The Economics of Everyday Things
Business

The Economics of Everyday Things

作者: Freakonomics Network & Zachary Crockett
最近更新: 3天前
Who decides which snacks are in your office’s vending machine? How much is a suburban elm tree worth...

Recent Episodes

117. Cut Flowers

117. Cut Flowers

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. SOURCES:Bob Mellano, vice president of wholesale operations for Mellano & Company.Jasmine Gomez-Gonzalez, chief operations officer at OC Wholesale Flowers. 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 Production," by Ben Bergmann (NC State Extension).Mellano & Company.OC Wholesale Flowers.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

3天前
21分钟
Superhot Chili Peppers (Replay)

Superhot Chili Peppers (Replay)

The market for gustatory pain is surprisingly competitive. Zachary Crockett feels the burn. SOURCES:Ed Currie, founder and president of the PuckerButt Pepper Company.Stephanie Walker, associate professor and Extension Vegetable Specialist at New Mexico State University 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-Capsaicin Receptor-Channel Functions," by Yaroslav M. Shuba (Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 2021)."Training Your Tongue to Love Spicy Food Benefits More Than Your Taste Buds," by Maddie Oatman (Mother Jones, 2019)."Fire-Eaters," by Lauren Collins (The New Yorker, 2013)."The Arms Race to Grow World's Hottest Pepper Goes Nuclear," by Spencer Jakab (The Wall Street Journal, 2013). EXTRAS:"Why Do People Love Horror Movies?" by No Stupid Questions (2022).Hot Ones, YouTube talk show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

3周前
16分钟
114. Natural and Artificial Flavors

114. Natural and Artificial Flavors

How do flavorists capture the essence of a fruit and put it in a can of sparkling water, or a tub of yogurt? Zachary Crockett takes a bite. SOURCES:Terry Miesle, master flavorist at Sensient Technologies Corporation. RESOURCES:"Flavor and Well‐Being: A Comprehensive Review of Food Choices, Nutrition, and Health Interactions," by Sakhawot Hossain, Abdul Wazed, Sharmin Asha, Alomgir Hossen, Nur Muhammad Fime, Shamiha Tabassum Teeya, Lubna Yeasmin Jenny, Diptho Dash, and Islam Shimul (Food Science & Nutrition, 2025)."What is artificial banana flavor made of? A food neuroscientist reveals the truth," by Elana Spivack (Inverse, 2024)."Are ‘Natural Flavors’ Really Natural?" by Roni Caryn Rabin (New York Times, 2019)."The Inexorable Rise Of Synthetic Flavor: A Pictorial History," by Nadia Berenstein (Popular Science, 2015)."The Flavor Industry: From 1945-1995," (Chemical Sources Association). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

2个月前
19分钟
Gas Stations (UPDATED)

Gas Stations (UPDATED)

When gas prices skyrocket, do station owners get a windfall? And where do their profits really come from? Zachary Crockett pulls up to the pump. SOURCES:Garrett Golding, assistant vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.Jeetander P. Sethi, founding member of the American Petroleum and Convenience Store Association.Kai Trimble-Lea, owner of a B.P. gas station in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. RESOURCES:"Top Numbers Driving America's Gasoline Demand," by Lem Smith (American Petroleum Institute, 2022)."Electric Cars Are Coming. How Long Until They Rule the Road?" by Brad Plumer, Nadja Popovich and Blacki Migliozzi (The New York Times, 2021)."Petroleum & Other Liquids," (U.S. Energy Information Administration). EXTRAS:"In the 1890s, the Best-Selling Car Was … Electric," by Freakonomics Radio (2022)."Is it Too Late for General Motors to Go Electric?" by Freakonomics Radio (2020).  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

