He turned a small Hollywood talent agency into a massive sports-and-entertainment empire. In a freewheeling conversation, he explains how he did it and why it nearly killed him.
Sure, markets work well in general. But for some transactions — like school admissions and organ transplants — money alone can't solve the problem. That's when you need a market-design wizard like Al Roth. Plus: We hear from a listener who, inspired by this episode, made a remarkable decision.
Museums are purging their collections of looted treasures. Can they also get something in return? And what does it mean to be a museum in the 21st century? (Part 3 of "Stealing Art Is Easy. Giving It Back Is Hard.")
The world's great museums are full of art and artifacts that were plundered during an era when plunder was the norm. Now there's a push to return these works to their rightful owners. Sounds simple, right? It's not. (Part 2 of "Stealing Art Is Easy. Giving It Back Is Hard.")
How did a freshly looted Egyptian antiquity end up in the Metropolitan Museum of Art? Why did it take Kim Kardashian to crack the case? And how much of what you see in any museum is stolen? (Part 1 of "Stealing Art Is Easy. Giving It Back Is Hard.")
Why Your Projects Are Always Late — and What to Do About It (Ep. 323 Replay)
Whether it's a giant infrastructure plan or a humble kitchen renovation, it'll inevitably take way too long and cost way too much. That's because you suffer from "the planning fallacy." (You also have an "optimism bias" and a bad case of overconfidence.) But don't worry: we've got the solution.
Why Your Projects Are Always Late — and What to Do About It (Ep. 323 Replay)
Every language has its taboo words (which many people use all the time). But the list of forbidden words is always changing — and those changes tell us some surprising things about ourselves. Note: The swear words in this episode have been bleeped out. To hear a version of this episode without the bleeps, go to freakonomics.com.
539. Why Does One Tiny State Set the Rules for Everyone?
Delaware is beloved by corporations, bankruptcy lawyers, tax avoiders, and money launderers. Critics say the Delaware "franchise" is undemocratic and corrupt. Insiders say it's wildly efficient. We say: they're both right.
539. Why Does One Tiny State Set the Rules for Everyone?
538. A Radically Simple Way to Boost a Neighborhood
Many companies say they want to create more opportunities for Black Americans. One company is doing something concrete about it. We visit the South Side of Chicago to see how it's working out.
538. A Radically Simple Way to Boost a Neighborhood
How to Hate Taxes a Little Bit Less (Ep. 400 Replay)
Every year, Americans short the I.R.S. nearly half a trillion dollars. Most ideas to increase compliance are more stick than carrot — scary letters, audits, and penalties. But what if we gave taxpayers a chance to allocate how their money is spent, or even bribed them with a thank-you gift?
How to Hate Taxes a Little Bit Less (Ep. 400 Replay)
