The Economics of Everyday Things
Freakonomics Network & Zachary Crockett
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.
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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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 2, 2023 • 15min
19. Pizza Boxes
Discover the evolution of pizza box design and the importance of pizza box agility. Explore innovative pizza box designs and their impact on the market. Learn about the unique satisfaction of using a pizza box and the hobby of collecting them.
Sep 25, 2023 • 16min
4. Used Hotel Soaps (Replay)
Explore the history and environmental impact of using hotel soaps. Learn how one man recycles them in his garage lab. Discover the impact of soap on handwashing and reducing child deaths. Uncover hidden insights from talking to people with first-hand knowledge. Find out how to gain access to private Facebook groups without violating privacy.
Sep 18, 2023 • 19min
18. Mobile Home Parks
Explore the profitability and increasing popularity of investing in mobile home parks. Learn about the diverse living conditions and demographics of these parks, including stories of those who have been impacted by COVID-19. Discover the challenges and disparities faced by park residents, as well as the benefits of resident ownership and forming cooperatives to buy the land.
Sep 11, 2023 • 18min
17. Truffles
This podcast explores the fascinating world of truffles, including their origins and market challenges. It uncovers the secretive and competitive nature of the truffle business, discussing pricing strategies and deceptive labeling. The podcast also highlights the distinction between truffle varieties and the issue of inferior truffles in the market.
Sep 4, 2023 • 19min
16. Prop Money
Discover the fascinating world of prop money in movies and its use as fake currency. Learn about the regulations and practices surrounding prop money, its availability online, and its unconventional usage. Explore the challenges faced by prop money providers and the negative impact of counterfeit prop money on local stores.
Aug 28, 2023 • 20min
15. Home Staging
Learn about the origins and importance of home staging in the real estate market. Discover the process of home staging, including color palettes and optical illusions. Understand the impact of personalization and the exceptions for famous individuals. Explore successful home staging stories and the use of props. Compare home staging to dressing up for a date and making the house attractive to buyers.
Aug 21, 2023 • 13min
Girl Scout Cookies (Ep. 2 Replay)
Explore the sales strategies and revenue generation of Girl Scout Cookies. Learn about Katie Francis, the record holder for cookie sales and the dedication involved. Discover the intense competition among parents and the evolution of cookie sales. Delve into the challenges, controversy, and financial risks faced by the Girl Scouts. Discover the benefits of selling cookies, gaining confidence, and developing entrepreneurial skills.
Aug 14, 2023 • 12min
14. “Happy Birthday to You”
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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Aug 7, 2023 • 17min
13. Carnival Games
Does anyone ever win the giant teddy bear? Zachary Crockett steps right up. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jul 31, 2023 • 16min
12. Women’s Sports Bars
Most sports bars rarely screen women's games. Zachary Crockett taps into the strategy of one woman who changed the channel. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
