68. Zoo Animals

The Economics of Everyday Things

#Business #Freakonomics Network #Zachary Crockett

26:18

How do you know when it’s time to make your next big career move? With International Women’s Day around the corner, we are excited to feature Avni Patel Thompson, Founder and CEO of Milo. Avni is building technology that directly supports the often overlooked emotional and logistical labor that falls on parents—especially women. Milo is an AI assistant designed to help families manage that invisible load more efficiently. In this episode, Avni shares her journey from studying chemistry to holding leadership roles at global brands like Adidas and Starbucks, to launching her own ventures. She discusses how she approaches career transitions, the importance of unpleasant experiences, and why she’s focused on making everyday life easier for parents. [01:26] Avni's University Days and Early Career [04:36] Non-Linear Career Paths [05:16] Pursuing Steep Learning Curves [11:51] Entrepreneurship and Safety Nets [15:22] Lived Experiences and Milo [19:55] Avni’s In Her Ellement Moment [20:03] Reflections Links: Avni Patel Thompson on LinkedIn Suchi Srinivasan on LinkedIn Kamila Rakhimova on LinkedIn Ipsos report on the future of parenting About In Her Ellement: In Her Ellement highlights the women and allies leading the charge in digital, business, and technology innovation. Through engaging conversations, the podcast explores their journeys—celebrating successes and acknowledging the balance between work and family. Most importantly, it asks: when was the moment you realized you hadn’t just arrived—you were truly in your element? About The Hosts: Suchi Srinivasan is an expert in AI and digital transformation. Originally from India, her career includes roles at trailblazing organizations like Bell Labs and Microsoft. In 2011, she co-founded the Cleanweb Hackathon, a global initiative driving IT-powered climate solutions with over 10,000 members across 25+ countries. She also advises Women in Cloud, aiming to create $1B in economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs by 2030. Kamila Rakhimova is a fintech leader whose journey took her from Tajikistan to the U.S., where she built a career on her own terms. Leveraging her English proficiency and international relations expertise, she discovered the power of microfinance and moved to the U.S., eventually leading Amazon's Alexa Fund to support underrepresented founders. Subscribe to In Her Ellement on your podcast app of choice to hear meaningful conversations with women in digital, business, and technology.…

about a year ago 18:30

MP3•Episode home

When a zoo needs an elephant, or finds itself with three surplus penguins, it doesn’t buy or sell the animals — it asks around. Zachary Crockett rattles the cages.

SOURCES:
- Hollie Colahan, deputy director of the Birmingham Zoo and chair of the AZA's Animal Population Management Committee.
- Dwight Lawson, executive director and C.E.O. of the Oklahoma City Zoo.

RESOURCES:
- "Oklahoma City Zoo Announces Near-Total Redesign in 2024 Master Plan," by Sam Royka (The Oklahoman, 2024).
- "Panda Diplomacy: What China’s Decision to Send Bears to the US Reveals About Its Economy," by Chee Meng Tan (The Conversation, 2024).
- "Oklahoma City Zoological Trust Financial Statements," (2023).
- "Modern Zoos Are Not Worth the Moral Cost," by Emma Marris (The New York Times, 2021).
- "The Tiger King of the 19th Century," by Betsy Golden Kellem (Slate, 2020).
- Animal Population Management Committee of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

100 episodes

68. Zoo Animals

The Economics of Everyday Things

889 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

When a zoo needs an elephant, or finds itself with three surplus penguins, it doesn’t buy or sell the animals — it asks around. Zachary Crockett rattles the cages.

SOURCES:
- Hollie Colahan, deputy director of the Birmingham Zoo and chair of the AZA's Animal Population Management Committee.
- Dwight Lawson, executive director and C.E.O. of the Oklahoma City Zoo.

