Adrian Ma, host of The Indicator and contributing voice to the sea shanty segment, dives deep into the 2% inflation target set by the Federal Reserve. He unpacks its intriguing origins, tied to a New Zealand economist, and explores the ongoing debate about its relevance today. The conversation cleverly uses nautical metaphors to illustrate inflation’s rising tides, while also touching on the impact of fluctuating prices on everyday items. With a mix of humor and insightful analysis, Ma sheds light on the complexities of economic stability.

On today’s show, Rachelle is joined by Wailin Wong, Darian Woods and Adrian Ma, the hosts of NPR’s daily economics podcast The Indicator from Planet Money. They discuss The Indicator’s recent five-part series on the $15 billion influencer industry that delves into where all that money is going—and where it’s not. They dive deep into the rise of the industry and how it emerged out of the economic precarity of the 2008 recession. They also talk through the astonishing fact that according to some surveys, almost 1 out of every 4 Gen Z-er wants to be an influencer.This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario and Rachelle Hampton.Make an impact this Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to fund APIA Scholars. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adrian Ma, a reporter for Planet Money, dives deep into the volatile world of cryptocurrencies, highlighting their unexpected appeal among Black investors seeking alternatives to traditional finance. The discussion unpacks how cryptocurrency's ups and downs can affect broader economic stability. Ma shares personal stories that showcase its potential for bridging racial wealth gaps and the historical distrust in established financial systems. The conversation culminates in a cautionary look at both the opportunities and risks of investing in this turbulent market.