The Indicator from Planet Money

The discussion dives into the Gilded Age, revealing its blend of wealth, corruption, and stark inequality. Experts draw parallels between this historical era and today's economic landscape, highlighting the modern fascination fueled by media portrayals. The podcast examines how historical wealth influences current politics and the ongoing struggle against income disparity. Finally, it ponders whether a new progressive movement may arise as society grapples with these age-old issues, making for a compelling examination of past and present.

Discover the economic toll of billion-dollar natural disasters in the U.S. as the government retires a crucial database that helped local authorities with disaster planning. Hear a climatologist share personal stories of weather events that shaped communities. Explore the complexities of economic impacts tied to climate change and the challenges of documenting non-market losses, like health effects from wildfires. Uncover the emotional struggles within NOAA as they face budget cuts and seek new ways to analyze disaster data.

By 2048, over $100 trillion is expected to be passed down in inheritances, often leading to complex emotional challenges. One family's story reveals the difficulties of dividing assets fairly among blended families. A quirky legal dispute over a vacuum cleaner highlights how emotional baggage impacts perceptions of fairness in inheritance. With insights from behavioral economics, the discussion invites listeners to consider their own experiences and the deeper implications of estate planning.

Many young people today feel financially insecure despite having more wealth than previous generations. This phenomenon, dubbed 'money dysmorphia', highlights their disconnect between reality and perception. The discussion dives into how social media and societal pressures amplify feelings of inadequacy. A neuroscientist explains this psychological struggle and its roots in economic dissatisfaction. Additionally, the podcast explores how rising expectations can impact happiness, especially among women, revealing a deeper quest for fulfillment.

Discover General Motors' surprising investment in V-8 engines despite the electric vehicle trend. Explore the thrill of gas engines and the challenges electric vehicles face. Delve into the potential acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel, featuring the intriguing concept of a 'golden share' for national security. Unpack the unpredictable world of Trump's tariffs, where negotiations take center stage over genuine policies. It's a fascinating look at how corporate strategies and market sentiment collide.

The podcast dives into the complexities of trade negotiations under Trump, featuring insights from a former negotiator. It questions the substance of touted trade deals, using 'Deal or No Deal' as a metaphor for evaluating agreements with the UK and China. The conversation highlights the importance of detailed commitments and effective dispute resolution mechanisms. Finally, it examines how recent trade agreements may lack clarity, impacting their effectiveness and the sustainability of these relationships.

Discover why college football coaches are often the highest paid employees at universities, sometimes earning close to $11 million a year. The podcast explores the economic implications of these hefty salaries, questioning if they truly make sense. Learn how a successful football team boosts university revenues and attracts students, while also uncovering the complex financial structures behind coaching salaries. Tune in to understand the balance that university leaders must strike between athletics and academics.

Discover the challenges of building affordable housing in major cities like San Francisco, where soaring costs and shifting definitions of affordability complicate solutions. Learn about the Tehanan housing complex's success, achieved through streamlined regulations. The discussion highlights the paradox of local governance in housing decisions and contrasts approaches from cities like Houston and New York. Explore the delicate balance between building regulations and innovation, using a creative chainsaw metaphor!

Explore the fascinating origins and evolution of search engines, starting from their rudimentary beginnings to the revolutionary impact of Google. Discover user frustrations that sparked innovation and delve into the genius of the PageRank algorithm. Learn how Google transformed online advertising with AdWords, reshaping how we access information and interact with content. The discussion also critiques modern internet practices and suggests improvements for more accessible information in our digital world.

This discussion dives into Target's troubled sales and the consequences of social justice backlash. Klarna's staggering $99 million loss reveals the pitfalls of the buy now, pay later trend and its comparison to traditional financing methods. Meanwhile, Sesame Street embarks on a new adventure with its 56th season on Netflix, potentially rejuvenating the beloved series. Tune in for insights on retail challenges and evolving consumer behaviors that shape today’s economy!