2个月前
15分钟
111. Product Recalls

111. Product Recalls

Every year, thousands of products are recalled from store shelves. How does the process work — and who foots the bill? Zachary Crockett gets a refund on his frozen shrimp. SOURCES:Chris Harvey, senior vice president at Sedgwick. RESOURCES:"FDA Advises Public Not to Eat, Sell, or Serve Certain Imported Frozen Shrimp from an Indonesian Firm," (FDA, 2025)."U.S. product recalls reach second-highest level in six years during 2024," (Sedgwick, 2025)."Lot Codes For Food Tracing: How Are They Used?" by Thomas Burke (Forbes, 2021)."How Globalization Challenges Safety In The Food Supply Chain," by Elliot Maras (Food Logistics, 2015). EXTRAS:"Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts," (FDA)."Recalls & Public Health Alerts," (USDA)."Recalls & Product Safety Warnings," (CPSC)."Check for Recalls," (NHTSA). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

2个月前
22分钟
110. Formula 1 Teams

110. Formula 1 Teams

In a sport that generates more than $3.5 billion a year, teams compete in cars that cost $70 million to develop and build — and a split-second to crash. Zachary Crockett assesses the damage. SOURCES:Steve Cripps, chief financial officer at Williams Racing. RESOURCES:"Everything you need to know about F1 – Drivers, teams, cars, circuits and more," (Formula 1, 2025)."How Williams, F1’s ultimate underdog, found success — and might again," by Madeline Coleman (New York Times, 2025)."How fast do F1 cars go?" by Amanda Clark (Red Bull, 2024)."Aerodynamics in Formula 1 | F1 Explained," (Formula 1 Youtube, 2024), "Williams Racing," (Formula One History).  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

2个月前
23分钟
109. Billboards

109. Billboards

The world’s oldest advertising medium has reconfigured itself for the digital age. Zachary Crockett looks up. SOURCES:Anna Bager, president and C.E.O. of the Out-of-Home Advertising Association of America.Dan Levi, chief marketing officer at Clear Channel Outdoor. RESOURCES:"Advertising Proves Resilient Amidst Economic Uncertainty," (Magna Global, 2025)."Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. Reports Results for the First Quarter of 2025," (Clear Channel Investor Relations, 2025)."The Bigger, The Bolder: Outdoor Advertising," by Judy Gonyeau (Journal of Antiques and Collectibles, 2024)."How Digital Billboards Target Passersby (Hint: It's Cellphone Data)," by Karen Duffin (NPR, 2020)."The hottest advertising trend of 2018? Billboards." by Zachary Crockett (The Hustle, 2019)."Model Legislation for Banning Billboards," (Scenic America). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

3个月前
22分钟
108. Matchmakers

108. Matchmakers

Some singles choose to skip the apps and get fixed up the old-fashioned way — but it doesn't come cheap. Zachary Crockett puts himself out there. SOURCES:Maria Avgitidis, C.E.O. of Agape Match and author of Ask a Matchmaker: Matchmaker Maria's No-Nonsense Guide to Finding Love. RESOURCES:"Dating Apps Have Hit a Wall. Can They Turn Things Around?" by J. Edward Moreno (New York Times, 2024)."Love, (un)automated: Human matchmaking in the era of online dating," by Liesel Sharabi (Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 2024)."The New Old Dating Trend," by Faith Hill (The Atlantic, 2023)."What It’s Like to Work With a Matchmaker," by Alyson Krueger (New York Times, 2021)."New York State Dating Service Consumer Bill of Rights."  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

3个月前
23分钟
107. Megachurches

107. Megachurches

They have thousands of congregants and millions of dollars in income. Zachary Crockett passes the collection plate. SOURCES:Julie Roys, founder of the Roys Report.Scott Thumma, professor of sociology of religion at Hartford International University, director of the Hartford Institute for Religion Research. RESOURCES:"The faithful see both crisis and opportunity as churches close across the country," by Scott Neuman (NPR, 2023)."Million Dollar Homes Become Status Symbols of Televangelists and Pastors," by Barry Bowen (Trinity Foundation, 2022)."Megachurch 2020," by Scott Thumma and Warren Bird (Hartford Institute for Religion Research, 2020).Beyond Megachurch Myths: What We Can Learn from America's Largest Churches, by Scott Thumma and Dave Travis (2007)."Ministers' Compensation & Housing Allowance," (IRS).MinistryWatch.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

