Planet Money

Alejandro Velasco, an academic expert on Venezuelan politics and economy, provides deep insights into Venezuela's tumultuous economic history. They explore how the oil boom contributed to dependency and eventual crisis. Listeners learn about the impacts of hyperinflation and informal dollarization on everyday life. Velasco discusses the role of U.S. sanctions, the ongoing political stalemate, and how remittances have brought about uneven economic stabilization. It's a compelling dive into a nation's struggles and resilience.

2025 was a rollercoaster for the economy, with consumer sentiment plunging to historic lows, signaling serious fears. Tariffs soared to unprecedented levels, triggering legal dramas, including a lawsuit from Costco. The CAPE ratio hit dot-com bubble highs, raising alarms about economic inequality and bubbles. As we edge into 2026, eyes are on the federal funds rate and the impact of AI data centers on electricity costs. Consumer spending remains uneven, thriving at the top while the rest face credit challenges.

David Autor, an MIT economics professor renowned for his research on trade's labor market impacts, joins to discuss the fallout from U.S.-China trade relations. He reveals how concentrated job losses in manufacturing have affected specific regions and the painful adaptation process for displaced workers. Autor critiques earlier economic models for overlooking local employment effects and emphasizes the complications of worker mobility and reskilling. He also addresses the implications of tariffs and advocates for strategic investment to rejuvenate industries and maintain economic leadership.

This week, Sarah Gonzalez, a Planet Money reporter known for her insightful coverage of international issues, dives into the ongoing situation in Gaza. She shares how cash shortages persist, while food availability has improved post-ceasefire. Sarah also touches on significant individual stories, shedding light on the resilience of those affected by the conflict. Additionally, listeners get updates on intriguing stories like a safer saw innovation and the evolving world of subscriptions in the digital age.

Pedro Ferreira, a professor from Carnegie Mellon specializing in consumer behavior, joins the discussion on the impact of binge-watching. He explores how Netflix's binge-drop strategy contributed to its rise, while also examining the dark side—how binge-watchers often churn out faster. Ferreira shares intriguing research showing that weekly releases can retain viewers better and foster community engagement. The conversation dives into hybrid release strategies and the future of content consumption as Netflix navigates its evolving approach.

The rising costs of electric bills are linked to the explosive growth of data centers in the U.S. Tech companies are pouring billions into these facilities, impacting everyday consumers. A couple in Ohio shares how their electricity prices have nearly doubled, sparking discussions about the strain on power systems. Amidst soaring demand, utilities grapple with maintaining infrastructure and managing capacity costs, which ultimately push expenses onto residential customers. Join the journey through the complexities of energy economics shaped by tech's insatiable appetite.

Dive into a fun pop culture draft that takes you back to 1999! The hosts select their ultimate teams with a movie, song, and wild card, debating picks like 'The Insider' for its corporate themes and 'Bills, Bills, Bills' for its finance insights. They tackle iconic selections such as 'Blair Witch' for its viral marketing success and 'Napster' for revolutionizing music distribution. With lively discussions and nostalgic memories, who will take home the crown? It’s a clash of pop culture and economics!

Mick Dumke, a seasoned Chicago journalist known for his insights into Mayor Richard M. Daley's administration, dives into the controversial 2008 decision to privatize the city’s parking meters. He recounts the whirlwind leading to the $1.16 billion deal and its aftermath, which included soaring rates and public outrage. Mick unveils the chaos behind the deal's approval process, plus shocking tales of discarded documents revealing secret investor ties. Ultimately, he discusses how Chicago shortchanged its future with this rushed decision.

Avery Trufelman, host of the fashion history podcast Articles of Interest, dives into how the U.S. military has influenced everyday clothing. She explores the hidden connection between military design and common apparel, tracing innovations sparked by WWII. From military surplus flooding markets to iconic pieces like the M65 jacket becoming symbols of protest, Avery reveals the evolution of style. She even uncovers modern outdoor brands that maintain covert ties to military contracts, all while reshaping our understanding of fashion's roots.

Karen Clark, a pioneer in catastrophe risk modeling, shares her insights on how Jamaica started betting on hurricane risks via catastrophe bonds. She explains how these bonds allow investors to share the costs of disasters while helping governments rebuild. Clark discusses the evolution of disaster modeling, her experiences presenting predictions to Lloyd's after Hurricane Andrew, and the market's shift towards securities for insurance. The conversation highlights the impact of climate risks and innovation in financing recovery efforts.