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Freakonomics Radio

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Oct 3, 2024 • 1h 1min

605. What Do People Do All Day?

David Autor, a leading economist from MIT, and Paula Barmaimon, an analytics manager at The New York Times, join artist Ellen Griesedieck and party co-host Adina Lichtman for a fascinating discussion. They explore how 60% of today's jobs didn't exist in 1940, diving into the evolving nature of work and the roles technology plays. From the American Mural Project's dedication to workers to the contrast of hunter-gatherer lifestyles, the conversation reveals both the complex history of labor and predictions for the future of employment.
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Sep 30, 2024 • 1h

EXTRA: Roland Fryer Refuses to Lie to Black America (Update)

Roland Fryer, a controversial Harvard economist, discusses his challenging journey through academia, including his suspension and the complexities of diversity initiatives. He dives into police practices and educational strategies, emphasizing the need for data-driven approaches to understand racial disparities. Fryer advocates for the empowerment of Black identity through education, while exploring how behavioral economics can influence aspirations in marginalized communities. He also examines the balance between incentive programs and genuine learning in schools.
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Sep 26, 2024 • 47min

604. Did the N.F.L. Solve Diversity Hiring? (Part 2)

Tynesia Boyea-Robinson, a diversity advocate and CEO of CapEQ, joins legal expert N. Jeremi Duru, former NFL coach Herm Edwards, entrepreneurial professor Christopher Rider, and consultant Jim Rooney. They dive into the evolution of the Rooney Rule, discussing its impact on NFL hiring practices and corporate America. The conversation addresses setbacks in diversity efforts, the influence of social movements like Black Lives Matter, and the need for effective DEI strategies. They emphasize the importance of accountability and the future of diversity in leadership roles.
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Sep 19, 2024 • 48min

603. Did the N.F.L. Solve Diversity Hiring? (Part 1)

Join N. Jeremi Duru, a law professor, former NFL player and coach Herm Edwards, and author Jim Rooney as they delve into the complex issue of diversity in NFL hiring. They discuss the origins and aspirations of the Rooney Rule, examining its initial successes and subsequent failures. Through personal anecdotes and historical context, they highlight the staggering lack of Black head coaches despite the high percentage of Black players. The conversation uncovers both the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving true representation within the league.
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Sep 16, 2024 • 43min

EXTRA: In Praise of Maintenance (Update)

Join Martin Casado, a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, and Ruth Schwartz Cowan, a history professor at the University of Pennsylvania, as they unpack our cultural bias towards innovation over maintenance. Edward Glaeser, a Harvard economics professor, stresses that maintenance fuels societal progress. Chris Lacinak reveals how tech can complicate household tasks, amplifying unpaid labor for women. Andrew Russell champions a renewed appreciation for maintainers, highlighting their crucial role in preserving public safety and enhancing infrastructure.
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Sep 12, 2024 • 40min

602. Is Screen Time as Poisonous as We Think?

David Blanchflower is a professor of economics at Dartmouth College, Lauren Oyler is a novelist and cultural critic, and Andrew Przybylski is a professor at the University of Oxford. They delve into the complex relationship between screen time and rising mental health issues among youth. The conversation questions if smartphones are the sole cause of increased anxiety and depression. They also explore the historical context of societal fears around technology and the need for nuanced research to better understand these pressing challenges.
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Sep 5, 2024 • 58min

601. Multitasking Doesn’t Work. So Why Do We Keep Trying?

In this thought-provoking discussion, Stephen Dubner, a prominent author and co-host of Freakonomics, teams up with PJ Vogt, a journalist known for his work on the podcast Search Engine. They dive into the myth of multitasking, revealing that most people are far from the so-called 'supertaskers'. The conversation addresses how multitasking actually reduces productivity and increases stress, particularly in tech-driven workplaces. They explore the paradox of modern communication tools, like Slack, that create more distractions than they eliminate.
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Aug 29, 2024 • 49min

What Is the Future of College — and Does It Have Room for Men? (Update)

Zachary Bleemer, an economics professor at Princeton, D'Wayne Edwards, founder of Pensole Lewis College, and Catharine Hill, former Vassar president, dive deep into waning college enrollment, especially among men. They unpack the historical significance of institutions like the Lewis College of Business and the widening gender gap in education. The conversation also explores systemic challenges, innovative strategies to support male students, and the impact of online education on learning choices, all while envisioning a more inclusive future for higher education.
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Aug 26, 2024 • 40min

EXTRA: Why Quitting Is Usually Worth It

Stephen Dubner, known for his insights on success and failure, joins David Duchovny to discuss the often-ignored value of quitting. They challenge the stigma surrounding quitting, advocating for it as a strategic choice that can foster personal growth and creativity. Their conversation dives into the transformative nature of leaving behind what doesn't serve you and how pain can catalyze resilience. The duo also navigates the complexities of identity, fame, and parenting, revealing how failures can lead to profound self-discovery and fulfillment.
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Aug 22, 2024 • 1h 11min

The University of Impossible-to-Get-Into (Update)

Joining the discussion are Peter Blair, a Harvard education professor; Zachary Bleemer, an assistant economics professor at Princeton; and Amalia Miller from UVA. They dive into the paradox of elite university admissions amidst soaring demand yet stagnant supply. The conversation touches on the impact of wealth and privilege in securing spots, the true value versus brand prestige of education, and the declining trust in higher education institutions. They also discuss the complexity of navigating admissions in light of recent Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action.

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