Planet Money

by NPR
28,532
Business #4All Genres #91

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.

Wanna go deeper? Subscribe to Planet Money+ and get sponsor-free episodes of Planet Money, The Indicator, and Planet Money Summer School. Plus access to bonus content. It's a new way to support the show you love. Learn more at plus.npr.org/planetmoney

Recent Episodes
  • The habitat banker
    Dec 20, 2024 – 33:02
  • How sports gambling blew up
    Dec 18, 2024 – 30:15
  • A Nobel prize for explaining why there's global inequality
    Dec 14, 2024 – 28:29
  • Worst. Tariffs. Ever. (update)
    Dec 11, 2024 – 26:32
  • There Will Be Flood
    Dec 6, 2024 – 31:17
  • George Soros vs. the Bank of England
    Dec 4, 2024 – 30:40
  • How useful, really, are the steps you can take after a data breach?
    Dec 2, 2024 – 20:09
  • Why you bought your couch
    Nov 27, 2024 – 26:15
  • Title Pirates
    Nov 23, 2024 – 25:30
  • The long view of economics and immigration (Two Indicators)
    Nov 20, 2024 – 15:58
  • The great German land lottery
    Nov 15, 2024 – 28:55
  • The strange way the world's fastest microchips are made
    Nov 13, 2024 – 26:42
  • What markets bet President Trump will do
    Nov 9, 2024 – 26:37
  • Moving to the American dream? (update)
    Nov 6, 2024 – 23:59
  • The veteran loan calamity
    Nov 1, 2024 – 36:48
  • So your data was stolen in a data breach
    Oct 31, 2024 – 28:59
  • Why do hospitals keep running out of generic drugs?
    Oct 25, 2024 – 26:27
  • Romance on the screen and on the page: Two Indicators
    Oct 23, 2024 – 17:28
  • The Subscription Trap
    Oct 18, 2024 – 30:55
  • We asked 188 economists. And the survey says...
    Oct 16, 2024 – 21:23
  • So imPORTant: Bananas, frogs, and... Bob's??
    Oct 11, 2024 – 25:51
  • Can cap and trade work in the US?
    Oct 9, 2024 – 24:05
  • What's up with all the ads for law firms?
    Oct 4, 2024 – 18:54
  • How Venezuela imploded (update)
    Oct 2, 2024 – 23:09
  • What's THAT got to do with economics?
    Sep 27, 2024 – 25:59
  • Veep-onomics
    Sep 25, 2024 – 25:05
  • How to save 10,000 fingers
    Sep 20, 2024 – 24:28
  • Can money buy happiness?
    Sep 18, 2024 – 28:48
  • 99 Percent Invisible: The White Castle System of Eating Houses
    Sep 16, 2024 – 32:43
  • Rate Expectations
    Sep 13, 2024 – 23:13
  • Is AI overrated or underrated?
    Sep 11, 2024 – 18:50
  • Summer camp capitalism
    Sep 6, 2024 – 33:32
  • Bingo! (Presidential debate edition)
    Sep 4, 2024 – 29:14
  • How to fix a housing shortage
    Aug 30, 2024 – 23:29
  • Summer School 8: Big ideas and life lessons from Marx, Keynes and Smith and more
    Aug 28, 2024 – 32:48
  • The trade fraud detective
    Aug 23, 2024 – 26:43
  • Summer School 7: The Great Depression, the New Deal and how it changed our economy
    Aug 21, 2024 – 35:29
  • The hidden world behind your new "banking" app
    Aug 16, 2024 – 21:12
  • Summer School 6: China, Taiwan and how nations grow rich
    Aug 14, 2024 – 36:24
  • Will the Olympics break breakdancing?
