The speaker appeals for non-committal gifts to support their work, encouraging listeners to become donors and members to help the program survive economic downturns. The speaker humorously addresses the listeners, highlighting the availability of free content and making a playful plea for donations. They introduce the episode Numbers as a roller coaster ride through different kinds of numbers, portrayed with warmth by RadioLab. The speaker encourages listeners to enjoy the ride and support their work if they feel inclined to do so.
First aired back in 2009, this episode is all about one thing, or rather a collection of things. Whether you love 'em or hate 'em, chances are you rely on numbers every day of your life. Where do they come from, and what do they really do for us? This hour: stories of how numbers confuse us, connect us, and even reveal secrets about us.