John Mackey, the C.E.O. of Whole Foods, has learned the perils of speaking his mind. But he still says what he thinks about everything from “conscious leadership” to the behavioral roots of the obesity epidemic. He also argues for a style of capitalism and politics that at this moment seems like a fantasy. What does he know that we don’t?
Jul 17
Are You Really Allergic to Penicillin? (Update)
Like tens of millions of people, Stephen Dubner thought he had a penicillin allergy. Like the vast majority, he didn’t. This misdiagnosis costs billions of dollars and causes serious health problems, so why hasn’t it been fixed? We find out in this update of a 2025 episode. SOURC ... Show More
1h 5m
Jul 14
How a Great Architect Thinks, with Bjarke Ingels | Better in Person
Is the oxymoron really “the secret sauce to everything”? That’s the case Ingels makes in this debut episode of our new video show Better in Person, filmed in Stephen Dubner’s living room. If you'd like to see the video version of Better in Person, watch it on YouTube or Apple Pod ... Show More
43m 27s
Jul 9
681. How to Host a Talk Show, with Dick Cavett
Stephen Dubner had an idea for a new project. So he drove to Connecticut and knocked on the door of the master. Dubner’s new TV talk show Better in Person launches July 14 on the Freakonomics YouTube channel. SOURCES: Dick Cavett, writer, former talk show host. RESOURCES: Eye on ... Show More
43m 27s
Nov 2018
John Mackey: Conscious Capitalism
While some might say the act of being conscious and the practice of capitalism have little to do with one another, Whole Foods Market co-founder and co-CEO John Mackey believes differently. John discusses the consciousness, mindfulness, creativity and love that goes into running ... Show More
31m 49s
Sep 2024
The Spiritual Entrepreneur Behind The Whole Foods Empire: Conscious Capitalism, Win-Win Dealmaking, & Making Dreams Manifest
John Mackey is a visionary entrepreneur, co-founder of Whole Foods Market, and a pioneering advocate for conscious capitalism. This conversation explores John’s journey from hippie to CEO and his unconventional business philosophy. We explore conscious capitalism, purpose-driven ... Show More
2h 10m
Apr 2025
The Whole Foods Rebellion | Tiny Acorns, Mighty Oaks | 2
CEO John Mackey is on a mission to take Whole Foods national. But he is about to run into major opposition. And to succeed in his quest, he must face down rebellious employees, ambitious rivals, animal rights activists and his own father.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newes ... Show More
45m 1s
May 2024
Conscious Capitalism w/ Whole Foods Founder John Mackey #830
<p>John Mackey is the remarkable entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of the natural and organic retailer Whole Foods Market. In over 40 years as CEO, John has led the company as it has grown from a single store in Austin Texas, to 540 stores in the US, Canada, and the UK. H ... Show More
57m 56s
Feb 2022
14. Why Do Most Ideas Fail to Scale?
In a new book called The Voltage Effect, the economist John List — who has already revolutionized how his profession does research — is trying to start a scaling revolution. In this installment of the Freakonomics Radio Book Club, List teaches us how to avoid false positives, how ... Show More
48m 54s
Dec 2023
Why Can No One Think Rationally Anymore? - George Mack - #721
George Mack is a writer, marketer and an entrepreneur. Thinking for yourself is one of the most important skills you can develop. However it's hard. It's a difficult task to overcome the boring, negative, irrational trends around you. Which is why you need some new tools in your ... Show More
1h 41m