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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. 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 ...
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Why does treating a venomous snake bite cost as much as a house? Zachary Crockett slithers over to North Carolina to find out. SOURCES: Steve Anderson, emergency medicine business unit leader at BTG Pharmaceuticals. Nick Brandehoff, professor of emergency medicine at the University of Colorado and executive director of the Asclepius Snakebite Found…
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Online companies promised to bring transparency to the mattress-buying experience. Did that work out? Zachary Crockett takes a look under the sheets. SOURCES: Derek Hales, founder and editor-in-chief of NapLab.com. Joe Megibow, C.E.O. of Casper Sleep. RESOURCES: "Drake Has a $400,000 Bed − We Asked Why and Where You Can Buy It," by Emilia Hitching …
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Channeling the voices of celebrities can be a lucrative career — one that requires empathy and discretion as well as literary chops. Zachary Crockett checks the acknowledgements. SOURCES: Valerie Frankel, ghostwriter. Madeleine Morel, President and Lead Agent of 2M Communications. Daniel Paisner, ghostwriter. RESOURCES: "Ghostwriting History: Churc…
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How did mobile kitchens become popular with hipster gourmands? And just how much money can a popular truck make from a lunch shift? Zachary Crocket drops some napkins. SOURCES: Mariel-Leona Edwards, senior operations manager for Señor Sisig. Matthew Geller, founding president of the National Food Truck Association and C.E.O. of the Southern Califor…
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Youth baseball — long a widely accessible American pastime — has become overrun by $10,000-per-year, for-profit travel leagues. Zachary Crockett peers inside the dugout. SOURCES: Linda Flanagan, author. Nick Mackenzie, future New York Yankees shortstop. R.J. Mackenzie, physical education teacher and baseball dad. John Miller, journalist and basebal…
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Why do we use a specific kind of tree-bark tissue to seal up 70 percent of wine bottles? Zachary Crockett takes a sniff and gives the waiter a nod. SOURCES: Carlos De Jesus, director of communications at Amorim Cork. RESOURCES: "This Ancient Material Is Displacing Plastics and Creating a Billion-Dollar Industry," by Marta Vidal (The Washington Post…
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Grocery stores have turned shoppers into cashiers. Zachary Crockett runs two bags of chips and a Gatorade over the scanner. SOURCES: Sara Alloy, experience retail lead for North America at Publicis Sapient. Christopher Andrews, professor of sociology at Drew University. Phil Lempert, founder and C.E.O. of SupermarketGuru. RESOURCES: "Feeling Reward…
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Does anyone ever win the giant teddy bear? Zachary Crockett steps right up. SOURCES: Matthew Gryczan, retired journalist and engineer. Elliot Simmons, former carnival game worker. Olivia Turner, general manager of Redbone Products. RESOURCES: "AG Platkin Announces 10-Year Ban of Amusement Games Licenses and a Fine for Wildwood Games Operator," by t…
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With industries relying on them and profits to be made, weather forecasts are more precise and more popular than ever. But there are clouds on the horizon. Zachary Crockett grabs an umbrella. SOURCES: Steve Adelman, head of Adelman Law Group, PLLC and vice president of the Event Safety Alliance. Peter Neilley, director of weather forecasting scienc…
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A fraternity’s budget includes broken windows, liability insurance, chili dog breakfasts, and the occasional $40,000 DJ. Zachary Crockett crashes the party. SOURCES: Anthony Anderson, member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Danielle Logan, owner of Fraternity Management. Charlie O’Neill, member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Stephen J…
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How does bail work — and who's really paying? Zachary Crockett follows the money. SOURCES: Joshua Page, professor of sociology and law at the University of Minnesota. Steven Zalewski, criminal defense attorney and co-owner of Affordable Bails New York. RESOURCES: "Does Bail Reform Increase Crime in New York State: Evidence from Interrupted Time-Ser…