RESOURCES:
- "Oklahoma City Zoo Announces Near-Total Redesign in 2024 Master Plan," by Sam Royka (The Oklahoman, 2024).
- "Panda Diplomacy: What China’s Decision to Send Bears to the US Reveals About Its Economy," by Chee Meng Tan (The Conversation, 2024).
- "Oklahoma City Zoological Trust Financial Statements," (2023).
- "Modern Zoos Are Not Worth the Moral Cost," by Emma Marris (The New York Times, 2021).
- "The Tiger King of the 19th Century," by Betsy Golden Kellem (Slate, 2020).
- Animal Population Management Committee of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

100 episodes

#Business #Freakonomics Network #Zachary Crockett

All episodes

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84. Mall Cops 18:20

6 days ago18:20

18:20

Security guards make malls feel safer, but what can they do when there’s trouble? Zachary Crockett observes and reports. SOURCES: Gus Parsons, mall cop in the San Diego area. David Levenberg , owner of Center Security Services. RESOURCES: " Mall of America's security team will start using facial recognition software as part of safety plan, " by Derek James (CBS News, 2024). " The Problems Inside North America’s Largest Security Firm—and Third-Biggest Employer, " by Alana Semuels (Time, 2023). " Malls Work on Their Security, but Keep It in the Background, " by Ronda Kaysen (New York Times, 2013). Center Security Services. EXTRAS: " NYPD subway robot, Knightscope, gets sacked after two-month pilot program, " by Vineet Josan (The Ticker, 2024). " The State of the American Mall, " by Sapna Maheshwari (New York Times, 2021).…

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83. Game Show Winnings 19:09

13 days ago19:09

19:09

How do TV producers decide how much money to give away? A little psychology and a lot of math. Zachary Crockett phones a friend. SOURCES: Bowen Kerins, math teacher and former contestant on Who Wants to Be A Millionaire. Arthur Smith , CEO of A. Smith & Co. Productions and author of "Reach: Hard Lessons and Learned Truths from a Lifetime in Television." Aaron Solomon, television producer. RESOURCES: " ‘The Price Is Right’ Celebrates 10,000 Episodes With Extra Big Wins for Contestants That Top Off at $100,000! " by Rosemary Rossi (Variety, 2025). " Why haven’t more game show prizes been adjusted for inflation? " by Janet Nguyen (Marketplace, 2023). " Deal or No Deal? Decision Making under Risk in a Large-Payoff Game Show, " by Thierry Post, Martijn J. van den Assem, Guido Baltussen, and Richard Thaler (American Economic Review, 2008). " Why Game Shows Have Economists Glued to Their TVs, " by Charles Florelle (Wall Street Journal, 2006). EXTRAS: " Bowen Kerins on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire " (2000).…

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82. Chain Restaurant Recipes 16:46

20 days ago16:46

16:46

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. SOURCES: John Karangis , vice president of culinary innovation at Shake Shack. Walter Zuromski , owner and chief culinary officer of the Chef Services Group. RESOURCES: " How Shake Shack’s New Test Kitchen Is Shaping the Future of the Brand, " by Stefanie Tuder (Eater, 2018). EXTRAS: " Truffles, " by The Economics of Everyday Things (2023).…

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Used Golf Balls (Replay) 17:13

27 days ago17:13

17:13

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 Endeavor ," Natalie Gilstrap ( Clay Today, 2023). " Temecula Golf Ball Diver Nets $100,000 a Year ," by Jeff Zevely ( CBS8, 2022). " Golf’s Recycled Ball Market is Big Business ," by Erik Matuszewski ( Link, 2021). " The Inside Story of What the Original Titleist Pro V1 Launch Was Really Like ," Andrew Tursky ( Golf Digest, 2020). " Head of Golf Ball Retrieval Company Sentenced for Manslaughter After Diving Death at Wales Golf Course ," by Alex Myers ( Golf Digest, 2017). " Man Dies While Illegally Diving for Golf Balls ," by Alex Myers ( Golf Digest, 2015). EXTRAS: " Greg Norman Takes On the P.G.A. Tour ," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2023).…

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81. Guide Dogs 21:44

5 weeks ago21:44

21:44

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. SOURCES: Peggy Gibbon, director of canine development at The Seeing Eye. Charles Pat McKenna, assistant division director of the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. RESOURCES: " Why Seeing Eye Dogs Are So Expensive To Breed and Train, " by Abby Tang and Emily Christian (Business Insider, 2024). " For decades, the blind have used canes to get around. Now a special wristband gives them a ‘sixth sense. '" by Peter Holley (Washington Post, 2017). The Seeing Eye. " History of Guide Dogs, " by The International Guide Dog Federation. " Facts and Figures " by The International Guide Dog Federation. EXTRAS: " Morris Frank, " by The International Guide Dog Foundation (Vimeo, 2021).…

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80. Going-Out-of-Business Sales 16:46

