Freakonomics Radio

Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, is at the forefront of transforming the auto giant into an electric vehicle powerhouse. She discusses the competitive landscape, highlighting GM's efforts to catch up with Tesla and address climate change. Barra shares insights from her unique journey from co-op student to CEO, emphasizing the importance of diversity and innovation in leadership. The conversation dives into the impact of COVID-19 on manufacturing, online sales strategies, and the challenges of adapting to electric vehicle market demands.

Steve Tadellis, a marketing expert from UC Berkeley, and Tim Huang, a research fellow with insights into the attention economy, delve into the world of digital advertising. They tackle the effectiveness of digital ads versus traditional TV, revealing surprising truths about ad spending and consumer behavior. The discussion highlights challenges in quantifying success and skepticism around the industry's claims of engagement. They also explore the risks of a potential digital-ad bubble and emphasize the need for diverse economic strategies in marketing.

Anna Tuckman, an associate professor of marketing at Northwestern University's Kellogg School, dives into the paradox of advertising. She discusses the staggering global advertising spend and whether it genuinely translates into sales. Tuckman reveals that increased e-cigarette ads correlate with a drop in traditional cigarette sales, indicating the powerful influence of marketing. The conversation challenges traditional views on ad effectiveness, revealing potential overspending by brands and the complexities involved in measuring real impact, especially as digital methods evolve.

Arlene Bronsaft, a Professor Emerita from CUNY, and Josh Dean, an Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago, discuss the pervasive noise of modern life and its impact on health and productivity. They reveal how ambient sounds, from car alarms to subway noise, affect our mental well-being and economic efficiency. The conversation highlights the urgent need for noise reduction strategies in urban environments and explores the psychological costs of unwanted noise. With insights from cutting-edge research, they advocate for a balanced soundscape that respects both enjoyment and tranquility.

John Mackey, co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market, shares his insights on the complexities of authenticity in leadership amidst societal pressures. He discusses the evolution of Whole Foods, highlighting its challenges, including competition and Amazon's impact. Mackey candidly addresses the importance of constructive feedback in building trust and the difficulties of maintaining integrity in the public eye. He also explores the pressing need for healthcare reform in the U.S., comparing it to more successful international models.

Tara McGowan, a progressive political operative and founder of Acronym, shares insights from her experience on the Obama campaign and the Iowa caucus app debacle. She discusses the necessity for Democrats to adopt strategies similar to Republicans' dark-money tactics to enhance their electoral success. The conversation also delves into the evolving role of social media in political campaigning and the importance of transparency and accountability in modern politics. McGowan emphasizes the significance of innovative approaches and addressing misinformation.

Bruce Carnegie Brown, Chairman of Lloyd's of London, dives deep into the world of insurance and business interruption policies. He reveals the shocking truth that many businesses were not covered for pandemic-related losses due to vague policy language. The discussion highlights legislative pressure on insurers and examines the disparities between small businesses and large corporations. Carnegie Brown calls for innovative solutions in insurance to better safeguard against future crises, emphasizing a need for collaboration between private and public sectors.

Alexandra Horowitz, a cognitive scientist and author specializing in dog cognition, sheds light on the fascinating minds of our canine companions. The discussion dives into how dogs perceive their world, particularly through their incredible sense of smell. Horowitz challenges common myths about dog behavior and explores the emotional bonds formed between dogs and humans. The conversation also touches on the boom in dog ownership during the pandemic and the responsibilities that come with it, urging a deeper understanding of our furry friends.

London Breed, the Mayor of San Francisco, shares insights on the city's housing crisis and challenges during the pandemic. Urban economist Jacob Vigdor explores the complexities behind skyrocketing rent, emphasizing landlord-tenant laws. Dan Doctoroff, former NYC deputy mayor, discusses innovative construction technologies aimed at reducing housing costs. Together, they examine the intricate interplay of demand, regulatory constraints, and historical factors making affordable housing elusive in urban settings, shedding light on solutions and the future of city living.

Ed Glazer, a distinguished urban economist from Harvard and author of "Triumph of the City," delves into the aftermath of the pandemic's impact on New York City. He discusses the challenges of urban density, shifting population trends, and how the city is not likely to revert to its troubled past. Glazer highlights the resilience of urban life, the importance of effective governance, and innovative strategies for economic recovery. The conversation also touches on how collaboration and creativity can shape the future of this iconic metropolis.