Freakonomics Radio

Ryan McDevitt, an economist at Duke University, and Jeff Gillian, a kidney specialist and chief medical officer at DaVita, dive into the controversial dynamics of the dialysis industry. They analyze how low Medicare reimbursement rates have pushed the industry toward profit-driven practices, often at the expense of patient care. The pair discusses troubling data on the consolidation of dialysis providers, ethical dilemmas in treatment decisions, and legislative challenges aimed at improving patient outcomes within a profit-centric system.

Zach Cooper, a healthcare economist from Yale, and Marty McCary, a Johns Hopkins surgeon and author, dive deep into the chaos of the U.S. healthcare system. They discuss the surprising amount of unnecessary medical care and the shocking rise in prescription rates. The duo critiques the high spending with low outcomes and explores how profit motives shape patient care. They argue for incremental reforms over sweeping changes, while dissecting pricing transparency efforts and the trust issues surrounding surprise billing that plague patients today.

John List, an economist at the University of Chicago, discusses the failure of many impactful solutions to scale in education and healthcare. Dana Susskind shares insights from her research on cochlear implants, emphasizing the emotional and practical challenges of medical advancements. Patty Chamberlain highlights the complexities of implementing evidence-based practices in child welfare. Together, they explore the emerging field of implementation science and the need for robust frameworks to transform research into effective policies.

In this engaging discussion, Kurt Andersen, a renowned author and creator of 'Studio 360,' interviews Thomas Dyja, author of 'New York, New York, New York,' who delves into four decades of the city's evolution. They explore how New York's embrace of information helped it rise from economic despair. Highlights include the colorful transformation of public spaces, the interplay between urban revitalization and gentrification, and the city’s resilience in adapting to challenges like Covid. Their insightful reflections capture the complexities of NYC's identity.

Katie Milkman, a Wharton School professor and author of "How to Change," dives into the dynamics of personal transformation. She explores the psychological 'fresh start effect,' discussing its significance during New Year’s and the pandemic. The conversation highlights fascinating studies on how disruptions, like commuting changes and life events, can trigger impactful behavior change. Milkman shares insights on setting goals and navigating the complexities of habit formation, emphasizing the power of second chances and self-compassion.

Jim Brainerd, the Mayor of Carmel, Indiana, is a visionary leader known for championing roundabouts over conventional traffic lights. He dives into the numerous benefits of roundabouts, emphasizing enhanced safety, reduced fatalities, and improved air quality. The discussion also touches on economic implications and community identity linked to traffic design. Brainerd challenges listeners to rethink urban traffic infrastructure, highlighting the potential of abolishing traffic lights altogether and embracing innovative traffic solutions.

Charles Blow, an Op-ed columnist for The New York Times and author of "The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto," advocates for a daring "reverse migration" of Black Americans back to the South. He discusses the persistent challenges of white supremacy and the importance of consolidating political power in safer regions. Blow critiques current Black leadership, explores grassroots activism, and examines the economic barriers faced by Black communities. His passionate call for empowerment and change offers a bold vision for the future.

Amanda Markey, a behavioral economist and algebra teacher, dives into the intriguing world of boredom and its economic implications. She discusses how boredom emerged historically, especially in industrial work, and its often-overlooked psychological aspects. Through fascinating experiments, they explore boredom's potential role as a signal for seeking more fulfilling activities. Additionally, Markey sheds light on the burden of boredom in retirement and its influence on cognitive health, emphasizing the need for engagement to combat these feelings.

In this discussion, Jeff Immelt, former CEO of General Electric, reflects on his tumultuous tenure when GE was once the world's most valuable company. He candidly shares the tough decisions and risky strategies that contributed to the company's decline, emphasizing the importance of leadership accountability. Immelt also dives into navigating innovation, the emotional challenges during crises, and the impact of corporate narratives. His insights shed light on the complexities of corporate governance and the lessons learned from failures.

Einav Hart, a cognitive scientist from George Mason University, and Maurice Schweitzer, a Wharton School professor, dive into the art of asking sensitive questions. They discuss how societal norms often keep us from addressing topics like money and politics, despite research suggesting these fears may be unfounded. The duo highlights the potential for deeper connections through open dialogue and examines the role of cultural influences and personal experiences in shaping our willingness to engage in such conversations. Embracing discomfort can lead to richer relationships!