Let’s kick off Spooktober with… RATS: They love pizza. They invade taquerias at midnight. They scurry. They cuddle. They outsmart. They inspire movies that inspire musicals. Proving that not just woodsy megafauna can be charismatic, rats have lives we would never suspect. Globally-lauded Urban Rodentologist Dr. Robert Corrigan, or Bobby if you like, has been ... Show More
Today
Antarcticology (ANTARCTIC RESEARCH) with Ariel Waldman
Mile-thick ice. Dry, rocky valleys. Tiny creatures. Red parkas. Seal mummies. We’re going to Antarctica with National Geographic Explorer, microscopic photographer, and Antarcticologist Ariel Waldman. She hosts the gorgeous PBS series “Life Unearthed” and answers a blizzard of qu ... Show More
1h 13m
Apr 22
Dolorology (PAIN) Encore with Rachel Zoffness
In an encore of one of our top episodes ever, Dr. Zoffness is back to chat about her brand new book, Tell Me Where It Hurts. PAIN. What is it? Where does it come from? And how can we hurt less? Which hurts more, a kidney stone or heartache? Why does chronic pain persist? Can we t ... Show More
1h 42m
Feb 2025
623. Can New York City Win Its War on Rats?
<p>Even with a new rat czar, an arsenal of poisons, and a fleet of new garbage trucks, it won’t be easy — because, at root, the enemy is us. (Part two of <a href="https://freakonomics.com/podcast-tag/sympathy-for-the-rat/">a three-part series</a>, “Sympathy for the Rat.”)</p><p> ... Show More
50m 23s
Mar 2021
E330 Mid-Sized Animal Control Man
Theo sits down with mid-sized animal control man, Marty Voiers, to learn what a day in the life of a wild animal wrangler is like. Marty tells us insane stories of being face-to-face with bobcats, just how sneaky these raccoons truly are and his thoughts on being the middle man b ... Show More
2h 2m
Nov 2024
The Rat King - Chapter 16
Vinnie goes to warn the cats while Susan and Tucker follow Julian to open the gate for the rats. Susan carries Tucker, and Julian tries his best to keep them from talking as he growls at the rats around him. When the rocks start to fall, and Susan and Tucker get separated, she do ... Show More
9m 4s
Mar 2024
Connor & Noah Barthe by Serial Napper
It was the summer of 2013 in Campbelltown, New Brunswick, Canada. Noah and Connor Barthe, who were 4 and 6 years old, had spent the day having a blast with family friends at a farm. That evening, they had a sleepover at their best friend's house, which was located just above an e ... Show More
40m 35s