Mary Childs, a Planet Money reporter, sheds light on the controversial tolls of the Panama Canal amidst U.S.-Panama tensions. She discusses how tolls are structured based on ship size and type, not nationality, and the implications of President Trump's comments. The conversation dives into the effects of recent toll hikes and a new proposal for an auction system aimed at enhancing fairness. Childs also highlights the canal's strategic importance for U.S. shipping and the challenges posed by low water levels and infrastructure plans for the future.

Mary Childs, author of "The Bond King" and an NPR Planet Money reporter, dives deep into the life of Bill Gross, the legendary "Bond King" and PIMCO founder. She discusses his transformative impact on the bond market and the internal conflicts that led to his dramatic exit. The conversation also touches on the emotional paradoxes faced by top investors, revealing how success can be both a blessing and a curse. Childs shares insights into the toxic financial culture that can shape a career, providing a captivating look at ambition and downfall.

Mary Childs, author of "The Bond King" and co-host of NPR's Planet Money, delves into the life of Bill Gross, the pioneer of bond trading and founder of PIMCO. She highlights Ed Thorpe's early influence on Gross and how they navigated the financial crisis while forging a unique bond with the government. The conversation also covers the dramatic events leading to Gross's decline at PIMCO, including a pivotal miscalculation and the personal challenges he faced, painting a vivid picture of the complexities behind 'The Bond King'.

Mary Childs, co-host of Planet Money and author of "The Bond King," dives deep into the complexities of stock market predictions using the Fama-French model. She highlights the shifting nature of financial numbers and the clash between empirical finance and legal perspectives. Discussions also include the historical performance of value stocks versus growth stocks, challenges in creating reliable datasets, and philosophical questions about the reality behind financial numbers. Childs' sharp insights make this exploration of finance both thought-provoking and entertaining.

Mary Childs, a financial journalist and co-host of Planet Money, dives into the intriguing story of Bill Gross, founder of PIMCO. She reveals how Gross traded bonds to beat the market for decades and discusses PIMCO’s culture, which could be described as aggressive and toxic. Listeners learn about the pivotal roles Gross played in both the bond market and the Great Recession. Plus, she shares a lighthearted tale of Gross blasting 50 Cent’s music in a neighborhood dispute—proving even financial giants have their quirks!