Couldn’t believe the unabashed touting of U.S. as the “good guy” in the 20th century, without the slightest objection! Pointing fingers everywhere, only to forget that imperialism didn’t disappear after WWII, just euphemised as “interventions”, fervently carried out by our government, well into the 21st century. “Free-market” and “globalization” are co-opted as the cover for resource exploitation, and used to impose laws to benefit a few. In the name of anti-communism, anti-terrorism, and “democracy”, all the propped-up dictators, assassinations of dissenters, slaughtering of millions of innocents and crushed economies, are deemed acceptable even necessary, in keeping of American hegemony. These and more are conveniently left out of the conversation, so as to avoid any moral dissonance. If this is the kind of media the majority of the public is fed, little wonder of the apathy and bias towards people from those places. “Not very different from commodities and goods”, commented by the host without missing a beat.

I’m a long time fan of this podcast. It’s clear to me that Stephen Dubner is respected by those he interviews, or he wouldn’t get the high quality guests that he has on the show. They don’t want to waste their time, and his preparation must have earned him a reputation for being knowledgeable, forthright, and honest in their eyes. Definitely worth your time.

I really enjoy this show and appreciate how the topics and interviews help your critical thinking skills!

I really like the recent episodes about immigrants and the latest episode interviewing Fareed Zakaria. They were not mainly about economics but gave me a great more understanding about how we got here. Recommend to everyone!

This podcast has turned into mainstream media. There is little critical analysis. You guys are establishment shills now. Pathetic.

A longtime fan of freaknonics podcasts, I only have good words to say about the quality of the conversations. But I never understand why gambling ads are constantly pushed when I listen, esp when my kids are around. Those gambling ads all end with something like, after promoting a gambling venue, “If you have gambling problems, we can help too”! This could turn many fans away, unfortunately.

Good show me learn alor

I’ve loved Freakonmics for years, and I’ve loved Feynman for even longer. It all made so much sense when Dubner talked so excitedly about Feynman and his legacy. There’s definitely a common thread that has drawn me to both. So when Dubner took so much time and thought to dive deep into Feynman it brought literal tears to my eyes. This show has inspired me and enriched my life in so many ways. Thank you all for the beautiful work that you do.

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Analysis of immigration was interesting, but left biased. There was no acknowledgment of the differences between immigration today and immigration of the 20th century. Ideological blindness.

This used to be my must-listen to podcast 3 or 4 years ago. I unsubscribed then due to its decision to talk incessantly about politics with a clear bias towards the left, and I mean far left. Didn’t want to subscribe to listen to political rhetoric so I unsubscribed. Just tried listening again recently and can see that Freakonomics went all-in on their decision to go away from economics and instead focus on socialism and politics. Too bad

I absolutely love the new Americas Messed Up Immigration Series deep dive!! Please keep producing stuff like this and interesting conversations we are having!!! womp womp womp ❤️

The whistling audio is painful. No one enjoys whistling except the whistler.

Liberal bias podcast. Far left ideals. Exact reason it’s so easy for the Democratic Shepard lead the heard of democratic sheep.

Really awful, unchallenged and recurring anti-Arab racist attitudes. Held my nose as I listened through episode 480, then recognized similar tropes resurfacing in 574, and now with the most recent sportswashing episode, the guest was allowed to go off on an unchecked racist tirade about “our values versus theirs” (shoehorning in a rant about Hamas and October 7th in an episode focused on Qatar’s FIFA World Cup and Saudi Arabia‘s LIV golf league). It is clear the hosts and frequent guests of the show do not even have a baseline level of understanding of Middle Eastern geopolitics and lean heavily on their vague, ignorant, orientalist understandings of “those people over there” to deliver a stale American-centric narrative that would not be out of place in the years of the Bush administration.

Really enjoyed the Feynman series. As a fellow Jew who grew up in Queens, I didn’t realize what a rich and amazing life Richard Feynman had. Kudos to the Freakonomics team for bringing Feynman’s legacy to life! He sure lived life to the max! Will read about him with my kids during our family reading time! Thank you!

This is one of my go to podcasts, I am always checking to see if there is a new episode. At the end the host used to say, “take care of yourself, and if you can, someone else” and that always spoke to me and I often quote him, because it’s good advice

In Google episode , lot of whining from host. That was really bothers me!

