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A little show about big ideas. From the people who make Planet Money, The Indicator helps you make sense of what's happening today. It's a quick hit of insight into work, business, the economy, and everything else. Listen weekday afternoons.

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    • Jul 17, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 9m AVG DURATION
    • 1,583 EPISODES

    4.7 from 8,794 ratings Listeners of The Indicator from Planet Money that love the show mention: love planet money, vanek, thanks planet money, love stacey, cardiff, like planet money, indicators, interesting economic, inverted, thank you stacey, thanks stacey, love stacy, it's not easy, 10 minute podcast, tariffs, economics interesting, best 10 minutes, economic stories, current economic, economics fun.


    Ivy Insights

    The Indicator from Planet Money podcast is a fantastic show that provides insightful and accessible economic analysis in a short and digestible format. As a millennial who has experienced the economic ups and downs of recent years, I appreciate the transparency and reporting about my lived economic experience.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to break down complex financial concepts and make them easy to understand. The hosts, Wailin and Patty, do an excellent job of presenting information in a clear and concise manner, making it accessible to listeners of all backgrounds. The show consistently delivers interesting and informative episodes that provide valuable insights into various economic topics.

    Another great aspect of the podcast is its ability to cover a wide range of economic issues in just ten minutes or less. Whether it's discussing the latest trends in the job market or exploring the impact of policy decisions on the economy, the show manages to provide comprehensive analysis that leaves listeners feeling informed and engaged.

    However, one downside of the podcast is that sometimes it focuses too much on big troublesome economics instead of incorporating lighter, more fun stories. While I appreciate their coverage of important economic events, it would be nice to see more episodes dedicated to goofy economic stories that can provide a lighthearted break from heavier topics.

    In conclusion, The Indicator from Planet Money is an exceptional podcast that offers valuable insights into the world of economics. Its short length, breezy tone, and informative content make it an enjoyable listen for anyone interested in staying up to date on economic news and trends. Despite occasional missed opportunities for lighter content, this podcast remains highly recommended due to its ability to make economics accessible and engaging for listeners.



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    Latest episodes from The Indicator from Planet Money

    When is cosplay a crime?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 9:29


    Cosplay—or dressing up as your favorite character from pop culture—is fun! But it can fall into a legal gray area when it comes to companies' intellectual property. Today on the show: a group of cosplayers, Lucasfilm(!), a lawyer, and finding economic symbiosis in order to express yourself. Related episodes:Before La La Land there was Fort Lee, New Jersey (Apple / Spotify)Why aren't filmmakers shooting in LA? (Apple / Spotify)For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The story of China and Hollywood's big-screen romance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 9:30


    No country can come close to the amount of money Americans spend at the box office each year ... that is, until China came along. The US and Chinese film industries have a long intertwined history, with shifting power dynamics. Today on the show, we continue our week-long look at the movie business as we explore the on-and-off romance between Hollywood and China's film industries. Related episodes:Why aren't filmmakers shooting in LA? (Apple / Spotify)Before La La Land there was Fort Lee, New Jersey (Apple / Spotify)For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Why aren't filmmakers shooting in LA?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 9:17


    Despite being, ya know, Hollywood, more and more movies and TV shows are shooting outside of Tinseltown. Dozens of U.S. states and many countries offer subsidies for film production. This has drawn filmmakers away from L.A. and led to historically low levels of shooting activity in recent years in the city.After the COVID shutdowns, labor strikes, and January's devastating wildfires ... what can bring back LA's film industry?Related episodes:Before La La Land there was Fort Lee, New Jersey (Apple / Spotify)Why residuals are taking center stage in actors' strike (Apple / Spotify) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Before La La Land, there was Fort Lee, New Jersey

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 9:29


    Hollywood, baby! The glitz! The glamour! The ever-changing business models! This week, The Indicator is going to the movies. Starting today with the history of Hollywood and where it began.... New Jersey!Related episode: The Origin Of The OscarsFor sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Red tape indicators: sports betting, R&D and click-to-cancel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 9:28


    We are back with Indicators of the Week! Today, we'll be digging into why U.S. professional gamblers are worried about their future, why businesses might start investing more in research and development, and why cancelling your subscriptions is going to remain difficult.Related episodes:How sports gambling blew up (Apple / Spotify)The cautionary tale of a recovering day trading addict (Apple / Spotify)The 'Planet Money' team examines the subscription trapFor sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Could Meta do more to protect us from cyber scams?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 9:29


