logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2016
37m 49s

Are You Ready for a Glorious Sunset? (Re...

Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
About this episode
The gist: we spend billions on end-of-life healthcare that doesn’t do much good. So what if a patient could forego the standard treatment and get a cash rebate instead? 
Up next
Today
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
Jul 3
680. Can Universities Win Back Our Trust?
Dartmouth president Sian Beilock, a psychologist by training, made her name studying why people choke. Now she’s applying those insights to one of the most scrutinized jobs in America. No pressure! SOURCES: Sian Beilock, president of Dartmouth College. RESOURCES: "Growing share o ... Show More
49m 55s
Jun 26
679. Why Does Vanderbilt Keep Winning?
It’s a hard time to run a university: public trust is low, political pressure is high, and finances are fragile. But Daniel Diermeier, who trained as a political scientist, has Vanderbilt humming. How? He says the key is choosing magnets over wedges. SOURCES: Daniel Diermeier, ch ... Show More
1h 4m
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2020
The Fee-for-Service Monster
<p>The United States spends trillions of dollars on healthcare every year, but our outcomes are worse than those of other countries that spend less money. Why? Physician and healthcare executive Vivian Lee explains the psychological and economic incentives embedded in the America ... Show More
50m 23s
Feb 2022
How to boost the aged care workforce and dropping our standards when it comes to productivity and perfectionism
What, if anything, would encourage more people to consider taking a job in the embattled aged care sector? Experts argue the Government’s new one-off payments of $800 won’t make a real difference and more fundamental reform is needed. And we take your calls on how to let go of th ... Show More
54m 36s
Apr 2025
Many life-saving drugs fail for lack of funding. But there’s a solution: desperate rich people
Each year, hundreds of potentially world-changing treatments are discarded because scientists run out of cash. But where big pharma or altruists fear to tread, my friend and I have a solution. It’s repugnant, but it will work By Alexander Masters. Read by Tom Andrews. Help suppor ... Show More
29m 52s
Jan 2022
21. Should We Pay People to Be Healthier?
Each year, millions of people get sick or die from diseases caused by their own unhealthy behavior. Getting people to change their bad habits – to quit smoking, eat better, or exercise – can be extremely hard. But what if we paid them? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. Se ... Show More
29m 18s
Apr 2022
69. Does Death Have to Be a Death Sentence?
<p>Palliative physician B.J. Miller asks: Is there a better way to think about dying? And can death be beautiful? </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 perso ... Show More
45m 52s
Apr 2022
32. What is a Good Death — and Why Do So Few of Us Get One?
When it comes to end-of-life medical care, getting it right can be hard — even for doctors. Bapu Jena discusses surprising research on how we can live better - and maybe longer - before we die. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about ou ... Show More
23m 18s
Jan 2025
Berries In The Window | Creep Cast
What would you do if someone had a cure for your child? To save them, make them new again. Would you venture into the forest? Would you give them up? May you have faith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 
1h 50m
Aug 2022
51. What Can We Do About the Hardest Patients?
A small number of patients with multiple, chronic conditions use a lot of resources. Dr. Jeffrey Brenner found a way to identify and treat them. Could it reduce health care spending too? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our colle ... Show More
28m 42s
Jun 2022
Fighting Over The Will
When you imagine getting an inheritance, you might assume all your financial problems would be solved. But can the money be more trouble than it's worth?  For more information: https://www.drphil.com/ Interested in advertising on the show? https://www.advertisecast.com/TheBestOf ... Show More
45m 58s