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:

 Think Like a Child | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 28:15

When it comes to generating ideas and asking questions it can be really fruitful to have the mentality of an eight year old.

 The Three Hardest Words in the English Language | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 28:55

Why learning to say “I don’t know” is one of the best things you can do.

 How to Think Like a Freak -- and Other FREAK-quently Asked Questions | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 27:29

Stephen Dubner and Steve Levitt talk about their new book and field questions about prestige, university life, and (yum yum) bacon.

 The Perfect Crime | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 28:28

If you are driving and kill a pedestrian, there's a good chance you'll barely be punished. Why?

 Which Came First, the Chicken or the Avocado? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 29:29

When it comes to exercising outrage, people tend to be very selective. Could it be that humans are our least favorite animal?

 What’s More Dangerous: Marijuana or Alcohol? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 24:53

Imagine that both substances were undiscovered until today. How would we think about their relative risks?

 “If Mayors Ruled the World” | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 31:06

Unlike certain elected officials in Washington, mayors all over the country actually get stuff done. So maybe we should ask them to do more?

 How to Make People Quit Smoking | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 32:37

The war on cigarettes has been fairly successful in some places. But 1 billion humans still smoke -- so what comes next?

 Why Everybody Who Doesn’t Hate Bitcoin Loves It | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 35:17

Thinking of Bitcoin as just a digital currency is like thinking about the Internet as just e-mail. Its potential is much more exciting than that.

 Women Are Not Men (Rebroadcast) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 37:29

In many ways, the gender gap is closing. In others, not so much. And that's not always a bad thing.

 “It’s Fun to Smoke Marijuana” | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 22:51

A psychology professor argues that the brain's greatest attribute is knowing what other people are thinking. And that a Queen song, played backwards, can improve your mind-reading skills.

 Is Learning a Foreign Language Really Worth It? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 21:12

Yes, it expands the mind but we usually don't retain much -- and then there's the opportunity cost.

 Why Are Japanese Homes Disposable? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 23:17

In most countries, houses get more valuable over time. In Japan, a new buyer will often bulldoze the home. We'll tell you why.

 Why Marry? (Part 2) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 23:27

The consequences of our low marriage rate -- and if the old model is less attractive, how about a new one?

 Why Marry? (Part 1) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 19:31

The myths of modern marriage.

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