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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74. Fonts
<p>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. This episode was originally published on December 15th, 2024.</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>
73. Used Bookstores
<p>Americans throw away 320 million books every year. How do some of them find a second life? Zachary Crockett is just browsing. This episode was originally published on December 8th, 2024.</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>
72. Helium
<p>It’s unreactive, lighter than air, and surprisingly important to the global economy. Zachary Crockett goes up an octave. This episode was originally published on November 24th, 2024.</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>
71. Mannequins
<p>Mannequins may be made out of plastic or fiberglass, but for retailers they’re pure gold. Zachary Crockett strikes a pose. This episode was originally published on November 17th, 2024.</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>
70. Prison Labor
<p>Incarcerated people grow crops, fight wildfires, and manufacture everything from motor oil to prescription glasses — often for pennies per hour. Zachary Crockett reports from North Carolina. This episode was originally published on November 10th, 2024.</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>
69. Highway Signs
<p>It takes millions of giant green placards to make America navigable. Where do they come from — and who pays the bill? Zachary Crockett takes the exit. This episode was originally published on November 3rd, 2024.</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>
68. Zoo Animals
<p>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. This episode was originally published on October 27th, 2024.</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>
67. Tow Trucks
<p>Tow-truck drivers: roadside rescuers or car confiscators? Zachary Crockett gets hooked. This episode was originally published on October 20th, 2024.</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>
66. Stradivarius Violins
<p>Why are these 300-year-old instruments still coveted by violinists today? And how do working musicians get their hands on multimillion-dollar antiques? Zachary Crockett is not fiddling around. This episode was originally published on October 13th, 2024.</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>
65. Stock Photos
<p>Making money in the stock image business requires a sharp eye for trends, a very specific type of model, and a race against A.I. Zachary Crockett takes his shot. This episode was originally published on September 29th, 2024.</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>
