
Freakonomics co-author Stephen J. Dubner uncovers the hidden side of everything. Why is it safer to fly in an airplane than drive a car? How do we decide whom to marry? Why is the media so full of bad news? Also: things you never knew you wanted to know about wolves, bananas, pollution, search engines, and the quirks of human behavior. To get every show in the Freakonomics Radio Network without ad... more
| Publishes | Twice weekly | Episodes | 986 | Founded | 16 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | DocumentarySociety & Culture | |||

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, w... more
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,... more
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 Dart... more
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.... more
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I’ve never written a review, but that was so painful, I couldn’t help it. There was nothing insightful or inspiring. I guess you can keep your job by doing nothing but placate those around you. Hooray platitudes! I’ve never considered not sending my children to higher education until today. I guess I’m not mad at the show, just sad, so still 4 stars
“Question, question, question…yes?” Questions have become leading questions rather than just a question. The hidden side of everything needs to take a look at how leading a question skews a response during an interview.
Note: an earlier version of this review was FILTERED which is the reason why I bumped it from ** to *. I realize this is an intellectually based podcast - meant to challenge thoughts and preconceptions. I get it, and I appreciate this aspect. However, there seems to be little realization that this podcast, and for the most part its guests, lives with both feet planted in the Ivory Tower of Academia. What I don’t appreciate ( and vehemently disagree with) is the series of episodes on “The Purpose... more
I have listened to every episode, and I highly reccomend it!
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Spotify | #20 | |
Apple Podcasts | #154 | |
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Apple Podcasts | #5 |
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Recent episodes range from deep dives into how traditional institutions are transforming through media, technology, and policy, to explorations of scientific debates, economic history, and urban planning. Conversations frequently pair top researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders with provocative questions about incentives, risk, and the social impact of innovation. A standout aspect is the blend of rigorous analysis with accessible storytelling, often anchored by a prominent host who guides listeners through complex topics with clarity and wit. The show tends to attract curious, educated listeners who enjoy cross-disciplinary thinking and fresh perspectives on everyday phenomena.
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Freakonomics Radio launched 16 years ago and published 986 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Freakonomics Radio include:
1. Sian Beilock
2. Daniel Diermeier
3. Neale Mahoney
4. Kathy Hochul
5. Daniel Sulmasy
6. Al Roth
7. Suzanne O'Brien
8. Frank Frigo
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