Freakonomics co-author Stephen J. Dubner uncovers the hidden side of everything. Why is it safer to fly in an airplane than drive a car? How do we decide whom to marry? Why is the media so full of bad news? Also: things you never knew you wanted to know about wolves, bananas, pollution, search engines, and the quirks of human behavior. Join the Freakonomics Radio Plus membership program for weekly member-only episodes of Freakonomics Radio. You’ll also get every show in our network without ads. To sign up, visit our show page on Apple Podcasts or go to freakonomics.com/plus.
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How the San Francisco 49ers Stopped Being Losers (Update)
They’re heading to the Super Bowl for the second time in five years. But back in 2018, they were coming off a long losing streak — and that’s the year we sat down with 49ers players, coaches, and executives to hear their turnaround plans. It’s probably time to consider the turnaround a success.
- SOURCES:
- Jimmy Garoppolo, quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders; former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.
- Al Guido, president of the San Francisco 49ers.
- Kyle Juszczyk, fullback for the San Francisco 49ers.
- Bob Lange, senior vice president of communications for the Philadelphia Eagles; former vice-president of communications for the San Francisco 49ers.
- John Lynch, general manager of the San Francisco 49ers.
- Paraag Marathe, president of 49ers Enterprises and executive vice-president of football operations for the San Francisco 49ers.
- Victor Matheson, economist at College of the Holy Cross.
- Kyle Shanahan, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.
- Malcolm Smith, former linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers.
- Joe Staley, former offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers.
- Solomon Thomas, defensive tackle for the New York Jets; former defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers.
- Jed York, C.E.O. of the San Francisco 49ers.
- RESOURCES:
- "49ers Overreactions: Have Shanahan, Lynch Built Team That Can Last?" by Matt Maiocco (NBC Sports, 2023).
- “Jimmy Garoppolo Leads a 49ers Resurgence,” Victor Mather, The New York Times (December 29, 2017).
- “Why American Sports Are Organized As Cartels,” Tim Worstall, Forbes (January 14, 2013).
- NFL History - Super Bowl Winners (ESPN).
- EXTRAS:
- "When Is a Superstar Just Another Employee?" by Freakonomics Radio (2023).
- "How Does Playing Football Affect Your Health?" by Freakonomics, M.D. (2023).
- "Why Does the Most Monotonous Job in the World Pay $1 Million?" by Freakonomics Radio (2022).
- "The Hidden Side of Sports," series by Freakonomics Radio (2018-2019).
- "An Egghead’s Guide to the Super Bowl," by Freakonomics Radio (2017).