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So many vehicles on the road today are white, black, or gray — but automotive designers find that consumer preferences may be changing lanes. Zachary Crockett surveys the lot. SOURCES: Tom Crockett, classic car enthusiast. Mark Gutjahr, global head of design at BASF. Nikkie Riedel, carline planning manager at Subaru of America. RESOURCES: BASF Colo…
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Americans love to buy new stuff and hate to get rid of old stuff, which is why storing it all has become a $45 billion business. Zachary Crockett cleans out the garage. SOURCES: Zachary Dickens, executive vice president and chief investment officer of Extra Space Storage. Anne Mari DeCoster, self-storage consultant. Kara Kolodziej, self-storage uni…
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The background noises you hear in film and TV — from footsteps to zombie guts — are produced in specialized studios by professionals known as Foley artists. Zachary Crockett makes some noise. SOURCE: Gregg Barbanell, foley artist at Universal Studios. RESOURCES: "The Weird, Analog Delights of Foley Sound Effects," by Anna Wiener (The New Yorker, 20…
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Those letters at the end of web addresses can mean big bucks — and, for some small countries, a substantial part of the national budget. Zachary Crockett follows the links. SOURCES: Vince Cate, technical contact for the .ai domain in Anguilla. Kim Davies, Vice President of Internet Assigned Numbers Authority Services and President of Public Technic…
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The verdant lawns promise everlasting rest — but what does it mean to sign a lease for all eternity? Zachary Crockett finds out where the bodies are buried. SOURCES: Terry Arellano, co-founder and president of Cemetery Property Resales, Inc. Jeff Lindeman, C.E.O. and General Manager of Mountain View Cemetery. Tanya Marsh, professor of law at Wake F…
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Relocating halfway across the world is hard enough for humans. For pets it can require a specialist. Zachary Crockett waits at the airport, holding a sign saying "Fluffy." SOURCES: Amelia Barklow, owner of two pet ducks, Wobbles and Bean. Mike Gays, managing director of Global Pet Relocation. Gemma Tappin, pet relocation consultant team leader at G…
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More and more Americans rely on prostheses. They’re custom-fitted, highly personal, and extremely expensive. Zachary Crockett investigates. SOURCES: Jordan Beckwith, YouTuber and advocate. Eric Neufeld, owner and medical director of Agile Orthopedics. RESOURCES: "Medicare Coverage of Durable Medical Equipment & Other Devices," by Medicare (2024). "…
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Interest in houseplants has exploded in recent years. But what causes floral trends, and prices, to grow? Zachary Crockett sows a few seeds. SOURCES: Justin Hancock, director of research and development at Costa Farms. Brian Williams, co-owner of Brian's Botanicals. Sarah Williams, co-owner Brian's Botanicals. RESOURCES: "Bidding Wars and $1,000 Su…
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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. SOURCES: Mike Leong, owner of Bel Mateo Bowl. Devon Stewart, head coach of Florida State University bowling team, C.E.O. of Bowl Connect, and consultant with the Hansell Group. RESOU…
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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. SOURCES: Brett Chamberlin, program manager at Catalog Choice. Aaron Gordon, journalist. Mike Gunderson, president of Gunderson Direct. RESOURCES: "U.S. Postal Service Reports Fiscal Year 2023 Res…
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If you can make it through three years of law school, you too might end up on a billboard. Zachary Crockett makes the case. SOURCES: Jason Abraham, managing partner of Hupy & Abraham. Nora Engstrom, professor at Stanford Law School. Kyle Hebenstreit, C.E.O. of Practice Made Perfect. RESOURCES: “Personal Injury Settlement Amounts Examples (2024 Guid…
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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. SOURCES: Bernardo Batiz-Lazo, professor in the Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University. Patricia Tuz, president of New York ATM. Jon Weilbaker, general manager of New York ATM. Sasha Weilbaker, freelance writer and daughter of…
