logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2017
45m 40s

285. There’s a War on Sugar. Is It Justi...

Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
About this episode
Some people argue that sugar should be regulated, like alcohol and tobacco, on the grounds that it's addictive and toxic. How much sense does that make? We hear from a regulatory advocate, an evidence-based skeptic, a former FDA commissioner — and the organizers of Milktoberfest. 
Up next
Yesterday
693. What’s Our Job as Humans Anymore?
It may just be being human. Stephen Dubner interviews A.I. performer Tilly Norwood to find out if we are as replaceable as we fear. (Part two of a two-part series.) SOURCES:Sean Astin, actor, president of SAG-AFTRA.Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired.Ethan Mollick, associate profess ... Show More
57m 32s
Oct 23
692. What Will A.I. Do to (and for) Human Creativity?
Writers, designers, actors, coders, musicians, thinkers — they’re all worried about being replaced by machines. But what if the A.I.s are actually here to help? (Part one of a two-part series.) SOURCES:Sean Astin, actor, president of SAG-AFTRA.Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired.Eth ... Show More
59m 9s
Oct 21
Are Private Equity Firms Plundering the U.S. Economy? (Update)
They say they make companies more efficient through savvy management. Critics say they bend the rules to enrich themselves at the expense of consumers and employees. Can they both be right? (Probably not.) SOURCES:Brendan Ballou, C.E.O. of the Public Integrity Project.Dan Glickbe ... Show More
48m 4s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2017
The Sick, Sweet Secret of the Sugar Cover-up
<p>Everyone knows sugar in excessive amounts can have damaging effects on your health -- but just how bad is it, and why do people in the US still consume so much? Join the guys as they delve into the strange story of the decades-long sugar conspiracy.</p><p> </p> Learn more abou ... Show More
52m 25s
May 2019
Bitter sweets
Could candy be the next target in the global fight against rising levels of obesity and diabetes? Dozens of governments have already imposed taxes on sugary drinks, and now some are considering doing the same with sweets. So how worried are confectionery companies and what can th ... Show More
26m 28s
Oct 2024
The Bittersweet Truth About Sugar
Americans are sugar obsessed. Can we cut back without making life feel less sweet? This Halloween, sugar studies expert Laura Schmidt shares tips for taming your sweet tooth. Plus, why she says we need to stop debating if sugar is addictive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi ... Show More
35m 12s
Apr 2024
Sugarcoated: Sugar tax and media discourses on the context of policymaking
Dr Esther Gonzalez-Padilla asks what is sugar? Why should we study it? And how much sugar should we be eating? 
5m 23s
Oct 2023
Sugar
SUGAR: Laurie Taylor explores the ways in which the sweet stuff has transformed our politics, health, history and even family relationships. He’s joined by Ulbe Bosma, Professor of International Comparative Social History at the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, and author of a tour ... Show More
29m 2s
Aug 2021
156. Cambridge IELTS 16 | Should Sugary Products Be Made More Expensive?
Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. Sugar products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar. Do you agree or disagree?   processed foods and drinks   high-sugar products sugar-pa ... Show More
4m 39s
Jan 2024
Addicted to sugar
How has sugar become such an important part of our diets? Neil and Georgie discuss. 
6m 14s