logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2019
51m 24s

How Much Does Your Name Matter? (Rebroad...

Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
About this episode
A kid’s name can tell us something about his parents — their race, social standing, even their politics. But is your name really your destiny? 
Up next
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
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2022
Roxanne
What’s in a name? Can a name change your life trajectory? 
1s
Jun 2011
Do baby names make a difference later in life?
<p>There's tons of research about how your name will affect your destiny. Some studies suggests your name is linked to your grades, your criminal record and your earning potential. Tune in to learn about what your name might mean for your future.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ... Show More
20m 3s
Dec 2021
78. Why Do We Put Things Off Until the Very Last Minute?
<p>Also: what does your name say about who you are? </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p> 
38m 28s
Jul 2010
One Hundred Years of Names
Every personal name has a story. Behind the top 100 Irish baby names list is a fascinating portrait of a changing country.This fascinating and beautiful documentary looks at the names we give our children and what our names say about all of us.<br><p>See <a href="https://omnystud ... Show More
38m 10s
Sep 2022
📛 Names (S08E03) + Transcripts
Does your name have any special meaning? Do you like your name? What name do your parents/relatives call you? Would you like to change your name? Does anyone in your family have the same name as you? Are there any differences between how people name their children now and in the ... Show More
24m 38s
Aug 2023
The stories behind our names
What can names tell us about our culture and history? 
6m 11s
May 2023
Which Celebrity Would You Name Your Child After?
Which Celebrity Would You Name Your Child After?YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BreakfastClubPower1051FMSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
5m 57s
Nov 2022
What’s In A Name
Host Ahmed Ali Akbar has always had trouble getting people to say his name “correctly.” Why? This episode explores how second generation immigrants choose names, and how a name can impact our lives in more ways than we’d think. 
31m 2s
Sep 2021
You Were Born With a Destiny
Is there a part of you that you’ve been previously shamed for? Maybe it’s your name, your heritage, and personal expression are something to be proud of, instead of something to run away from. Embracing these things can help lead us to our destinies in life. Learn more about your ... Show More
4m 47s