    Aug 9, 2024 – 25:48
  • Summer School 5: 250 years of trade history in three chapters
    Aug 7, 2024 – 36:59
  • What to do when you're in a class action
    Aug 2, 2024 – 25:34
  • Summer School 4: Banker vs president and the birth of the dollar
    Jul 31, 2024 – 36:48
  • Summer School 3: The first stock and perpetual life
    Jul 26, 2024 – 34:14
  • What Kamala Harris' economic agenda might look like
    Jul 24, 2024 – 18:10
  • The color monopoly
    Jul 20, 2024 – 22:03
  • Summer School 2: The golden ages of labor and looms
    Jul 17, 2024 – 32:49
  • Rooftop solar's dark side
    Jul 12, 2024 – 27:22
  • Summer School 1: An Economic History of the World
    Jul 10, 2024 – 34:05
  • How flying got so bad (or did it?)
    Jul 5, 2024 – 25:15
Recent Reviews
  • Lindsay8354
    Get On With It
    I was excited to find a podcast about economics that was for those of us who aren’t experts in the area. The episode I chose was regarding tariffs to learn about the history of tariffs and the effects it had on the country and globe, but I couldn’t finish the podcast. I prefer direct and to the point without fluff and without the condescending tone. Do they talk slow, add unnecessary comments/fluff, and too many sound bites to make the episode longer? Listeners don’t want longer episodes (less is more). We want clear and concise episodes with an approachable tone.
  • Klittlel
    New fan
    Honestly never been one for podcasts. Planet Money is one of the few i like. This episode about land lottery in Germany is so intriguing. Awesome idea for a story, and love the hosts here.
  • Lefty Land
    Please stop with like
    Please stop using “like” so much
  • jenzahara
    So annoying
    So, why do NPR hosts pause after every 2-3 words, in weird places? It's driving me so crazy that I may have to stop listening. Planet Money is a known offender. Also, in this episode titled "There Will be Flood", in the first minute we have an incorrect use of the subjct of an adective clause, and the misuse of the word "decimated". It's unprofessional. NPR needs a better copy editor.
  • NchalapdnxvHa5718153
    Just make it all ads
    Almost 5 minutes of ads at the start of the episodes. It’s just title clickbait at this point. Just make the show, oops all ads, and call it a day.
  • AZ Asphalt
    George Soros Finance
    Political lopsided episode. I am so disappointed in this episode. Within the first few minutes the hosts launched a political grenade (left = democratic, right = anti-Semitic). The episode was strong enough to stand on its own without bringing name calling into mix. I listen to PM b/c it is apolitical- it’s about money/finance. Please keep it that way.
  • Jimny Longfellow Washington
    Used to be fact driven.
    Now it’s leaning heavily on progressive talking points. Especially on immigration issues.
  • George in Michigan
    Why a paywall?
    I love the app and the content, but it is frustrating that something publicly supported like NPR has content stuck behind a paywall. As much as I want to listen to what is labeled as “bonus content”, even though it is just another episode, I am not going to pay for yet another subscription…I feel like the wave of subscriptions required these days is like death by a thousand paper cuts.
  • Lock_David
    Excellent Pod
    Excellent Pod
  • CruzFan
    Veteran Loan Calamity
    This episode quickly and calmly stoked my outrage at the VA. I doubt that the VA would have resolved anything had it not been for excellent and persistent reporting. Thanks for making me aware of this issue that seems to have largely gone unnoticed during this election year.
  • nmoraleja
    Great Show- Behind the Paywall
    Hi- I hate to leave this review, but I’m not sure how else to have my voice heard. This is a great show, but on the Spotify app every single episode- with only a couple of exceptions- is blocked behind a paywall. I understand that some episodes are extras or bonuses, but the last episode that isn’t behind a paywall is from September 16th and it’s not even a planet money original, it’s from 99PI. I want y’all to get paid, don’t get me wrong, but every single episode? I’m assuming this is a glitch for now, but I’m incredibly sad to have to let such a great podcast go and listen to shows that aren’t all behind a paywall.
  • AudreyIB
    Cap and trade - provide more context on emissions stats
    You say WA contributes “only” 0.3% of emissions - but this is more than many countries in the world. Irresponsible to make this number seem negligible while the US is responsible for the majority of historical emissions and continues to be a top emitter.
