logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2014
29m 29s

164. Which Came First, the Chicken or th...

Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
About this episode
When it comes to exercising outrage, people tend to be very selective. Could it be that humans are our least favorite animal? 
Up next
Today
Why Cooking is Caregiving, with Chef Hillary Sterling | Better in Person
Hillary Sterling was a Brooklyn kid raised on cream cheese sandwiches and canned potatoes. So how did she become one of New York City's best chefs? The Ci Siamo executive chef explains on the second episode of Better in Person. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.ad ... Show More
42m 47s
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
Recommended Episodes
May 2020
2. What is the Optimal Way to Be Angry?
<p>Also: why do we treat pets better than people?</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> 
34m 43s
Dec 2022
126. Why Do People Love Horror Movies?
<p>When are negative emotions enjoyable? Are we all a little masochistic? And do pigs like hot sauce?</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 ... Show More
36m 36s
Feb 2024
Selects: How Disgust Works
Disgust is an odd thing. It makes sense that we would feel a sense of revulsion at the thought of putting rotten meat in our mouths – that’s pure evolution. But why would we feel the same emotion at the thought of weird sex or from hearing a racist rant? Find out more in this cla ... Show More
54m 46s
Mar 2022
91. Do You Savor or Gobble?
<p>What’s the difference between people who preserve special things and people who devour them right away? Why do we love to binge-watch? And did Adam really eat an apple?</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com< ... Show More
40m 53s
Jul 2022
108. Should You Try to Be Less Angry?
<p>What is the purpose of negative emotions? Why do we engage with things we know will upset us? And how does Angie deal with 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 colle ... Show More
37m 27s
Dec 2024
2. What is the Optimal Way to Be Angry?
<p>Also: why do we treat pets better than people? This episode originally aired on May 24, 2020.</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 adver ... Show More
34m 54s
May 2012
How did language evolve?
<p>" Sure animals talk in their own way, with chirps and grunts and the like, but only humans can form words. It is this, some evolutionary psychologists contend, that is what truly separates us from the rest of the species on the planet. But why us?"</p><p> </p> Learn more about ... Show More
27m 58s
Mar 2023
139. Why Do We Get Angry?
<p>What’s the difference between anger and indignation? What’s Angela’s problem with turkey sandwiches? And why wasn’t a <i>No Stupid Questions</i> listener angry at the men who assaulted him?</p><p> </p><p>Take the Seven Deadly Sins survey: <a href="http://freakonomics.com/nsq-s ... Show More
40m 53s
Jun 2025
thoughts on sex
why do we let men put their pleasure first Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. 
47 m
Apr 2021
47. Is Laziness Real?
<p>Also: why do we dislike being alone in public?</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> 
32m 40s