Freakonomics Radio
Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
SummaryEver wonder why the world works the way it does? Freakonomics Radio is the ultimate destination for those who are perpetually curious about the hidden side of everything. Hosted by Stephen Dubner, the show takes a rigorous, data-driven approach to dissecting the complex systems that govern our lives. Whether it is examining the structural integrity of higher education, the subtle bureaucracy of "sludge" that hinders our daily efficiency, or the profound cognitive costs of environmental pollution, the podcast turns complex economic theories into compelling narratives. The show excels at connecting disparate dots, revealing how the same strategic principles used in high-stakes board games like backgammon can inform professional football, or how a physicist’s approach to quantum mechanics reflects a broader philosophy of intellectual honesty. You will hear from a diverse array of experts—from university presidents navigating political polarization to historians uncovering the personal lives of scientific legends like Richard Feynman. Freakonomics Radio does not just report on current events; it challenges you to rethink your assumptions. Through a blend of deep research, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of skepticism, the series explores the tension between human behavior and institutional design. If you enjoy thought-provoking stories that provide a new lens for looking at policy, leadership, morality, and the quirks of human nature, this podcast is essential listening for your analytical side.
Updated Jul 3, 2026
Episodes
680. Can Universities Win Back Our Trust?
Dartmouth president Sian Beilock explains how higher education can overcome a crisis of public trust.
679. Why Does Vanderbilt Keep Winning?
Vanderbilt University defies the higher education crisis by shielding academic inquiry through institutional neutrality.
The World Is (Still) Drowning in Sludge
Sludge is the friction that makes life unnecessarily difficult, from complex subscription hurdles to healthcare gridlock.
678. Who Gets to Choose a “Good Death”?
As medical aid in dying gains legal traction, experts weigh the ethics of controlling the end of life.
677. Can Backgammon Save Us from Ourselves?
Ancient, strategic, and volatile, backgammon offers a masterclass in risk management, probability, and decision-making.
This Is Your Brain on Pollution (Update)
New research reveals that air pollution doesn't just damage physical health, it significantly impairs cognitive function.
676. Has America Lost the Plot?
Farid Zakaria analyzes why global predictions fail and whether American foreign policy is losing its way.
The Vanishing Mr. Feynman (Update)
Explore the late life of Richard Feynman, from his psychedelic explorations at Esalen to his quest for scientific truth.
The Brilliant Mr. Feynman (Update)
An exploration of the life, genius, and complexities of the iconic physicist Richard Feynman.
The Curious Mr. Feynman (Update)
Celebrate the brilliant mind and relentless curiosity of Nobel-winning physicist Richard Feynman.
675. Has the New York Times Become a Games Company?
The New York Times has successfully integrated puzzle games into its business model to boost subscriber engagement.
674. How Does a Composer Feel After the World Premiere?
Composer David Lang unpacks the emotional toll and creative uncertainty of debuting a massive new musical work.
Was Adam Smith Really a Right-Winger? (Update)
How a Scottish philosopher became the patron saint of free-market capitalism and why that reading is often quite wrong.
671. Why Has There Been So Little Progress on Alzheimer’s Disease?
Decades of potentially fraudulent research have skewed Alzheimer’s science, stalling progress toward a real cure.
670. Beeconomics 101
Widespread honey fraud and cheap imports are driving American beekeepers to the brink, threatening vital pollination.
Ten Myths About the U.S. Tax System (Update)
From the federal debt crisis to corporate tax myths, a nonpartisan expert reveals why almost everything is wrong.
662. If You’re Not Cheating, You’re Not Trying
Why Don’t Running Backs Get Paid Anymore? (Update)
661. Can A.I. Save Your Life?
660. The Wellness Industry Is Gigantic — and Mostly Wrong
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