  • Tkotoo
    How Venezuela Imploded
    It is extremely interesting facts of government and political functions of and for society and the benefits and welfare of others or all. And how it is sometimes taken for granted and so sensitive of an operation. I feel so fortunate and respect the obstacles and challenges our (American) politicians and what they face daily to keep things running smoothly for the citizens of this country. I often hear and view of news that seemingly regrettably report - sometimes - of an “Government Shutdown” , I’ll have to research, but it doesn’t sound like a place we want to EVER be, but lately it’s been close … actually too close for any comfort! And I DO have the understanding of how if there’s much income of certain royalties, if not properly maintained, can and will be catastrophic. Hopefully it won’t be long before they pull out of it, but judging from this report, it all starts with a determined and skilled leader including his advisors and cabinet! May Savior be with Venezuela! - s.jxn - ga
  • GámeMaster4162
    So good
    So good I listen whenever I can and I’ve literally listened to every episode
  • jm.ossola24
    Sometimes interesting, sometimes annoying
    For the most part, I find a lot of the content NPR puts out to be novel and interesting. I have really enjoyed various episodes on random topics like the justice department building an app for criminals to use. However there are also just too many episodes that display obvious bias against capitalism and conservatives. The amount of time they give to explain all anti capitalism arguments vs pro capitalism. Holding conservatives to liberal values. The more I hear lately the more disappointed I am at the lack of diversity of thought in their content. I’d love to see the political make up of their teams because I’m sure it would be laughable.
  • DBDYER
    Political Propoganda
    In the past, this was about the only show I could listen to on NPR. It stayed out of politics, which the rest of NPR has been a challenge. Sad that our tax dollars go so heavily to this. The latest episode on “Veep-onomics” was about as blatant of a Harris/Walz campaign ad as I’ve heard.
  • PodSnoozer
    Sorry
    I’ve listened to PM for years. Love NPR. The content is superb, but the delivery is nauseating. Can’t go on like this. Sorry, it’s probably me. I have never left a podcast review before.
  • beingbeing
    Ignores Root Causes, Hardly Informative
    I wanted to listen to this podcast to learn why things happen. Instead, I heard biased reporting that does not acknowledge many root causes. On the episode pertaining to US housing crisis: the episode totally ignores many aspects to the housing crisis. In this episode, the journalism flattens the issue (resistance to new apartment housing developments) into Boomers and Gen X folks resisting anything “new.” The reporters actually just insult the neighbors’ yard signage and do not cover their perspective at all. It Totally bypasses issues pertaining to landlords (profit-oriented individuals parading as “mom and pops” as well as large companies) who are overcharging for rent, not taking care of their units, and contributing to gentrification and housing insecurity in other ways as well. The episode also totally bypasses the reality of many new developments touting their units as being low income and affordable, but turns out the majority are hardly accessible in price. The podcast indulges in the idea that more-more-more will solve our housing crisis, when in reality it is so much more complex. I learned nothing listening to this podcast — absolute waste of time. Disappointed in this production.
  • ncDino
    Declining
    Most podcasts require a subscription to hear … PM seems to have lost their way, famous last action before losing your fan base 😕
  • Doctor strange G
    Interesting content but some episodes have very poor audio, makes it hard to listen
    Interesting content but some episodes have very poor audio, makes it hard to listen
  • SFwatcher
    Planet Money!
    I listen to a lot of podcasts. A LOT. Planet Money is simply the best. It’s never boring. There’s never filler. I always am sad when the episode is over. I just can’t say enough good things about Planet Money. I always learn so much. I love those guys and gals.
