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:

 Am I Boring You? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 39:29

Researchers are trying to figure out who gets bored - and why - and what it means for ourselves and the economy. But maybe there's an upside to boredom?

 How to Save $1 Billion Without Even Trying (Rebroadcast) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 36:27

Doctors, chefs, and other experts are much more likely than the rest of us to buy store-brand products. What do they know that we don't?

 How To Win A Nobel Prize | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 45:27

The process is famously secretive (and conducted in Swedish!) but we pry the lid off at least a little bit.

 Should Kids Pay Back Their Parents for Raising Them? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 47:22

When one athlete turned pro, his mom asked him for $1 million. Our modern sensibilities tell us she doesn't have a case. But should she?

 Meet the Woman Who Said Women Can’t Have It All | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 42:11

Anne-Marie Slaughter was best known for her adamant views on Syria when she accidentally became a poster girl for modern feminism. As it turns out, she can be pretty adamant in that realm as well.

 How Did the Belt Win? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 30:56

Suspenders may work better, but the dork factor is too high. How did an organ-squeezing belly tourniquet become part of our everyday wardrobe -- and what other suboptimal solutions do we routinely put up with?

 “I Don't Know What You've Done With My Husband, But He's a Changed Man.” | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 46:53

From domestic abusers to former child soldiers, there is increasing evidence that behavioral therapy can turn them around.

 Preventing Crime for Pennies on the Dollar | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 41:33

Conventional programs tend to be expensive, onerous, and ineffective. Could something as simple (and cheap) as cognitive behavioral therapy do the trick?

 The Harvard President Will See You Now | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 38:49

How a pain-in-the-neck girl from rural Virginia came to run the most powerful university in the world.

 Are You Ready for a Glorious Sunset? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 36:55

We spend billions on end-of-life healthcare that doesn't do much good. So what if a patient could forego the standard treatment and get a cash rebate instead?

 How to Make a Smart TV Ad | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 30:35

Step 1: Hire a Harvard psych professor as the pitchman. Step 2: Have him help write the script ...

 The Dangers of Safety (Rebroadcast) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 30:57

What do NASCAR drivers, Glenn Beck and the hit men of the NFL have in common?

 Why Do We Really Follow the News? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 35:51

There are all kinds of civics-class answers to that question. But how true are they? Could it be that we like to read about war, politics, and miscellaneous heartbreak simply because it's (gasp) entertaining?

 How to Create Suspense | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 39:21

Why is soccer the best sport? How has Harlan Coben sold 70 million books? And why does "Apollo 13" keep you enthralled even when you know the ending?

 Aziz Ansari Needs Another Toothbrush | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 32:00

The comedian, actor -- and now, author -- answers our FREAK-quently Asked Questions

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