Stephen J. Dubner
Stephen J. Dubner is an American journalist, author, and radio and podcast host. He was born on August 26, 1963, in Duanesburg, New York. Graduated from Appalachian State University in 1984 with a degree in journalism.
Dubner began his career as a journalist, working at The New York Times and New York magazine. He is best known for co-authoring the popular book Freakonomics with economist Steven Levitt, which was published in 2005. The book examines economics through a non-traditional lens.It explores topics such as:
- cheating in sumo wrestling,
- the impact of abortion on crime rates,
- the effects of parenting on a child’s success.
Dubner and Levitt went on to write several follow-up books together, including SuperFreakonomics and Think Like a Freak. In addition to his writing, Dubner hosts the Freakonomics Radio podcast. It explores a wide range of topics, from economics to psychology to politics.
Dubner has won numerous awards for his work, including the inaugural National Magazine Award for online journalism, a Webby Award for Best Podcast, and the Storytelling Award from the Center for Fiction. He currently lives in New York with his family.
Steven Levitt
Steven Levitt is an American economist who was born on May 29, 1967. He is best known as the co-author of the best-selling book “Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything,” which he wrote with journalist Stephen J. Dubner. Levitt received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard University and his PhD in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
He is currently the William B. Ogden Distinguished Service Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago, where he has been a faculty member since 1997. He is also a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research and the co-editor of the Journal of Political Economy. Levitt’s research focuses on a wide range of topics, including crime, corruption, and discrimination, and he is known for his innovative approach to data analysis and his ability to apply economic principles to a variety of real-world problems.
Why Stephen J. Dubner decided to start Freakonomics podcast?
Stephen J. Dubner, along with economist Steven Levitt, decided to start the Freakonomics podcast as an extension of their book “Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything.” The book, which was released in 2005, explored various topics such as incentives, cheating, and the economics of parenting in a way that challenged conventional wisdom.
The book was a huge success and became a best-seller, which prompted Dubner and Levitt to continue exploring unconventional and thought-provoking topics through their podcast. The Freakonomics podcast, which debuted in 2010, aims to continue the book’s mission of revealing the hidden side of everything and to make economics more accessible and engaging to the general public.
Listen Freakonomics Radio Podcast Online
Why Freakonomics Radio podcast is so popular?
Freakonomics Radio is popular for several reasons.
- Firstly, it has a unique and engaging format that combines economics with storytelling, which makes complex topics more accessible and interesting to a broader audience.
- Secondly, the podcast covers a wide range of topics that are relevant and interesting to people’s everyday lives, such as health, education, and technology.
- Thirdly, the podcast features high-profile guests, including renowned economists, business leaders, and policymakers, who provide insights and perspectives on various issues.
- Finally, the podcast is hosted by Stephen J. Dubner, a well-known and respected journalist and author, who brings a fresh and thought-provoking approach to the world of economics.
The criticism
Criticisms of Freakonomics Radio particularly regarding the way some episodes present data or research. Some have accused the podcast of cherry-picking statistics or not giving a complete picture of certain issues. Additionally, there have been criticisms that the podcast is too focused on promoting the Freakonomics brand. It not always providing impartial analysis. However, the podcast has also been praised for its engaging storytelling and use of humor to explain complex economic concepts. Overall, while there have been some controversies, Freakonomics Radio remains a popular and influential podcast in the economics and social sciences genre.
Comments