Stephen Dubner
Mentioned in 19 analyzed podcast episodes across 3 shows
Host of Freakonomics Radio and co-author of the Freakonomics book series (including Freakonomics and SuperFreakonomics), which applies economic analysis to unexpected real-world topics. He conducts interviews with notable figures across various fields and is known for his work with long-time literary agent Suzanne Gluck, who helped secure his initial book deal following a New York Times profile.
Episode Appearances
Modern Wisdom · May 18, 2026
Birth Rate Debate: Why Is No One Having Kids? - #1099
“Demographer and researcher who has spent 10+ years studying reproductive dynamics and fertility decline”
Freakonomics Radio · May 15, 2026
675. Has the New York Times Become a Games Company?
“Podcast host conducting interviews and framing episode narrative around games and business”
Freakonomics Radio · May 8, 2026
674. How Does a Composer Feel After the World Premiere?
“Host of Freakonomics Radio; conducted interviews with Lang, Tarnopolski, and audience members about the premiere.”
Freakonomics Radio · May 6, 2026
Was Adam Smith Really a Right-Winger? (Update)
“Host conducting the investigation into Adam Smith's actual philosophy and modern interpretations”
Freakonomics Radio · May 1, 2026
673. What Is Money?
“Host conducting interview with David Lang about the Wealth of Nations composition”
Freakonomics Radio · Apr 24, 2026
672. What Makes Judy Faulkner Run?
“Host conducting interview with Judy Faulkner about Epic Systems and her leadership philosophy”
Freakonomics Radio · Apr 17, 2026
671. Why Has There Been So Little Progress on Alzheimer’s Disease?
“Host of Freakonomics Radio who conducted interviews and framed the investigation narrative”
Freakonomics Radio · Apr 8, 2026
Ten Myths About the U.S. Tax System (Update)
“Host conducting interview with Jessica Riedel about tax policy myths and federal fiscal policy”
Freakonomics Radio · Apr 3, 2026
669. Why Is 95 Percent of the World’s Bourbon Made in Kentucky?
“Hosted and narrated the episode, conducted interviews with bourbon industry experts”
Freakonomics Radio · Mar 27, 2026
668. Do Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny Have Blood on Their Hands?
“Host of Freakonomics Radio who conducted interviews and provided editorial framing for the episode”
Freakonomics Radio · Mar 6, 2026
666. This Is How Progress Happens
“Host of Freakonomics Radio conducting interview with Mokir from New York studio”
Freakonomics Radio · Mar 4, 2026
The Most Powerful People You’ve Never Heard Of (Update)
“Host of Freakonomics Radio; conducted interviews with Blas and Farchi about commodity trading industry and book.”
People I (Mostly) Admire · Feb 28, 2026
10. Suzanne Gluck: “I'm a Person Who Can Convince Other People to Do Things”
“Co-author of Freakonomics with Levitt; longtime client of Suzanne Gluck; wrote New York Times profile that led to book deal”
Freakonomics Radio · Feb 27, 2026
665. Werner Herzog Isn’t Afraid ...
“Host of Freakonomics Radio conducting the interview with Werner Herzog”
Freakonomics Radio · Feb 18, 2026
All You Need Is Nudge (Update)
“Host of Freakonomics Radio; interviewer conducting discussion with Richard Thaler about Nudge”
Freakonomics Radio · Feb 13, 2026
663. Is Weed a Performance-Enhancing Drug?
“Host of Freakonomics Radio conducting interviews and analysis throughout the episode”
People I (Mostly) Admire · Feb 7, 2026
6. Nathan Myhrvold: “I Am Interested in Lots of Things, and That's Actually a Bad Strategy”
“Co-author of SuperFreakonomics; Myhrvold publicly defended their climate chapter against environmental criticism”
Freakonomics Radio · Feb 6, 2026
662. If You’re Not Cheating, You’re Not Trying
“Host of Freakonomics Radio; conducted interviews for this episode on sports doping”
Freakonomics Radio · Feb 4, 2026
Why Don’t Running Backs Get Paid Anymore? (Update)
“Host of Freakonomics Radio; wrote book 'Confessions of a Hero Worshipper' about Franco Harris”