Freakonomics Radio

Jeanmarie Perrone, a professor specializing in addiction medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and Stephen Loyd, Chief Medical Officer at Cedar Recovery, delve into the opioid crisis. They discuss personal stories of addiction and the importance of harm reduction strategies like Suboxone. Insights reveal how the pandemic exacerbated the crisis and highlight innovative treatment approaches, including the 'warm handoff' method to support recovery. The conversation addresses stigma and the community's vital role in overcoming addiction challenges.

Stephen Loyd, Chief Medical Officer of Cedar Recovery and Chair of the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council, discusses the ambitious $55 billion allocated to tackle the opioid crisis. He highlights the need for data-driven strategies and effective fund allocation that prioritize prevention and community involvement. Loyd also addresses the stigma surrounding addiction and draws parallels to past public health crises, emphasizing innovative treatment solutions. The conversation questions whether the financial influx will truly make a difference in combating the epidemic.

Keith Humphreys, a Stanford University addiction researcher and former drug policy advisor, dives deep into the persistent opioid crisis. He discusses how economic factors and societal despair interlink to sustain this epidemic. The conversation also highlights the shift from natural opiates to potent synthetics like fentanyl and questions the effectiveness of current regulatory measures. Humphreys presents innovative strategies for tackling addiction, including community support initiatives and unique sobriety programs designed to curtail opioid-related deaths.

Explore why car colors have shifted from vibrant hues to sleek monochromes, revealing the psychology behind consumer choices. Discover the booming self-storage industry, driven by changing lifestyles and urban living demands, with insights into market trends and personal circumstances. Learn about the intriguing world of storage auctions, where forgotten treasures await. This blend of automotive aesthetics and storage economics highlights how our choices reflect deeper social currents and personal identities.

Glenn Loury, a renowned economist at Brown University and author of the memoir 'Late Admissions: Confessions of a Black Conservative,' opens up about his turbulent life. He reflects on the complexities of conservatism and race in America and shares his personal journey of success, struggles, and ideological shifts. Loury discusses the implications of affirmative action, the challenges faced by Black individuals in the job market, and the importance of honest discourse. He also touches on his battles with addiction and evolving family dynamics.

In this discussion, Pete Stavros, co-head of Global Private Equity at KKR, advocates for employee ownership as a transformative model, while Corey Rosen, founder of the National Center for Employee Ownership, emphasizes the potential of ESOPs to create a fairer economy. Marjorie Kelly, a critic of private equity, shares insights on its effects on workers. They delve into the complexities of employee ownership, its potential benefits, and the challenges it faces, questioning whether these initiatives are genuine change or merely a façade in the corporate landscape.

Richard Cockett, author and senior editor at The Economist, dives into the vibrant intellectual legacy of Vienna, exploring how its ideas shaped modern politics, psychology, and consumer culture. He discusses the city's decline under fascism and the subsequent exodus of thinkers who influenced American thought. The impact of Viennese culture on architecture and media manipulation is highlighted, alongside connections to contemporary issues like democracy and rising extremism. Cockett stresses the importance of preserving this rich heritage as a vital lesson for today's world.

Anne Wojcicki, co-founder and CEO of 23andMe, discusses her company's dramatic decline from a booming genetic testing pioneer to facing significant financial challenges. Rolfe Winkler, a Wall Street Journal reporter, sheds light on the implications of a recent data breach and the company's struggle to monetize wellness products. They explore ethical concerns surrounding genetic data use, the emotional impact of DNA revelations, and the broader significance of consumer genetics in healthcare innovation. The conversation uncovers both the potential and pitfalls of personal genomics.

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, is known for his commitment to progressivism and middle-class advocacy. In this discussion, he tackles his government's ambitious immigration policies, aiming to boost economic growth while managing rising pressures on housing and healthcare. Trudeau reflects on the societal dynamics influenced by climate change and the pandemic, revealing the challenges he faces as a leader. He also emphasizes the need for empathy and storytelling in politics, all while pushing for innovative solutions in Canadian healthcare and reconciliation efforts.

In this discussion, Joshua Angrist, a Nobel laureate from MIT, Zoe Cullen from Harvard focusing on labor economics, and Marina Gertsberg of the University of Melbourne explore the often overlooked consequences of well-meaning policies. They delve into how good intentions can inadvertently harm those they aim to help, examining pay transparency laws and their paradoxical effects on wages. The impact of the #MeToo movement on academic collaborations is also highlighted, showcasing how it has inadvertently affected women's professional relationships and research opportunities.