If you’re a fan of the Freakonomics Radio podcast and are looking for similar shows to add to your listening list, there are more than a few great options to consider. Let’s have a look at podcasts that are similar in challenging conventional thought through great storytelling.
Planet Money
Are you interested in exploring the intricacies of the world’s economy? This podcast has a particularly good knack for connecting disparate topics to the economy and the forces that shape our lives. It’s the right podcast to help you understand not only the economy but also the world around us.
The Ezra Klein Show
In his podcast, Ezra Klein engages in conversations on important topics from how to tackle climate change when the political system fails to act to whether the logic of markets has infiltrated too many aspects of our lives, to the future of the Republican Party, to what we can learn about consciousness from psychedelics, to what insights sci-fi can offer about our present reality. One of the smartest public intellectuals in your ears? What could be better?
The Economics of Everyday Things
Listen to The Economics of Everyday Things
Have you ever wondered who has the final say on what snacks go into your office’s vending machine? Or have you ever thought about the value of a suburban elm tree and who would determine it? Well, journalist Zachary Crockett explores these everyday topics and discovers incredible stories in bite-sized episodes.
No Stupid Questions
Angela Duckworth, a research psychologist and author of “Grit,” along with tech and sports executive Mike Maughan, share a mutual interest in asking thought-provoking questions. They believe that no question is too trivial or silly to ask. Hence, their podcast is all about asking each other as many questions as they want without any hesitation.
Hidden Brain
The Hidden Brain podcast, hosted by Shankar Vedantam, explores the unconscious patterns that drive human behaviour, beliefs, and emotions. Through engaging storytelling and expert interviews, Hidden Brain pursues topics such as the psychology of prejudice, the science of decision-making, and the ways in which our brains shape our relationships.
99% Invisible
The 99% Invisible podcast hosted by Roman Mars is all about design, architecture, and the hidden ways in which the world around us is shaped. The podcast unearths the fascinating stories behind everyday objects and spaces that we often overlook, such as the history of the fortune cookie or the design of the sound of the NBC chimes. This is a personal favourite of mine, so go ahead and give it a try.
Radiolab
Radiolab takes you on a journey of curiosity, exploring interesting questions and using investigative journalism to uncover answers. Each episode is a whirlwind of topics, ranging from science to legal history to personal stories from across the globe. The show’s innovative sound design blends information and music, creating a one-of-a-kind listening experience.
Invisibilia
Although now finished and no longer publishing new episodes, this podcast that explores our behaviour and thoughts which are often shaped by forces that we cannot see is worth checking out. Invisibilia, which translates to invisible things in Latin, combines science and storytelling to help us gain a new perspective on our own lives.
The Documentary Podcast
Listen to The Documentary Podcast
Get a glimpse into our world by discovering and experiencing unique stories from all over the globe. BBC’s original documentary storytelling is unparalleled, bringing the world to your ears through award-winning journalism that showcases unheard voices and amazing cultures. With captivating audio, you won’t be able to press pause.
In Our Time
In Our Time is a podcast from BBC Radio 4 that explores the history of ideas, covering topics ranging from science and philosophy to religion and culture. The show features Melvyn Bragg as the host, along with a panel of experts on the topic being discussed. With over 900 episodes to choose from, In Our Time offers a rich and diverse perspective on the ideas that have shaped our world.
Words & Numbers
Every Wednesday, Antony Davies Ph.D and James Harrigan Ph.D discuss the economic and political aspects of current events in the Words & Numbers podcast. From economics to political science, policy and current events, they delve into a range of topics that keep you informed and engaged.
Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford
Listen to Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford
While we use fairy tales to teach our children valuable lessons, Cautionary Tales are meant for adults – and they are based on true events. Tim Harford, who has worked with the Financial Times and BBC and authored “The Data Detective,” narrates stories of human errors, catastrophes, and fiascos that are both tragic and hilarious.
Radio Rental
Unearth true tales of horror, from eerie crimes to supernatural events, all set within the fictional backdrop of the ’80s-themed Radio Rental store. Managed by the quirky shopkeeper, Terry Carnation (portrayed by Rainn Wilson), this unique horror brand seamlessly merges fact with fiction, employing gripping documentary-style narratives complemented by a touch of humor.
Ones and Tooze
Adam Tooze is a history professor, a popular author, and a columnist for Foreign Policy Economics. He is known for his encyclopedic knowledge about everything from the COVID shutdown to climate change to pasta sauce. Tooze and FP deputy editor Cameron Abadi examine two data points each week that shed light on the world.
Underunderstood
As much as we rely on the internet for information, there are still some questions that can’t be easily answered through a quick Google search. But fear not, as the Underunderstood podcast is here to fill in those gaps. Every episode, the show dives into a question that the internet has left unanswered – whether it’s a neglected Wikipedia page, a forgotten thread on Reddit, or a tweet that has gone unnoticed.
The Prof G Podcast with Scott Galloway
Listen to The Prof G Podcast with Scott Galloway
Scott Galloway, who is a bestselling author, professor, and entrepreneur, offers a unique blend of business insight, analysis, and challenging life and career advice. Every Monday, his podcast Prof G Markets examines the latest happenings in the capital markets and provides financial literacy education to help you build economic security. On Wednesdays, Scott answers your questions about business, career, and life during Office Hours. And on Thursdays, he engages in a conversation with a top thinker in the innovation economy.
The New Bazaar
Long-form interviews with economists, policymakers, and other guests on The New Bazaar reveal how the economy has an impact on everything we do and value. The show explores how the economy is constantly changing our way of life and how our choices are reflected back into the economy.
Every Little Thing
Have you ever wondered why news anchors have a similar tone of voice? Is it true that wolves howl at the moon? How did Elvis impersonators become ubiquitous in Las Vegas wedding chapels? This podcast answers all manner of interesting and bizarre questions.
Throughline
Revisiting history helps us understand the present better. Each week, this podcast steps back in time to explore the stories and sounds that shaped our world. These are not just accounts but experiences that bring the past to life and help us connect with our roots.
You Are Not So Smart
Listen to You Are Not So Smart
As a show about psychology, You Are Not So Smart celebrates both science and self-delusion. Every episode exposes topics of reasoning, biases, judgments, and decision-making, sharing the knowledge we’ve acquired so far in these fields.
WSJ’s The Future of Everything
Listen to WSJ’s The Future of Everything
Have you ever wondered what the future will hold? The Future of Everything podcast provides a unique and diverse perspective on the emerging trends that are likely to shape our world. Each episode takes you on a thrilling journey of exploration with our expert team, uncovering scientific and technological advancements that are yet to come.
Citations Needed
Nima Shirazi and Adam Johnson host Citations Needed, a podcast that delves into the complex relationship between media, public relations, and power.
Part-Time Genius
Do you ever find yourself pondering about absurd questions? Questions like, can humans survive without sleep? How do rats keep outsmarting us? Or, where can you find the sunniest tax havens to stash your money? Join Will and Mango on their podcast as they explore such ridiculous topics and unravel some surprisingly smart insights along the way.
The Indicator from Planet Money
Listen to The Indicator from Planet Money
The Indicator, from the creators of Planet Money, is a show that deals with crucial concepts in a concise and easy-to-understand manner. This podcast offers a quick dose of insights into the economy, work, business, and other current affairs, helping you stay informed about the world around you.
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