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The Economics of Everyday Things

The Economics of Everyday Things

Freakonomics Network & Zachary Crockett 186 Episodes Oct 12, 2026

Journalist Zachary Crockett explores the hidden economics behind everyday objects and phenomena. From vending machine snacks to the value of suburban trees, each episode uncovers the surprising stories and systems that shape our daily lives. Produced by the Freakonomics Network, this podcast offers bite-sized insights into the mundane yet fascinating world around us.

Episodes

81. Guide Dogs
81. Guide Dogs Oct 12, 2026 00:21:37 Before a guide dog can help a blind person navigate the world, it has to pass a series of tests, then go through $75,000 worth of training. Zachary Crockett sniffs around. This episode was originally published on February 16th, 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
80. Going-Out-of-Business Sales
80. Going-Out-of-Business Sales Oct 8, 2026 00:15:53 Behind that 70% off sign, there’s a liquidation consultant trying to maximize retailer profits. Zachary Crockett seeks a deal. This episode was originally published on February 9th, 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
79. School Photos
79. School Photos Oct 5, 2026 00:18:24 Picture day is an annual tradition for American families — and, for the companies that take the photos, a lucrative one. Zachary Crockett smiles for the camera. This episode was originally published on February 2nd, 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
78. Porta-Potties
78. Porta-Potties Oct 1, 2026 00:20:19 They're not always the nicest places to go — but for their owners, portable toilets are a lucrative revenue stream. Zachary Crockett lifts the lid. This episode was originally published on January 26th, 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
77. Hand Models
77. Hand Models Sep 28, 2026 00:16:03 You can be a top model and still not get recognized on the street — as long as you keep your cuticles healthy and your moons white. Zachary Crockett points a finger. This episode was originally published on January 19th, 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
76. Hotel Art
76. Hotel Art Sep 24, 2026 00:16:46 A watercolor of a harbor? A black-and-white photo of a pile of rocks? Some hotels are trying to do better. Zachary Crockett unpacks. This episode was originally published on January 12th, 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
75. Butchers
75. Butchers Sep 21, 2026 00:19:33 Before beef ends up at your favorite steakhouse, it passes through the hands of a trained specialist with an encyclopedic knowledge of bovine anatomy. Zachary Crockett chews the fat. This episode was originally published on January 5th, 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Amazon Was Supposed to Kill the Bookstore. James Daunt Had Other Plans | Better in Person
Amazon Was Supposed to Kill the Bookstore. James Daunt Had Other Plans | Better in Person Sep 17, 2026 00:32:50 He started with one small shop in London. He has since resuscitated both Barnes & Noble and Waterstones. In this episode of Stephen Dubner’s new TV talk show, James Daunt tells Stephen exactly how he does it. If you'd like to see the video version of Better in Person, you can watch it on YouTube or Apple Podcasts.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for inf
74. Fonts
74. Fonts Sep 14, 2026 00:22:14 Behind almost every character you see displayed on a page or a screen, there’s a complex — and sometimes lucrative — web of licensing deals. Zachary Crockett is just your type. This episode was originally published on December 15th, 2024. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
73. Used Bookstores
73. Used Bookstores Sep 10, 2026 00:17:23 Americans throw away 320 million books every year. How do some of them find a second life? Zachary Crockett is just browsing. This episode was originally published on December 8th, 2024. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
72. Helium
72. Helium Sep 7, 2026 00:19:47 It’s unreactive, lighter than air, and surprisingly important to the global economy. Zachary Crockett goes up an octave. This episode was originally published on November 24th, 2024. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
71. Mannequins
71. Mannequins Sep 3, 2026 00:19:27 Mannequins may be made out of plastic or fiberglass, but for retailers they’re pure gold. Zachary Crockett strikes a pose. This episode was originally published on November 17th, 2024. 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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