Planet Money

Marta Voschinska, a healthcare economist and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, dives into the perplexing world of generic drug shortages plaguing hospitals. She explains how these essential, low-cost medications frequently go out of stock and uncovers the complexities behind their manufacturing and pricing. Voschinska discusses the paradox of cheap drugs leading to market exits, and advocates for prioritizing manufacturer reliability over cost, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to ensure better patient care.

Dive into the fascinating world of holiday rom-coms and discover how TV executives mastered the art of mass-producing seasonal love stories. Uncover the rise of romance novels from supermarket shelves to mainstream success, thanks to e-books and strategic networking among authors. Explore Hallmark's secret sauce for festive films, and learn how today's romance writers are breaking barriers with diverse narratives and innovative storytelling. It's a captivating intersection of love, business, and creativity!

Join Harun Mukhtarzada, co-founder of Truebill, and Teen Zwo, CEO of Zwora, as they dive into the explosion of subscription services. They discuss how consumers often forget their subscriptions and reveal hidden costs eating away at budgets. The duo explores the tricky psychology behind subscription inertia, where businesses thrive on keeping customers locked in. Tune in for insights on the balance between convenience and financial awareness in this new subscription economy!

Join a lively discussion on the quirks of economics as 188 economists share the most misunderstood terms in their field. Laugh along with stories from the classroom where a humorous take on 'pegging' had students in stitches. Explore the confusion surrounding 'public goods' and how everyday meanings differ from economic definitions. Dive into real-world implications of terms like 'soft landing' and 'moral hazard', illuminating the complexities behind these concepts. This engaging journey makes economic jargon accessible and entertaining!

Cargo ships are the unsung heroes of global trade, carrying goods around the world while ports are essential to this process. A surprising fact reveals that a discount furniture chain ranks as the fourth largest importer on the East Coast. Banana shipping has its own fascinating history, with specific ripening techniques necessary for market readiness. Even live frogs are imported six times a month! Explore the intricate and sometimes unexpected world of imports and logistics that keeps our economy moving.

Delve into Washington's ambitious cap-and-trade system aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Hear personal stories of individuals navigating this new climate policy landscape. Explore the economic and political implications, including revenue generation and public reactions to rising gas prices. Discover the controversies surrounding cap and trade and the skepticism it faces from influential hedge fund managers. The stakes are high; this experiment could reshape climate policy across the U.S. or serve as a cautionary tale if it falters.

The world of lawyer advertising is a spectacle, from dirt bike stunts to quirky antics designed to grab your attention. Once banned, legal marketing transformed dramatically in the 1970s, allowing creative freedom that didn't exist fifty years ago. The journey from strict advertising rules to today's bold ads mirrors a struggle for consumer rights. Hear about legal battles, including a pivotal Supreme Court case that reshaped the notion of commercial speech and set the stage for lawyers to market themselves freely.

The discussion reveals the harrowing impact of Venezuela's economic collapse on its healthcare system, showcasing the struggles of medical professionals amidst severe shortages. It dives into the pitfalls of managing vast oil wealth, illustrating how past leadership squandered resources on short-term gains instead of sustainable growth. The podcast also highlights the complexity of bureaucratic hurdles faced by entrepreneurs and the disastrous consequences of fixed currency controls. The narrative closes with reflections on the country's political upheaval and the emergence of a desperate populace.

Dive into the art of connecting the dots between seemingly unrelated topics and economics. The hosts tackle listener-suggested gems, revealing unexpected lessons from polyamory to Hieronymus Bosch's surreal art. Discover how financial dynamics shape personal relationships and the economic legacy of iconic paintings. From the symbolism of the hurdy-gurdy to the economics behind desire, this discussion sparks curiosity and showcases the intricate ties between art, life, and the economy.

As the vice presidential debate approaches, candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz reveal intriguing economic views. Vance's unconventional support for government intervention raises eyebrows, while his complex relationship with labor unions sparks discussion. Walz advocates for universal free school lunches and robust family support policies, aiming to combat child poverty. The podcast also tackles how both candidates navigate the tension between populism and bipartisanship in today's economic landscape, highlighting significant shifts in their party affiliations.