Patients in the U.S. healthcare system often feel they’re treated with a lack of empathy. Doctors and nurses have tragically high levels of burnout. Could fixing the first problem solve the second? And does the rest of society need more compassion too?
Jul 17
Are You Really Allergic to Penicillin? (Update)
Like tens of millions of people, Stephen Dubner thought he had a penicillin allergy. Like the vast majority, he didn’t. This misdiagnosis costs billions of dollars and causes serious health problems, so why hasn’t it been fixed? We find out in this update of a 2025 episode. SOURC ... Show More
1h 5m
Jul 14
How a Great Architect Thinks, with Bjarke Ingels | Better in Person
Is the oxymoron really “the secret sauce to everything”? That’s the case Ingels makes in this debut episode of our new video show Better in Person, filmed in Stephen Dubner’s living room. If you'd like to see the video version of Better in Person, watch it on YouTube or Apple Pod ... Show More
43m 27s
Jul 9
681. How to Host a Talk Show, with Dick Cavett
Stephen Dubner had an idea for a new project. So he drove to Connecticut and knocked on the door of the master. Dubner’s new TV talk show Better in Person launches July 14 on the Freakonomics YouTube channel. SOURCES: Dick Cavett, writer, former talk show host. RESOURCES: Eye on ... Show More
43m 27s
May 2023
Medical Worker Burnout, Trauma, and Compassion Fatigue
We all know that the COVID pandemic has taken a toll on healthcare workers. But how was their mental health before the pandemic? Today’s guest, Dr. Rola Hallam, has opened 7 hospitals in Syria as part of her humanitarian work. Dr. Hallam shares with us that compassion fatigue isn ... Show More
31m 45s
May 2025
Essential Teachings Special: Love and Connection
Original Air Date: August 19, 2021 Eckhart talks with a live audience filled with both patients and healthcare professionals, about the new consciousness emerging in medicine. Eckhart explains why there has been a lack of compassion, time and care of patients. He offers solutions ... Show More
52m 26s
Jun 2022
Episode 27. What does burnout look like?
Who is feeling burnout? To me, it feels like many people around me are feeling emotionally, mentally and physically drained. I know I certainly am. Is it the effect of the pandemic? Life can feel very overwhelming these days, and I think we need to recognize it so that we can do ... Show More
7m 52s