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.

  • 12 minutes 10 seconds
    14. “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 seconds
    13. 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 seconds
    12. 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 seconds
    11. 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 seconds
    10. 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
  • 15 minutes 50 seconds
    9. Bowling Alleys

    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.


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    29 January 2026, 1:00 am
  • 13 minutes 2 seconds
    8. Delaware License Plates

    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.


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    26 January 2026, 1:00 am
  • 12 minutes 4 seconds
    7. Animal Urine

    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.


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    22 January 2026, 1:00 am
  • 17 minutes 57 seconds
    6. T. rex Skeletons

    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.


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    19 January 2026, 1:00 am
  • 14 minutes 16 seconds
    5. Sports Mascots

    We’re not sure what that creature cavorting on the sidelines is — but it doesn’t come cheap. Zachary Crockett gets the ballpark figures on everyone’s favorite ballpark figures. This episode was originally published on June 11th, 2023.


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    15 January 2026, 1:00 am
  • 11 minutes 34 seconds
    4. Used Hotel Soaps

    Hotel guests adore those cute little soaps, but is it just a one-night stand? Zachary Crockett discovers what happens when we love ’em and leave ’em. This episode was originally published on February 12th, 2023.


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    12 January 2026, 1:00 am
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