Freakonomics Radio

  • 665. Werner Herzog Isn’t Afraid …

    … of bad reviews, meager financing, or artificial intelligence. But he is worried that the world is full of sloppy thinkers who mistake facts for the truth. SOURCES: Werner Herzog, writer, filmmaker, and actor. RESOURCES:…

  • 664. Are Thousands of Medical Cures Hiding in Plain Sight?

    Existing drugs can sometimes be repurposed to treat rare diseases. But making that match can be hard — and the financial incentives are weak. Guest host Steve Levitt tries to solve the puzzle. SOURCES: Chris…

  • All You Need Is Nudge (Update)

    When Richard Thaler first published Nudge, the world was just starting to believe in his brand of behavioral economics. In this 2021 episode, we ask: How has nudge theory held up in the face of…

  • 663. Is Weed a Performance-Enhancing Drug?

    The science says no, at least not in the athletic sense. But the psychic benefits can be large — just ask former N.F.L. star Ricky Williams. He says athletes should consider cannabis a healing drug,…

  • 662. If You’re Not Cheating, You’re Not Trying

    In sports, the rules are meant to be sacrosanct. But when it comes to performance-enhancing drugs, the slope is super-slippery. (Part one of a two-part series.) SOURCES: April Henning, associate professor of international sport management…

  • Why Don’t Running Backs Get Paid Anymore? (Update)

    They used to be the N.F.L.’s biggest stars, with paychecks to match. Now their salaries are near the bottom, and their careers are shorter than ever. In this updated episode from 2025, we speak with…

  • 661. Can A.I. Save Your Life?

    For 50 years, the healthcare industry has been trying (and failing) to harness the power of artificial intelligence. It may finally be ready for prime time. What will this mean for human doctors — and…

  • 660. The Wellness Industry Is Gigantic — and Mostly Wrong

    Zeke Emanuel (a physician, medical ethicist, and policy wonk) has some different ideas for how to lead a healthy and meaningful life. It starts with ice cream. (Part three of “The Freakonomics Radio Guide to…

  • Steve Levitt Quits His Podcast, Joins Ours

    After five years, Levitt is ending People I (Mostly) Admire, and will start hosting the occasional Freakonomics Radio episode. We couldn’t be happier. SOURCES: Steve Levitt, co-author of Freakonomics and host of People I (Mostly)…

  • 659. Can Marty Makary Fix the F.D.A.?

    It regulates 20 percent of the U.S. economy, and its commissioner has an aggressive agenda — faster drug approvals, healthier food, cures for diabetes and cancer. How much can he deliver? (Part two of “The…

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