Journalism wrapped in a game-show package. Host Stephen J. Dubner (of “Freakonomics Radio”) and a celebrity co-host invite guests on stage in front of a live audience to tell us something we don’t know. The co-hosts — a mix of leaders in science, academia, sports, media, and comedy — grill the guests, and by the end we’ve all gotten a bit smarter. Each episode has a new topic, a new co-host, and new guests. There’s also a real-time human fact-checker to keep everyone honest. Think of the most crackling dinner-party conversation you’ve ever heard. Produced in association with Stitcher.
83 Available Episodes (83 Total)Average duration: 00:48:05
Oct 17, 2018
New Episodes Coming Soon!
00:01:31
We are about to tape new episodes of Tell Me Something I Don’t Know. You’ll be able to hear them later this year in the Freakonomics Radio podcast feed. Details in this short announcement.
Nov 20, 2017
An Astronaut, a Catalan, and Two Linguists Walk Into a Bar…
00:54:03
Why New York has skinny skyscrapers, how to weaponize water, and what astronauts talk about in space. John McWhorter is co-host; Bari Weiss is live fact-checker.
An Astronaut, a Catalan, and Two Linguists Walk Into a Bar…
00:53:33
Why New York has skinny skyscrapers, how to weaponize water, and what astronauts talk about in space. John McWhorter is co-host; Bari Weiss is live fact-checker.
Nov 17, 2017
Extra 7: Corrosive Energy Drinks and Peruvian Cat Stew
00:48:44
In this special call-in episode: why some Peruvians eat cats; why operas need repetiteurs; and why we should get rid of prisons. Michael Smerconish (CNN) is co-host; AJ Jacobs (It’s All Relative) checks the facts.
Nov 13, 2017
Farming Without Sun or Soil and Eating Manna From Heaven
00:39:33
This week, we work on our survival skills: in the desert, on the tundra, and growing food in abandoned warehouses. Actress Sas Goldberg is co-host; A.J. Jacobs (author of It’s All Relative) is live fact-checker.
Farming Without Sun or Soil and Eating Manna From Heaven
00:39:02
This week, we work on our survival skills: in the desert, on the tundra, and growing food in abandoned warehouses. Actress Sas Goldberg is co-host; A.J. Jacobs (author of It’s All Relative) is live fact-checker.
Nov 06, 2017
Mind Games
00:48:17
How to make people like you, why you should lick rocks, and what an awkward person is really thinking. Angela Duckworth (Grit author) is co-host; Mike Maughan (Qualtrics) is live fact-checker.
How to make people like you, why you should lick rocks, and what an awkward person is really thinking. Angela Duckworth (Grit author) is co-host; Mike Maughan (Qualtrics) is live fact-checker.
Oct 30, 2017
Jon Batiste, Gail Simmons, and Strange Smells
00:56:31
Things we learn this week: dogs aren't so great at sniffing, men aren't so lazy, and New York doesn't smell so bad (anymore). Gail Simmons (Top Chef) is co-host; Jon Batiste plays his melodica for us; the live fact-checker is Mike Maughan.
Things we learn this week: dogs aren't so great at sniffing, men aren't so lazy, and New York doesn't smell so bad (anymore). Gail Simmons (Top Chef) is co-host; Jon Batiste plays his melodica for us; the live fact-checker is Mike Maughan.
Oct 17 | 00:01:31
New Episodes Coming Soon!
Nov 20 | 00:54:03
An Astronaut, a Catalan, and Two Linguists Walk Into a Bar…
Nov 18 | 00:53:33
An Astronaut, a Catalan, and Two Linguists Walk Into a Bar…
Nov 17 | 00:48:44
Extra 7: Corrosive Energy Drinks and Peruvian Cat Stew
Nov 13 | 00:39:33
Farming Without Sun or Soil and Eating Manna From Heaven
Nov 11 | 00:39:02
Farming Without Sun or Soil and Eating Manna From Heaven
Nov 06 | 00:48:17
Mind Games
Nov 04 | 00:47:46
Mind Games
Oct 30 | 00:56:31
Jon Batiste, Gail Simmons, and Strange Smells
Oct 28 | 00:56:00
Jon Batiste, Gail Simmons, and Strange Smells
This podcast could use a review!
This podcast could use a review! Have anything to say about it? Share your thoughts using the button below.