Planet Money

Discover how the U.S. government borrows money through Treasurys and why they've long been viewed as safe investments. Learn about hedge funds diving into Treasury trades and the risks involved in their new market strategies. The podcast explores the mechanics of Treasury auctions and the role of primary dealers, shedding light on how market dynamics shifted after the 2008 crisis. Delve into the potential consequences of a sudden unwind in these trades and what that could mean for financial stability.

Explore the world of audio deepfakes as cybercriminals use AI to mimic voices, tricking individuals and banks into scams. Learn how banks bolster defenses against these threats, employing multi-layered security methods. Then, pivot to the stock market where reinforcement-learning trading bots, acting autonomously, may manipulate prices and even collude. Experts debate the complexities of intent and regulation in this evolving landscape. Discover how businesses can better prepare and educate themselves against these AI-driven risks.

Elan Lee, a game designer and co-founder of Exploding Kittens, joins the discussion about crafting a new economics-based board game. He shares insights on transforming creative economic concepts into engaging gameplay. The team explores unique mechanics like bluffing and partial information, revealing how minor tweaks can enhance both fun and educational value. Elan emphasizes the importance of balancing entertainment with economic principles, all while inviting listeners to playtest the prototype and contribute feedback for refinement.

We want to make a board game. It must, of course, teach the world about economics. It must be fun. It’d be nice if it sold lots of copies! How hard could that be!? (Monopoly and Catan are hugely popular and basically little economy simulators, after all.)Well, turns out, it’s quite hard!We’re in a golden age of tabletop games. Thirty years ago there were around 800 new games each year. Now it is more like 5,000. Just a handful of those get to be hits. In the first episode of our new series, Planet Money sets forth on an epic quest to beat the odds. Subscribe to Planet Money+Listen free: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the NPR app or anywhere you get podcasts.Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Our weekly Newsletter.This episode was hosted by Kenny Malone and Erika Beras. It was produced by James Sneed with help from Emma Peaslee and edited by Marianne McCune. It was fact-checked by Sierra Juarez and engineered by Gilly Moon and Robert Rodriguez. Alex Goldmark is Planet Money’s executive producer.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Explore the fascinating evolution of refrigeration and how it's reshaped our food system. Discover the pioneering efforts of Gustavus Swift and Polly Pennington, who revolutionized meat transport and food safety. Learn how the cold chain allows for fresh produce from far-flung places and how it's transformed agriculture and labor dynamics. While discussing the benefits, the hosts also dive into refrigeration's downsides like energy use and impact on flavor. Join the conversation about how our fridges are one of modern life’s unsung heroes!

Explore the intriguing world of Jane Street Group, a secretive trading firm whose billion-dollar strategy was exposed in a courtroom. Discover how a seemingly accidental revelation sparked global interest and regulatory scrutiny. Learn about the booming Indian options market and the challenges faced by retail traders. Delve into allegations of manipulation, the repercussions for Jane Street, and how this all reflects on market fairness. Personal stories from traders illustrate the real impact of these high-stakes trades.

The podcast dives into Gaza's cash crisis amidst ongoing conflict. With Israel blocking new cash, existing bills are falling apart from overuse. Two friends are on a mission to send money into Gaza, facing logistical nightmares like no functioning banks or ATMs. Daily life is challenging, with scarce jobs and barter becoming essential. Listeners learn about innovative ways to route donations, the hunt for cash brokers, and how soaring prices complicate survival. It's a gripping look at how currency operates under extreme pressure.

Explore the breathtaking rise of CEO compensation since the 1990s and its impacts on wealth distribution. Delve into how political movements and tax code changes fueled the disconnect between pay and performance. Learn about the protests from Silicon Valley workers and the fallout from accounting reforms. Discover the rollercoaster trends of CEO pay, including a surprising decline noticed in the 2000s and the implications of the Dodd-Frank Act on pay transparency. It's a fascinating journey through corporate America’s evolving landscape!

A surprising deal between the U.S. government and Intel has made the state the largest shareholder in a major American company. This move raises eyebrows and sparks debates about the implications of government involvement in business. The discussion delves into the motives behind strengthening domestic microchip manufacturing amid global competition. Guests explore the potential risks and benefits of this unconventional partnership and its alignment with broader economic policies, suggesting a significant shift in how the U.S. interacts with the corporate world.

The podcast dives into the pressing question of job security in the age of AI. Experts reveal which professions are more resistant to automation and explore the balance between human skills and technological advancements. Personal stories from listeners highlight their fears and career choices amidst uncertain market conditions. The discussion introduces the EPOC score, assessing roles based on essential human traits like empathy and judgment. Ultimately, it challenges listeners to adapt as the future of work becomes increasingly complex.