Planet Money

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.

Political pressure on central banks can jeopardize economic stability. Case studies from Argentina and Turkey illustrate the dangers of losing central bank independence. Experts discuss how recent political actions influence monetary policy and the credibility of these institutions. Historical insights trace the evolution of central banks and underscore the importance of autonomy. The podcast also explores how central banks adapt to economic pressures and maintain stability while facing escalating political challenges.

The mysterious Milk.com raises eyebrows with its simple content yet immense value. Dive into the world of domain names, where early investments can lead to million-dollar returns. Discover the quirky strategies domain investors employ and the compelling history behind Milk.com. Hear from its owner about his decision to keep the domain despite tempting offers. Plus, get a taste of exciting new developments related to a forthcoming book, showcasing the vitality and creativity of the world of internet real estate.

Tensions rise as President Trump makes a bold move against Lisa Cook, the first Black woman on the Fed Board, claiming her removal. The podcast dives into the delicate balance between political influence and the Federal Reserve's independence, featuring insights from former governors. It discusses how this interference might reshape interest rates and monetary policy. Listeners are taken inside the Fed's governance structure, highlighting the importance of consensus and autonomy to prevent economic instability. The stakes are high for the future of monetary policy.