15. You Say Repugnant, I Say … Let's Do ...

Epic Systems manages the electronic health records for hundreds of millions of people. This makes Faulkner a healthcare heavyweight and one of the most successful female entrepreneurs in history. So why haven’t we ever heard much from her? Stephen Dubner travels to Verona, Wisc., ... Show More

New York City’s mayor called them “public enemy number one.” History books say they caused the Black Death — although recent scientific evidence disputes that claim. In an updated episode from 2025, we ask: Is the rat a scapegoat? And what does our rat hatred say about us? SOURCE ... Show More

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

<p>Also: what is the most significant choice you will ever make?</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> 

What’s the worst that could happen? And why is it that’s generally the first thing we think about; the worst possible scenario! Listen in as we learn how to stop thinking the worst, or in technical terms, catastrophizing. 

<p>Also: what’s the best way to handle rejection?</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> 

<p>Also: are the most memorable stories less likely to be true? </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> 

What happens if we’re done? The final episode of What Happens If. This is a parody of a 90’s sitcom flashback episode. Thank you from Dan and I to everyone who has listened. We have enjoyed this project and hope to do it again one day. This has been what happens if… The post What ... Show More

<p>Also: is it better to be a thinker, a doer, or a charmer?</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> 

In this episode we talk about how choices are made. Why are we less satisfied when we have more options? What is choice overload? How do overcome it? Could this relate to creativity?