Why Does the Richest Country in the World Have So Many Poor Kids? (Ep. 475 Update)

Freakonomics Radio

#Money #Society #Business #Documentaries #Dubner Productions #Facts and Trivia #Science #Stephen J Dubner

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Building a thriving business isn't always about rapid expansion. When should you hit the accelerator on growth, and when should you pump the brakes? Jannese and Austin are in Nashville, Tennessee to talk with Taku Zhou and Sibusiso Ajayi of TKZ Architecture LLC to explore this crucial entrepreneurial crossroads. The duo shares candid insights from their journey building TKZ Architecture, revealing the moments they knew it was time to scale – and importantly, when it wasn't. They discuss how they balanced the allure of growth against the need to strengthen their foundation through refined workflows, established protocols, and market positioning. Tune in as we unpack the strategic decision-making that goes into sustainable business expansion and learn the telltale signs that you're ready for growth and how to execute that transition successfully. Learn more about how QuickBooks can help you grow your business: QuickBooks.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

3 years ago 53:40

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Among O.E.C.D. nations, the U.S. has one of the highest rates of child poverty. Until recently, it looked as if Washington was about to change that. But then … Washington happened.

832 episodes

Why Does the Richest Country in the World Have So Many Poor Kids? (Ep. 475 Update)

Freakonomics Radio

355,733 subscribers

published 3 years ago

MP3•Episode home

Among O.E.C.D. nations, the U.S. has one of the highest rates of child poverty. Until recently, it looked as if Washington was about to change that. But then … Washington happened.

832 episodes

#Money #Society #Business #Documentaries #Dubner Productions #Facts and Trivia #Science #Stephen J Dubner

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1
629. How Is Live Theater Still Alive? 59:43

7 days ago59:43

59:43

It has become fiendishly expensive to produce, and has more competition than ever. And yet the believers still believe. Why? And does the world really want a new musical about ... Abraham Lincoln?! (Part one of a three-part series .) SOURCES: Christopher Ashley , artistic director of La Jolla Playhouse. Quentin Darrington , actor. Joe DiPietro , playwright and lyricist. Crystal Monee Hall , composer, singer, actor. Rocco Landesman , Broadway producer, former owner of Jujamcyn Theaters, former chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. Alan Shorr , Broadway producer. Daniel Watts , writer, choreographer, actor. Richard Winkler , Broadway producer. RESOURCES: 3 Summers of Lincoln (2025) “ Live Performance Theaters in the US - Market Research Report (2014-2029) ,” by Grace Wood (IBISWorld, 2024). Leadership: In Turbulent Times , by Doris Kearns Goodwin (2018). Big River (1984) EXTRAS: “ How to Make the Coolest Show on Broadway ,” by Freakonomics Radio (2024). “ You Can Make a Killing, but Not a Living ,” by Freakonomics Radio (2024).…

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Policymaking Is Not a Science — Yet (Update) 45:28

9 days ago45:28

45:28

Why do so many promising solutions in education, medicine, and criminal justice fail to scale up into great policy? And can a new breed of “implementation scientists” crack the code? SOURCES: Patti Chamberlain , senior research scientist at the Oregon Social Learning Center. John List , professor of economics at the University of Chicago. Lauren Supplee , former deputy chief operating officer at Child Trends. Dana L. Suskind , professor of surgery at the University of Chicago. RESOURCES: “ How Can Experiments Play a Greater Role in Public Policy? 12 Proposals from an Economic Model of Scaling ,” by Omar Al-Ubaydli, John List, Claire Mackevicius, Min Sok Lee, and Dana Suskind. “ The Science of Using Science: Towards an Understanding of the Threats to Scaling Experiments ,” by Omar Al-Ubaydli, John List, and Dana Suskind ( The Field Experiments Website , 2019). “ Inconsistent Device Use in Pediatric Cochlear Implant Users: Prevalence and Risk Factors ,” by K.B.Wiseman and A.D. Warner-Czyz ( U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health , 2018). EXTRAS: " Why Do Most Ideas Fail to Scale? " by Freakonomics Radio (2022). " The Price of Doing Business with John List, " by People I (Mostly) Admire (2022). Child Trends. Oregon Social Learning Center. T.M.W. Center for Early Learning and Public Health. The Field Experiments Website .…

