Behavioral economists say “regret lotteries” are powerful motivational tools. When Philadelphia tried one in 2021, the results were disappointing. Bapu looks at how incentives can backfire — and what we can learn from failures.

55. This Vaccine Lottery Seemed Like a Great Idea. Why Didn’t it Work?

Each week, physician, economist, and author of "Random Acts of Medicine" Dr. Bapu Jena will dig into a fascinating study at the intersection of economics and healthcare. He takes on questions like: Why do kids with summer birthdays get the flu more often? Can surviving a hurricane help you live longer? What do heart surgery and grocery-store pricing have in common?

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Science

In the newest show from the Freakonomics Radio Network, host Zachary Crockett explores the hidden side of the things around us. This week: One creature’s trash is another’s cash.  (Or, how one man found profit in pee.)

The Economics of Everyday Things: Animal Urine

A sneak peek at Bapu's new book, "Random Acts of Medicine," available now from Doubleday, and an announcement about the show.

Tom Brady, A.D.H.D., and a Really Bad Headache (Bonus)

Couples get divorced for all kinds of reasons. Is having kids one of them? Bapu talks about research that investigates what happens to parents who unexpectedly have twins. Plus, an announcement about the future of the show.

78. Do Kids Cause Divorce?

Doctors and nurses get most of the attention — but a new study suggests we can improve health care by raising wages for a group of workers who are often overlooked.

77. They Make Minimum Wage. They Could Save Your Life.

In hospitals, a softer pillow or a nicer room might be more than just amenities — they could improve outcomes for patients.

55. This Vaccine Lottery Seemed Like a Great Idea. Why Didn’t it Work?

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