logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2022
31m 30s

524. How Important Is Breastfeeding, Rea...

Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
About this episode
In this special episode of Freakonomics, M.D., host Bapu Jena looks at a clever new study that could help answer one of parenting’s most contentious questions. 
Up next
Jul 3
680. Can Universities Win Back Our Trust?
Dartmouth president Sian Beilock, a psychologist by training, made her name studying why people choke. Now she’s applying those insights to one of the most scrutinized jobs in America. No pressure! SOURCES: Sian Beilock, president of Dartmouth College. RESOURCES: "Growing share o ... Show More
49m 55s
Jun 26
679. Why Does Vanderbilt Keep Winning?
It’s a hard time to run a university: public trust is low, political pressure is high, and finances are fragile. But Daniel Diermeier, who trained as a political scientist, has Vanderbilt humming. How? He says the key is choosing magnets over wedges. SOURCES: Daniel Diermeier, ch ... Show More
1h 4m
Jun 24
The World Is (Still) Drowning in Sludge
Insurance forms that make no sense. Subscriptions that can’t be cancelled. A never-ending blizzard of automated notifications. In this update of a 2025 episode, Stephen Dubner discovers where all this sludge comes from — and how much it’s costing us. SOURCES: Benjamin Handel, pro ... Show More
54m 46s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2009
Does breastfeeding make better babies?
<p>To breastfeed or not to breastfeed? That is the question. Join Molly and Cristen as they sift through numerous studies and anecdotal information in search of the answer in this episode of Stuff Mom Never Told You.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https: ... Show More
26m 1s
Jul 2021
Introducing “Freakonomics, M.D.”
How can a marathon be dangerous even if you don’t run the race? Does your doctor follow medical advice any better than you do? Just how dangerous was it to go to a birthday party at the height of the pandemic? These are the kinds of questions that intrigue Dr. Bapu Jena, a rare d ... Show More
3m 11s
Aug 2021
1. Covid and the “Birthday Effect”
Host Bapu Jena is an economist and medical doctor whose latest research measures the link between birthdays and Covid. He explains his team’s findings, explores the role that kids’ parties may have played, reveals whether politics made a difference, and convinces a Zoom magician ... Show More
18m 8s
Aug 2021
The Sunday Debate: Parenting Doesn’t Matter
How important is parenting? The multibillion-pound parenting industry tells us we can all shape our children to be joyful, resilient and successful. But what if it’s all bunk? Intelligence Squared brought together a panel of leading experts to explore just how important parenting ... Show More
1h 2m
Jun 2023
The Power of Compassionate Parenting in Building Emotional Strength
In this episode, we delve into the world of parenting styles and their profound influence on future generations. Join us as we uncover the two pivotal questions that hold significant importance in any given situation. Prepare to witness a transformation in your perspective on par ... Show More
44m 37s
May 2023
Expecting: Baby brain
Caring for a child seems to change parents’ brains. But what does that actually mean for how parents think and experience the world? For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainable It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us ... Show More
27m 55s
Aug 2021
41. Dr. Bapu Jena on Why Freakonomics Is the Best Medicine
<p>He’s a Harvard physician and economist who just started a third job: host of the new podcast <em>Freakonomics, M.D.</em> He’s also Steve’s former student. The two discuss why medicine should embrace econ-style research, the ethics of human-challenge trials, and Bapu’s role in ... Show More
41m 20s
May 2025
Motherhood
Baby bonuses, childless cat ladies: the rhetoric around motherhood is politically charged right now. And the fantasy of an ideal mother remains powerful, even as real-life parents struggle to reconcile its demands. Today on the show, three myths of motherhood, and the people who ... Show More
50m 38s
Dec 2022
66. Does Health Insurance Make You Healthier?
It’s a surprisingly hard question to answer. Bapu talks with a health economist about a natural experiment that led to some unexpected findings. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for adverti ... Show More
31m 26s
Jul 2024
Does Simply Being "Present" Make You a Good Parent?
The panel have a heated discussion about "present" parenthood and if simply being "present" softens their "accountability" in child rearing opposed to an "absent" parent. Watch Full episodes on our app 7 days FREE, Here: https://tonightsconversation.onelink.me/sAyv/7pkljh5p 
14m 57s