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The Indicator from Planet Money podcast

The Indicator from Planet Money

·

  NPR  

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.Try Planet Money+! a new way to support the show you love, get a sponsor-free feed of the podcast, *and* get access to bonus content. You'll also get access to The Indicator and Planet Money Summer School, both without interruptions. sign up at plus.npr.org/planetmoney

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.Try Planet Money+! a new way to support the show you love, get a sponsor-free feed of the podcast, *and* get access to bonus content. You'll also get access to The Indicator and Planet Money Summer School, both without interruptions. sign up at plus.npr.org/planetmoney

 

#300

EVs killed the AM radio star

When some automakers confirmed this year that they were phasing out AM radio in their electric vehicles, the political backlash was immediate and remarkably bipartisan. Today on the show, what's all the fuss about AM radio? And why does the government want to keep AM radio in your car?For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) .Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . ... Read more

5 hrs Ago

09 MINS

09:22

5 hrs Ago


#299

When Uncle Sam stops paying the childcare bill

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the United States took dramatic action to invest in child care. Now in 2023, the majority of those investments are coming to an end. Today, we talk to childcare providers about what those funds meant—and where the end of the pandemic-era programs leaves an essential but strained system.For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) .Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . ... Read more

Yesterday

09 MINS

09:17

Yesterday


#298

Twerking, tote bags, and the top of the charts

On this musical edition of Indicators of the Week: Live Nation stops taking a cut of small artists' merchandise sales. Meanwhile, some fans are using the Billboard charts formula to boost their favorite artists to the top. And a Jamaican duo is staking a claim to the famous rhythm that defines Reggaeton. 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. ... Read more

29 Sep 2023

09 MINS

09:25

29 Sep 2023


#297

The walking dead NFTs

The NFT mania may have finally run its course. Not too long ago, these pieces of digital art exploded in value with the help of celebrities like Justin Bieber and Paris Hilton. But even the most successful digital artists knew it was a bubble. Today, we consider whether this multi-million dollar fad has truly come to an end or if it's still on its last legs and due for a reimagining.Related Episodes: The $69 Million JPEG ( [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-%2469-million-jpeg/id290783428?i=1000512778687) / [Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/4FYpq3lSeQMAhqNI81O0Cn) ) and The Celebrity Crypto Nexus ( [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/the-celebrity-crypto-nexus/id1320118593?i=1000567912036) / [Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/4X3yDKgVTWRjSd6r0vhgo4) )For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) .Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . ... Read more

28 Sep 2023

09 MINS

09:27

28 Sep 2023


#296

How EV batteries tore apart Michigan (Update)

This episode was originally published on [November 14, 2022] (https://www.npr.org/2022/11/11/1136168574/how-electric-vehicles-got-their-juice) This week, Ford announced it was pausing work on a new $3.5 billion battery plant in Michigan. President of the United Auto Workers, Shawn Fain, viewed this as a "thinly veiled threat" to cut jobs. But this is a factory that's had controversy surrounding it even before this decision. And it all centers around a company called Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited, or CATL.Today, a classic Indicator on the history behind one of the most divisive factory plans in America and the man leading the charge behind the world's transition to electric vehicles.For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org.] (http://plus.npr.org/) Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . ... Read more

27 Sep 2023

09 MINS

09:11

27 Sep 2023


#295

Chasing the American Dream at Outback Steakhouse

How often do you hang out with people in a different socioeconomic bracket than you? And where do you meet and congregate? Economist Maxim Massenkoff, and his co-author Nathan Wilmers, looked at cell phone location data to figure out where people with vastly different incomes commune together. Today on the show, Maxim discusses his [research] (https://maximmassenkoff.com/papers/RubbingShoulders.pdf) , and Darian and Alexi head to a restaurant to try and witness some of this class mixing in action.Related Episode: [The Secret to Upward Mobility: Friends ] (https://www.npr.org/2022/08/08/1116398427/the-secret-to-upward-mobility-friends) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) .Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . ... Read more

27 Sep 2023

09 MINS

09:20

27 Sep 2023


#294

Is the Canada, Meta news standoff coming to the US?

Canadians are in a bit of a pickle when it comes to getting timely news updates through Facebook. The Canadian government passed a law requiring Meta and Google pay media outlets when news content is posted on social media platforms. Meta's reaction, to block all news from its Canadian users, left many citizens and its government frustrated. Today on the show, what are tech companies' public service obligations in an era of declining news outlets? For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) . Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . ... Read more

25 Sep 2023

09 MINS

09:23

25 Sep 2023


#293

A million-dollar fossil, and other indicators

Today on the show, we cover this week's top indicators in new work permits for Venezuelan migrants, behind-the-scenes climate meetings and a million-dollar dinosaur skeleton sale. For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) .Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . ... Read more

22 Sep 2023

09 MINS

09:21

22 Sep 2023


#292

Selling safety in the fight against wildfires

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and serious due to human-caused climate change. This is prompting a new industry focused on residential wildfire preparedness. Today, we consider the new technology addressing wildfire risk and the cost of protecting yourself.Related Episodes:Gambling, literally, on climate change ( [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gambling-literally-on-climate-change/id1320118593?i=1000618552340) / [Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/4X3yDKgVTWRjSd6r0vhgo4) ) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) . Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . ... Read more

