Freakonomics

Uncovering the hidden economics of everything

15episodes

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Freakonomics
Apr 24, 2026
Judy Faulkner's Epic Vision: Building a Healthcare Software Empire on Unconventional Principles
TechnologyElectronic Health Records (EHR)Integrated Software SolutionsHealthcare Information Technology (HIT)Antitrust Claims
Freakonomics
Apr 22, 2026
Why Everyone Hates Rats: Unpacking Urban Coexistence, Disease, and Human Blame
ScienceRodent mitigationCommensal speciesUrban sustainabilitySanitation (pest management)
Freakonomics
Apr 17, 2026
Scientific Misconduct and the Stalled Search for Alzheimer's Cures
ScienceAlzheimer's diseaseAmyloid cascade hypothesisBeta amyloid (plaques)Tau protein (tangles)
Freakonomics
Apr 15, 2026
Are Human Drivers Finally Obsolete? The Journey of Autonomous Vehicles from Desert Races to Public Roads
TechnologyDriverless carsAutonomous vehiclesRobo-taxisArtificial intelligence (AI)
Freakonomics
Apr 10, 2026
Beeconomics 101: The Sticky Business of Honey Fraud, Pollination, and Market Failure
EconomicsNegative externalitiesPositive externalitiesFood fraudEconomic motivated adulteration (EMA)
Freakonomics
Apr 8, 2026
Debunking Ten Myths About the U.S. Tax System and the Federal Debt Crisis
EconomicsFederal debt crisisTax policyBudget policyTax myths
Freakonomics
Apr 3, 2026
The Peculiar Economics of Bourbon: Why 95% is Made in Kentucky and the Industry's Looming Glut
EconomicsTime as an investment inputMarket concentrationProtectionismMarket glut
Freakonomics
Mar 27, 2026
The Hidden Cost of Hit Albums: Distracted Driving and Traffic Fatalities on Music Release Days
EconomicsNatural experimentsDistracted drivingTraffic fatalitiesStreaming volume
Freakonomics
Mar 25, 2026
In a Driverless World: The Economic and Social Impact of Autonomous Vehicles on Human Labor
TechnologyAutonomous vehicles (AVs)Gig economyMarket disruptionTaxi medallions
Freakonomics
Mar 13, 2026
The Global Industry of Scams: Economics, Psychology, and the AI Arms Race
EconomicsPig Butchering (scam)Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs)Scam CompoundsBetrayal Trauma
Freakonomics
Mar 6, 2026
The Cultural Engine of Progress: Joel Mokyr on Innovation, Institutions, and the Future of Prosperity
EconomicsTechnological ProgressEconomic GrowthCulture of GrowthInstitutions (economic)
Freakonomics
Mar 4, 2026
The Hidden Power of Commodity Traders: Geopolitics, Finance, and Secrecy
Economicsphysical commodity tradingfinancial instrumentshedginggeopolitics
Freakonomics
Feb 27, 2026
Werner Herzog's Ecstatic Truth: A Filmmaker's Unconventional Worldview and Critique of Modernity
PsychologyEcstatic truthAccountant's truthCulture of complaintCinema verité
Freakonomics
Feb 20, 2026
Unlocking Hidden Cures: The Economics and Science of Drug Repurposing
HealthDrug repurposingBalamuthia mandrillarisInvestigational New Drug (IND) applicationCastleman disease
Freakonomics
Feb 18, 2026
Nudge: Updating Behavioral Economics, Choice Architecture, and Policy for Modern Challenges
EconomicsNudge theoryChoice architectureBehavioral economicsLibertarian paternalism

Freakonomics

Ask Freakonomics

Judy Faulkner's Epic Vision: Building a Healthcare Software Empire on Unconventional Principles

Why Everyone Hates Rats: Unpacking Urban Coexistence, Disease, and Human Blame

Scientific Misconduct and the Stalled Search for Alzheimer's Cures

Are Human Drivers Finally Obsolete? The Journey of Autonomous Vehicles from Desert Races to Public Roads

Beeconomics 101: The Sticky Business of Honey Fraud, Pollination, and Market Failure

Debunking Ten Myths About the U.S. Tax System and the Federal Debt Crisis

The Peculiar Economics of Bourbon: Why 95% is Made in Kentucky and the Industry's Looming Glut

The Hidden Cost of Hit Albums: Distracted Driving and Traffic Fatalities on Music Release Days

In a Driverless World: The Economic and Social Impact of Autonomous Vehicles on Human Labor

The Global Industry of Scams: Economics, Psychology, and the AI Arms Race

The Cultural Engine of Progress: Joel Mokyr on Innovation, Institutions, and the Future of Prosperity

The Hidden Power of Commodity Traders: Geopolitics, Finance, and Secrecy

Werner Herzog's Ecstatic Truth: A Filmmaker's Unconventional Worldview and Critique of Modernity

Unlocking Hidden Cures: The Economics and Science of Drug Repurposing

Nudge: Updating Behavioral Economics, Choice Architecture, and Policy for Modern Challenges