Freakonomics Radio

Caitlin Doughty, a passionate mortician and author, champions a more personal and affordable approach to death care. She argues that our corporate funeral industry has distanced us from meaningful send-offs for our loved ones. Joined by guest host Maria Konnikova, they explore societal discomfort around death and the need for family involvement in funerals. Doughty shares insights on breaking barriers in the cremation industry and the ethical responsibilities of morticians, advocating for a more compassionate and authentic relationship with mortality.

In this insightful discussion, Ned Sharpless, Director of the National Cancer Institute, and Diane Simeone, a pancreatic cancer surgeon at NYU Langone, tackle the ongoing challenges of cancer research. They emphasize the staggering mortality rates of cancer, especially pancreatic cancer, and the urgent need for novel collaborative platforms to improve outcomes. The conversation highlights the transformative role of telehealth during the pandemic and proposes reforms to align research incentives with better patient outcomes, integrating big data and AI for more effective treatments.

Val Curtis, a Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Emily Kimmons, a Senior Manager at Kraft Heinz, dive into the intriguing world of disgust. They discuss how this primal response shapes our food choices and societal norms while exploring edible insects as a sustainable food source. Curtis shares insights on using disgust to promote hygiene, and Kimmons explains the sensory evaluations in developing new products. Their conversation highlights the barriers to embracing unconventional foods and the potential for an 'edible revolution'.

In this discussion, Melissa Carney, an economics professor at the University of Maryland, and Steve Levitt, an economist at the University of Chicago, dive into the complexities of child safety and family planning. They explore how mandatory car seats may unintentionally lower birth rates and how pandemic pressures are reshaping family dynamics. The guests also question the effectiveness of car seats versus adult seatbelts, revealing surprising data. They highlight the often-overlooked consequences of policies impacting childhood welfare.

We’ve collected some of our favorite moments from People I (Mostly) Admire, the latest show from the Freakonomics Radio Network. Host Steve Levitt seeks advice from scientists and inventors, memory wizards and basketball champions — even his fellow economists. He also asks about quitting, witch trials, and whether we need a Manhattan Project for climate change.

David Halpern leads the UK's Behavioural Insights Team, focusing on how behavioral science informs policy and social trust. Bob Putnam, a Harvard professor, dives into social capital and its evolution. They discuss the alarming decline of social trust in the U.S. and UK, linking it to increased diversity and social disengagement. The pair highlights how trust affects community wellbeing and economic growth, exploring pathways to rebuild social connections. Anecdotes and research underline the critical need for fostering trust in an increasingly complex society.

Exploring why we gravitate toward familiar media during crises, This discussion highlights the psychological comfort derived from known books, movies, and music. It contrasts the safety of familiarity with the growth potential found in new experiences. Personal anecdotes shed light on overcoming discomfort when stepping outside comfort zones, while the dangers of shallow knowledge and the Dunning-Kruger effect underscore the risks of overestimating one’s expertise. Ultimately, the conversation encourages a balanced approach to knowledge and comfort.

Steve Treziak, a leader in Compassionomics, and Harvard psychiatrist Helen Reese discuss the pressing lack of empathy in the U.S. healthcare system. They reveal how increased compassion can improve patient outcomes and reduce physician burnout. Personal anecdotes and research highlight the severe disconnect between doctors' self-perceptions and patients' experiences. The duo also explores innovative training initiatives aimed at enhancing empathy in healthcare, concluding with a powerful call for compassion to permeate all areas of society.

Brian Deese, the incoming director of the National Economic Council, is a climate-policy expert with a wealth of experience from BlackRock and the Obama administration. In this discussion, he highlights the deep connection between economic and environmental policies. Deese faces scrutiny for his background but emphasizes the importance of sustainable investment strategies in navigating today's challenges. The conversation also tackles healthcare provider burnout and innovative approaches to rethinking plastic use, underscoring the need for systemic change towards sustainability.

In a reflective discussion, former Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, urban economist Ed Glazer, and Downtown Project business lead Maggie Hsu explore the ambitious revitalization of Las Vegas. They delve into innovative urban planning techniques that aim to transform downtown into a vibrant community hub. Hsieh shares insights from his vision, while Hsu recounts grassroots initiatives that foster creativity and local entrepreneurship. The trio discusses the unique challenges of reshaping a city known for its glitz, highlighting the importance of community engagement and thoughtful design.