Freakonomics Radio show

Freakonomics Radio

Summary: Have fun discovering the hidden side of everything with host Stephen J. Dubner, co-author of the best-selling "Freakonomics” books. Each week, hear surprising conversations that explore the riddles of everyday life and the weird wrinkles of human nature—from cheating and crime to parenting and sports. Dubner talks with Nobel laureates and provocateurs, social scientists and entrepreneurs — and his “Freakonomics” co-author Steve Levitt. After just a few episodes, this podcast will have you too thinking like a Freak. Produced by WNYC Studios, home of other great podcasts such as “Radiolab," "Death, Sex & Money," and "On the Media."

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  • Artist: Stephen J. Dubner and WNYC Studios
  • Copyright: Stephen J. Dubner and WNYC

Podcasts:

 5 Psychology Terms You’re Probably Misusing | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 50:21

We all like to throw around terms that describe human behavior — “bystander apathy” and “steep learning curve” and “hard-wired.” Most of the time, they don't actually mean what we think they mean. But don't worry — the experts are getting it wrong, too.

 Evolution, Accelerated (Rebroadcast) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 36:32

A breakthrough in genetic technology has given humans more power than ever to change nature. It could help eliminate hunger and disease; it could also lead to the sort of dystopia we used to only read about in sci-fi novels. So what happens next?

 The Most Ambitious Thing Humans Have Ever Attempted | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 51:53

Sure, medical progress has been astounding. But today the U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other country, with so-so outcomes. Atul Gawande — cancer surgeon, public-health researcher, and best-selling author — has some simple ideas for treating a painfully complex system.

 Why the Trump Tax Cuts Are Terrible/Awesome (Part 2) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 44:53

Three former White House economists weigh in on the new tax bill. A sample: "The overwhelming evidence is that the trickle-down, magic-beanstalk beans argument — that's just nonsense."

 Why the Trump Tax Cuts are Awesome/Terrible (Part 1) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 45:21

Kevin Hassett, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, explains the thinking behind the controversial new Republican tax package — and why its critics are wrong. (Next week, we'll hear from the critics.)

 Extra: Ray Dalio Full Interview | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 78:02

Stephen Dubner's conversation with the founder and longtime C.E.O. of Bridgewater Associates, recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “The Secret Life of a C.E.O.”

 The Invisible Paw | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 48:14

Humans, it has long been thought, are the only animal to engage in economic activity. But what if we've had it exactly backward?

 Extra: Mark Zuckerberg Full Interview | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 46:22

Stephen Dubner's conversation with the Facebook founder and C.E.O., recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “The Secret Life of a C.E.O.”

 Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Money (But Were Afraid to Ask) (Rebroadcast) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 44:43

The bad news: roughly 70 percent of Americans are financially illiterate. The good news: all the important stuff can fit on one index card. Here's how to become your own financial superhero.

 Extra: Carol Bartz Full Interview | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 51:19

Stephen Dubner's conversation with the former C.E.O. of Yahoo, recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “The Secret Life of a C.E.O.”

 The Stupidest Thing You Can Do With Your Money (Rebroadcast) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 46:33

It's hard enough to save for a house, tuition, or retirement. So why are we willing to pay big fees for subpar investment returns? Enter the low-cost index fund. The revolution will not be monetized.

 Extra: Jack Welch Full Interview | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 56:41

Stephen Dubner's conversation with the former longtime C.E.O. of General Electric, recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “The Secret Life of a C.E.O.”

 How to Train Your Dragon Child | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 35:28

Every 12 years, there's a spike in births among certain communities across the globe, including the U.S. Why? Because the Year of the Dragon, according to Chinese folk belief, confers power, fortune, and more. We look at what happens to Dragon babies when they grow up, and why timing your kid's birth based on the zodiac isn't as ridiculous it sounds.

 Extra: Satya Nadella Full Interview | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 40:27

Stephen Dubner's conversation with the C.E.O. of Microsoft, recorded for the Freakonomics Radio series “The Secret Life of a C.E.O.”

 Here’s Why All Your Projects Are Always Late — and What to Do About It | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 41:09

Whether it's a giant infrastructure plan or a humble kitchen renovation, it'll inevitably take way too long and cost way too much. That's because you suffer from “the planning fallacy.” (You also have an “optimism bias” and a bad case of overconfidence.) But don't worry: we've got the solution.

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