Freakonomics Radio

Ralph Leighton, a retired school teacher and lifelong friend of Richard Feynman, shares intriguing stories from Feynman's adventurous life, highlighting their bond over music and their shared curiosity. They discuss Feynman's explorations, from mind-bending trips to the Esalen Institute to his courageous testimony during the Challenger disaster. Leighton reflects on Feynman's legacy of curiosity, integrity in science, and the importance of public trust, weaving in personal anecdotes that showcase Feynman's whimsical spirit and profound impact on both science and humanity.

Richard Feynman, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist known for his innovative teaching, takes center stage alongside his daughter, Michelle Feynman. They discuss Richard's transformative post-war journey, from overcoming depression in South America to redefining his teaching methods that emphasized curiosity over grades. Michelle shares personal anecdotes that highlight their unique bond, while they also navigate the complexities of Feynman's legacy, touching on his unconventional romantic life and the balance between genius and controversy.

Discover how the San Francisco 49ers transformed from perennial losers to Super Bowl contenders. Hear tales of Brock Purdy's unexpected rise and the impact of past controversies on the team. Delve into Kyle Shanahan's coaching journey, strategic leadership changes, and the intense pressures coaches face. Explore the emotional struggles of players during tough seasons and how resilience sparked a winning streak. The podcast captures the essence of teamwork, struggle, and the thrill of sports redemption.

Join Richard Feynman, a legendary physicist known for his work on the Manhattan Project, along with his daughter Michelle, biographer Ralph Leighton, and journalist Charles Mann, as they delve into Feynman's pursuit of truth during the Challenger investigation. They share personal anecdotes that reveal his unconventional approach to science, his moral dilemmas regarding the atomic bomb, and the emotional turmoil he faced post-war. The discussion captures Feynman's vibrant curiosity and unique legacy, inspiring a new generation of thinkers.

Michael Roth, the President of Wesleyan University, is known for his bold takes on higher education and free speech. He critiques the failures of university leadership amid rising anti-Semitism and the resignations of peers at prestigious institutions. Roth discusses the decline in trust in higher education, emphasizing the urgent need for moral leadership. He also explores the influence of Gulf donations on U.S. universities and the challenges faced in fostering genuine dialogue amidst political tensions and shifting generational perspectives.

In this engaging discussion, guest Scott Lilienfeld, a professor known for debunking psychological myths, teams up with Bibb Latané, a veteran social psychologist renowned for his work on bystander intervention. They delve into the nuances of commonly misused psychological terms, such as 'bystander apathy' and 'hard-wired'. Through the lens of the infamous Kitty Genovese case, they unravel the complexities of human behavior, emphasizing how societal perceptions can misguide our understanding of action and inaction in crises.

In a revealing conversation, Ivan Oransky, a doctor and co-founder of Retraction Watch, and Max Bazerman, a Harvard professor specializing in ethics, dissect the rampant issue of academic fraud. They discuss the overwhelming pressures within the $28 billion scholarly publishing industry that foster misconduct. The duo explores the challenges of accountability, the dangers of profit-driven practices in open-access publishing, and innovative solutions for enhancing transparency in research. Together, they uncover systemic issues that undermine trust in scientific integrity.

Max Bazerman, a Harvard professor known for his work in behavioral science, and Leif Nelson from UC Berkeley, who investigates research misconduct, dive into the troubling world of academic fraud. They reveal startling trends, including the retraction of 10,000 papers last year, and discuss famous scandals that have shaken public trust. The conversation exposes the pressures leading researchers to engage in unethical practices and the vital need for integrity in academia, all while blending humor with critical analysis.

Discover what millennials are doing to make their mark in the $7 billion greeting card industry. Uncover the surprising designs and evolving trends shaping how we connect. Learn about the journey of pizza boxes, from origin to modern efficiency, and how they impact your favorite slice. Delve into the world of personal injury law, revealing the fierce advertising battle and its implications for justice. This episode blends creativity, commerce, and legal drama into an engaging exploration of everyday economics.

Cat Bohannon, an evolution researcher and author of "Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution," shares captivating insights into how the female body shaped humanity. She discusses the significance of mother's milk and its historical complexities, the impact of wet nursing on fertility, and the maternal-fetal dynamics likened to trench warfare. Bohannon also explores gynecology's evolution, its role in women's health, and the shifting social structures from matriarchy to patriarchy, all while weaving in personal reflections on feminism.