From This Collection

Freakonomics: Why bounty hunters catch more fugitives than police officers

May 17, 2011
Freakonomics Radio's Stephen Dubner discusses the difference between bounty hunters and police officers that really matters when it comes to catching fugitives.

Freakonomics: Is handing down a business good for business?

May 3, 2011
Family-firm succession is alive and well. But is it good for profits? Freakonomics Radio's Stephen Dubner takes a look at why it happens -- and why it doesn't happen so much in the U.S.

Freakonomics: Saving the environment, or just showing off?

Apr 19, 2011
Freakonomics Radio's Stephen Dubner talks about the idea of "conspicuous conservation," where people indulge in certain earth-saving acts as a way to show off that they care about the environment, and in turn, benefit socially.

Freakonomics: Better education through improved eyesight

Apr 5, 2011
How researchers raised test scores in rural China with the help of new specs for every kid in need.

Freakonomics: Putting out a fire before it starts

Mar 22, 2011
A new kind of cigarette could help drop the rate of deaths-by-fire to zero.

Freakonomics: The etiquette of 'following' on Twitter

Mar 8, 2011
To follow or not to follow? It may not be such a simple choice on the social media site.

Freakonomics: Tackling the looming NFL lockout

Feb 22, 2011
A potential lockout is on the horizon as the current collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the players' union soon expires. Freakonomics Radio's Stephen Dubner talks with Kai Ryssdal about how profitable the NFL is and the problem some owners have with the league's business model.

For public good, not for profit.

Freakonomics: How we sell pain

Feb 8, 2011
Life can hurt. Freakonomics Radio's Stephen Dubner talks to Kai Ryssdal about how people sell the notion of pain.

Freakonomics: Bringing science into the kitchen

Jan 25, 2011
Freakonomics Radio's Stephen Dubner talks to Kai Ryssdal about why he believes the future of food lies with those who are trying to bring the scientific method into the kitchen.

Freakonomics: Should we pay for our trash?

Jan 11, 2011
In the latest edition of Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner talks to Kai Ryssdal about what it might take to get people to throw away less trash.