  • 8584278
    Amazing
    My favourite podcast
  • J$7
    Much better than Freakanomics
    Planet money is consistently great. My favorite podcast. Much better than Freakanomics. But too many annoying ads. The podcast might be great, but I’m tired of hearing the same advertisements for other the same other NRP podcasts 10x a day Stop it. This is my voice and I won’t change it for anyone!! This is my voice and I won’t change it for anyone!! This is my voice and I won’t change it for anyone!! This is my voice and I won’t change it for anyone!!
  • bjones3618
    Not too shabby with room to improve
    Solid show, for the most part. Sometimes biased: see Google episode, sponsored by…Google. That is becoming a problem across NPR. For misophones, some episodes can be tough. Several reporters would do well to sit back a touch from the mic. What, I presume, they see as enunciating each letter, sounds like someone licking the microphone.
  • HPRI
    A must listen
    Always on the top of my playlist. Anyone in business or just interested in economics will find this podcast interesting.
  • AmiFidel
    Jeff Guo
    I love this podcast. I have been listening to it for years. I have a suggestion, though. Please make an investment in offering Jeff Guo some lessons with a speech therapist. His staccato speech is very unpleasant to hear. He puts abrupt pauses between words, which makes his speech jerky and unfit for a podcast of such a quality. Sorry to appear to be negative, but my intention is to improve the podcast quality if you give him the gift of fixing his severe speech impediment. Thanks.
  • local_lives347
    Confused
    I‘m sorry, but I just listened to the newest release that was a look at the positive/negative view of Google search results. I can‘t find that particular episode currently, so take my review with a grain of salt. Christ, that was as bias as can be. The only other voice than the hosts was a representative of Alphabet. They spoke about about how everything in their results appeared to be above board. I don‘t feel like there‘s more to comment until there‘s more to engage with; I hope it is just an internet issue on my part.
  • prion_lover
    Insightful economics podcast
    I have listened to Planet Money for years, even while I lived abroad in Taiwan. The crew help us understand the nuances of various economic situations. I have enjoyed the different topics ranging from the historical to the modern, and although I am a computational biochemist by training, I have gained a greater appreciation for this subject area.
  • Noleazy
    Great
    I LOVE Planet Money! Keep it up!
  • BillfromSanFran
    I can’t believe Planet Money serves Chevron ads
    Decent content, but in 2024 serving Chevron ads is like serving ads for Joe Camel. I’m done.
  • ucsfmt
    Ok but…
    Like the info but just way too many interruptions be it a plug for the channel or a commercial.
  • giga chad ukraine
    Death by ads
    Not worth even trying to listen. Constant ads, unbearable.
  • CollegeStudentListener
    Typical NPR show
    This show is fantastic. I really love the content. it’s such a disappointment when shows like this become woke. I don’t think the show has ever criticized Joe Biden. Maybe for once they can conclude that a problem is a result of Joe Biden‘s economic policy instead of random chance. despite this, I think the hosts of this podcast are great. Please just leave out your bias and tell us the facts.
  • Freemium. Ugh.
    Freemium. Ugh!
    There are already plenty of ads on the regular shows. Now they mix in the paywall episodes that take up the feed, but no one is going to pay for. Just do a stand a one premium podcast and see if anyone wants to pay for that.
  • notthatyoucare
    Biased and not trying to hide it!
    NPR canned their own employee who dared point out the obvious regarding their conscious and purposeful biases and bigotry/racism. How the mighty have fallen. Guessing NPR is quaking in their boots at the idea of a 2nd T-Rump presidency. Got to love the left who hate the cis-white male but live off their tax dollars.
  • Crprtr
    Warning to GOP
    I think it would behoove Planet Money to tell Wall Street that if Donald Trump wins most of us on the left are never buying another new car. We are never buying new appliances, we are never buying bigger homes . We aren’t buying anything without it being an absolute necessity ever again. And when I die, I’m not going into a nursing home and spending all my money there. I’m going to go on my own. No money is going to Wall Street for the rest of my life.