    Many small businesses are online now, but so are cyber criminals trying to take advantage. On today's show, how one bar owner fell victim to a Facebook scam and if big tech could do more to protect small business owners from increasing cyber attacks. Read Stephan's original piece. Related: The secret world of those scammy text messages After being scammed, one woman tries to get her money back For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Can you afford to evacuate ahead of a disaster?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 9:00


    We are just at the start of hurricane season, and we're already seeing the danger and tragedy brought on by storms. There's another cost that gets much less attention, but it's a gamble everyone in the path of a storm has to make.Today on the show, we examine the decision on whether or not to evacuate from an oncoming disaster. Based on the digital story: 1 reason people don't evacuate for hurricanes? Rising costs, and they're getting pricierRelated episodes:Hazard maps: The curse of knowledgeUnintended Consequences, Hidden DeathsThe brewing recovery in Western North CarolinaFor sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Will the tax cuts pay for themselves?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 8:14


    The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is now law. It's expected to cost the government a pretty penny. The Congressional Budget Office predicts a $3.4 trillion increase in the deficit over ten years. This is driven by significant tax cuts, including extensions of those made in 2017. Trump's advisors argue the tax cuts will pay for themselves. Today on the show, we speak with the guru on that school of thought, Arthur Laffer, and dig into some of those claims with a tax economist. Related episodes: The simple math of the big bill (Apple / Spotify) What's going to happen to the Trump tax cuts? (Apple / Spotify) So, how's this No Tax On Tips thing gonna go? (Apple / Spotify) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Corey Bridges. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Why can't we insure trees?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 9:04


    In the U.S., we insure most everything we sell. So why not trees? Today on the show why trees aren't insured like other crops, and what it would take to get that insurance with extreme weather events on the rise. Related episodes: When insurers can't get insurance (Apple / Spotify) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Tyler Jones. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    One of the cheapest ways to save a life is going away (EXTENDED VERSION)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 20:50


    This episode was first published as a bonus episode for our Planet Money+ listeners. Today, we're making it available for everyone! U.S. aid helped Eswatini and Lesotho, two small countries in southern Africa, in their efforts to treat and curb the spread of HIV. Will President Trump's "America First" foreign policy threaten years of progress there against the virus? In this bonus episode, we're featuring an extended conversation between Darian Woods and Jon Cohen, senior correspondent with Science magazine. They talk about Jon's reporting trip to Eswatini and Lesotho in May and the early impacts he saw of the Trump administration's foreign aid cuts. We also hear about the critical role of PEPFAR (the U.S. President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief) in the global response to HIV/AIDS and some other things we couldn't fit into the original episode.You can read Jon's recent article in Science magazine here.To hear more bonus episodes like this, and get Planet Money and The Indicator without sponsor messages, support the show by signing up for Planet Money+. This summer, we're also giving Planet Money+ supporters early access to new episodes. Another reason to join! Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How ICE crackdowns are affecting the workforce

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 9:27


    The Trump administration's crackdown on immigrants might be the most profound change in the American labor market right now. Industries that rely on immigrant labor are especially vulnerable, as ICE continues to raid businesses believed to have unauthorized workers. Today on the show, we talk to representatives from the agriculture, construction and long-term care industries to ask: Are people still showing up to work? Related episodes: What's missing in the immigration debate Is the 'border crisis' actually a 'labor market crisis?'For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Translation help by Ella Feldman. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Tech layoffs, recession pop and more listener questions answered

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 8:54


    We are back with another edition of listener questions! In this round, we tackle recession pop, why the job market feels so crummy for IT grads, and whether President Trump saying that Walmart "eat the tariffs" is a form of price control. Related episodes:Hits of the Dips: Songs of recessions past (Apple / Spotify)The beef over price controlsPrice Controls, Black Markets, and Skimpflation: The WWII Battle Against InflationFor sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    We're nearing 'peak population.' These economists are worried

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 9:06


    Over the past century, the world's human population has exploded from around 2 billion to 8 billion. Meanwhile, the average fertility rate has gradually declined. And if that trend continues as it has, we may soon see a crash in the population rate, which some argue could have disastrous effects.Today on the show, we talk to co-authors Michael Geruso and Dean Spears about their forthcoming book After the Spike: Population, Progress, and the Case for People. Together, they explain why you should care about declining fertility rates.Related episodes:Babies v climate change; AI v IP; bonds v worldFor sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Can Starlink stay ahead in satellite internet?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 9:33