This podcast literally changed my life! The host Stephen J. Dubner’s voice is perfect for podcasts. He speaks clearly, in a calm tone, and not too fast. Super smart guy surrounded guy by super smart friends with great sense of humor. I even went to their live podcast in LA and it was so much fun. The trademark music in the beginning is on point too, I got excited every time I hear it. Best podcast!

Stephen Dubner seems to have the ability to make something that, on the surface, seems boring be profoundly interesting. I always end an episode feeling more knowledgeable and often inspired. Thanks for your work!

Such a tremendous series on Richard Feynman! I just finished the last episode — in awe that someone like him existed, sad that he’s not here today, and so grateful to have heard this story. I’ve listened to Freakonomics only occasionally in the past but now I’m obsessed — I’m diving into the back catalog and starting at episode #1

Thank you Stephen Dubner for bringing Mr Feynman into my life, I kept bumping into his name in the places where I like to listen and read, I had it in my list of “people I need to know what the fuss is all about”. Oh wow, did I find out listening to this series. Thanks for the wonderful journey, we certainly need to bring and inspire more of his brand of open hearted curiosity. He is now probably going to be filed under “One of those teachers for life I never knew, but now I have”. Fantastic.

Wonderful and inspiring thanks

Fascinating, educational and enriching. Excellent interviews and narration. I will listen to that one again for sure.

I think if this show had a tag line it would be, “it’s complicated”. Everything is much more complicated, and fascinating, than first glance. Stephen’s curiosity and search for truth is infectious.

Look at the map. Los Alamos is in the mountains, not the desert. New Mexico isn't an unrelieved flat desert.

My favorite podcast channel! Interesting topics, well researched, informative discussions with fascinating guests. I look forward to each new episode…just listening makes me feel smarter! ;-) This is my top podcast channel recommendation!

Finally a podcast that is level headed and doesn’t openly support Islamic terrorist. Free Israel. If you support Palestine you may just be a terrorist! Get some help!

I love this show. The topics are wide ranging and always so thoughtfully covered. From the lives of CEO’s to how rent works. Give it a try. See what you can learn.

Love this podcast! Always listened to the radio episodes but love having it available anytime. Found this episode to be very refreshing with a frank and honest assessment for the climate today. Great insights from President Roth that helps explain how we got here today!

Every podcast is interesting and well researched. Stephen Dubner is one of the best interviewers I have heard. I look forward to each podcast. One of my favorites!

The last 3 podcasts on higher education were informative, insightful and fascinating . The indepth interview with Wesleyan’s president has help to renew my faith in higher education . Bravo on taking on difficult topics, asking the hard questions and being open to allowing your listeners to form our own opinions . Stephen displays journalism at its finest

The show is good, but the non-stop gambling ads are gross.

i have criticized this channel for its knee jerk Israeli bias, this guest was a nice neutral-ish contrast

It used to be enjoyable listening to this podcast, but the opening for episode #480 and the whole episode of #574 is seeping in one-sided views. I cannot support any program, product, or person that does not underscore the urgency of stopping the genocide of Palestine that is unfolding before our eyes. Disappointing is an understatement... disgusted is more accurate to how I felt listening to those episodes. Free Palestine.

The repeated theme in this podcast of most other, particularly European, countries being better than the US in some regard is so simplistic and trite. Reminds me of the kids in college who studied abroad for a semester and came back in black leather pants and saying how much better those countries were. Fast forward 30 years and they are all living, working and raising their families in the USA and often with coworkers and neighbors who were born and schooled in those European paradise countries but for some reason opted to come here. Where was polio cured? Who put a man on the moon? Who developed the personal computer? Poverty in the US bears no resemblance to real poverty in most of the world. Who saved most of Asia from Imperial Japan in WWII? Sweden? Nope. And, of course, if it were not for the USA all those lovely gentle European countries - except for, maybe, the UK - would be hellholes under the domination of a fascist or Marxist regime. USA is far from perfect, but still pretty great. Please stop being useful idiots.

I love this show! I love thinking about the side effects and unexpected consequences or benefits of “common knowledge”. I especially love that on episode 437 about how dogs think, Stephen emphasized the producer’s last name, Brent Katz.

