Freakonomics Radio
Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
Freakonomics co-author Stephen J. Dubner uncovers the hidden side of everything. Why is it safer to fly in an airplane than drive a car? How do we decide whom to marry? Why is the media so full of bad news? Also: things you never knew you wanted to know about wolves, bananas, pollution, search engines, and the quirks of human behavior.
To get every show in the Freakonomics Radio Network without ads and a monthly bonus episode of Freakonomics Radio, start a free trial for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
To get every show in the Freakonomics Radio Network without ads and a monthly bonus episode of Freakonomics Radio, start a free trial for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 3, 2016 • 39min
238. The United States of Cory Booker
The junior U.S. Senator from New Jersey thinks bipartisanship is right around the corner. Is he just an idealistic newbie or does he see a way forward that everyone else has missed?
Feb 25, 2016 • 42min
237. Ask Not What Your Podcast Can Do for You
Now and again, Freakonomics Radio puts hat in hand and asks listeners to donate to the public-radio station that produces the show. Why on earth should anyone pay good money for something that can be had for free? Here are a few reasons.
Feb 18, 2016 • 41min
236. How Can This Possibly Be True?
Explore the global interconnectedness through the journey of a humble pencil. Reflect on the concept of being rich beyond monetary wealth. Delve into the traditional process of pencil manufacturing and the complexities of creating everyday products like a toaster. Stay tuned for listener stories of positive changes and a call for audience participation in Self-Improvement Month.
9 snips
Feb 11, 2016 • 40min
235. Who Needs Handwriting?
Exploring the relevance of handwriting in the digital age, the decline of cursive writing, the debate on teaching handwriting in schools, the effectiveness of handwritten notes versus laptops, the efficiency of shorthand writing, the changing value of handwriting, and the world of pencil enthusiasts.
Feb 4, 2016 • 29min
How to Fix a Broken High Schooler, in Four Easy Steps (Rebroadcast)
Okay, maybe the steps aren't so easy. But a program run out of a Toronto housing project has had great success in turning around kids who were headed for trouble.
4 snips
Jan 28, 2016 • 37min
Is America’s Education Problem Really Just a Teacher Problem? (Rebroadcast)
Exploring the correlation between teacher quality and student performance, the need to elevate teacher training and compensation to ensure the excellence of American education, challenges in retaining excellent teachers, and the impact of philanthropy in transforming failing schools into community-supported institutions.
Jan 21, 2016 • 37min
234. Do Boycotts Work?
The Montgomery Bus Boycott, the South African divestment campaign, Chick-fil-A! Almost anyone can launch a boycott, and the media loves to cover them. But do boycotts actually produce the change they're fighting for?
Jan 14, 2016 • 47min
233. How to Be Less Terrible at Predicting the Future
Experts and pundits are bad at forecasting due to lack of accountability and being unscientific. Philip Tetlock is turning prediction into a science, making it a learnable skill. Characteristics like numeracy, open-mindedness, and the 'outside view' method improve forecasting accuracy. Super forecasters with the Good Judgment Project continuously update knowledge and understand specific details of forecasting questions.
Jan 7, 2016 • 43min
232. The True Story of the Gender Pay Gap
Discrimination can't explain why women earn so much less than men. If only it were that easy.
Dec 31, 2015 • 31min
When Willpower Isn’t Enough (Rebroadcast)
Sure, we all want to make good personal decisions, but it doesn't always work out. That's where "temptation bundling" comes in.
