Freakonomics Radio

Richard Thaler, a Nobel Prize-winning economics professor at the University of Chicago and co-author of "Nudge," explores the evolution of behavioral economics. He discusses the enduring relevance of nudging in light of global crises like financial meltdowns and pandemics. Thaler delves into the ethics of organ donation systems, innovative nudges to improve female labor participation, and the impact of major tech companies on social support disparities. With insightful humor, he emphasizes how small changes in choice architecture can lead to significant behavioral shifts.

Eric Kleinenberg, a sociology professor at NYU, and Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a professor at BYU specializing in psychology and neuroscience, delve into the complexities of loneliness in modern society. They explore its profound impact on mental and physical health, revealing startling statistics on its prevalence. The discussion also highlights societal trends contributing to this loneliness epidemic, such as the rise of single-person households and digital connectivity, while offering potential strategies for fostering social connections.

Michèle Flournoy, a former Pentagon official and national security expert, teams up with Cecil Haney, a trailblazing U.S. Navy four-star admiral, to delve into pressing issues. They discuss the nuances of nuclear deterrence and the essential qualities of smart leadership. The conversation also highlights the importance of diversity in military roles and the often-overlooked job opportunities that exist outside traditional platforms. Both guests share personal stories that illuminate the complexities of their experiences in the defense sector.

Roy Baumeister, a renowned social psychologist known for his work on willpower, teams up with David Byrne, the creative force behind Talking Heads, to explore the human tendency to focus on negativity. They discuss how this

Michael Greenstone, a leading economist from the University of Chicago, sheds light on the staggering global impact of air pollution, linking it to 7 million deaths annually. He discusses how even low levels of particulate matter can impair cognitive function, with revealing studies showing significant declines in memory and decision-making abilities. Greenstone also highlights the economic ramifications of pollution, making a compelling case for stricter regulations as a means to protect public health and enhance productivity.

Pete Buttigieg, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, joins economist Ed Glazer to discuss America's infrastructure woes. They explore the deep-seated cultural ties between Americans and their cars while addressing why the U.S. lags behind in building modern infrastructure. The conversation dives into the challenges of federal funding, the complexities of urban planning, and innovative solutions like Biden's infrastructure plan. They highlight the urgent need for a cultural shift to enhance safety, accessibility, and sustainability in transportation.

This discussion features Charles C. Mann, a journalist and author exploring contrasting environmental approaches, alongside Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland advocating for climate justice, and Nathan Myhrvold, technologist pushing for innovation. They delve into the heated debate over conservation versus technological solutions for climate change. Their conversation highlights the importance of diverse strategies, the impact of agricultural innovations, and ethical considerations in ensuring sustainability, emphasizing the urgent need for collaboration to address climate challenges.

Gert-Jan Hofstede, a Professor at Wageningen University, continues his father’s legacy by exploring the depths of American individualism. He dissects how the U.S. leads in traits like indulgence and short-term thinking, yet struggles with uncertainty avoidance. The conversation touches on the evolution of workplace culture, revealing the impacts of individualism on economic growth and societal behavior. Hofstede contrasts these ideas with collective cultures, debating whether extreme individualism leads to success or chaos in today's society.

Michelle Gelfand, a cross-cultural psychology professor, and Joe Henrich, an expert in human evolutionary biology, explore the complexities of American culture. They discuss how U.S. rugged individualism complicates the adoption of foreign policies. The duo dives into 'tight' versus 'loose' cultural norms, revealing how these impact behaviors like addiction and innovation. They also analyze American individualism, contrasting it with global perspectives, while injecting humor about the essence of being American. Relevant anecdotes and eye-opening insights abound!

Join economist Frank Schilbach from MIT as he shares insights from a groundbreaking sleep study in Chennai, India. Discover why napping could be the key to unlocking productivity and well-being. Schilbach discusses the surprising link between sleep deprivation and creativity, and challenges the stigma around afternoon naps. He also highlights the importance of sleep management in high-stress jobs like law enforcement. Get ready to rethink your relationship with sleep – a nap revolution might just be on the horizon!