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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12. Women’s Sports Bars
<p>Most sports bars rarely screen women's games. Zachary Crockett taps into the strategy of one woman who set out to change the channel. This episode was originally published on July 30th, 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>
11. Cashmere
<p>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. This episode was originally published on July 23rd, 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>
10. Michelin Stars
<p>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. This episode was originally published on July 16th, 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>
9. Bowling Alleys
<p>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. This episode was originally published on July 9th, 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>
8. Delaware License Plates
<p>Vanity plates might be 2KUL4U, but in the Blue Hen State, low-digit plates command high-digit prices. Zachary Crockett sums up a big market in a small state. This episode was originally published on June 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>
7. Animal Urine
<p>One creature’s trash is another’s cash. Zachary Crockett flushes out the numbers with a man who found profit in pee. This episode was originally published on June 25th, 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>
6. T. rex Skeletons
<p>How do they emerge from the Upper Cretaceous period to end up in natural-history museums and private collections? Zachary Crockett digs for answers. This episode was originally published on June 18th, 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>
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>
