Freakonomics Radio

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!

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.