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628. Sludge, Part 2: Is Government the Problem, or the Solution? 48:31

14 days ago48:31

48:31

There is no sludgier place in America than Washington, D.C. But there are signs of a change. We’ll hear about this progress — and ask where Elon Musk and DOGE fit in. (Part two of a two-part series .) SOURCES: Benjamin Handel , professor of economics at UC Berkeley. Neale Mahoney , professor of economics at Stanford University. Jennifer Pahlka , founder of Code for America. Richard Thaler , professor of economics at The University of Chicago. RESOURCES: " How Big Is the Subscription Cancellation Problem? " by Giacomo Fraccaroli, Neale Mahoney, and Zahra Thabet (Briefing Book, 2024). Recoding America: Why Government Is Failing in the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better , by Jennifer Pahlka (2023). Nudge: The Final Edition , by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein (2021). " HealthCare.gov: Case Study of CMS Management of the Federal Marketplace ," by Daniel Levinson (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2016). EXTRAS: " Sludge, Part 1: The World Is Drowning in It ," by Freakonomics Radio (2025).…

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627. Sludge, Part 1: The World Is Drowning in It 54:34

21 days ago54:34

54:34

Insurance forms that make no sense. Subscriptions that can’t be cancelled. A never-ending blizzard of automated notifications. Where does all this sludge come from — and how much is it costing us? (Part one of a two-part series .) SOURCES: Benjamin Handel, professor of economics at UC Berkeley. Neale Mahoney, professor of economics at Stanford University. Richard Thaler, professor of economics at The University of Chicago. RESOURCES: " Selling Subscriptions, " by Liran Einav, Ben Klopack, and Neale Mahoney (Stanford University, 2023). " The ‘Enshittification’ of TikTok, " by Cory Doctorow (WIRED, 2023). " Dominated Options in Health Insurance Plans, " by Chenyuan Liu and Justin Sydnor (American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, 2022). Nudge (The Final Edition) , by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein (2021). " Frictions or Mental Gaps: What’s Behind the Information We (Don’t) Use and When Do We Care? " by Benjamin Handel and Joshua Schwartzstein (Journal of Economic Perspectives, 2018). " Adverse Selection and Switching Costs in Health Insurance Markets: When Nudging Hurts, " by Benjamin Handel (National Bureau of Economic Research, 2011). EXTRAS: " People Aren’t Dumb. The World Is Hard. (Update) " by Freakonomics Radio (2024). " All You Need is Nudge, " by Freakonomics Radio (2021). " How to Fix the Hot Mess of U.S. Healthcare, " by Freakonomics Radio (2021). " Should We Really Behave Like Economists Say We Do? " by Freakonomics Radio (2015).…

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Should America Be Run by … Trader Joe’s? (Update) 48:01

28 days ago48:01

48:01

The quirky little grocery chain with California roots and German ownership has a lot to teach all of us about choice architecture, efficiency, frugality, collaboration, and team spirit. SOURCES: Kirk DesErmia , facilities manager in Seward, Alaska. Mark Gardiner , journalist and author. Sheena Iyengar , professor of business at Columbia Business School. Michael Roberto , professor of management at Bryant University. RESOURCES: “ Trader Joe’s ,” David Ager and Michael Roberto ( Harvard Business School Case, 2014). “ What Brands Are Actually Behind Trader Joe’s Snacks? ,” Vince Dixon ( Eater, 2017). Build a Brand Like Trader Joe’s by Mark Gardiner (2012). “ When Choice is Demotivating: Can One Desire Too Much of a Good Thing? ,” Sheena Iyengar and Mark Lepper ( Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2000). Unlocking Creativity , by Michael Roberto (2019). EXTRAS: “ How Can This Possibly Be True? ,” by Freakonomics Radio (2016). “ How to Save $1 Billion Without Even Trying ,” by Freakonomics Radio (2016).…

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626. Ten Myths About the U.S. Tax System 1:03:55

