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
Apr 3, 2014 • 33min
161. How to Make People Quit Smoking
The war on cigarettes has been fairly successful in some places. But 1 billion humans still smoke -- so what comes next?
Mar 27, 2014 • 35min
160. Why Everybody Who Doesn’t Hate Bitcoin Loves It
Thinking of Bitcoin as just a digital currency is like thinking about the Internet as just e-mail. Its potential is much more exciting than that.
Mar 20, 2014 • 37min
Women Are Not Men (Rebroadcast)
Exploring gender gaps in various aspects like patent filing, drowning rates, alcoholism, and online participation. Gender differences in competitive payment choices across societies. The paradox of women's declining happiness relative to men. Gender gaps in serious crimes and societal progress. Economists' interest in currency and a teaser for a future episode on Bitcoin.
Mar 13, 2014 • 23min
159. “It’s Fun to Smoke Marijuana”
A psychology professor argues that the brain's greatest attribute is knowing what other people are thinking. And that a Queen song, played backwards, can improve your mind-reading skills.
Mar 6, 2014 • 21min
158. Is Learning a Foreign Language Really Worth It?
Exploring the ROI of learning a foreign language, highlighting global demand despite resource limitations. Discussing how operating in a foreign language can impact decision-making. Examining the cognitive and financial benefits, including the wage premiums of bilingual individuals. Teasing mind reading with a Queen song and exploring its hidden messages.
Feb 27, 2014 • 23min
157. Why Are Japanese Homes Disposable?
In most countries, houses get more valuable over time. In Japan, a new buyer will often bulldoze the home. We'll tell you why.
Feb 20, 2014 • 23min
156. Why Marry? (Part 2)
The consequences of our low marriage rate -- and if the old model is less attractive, how about a new one?
Feb 13, 2014 • 20min
155. Why Marry? (Part 1)
The myths of modern marriage.
Feb 6, 2014 • 36min
154. What You Don’t Know About Online Dating
In this discussion, Paul Oyer, a Stanford labor economist and author, dives into the economics of online dating, blending humor with analysis. He explores how technology shapes user behavior and relationship dynamics. Topics include the balance of authenticity versus self-promotion, the overwhelming choices in dating markets, and the importance of algorithms in matchmaking. Oyer also sheds light on societal expectations and the absurdities of dating profiles, offering a witty critique of the modern romantic landscape.
Jan 30, 2014 • 25min
153. Reasons to Not Be Ugly
The "beauty premium" is real, for everyone from babies to NFL quarterbacks.
