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Planet Money

Latest episodes

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Jun 21, 2024 • 27min

The Vapes of Wrath

The podcast explores how Juul entered the market amidst regulatory ambiguity, sparked a crisis on teen vaping, and faced a backlash from regulators. It delves into the White House meeting on e-cigarettes, the rise of disposable vapes post-regulation, and the challenges in regulating illegal vape products flooding the market
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Jun 19, 2024 • 28min

Why is everyone talking about Musk's money?

Elon Musk faces a high-stakes vote after a judge revokes his massive pay package. The episode explores Musk's impact on Tesla and the corporate world, his incentivized leadership, and the legal battle over his compensation. It also delves into Vanguard's shift on Musk's pay package and Tesla's move to Texas.
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Jun 14, 2024 • 24min

What's with all the tiny soda cans? And other grocery store mysteries, solved.

Unraveling the mystery of shrinkflation in grocery stores and the practice of price pack architecture. Discover how companies strategically change package sizes to target different consumer preferences, increase sales, and maximize profits. Explore the evolution of package sizes for products like soda and shampoo, and the impact on consumer behavior and marketing strategies.
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Jun 12, 2024 • 26min

Bringing a tariff to a graphite fight

Explore the significance of graphite in batteries and efforts to reduce dependence on China. Learn about shaping graphite particles for battery efficiency and the challenges in funding battery industry expansion. Discover the impact of tariffs on the graphite processing industry and the push for a domestic battery supply chain in the US.
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Jun 7, 2024 • 27min

How much national debt is too much?

Economists debate the risks of high national debt, with concerns about debt affecting economic growth. Analysis shows growth slows once debt exceeds 90% of GDP. The episode explores the US's $26 trillion debt, challenges policymakers face, and the balance between tax hikes and budget cuts.
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Jun 5, 2024 • 21min

The history of light (classic)

The podcast delves into the laborious process of making candles from animal fat, contrasting it with the convenience of modern lighting. It traces the evolution of lighting technology from candles to kerosene lamps to electric bulbs, emphasizing the impact on economic growth and societal progress. The hosts explore how technological advancements have made light more accessible and affordable, shaping the world as we know it today.
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May 31, 2024 • 24min

How the FBI's fake cell phone company put criminals into real jail cells

FBI's undercover operation creating fake encrypted phones for criminals, intense negotiations with CEO, development of fake cell phones with unique features, exploring pricing strategies in criminal world, successful large-scale arrest of criminal figures
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May 29, 2024 • 27min

So you've been scammed, now what?

Explore the aftermath of falling victim to a $800,000 scam, FBI involvement, and challenges in recovering lost funds. Learn about the legal hurdles and emotional journey of a woman scammed by Russian hackers and the complexities of seeking redress from financial institutions.
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May 24, 2024 • 26min

The junkyard economist

Join Jon Rolston, a junkman with a knack for finding hidden treasures in trash, as he takes us through the lucrative world of reusable junk. From valuable items like gold rings to the intricate process of recycling scrap materials, Jon reveals the economic insights hidden in our discarded goods.
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May 22, 2024 • 28min

Anatomy of a layoff

Exploring the emotional impact of layoffs through a couple's experience. Lack of empathy in the layoff process. Coping mechanisms and personal narratives. Discussion with HR expert on layoff procedures. Emotional struggles and difficulties in finding new jobs post-layoff.

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