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Why is it separate from medical insurance? And is it really insurance at all? Zachary Crockett goes in for a cleaning. SOURCES: Brad Bolman, postdoctoral member of the School of Historical Studies at the Institute for Advanced Study. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, prosthodontist and chief editor for Dental Economics. Wendell Potter, president of the Cent…
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Those low-priced staples on grocery-store shelves — where do they come from? Zachary Crockett finds out at a national convention for private-label manufacturers. SOURCES: Kusum Ailawadi, professor of marketing at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. Eric Beringause, C.E.O. of Winland Foods. Ryan Boyle, vice president of sales at Kitche…
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Behind these steamy sequences, there are body doubles, pubic wigs, legal documents, and dedicated choreographers who make sure everyone is comfortable. Zachary Crockett fast-forwards straight to the good parts. SOURCES: Alicia Rodis, intimacy coordinator. Matthew Swanlund, founder and principal attorney at Aesthetic Legal. RESOURCES: "Romance or No…
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American golfers lose 300 million balls a year — and all those bad swings are someone else’s business opportunity. Zachary Crockett hits the links. SOURCES: Todd Hutchinson, president and owner of BallHawker. Lashan Wanigatunga, founder of Two Guys With Balls. RESOURCES: "BallHawker, Challenge Enterprises Turn Wayward Golf Shots Into Successful End…
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The market for gustatory pain is surprisingly competitive. Zachary Crockett feels the burn. SOURCES: Ed Currie, founder and president of the PuckerButt Pepper Company. Stephanie Walker, associate professor and Extension Vegetable Specialist at New Mexico State University RESOURCES: "Pepper X Dethrones Carolina Reaper as World’s Hottest Chili Pepper…
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Casinos think they can stop skilled gamblers from eking out a tiny edge at blackjack. Is that a losing bet? Zachary Crockett doubles down. SOURCES: "Ben," former professional card counter. Bill Zender, co-founder of Bill Zender and Associates casino consulting firm. RESOURCES: "Blackjack Player Sues Ameristar Casino, City of Black Hawk Over Alleged…
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Only the finest restaurants have a chance to bask in their glow. Sometimes, it’s a bit too bright. Zachary Crockett squints at the menu. SOURCES: Nick Kokonas, founder and co-owner of The Alinea Group. Charlie Mitchell, executive chef and co-owner of Clover Hill restaurant. RESOURCES: "Michelin Announces 2022 Stars for New York City," by Ryan Sutto…
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The tradition of sending cards to loved ones was in decline — until it was rescued by a new generation. But millennials have their own ideas about what sentiments they want to convey. Zachary Crockett is thinking of you on your special day. SOURCES: Mia Mercado, writer and former editor at Hallmark. George White, president of Up With Paper and form…
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How does the blood of a 450-million-year-old arthropod help prevent lethal infections in humans? And could we exhaust the supply? Zachary Crockett wades in. SOURCE: Dina Fine Maron, senior wildlife crime investigative reporter at National Geographic. RESOURCES: "When the Horseshoe Crabs Are Gone, We’ll Be in Trouble," by Deborah Cramer (The New Yor…
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How did love stories about vampires, cowboys, and wealthy dukes become the highest-grossing fiction genre in the world? Zachary Crockett gets swept away. SOURCES: Delaney Diamond, romance novelist. Danielle Flores, high school math teacher and avid romance novel reader. Brenda Hiatt, romance novelist. Diane Moggy, vice president of editorial at Har…
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Can a hit single from four decades ago still pay the bills? Zachary Crockett f-f-f-finds out. RESOURCES: "The Knack Sue Run-DMC Over 'It’s Tricky' Riff," (Rolling Stone, 2006). Clip of "My Sharona" in the film Reality Bites (1994). "The Knack: Where Are They Now?" by David Fricke (Rolling Stone, 1986). "Top Singles of the Year," (Billboard, 1979). …
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Is graffiti public art, or public nuisance? It depends who you ask. Zachary Crockett tags in where it all started. RESOURCES: "Philadelphia Graffiti Pier: A Love Letter to the City’s Underground Arts," by Honora Feinberg (Guide to Philly, 2023). "USA TODAY Names Philadelphia 'Best City for Street Art,'" (Visit Philadelphia, 2023). "Cornbread, the F…
