They discuss shocking findings from a player survey revealing poor facilities and job satisfaction issues in the NFL. The conversation delves into the complexities of player contracts and the impact of workplace conditions on performance. They highlight the importance of team culture, player welfare, and the need for improvements in the league.

Roland Fryer, a Harvard economics professor with a penchant for sports, Brian Burke, a sports data scientist at ESPN, and Jeffery Whitney, president of a prominent sports agency, dive into the dwindling salaries of NFL running backs. They discuss the shift from running-focused strategies to the passing game, revealing how analytics now shape player value. Additionally, they explore contract dynamics altered by collective bargaining agreements, shedding light on the physical toll it takes on running backs while questioning the future of their position in the league.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.