The Economics of Everyday Things Creators & Guests

Zachary Crockett is a journalist. Currently, he is a Principle Reporter and the Sunday Editor at The Hustle. He also hosts and co-produces the podcast "The Economics of Everyday Things."Previously, Crockett has been a writer for Vox, a contributor to American Public Media's "Marketplace," and an editor at Priceonomics.Crockett received his B.A. in English and History from the University of California Davis.

Sarah Lilley is an independent audio producer. Currently, she is producing for Freakonomics and Pushkin.Lilley has produced for Slate, WNYC, StoryCorps, National Public Media, and Panoply. She began her career producing for WFUV in New York.Lilley received her B.A. in Music from the University of California Berkeley and her M.A. in Science Journalism from Columbia University.

Dave Raymond is a sports mascot developer and marketer. He is best known for his pioneering role as the Phillie Phanatic, which he performed for 16 years. He also founded the Mascot Hall of Fame.After leaving his role as the Phanatic, Raymond began his own business in character branding and mascot development, Raymond Entertainment Group.Raymond's autobiography, "The Power of Fun," was published in 2019.

Berton Averre is a guitarist best known for having been the lead guitarist and a founder of the band The Knack.After leaving The Knack, Averre became a screenwriter, musical comedy writer, and of musical arranger.

Bonnie Erickson is a designer of puppets, costumes, toys, and graphics. She is best known for her work with Jim Henson and The Muppets, where her most notable creations include Miss Piggy and Statler and Waldorf. She also designed the Major League Baseball mascot the Phillie Phanatic.Erickson began her career as a costume designer and special costume effects creator for theatre. She first worked with Jim Henson on his television special "The Frog Prince," after which she joined and ran the Muppet shop.