Planet Money

Discover the quirky saga of American potatoes in a lighthearted exploration of international trade. Learn how Idaho farmers navigated complex regulations to access the vast Mexican market, facing fierce competition and pest-related hurdles. Delve into the intriguing world of quarantine measures as non-tariff barriers and uncover the surprising impact of potato root nematodes on negotiations. It's a fascinating tale of agriculture, trade loopholes, and the hidden agendas that shape our food systems.

Luis von Ahn discusses the evolving role of AI in translation, emphasizing that it isn't quite replacing human translators yet. He highlights the importance of human oversight for accuracy and critical tasks. The conversation touches on AI's integration into language learning platforms and how it enhances real-time conversation practice. Despite fears of job loss, von Ahn reassures listeners that there remains a strong demand for human translators, hinting at a future where AI and humans collaborate rather than compete.

Dive into the intriguing world of holiday returns and changing retail policies! Discover the surprising shifts in REI’s return policy and its impact on loyal customers. Explore updates on student loan forgiveness plans and the challenges borrowers face. Get a glimpse into Argentina's economic struggles post-election, including inflation and currency woes. Lastly, learn about Sweden's remarkable parental benefits for families with multiples, highlighting the support available in today’s growing fertility landscape.

Hosts engage in a fun family-style competition to determine the Indicator of the Year, mixing humor with sharp economic insights. Bitcoin's ascendance and consumer confidence take center stage as they debate key economic indicators. They dissect the quirky relationship between unemployment and job vacancies, showcasing the beverage curve's relevance. A whimsical discussion about inflation expectations adds flair, while predictions for 2025 insightfully connect to broader economic shifts, including AI's impact and political trends.

Mauricio Serna, a Colombian entrepreneur and conservationist, is on a mission to create biodiversity credits aimed at restoring cloud forests. He shares how his family's land used to be a cattle ranch and how he aims to turn it back into a thriving habitat for endangered species. The conversation reveals the mechanics of biodiversity credits and their potential for environmental conservation while also addressing skepticism around their effectiveness. Serna’s innovative approach underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions amid widespread habitat destruction.

Dive into the world of sports gambling, where a 2018 Supreme Court decision revolutionized the industry. Discover how data analytics and behavioral strategies have transformed betting practices, making it tougher for players to beat the odds. Hear firsthand accounts from savvy gamblers and bookies who exploit biases and adapt to the fast-paced, evolving landscape filled with mobile apps and enticing promotions. This episode explores the risks and rewards as sports bets become a cornerstone of modern fandom.

Discover the revolutionary theories from Nobel Prize-winning economists that uncover why some nations thrive while others struggle. They stress the critical role of institutions and challenge long-held economic beliefs. Hear humorous anecdotes about their friendship forged through rigorous discussion and research. The podcast also dives into the historical impacts of colonialism on economic disparity, comparing the growth trajectories of India and China. Finally, it highlights how improving institutions can foster fairer societies and alter national fortunes.

Doug Irwin, an economist at Dartmouth and author on trade policy, dives into the notorious Smoot-Hawley Tariffs and their disastrous effects during the Great Depression. He illustrates how this historical blunder led to a cautionary tale about tariffs. The conversation connects the past to modern-day issues, including the recent tariff practices under Trump and Biden. Irwin warns of the dangers of protecting local markets at the expense of consumer costs and international relations, all while weaving in amusing anecdotes and economic insights.

Windell Curole, a dedicated advocate for flood protection in southern Louisiana, shares his remarkable journey of defiance against federal regulations. He reveals how he took matters into his own hands after Hurricane Katrina, constructing levees taller and quicker than permitted. The conversation dives into the cultural identity of Cajun Country and the urgent environmental challenges faced by the community. Curole’s bold choices highlight the tension between local needs and bureaucratic obstacles in disaster management, making for a gripping discussion on resilience and preparedness.

In this intriguing discussion, George Soros, a legendary investor and philanthropist, reflects on his iconic 1992 hedge fund trade against the British pound. He shares insights into the strategic motivations behind the daring bet, contrasting the approaches of his team with the Bank of England's attempts to maintain currency stability. The conversation dives into the intense financial battle of Black Wednesday, highlighting the profound impact of speculative trading on national policy and the lessons learned from that historic moment.