Freakonomics Radio

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.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Robert Sapolsky, a Stanford neuroscientist studying primate behavior, and political scientist Francis Fukuyama analyze the formidable barriers to changing one’s mind. They explore the social pressures and emotional stakes that inhibit belief evolution, the neuroplasticity of convictions, and the interplay of personal experiences on political perspectives. Their insights challenge listeners to reflect on ego, overconfidence, and the importance of engaging in diverse dialogues to encourage a more open-minded society.

Michael Siegel, a physician and public health expert at Boston University, dives deep into the vaping crisis. He discusses the alarming rise in vaping-related illnesses and contrasts U.S. health policies with the U.K.'s harm reduction strategies. Siegel sheds light on the complexities of youth vaping, particularly the influence of marketing by brands like Juul. He critiques the dangers of THC cartridges and highlights how political pressures complicate effective regulation. Ultimately, he advocates for a balanced approach to public health that addresses both risks and benefits.

David Halpern leads the Behavioral Insights Team and has been pivotal in applying behavioral science to policy, while Mithesh Patel directs the Penn Medicine Nudge Unit, focusing on healthcare. They discuss the transformative potential of behavioral nudges in various sectors, from healthcare to policing. The duo explores innovative strategies to enhance decision-making in critical situations and the surprising effectiveness of nudging in areas such as tax compliance and crime prevention. Can these techniques tackle bigger issues like income inequality? Listen to their intriguing insights!

Join John List, a leading economist from the University of Chicago and chief economist at Lyft, alongside Danny Meyer, hospitality innovator and founder of Shake Shack, as they dive into the curious world of tipping. They explore how tipping has evolved over time and its surprising effects on service workers. List shares insights from innovative field experiments, while Meyer explains the challenges and benefits of moving towards a no-tipping model in restaurants. Together, they unravel the psychology and economic implications behind this age-old practice.

In a thought-provoking discussion, political scientist Robert Pape dives deep into using data analysis to understand terrorism and foreign policy. Chuck Hagel reflects on past military interventions and the challenges they posed, while Michèle Flournoy emphasizes the role of diplomacy in security strategies. They explore the limitations of economic sanctions, the realities of spreading democracy, and the evolving nature of cyber warfare, shedding light on the complexities that define modern international relations.