The Economics of Everyday Things

Freakonomics Network & Zachary Crockett

Negara USA

Genre Business

Bahasa EN

Episode 186

Terbaru 01.06.2026

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.

Episode

44. Movie Sound Effects 01.06.2026 19mnt

The background noises you hear in film and TV — from footsteps to zombie guts — are produced in specialized studios by professionals known as Foley artists. Zachary Crockett makes some noise. This episode was originally published on April 14th, 2024.
43. Top-Level Domains 28.05.2026 18mnt

Those letters at the end of web addresses can mean big bucks — and, for some small countries, a substantial part of the national budget. Zachary Crockett follows the links. This episode was originally published on April 7th, 2024.
42. Cemeteries 25.05.2026 18mnt

The verdant lawns promise everlasting rest — but what does it mean to sign a lease for all eternity? Zachary Crockett finds out where the bodies are buried. This episode was originally published on March 31st, 2024.
41. Pet Movers 21.05.2026 15mnt

Relocating halfway across the world is hard enough for humans. For pets it can require a specialist. Zachary Crockett waits at the airport, holding a sign saying "Fluffy." This episode was originally published on March 24th, 2024.
40. Prosthetic Limbs 18.05.2026 17mnt

More and more Americans rely on prostheses. They’re custom-fitted, highly personal, and extremely expensive. Zachary Crockett investigates. This episode was originally published on March 17th, 2024.
39. Houseplants 14.05.2026 14mnt

Interest in houseplants has exploded in recent years. But what causes floral trends, and prices, to grow? Zachary Crockett sows a few seeds. This episode was originally published on March 10th, 2024.
38. Junk Mail 11.05.2026 18mnt

Why does the mailman bring us so many catalogs, credit card offers, and pizza coupons? Because his job depends on it. Zachary Crockett checks the mailbox. This episode was originally published on February 25th, 2024.
37. Personal Injury Lawyers 07.05.2026 17mnt

If you can make it through three years of law school, you too might end up on a billboard. Zachary Crockett makes the case. This episode was originally published on February 18th, 2024.
36. ATMs 04.05.2026 20mnt

Why do you have to pay $4 to get $40 cash at a bar? And who does it go to? Zachary Crockett checks his balance. This episode was originally published on February 11th, 2024.
35. Dental Insurance 30.04.2026 15mnt

Why is it separate from medical insurance? And is it really insurance at all? Zachary Crockett goes in for a cleaning. This episode was originally published on February 4th, 2024.
34. Store-Brand Products 27.04.2026 17mnt

Those low-priced staples on grocery-store shelves — where do they come from? Zachary Crockett finds out at a national convention for private-label manufacturers. This episode was originally published on January 28th, 2024.
33. Sex Scenes 23.04.2026 18mnt

Behind these steamy sequences, there are body doubles, pubic wigs, legal documents, and dedicated choreographers who make sure everyone is comfortable. Zachary Crockett fast-forwards straight to the good parts. This episode was originally published on January 21st, 2024.
32. Used Golf Balls 20.04.2026 17mnt

American golfers lose 300 million balls a year — and all those bad swings are someone else’s business opportunity. Zachary Crockett hits the links. This episode was originally published on January 14th, 2024.
31. Superhot Chili Peppers 16.04.2026 16mnt

The market for gustatory pain is surprisingly competitive. Zachary Crockett feels the burn. This episode was originally published on January 7th, 2024.
30. Card Counting 13.04.2026 18mnt

Casinos think they can stop skilled gamblers from eking out a tiny edge at blackjack. Is that a losing bet? Zachary Crockett doubles down. This episode was originally published on December 31st, 2023.
29. Greeting Cards 09.04.2026 15mnt

The tradition of sending cards to loved ones was in decline — until it was rescued by a new generation. But millennials have their own ideas about what sentiments they want to convey. Zachary Crockett is thinking of you on your special day. This episode was originally published on December 17th, 2023.
28. Horseshoe Crab Blood 06.04.2026 13mnt

How does the blood of a 450-million-year-old arthropod help prevent lethal infections in humans? And could we exhaust the supply? Zachary Crockett wades in. This episode was originally published on December 10th, 2023.
27. Romance Novels 02.04.2026 18mnt

How did love stories about vampires, cowboys, and wealthy dukes become the highest-grossing fiction genre in the world? Zachary Crockett gets swept away. This episode was originally published on December 3rd, 2023.
26. Graffiti 30.03.2026 14mnt

Is graffiti public art, or public nuisance? It depends who you ask. Zachary Crockett tags in where it all started. This episode was originally published on November 19th, 2023.
25. Private Jets 26.03.2026 17mnt

Executives shell out millions of dollars for the privilege of flying private — but that convenience comes at a steep cost to the rest of us. Zachary Crockett prepares for takeoff. This episode was originally published on November 12th, 2023.