3个月前
23分钟
105. Light Bulbs

105. Light Bulbs

Why did it take so long to invent a longer-lasting bulb? Zachary Crockett finds the answer illuminating. SOURCES:Heather Dillon, mechanical engineering professor at the University of Washington in Tacoma.Jane Brox, author of the 2010 book Brilliant: The Evolution of Artificial Light.Markus Krajewski, philosopher and historian of technology at the University of Basel in Switzerland. RESOURCES:"Thomas Edison, tinkerer," by Eric Gilliam (Works in Progress, 2023)."It's Official: Stores Can No Longer Sell Most Incandescent Lights," by Hiroko Tabuchi (New York Times, 2023)."The Mystery of the Centennial Bulb: an Incandescent Light Bulb," by Martin Kykta (MAK Electro-Optics, 2021)."The Great Lightbulb Conspiracy," by Markus Krajewski (IEEE Spectrum, 2014)."Compact Fluorescent Lighting in America: Lessons Learned on the Way to Market," by L.J. Sandahl, T.L. Gilbride, M.R. Ledbetter, H.E. Steward, and C. Calwell (U.S. Department of Energy, 2006). EXTRAS:"Why Do Candles Still Exist?" by Freakonomics Radio (2025)."The Story of Byron the Bulb," by Thomas Pynchon (Gravity's Rainbow, 1973). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

4个月前
18分钟
EXTRA: Emoji and the Law

EXTRA: Emoji and the Law

How do courts interpret those little icons on your phone? Zachary Crockett brings down the hammer. SOURCES:Eric Goldman, professor of law, associate dean for research, co-director at the High Tech Law Institute at the Santa Clara University School of Law. RESOURCES:"Canadian Court Rules 👍 Emoji Counts as a Contract Agreement," by Michael Levenson (New York Times, 2023)."Former Bed Bath & Beyond investor Ryan Cohen must face emoji-inspired shareholder suit," by Rob Wile (NBC News, 2023)."My Declaration Identifying Emoji Co. GmbH as a Possible Trademark Troll," by Eric Goldman (Technology & Marketing Blog, 2021)."Bardales v. Lamothe," by Middle District of Tennessee (2019)."Emojis and the Law," by Eric Goldman (Washington Law Review, 2018). EXTRAS:OpenMoji FAQ.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

4个月前
19分钟
Home Staging (Replay)

Home Staging (Replay)

How do you turn an empty house into a buyer’s dream home? Zachary Crockett pulls back the curtain. SOURCES:Meredith Baer, founder of Meridith Baer Home.Cindy Lin, founder and lead instructor at Staged4more School of Home Staging.Karen Prince, author and home staging consultant. RESOURCES:"How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing the Real Estate Game," by Kate Dubinski (C.B.C. News, 2023)."Will Virtual Staging Replace Traditionally Staged Rooms?" by Barbara Ballinger (Realtor Magazine, 2022)."Open Houses and Sticky Fingers," by Alix Strauss (The New York Times, 2022)."Profile of Home Staging," by the National Association of Realtors Research Group (2021).Secrets of Home Staging: The Essential Guide to Getting Higher Offers Faster, by Karen Prince (2021)."How Meridith Baer Runs Her $100 Million Home Staging Business," by Jenna Wang (Forbes, 2019)."Designer Meridith Baer’s Home-Staging Empire Began With a Plant Storage Dilemma," by Arielle Paul (Los Angeles Times, 2019)."The Twilight Zone of Home Staging," by Peter Haldeman (The New York Times, 2016)."The Story Seller," by Mark Oppenheimer (The New York Times Magazine, 2009).Home Staging: The Winning Way to Sell Your House for More Money, by Barb Schwarz (2006).  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

