Freakonomics Radio

Author: Freakonomics Radio Stitcher

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. 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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677. Can Backgammon Save Us from Ourselves?
Episode 677
Friday, 12 June, 2026

It brings strangers together. It teaches probability, strategy, and emotional control. It has even helped N.F.L. teams win the Super Bowl. Stephen Dubner explores why this ancient game is having a renaissance. (Part two of a series, “We Are All Gamers Now.”) SOURCES: Remington Davenport, founder of NYC Backgammon Club. Frank Frigo, game strategy expert & two-time world backgammon champion. Masayuki "Mochy" Mochizuki, professional backgammon player. Marc Olsen, C.E.O. of Backgammon Galaxy. Robert Wachtel, author and professional backgammon player. RESOURCES: The Backgammon Chronicles: A Pro's Adventures on Tour Volume 1, by Robert Wachtel (2019). In the Game Until the End, by Robert Wachtel (1993) "Tric Trac, Clic Clac," (The New Yorker, 1930). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.