The Economics of Everyday Things

By: Freakonomics Network & Zachary Crockett
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  • Summary

  • 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.
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Economics
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Episodes
  • 89. Locksmiths

    89. Locksmiths
    Apr 21 2025

    The ability to get into any home, car, or safe can be lucrative — but fixing locks is a tough business. Zachary Crockett gets the key information.

    • SOURCES:
      • Wayne Winton, owner of Tri-County Locksmith Service.
      • Philip Mortillaro Sr., co-owner of Greenwich Locksmiths.
      • Philip Mortillaro Jr., co-owner of Greenwich Locksmiths.

    • RESOURCES:
      • "Tools of the Trade," by Tim O'Leary (Locksmith Ledger International, 2022).
      • "KeyMe Plans To Use New $35 Million Funding Round To Build 10,000+ Retail Locations," by Marley Coyne (Forbes, 2020).
      • Tri-County Locksmith Service.
      • Greenwich Locksmiths.

    • EXTRAS:
      • LockPickingLawyer Youtube Channel.
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    19 mins
  • 88. Fortune Cookies

    88. Fortune Cookies
    Apr 14 2025

    Those tiny treats that predict your future may come free at the end of a Chinese meal, but they’re big business (and not Chinese). Zachary Crockett will go on a long journey.

    • SOURCES:
      • Jennifer 8. Lee, documentarian and author of The Fortune Cookie Chronicles.
      • Norman Wong, C.E.O. of Wonton Food.

    • RESOURCES:
      • "Canadian Influencer’s Amazement at Absence of Fortune Cookies in China Restaurants Triggers Amusing Online Discussion About Origins of Snack," by Yating Yang (South China Morning Post, 2024).
      • "Fortune Cookies: They’re Japan’s Best-Kept Secret!" by Thalia Harris (Sakuraco, 2023).
      • "What I Learned Eating at 8,000 Chinese Restaurants," by Zhaoyin Feng (BBC News, 2021).
      • The Fortune Cookie Chronicles, by Jennifer 8. Lee (2008).
      • "Lottery Winners Find Good Fortune in Cookies," (NBC News, 2005).

    • EXTRAS:
      • "Girl Scout Cookies," by The Economics of Everyday Things (2023).
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    20 mins
  • 87. Ski Areas

    87. Ski Areas
    Apr 7 2025

    When you hit the slopes, you might not be thinking about water rights, controlled avalanches, and liability insurance — but someone has to. Zachary Crockett shreds the pow.

    • SOURCES:
      • Andrew Gast, general manager of Mt. Ashland Ski Area.
      • Rob Goodell, chief operating officer at Loveland Ski Area.

    • RESOURCES:
      • "State of the U.S. Ski Industry" (National Ski Areas Association, 2024).
      • "U.S. Ski Resorts in Operation During 2023/24 Season" (National Ski Areas Association, 2024).
      • "Snowmaking 101" (Snow State).
      • Loveland Ski Area.
      • Mt. Ashland Ski Area.

    • EXTRAS:
      • "What it Takes to Run a Nonprofit Ski Hill," by Lily Ritter (Ski, 2020).
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    20 mins

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