6 weeks ago16:46

16:46

Behind that 70% off sign, there’s a liquidation consultant trying to maximize retailer profits. Zachary Crockett seeks a deal. SOURCES: Bradley Snyder, executive managing director at Tiger Group. Zac Rogers, associate professor of supply chain management at Colorado State University RESOURCES: " What Went Wrong: The Demise of Toys R Us, " by Angie Basiouny (Knowledge at Wharton, 2018) " Retail apocalypse 2024: All the once-popular stores and restaurants that shuttered locations this year, " by Sarah Bregel (Forbes, 2024) " BBB Tip: Avoid bogus bargains at going out of business sales " by Better Business Bureau (2024) " There’s a science and art to running a going-out-of-business sale. (And business is booming.) " by Courtney Reagan (CNBC, 2018) EXTRAS: " I don't wanna grow up: The first day of the end of our childhoods, " by Mike Higdon (Reno Gazette-Journal, 2018)…

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79. School Photos 19:22

7 weeks ago19:22

19:22

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. SOURCES: Ken Murphy , C.E.O. of Lifetouch Jeremy McColm , senior manager of photography at Lifetouch RESOURCES: " The money and stress and failed hairdos of school picture day, " by Kaitlyn Tiffany (Vox, 2019) " The School Photo Industry Is a Master Class in Drama, " by David Gauvey Herbert (New York Times, 2019) " With Lifetouch Acquisition, Shutterfly Claims Leadership In Picture Memories Market, " by Pamela Danziger (Forbes, 2018) " Exclusive School Photography Agreement " (Vernon Public School District, 2019) EXTRAS: " Money Schools Earn From Student Portraits Varies Widely, " by Scott MacFarlane, Rick Yarborough, and Jeff Piper (NBC News Washington, 2016)…

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78. Porta-Potties 20:30

8 weeks ago20:30

20:30

They're not always the nicest places to go — but for their owners, portable toilets are a lucrative revenue stream. Zachary Crockett lifts the lid. SOURCES: Ron Inman , vice president of Honey Bucket Veronica Crosier , executive director of Portable Sanitation Association International RESOURCES: " Providing Toilets for 39,000 Runners, " by John Branch (New York Times, 2008) " Platinum Equity-owned United Site Services weighs $4B sale – Reuters, " by Pam Rosacia (S&P Global, 2021) " Renting Portable Units, " by Portable Sanitation Association International PolyJohn History EXTRAS: " The Porta-Potty King of New York City Faces a Threat to His Throne, " by David Gauvey Herbert (Intelligencer, 2019)…

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77. Hand Models 16:10

9 weeks ago16:10

16:10

You can be a top model and still not get recognized on the street — as long as you keep your cuticles healthy and your moons white. Zachary Crockett points a finger. SOURCES: Dani Korwin , managing director of Parts Models. Ellen Sirot , hand model. RESOURCES: SAG-AFTRA Network TV Code 2024 - 2025 Extension Agreement Rates . " How to Become a Hand Model ," by Jack Smart ( Backstage, 2024). " Meet New York’s Top Hand and Foot Model Agent (It’s a Real Thing!) ," by Christian Allaire ( Vogue, 2021). EXTRAS: " The Puffy Shirt " S5.E2 of Seinfeld (1993).…

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76. Hotel Art 17:02

10 weeks ago17:02

17:02

A watercolor of a harbor? A black-and-white photo of a pile of rocks? Some hotels are trying to do better. Zachary Crockett unpacks. SOURCES: Melanie Kettring , director of studio design at Best Western Hotels. Jessica Poundstone , visual artist. Gavi Wolf , founder and C.E.O. of Indiewalls. RESOURCES: Indiewalls . Best Western . EXTRAS: " Used Hotel Soaps ," by The Economics of Everyday Things (2023). " The Hidden Side of the Art Market ," series by Freakonomics Radio (2021).…

