Hotel guests adore those cute little soaps, but is it just a one-night stand? In our fourth episode of The Economics of Everyday Things, Zachary Crockett discovers what happens to those soaps when we love ’em and leave ’em.

Investigative journalist Zachary Crockett dives into the world of college fraternities, discussing their budgets, parties, and unique expenses like liability insurance and expensive DJs. Guests share insights on the financial management, historical origins, and economic benefits of joining a fraternity, highlighting the valuable professional networking opportunities that come with membership.

Automotive experts Zachary Crockett, Tom Crockett, Mark Gutjahr, and Nikkie Riedel discuss the shift in car color preferences, exploring historical trends, Subaru's innovative colors, and the impact of colors on market preferences and resale value.

Exploring the history and impact of junk mail, the podcast discusses how the postal service relies on it for revenue. It delves into personalized direct mail marketing strategies and the effectiveness of physical advertisements in the digital age.

Zachary Crockett, a stock image entrepreneur, joins Yuri Arcurs, CEO of PeopleImages, to discuss the ins and outs of the stock photography industry. They dive into the evolution of stock images from the 1990s to now, emphasizing the challenges posed by AI. The pair talk about the fine balance between creativity and commercial needs, and how authenticity enhances stock photos. They also touch on the meticulous planning behind successful shoots and the unique human elements that technology can’t replicate. A fascinating look at a changing landscape!

Zachary Crockett hosts the podcast exploring the business opportunity behind lost golf balls. The podcast discusses the financial burden on golfers from losing balls and the environmental impact. It delves into the different types of balls and the history of the used golf ball market. The story of Juan de Gautunga and the thriving ecosystem of collecting and selling used golf balls is explored. The process of collecting balls from water hazards, the dangers involved, and the environmental benefits of buying used are discussed. Clever business names and various sponsors are mentioned.

Experts delve into the economics of top-level domains, showcasing how small countries profit from domains like .ai. They discuss challenges faced by nations, the rise of AI-related domains, and the complexities of managing country code top-level domains. The podcast explores the financial impact on nations and the intriguing journey of domain ownership changes in Anguilla.

Join Zachary Crockett, a journalist unpacking title insurance, alongside financial experts Christy Bieber, Laurie Goodman, and Kathy Kwak. They dive into the complexities of title insurance, revealing how it shields homeowners from ownership disputes. Listeners will discover why so many buy it yet rarely use it, the roles of lawyers and realtors in the process, and emerging reforms like attorney opinion letters. Their insights challenge the stereotype of title insurance as unnecessary, emphasizing its crucial role in protecting your home investment.

Investigative journalist Zachary Crockett explores the high costs and intricate process of producing snake anti-venom, the disparities in access to treatment in the U.S. and abroad, and advancements in affordable antivenoms. The podcast also touches on protecting dogs from parasites and a humorous reference to Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

Zachary Crockett discusses the emotional allure and deception of carnival games, tactics of 'Sharpies', and the inner workings of Redbone Products. The podcast explores the history, design process, and challenges of running carnival games, highlighting the industry's generational nature and ethical dilemmas.