  • Podcast listener CT
    URI Berliner
    This podcast is my only remaining interaction with NPR. I’ve gone from an avid listener to just this podcast in the last decade but I’m seriously thinking of unsubscribing due to the horrendous bigotry and bias of NPR. An organization that supposedly is a champion of free speech just punished an internal whistleblower who pointed out the same leftward bigotry. How this corrupt organization still receives tax money is beyond me. If this was a public company they would have been sanctioned by the SEC for abusing a whistleblower.
  • Marcus517
    Still good, but taken a dip
    Checked in recently; it’s gotten worse … just a little. Of course the answer to racial inequality is to give black families more money. And of course democracy is in danger from Trump and polarization. Maybe if news outlets like this would just once in a while hire a conservative, you’d see a bit more trust and a little less polarization. (Old review) Years ago, I gave this 5 stars; was one of my top 3. Sadly, NPR management must have listened to an episode and found there were not enough democratic advertisements. So, they went political. Recently, it’s gotten better, but still too biased for me to trust them. Too bad. I miss the old one. The Robocall invasion, the value of an index traded fund, even the Starbury just surprised me in a good way. But the FTX episode was outstanding, so I’ll keep them for now.
  • jlear
    Great when focused on economics but too often drifts into showcasing liberal policies.
    Great when focused on economics but too often drifts into showcasing liberal policy ideas. I don’t think the producers even realize their bias. Nonetheless, they nail it when they discuss core economic theories, such as the weight of the cow episode.
  • sunnyfly1
    Economics Paper Club
    I just heard the episode in which the Economics Paper Club was introduced. I loved it! Great idea! Looking forward to more.
  • Genie
    Border Control
    How much money does it cost each taxpayer to support undocumented migrants (fka illegal immigrants)? I’m sure it’s more than $11 or even $169 per taxpayer per year.
  • Wojciech_
    Only show I’m a paid subscriber
    And it’s definitely worth it! Keep up the great work, Planet Money and Indicator family!
  • Best economic podcast
    Best podcast 😀😀😀
    Planet money is reson I know anything about economics. Also the story’s they report on are very fun for all ages coming from a kid myself planet money makes economics more interesting. (Don’t listen to the bad reviews) (thank you planet money)😀
  • Elmato2020
    Generally good show besides biases
    Planet Money is a good show besides the occasional bias. It really makes economics fun to learn and simple to understand, its funny and generally entertaining to a wide variety of people, I hope some people behind these negative reviews take a second opinion.
  • Skheir11
    Supports genocide
    In the latest episode, they mentioned Israel “defending itself” from Hamas. This is support of the genocide of the Palestinian people. I did love listening to Planet Money but I can no longer support them.
  • Exir109
    Is just gotten bad.
    Goofy laughing and the Spanish accent is annoying on a podcast. Sorry; guess I’m just not “woke” enough.
  • fullyinformed parent
    Morally questionable, economically efficient
    good show. Interesting topics and perspectives. I am surprised though that one of the issues raised with legalizing the organ market wasn’t the use of kids from third world countries. Many countries don’t allow Americans to adopt their children because there are people out there who adopt the children then sell the kid’s organ on the black market. If you make the market legal, I think it would still be difficult to regulate that aspect. Except possibly raise supply and make the organs less profitable, but I don’t see that happening soon even in a legal market. I would’ve been interested in hearing the economists thoughts on that issue.
  • SKNEIL
    “Insider trading is good actually”
    Is the take that made me unsubscribe… the fact that they want me to believe that insider trading would MORE efficiently allocate resources was just the cherry on top of that particular excrement sandwich
  • Bankruptered
    Moving on
    I’ve listened to a lot of Planet Money episodes. Aside from questionable economic reporting/education, plan to skip the first 6 minutes. After that it’s about 40% superfluous conversation. I hope it improves from where it’s at now.
  • Whathefungus
    Easy to digest, factual and fun
    One of the best shows out there! I have been so impressed by there ability to take certain experiments and concepts into the real world. What they did with a defunct superhero and Planet Money Records stand out on that front. Give it a try and you’ll find some info that really applies to your life!
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