Slow Burn

Amanda Mull, a senior reporter at Bloomberg Businessweek, and historian Bob Kealing, author of "Tupperware Unsealed," discuss the cultural legacy of Tupperware and its journey from a household staple to a symbol of empowerment. They explore how Tupperware parties revolutionized women's sales opportunities and reflect on the contemporary obsession with organizing, especially in the age of social media. The duo also highlights the emotional weight of home organization and how it serves as a coping mechanism in chaotic times.

People often say that money can't buy you happiness. Sometimes, if you ask them to tell you more about it, they'll mention a famous 2010 study by Nobel Prize winners Daniel Kahneman and Angus Deaton. That study found that higher household income correlates with greater emotional well-being, but only up to around $75,000 a year. After that, more money didn't seem to matter.This was a famous study by two famous academics. The result stood for over a decade. And it feels good, right? Maybe the rich aren't so much happier than anyone else. But researchers have recently done a complete 180 on this idea. In 2021, psychologist Matt Killingsworth found nearly the opposite: That more money does correlate with more happiness. And that the relationship continues well beyond $75,000 per year.Today on the show: Does more money mean fewer problems? Two researchers with totally different takes come together to hammer out a better understanding of the relationship between money and happiness.This episode was hosted by Sally Helm and Nick Fountain. It was produced by Sean Saldana, Sam Yellowhorse Kesler, and Emma Peaslee. It was edited by Meg Cramer and fact-checked by Sierra Juarez. Engineering by Cena Loffredo. Alex Goldmark is Planet Money's executive producer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into a mailbag of quirky questions! Discover the surprising truth behind live lobsters in grocery store tanks. Explore how candy transformed into 'fruit snacks' and the nostalgic joy of Shark Bites. Learn about the rise and fall of waterbeds, straight from their inventor. Uncover the intriguing history of scented magazine ads and their impact on consumer culture. Plus, hear insights on the ethical dilemmas surrounding lobster consumption. A fun mix of nostalgia, food history, and cultural exploration awaits!

While the Slow Burn team is hard at work on our next season, we are excited to share the first episode of the second season from our friends at SNAFU with Ed Helms: MEDBURG.In March 1971, Washington Post reporter Betty Medsger receives a mysterious envelope full of classified documents. Soon, what's inside will change the way America sees the FBI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the vibrant history of the mullet, a hairstyle that has sparked both love and disdain since the 1980s. Discover how icons like David Bowie and hockey players helped shape its image over the years. Explore the playful origins of the term 'mullet' and the fascinating role of a mysterious Reddit user in unraveling its naming. With insights from proud mullet-wearers and cultural sleuths, this journey reveals the mullet as a quirky emblem of defiance against trends, highlighting its enduring legacy in popular culture.

Mark Evanier, a seasoned television writer, discusses the notorious variety show 'Pink Lady and Jeff.' He shares behind-the-scenes insights into the chaotic production, highlighting cultural misunderstandings and language barriers that plagued the show's creation. Evanier explores the journey of Pink Lady, from their success in Japan to their doomed American venture. The conversation also touches on the show's legacy and the broader implications for international acts in American entertainment, unveiling how this infamous flop challenged perceptions of cultural adaptation.

Dr. Robin George Andrews, a science writer and author of 'How to Kill an Asteroid,' dives into the fascinating aspects of planetary defense. He recounts the Chelyabinsk incident and the misconceptions about asteroid threats, particularly 'city killers.' Andrews shares insights into NASA's pioneering DART mission aimed at redirecting asteroids, revealing innovative strategies such as collision and unconventional tactics. The discussion emphasizes humanity's capability to tackle existential threats and transform anxiety into proactive engagement for a safer future.

Forrest Wickman, Slate's culture editor, dives into the cinematic blunder of a bird in *Charlie's Angels* that's left birders scratching their heads for years. Guin Dill, the animal trainer, shares the behind-the-scenes challenges of wrangling birds for film. Nathan Pieplow, a birding expert, helps unravel the mystery of the wrongly identified Pygmy Nuthatch. The discussion covers Hollywood's frequent inaccuracies, the cultural impact of this peculiar mistake, and the real joy of birdwatching in today's world.

The podcast delves into the cultural evolution of 'selling out,' highlighted by the clash between Jonathan Franzen and Oprah Winfrey. It explores how 'Reality Bites' encapsulated Generation X's struggle for authenticity amid commercialization. Voices discuss how perceptions of 'selling out' have shifted over time, influenced by media pioneers like Oprah. The episode also emphasizes the impact of Franzen's work and the changing views on artistic integrity in literature and music. It's a fascinating look at a generational dilemma and its broader implications.

Warren Beatty, the Oscar-winning actor and director, reflects on his decades-long relationship with the comic character Dick Tracy. Joined by film critic Leonard Maltin and comic book creator Ryan Estrada, they discuss the bizarre late-night specials Beatty produced, blending nostalgia with surreal humor. The conversation unveils Beatty's motivations and complex legacy in Hollywood, exploring the character's cultural impact and the challenges of adaptation amidst personal and professional evolution. It's a fascinating dive into fame, artistry, and the enduring allure of a classic detective.