The Economics of Everyday Things
Freakonomics Network & Zachary Crockett
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.
- 16 minutes 18 seconds20. Tattoo Parlors
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.
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9 March 2026, 1:00 am - 14 minutes 20 seconds19. Pizza Boxes
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.
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5 March 2026, 1:00 am - 19 minutes 9 seconds18. Mobile Home Parks
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.
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2 March 2026, 1:00 am - 17 minutes 51 seconds17. Truffles
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.
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26 February 2026, 1:00 am - 18 minutes 55 seconds16. Prop Money
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.
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23 February 2026, 1:00 am - 19 minutes 55 seconds15. Home Staging
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.
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19 February 2026, 1:00 am - 12 minutes 10 seconds14. “Happy Birthday to You”
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.
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16 February 2026, 1:00 am - 16 minutes 44 seconds13. Carnival Games
Does anyone ever win the giant teddy bear? Zachary Crockett steps right up. This episode was originally published on August 6th, 2023.
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12 February 2026, 1:00 am - 16 minutes 9 seconds12. Women’s Sports Bars
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.
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9 February 2026, 1:00 am - 15 minutes 10 seconds11. Cashmere
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.
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5 February 2026, 1:00 am - 16 minutes 58 seconds10. Michelin Stars
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.
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2 February 2026, 1:00 am - More Episodes? Get the App