Freakonomics Radio explores “the hidden side of everything.” It will tell you things you always thought you knew but didn't, and things you never thought you wanted to know, but do. Stephen Dubner hosts our five, one-hour specials air at 6pm Monday through Friday this week.
Monday: Save Me From Myself - Sometimes we have a hard time committing ourselves – whether it's quitting a bad habit or following through on a worthy goal. We share stories about "commitment devices." They're a clever way to force yourself to do something that you know will be hard.
Tuesday: You Eat What You Are - Americans are in the midst of a food paradox: we have access to more and better and cheaper food than ever before but at the same time, we are surrounded by junk food and a rise in obesity and heart disease. dssadfasdfasdfasdStephen Stephen Dubner talks about our massive, but balky food network with economist Tyler Cowen, who argues that agribusiness and commercialization are not nearly the villains that your foodie friends might have you think. We also hear from food philosopher Michael Pollan, who weighs in on a number of our problems and urges, along with chef Alice Waters, a renewed appreciation for the American farmer.
Wednesday: The Truth Is Out There...Isn't It? - Until not so long ago, chicken feet were nothing but waste material. Now they provide enough money to keep chicken producers in the black – the US exports 300,000 metric tons of these "paws" to China and Hong Kong each year. Stephen Dubner looks at this and other examples of weird recycling .
Thursday: Freakonomics Goes to College - Is a college diploma really worth the paper it’s printed on? Stephen Dubner breaks down the costs and benefits of going to college, especially during an economy that's leaving a lot of people un- and underemployed. The data say that college graduates make a lot more money in the long run and enjoy a host of other benefits as well. But does that justify the time and money?
Friday: Legacy of a Jerk - Since the beginning of civilization, we've thought that human waste was worthless at best and quite often dangerous. What if it turns out we were wrong? Stephen Dubner explores the power of poop, focusing on an experimental procedure called the fecal transplant. A sort of combination of organ transplant and blood transfusion (one doctor calls it a 'transpoosion'), fecal transplants may present a viable way to treat not only intestinal problems but also obesity and a number of neurological disorders.