I’ve only recently discovered this, but it’s already one of my most favorite things on the phone: it’s the Freakonomics Radio podcast and it’s awesome.

The podcast is by the same group behind the Freakonomics book, and the show is in the same vein. It tries to answer questions like “Why do restaurants give free bread?” and “Are people who tithe to church happier?” with data, research, economic theory and guests who specialize in the subject.

The show is produced — it’s not a bunch of guys riffing off their thoughts — and it’s not only educational, it’s downright entertaining. I can’t recommend it enough.

I’ve tried podcasts before and never found them compelling enough to make part of my routine. Freakonomics is the first.

Instead of music, I’ve gotten into the habit of listening to Freakonomics Radio as I walk from point A to B. It’s also great for when you’re on the plane, stuck for hours, and too tired to watch a video or sick of listening to the same songs.

I’m even listening to it at night when I can’t sleep. I think too much sometimes, and TV tends to be too stimulating, so the podcast hits the right balance. It’s interesting enough to distract, but not so distracting that you can’t drift off.

I use an app called doubleTwist on Android to download the shows. It’s free but will play the occasional ad. If anyone has a better recommendation for a podcast app — it’s key that I can listen offline — then please share in the comments below.

Similarly, if you listen to any podcasts that have a similar style and quality as Freakonomics, I’d love to know that too.