Freakonomics Radio

Daron Acemoglu, an MIT Institute Professor, discusses how MBA programs shape corporate leadership and contribute to wage stagnation. He reveals troubling trends: bosses educated in business schools tend to pay their workers less, despite rising productivity. The conversation dives into the prioritization of shareholder value over employee welfare and questions the true impact MBA-trained CEOs have on profits and wages. Acemoglu examines the ethical divide in business education and the broader implications for economic inequality.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Arlene Bronzaft, a noise pollution expert, and Josh Dean, a behavioral science professor, explore the resurgence of urban noise post-pandemic. They delve into how noise pollution affects health and productivity, highlighting its impact on children's literacy and cognitive development. They also discuss the hidden economic costs of noise and innovative strategies to combat its effects in workplaces. Their engaging dialogue underscores the urgent need for noise management in our increasingly chaotic environments.

Joshua Goldstein, a political science expert advocating for nuclear energy, joins Matthew Neidel, an economist delving into public health and policy, and Craig Mazin, writer of the 'Chernobyl' series. They explore the balance of nuclear power as a climate solution versus its risks. Insights on harm reduction strategies used in health policies are compared to energy solutions. The conversation also addresses public perceptions shaped by media portrayals of disasters, emphasizing the importance of informed debate regarding the future of nuclear energy.

Ken Burns, a legendary documentary filmmaker celebrated for works like The Civil War and Jazz, shares insights into his latest project on the Holocaust. He discusses the essential role of film in educating about historical horrors and the moral responsibilities that come with it. Burns delves into the intersection of faith and storytelling in combating racism and xenophobia. He also reflects on the intricate process of documentary filmmaking, the challenges of creative delegation, and the importance of addressing youth mental health through powerful narratives.

Steve Gatina, Founder and CEO of Pray.com, and Larry Iannacone, an economist studying the intersection of faith and technology, dive into the booming world of digital prayer. They discuss how the pandemic accelerated the shift to online faith practices and the ethics of user data privacy. The conversation highlights Pray.com's rise as a source of hope while raising questions about the monetization of spirituality. They also examine inclusivity in religious apps and the evolving significance of prayer in a tech-driven society.

Michael Greenstone, an economist at the University of Chicago specializing in pollution and climate change, delves into the hidden impacts of air pollution on cognition. He highlights alarming stats linking pollution with decreased mental performance, particularly in adults under 50, while weaving in humorous gameplay anecdotes. The conversation draws attention to the long-term toll of bad air, evidenced by case studies like China's, and urges urgent reforms to combat this silent threat to productivity and well-being.

Roland Fryer, a controversial Harvard economist known for his groundbreaking research on education and societal issues, shares his candid views. He discusses the complexities of police use of force and challenges racial disparities with data-driven insights. Fryer also critiques corporate diversity programs, advocating for authenticity over compliance. He dives into how incentives in education can improve learning outcomes and shares his vision for empowering Black children through innovative educational initiatives.

Michelle Wu, the Mayor of Boston, passionately argues for free public transit, emphasizing its role in boosting economic mobility and racial equity. Brian Taylor, a transportation scholar from UCLA, delves into the complexities of public transit systems and how they interact with private vehicle use. The discussion highlights successful case studies like Kansas City's fare-free initiative and debunks myths about traffic congestion. Together, they explore the environmental benefits of free transit and the social implications for low-income communities.

Join economist Bruce Sasserdote from Dartmouth and NYU researcher Steve Rathje as they unpack the deep-rooted negativity bias in U.S. media. They discuss how sensationalized coverage, especially during the pandemic, fuels public anxiety and undermines trust in journalism. Discover how social media algorithms amplify this negativity for clicks while ignoring more positive narratives. With insights into the implications of this cycle, Sasserdote and Rathje advocate for a shift towards fostering a more optimistic outlook on society and media.

In this discussion, Gert-Jan Hofstede, a Professor of artificial sociality at Wageningen University and heir to his father's research on national cultures, delves into America's extreme individualism. He highlights how traits such as indulgence and short-term thinking shape everyday life. The conversation contrasts individualistic and collectivist cultures, explores the historical context of these traits, and examines their implications on societal behaviors. Hofstede also emphasizes the challenges of navigating power dynamics and cultural diversity in modern America.