    Whether you're watching Love Island in an RV or streaming a playlist in a remote California campground, if you're using satellite internet, odds are you're using Elon Musk's Starlink.Today on the show, we learn how Starlink got such a big lead in the satellite market and if it can stay ahead of the European Union, China, and, of course, Jeff Bezos. Related episodes: Elon's giant rocket Why I joined DOGE (Apple/Spotify)Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Babies v climate change; AI v IP; bonds v world

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 9:11


    It's ... Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today's episode: Could more babies change the climate in a big way? Why did a U.S. judge side with AI company Anthropic? And why is the bond market so chill these days?Related episodes: Artists vs. AI You told us how tariffs are affecting you (Apple/Spotify)For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    We're gonna need a bigger boat-building industry

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 8:45


    During World War II, the U.S. shipbuilding industry flourished. Now, it's nearly non-existent. China is the dominant shipbuilder in the world economy. On today's show, we look at what happened to American shipbuilding and the protectionist impulses that could stifle a revival.Related episodes:Will Iran block the Strait of Hormuz?The great turnaround in shippingThe wide open possibility of the high seasFor sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Fact-checking by Tyler Jones. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    One of the cheapest ways to save a life is going away

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 9:30


    What's the price to save a human life? We examine the monumental legacy of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) with journalist Jon Cohen, who traveled to Eswatini and Lesotho to learn how cuts under the Trump Administration are hitting people at the clinic door. Related episodes: The gutting of USAID How USAID cuts hurts farmers For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Will Iran block the Strait of Hormuz?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 9:27


    The world has held a close eye on the Strait of Hormuz lately with Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran. Nearly a quarter of the world's seaborne oil passes through the narrow waterway, and many are worried Iran could shut the strait down. Today on the show, we explore what it would mean for Iran to close off the strait, and what insurance could tell us about tensions in the Middle East.Related episodes:Oil prices and the Israel-Hamas war (Apple / Spotify)How the 'shadow fleet' helps Russia skirt sanctions (Apple / Spotify)For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    You told us how tariffs are affecting you

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 9:18


    Americans like to spend money. In fact, we spend more per person than almost any other country in the world. So, we wanted to know how an uncertain economy is affecting that. Today on the show, we hear from consumers directly on how their spending habits have changed the past few months. Related episodes:How's ... everybody doing? (Apple / Spotify)Three ways consumers are feeling the pinch (Apple / Spotify)For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    SALT-n-pessimism

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 8:50


    It's ... Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today's episode: the Senate passes the GENIUS Act, the SALT cap might be DOA in the OBBB, and a gender split on the state of the economy.Related episodes: How stable is Stablecoin? (Apple / Spotify) Feeling inflation in the grocery storeFor sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Fact-checking by Tyler Jones. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Why the 30-year bond matters

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 9:16


    Last week, the U.S. Treasury held an auction for 30-year bonds. Some were worried no one would show up to buy these things! That didn't happen, but the 'long bond' isn't exactly thriving at the moment. Today on the show, we look back at why we have such a long maturity bond and why it might be a good idea to start paying attention to it going forward.Related episodes:Bond market nightmares (Apple / Spotify)Bond vigilantes. Who they are, what they want, and how you'll know they're coming (Apple / Spotify)Trying to solve the mystery of big bond yields (Apple / Spotify)For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Mixing family business with US trade policy in Vietnam

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 8:44


    Last month, Eric Trump, executive vice president at The Trump Organization, attended a ceremony in Vietnam to break ground on a $1.5 billion residential development and golf course. This comes as Vietnam's government is in trade talks with the administration of Eric's father, President Donald Trump. Today on the show, we look at how the Trump family's business projects in Vietnam are raising red flags when it comes to government ethics.Related episodes:How Trump is making coin from $TRUMP coinFor sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The secret to Nintendo's success

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 9:25


    Nintendo has been a titan in the video game industry for decades, but that wasn't always the case. At its very core, Nintendo sees itself as a toy company which is evident in its products from the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) to the Nintendo Switch 2. Today on the show, we explore Nintendo's history and examine how a small playing card company in Japan became a multimedia giant.Related episodes:Forever games: the economics of the live service modelDesigning for disability: how video games become more accessibleThe boom and bust of esportsWork. Crunch. Repeat: Why gaming demands so much of its employeesVideo Game Industry Week: The Final LevelFor sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Trump's parade, FEMA phase out, and Warner Bros. Discovery divorces ... itself?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 8:46


