Freakonomics Radio

Eric Kleinenberg, a sociology professor at NYU known for his research on social connections, dives into the nuances of the so-called 'loneliness epidemic.' He discusses the complexities of survey data, revealing how misinterpretations can skew our understanding of loneliness. Kleinenberg compares the health risks of loneliness to smoking and highlights its serious implications for public health. He also explores innovative solutions from the UK, emphasizing the universal nature of loneliness and the importance of community engagement in combating it.

Ajit Pai, former Chairman of the FCC, known for his controversial views on net neutrality, delves into the complexities of modern telecommunications. He defends his regulatory rollbacks and discusses the implications for consumer protection. Pai highlights the alarming rise of robocalls, the FCC's initiatives to combat them, and the potential of 5G technology. He also reflects on the shifting government role in the sector and the competition with global powers like China, while addressing cybersecurity issues. His insights reveal the intersection of regulation and innovation in a rapidly changing landscape.

Dana Susskind, a physician scientist specializing in cochlear implants, John List, an economist focused on field experiments, and Patty Chamberlain, a science director in child welfare, tackle why innovative solutions often fail to scale in education and health. They discuss the 'magic sauce' for effective real-world application and the challenges of translating research into policy. The trio emphasizes improving parent-child interactions in early childhood and the necessity of rigorous implementation science in policymaking to enhance outcomes for disadvantaged communities.

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

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.