5 weeks ago1:03:55

1:03:55

Nearly everything that politicians say about taxes is at least half a lie. They are also dishonest when it comes to the national debt. Stephen Dubner finds one of the few people in Washington who is willing to tell the truth — and it’s even worse than you think. SOURCES: Jessica Riedl, senior fellow in budget, tax, and economic policy at the Manhattan Institute. RESOURCES: " The House Wants to Pass Trump’s Agenda in One Big Bill. Here’s What’s in It. " by Margot Sanger-Katz and Alicia Parlapiano (New York Times, 2025). " Correcting the Top 10 Tax Myths, " by Jessica Riedl (Manhattan Institute, 2024). " Spending, Taxes, and Deficits: A Book of Charts, " by Jessica Riedl (Manhattan Institute, 2024). " Why Did Americans Stop Caring About the National Debt? " by Jessica Riedl (Reason, 2024). " A Comprehensive Federal Budget Plan to Avert a Debt Crisis, " by Jessica Riedl (Manhattan Institute, 2024). " When Does Federal Debt Reach Unsustainable Levels? " by Jagadeesh Gokhale, Kent Smetters, and Mariko Paulson (The Wharton School of Business, 2023). " The Limits of Taxing the Rich, " by Jessica Riedl (Manhattan Institute, 2023). EXTRAS: " Farewell to a Generational Talent, " by Freakonomics Radio (2024).…

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625. The Biden Policy That Trump Hasn’t Touched 1:03:14

6 weeks ago1:03:14

1:03:14

Lina Khan, the youngest F.T.C. chair in history, reset U.S. antitrust policy by thwarting mega-mergers and other monopolistic behavior. This earned her enemies in some places, and big fans in others — including the Trump administration. Stephen Dubner speaks with Khan about her tactics, her track record, and her future. SOURCES: Lina Khan, former commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission and professor of law at Columbia Law School. RESOURCES: " Merger Guidelines " (U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, 2023). " The Rise of Market Power and the Macroeconomic Implications, " by Jan De Loecker, Jan Eeckhout, and Gabriel Unger (National Bureau of Economic Research, 2019). " US Antitrust Law and Policy in Historical Perspective, " by Laura Phillips Sawyer (Harvard Business School, 2019). The Curse of Bigness: Antitrust in the New Gilded Age, by Tim Wu (2018). " Amazon’s Antitrust Paradox, " by Lina Khan (Yale Law Journal, 2017). " A Tempest In a Coffee Shop, " by Tanya Mohn (New York Times, 2004). EXTRAS: " The Economics of Eyeglasses, " by Freakonomics Radio (2024). " Should You Trust Private Equity to Take Care of Your Dog? " by Freakonomics Radio (2023). " Are Private Equity Firms Plundering the U.S. Economy? " by Freakonomics Radio (2023). " Is the U.S. Really Less Corrupt Than China — and How About Russia? (Update) " by Freakonomics Radio (2022).…

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EXTRA: The Downside of Disgust (Update) 44:28

6 weeks ago44:28

44:28

It’s a powerful biological response that has preserved our species for millennia. But now it may be keeping us from pursuing strategies that would improve the environment, the economy, even our own health. So is it time to dial down our disgust reflex? You can help fix things — as Stephen Dubner does in this 2021 episode — by chowing down on some delicious insects. SOURCES: Paul Rozin, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. Val Curtis , late disgustologist at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Sandro Ambuehl , economist at the University of Zurich. Emily Kimmins, R&D lead for the sensory and consumer-science team for Kraft Heinz. Iliana Sermeno, former chef at The Black Ant. RESOURCES: “ Stink Bugs Could Add Cilantro Flavor to Red Win e,” by Alex Berezow ( Live Science, 2017). “ Edible insects: Future Prospects for Food and Feed Security ,” by the F.A.O. ( United Nations, 2013). “ I Hate to Break it to You, but You Already Eat Bugs ,” by Kyle Hill ( Scientific American, 2013). “ Five Banned Foods and One That Maybe Should Be ,” by Leah Binkovitz ( Smithsonian Magazine, 2012). “ Effects of Different Types of Antismoking Ads on Reducing Disparities in Smoking Cessation Among Socioeconomic Subgroups ,” by Sarah J. Durkin, Lois Biener, and Melanie A. Wakefield ( American Journal of Public Health, 2009). “ Flesh Trade ,” by Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt ( The New York Times, 2006). “ Feeding Poultry Litter to Beef Cattle ,” by Jay Daniel and K.C. Olson ( University of Missouri, 2005). EXTRAS: " Why Does Everyone Hate Rats? " by Freakonomics Radio (2025).…

