Freakonomics Radio

In this engaging discussion, Zeke Hernandez, a Wharton School professor and immigration expert, teams up with David Leonhardt, a New York Times senior writer, to dissect the myths surrounding U.S. immigration. They explore the historical evolution of immigration policies and highlight economic benefits versus costs. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants and the shortcomings of current policies. The duo emphasizes the importance of facts for understanding immigration’s true impact on society and economy.

Madeleine Albright, the first female U.S. Secretary of State, shares her powerful insights as a refugee who ascended to prominence. She reflects on her own journey from Nazi-occupied Prague and contrasts the welcoming experiences of her past with today's immigration challenges. Albright emphasizes the importance of gratitude, the vital role of the U.S. in offering asylum, and the complex interplay of nationalism and borders. Her thoughts on the Syrian refugee crisis highlight the need for compassion and effective political solutions for displaced individuals.

Zeke Hernandez, a Wharton professor and author, Roger Nam from Emory University, and Leah Boustan of Princeton delve into America's complicated immigration narrative. They dissect the irony of a nation built by immigrants now grappling with xenophobia. The discussion uncovers the historical truths of Ellis Island, explores emotional vs. factual viewpoints on immigration, and highlights the economic triumphs of immigrant families and refugees. Their insights reveal the economic necessity of migration and challenge prevailing misconceptions.

Leonardo Bursztyn, a University of Chicago economics professor, and Benjamin Handel from UC Berkeley dive into the fascinating world of social media traps. They discuss how social environments shape our choices, revealing why so many users wish social media didn’t exist yet feel compelled to stay. The conversation explores how peer influence drives users to avoid deactivating their accounts, drawing parallels between social media addiction and cigarette dependency. Ultimately, they examine the societal impacts of these platforms and question their inherent value in our lives.

Victor Matheson, an economics professor, discusses the complex relationship between sports and a nation's reputation, particularly through the lens of sportswashing. Alan Shipnuck, a sports journalist, sheds light on the riveting LIV Golf saga and its clash with the PGA Tour. Jodi Balsam, a clinical law professor, provides a legal perspective on these controversies. Together, they explore how countries use sporting events to reshape their image while confronting the ethical dilemmas and possible backlash surrounding these tactics.

Join Amy Kirby, a leader in wastewater surveillance at the CDC, Mark Johnson, an expert in COVID tracing through sewage, Brian Beach, an economic historian studying municipal water systems, and Natalie Koch, a geography professor analyzing Arizona's water crisis. They delve into shocking truths hidden in wastewater, revealing how racially biased city planning unexpectedly improved public health for Black communities. Plus, discover the surprising agricultural ties between Arizona and Saudi Arabia, and the urgent challenges of water management in modern society.

Marissa Mayer, former CEO of Yahoo! and an early Google employee, shares insights on the evolution of search engines. Elizabeth Reid, Google’s VP of Search, discusses the balance between search quality and ad revenue. They explore whether Google's perceived decline is due to competition from AI or user expectations. The conversation highlights concerns about the quality of online information, the implications of an ad-based model, and the challenges in maintaining innovation amid growing monopolistic pressures.

In this enlightening conversation, Barbara Berg, Cheryl Haley, and Debbie Harlow share their unique connections with the brilliant physicist Richard Feynman at the Esalen Institute. They delve into Feynman’s adventurous spirit, discussing his experiments with psychedelics and lucid dreaming. The trio reflects on profound conversations that shaped their understanding of consciousness and therapy. With humor and warmth, they share personal anecdotes, revealing Feynman’s playful nature and the lasting legacy he left on those around him.

Ralph Leighton, a retired school teacher and lifelong friend of Richard Feynman, shares intriguing stories from Feynman's adventurous life, highlighting their bond over music and their shared curiosity. They discuss Feynman's explorations, from mind-bending trips to the Esalen Institute to his courageous testimony during the Challenger disaster. Leighton reflects on Feynman's legacy of curiosity, integrity in science, and the importance of public trust, weaving in personal anecdotes that showcase Feynman's whimsical spirit and profound impact on both science and humanity.

Richard Feynman, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist known for his innovative teaching, takes center stage alongside his daughter, Michelle Feynman. They discuss Richard's transformative post-war journey, from overcoming depression in South America to redefining his teaching methods that emphasized curiosity over grades. Michelle shares personal anecdotes that highlight their unique bond, while they also navigate the complexities of Feynman's legacy, touching on his unconventional romantic life and the balance between genius and controversy.