Podcasts · Business
The Economics of Everyday Things
167 episodes · 6 with AI analysis
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.
AI Intelligence · across all analyzed episodes
People · top 20
Companies · top 20
Freakonomics Radio Network×2Apple MusicBright Nights Lighting CompanyCignaHBOAce HardwareSpotifyAesthetic LegalCapital RecordsUniversity of PennsylvaniaApple TV PlusDoordashLittle Brownie BakersKeeblerSan Francisco ChronicleUniversity of MarylandReach MusicAmerican Dental AssociationSafewayGirl Scouts of the United States of America
Topics · top 10
Dental Insurance Structure and LimitationsMedical Loss Ratio Requirements in InsuranceHistory of Dentistry ProfessionalizationInsurance Network Fee SchedulesDental Practice Ownership ModelsCatastrophic Dental Coverage GapsIn-House Dental Membership PlansMedicare Exclusion of Dental BenefitsAmerican Dental Association LobbyingEmployer-Sponsored Dental Plans
Analyzed Episodes
Apr 30, 2026
35. Dental Insurance
Dental Insurance Structure and LimitationsMedical Loss Ratio Requirements in InsuranceHistory of Dentistry Professionalization
View AnalysisApr 23, 2026
33. Sex Scenes
Intimacy coordinator role and responsibilitiesUnion actor contracts and nudity ridersSex scene choreography and technical production
View AnalysisDec 22, 2025
119. Christmas Lights
Seasonal business economics and profitability modelsLED vs. incandescent lighting technology and energy efficiencyPricing strategies (per-foot vs. per-string estimation methods)
View AnalysisDec 29, 2025
120. An update on the show
Podcast production and sustainabilityCreator economy and audience engagementNewsletter-based audience building
View AnalysisJan 5, 2026
2. Girl Scout Cookies
Girl Scout Cookie Sales EconomicsYouth Sales Training and EntrepreneurshipSeasonal Business Models
View AnalysisJan 8, 2026
3. My Sharona
Music royalty structures and payment mechanismsSongwriting vs. recording ownership economicsRecord label advance recoupment models
View Analysis