4个月前
19分钟
103. Satellites

103. Satellites

There are now nearly 12,000 satellites orbiting Earth. What does it cost to put them there, and how do they make money? Zachary Crockett launches an investigation. SOURCES:Tim Farrar, president of TMF Associates.Rachel Jewett, managing editor of Via Satellite. RESOURCES:"How geostationary small satellites are providing strategic access to space," by Steve Collar (World Economic Forum, 2025)."State of the Satellite Industry Report," (Satellite Industry Association, 2025)."Elon Musk Dominates Space Launch. Rivals Are Calling Foul." by Eric Lipton (New York Times, 2024)."Kessler Syndrome and the space debris problem," by Mike Wall (Space, 2022)."BlackRock Says Satellite Images Can Help Track Chinese Companies," by Lisa Pham (Bloomberg, 2017). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

4个月前
22分钟
102. “The Starry Night”

102. “The Starry Night”

How does a museum place a value on a priceless work of art? And how much does it cost to keep it safe? Zachary Crockett appraises the situation. SOURCES:Glenn Lowry, director of the Museum of Modern Art. RESOURCES:"Why Climate Activists Are Still Throwing Food and Paint at Famous Artworks," by Tala Ansari (Wall Street Journal, 2023)."The Woman Who Made van Gogh," by Russell Shorto (New York Times, 2021)."The Lillie P. Bliss collection," (MoMA Collection, 1934)."May Belfort," by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (Cleveland Museum of Art, 1895)."Still Life with a Bottle," by Paul Cézanne (Pola Museum, 1890)."The Starry Night," by Vincent Van Gogh (MoMA Collection, 1889)."Portrait of Victor Chocquet Seated," by Paul Cézanne (1877). EXTRAS:"Hotel Art," by The Economics of Everyday Things (2025)."The Hidden Side of the Art Market," by Freakonomics Radio (2021).  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

5个月前
20分钟
Mobile Home Parks (Replay)

Mobile Home Parks (Replay)

They’ve long been associated with crime and blight. Now, the investors are moving in. Zachary Crockett follows the trail. SOURCES:Paul Bradley, president of ROC USA.Blaer Roberts, former chef and mobile home resident.Frank Rolfe, co-owner of Mobile Home University.Cheryl Streberger, retired nurse and mobile home resident. RESOURCES:"‘We’re All Afraid’: Massive Rent Increases Hit Mobile Homes," by Abha Bhattarai (The Washington Post, 2022)."Investors Are Buying Mobile Home Parks. Residents Are Paying a Price," by Sophie Kasakove (The New York Times, 2022)."Mobile Home Parks Move From Mom-and-Pop to Corporate," by Jennifer Brown and Kevin Simpson (A.P. News, 2019)."The Cold, Hard Lessons of Mobile Home U," by Gary Rivlin (The New York Times, 2014)."Goldman Alum Gives Up Funds to Become Trailer-Park Mogul," by Anthony Effinger and Katherine Burton (Bloomberg, 2014)."Carlyle Jumps Into Niche Space," by Dawn Wotapka (The Wall Street Journal, 2013).  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

5个月前
19分钟
100. Podcasts

100. Podcasts

What goes into creating an episode of The Economics of Everyday Things? And how do shows like this one make money? Zachary Crockett turns the mic on himself. SOURCES:Gabe Tartaglia, vice president of podcast and satellite monetization at SiriusXM.Gabe Roth, editorial director of the Freakonomics Radio Network.Sarah Lilley, senior producer of The Economics of Everyday Things.Jeremy Johnston, audio engineer at the Freakonomics Radio Network.Daniel Moritz-Rabson, fact-checker at the Freakonomics Radio Network. RESOURCES:"Digital Ad Revenue Surges 15% YoY in 2024, Climbing to $259B, According to IAB," (International Advertising Bureau, 2025)."Cost per Thousand (CPM) Definition and Its Role in Marketing," by Will Kenton (Investopedia, 2024)."Podcast Statistics You Need To Know," (Backlinko). APM Music — Licensing  . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