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624. The Animal No One Loves, Until They Do 45:19

7 weeks ago45:19

45:19

To most people, the rat is vile and villainous. But not to everyone! We hear from a scientist who befriended rats and another who worked with them in the lab — and from the animator who made one the hero of a Pixar blockbuster. (Part three of a three-part series , “Sympathy for the Rat.”) SOURCES: Bethany Brookshire , author of Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains Jan Pinkava, creator and co-writer of "Ratatouille," and director of the Animation Institute at the Film Academy Baden-Württemberg. Julia Zichello, evolutionary biologist at Hunter College. RESOURCES: " Weekend Column: Rat’s End, or, How a Rat Dies, " by Julia Zichello (West Side Rag, 2024). Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains by Bethany Brookshire (2022). " Rats: the history of an incendiary cartoon trope, " by Archie Bland (The Guardian, 2015). " Catching the Rat: Understanding Multiple and Contradictory Human-Rat Relations as Situated Practices, " by Koen Beumer (Society & Animals, 2014). " Effects of Chronic Methylphenidate on Dopamine/Serotonin Interactions in the Mesolimbic DA System of the Mouse, " by Bethany Brookshire (Wake Forest University, 2010). " A New Deal For Mice, " by C.C. Little (Scientific American, 1935).…

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623. Can New York City Win Its War on Rats? 50:23

8 weeks ago50:23

50:23

Even with a new rat czar, an arsenal of poisons, and a fleet of new garbage trucks, it won’t be easy — because, at root, the enemy is us. (Part two of a three-part series , “Sympathy for the Rat.”) SOURCES: Kathy Corradi, director of rodent mitigation for New York City. Robert Corrigan, urban rodentologist and pest consultant for New York City. Ed Glaeser, professor of economics at Harvard University. Robert Sullivan, author of Rats: Observations on the History and Habitat of the City’s Most Unwanted Inhabitant. Jessica Tisch, New York City police commissioner. RESOURCES: " Increasing rat numbers in cities are linked to climate warming, urbanization, and human population, " by Jonathan Richardson, Elizabeth McCoy, Nicholas Parlavecchio, Ryan Szykowny, Eli Beech-Brown, Jan Buijs, Jacqueline Buckley, Robert Corrigan, Federico Costa, Ray Delaney, Rachel Denny, Leah Helms, Wade Lee, Maureen Murray, Claudia Riegel, Fabio Souza, John Ulrich, Adena Why, and Yasushi Kiyokawa (Science Advances, 2025). " The Next Frontier in New York's War on Rats: Birth Control, " by Emma Fitzsimmons (New York Times, 2024). " The Absurd Problem of New York City Trash, " by Emily Badger and Larry Buchanan (New York Times, 2024). " Mourning Flaco, the Owl Who Escaped, " by Naaman Zhou (The New Yorker, 2024). Rats: Observations on the History & Habitat of the City's Most Unwanted Inhabitants, by Robert Sullivan (2005). EXTRAS: " The Downside of Disgust, " by Freakonomics Radio (2021)…

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The Show That Never Happened 13:49

8 weeks ago13:49

13:49

A brief meditation on loss, relativity, and the vagaries of show business. RESOURCES: Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry, documentary (2021) Genius & Anxiety: How Jews Changed the World, 1847-1947 , by Norman Lebrecht (2019) The War Room , documentary (1993) EXTRAS: “ Is San Francisco a Failed State? (And Other Questions You Shouldn’t Ask the Mayor) ” by Freakonomics Radio (2025) “ Ari Emanuel Is Never Indifferent, ” by Freakonomics Radio (2023)…

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622. Why Does Everyone Hate Rats? 41:23

