Apr 17

671. Why Has There Been So Little Progress on Alzheimer’s Disease?

One possibility: a leading hypothesis pursued by researchers (and funders) was built on science that now appears to be fraudulent. Stephen Dubner speaks with the scientist and the journalist who blew the whistle. SOURCES: Charles Piller, investigative journalist for Science, auth ... Show More

1h 1m

Apr 10

670. Beeconomics 101

How do beekeepers make a living? Why is there so much honey fraud? And why did billions of bees suddenly disappear? To find out, guest host Steve Levitt activates his hive mind. SOURCES: Alex Sapoznik, historian, reader in late medieval history at King’s College London. Chris Hia ... Show More

55m 51s

Apr 8

Ten Myths About the U.S. Tax System (Update)

Nearly everything that politicians say about taxes is at least half a lie. They are also dishonest when it comes to the national debt. In this update of an episode from 2025, Stephen Dubner finds one of the few people in Washington who is willing to tell the truth — and it’s even ... Show More

1h 4m

Mar 2024

185. Do You Need Closure?

What’s the best way to carry out random acts of kindness? What’s wrong with making an “Irish exit”? And why is Mike secretly buying lottery tickets? <ul><li>SOURCES:<ul><li><a href="https://roybaumeister.com/">Roy Baumeister</a>, social psychologist ... Show More

38m 8s

Jan 2024

180. What Makes Some Objects Feel Special?

Where does sentimental value come from? Why did Angela throw out her childhood journals? And would Mike wear Hitler’s sweater? <ul><li>SOURCES:<ul><li><a href="https://www.cmu.edu/tepper/faculty-and-research/faculty-by-area/profiles/galak-jeffrey.h ... Show More

38m 29s

Dec 2023

63. How Contagious Is Behavior? With Laurie Santos of “The Happiness Lab.” (Replay)

Why do we mirror other people’s accents? Does DJ Khaled get tired of winning? And also: life is good — so why aren’t you happy? <ul><li>SOURCES:<ul><li><a href="https://news.stanford.edu/2021/07/30/psychology-professor-albert-bandura-dead-95/">Alber ... Show More

36m 30s

Apr 2024

191. Can You Change Your Personality?

Are you the same person you were a decade ago? Do we get better as we age? And is your sixth-grade class clown still funny? <ul><li>SOURCES:<ul><li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9768518/">Aaron (Tim) Beck</a>, professor emer ... Show More

39m 3s

Dec 2023

173. How Important Is Your Choice of Words?

What happens when three psychologists walk into a magic show? What’s Angela’s problem with the word “talent”? And why does LeBron James refer to himself in the third person? SOURCES:<ul><li><a href="https://psychology.yale.edu/people/john-bargh">John Bargh</ ... Show More

35m 28s

May 2024

194. Is It Okay to Be an Introvert?

What’s the difference between being introverted and being shy? What are extroverts so cheerful about? And does Angela’s social battery ever run out?Take the Big Five inventory: <a href="http://freakonomics.com/bigfive" target="_blank">freakonomics.com/bigfive</a> ... Show More

35m 37s

Jun 2024

201. Are You Dreaming Too Big?

Are fantasies helpful or harmful? How is daydreaming like a drug? And what did Angela fantasize about during ninth-grade English class? <ul><li>SOURCES:<ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/psHQN_yANkg">Patrick Bet-David</a>, YouTuber and ... Show More

41m 44s

Jan 2024

179. Can You Really “Manifest” Success Through Positive Visualization?

Is there any scientific basis for the law of attraction? Are people who believe in “cosmic collaboration” more successful? And what happens when you write yourself a check for $10 million? <ul><li>SOURCES:<ul><li><a href="https://www.rhondabyrne.com ... Show More

36m 29s

Mar 2024

187. Is Fear Running Your Life?

How can you summon courage when you’re terrified? Is hiking more dangerous than skiing? And what is the stupidest thing that Mike has ever done? <ul><li>SOURCES:<ul><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/29/science/albert-bandura-dead.html">Al ... Show More

39 m

Sep 2023

164. Do You Have Impostor Syndrome?

Does anyone really know what they’re doing? How do we reward the competent and not the confident? And what’s wrong with using TikTok for research? RESOURCES:<ul><li>"<a href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/02/13/the-dubious-rise-of-impostor-syndrome ... Show More

38m 43s

569. Do You Need Closure?