I’ve listened to every episode of Freakonomics and am a subscriber. It is absolutely my favorite podcast. Please please please more of Stephen Dubner’s voice and less spotlighting other podcasts with other hosts/repeating episodes.

I hope I die before Stephen Dubner does, I don’t think I can live without him making a new episode each week.

Angela exceeded my limit on the use of “like” within the first 5 minutes. Here’s a question they should cover in “No stupid questions” is “Why do we adopt annoying verbal crutches in our everyday language?”

Loved this episode. Different take on the job of policing. Glad to hear someone is looking at all different aspects of how to handle our growing crime problem

I used to respect Michael Lewis. I saw his 60 Minutes interview when he claimed that he thought SBF still could not understand his crime. Lewis came off as if he were his publicist. I will never take Lewis at his word again. What a shame. I read Liars Poker in the late 1980’s and had so much respect for Lewis. Now, I doubt him and his opinions!

Dear Stephen, What about pronouncing your Ts when they are there? Like in “about”, instead of “abow”? Your T-less pronunciation is quite distracting. Otherwise, great show.

This is a brain twister subject. I like Swedens approach. I like the idea of making public transportation free for all low income people. I also like charging those that can afford it full fares. But mostly I like all ideas that present a disadvantage to driving cars. We must break America’s love of cars and give good incentives to using public transportation. Rumor has it car manufacturers were thr ones who encourage better roads, more cars and less trains and buses in order to sell more cars. Funny you didn’t address that. Is it true or just idle talk?

In a weird way, the absurd angry leftist reviews demonstrate just how far from the original Freakonomics this Pod has come. Maybe because it’s hosted at NYC public radio station or donors, not clear why, but the last 7yrs it’s become very woke, very progressive and very limited in the topics that are even covered. I stopped listening regularly because it got boring. Evidently they picked up a few angry npr leftists listeners, who, of course, were demanding a “ceasefire” by Oct 9th and by the 11th- they were on to talk of genocide. So I’m defending the show from the genocide reviews, but, overall Im disappointed because the show, in catering to these same folks, became woke and not very interesting..

I have been listening for years ever since reading the first book and always find the show interesting, entertaining and something that sparks great Saturday and Sunday morning conversations with my wife. The latest episode with Jason Kelse was another fantastic one. I love how Stephen gets the most out of all the people he interviews and does it with tough and probing questions but also with class and respect for the person. Keep up the great work! Also enjoying some of the other shows in your line up!! Sincerely, Wilson

First time listener and couldn’t even make it to the minute mark due to them quickly making it clear they support genocide. FREE PALESTINE 🇵🇸

This was never my favorite podcast, but I’ve enjoyed it and found many episodes to be interesting or informative. However, I will no longer listen to this podcast or support it in any way. I can’t believe how one-sided and intellectually dishonest the opening of episode 480 was. Posted on November 8th, 2023 when the civilian death toll in Gaza had surpassed 10,000 people, over 4,000 of whom were children, and yet there isn’t a single mention of this. Instead, valid criticism of the Israeli government’s indiscriminate bombing and collective punishment against the people of Gaza is being dishonestly framed as “anti-semitism”. In the transcript, they state that Hamas killed with “a level of barbarism that hardly seems believable in the 21st century”, yet the phrase “level of barbarism” hyperlinks to a CNN article that largely discusses the massive civilian death toll in Gaza, with sections specifically addressing that nearly half of those killed were children, as well as noting the attacks on health care and journalists. There’s also no mention of the historical context of the occupation of Palestine, or the thousands of deaths in Gaza in the decade preceding the October 7th attack. Instead, we’re meant to accept that this is about anti-semitism, despite an active and ongoing genocide in Gaza at the hands of Israel (with the support of the US and our tax dollars). What an excellent segue into the topic of “anti-Americanism in the Arab world”, also discussed in the intro. Finally, someone is brave enough to discuss the real issue at hand here… sure, there’s a genocide happening, but can somebody please think about the AMERICANS?!?

I love(d) this podcast, and all of its offshoots. Unfortunately the most recent episode is full of anti-Arab tropes. The tropes are not even necessary to make the points of the episode but somehow literaly all of the anti-arab racist implicit tropes are in one freaking episode. How disappointing

We listen as a family when we can.