Freakonomics Radio

Jan Pinkava, co-writer of Pixar's Ratatouille, shares how he created a beloved rat hero, while Julia Zichello, an evolutionary biologist, discusses her personal experiences with rats and their nuanced behaviors. Bethany Brookshire reveals how societal views label rats as villains and examines the emotional connections people can form with them. The podcast explores the complex relationships humans have with rats, how media influences perceptions, and the underlying moral dilemmas in using these creatures for scientific research.

Robert Corrigan, an urban rodentologist and pest consultant for NYC, sheds light on the city's ongoing battle with rats. He discusses the deep connection between human behavior and the rat population explosion, emphasizing that we are part of the problem. Innovative solutions like humane rat birth control are explored, along with the challenges of waste management and sanitation practices. Personal anecdotes reveal the ethical dilemmas of pest control, and Corrigan reflects on the lessons learned from these resilient creatures in urban environments.

Unexpected moments can spark the most memorable experiences, especially during live performances. The thrill of unpredictability brings excitement and nerves to both performers and audiences. Chaos may reign, from technical failures to natural disasters, but resilience shines through. Amidst the turmoil, human connection deepens, revealing the transformative power of live shows. Join in for a heartfelt exploration of loss, relativity, and the wild ride of show business.

Kathy Corradi, NYC's Director of Rodent Mitigation, delves into innovative strategies to combat the city's notorious rat population. Joining her is Bethany Brookshire, a science journalist and author, who explores the cultural perceptions surrounding these misunderstood creatures. They discuss the historical misconceptions linking rats to the Black Death, the ethical challenges of rat control, and the critical role of sanitation. The conversation also uncovers why our disdain for rats may reflect human biases rather than true health threats.

Rebecca Allensworth, a Vanderbilt law professor and author of "The Licensing Racket," critiques the pervasive system of professional licensing in the U.S. She reveals how licensing began in medicine and law but now extends to diverse fields like hairstyling and auctioneering, often creating barriers for qualified workers. Allensworth explores the self-dealing nature of licensing boards, their failure to protect the public, and the hidden costs totaling $250 billion annually. Her insights challenge listeners to rethink the necessity and ethics of these regulations.

Jason Kelce, a former Eagles center and co-host of the New Heights podcast, joins J.C. Tretter, ex-NFL player and former NFLPA president, along with Betsey Stevenson, an economist, and contract advisor Jim Ivler. They discuss shocking findings from a player survey revealing poor facilities and job satisfaction issues in the NFL. The conversation delves into the complexities of player contracts and the impact of workplace conditions on performance. They highlight the importance of team culture, player welfare, and the need for improvements in the league.

Roland Fryer, a Harvard economics professor with a penchant for sports, Brian Burke, a sports data scientist at ESPN, and Jeffery Whitney, president of a prominent sports agency, dive into the dwindling salaries of NFL running backs. They discuss the shift from running-focused strategies to the passing game, revealing how analytics now shape player value. Additionally, they explore contract dynamics altered by collective bargaining agreements, shedding light on the physical toll it takes on running backs while questioning the future of their position in the league.

Ben Zhao, a computer science professor at the University of Chicago, focuses on adversarial machine learning and safeguards against AI-related harms. He unveils tools like Glaze and Nightshade designed to protect artists from A.I. misuse and shares strategies to counter surveillance tech. Zhao warns of the A.I. bubble's burst, examines the ethical dilemmas within tech, and discusses the tension between innovation and protecting intellectual property in the creative realm. His insights draw a vivid picture of the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on art.

London Breed, former mayor of San Francisco, dives into the city's ongoing challenges, emphasizing homelessness and crime while sharing personal resilience stories. Koleman Strumpf, an economist, humorously navigates the complexities of illicit markets like sports betting and cannabis, and contrasts traditional polling with prediction markets. Erik Brynjolfsson discusses the potential of AI as a human-centered tool, advocating for technology that enhances rather than replaces human ability. It's a dynamic conversation interweaving urban struggles and economic insights.

Chad Syverson, a professor of economics, discusses the looming challenges faced by realtors amid a pivotal legal settlement. Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, provides insights into declining sales and rising mortgage rates. Kevin Sears, the 2024 NAR president, emphasizes the need for adapting commission structures. The conversation explores the potential obsolescence of realtors, drawing parallels with travel agents, and the implications for consumer trust and market dynamics as the real estate landscape evolves.