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

Wailin Wong, co-host of The Indicator from Planet Money, dives into the complex economics of gaming and industry sustainability. They discuss how scholarships for gamers are gaining traction and reflect on the accessibility of video games. Wong highlights the rise of eSports and its financial hurdles, including COVID-19's impact on viewer monetization. The conversation also touches on the intense work culture in game development and the industry's push for unionization, all in a quest for more humane working conditions.

Rufaro Faith Mazarura, a fresh voice in rom-coms, shares her love story set against the fictional 2024 Olympics, where star runner Zeke and intern Olivia’s whirlwind romance unfolds amidst the chaos. She discusses why the Olympics serve as a perfect backdrop for romance and reflects on the lack of similar stories. The conversation also dives into the humorous challenges of writing within the constraints of the International Olympic Committee’s legalities, including the quirky details about cardboard beds. A delightful blend of love, competition, and creativity!