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Executives shell out millions of dollars for the privilege of flying private — but that convenience comes at a steep cost to the rest of us. Zachary Crockett prepares for takeoff. RESOURCES: "High Flyers 2023: How Ultra-Rich Private Jet Travel Costs the Rest of Us and Burns Up the Planet," by Chuck Collins, Omar Ocampo, and Kalena Thomhave (joint r…
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How did a little green nut become a billion-dollar product, lauded by celebrities in Super Bowl ads? Zachary Crockett cracks open the story. RESOURCES: "Almond Acreage Decline Prompts Industry Introspection," by Mitch Lies (West Coast Nut, 2023). American Pistachio Industry 2021 Annual Report, by American Pistachio Growers (2023). "California’s Agr…
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In the final part of our series, Zachary Crockett talks to a man with a storied — and controversial — career in the body parts business. RESOURCES "Inside the Largely Unregulated Market for Bodies Donated to Science: 'It's Harder to Sell Hot Dogs on a Cart,'" by Justin Sherman (CBS News, 2023). "Bilirakis, Fletcher, Murphy and Tillis Introduce Bipa…
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In the first of two episodes, Zachary Crockett digs into the strange and discomfiting history of cadavers, and the industry that has emerged around them. RESOURCES: "From Grave Robbing to Giving Your Own Body to Science – A Short History of Where Medical Schools Get Cadavers," by Susan Lawrence and Susan E. Lederer (The Conversation, 2023). "Box of…
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Why are these sudsy roadside stops one of the fastest growing industries in America? Zachary Crockett takes a look under the hood. RESOURCES: "Private Equity Wants to Wash Your Car," by Miriam Gottfried (The Wall Street Journal, 2022). "California Labor Commissioner Recovers $282,000 for Car Wash Wage Citations," State of California Department of I…
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More people than ever before are getting tattoos — but social media has flipped the trade’s business model on its head. Zachary Crockett dips into the ink. RESOURCES: "32% of Americans Have a Tattoo, Including 22% Who Have More Than One," by Katherine Schaeffer and Shradha Dinesh (Pew Research Center, 2023). "Tattoo Removal Business Draws Up High-G…
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There’s more than meets the eye to the box that stores the pie. Zachary Crockett cracks the lid. RESOURCES "Who Is the Fastest Pizza Box Folder?! World Pizza Games 2021," video by The Laughing Lion (2021). "Pizza Box Contamination Doesn’t Impede Recyclability, Association Says," by Megan Smalley (Recycling Today, 2020). "Scott's Pizza Chronicles: A…
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Hotel guests adore those cute little soaps, but is it just a one-night stand? Zachary Crockett discovers what happens when we love ’em and leave ’em.By Freakonomics Network
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They’ve long been associated with crime and blight. Now, the investors are moving in. Zachary Crockett follows the trail.By Freakonomics Network
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It takes fungi-sniffing dogs, back-room deals, and a guy named “The Kingpin” for the world’s most coveted morsel to end up on your plate. Zachary Crockett picks up the scent.By Freakonomics Network
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Who makes the stacks of fake cash used in movies — and how do they stay clear of counterfeit law? Zachary Crockett follows the money.By Freakonomics Network
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How do you turn an empty house into a buyer’s dream home? Zachary Crockett pulls back the curtain.By Freakonomics Network
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How does America's cutest sales force get billions of Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs into our hands every year? Zachary Crockett digs in.By Freakonomics Network
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The most popular song of the 20th century — and a key part of a ubiquitous American ritual — was also the subject of a years-long legal battle. Zachary Crockett blows out the candles.By Freakonomics Network
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Does anyone ever win the giant teddy bear? Zachary Crockett steps right up.By Freakonomics Network
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