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75. Butchers 19:40

11 weeks ago19:40

19:40

Before beef ends up at your favorite steakhouse, it passes through the hands of a trained specialist with an encyclopedic knowledge of bovine anatomy. Zachary Crockett chews the fat. SOURCES: Bryan Flannery , co-owner of Flannery Beef. Katie Flannery , co-owner of Flannery Beef. RESOURCES: " National Weekly Boxed Beef Cutout And Boxed Beef Cuts — Negotiated Sales ," U.S.D.A. Agricultural Marketing Service ( U.S.D.A. Livestock, Poultry and Grain Market News, 2025). " Understanding Beef Carcass Yields and Losses During Processing ," ( Penn State Extension Articles, 2022). " Beef Cow-Calf Production ," by Cheryl A. Fairbairn, Lynn F. Kime, Jayson K. Harper, and John W. Comerford ( Penn State Extension Articles , 2020). " Major Supermarket Chains Changed How They Label Meat, Surprising Customers and USDA ," by Roberto A. Ferdman ( The Washington Post, 2014). " What’s Your Beef — Prime, Choice or Select? " by Larry Meadows ( U.S.D.A Blog, 2013). " From Calf to Kitchen: The Journey of a Beef Cow ," by Dave Eames and Mike McGraw ( The Kansas City Star, 2012). EXTRAS: " The Future of Meat ," by Freakonomics Radio (2019).…

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Pistachios (Replay) 15:42

12 weeks ago15:42

15:42

How did a little green nut become a billion-dollar product, lauded by celebrities in Super Bowl ads? Zachary Crockett cracks open the story. SOURCES: Sawyer Clark , director of asset management at Gold Leaf Farming. Diana Salsa , vice president of marketing for Wonderful Pistachios. 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 Agricultural Water Policies Are Nuts ," by Douglas R. Noble ( The Gainesville Sun, 2021). " Amid Drought, Billionaires Control a Critical California Water Bank ," by Chloe Sorvino ( Forbes, 2021). " Wonderful Pistachios Achieves Billion-Dollar Brand Milestone ," press release by The Wonderful Company (2020). " Pistachios: The Quirks of Agricultural Trade in a Nutshell ," by Andrea Durkin ( Global Trade, 2020). " California Pistachios With Perfect Timing ," by Mark Blackburn ( The New York Times, 1979).…

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Cashmere (Replay) 15:10

13 weeks ago15:10

15:10

Once a luxury good, the soft fiber is now everywhere — which has led to a goat boom in Mongolia. Zachary Crockett tugs at the thread. SOURCES: Myagmarjav Serjkhuu , manager of the Mongolian Sustainable Cashmere Platform for the United Nations Development Programme. Carolyn Yim , designer and owner of Ply-Knits. RESOURCES: " Sandstorms and Desertification in Mongolia, an Example of Future Climate Events: A Review ," by Jie Han, Han Dai, and Zhaolin Gu ( Environmental Chemistry Letters, 2021). " How Sustainable Cashmere Is Reversing Land Degradation in Mongolia ," by Mariana Simões (United Nations Development Programme, 2021). " Exploding Demand for Cashmere Wool Is Ruining Mongolia's Grasslands ," by Kathleen McLaughlin ( Science, 2019). " From H&M to Gucci, Fashion Rethinks Cashmere, Citing Environmental Harm ," by Matthew Dalton ( The Wall Street Journal, 2019). " 2018 Annual Cashmere Market Report ," by Marco Spina (The Schneider Group, 2019). " How This Brand Made a Cashmere Sweater for $75 Ethically ," by Esha Chhabra ( Forbes, 2018). " Pastoral Nomadism in the Forest-Steppe of the Mongolian Altai Under a Changing Economy and a Warming Climate ," by D. Lkhagvadorj, M. Hauck, Ch. Dulamsuren, and J. Tsogtbaatar ( Journal of Arid Environments, 2013).…

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74. Fonts 22:30

14 weeks ago22:30

22:30

Behind almost every character you see displayed on a page or a screen, there’s a complex — and sometimes lucrative — web of licensing deals. Zachary Crockett is just your type. SOURCES: Lucas Czarnecki , creative director of Type Network. Gerry Leonidas , professor of typography at the University of Reading. Chantra Malee , co-founder and C.E.O. of Sharp Type. Lucas Sharp , professional font designer and co-founder of Sharp Type. RESOURCES: " What Fonts Are Used by The New York Times? " by Nona Blackman ( Envato Tuts+, 2024). " Legendary Type Foundry Monotype Sold to Private Equity for $825 Million ," by Suzanne LaBarre ( Fast Company, 2019). " Calibri’s Scandalous History ," by Ross Arbes ( The New Yorker, 2017). " This Was The First Computer Font ," by John Herrman ( BuzzFeed News, 2012). " Manuscripts and Special Collections ," by the University of Nottingham. EXTRA: " Are Our Tools Becoming Part of Us? " by People I (Mostly) Admire (2024).…

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73. Used Bookstores 17:34

15 weeks ago17:34