    It's ... Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today's episode: the monetary cost of Trump's military parade, looks like FEMA could be phased out, and another change to Warner Bros. Discovery.Related episodes: Coyote vs. Warner Bros. Discovery (Apple / Spotify) Gilded Age 2.0? (Apple / Spotify)For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The hidden costs of healthcare churn

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 8:48


    Healthcare churn—when people switch insurance plans—is particularly bad in the US. In today's episode, why Americans switch healthcare plans so much, and how that can cost a lot in money ... and in health.Related episode: How doctors helped tank universal health care (Apple / Spotify)Healthcare And Economic DespairFor sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The secret tariff-free zone

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 9:19


    There's something interesting happening at the Port of Baltimore. On today's show, we explore the hidden world of bonded warehouses, where you can stash your imported Latvian vodka or Dutch beer tariff free (for a while). Related episodes: Tariffied! We check in on businesses (Apple / Spotify) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    What's a revenge tax?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 9:28


    For four decades, the US has maintained a consistent policy position: money should be fairly free to come and go in and out of the country. That's changing. Two sections in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act would add friction. First is a 3.5% tax on immigrants sending money home, commonly known as remittances. Second is what's known as Section 899 or, colloquially, the 'revenge tax'. This one is making Wall Street wary. It would slap extra taxes on people and businesses investing in the U.S. if their home countries were deemed to tax Americans unfairly. We explain these two taxes that could mark a shift in our free-flowing money era. Related episodes: The long view of economics and immigration (Two Indicators) (Apple / Spotify) The "chilling effect" of deportations (Apple / Spotify) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How doctors helped tank universal health care

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 9:26


    A debate has been raging over universal health care in the U.S. since the 1940s. Back then, a formidable opponent emerged to dump a lot of money into ensuring it wouldn't happen. That opponent was doctors. Today on the show, Sally Helm, a Planet Money reporter, comes to us in her capacity as the host of HISTORY This Week to detail how doctors helped tank single pay healthcare back then and the role communism played in the fight. A longer version of this episode is available at HISTORY This Week from the History Channel. Related episodes:Why do hospitals keep running out of generic drugs? (Apple / Spotify)Socialism 101For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Why U.S. workers keep getting more productive

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 9:29


    For the last couple of years, U.S. labor productivity has been on the rise. And economists don't know exactly why. So today on the show, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago plays economic detective and helps us investigate some different theories about why U.S. workers seem to be more productive than in prior decades. Related episodes:What keeps a Fed president up at night (Apple / Spotify)Productivity and workforce whiplash (Apple / Spotify)For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Gilded Age 2.0?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 9:30


    To hear President Trump tell it, the late 1800s, i.e. the Gilded Age, were a period of unparalleled wealth and prosperity in the U.S. But this era was also marked by corruption and wealth inequality. Sound familiar? On today's show, is history repeating itself? Related episodes: Trump's tariff role model (Apple / Spotify) Worst. Tariffs. Ever. (Apple / Spotify) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    An indicator lost: big disaster costs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 9:26


    The U.S. government has tallied the economic impact of major natural disasters going back to 1980. State and local governments used this data for budgeting and planning. But last month, the administration retired its Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters disaster database. Today on the show, we speak to Adam Smith, the architect of the program, on the work he did and what might be next. Related episodes:How much is a weather forecast worth? (Update) (Apple / Spotify)How ski resorts are (economically) adjusting to climate change (Apple / Spotify)For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Who should get mom's ring?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 9:18


    By 2048, more than $100 trillion is expected to be inherited, or passed down from one family member to another. But a lot of the time, the money doesn't end up where it's intended. On today's show, we navigate the thornier questions in estate planning. Related episodes: What women want (to invest in) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Why Gen Z is feeling 'money dysmorphia'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 9:06


    A significant portion of young people feel like they aren't on solid financial footing. And yet, the numbers show Gen Z adults on average actually earn more and have more wealth than previous generations did at their age. This phenomenon has been dubbed (by the internet) as 'money dysmorphia'. Today on the show, we chat with a neuroscientist who co-wrote a book, Look Again, that helps explain this phenomenon. Related episodes: Relax, Millennials! You're Doing Great.Gen Z's dream job in the influencer industry (Apple / Spotify) There Is Growing Segregation In Millennial Wealth For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Let's 'TACO' 'bout General Motors gassing up V-8s and golden shares

