Freakonomics Radio

We asked this same question nearly a decade ago. The answer then: probably not. But a lot has changed since then, and we’re three years into one of the most anomalous presidencies in American history. So once again we try to sort out presidential signal from noise. What we hear from legal and policy experts may leave you surprised, befuddled — and maybe infuriated.

Witness the incredible journey of the San Francisco 49ers as they rise from nine consecutive losses to Super Bowl contenders. Explore the impact of key players and coaching changes that shaped their transformation. Delve into the legacy of a controversial quarterback and the challenges faced by the franchise. Gain insight into the grueling life of a football coach and the dedication required to craft success. Celebrate the resilience and camaraderie that fueled their remarkable comeback.

In this discussion, Jean-Marie Perrone, an emergency medicine physician specializing in opioid addiction, and Stephen Lloyd, an advocate for medication-assisted treatment, delve into the complexities of the opioid crisis. They highlight how effective treatments like buprenorphine remain underutilized due to stigma and strict regulations. Personal stories illustrate the urgent need for harm reduction strategies. The conversation challenges traditional views of abstinence, advocating for a more compassionate and evidence-based approach to treatment and recovery.

Alicia Sasser Modestino, a health economist from Northeastern University specializing in the opioid crisis, discusses the devastating impact of pharmaceutical greed and overprescription. She highlights the staggering $80 billion annual cost and the immense loss of life. The conversation covers demographic disparities in addiction, the role of pain as the 'fifth vital sign,' and the challenging transition from prescription opioids to fentanyl. Personal stories illustrate the cycle of addiction, emphasizing urgent societal action and better management of opioids.

Scott Lillienfeld, a psychology professor known for debunking myths, joins filmmaker James Solomon and social psychologist Bibb Latane to explore the misuse of common psychological terms. They uncover misconceptions surrounding 'bystander apathy' and 'hard-wired' behaviors, encouraging clarity and precision in discussing psychology. The conversation dives into the infamous Kitty Genovese case, challenging the narrative of indifference among witnesses and shedding light on the complexities of human response in crises, emphasizing the importance of understanding our behavioral motivations.

Join physician scientist Michael Joyner from the Mayo Clinic and Ronald Evans from the Salk Institute as they tackle the dilemma of exercising in a sedentary world. They discuss the compelling health benefits of physical activity and surprising societal barriers that prevent people from exercising. Dive into the fascinating concept of an exercise-mimicking pill and the revolutionary MitoBridge drug that targets fat metabolism. They also explore technology's role in promoting fitness and innovative strategies for optimizing nutrition and productivity.

Angela Duckworth, a psychology professor and founder of Character Lab, dives into a fascinating dialogue about grit and character development. She discusses the balance between intrinsic motivation and material wealth, illustrating how grit can lead to both triumphs and challenges. The conversation also explores charisma—is it a natural trait or a developed skill? Through anecdotes of public figures, Duckworth reveals the social nuances of charm and the impact of identity on personal interactions.

Andrew Yang, an entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, shares insights from his journey blending tech and politics. He discusses the urgent need for solutions to automation's impact on jobs, advocating for his 'freedom dividend'—a guaranteed income proposal aimed at addressing economic disparities. Yang critiques traditional economic theories and highlights the importance of recognizing undervalued professions. He also explores innovative campaign strategies and the potential for strategic alliances to reshape leadership in America.

Kate Lamberton, a marketing professor at Wharton, and Jesper Kohl, an economist with a knack for Japanese politics, dive into the complexities of tax compliance. They explore innovative ideas, like allowing taxpayers to choose how their contributions are allocated, surprisingly boosting compliance rates. Their conversation highlights Japan's unique hometown tax system and its implications for local economies. The duo also challenges traditional views on altruism and tax giving, questioning how the psychology of donation can reshape taxpayer engagement.

Eric von Hippel, an MIT scholar, studies how everyday people contribute significantly to innovation, while Edmund Phelps, a Nobel laureate, connects innovation with human flourishing. They reveal how grassroots creativity, like the evolution of mountain bikes and home inventions, often inspires breakthroughs more than formal R&D. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing these contributions for economic growth and suggests that embracing personal innovation could enhance both productivity and well-being.