46 episodes

Who decides which snacks are in your office’s vending machine? How much is a suburban elm tree worth, and to whom? How did Girl Scout Cookies become a billion-dollar business? In bite-sized episodes, journalist Zachary Crockett looks at quotidian things and finds amazing stories.

Join the Freakonomics Radio Plus membership program for weekly member-only episodes of Freakonomics Radio. You’ll also get every show in our network without ads. To sign up, visit our show page on Apple Podcasts or go to freakonomics.com/plus.

The Economics of Everyday Things Freakonomics Radio

    • Business
    • 4.7 • 38 Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

Who decides which snacks are in your office’s vending machine? How much is a suburban elm tree worth, and to whom? How did Girl Scout Cookies become a billion-dollar business? In bite-sized episodes, journalist Zachary Crockett looks at quotidian things and finds amazing stories.

Join the Freakonomics Radio Plus membership program for weekly member-only episodes of Freakonomics Radio. You’ll also get every show in our network without ads. To sign up, visit our show page on Apple Podcasts or go to freakonomics.com/plus.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    40. Prosthetic Limbs

    40. Prosthetic Limbs

    More and more Americans rely on prostheses. They’re custom-fitted, highly personal, and extremely expensive. Zachary Crockett investigates.

    • 17 min
    39. Houseplants

    39. Houseplants

    Interest in houseplants has exploded in recent years. But what causes floral trends, and prices, to grow? Zachary Crockett sows a few seeds.

    • 14 min
    Bowling Alleys (Replay)

    Bowling Alleys (Replay)

    Once America’s favorite recreational activity, bowling has been in the gutter for decades. But some surviving alleys are resetting the pins. Zachary Crockett laces up.

    • 15 min
    38. Junk Mail

    38. Junk Mail

    Why does the mailman bring us so many catalogs, credit card offers, and pizza coupons? Because his job depends on it. Zachary Crockett checks the mailbox.

    • 18 min
    37. Personal Injury Lawyers

    37. Personal Injury Lawyers

    If you can make it through three years of law school, you too might end up on a billboard. Zachary Crockett makes the case.

    • 17 min
    36. ATMs

    36. ATMs

    Why do you have to pay $4 to get $40 cash at a bar? And who does it go to? Zachary Crockett checks his balance.

    • 20 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
38 Ratings

38 Ratings

Modex ,

One of my favourite podcasts.

Fascinating. Well edited.

shmuelanator ,

Great to stock up on fun facts

Love the quick summaries of interesting topics. On to a winner here

Curious mind. ,

Curious mind .

Love it, would love to hear more of this.

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