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 9:29


    It's ... Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at some of the most fascinating numbers from the news. On today's episode, we examine: General Motors invests big in V-8s; U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel flirt with the Golden Share; Trump's tariffs just got more unpredictable.Related episodes:Dealmaker Don v. Tariff Man Trump (Apple / Spotify) The tensions behind the sale of U.S. Steel (Apple / Spotify)For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Are Trump's trade deals the real deal?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 9:13


    Top Trump advisers have been boasting about 'awesome' trade deals the administration is negotiating with other countries. But are these deals real? Today on the show, we ask a former U.S. trade negotiator whether these agreements hold up. Related episodes: Dealmaker Don v. Tariff Man Trump (Apple / Spotify) Why there's no referee for the trade war (Apple / Spotify) Is this a bank? For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Why are college coaches paid so much?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 9:26


    If you had to guess, would you say the president of a university usually makes more money than the football coach? Well, you may be wrong. A college's football coach is often their highest paid employee. The University of Alabama pays its football coach on average close to $11 million. Today on the show, why are college football coaches paid so much? Do their salaries really make economic sense? Related episodes:Why the Olympics cost so much (Apple / Spotify)Want to get ahead in youth sports? Try staying back a year (Apple / Spotify)For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How to build abundantly

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 9:02


    Why is building affordable housing so hard these days? We talk to author Derek Thompson about his new book with Ezra Klein, Abundance, about what they believe is keeping affordable housing out of reach in high-income cities. Related: How big is the US housing shortage? (Apple / Spotify) How California's speed rail was always going to blow out (Apple / Spotify) Why building public transit costs so much For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The dawn of search engines

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 9:51


    Today on the show, we bring you a special episode from the Understood feed at CBC podcasts. It's an excerpt from a series called Who Broke the Internet hosted by Cory Doctorow. The four part series details his criticisms on the state of the modern internet and what we can do about it. From his conversations with Eric Corly the publisher of 2600, an iconic hacker magazine, best known under his hacker name Emmanuel Goldstein, to Clive Thompson a tech and culture writer to Steven Levy the author of "In the Plex: How Google Thinks, Works, and Shapes our Lives" this excerpt digs into how search engines started.You can listen to more of the podcast here.Related episodes:The hack that almost broke the internet (Apple / Spotify)For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Target, Klarna and Sesame Street's new addy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 9:26


    Can you tell me how to get... how to get to Indicators of the Week? This week's econ roundup looks at Target's sagging sales, Klarna's pay-later problem, and Sesame Street's new streaming address. Related: When do boycotts work? (Apple / Spotify) Buy now, pay dearly? For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How Trump is making coin from $TRUMP coin

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 9:23


    Just before Trump began his second administration in January, he and his business partners launched the $TRUMP coin. It's a meme coin that quickly raked in hundreds of millions of dollars. And there's a lot of earning potential still left on the table. Is any of this legal? Today on the show, we examine how the $TRUMP coin works and talk to an expert about how the president's meme coin gambit interacts with the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the Constitution. Related episodes: How the memecoin game is played Did Trump enable insider trading? For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The old trade war that brought foreign carmakers to the U.S.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 8:58


    President Donald Trump wants more products made in America, and he's not afraid of a few trade wars to make it happen. Back in the 80s, a different trade dispute brought new manufacturing to the U.S. Today on the show, how former President Ronald Reagan used the threat of trade protectionism to bring car-making stateside, and why the same strategy might not work today.Related episodes:The tensions behind the sale of U.S. Steel (Apple / Spotify)Tariffs: What are they good for? (Apple / Spotify)For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The rise of the credit card airport lounge

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 9:28


    We are back to answer your questions, listeners. Today on the show, we tackle three big questions: Are airport lounges worth it for credit card companies? How effective have carbon taxes been for Canada? Why is gasoline getting more expensive over the last few months as the price of crude oil has sunk? If you want to submit your OWN question to be considered in a future episode, send us a message at indicator@npr.org. Related episodes:Can cap and trade work in the US? (Apple / Spotify) A Quick History Of Slow Credit Cards Breaking down the price of gasoline (Apple / Spotify) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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