9 weeks ago41:23

41:23

New York City’s mayor calls them “public enemy number one.” History books say they caused the Black Death — although recent scientific evidence disputes that claim. So is the rat a scapegoat? And what does our rat hatred say about us? (Part one of a three-part series .) SOURCES: Bethany Brookshire , author of Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains. Kathy Corradi , director of rodent mitigation for New York City. Ed Glaeser , professor of economics at Harvard University. Nils Stenseth , professor of ecology and evolution at the University of Oslo. RESOURCES: " On Patrol With the Rat Czar, " by Mark Chiusano (Intelligencer, 2024). " How Rats Took Over North America, " by Allison Parshall (Scientific American, 2024). " Where Are the Rats in New York City, " by Matt Yan (New York Times, 2024). " Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains " by Bethany Brookshire (2023). " Human ectoparasites and the spread of plague in Europe during the Second Pandemic, " by Nils Stenseth, Katharine Dean, Fabienne Krauer, Lars Walløe, Ole Christian Lingjærde, Barbara Bramanti, and Boris Schmid (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2018). EXTRAS: " Freakonomics Radio Live: 'Jesus Could Have Been a Pigeon.' " by Freakonomics Radio (2018).…

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621. Is Professional Licensing a Racket? 55:15

10 weeks ago55:15

55:15

Licensing began with medicine and law; now it extends to 20 percent of the U.S. workforce, including hair stylists and auctioneers. In a new book, the legal scholar Rebecca Allensworth calls licensing boards “a thicket of self-dealing and ineptitude” and says they keep bad workers in their jobs and good ones out — while failing to protect the public. SOURCES: Rebecca Allensworth , professor of law at Vanderbilt University. RESOURCES: " The Licensing Racket: How We Decide Who Is Allowed to Work, and Why It Goes Wrong " by Rebecca Allensworth (2025). " Licensed to Pill, " by Rebecca Allensworth (The New York Review of Books, 2020). " Licensing Occupations: Ensuring Quality or Restricting Competition? " by Morris Kleiner (W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, 2006). " How Much of Barrier to Entry is Occupational Licensing? " by Peter Blair and Bobby Chung (British Journal of Industrial Relations, 2019). EXTRAS: " Is Ozempic as Magical as It Sounds? " by Freakonomics Radio (2024).…

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When Is a Superstar Just Another Employee? (Update) 1:08:38

10 weeks ago1:08:38

1:08:38

In 2023, the N.F.L. players’ union conducted a workplace survey that revealed clogged showers, rats in the locker room — and some insights for those of us who don’t play football. Today we’re updating that episode, with extra commentary from Omnipresent Football Guy (and former Philadelphia Eagle) Jason Kelce. SOURCES: Tom Garfinkel , vice chairman, C.E.O., and president of the Miami Dolphins. Jim Ivler , certified contract advisor for players in the National Football League. Jason Kelce , host of New Heights podcast and former center for the Philadelphia Eagles. Jalen Reeves-Maybin , linebacker for the Detroit Lions and president of the National Football League Players Association. Betsey Stevenson , professor of public policy and economics at the University of Michigan. J.C. Tretter , former president of the National Football League Players Association and former offensive lineman. Mark Wilf , owner and president of the Minnesota Vikings. RESOURCES: “ N.F.L. Player Team Report Cards, ” by the National Football League Players Association (2024). " NFLPA team report cards: Dolphins rank No. 1; Jaguars jump from 28th to fifth; Commanders earn worst grade, " by Jonathan Jones (CBS Sports, 2024). Kelce , documentary (2023). “ The N.F.L. Cast Him Out; He Says That Only Makes Him More Powerful ,” by Alex Prewitt ( Sports Illustrated, 2022). New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce , (produced by Wave Sports + Entertainment). EXTRAS: " Why Don’t Running Backs Get Paid Anymore? " by Freakonomics Radio (2025) “ How Does Playing Football Affect Your Health? ” by Freakonomics, M.D. (2023). “ Why Does the Most Monotonous Job in the World Pay $1 Million? ” by Freakonomics Radio (2022).…

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620. Why Don’t Running Backs Get Paid Anymore? 1:01:21

11 weeks ago1:01:21