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NPR · Business

Planet Money

Wanna see a trick? Give us any topic and we can tie it back to the economy. At Planet Money , we explore the forces that shape our lives and bring you along for the ride. Don't just understand the economy – understand the world. Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org . You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening for Planet Money.

Episodes

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The U.S. economy's biggest superpower, explained

11 Dec 2023
13m
AI processed

This podcast episode explores the fragility and significance of treasuries in the financial system. Treasuries are considered the deepest and most liquid market in the world, providing stability to financial markets. They are used as collateral in various financial transactions, including the repo market. However, the ...

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Why do doctors still use pagers?

08 Dec 2023
26m
AI processed

This podcast episode explores the continued use of pagers in the healthcare industry, focusing on the challenges faced by doctors and the need for improved communication tools. It discusses the limitations of pagers, such as their one-way communication and lack of detailed information, and highlights the frustrations t...

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Two food and drink indicators

06 Dec 2023
19m
AI processed

This podcast episode discusses the challenges faced by fish and chip shops in the UK, including the rising cost of ingredients and economic factors such as the war in Ukraine and UK government policies. The chapter also explores the historical significance of fish and chips in British culture and how it has transitione...

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Why are we so bummed about the economy?

01 Dec 2023
23m
AI processed

This podcast episode explores the role of consumer sentiment in understanding economic realities, focusing on the Michigan survey as a significant measure of consumer sentiment. It discusses the challenges of bridging the gap between positive economic indicators and people's subjective experiences, examines the impact ...

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So you want to sell marijuana across state lines

29 Nov 2023
23m
AI processed

This podcast episode discusses the complex legal challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the marijuana industry. It explores the contradictions between state and federal laws regarding the legality of marijuana and the impact on businesses like Matt Ochoa's in Oregon. While marijuana is legal in many states, it remains il...

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A very Planet Money Thanksgiving

22 Nov 2023
26m
AI processed

This podcast episode delves into the economic puzzle of why the price of turkeys decreases during the high-demand holiday season. The hosts discuss two theories: supermarkets using turkeys as loss leaders and customers being more price-sensitive during this time. An interview with a food economist reveals that both exp...

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Economic fact in literary fiction

18 Nov 2023
26m
AI processed

This podcast episode explores the incorporation of financial and economic themes in novels and how they provide insights into human desires and relationships. The discussion emphasizes the significance of conducting research to create realistic narratives, highlighting the works of authors Min Jin Lee and Emily St. Joh...

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China's real estate crisis, explained

15 Nov 2023
20m
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This podcast episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the current real estate crisis in China and its global economic implications. It examines the historical context and economic reforms that led to the growth of the property market, with a particular emphasis on the role of tax reform in triggering the crisis. Th...

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The alleged theft at the heart of ChatGPT

10 Nov 2023
23m
AI processed

This podcast episode delves into the ongoing lawsuit that professional fiction writers have filed against OpenAI, accusing the company of copyright infringement. The writers joined forces with the Authors Guild to gather solid evidence supporting their claims. While OpenAI maintains secrecy regarding its training data,...

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Never have I ever

08 Nov 2023
28m
AI processed

This podcast episode discusses the impact of technological advancements on the labor market and professions. It explores the motivations and emotions behind the actions of the Luddites, who smashed machines in protest. The episode also considers the potential obsolescence of certain professions, including long-distance...

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FTC Chair Lina Khan on Antitrust in the age of Amazon

03 Nov 2023
30m
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This podcast episode highlights Lena Khan's journey as the chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and her efforts to enact antitrust reform. Khan challenges the existing consumer welfare model and advocates for a proactive approach to address antitrust issues in the digital market. She aims to prevent the concentr...

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Antitrust in America (classic)

01 Nov 2023
40m
AI processed

This podcast episode delves into the recent lawsuit by the Federal Trade Commission against Amazon, accusing the company of engaging in monopolistic practices and anti-competitive behavior. It traces the history of monopolies in the United States, starting with John D. Rockefeller in the oil industry during the 1860s. ...

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All you can eat economics

27 Oct 2023
25m
AI processed

This podcast episode delves into the economics and appeal of all-you-can-eat buffets in Las Vegas, with a focus on a renowned buffet at Caesar's Palace. The hosts engage in conversations with buffet insiders and economists to unravel the transformation of buffets from basic amenities to extravagant dining experiences. ...

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Cutting school... by 20%

26 Oct 2023
23m
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This podcast episode explores the effects of the four-day school week on parents and their finances. It discusses the financial burden on parents due to the additional cost of Friday childcare. The episode also highlights the potential benefits of tax hikes and the broader community impact of the four-day school week. ...

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How unions are stopped before they start

20 Oct 2023
27m
AI processed

This podcast episode delves into the ten-year-long journey of unionization attempts at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It explores the obstacles faced by the unionization campaign, such as political pressure, opposition from influential figures, and the effect of right-to-work laws. The episode highligh...

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Indicator exploder: jobs and inflation

18 Oct 2023
18m
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This podcast episode delves into the processes of calculating inflation and jobs numbers and emphasizes the importance of reliable economic data. It discusses the use of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for measuring inflation and stresses the need for accurate reporting. The podcast also highlights the collection and re...

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Maria Bamford gets personal (about) finance

13 Oct 2023
27m
AI processed

This podcast episode features comedian Maria Bamford discussing her approach to financial transparency and sharing her hard-earned financial lessons. Maria shares her experience negotiating payments and shares insights from her involvement in support groups and programs for debt recovery. She emphasizes the importance ...

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Why the price of Coke didn't change for 70 years (classic)

11 Oct 2023
19m
AI processed

This podcast episode explores the history of Coca Cola's pricing strategy, specifically focusing on the period when the price remained at a nickel for 70 years. Despite economic changes, including the Great Depression and wars, Coca Cola managed to keep its price consistent. The episode reveals that the price consisten...

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A man, a plan, wind power, Uruguay

06 Oct 2023
23m
AI processed

This podcast episode tells the story of how Uruguay underwent an environmental revolution and successfully transitioned to renewable energy. Ramon Mendes Gallain, a particle physicist and the national director of energy in Uruguay, played a pivotal role in this transformation. Facing an energy crisis, Uruguay explored ...

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The flight attendants of CHAOS

04 Oct 2023
28m
Page 16

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