Freakonomics Radio

Katie Johnson, a data scientist turned manager turned freelancer, shares her journey navigating the challenges of leadership. Kelly Shue, a finance professor, discusses the Peter Principle — the tendency for capable employees to be promoted into ineffective managerial roles. Steve Tadelis, an economics professor, emphasizes the significant impact that managers have on employee success and productivity. Together, they explore why firms perpetuate this cycle of promoting incompetence and how rethinking promotions could reshape organizational dynamics.

Fareed Zakaria, a prominent journalist and author, discusses revolutionary changes impacting our world. He examines the decline of global democracy and the rise of populism, highlighting the interplay between economics, technology, and identity. Zakaria reflects on geopolitical shifts, particularly involving China and Russia, and the challenges facing democratic nations. He provides insights into the resilience of American democracy and the moral responsibilities of journalism, all while offering a glimmer of hope amidst these transformations.

Zeke Hernandez, a Business professor at the Wharton School and author of "The Truth About Immigration," dives deep into the complexities of immigration in America. He challenges common misconceptions through an engaging quiz format, revealing surprising statistics about immigrants' economic contributions. The discussion explores historical settlement patterns in urban enclaves, emphasizing the social networks that shape these choices. Hernandez also highlights the diverse narratives around undocumented immigrants, advocating for empathy and understanding in immigration debates.

Experts like Zeke Hernandez and William Kerr discuss Canada's successful immigration system luring skilled workers from the US. They compare Canada's points-based program to the US H1B visa challenges. The podcast explores family separation issues, country branding, and the allure of the American dream. It also sheds light on immigration policies, demographic challenges, and the benefits of Canada's strategic immigration program.

In this engaging discussion, Zeke Hernandez, a Wharton School professor and immigration expert, teams up with David Leonhardt, a New York Times senior writer, to dissect the myths surrounding U.S. immigration. They explore the historical evolution of immigration policies and highlight economic benefits versus costs. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants and the shortcomings of current policies. The duo emphasizes the importance of facts for understanding immigration’s true impact on society and economy.

Madeleine Albright, the first female U.S. Secretary of State, shares her powerful insights as a refugee who ascended to prominence. She reflects on her own journey from Nazi-occupied Prague and contrasts the welcoming experiences of her past with today's immigration challenges. Albright emphasizes the importance of gratitude, the vital role of the U.S. in offering asylum, and the complex interplay of nationalism and borders. Her thoughts on the Syrian refugee crisis highlight the need for compassion and effective political solutions for displaced individuals.

Zeke Hernandez, a Wharton professor and author, Roger Nam from Emory University, and Leah Boustan of Princeton delve into America's complicated immigration narrative. They dissect the irony of a nation built by immigrants now grappling with xenophobia. The discussion uncovers the historical truths of Ellis Island, explores emotional vs. factual viewpoints on immigration, and highlights the economic triumphs of immigrant families and refugees. Their insights reveal the economic necessity of migration and challenge prevailing misconceptions.

Leonardo Bursztyn, a University of Chicago economics professor, and Benjamin Handel from UC Berkeley dive into the fascinating world of social media traps. They discuss how social environments shape our choices, revealing why so many users wish social media didn’t exist yet feel compelled to stay. The conversation explores how peer influence drives users to avoid deactivating their accounts, drawing parallels between social media addiction and cigarette dependency. Ultimately, they examine the societal impacts of these platforms and question their inherent value in our lives.

Victor Matheson, an economics professor, discusses the complex relationship between sports and a nation's reputation, particularly through the lens of sportswashing. Alan Shipnuck, a sports journalist, sheds light on the riveting LIV Golf saga and its clash with the PGA Tour. Jodi Balsam, a clinical law professor, provides a legal perspective on these controversies. Together, they explore how countries use sporting events to reshape their image while confronting the ethical dilemmas and possible backlash surrounding these tactics.

Join Amy Kirby, a leader in wastewater surveillance at the CDC, Mark Johnson, an expert in COVID tracing through sewage, Brian Beach, an economic historian studying municipal water systems, and Natalie Koch, a geography professor analyzing Arizona's water crisis. They delve into shocking truths hidden in wastewater, revealing how racially biased city planning unexpectedly improved public health for Black communities. Plus, discover the surprising agricultural ties between Arizona and Saudi Arabia, and the urgent challenges of water management in modern society.