The Economics of Everyday Things

SiriusXM Podcasts
  • 4.8 (1.3K)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Economics of Everyday Things

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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. To get every show in the Freakonomics Radio Network without ads and a monthly bonus episode of Freakonomics Radio, start a free trial for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

  1. 1D AGO

    85. Executive Recruiters

    When a Fortune 500 company needs a new leader, it turns to a well-connected headhunter who assesses candidates with psychological tests and mock TV interviews. Zachary Crockett activates his network.

    21 min

  2. MAR 17

    84. Mall Cops

    Security guards make malls feel safer, but what can they do when there’s trouble? Zachary Crockett observes and reports.

    18 min

  3. MAR 10

    83. Game Show Winnings

    How do TV producers decide how much money to give away? A little psychology and a lot of math. Zachary Crockett phones a friend.

    19 min

  4. MAR 3

    82. Chain Restaurant Recipes

    A fast-food burger has to taste the same — and cost the same — thousands of times a day at restaurants across the country. Zachary Crockett mans the fryer.

    17 min

  5. FEB 24

    Used Golf Balls (Replay)

    American golfers lose 300 million balls a year — and all those bad swings are someone else’s business opportunity. Zachary Crockett hits the links.

    17 min

  6. FEB 17

    81. Guide Dogs

    Before a guide dog can help a blind person navigate the world, it has to pass a series of tests, then go through $75,000 worth of training. Zachary Crockett sniffs around.

    22 min

  7. FEB 10

    80. Going-Out-of-Business Sales

    Behind that 70% off sign, there’s a liquidation consultant trying to maximize retailer profits. Zachary Crockett seeks a deal.

    17 min

  8. FEB 3

    79. School Photos

    Picture day is an annual tradition for American families — and, for the companies that take the photos, a lucrative one. Zachary Crockett smiles for the camera.

    19 min
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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. To get every show in the Freakonomics Radio Network without ads and a monthly bonus episode of Freakonomics Radio, start a free trial for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

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