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The Economics of Everyday Things
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The Economics of Everyday Things

Author: Freakonomics Network & Zachary Crockett

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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.
167 Episodes
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25. Private Jets

25. Private Jets

2026-03-2620:311

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
24. Pistachios

24. Pistachios

2026-03-2318:01

How did a little green nut become a billion-dollar product, lauded by celebrities in Super Bowl ads? Zachary Crockett cracks open the story. This episode was originally published on November 5th, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
23. Cadavers - Part 2

23. Cadavers - Part 2

2026-03-1918:46

In the final part of our series, Zachary Crockett talks to a man with a storied — and controversial — career in the body parts business. This episode was originally published on October 29th, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
22. Cadavers - Part 1

22. Cadavers - Part 1

2026-03-1622:36

In the first of two episodes, Zachary Crockett digs into the strange and discomfiting history of cadavers, and the industry that has emerged around them. This episode was originally published on October 22nd, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
21. Car Washes

21. Car Washes

2026-03-1220:241

Why are these sudsy roadside stops one of the fastest growing industries in America? Zachary Crockett takes a look under the hood. This episode was originally published on October 15th, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
20. Tattoo Parlors

20. Tattoo Parlors

2026-03-0920:34

More people than ever before are getting tattoos — but social media has flipped the trade’s business model on its head. Zachary Crockett dips into the ink. This episode was originally published on October 3rd, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
19. Pizza Boxes

19. Pizza Boxes

2026-03-0518:081

There’s more than meets the eye to the box that stores the pie. Zachary Crockett cracks the lid. This episode was originally published on October 1st, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
18. Mobile Home Parks

18. Mobile Home Parks

2026-03-0223:53

They’ve long been associated with crime and blight. Now, the investors are moving in. Zachary Crockett follows the trail. This episode was originally published on September 17th, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
17. Truffles

17. Truffles

2026-02-2621:26

It takes fungi-sniffing dogs, back-room deals, and a guy named “The Kingpin” for the world’s most coveted morsel to end up on your plate. Zachary Crockett picks up the scent. This episode was originally published on September 10th, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
16. Prop Money

16. Prop Money

2026-02-2323:151

Who makes the stacks of fake cash used in movies — and how do they stay clear of counterfeit law? Zachary Crockett follows the fake money. This episode was originally published on September 3rd, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
15. Home Staging

15. Home Staging

2026-02-1924:23

How do you turn an empty house into a buyer’s dream home? Zachary Crockett pulls back the curtain. This episode was originally published on August 27th, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The most popular song of the 20th century — and a key part of a ubiquitous American ritual — was also the subject of a years-long legal battle. Zachary Crockett blows out the candles. This episode was originally published on August 13th, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
13. Carnival Games

13. Carnival Games

2026-02-1219:49

Does anyone ever win the giant teddy bear? Zachary Crockett steps right up. This episode was originally published on August 6th, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Most sports bars rarely screen women's games. Zachary Crockett taps into the strategy of one woman who set out to change the channel. This episode was originally published on July 30th, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
11. Cashmere

11. Cashmere

2026-02-0517:43

Once a luxury good, the soft fiber is now everywhere — which has led to a goat boom in Mongolia. Zachary Crockett tugs at the thread. This episode was originally published on July 23rd, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
10. Michelin Stars

10. Michelin Stars

2026-02-0220:13

Only the finest restaurants have a chance to bask in their glow. Sometimes, it’s a bit too bright. Zachary Crockett squints at the menu. This episode was originally published on July 16th, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
9. Bowling Alleys

9. Bowling Alleys

2026-01-2918:21

Once America’s favorite recreational activity, bowling has been in the gutter for decades. But some surviving alleys are resetting the pins. Zachary Crockett laces up. This episode was originally published on July 9th, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Vanity plates might be 2KUL4U, but in the Blue Hen State, low-digit plates command high-digit prices. Zachary Crockett sums up a big market in a small state. This episode was originally published on June 2nd, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
7. Animal Urine

7. Animal Urine

2026-01-2216:341

One creature’s trash is another’s cash. Zachary Crockett flushes out the numbers with a man who found profit in pee. This episode was originally published on June 25th, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
6. T. rex Skeletons

6. T. rex Skeletons

2026-01-1921:18

How do they emerge from the Upper Cretaceous period to end up in natural-history museums and private collections? Zachary Crockett digs for answers. This episode was originally published on June 18th, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Comments (14)

Evelyn Nunes

I will miss this podcast!! I love listening to it, and so does my 7yo! We still have episodes to catch up, but I wanted to congratulate you on the amazing research and explanation of such different topics! You did an amazing job! Happy New Year!

Jan 2nd
Reply (1)

Bob Hoeckele

Love to learn how streaming works and makes money.

May 17th
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Kevin Stewart

For more accurate context, listen to The Dollop, Ep. 356: The Resnicks: Water Monsters

Jan 15th
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Ali Bagheri

is it morally okay to read books with sexually explicit content in public? I am sure it's not as bad as watching porn but, still.

Jul 29th
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Feb 26th
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Jan 27th
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Jason Copp

only 30 episodes in and already doing replays

Nov 29th
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Aakash Amanat

I find the topic of "The Economics of Everyday Things" absolutely fascinating. It's incredible how economic principles are woven into our daily lives without us even realizing it. From the cost of our morning coffee to the price fluctuations of gas, economics plays a significant role. https://soundcloud.com/customise-sticker Consider something as simple as supply and demand. The way prices for goods like smartphones or sneakers vary depending on their popularity among consumers is a prime example of how these principles work. And let's not forget about the concept of opportunity cost – the idea that when we make a choice, we're forgoing other potential options. This is evident when we decide to spend money on one thing, say a movie night, instead of saving for a future vacation. https://about.me/Customise-Sticker

Aug 21st
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Andrew Conor

I would have liked to hear a little more about what special numbers are out there that people try extra hard to get. does the number 42 sell for a high amount? what other ones?

Aug 8th
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Aarash Baktash

fascinating story

Aug 2nd
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Joe A. Finley II

Lawn "care" is 1000x more destructive to the environment than the deer.

Jul 11th
Reply (1)

Aarash Baktash

fascinating topic, well done

Jul 7th
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