The Indicator from Planet Money

Cosplay can be a vibrant expression of fandom, but it wades into tricky legal waters regarding intellectual property. A dedicated cosplayer shares her journey, showcasing how these costumes connect with major companies like Lucasfilm. The podcast explores cosplay's historical roots and its community-building impact, while a legal expert highlights the challenges fans face navigating copyright laws. There's a fascinating discussion about the economic symbiosis between cosplayers and corporations, revealing both the celebration of culture and the potential pitfalls of creativity.

Explore the fascinating history of Hollywood's relationship with China, from early admiration to complex collaborations. Discover how China's burgeoning middle class influences Hollywood revenues and the adaptations studios make to capture their attention. Dive into pivotal moments that shifted dynamics, particularly after 2008, affecting the types of films that attract audiences. Uncover the rising preference for domestic blockbusters over American superhero films and the evolving nature of cinematic partnerships between these two powerhouses.

Filmmakers are increasingly leaving Los Angeles for locations with enticing tax incentives. These financial benefits can reach up to 35%, drastically impacting where movies are shot. The discussion highlights how these shifts challenge Hollywood's traditional dominance while also affecting local economies. As California grapples with costs and complex incentives, the future of filmmaking in LA remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the rise of China's film industry adds another layer of complexity to the global filmmaking landscape.

Explore the surprising roots of Hollywood in Fort Lee, New Jersey, where the film industry first took flight under Thomas Edison's influence. Discover how this bustling hub of early cinema faced challenges like natural light constraints that spurred its migration to sunny California. The discussion unveils the unique geography that supported filmmaking and examines the economic shifts that transformed Fort Lee’s glory into Hollywood's glitz. Find out what this historical pivot means for the future of cinema.

Professional gamblers share their worries about the future as tax deductions on losses tighten. The conversation shifts to businesses investing more in research and development amid changing regulations. Listeners will also learn why canceling subscriptions is about to get trickier, highlighting the complexities of consumer rights. The podcast humorously navigates the tangled web of red tape that affects both gamblers and everyday consumers.

In this episode, Stephen Basaha from the Gulf States Newsroom sheds light on the dark side of online business. He shares a harrowing story of a New Orleans bar owner who fell victim to a cyber scam, highlighting the urgent need for stronger protections from tech giants. The emotional impact on small business owners is discussed, revealing feelings of distress and self-blame after such incidents. Plus, the conversation emphasizes the responsibility of both individuals and tech companies in fighting against the rising tide of cybercrime.

As hurricane season begins, the podcast delves into the tough decision of whether to evacuate before a storm. Rising costs, from travel to shelter, complicate these choices for many residents. Personal stories from New Orleans reveal how financial pressures affect evacuation decisions. The discussion also highlights issues like price gouging and FEMA's shortcomings, showing how evacuating can feel like a luxury for some. Ultimately, it questions what preparedness really means in a world with increasingly severe weather.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is setting off a $3.4 trillion deficit bomb, driven by major tax cuts. Experts explore whether these cuts can truly pay for themselves or if it's just a myth. Dive into the Laffer Curve theory, which claims lower tax rates might boost revenue, but then scrutinize the evidence suggesting otherwise. Discussions reveal a consensus that recent tax cuts could hurt government revenue, raising questions about their long-term implications for businesses and workers.

Discover the intriguing reasons why trees aren't insured like other crops in the U.S. Explore the devastating impact of extreme weather on forests, particularly through the lens of maple syrup producers. Understand the financial risks landowners face and learn about past attempts to create a sustainable timber insurance market. Delve into the complicated economics of insuring trees and how community advocacy is paving the way for innovative solutions in the face of climate change.

Jon Cohen, Senior Correspondent with Science magazine, discusses the critical state of HIV/AIDS treatment in Eswatini and Lesotho. He shares firsthand experiences from his reporting trip, highlighting the serious impacts of U.S. funding cuts on healthcare. The conversation delves into the vital role of PEPFAR in combating the HIV crisis and the urgent need for continued support to protect vulnerable populations. Cohen emphasizes the challenges posed by changing foreign policy and the importance of global cooperation to sustain progress in fighting the epidemic.