Freakonomics Radio

Dive into the fascinating world of unfinished tasks and their impact on our minds. Discover the Zygarnik effect and how unresolved issues linger, affecting emotional health. The hosts share personal stories about miscommunication in relationships and the importance of closure. Explore the cultural concept of the 'Irish exit' and its psychological implications. They reflect on emotional regulation and discuss how empathy plays a crucial role in effective communication. Tune in for insights and relatable anecdotes!

Michael Lewis, bestselling author known for works like "Moneyball" and "The Big Short," provides a deep dive into the controversial figure of Sam Bankman-Fried, the face of the FTX scandal. He discusses the intense criticism of his portrayal in his recent book, "Going Infinite," and explains why he believes the critiques are misplaced. Lewis reveals what it was like to witness his book become a courtroom drama and explores the ethical dilemmas surrounding effective altruism, financial accountability, and the personal chaos of Bankman-Fried's inner circle.

Join Jens Ludwig, an economist and director of the Crime Lab at the University of Chicago, alongside Sandy Jo MacArthur, a curriculum design director for the Policing Leadership Academy and law enforcement training expert. They delve into the critical need for enhanced management training for police leaders, arguing that effective strategies can reduce gun violence. The discussion also highlights innovative approaches like integrating mental health professionals with law enforcement and emphasizes the importance of data-driven methods for community safety.

Brian Taylor, a UCLA urban planning professor, Janno Lieber, CEO of New York's MTA, and Michelle Wu, the Mayor of Boston, discuss the future of public transit. They debate the complex question of making public transportation free, detailing its potential to enhance economic opportunity and social mobility while benefiting the environment. Insights include the impact of fare-free systems on ridership, equity, and innovative funding solutions. The conversation challenges traditional views on transportation financing and sheds light on efforts toward climate justice.

Chad Syverson, an economics professor at the University of Chicago, Ed Glaeser from Harvard, and Vaughan Buckley, CEO of Volumetric Building Companies, dive into the perplexing inefficiencies of the U.S. construction sector. They discuss why construction productivity has stagnated since the 1970s, explore the potential of modular and prefabricated solutions, and share insights on the impact of regulations and labor dynamics. The conversation challenges preconceived notions about modular designs and highlights innovative approaches to address housing shortages.

Join Jason Kelce, longtime center for the Philadelphia Eagles and vibrant podcaster, as he shares his journey in the NFL and the close bond with his brother, Travis. They reflect on emotional growth amidst the pressures of professional football and the importance of teamwork. Kelce discusses the challenges of player accommodations, revealing surprising insights from the NFL team report card. With a mix of humor and honesty, he reveals why losing isn’t an option and offers a glimpse into life beyond the field.

Brendan Ballou, a Special Counsel at the DOJ and author of "Plunder," teams up with investor Sachin Khajuria, author of "Two and Twenty," to shine a light on private equity's role in the economy. They explore whether these firms really enhance efficiency or merely profit at the expense of consumers. The discussion highlights powerful anecdotes, the rise of controversial business models, and the troubling impacts on local communities, especially the decline of beloved institutions like Fairway Market. Is more regulation needed? The answer may surprise you!

Join Killian Huber, a University of Chicago economics professor, Silke-Maria Weineck from the University of Michigan, and Sophie Calder-Wang from Wharton as they explore the hefty economic toll of discrimination. They discuss shocking historical parallels, such as the impact of Jewish exclusion in Nazi Germany on corporate performance. The conversation also delves into the effectiveness of diversity mandates and the challenges of achieving true equity in workplaces, offering intriguing insights into how discrimination shapes economies today.

Gary Klein, a cognitive psychologist known for his pioneering work in decision-making, and Theresa MacPhail, a medical anthropologist studying pandemic preparedness, dig into the art of learning from failure. They discuss the innovative premortem technique for anticipating issues within teams. Additionally, they explore the cultural shift needed to embrace failure in education and startups, and how resilience can be built through open discussions about mistakes. The conversation highlights that facing challenges head-on leads to growth and unexpected opportunities.

Travis Thul, Director of Operations at the University of Minnesota, and Jill Hoffman, Founder and CEO of Path 2 Flight, discuss the thin line between grit and quitting. They share personal stories about glitches in entrepreneurial ventures, including a Kickstarter campaign for a unique ramen-making machine. The conversation emphasizes the emotional hurdles of failure, the stigma around it, and how acknowledging these challenges can actually foster success. Together, they advocate for a redefined perspective on persistence and the importance of knowing when to let go.