The Economics of Everyday Things
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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5. Sports Mascots
<p>We’re not sure what that creature cavorting on the sidelines is — but it doesn’t come cheap. Zachary Crockett gets the ballpark figures on everyone’s favorite ballpark figures. This episode was originally published on June 11th, 2023.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>
4. Used Hotel Soaps
<p>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. This episode was originally published on February 12th, 2023.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>
3. My Sharona
<p>Can a hit single from four decades ago still pay the bills? Zachary Crockett f-f-f-finds out. This episode was originally published on February 2nd, 2023.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>
2. Girl Scout Cookies
<p>How does America's cutest sales force get billions of Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs into our hands every year? Zachary Crockett digs in. This episode was originally published on January 29th, 2023.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>
120. An update on the show
<p>The Economics of Everyday Things is going on an indefinite hiatus.</p><p> </p>SOURCES:Zachary Crockett, host of The Economic of Everyday Things.<p> </p>RESOURCES:Zachary Crockett on Substack.<p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>
119. Christmas Lights
<p>Would you pay a professional $2,500 or more to put up your holiday lights? Zachary Crockett is walking in a winter wonderland.</p><p> </p>SOURCES:Chuck Smith, creator of Planet Christmas.Dean Lyons, founder and CEO of Bright Nights.<p> </p>RESOURCES:"The Suburban Maximalists Making Viral Christmas Displays," by Graham Hacia (WIRED, 2017)."Incandescent vs. LED Christmas Lights: How Much Does it Impact Your Power Bill?," by Kelly Bedrich (Electricity Plans)."Why Christmas Light Installation Is a Great Add-on Service for Contractors," (Sprinkler School).Brite Nites.Planet Christmas.<p> </p>EXTRAS:"How Christmas Lights Are Made," (Insider, 2018).<br/> <p>Hos...
118. Urban Trees
<p>Trees are more than decoration — they’re living economic assets, with measurable costs and benefits for cities and neighborhoods. Zachary Crockett takes a walk on the shady side of the street.</p><p> </p>SOURCES:Geoffrey Donovan, owner of Ash & Elm Consulting.Jana Dilley, urban forester for the city of Seattle.Kathleen Wolf, social scientist, former researcher at the University of Washington.<p> </p>RESOURCES:"Extreme Heat Is Worse For Low-Income, Nonwhite Americans, A New Study Shows," by Deepa Shivaram (NPR, 2021)."US Urban Forest Statistics, Values, and Projections," by David Nowak and Eric Greenfield (Journal of Forestry, 2018)."The role of tre...
117. Cut Flowers
<p>Grab a simple bouquet from your local grocery store and you're activating a global network of farms, shipping companies, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers. Zachary Crockett stops to smell the roses.</p><p> </p>SOURCES:Bob Mellano, vice president of wholesale operations for Mellano & Company.Jasmine Gomez-Gonzalez, chief operations officer at OC Wholesale Flowers.<p> </p>RESOURCES:"From Colombia with love: The journey of a Valentine’s Day bouquet," by Júlia Ledur and Fabiola Ferrero (The Washington Post, 2015)."Your Valentine’s Day bouquet probably came a long way," by Daniel Ackerman (Marketplace, 2015)."A Brief History of Specialty Cut Flower Product...
116. Cobblers
<p>Shoe repair shops are a dying breed — but for those that remain, demand is higher than ever. Zachary Crockett goes in for a shine.</p><p> </p>SOURCES:Jim McFarland, owner of McFarland’s Shoe Repair in Lakeland, Florida.<p> </p>RESOURCES:"Shoe cobbler becomes unlikely TikTok star," (NBC News, 2024)."Cobblers face extinction - and are busier than ever," by Diana Nelson James (AP, 2019).Shoe Service Institute of America.<p> </p>EXTRAS:America's Cobbler (Jim McFarland), (YouTube).<p> </p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal...
Superhot Chili Peppers (Replay)
<p>The market for gustatory pain is surprisingly competitive. Zachary Crockett feels the burn.</p><p> </p>SOURCES:Ed Currie, founder and president of the PuckerButt Pepper Company.Stephanie Walker, associate professor and Extension Vegetable Specialist at New Mexico State University<p> </p>RESOURCES:"Pepper X Dethrones Carolina Reaper as World’s Hottest Chili Pepper," by Sanj Atwal (Guinness World Records, 2023)."The Shocking, Stupendous Rise of Superhot Chillies: ‘The Stomach Cramps Can Last for 14 Hours,’" by Tim Dowling (The Guardian, 2023)."14-Year-Old Dies After Trying The Paqui ‘One Chip Challenge,’" by Bruce Y. Lee (Forbes, 2023)."Beyond Neuronal Heat Sensing: Diversity of TRPV1 Heat-C...