5个月前
27分钟
98. Police Sketches

98. Police Sketches

When security cameras and facial recognition tools fail, law enforcement investigators fall back on a witness's memory and an artist's hand. Zachary Crockett's nose was a little bigger than that. SOURCES:Lois Gibson, forensic artist.David Sarni, adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. RESOURCES:"Fighting Crime With Pencil and Paper," by J. David Goodman (New York Times, 2013)"Something Sketchy About Identifying Suspects," by Stephen Owsinski (National Police Association)."Forensic Art Certification Scope and Role," (International Association for Identification)."Forensice Art Composites," (Samantha Steinberg).   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

6个月前
17分钟
Car Washes (Replay)

Car Washes (Replay)

Why are these sudsy roadside stops one of the fastest growing industries in America? Zachary Crockett takes a look under the hood. RESOURCES:"Private Equity Wants to Wash Your Car," by Miriam Gottfried (The Wall Street Journal, 2022)."California Labor Commissioner Recovers $282,000 for Car Wash Wage Citations," State of California Department of Industrial Relations News Release (2022)."Sgt. Clean’s Future Shines Bright Thanks to Subscription Model, Strong Reputation," by Vince Guerrieri (Crain's Cleveland Business, 2018)."One California Drought Winner? The Local Car Wash," by Lauren Sommer (Marketplace, 2015).Sonny's CarWash College. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

6个月前
15分钟
97. Elevators

97. Elevators

Americans take more than 20 billion elevator rides every year — and keeping them safe is an expensive proposition. Zachary Crockett makes small talk. SOURCES:Frank Christensen, president of the International Union of Elevators Constructors.Shannon Moore, service mechanic for the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 8.Brian O'Connell, senior vice president of the Eastern U.S. at Otis Elevators.Stephen Smith, executive director of the Center for Building in North America. RESOURCES:"Elevators," by Stephen Smith (Center for Building in North America, 2024)."Elevator and Escalator Fact Sheet," (National Elevator Industry, 2020)."The Evolution of Elevators: Physical-Human Interface, Digital Interaction, and Megatall Buildings," by Stephen Nichols (Frontiers of Engineering, 2017).Lifted: A Cultural History of the Elevator, by Andreas Bernard (2014). EXTRAS:"Up and Then Down," by Nick Paumgarten (The New Yorker, 2008)."World's Tallest Towers." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

6个月前
18分钟
96. School Buses

96. School Buses

Districts across the country are facing shortages of school bus drivers. Can technology help? Zachary Crockett takes a seat in the back. SOURCES:Keith Corso, co-founder and CEO of BusRight.Marc Medina, transportation supervisor for the Farmingdale School District in Long Island.Jada Melendez, school bus driver in Burlington County, New Jersey. RESOURCES:"How St. Louis parents are dealing with school bus driver shortages," by Gabrielle Hays (PBS, 2024)."The school bus driver shortage remains severe," by Sebastian Martinez Hickey and David Cooper (Economic Policy Institute, 2023)."‘End of the Line’: School Bus Industry in Crisis Because of the Coronavirus," by Pranshu Verma (New York Times, 2020).  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

6个月前
20分钟
95. Airplane Food

95. Airplane Food

Everyone loves to complain about it — but preparing a meal that tastes good at 35,000 feet is harder than you might think. Zachary Crockett will have the fish. SOURCES:Molly Brandt, innovation chef for North America at Gategroup.Chris Kinsella, chief commercial officer for North America at Gategroup.Guillaume de Syon, professor of history at Albright College. RESOURCES:"No Thanks, Grandma, I’m Saving Room for Airplane Food," by Christine Chung (New York Times, 2023)."The Golden Age of airplane food is over. The future: Snacks and sustainability." by Natalie Comptom (The Washington Post, 2019)."Why does food taste different on planes?" by Katia Moskvitch (BBC, 2015)."And to Penny-Pinching Wizardry," by Claudia Deutsch (New York Times, 2001)."The Pioneering Years: Commercial Aviation 1920–1930," by Rich Freeman (U.S. Centennial of Flight). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

7个月前
20分钟