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NPR · Business

The Indicator from Planet Money

A bite-sized show about big ideas. From the people who make Planet Money , The Indicator helps you make sense of what's happening in today's economy. It's a quick hit of insight into money, work, and business. Monday through Friday, in 10 minutes or less. Sign up for our newsletter . Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org. You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including bonus episodes for Planet Money and sponsor-free listening for The Indicator.

Episodes

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Why the publishing industry is hot (and bothered) for romance

22 Oct 2024
9m
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In this podcast episode, we explore the exciting transformation of the romance novel genre, highlighting its significant growth driven by digital self-publishing and the emergence of "open elite networks." These networks connect and empower new writers through mentorship and collaboration. Featuring insights from indus...

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It's Love Week! How the TV holiday rom-com got so successful

21 Oct 2024
9m
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In this podcast episode, we journey into the charming realm of Hallmark Christmas movies, exploring how they've evolved from humble origins to a beloved holiday staple. We discuss the franchise's smart filmmaking strategies, including their use of modest budgets and the heartwarming stories that connect deeply with aud...

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Reversing shrinkflation (via potato chips) and other indicators

18 Oct 2024
9m
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In this podcast episode, we explore pressing socio-economic issues, starting with a warning from the SBA about dwindling disaster loan funds, highlighting the urgent need for Congressional action on disaster relief as natural disasters intensify. We also examine the contrasting predictions for Donald Trump's electoral ...

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Rebranding 'the world's most dangerous private army'

17 Oct 2024
9m
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In this podcast episode, the discussion centers on the Wagner Group's complex dynamics, highlighting its rise under Yevgeny Prigozhin, the internal rifts that contributed to its collapse, and the ongoing impact of its activities in Africa. McFate argues that Prigozhin's increasingly audacious tactics led to his downfal...

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Can the yield curve still predict recessions?

16 Oct 2024
9m
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In this podcast episode, the hosts take a fresh look at the yield curve, especially its recent inversion that typically signals an impending recession. Two years after this inversion, the economy remains surprisingly stable, which raises questions about the yield curve's predictive power. While experts acknowledge its ...

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Why are some nations richer?

15 Oct 2024
7m
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In this podcast episode, we delve into the complex ties between colonialism, institutional development, and economic growth. It reveals how varying settler mortality rates shaped the creation of either extractive or inclusive institutions in different regions. The discussion highlights that although colonialism inflict...

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The cost of living, lead pipe removal, and a more expensive Mega Millions

11 Oct 2024
8m
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In this podcast episode, we explore two important issues: the pressing necessity of replacing lead pipes in American homes due to a new EPA regulation, highlighting the serious health dangers of lead exposure, especially for children. We also discuss the recent increase in Mega Millions lottery ticket prices, which aim...

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The trouble with water discounts

10 Oct 2024
9m
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In this podcast episode, Manny Teodoro presents his innovative SNAP solution, which aims to address the water rate issue by linking low-income individuals with water bill discounts available through government programs. Although it showed promise in Jackson, Mississippi, the proposal faced major legal hurdles from the ...

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Half a billion people need reading glasses. Why can't they get them?

09 Oct 2024
9m
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This podcast episode explores the urgent global vision crisis and the innovative strategies developed by Restoring Vision, led by CEO Pailin Munis. It goes beyond just the lack of glasses and examines critical issues like market demand and awareness in low- and middle-income countries. By partnering locally and educati...

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The year the music festival died

08 Oct 2024
9m
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This podcast episode explores the challenges faced by the Desert Days music festival in California, focusing on rising operational costs and shifting consumer behaviors driven by inflation and generational changes. Experts like Will Page examine how music streaming has altered audience preferences, resulting in less in...

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Why the name Taft-Hartley got airplay during the dockworkers' brief strike

07 Oct 2024
9m
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In this podcast episode, the hosts explore the complex history and effects of the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947. They discuss its roots as a backlash to the Wagner Act and how labor strikes in crucial industries prompted significant changes in legislation. Economists Beth Akers and Betsy Stevenson examine the financial impa...

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Does unemployment whiplash mean recession?

04 Oct 2024
9m
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In this episode, the podcast explores the intricate nature of economic recessions, looking at their historical background and recovery trends. The experts discuss concepts like the "Psalm rule" and the surprisingly swift recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting how current economic signs may challenge conven...

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Champagne. Neapolitan pizza. Now döner kebabs?

03 Oct 2024
9m
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In this podcast episode, we explore the complex connections between legal protections for culinary arts and their effects on cultural heritage, particularly through geographical indications and traditional specialty guarantees. We delve into Turkey's proposal to designate doner kebabs as a traditional specialty and com...

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Are we about to lose TikTok? Like actually tho?

02 Oct 2024
9m
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This podcast episode explores the potential TikTok ban in the United States, highlighting the tangled web of national security, legal issues, and political factors involved. Featuring insights from NPR tech reporter Bobby Allen, the hosts discuss the bipartisan effort to restrict the app, driven by concerns over Chines...

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Is an American sovereign wealth fund such a bad idea?

01 Oct 2024
9m
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This podcast episode examines the intricate dynamics of sovereign wealth funds, highlighting their historical significance and the considerable challenges faced in establishing a US equivalent. With insights from experts like Tyler Cowen and James Brule, the discussion traverses the mechanics, viability, and political ...

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Mail bag! Grad jobs, simplified branding and central bank independence

30 Sep 2024
8m
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This podcast episode delves into the intricate balance between branding simplicity and consumer expectations, highlighting insights from behavioral scientist Nick Light on how minimalist branding can lead to consumer frustration when products fail to meet the promised ease. Additionally, the discussion shifts to econom...

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America's small GDP bump, China's big stimulus dispersal, and a Monkey King

27 Sep 2024
9m
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This podcast episode delves into China's unexpected economic measures, including a significant cash assistance program aimed at alleviating poverty amidst a period of economic slowdown, contrasting with typical strategies focused on infrastructure. The discussion further highlights the remarkable success of the video g...

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What does the next era of Social Security look like?

26 Sep 2024
9m
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This podcast episode delves into the impending "Peak 65" crisis, as America braces for an unprecedented wave of retirees starting in 2024, which poses significant challenges for Social Security on the brink of exhaustion. It unravels the history of aging in America, noting how Social Security has redefined old age and ...

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Are Pharmacy Benefit Managers driving up drug prices? (Update)

25 Sep 2024
9m
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This podcast episode investigates the intricate role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) as intermediaries in the pharmaceutical industry, weighing their potential benefits against the conflicts of interest they may create. Through a hypothetical case study of a fictional drug called "Lifelixir," the episode highlights...

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How to pass on a global media empire

24 Sep 2024
9m
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This podcast episode delves into the intricate and intense power struggles within the Murdoch family, charting the long-standing rivalry between Rupert Murdoch's sons, Lachlan and James, shaped by a web of familial loyalty, corporate ambitions, and political ideologies. While Lachlan's strategic alignment with his fath...

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