About this episode
Economists have discovered an odd phenomenon: many people who use social media (even you, maybe?) wish it didn’t exist. But that doesn’t mean they can escape.
Today
666. This Is How Progress Happens
Economists don’t usually talk about “culture.” But Joel Mokyr argues that it’s the engine of innovation — and the Nobel Prize committee agreed. Stephen Dubner sits down for a thousand-year conversation (including advice!) with the new Nobel laureate. SOURCES: Joel Mokyr, economic ... Show More
53m 8s
Mar 4
The Most Powerful People You’ve Never Heard Of (Update)
Just beneath the surface of the global economy, there is a hidden layer of dealmakers for whom war, chaos, and sanctions can be a great business opportunity. In this updated episode from 2025, journalists Javier Blas and Jack Farchy help us shine a light on the shadowy realm of c ... Show More
1h 6m
Feb 27
665. Werner Herzog Isn’t Afraid ...
... of bad reviews, meager financing, or artificial intelligence. But he is worried that the world is full of sloppy thinkers who mistake facts for the truth. SOURCES: Werner Herzog, writer, filmmaker, and actor. RESOURCES: The Future of Truth, by Werner Herzog (2025). Every Man ... Show More
49m 8s
Nov 2023
119. Higher Education Is Broken. Can It Be Fixed?
47m 10s
Feb 2024
184. Are You Doing Too Much?
40m 51s
Dec 2023
175. Why Is Astrology So Popular?
37m 32s
Feb 2024
124. Daron Acemoglu on Economics, Politics, and Power
44m 32s
Mar 2024
188. Why Do Kids Today Get So Many A’s?
41m 41s
Apr 2024
Should You Get Out of Your Comfort Zone?
40m 24s
Apr 2024
193. Are You as Conscientious as You Think You Are?
<p>Is it really that important to make your bed? What’s the benefit of hiring a lazy person? And how many cups of spinach can Mike fit in a red Solo cup? </p><p>Take the Big Five inventory: <a href="http://freakonomics.com/bigfive" target="_blank">freakonomics.com/bigfive</a></p ... Show More
39m 28s
Mar 2024
186. Do You Need a Routine?
38m 34s
Jun 2024
201. Are You Dreaming Too Big?
41m 44s
Feb 2024
183. Does Free Will Exist, and Does It Matter?
41m 9s
<p>Economist Michael D. Smith says universities are scrambling to protect a status quo that deserves to die. He tells Steve why the current system is unsustainable, and what’s at stake if nothing changes.</p><p> </p><p>RESOURCES:</p><ul><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3sK5t5r"><i>Th ... Show More
<p>How can you strive for excellence without overworking yourself? Why is perfectionism on the rise? And is Angela part of the problem?</p><p> </p><ul><li><strong>SOURCES:</strong><ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-andrus-426734223/">Kristin Andrus</a>, philanth ... Show More
<p>Why does your horoscope seem so accurate? Is it possible to believe and not believe in something at the same time? And is Mike a classic Gemini?</p><p> </p><ul><li><strong>SOURCES:</strong><ul><li><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/true-story-pt-barnum-greatest-hu ... Show More
<p>Economist Daron Acemoglu likes to tackle big questions. He tells Steve how colonialism still affects us today, who benefits from new technology, and why democracy wasn’t always a sure thing.</p><p> </p><ul><li><strong>SOURCE:</strong><ul><li><a href="https://economics.mit.edu/ ... Show More
<p>Is grade inflation on the rise? How much does your G.P.A. matter in the long run? And when did M.I.T., of all places, become “the cool university”?</p><p> </p><ul><li><strong>SOURCES:</strong><ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotthugo/">Scott Hugo</a>, housing just ... Show More
<p>What do the most creative people have in common? How open-minded are you, really? And what’s wrong with ordering eggs Benedict? </p><p>Take the Big Five inventory: </p><p><a href="http://freakonomics.com/bigfive">freakonomics.com/bigfive</a></p><p> </p><ul><li><strong>SOURCES ... Show More
<p>Would you be more adventurous if you had more structure? Do you multitask while brushing your teeth? And what would Mike’s perfect brother Peter do? </p><p> </p><ul><li><strong>SOURCES:</strong><ul><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/column/david-brooks">David Brooks</a>, opi ... Show More
<p>Are fantasies helpful or harmful? How is daydreaming like a drug? And what did Angela fantasize about during ninth-grade English class?</p><p> </p><ul><li><strong>SOURCES:</strong><ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/psHQN_yANkg">Patrick Bet-David</a>, YouTuber and ... Show More
<p>Does anyone have any real agency? What do McDonald’s and Oxford University have in common? And why did Angela give up on philosophy?</p><p> </p><ul><li><strong>SOURCES</strong><ul><li><a href="https://www.samharris.org/">Sam Harris</a>, neuroscientist, philosopher, author, and ... Show More