21 Sep 2023

09 MINS

09:17

21 Sep 2023


#291

The rat under the Fed's hat

The Federal Reserve said today it wasn't raising interest rates, but left the door open to keep hiking later. But there's more to this decision than meets the eye. Today on the show, we use Disney's Ratatouille to explain the Fed's recipe for monetary policy — and take off the chef's hat to reveal the two interest rates that really matter when the Fed is hiking rates. Related Episodes:AP Macro gets a makeover ( [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000576184272) / [Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/episode/4rpv7tqRRRNaD8SMshoSJi?si=BoZxYGtQT4yMoYOeThrjAA) ) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) . Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . ... Read more

20 Sep 2023

07 MINS

07:56

20 Sep 2023


#290

The Beigie Awards: Manufacturing takes center stage

The Beigies roll around once again to recognize the regional Federal Reserve Bank with the best Beige Book entry. This edition's winner put a spotlight on a company increasing their efforts to recruit young people for an important piece of the manufacturing puzzle.Related Episodes:The Beigie Awards: China Edition ( [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-beigie-awards-china-edition/id1320118593?i=1000626865566) / [Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/episode/15vxOdeNBQW2WS37ruELML?si=8cde9c75694e4546) )For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org.] (http://plus.npr.org/) Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . ... Read more

19 Sep 2023

09 MINS

09:09

19 Sep 2023


#289

Coca Cola v. Coca Pola

The coca leaf has been an important part of Andean culture for thousands of years. But when one indigenous woman decided to use the plant in a drink she calls Coca Pola, she awoke a sleeping giant. Today on the show, a small business goes head to head with Coca-Cola over a trademark dispute.For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) .Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . ... Read more

18 Sep 2023

09 MINS

09:17

18 Sep 2023


#288

Economics, boosternomics and Swiftnomics

For this week's Indicators of the Week, Darian is joined by NPR colleagues Jeff Guo and Sydney Lupkin. We get into the [latest numbers on child poverty in the U.S.] (https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2023/demo/p60-280.html) and what it tells us about effective policy intervention. Sydney brings an update on the new covid booster and who's paying for it. And Jeff talks about Taylor Swift...again. He promises it has to do with economics.For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) .Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . ... Read more

15 Sep 2023

09 MINS

09:21

15 Sep 2023


#287

Wait — did we really need to raise rates?

Inflation remains stubbornly high as the Federal Open Markets Committee weighs whether they will raise interest rates again. However, new research suggests that elevated interest rates weren't the primary driver for the decline in inflation. Today, we take a look at the debate surrounding disinflation and what comes next for the Federal Reserve.For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) .Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . ... Read more

15 Sep 2023

09 MINS

09:07

15 Sep 2023


#286

Giant vacuums and other government climate bets

Yesterday we brought you a debate over whether the government should subsidize industries in the name of economic growth and societal benefits. Today on the show, we zero in on the climate industrial policy of the Biden administration, which is funneling billions into experimental projects that promise to remove, capture and store carbon. It's an effort by the U.S. to meet its ambitious climate goals, but it's not without its skeptics. Related Episodes:Industrial policy, the debate! ( [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000627661989) / [Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/episode/6nuXyFcpC7Sx0VwZt8agzL?si=871e2ca54f7149e0) ) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) . Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . ... Read more

14 Sep 2023

09 MINS

09:00

14 Sep 2023


#285

Industrial policy, the debate!

There is a lot of taxpayer money going into propping up industry in the U.S. From semiconductor chip fabrication in Arizona to green hydrogen plants in California. Is this smart policy? Today on the Indicator, our guests debate! We're joined by Réka Juhász, economist at the University of British Columbia and Adam Posen, president of the Peterson Institute for International Economics.After the debate, tell us what you thought! Did anything you heard change your mind or make you think differently about industrial policy? Send us a note at [indicator@npr.org] (mailto:indicator@npr.org) .For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) . Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . ... Read more

12 Sep 2023

09 MINS

09:29

12 Sep 2023


#284

Is retail theft getting worse?

Lately, retailers have been complaining to their investors about thieves coming to their stores and stealing stuff and blaming them for falling profits. It's the biggest part of a well-known industry problem called "shrink," but is this trend as pervasive as stores are making it out to be? Today on the show, retail theft and what stores are doing about it. For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) . Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . ... Read more

11 Sep 2023

08 MINS

08:47

11 Sep 2023


#283

Apple, drugs, Grindr

Today on Indicators of the Week: government iPhone restrictions in China that walloped Apple's market value. Plus plans emerge over how the US government plans to negotiate drug prices. Also, a mass exodus of employees from a top dating app that sheds some light on where the whole working from home debate is. For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) .Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . ... Read more

08 Sep 2023

09 MINS

09:15

08 Sep 2023


#282

'Welcome to the USA! Now get to work.'

When refugees arrive in the U.S. the clock starts ticking. They usually have up to 90 days to get a job and become 'self-sufficient'.Researcher Blair Sackett says that that's simply not enough time for refugees to acclimate to a totally new country and culture and find work. She argues that current policy essentially resettles refugees into poverty. Today on the show we explore that 90-day policy and potential solutions to help refugees find their financial footing.For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) . Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . ... Read more

07 Sep 2023

09 MINS

09:28

07 Sep 2023


#281

The dementia tax

More than 7 million Americans are living with dementia. To take care of this population, family members must often make the difficult choice of giving up work or paying for a costly facility. Today on the show, the rising cost of memory care in an aging population. Related Episodes: [Who's gonna take care of grandma? ] (https://www.npr.org/2022/02/28/1083589726/whos-going-to-take-care-of-grandma) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) . Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . ... Read more

06 Sep 2023

08 MINS

08:27

06 Sep 2023