Planet Money

Discover the intriguing world of unclaimed property and escheatment laws! Hear the story of an investor who lost a fortune despite following best practices. Explore the quirky history of how states handle forgotten assets and the complexities of reclaiming them. The podcast tackles the hidden costs of unclaimed funds and the fairness of how individuals are compensated. Personal stories highlight the challenges of navigating this maze of bureaucracy, especially through a man's battle over his seized Amazon stock. Don't forget to check for your own lost treasures!

Willa Paskin, host of the Decoder Ring podcast, delves into the fascinating history of Tupperware, revealing its rise from a simple kitchen item to a cultural phenomenon. She highlights the revolutionary sales tactics of the Tupperware Party, which transformed social events and empowered women. Paskin also reflects on the colorful Tupperware Jubilee and the internal conflicts that shaped the brand’s trajectory. Ultimately, she discusses the factors behind Tupperware's decline, linking it to shifts in society and modern marketing.

Elaine Kamark, a Brookings Institution expert and former leader of the National Performance Review, dives into the challenges of shrinking the federal workforce. She reflects on past efforts under the Clinton administration, revealing that significant savings often come from reforming outdated practices rather than just cutting jobs. The discussion also highlights how job cuts could impact public safety and the overall efficiency of government operations, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation in meaningful reform.

Starting a bank is like launching any business, but with way more regulations! Follow two women in Columbus, Ohio, as they tackle the daunting challenges of creating a community bank. Discover the unique focus on empowering female entrepreneurs and the hurdles faced in the wake of past financial crises. Get a glimpse into the meticulous planning and the exciting journey to the grand opening, complete with humorous anecdotes and overcoming obstacles. It's a fascinating exploration of innovation and resilience in the banking world!

Mark Longo, owner and caretaker of Peanut, the viral pet squirrel, shares the incredible story of Peanut’s rise from street rodent to social media superstar. He reflects on the chaotic aftermath of Peanut's fame, including a political saga and the emergence of a memecoin in his name. Mark offers insights into the emotional rollercoaster of navigating online stardom, the challenges of recognition in the meme coin market, and the dark side of fame in today's attention-driven economy.

Nick Navas, a freelance reporter, teams up with Zeke Fox, an investigative journalist at Bloomberg, to dive into the wild world of memecoins. They explore how a satirical joke transformed into a multi-billion dollar market, unveiling stories of overnight millionaires and unfortunate losses. The duo discusses the influence of social media figures like Elon Musk and the chaotic dynamics of trading platforms, likening the thrill of investing in memecoins to gambling. The conversation reveals both the hilarious and alarming sides of this cryptocurrency phenomenon.

Tyson Foods faces backlash for closing a plant in Perry, Iowa, while hiring asylum seekers elsewhere. With personal stories from both former American workers and new migrants, the podcast explores the emotional fallout of corporate decisions. Insights into Tyson's hiring practices reveal a complex narrative of labor dynamics. One migrant shares his journey from Venezuela to finding stability in Tennessee, highlighting the contrasting experiences of those affected by these hiring changes. The episode raises questions about inequality and the impact of immigration on local economies.

Victor Hagani, one of the youngest traders at Long Term Capital Management, shares his firsthand insights into the firm’s meteoric rise and catastrophic fall. He discusses how this elite group initially thrived by leveraging complex mathematical models to exploit market discrepancies. However, their overconfidence led to a collapse during financial crises, emphasizing the shocking interplay between human nature and rigid algorithms. Hagani offers cautionary lessons on risk management and the perils of ignoring historical precedents in investment strategies.

Dive into the fascinating world of presidential power versus Congressional authority over spending. The discussion centers on the concept of 'impoundment,' tracing its historical roots from Thomas Jefferson to modern times. Explore how President Trump navigated these legal waters and the ramifications of his actions. Hear insights from constitutional scholars about the implications for federal funding, agency dismantling, and the potential for a constitutional showdown. The complexities of government finance take center stage, revealing the tug-of-war between elected branches.

Lauren Bauer, an expert on nutrition assistance programs at the Brookings Institution, sheds light on the federal spending chaos caused by a Trump-era freeze. She discusses the real impact on jobs and services like healthcare and childcare. The conversation highlights an invaluable tool—the Daily Treasury Statement—that helps track federal funds amid confusion. They explore how transparency in government spending is crucial, especially during turbulent times, ensuring citizens can stay informed and advocate for their needs.