The Economics of Everyday Things

Investigative journalist Zachary Crockett dives into the world of college fraternities, discussing their budgets, parties, and unique expenses like liability insurance and expensive DJs. Guests share insights on the financial management, historical origins, and economic benefits of joining a fraternity, highlighting the valuable professional networking opportunities that come with membership.

Explore the world of bail bonds with sociology professor Joshua Page and defense attorney Steven Zalewski. They discuss the economic motivations behind the bail industry, the impacts of cash bail reform in New York, and the challenges faced by families in the legal system. Delve into the intricacies of bail bond strategies, tracking down bail skippers, and the changing landscape of the bail industry.

Automotive experts Zachary Crockett, Tom Crockett, Mark Gutjahr, and Nikkie Riedel discuss the shift in car color preferences, exploring historical trends, Subaru's innovative colors, and the impact of colors on market preferences and resale value.

Guests Zachary Dickens, Anne Mari DeCoster, and Kara Kolodziej discuss the $45 billion self-storage industry in America. They explore the reasons for renting storage units, operations and economics, diverse use cases, nuances of auctions, and the economic viability of storage units. Real-life stories include valuable discoveries like a car from a James Bond film and handling cremated remains.

Gregg Barbanell, a Foley artist at Universal Studios, discusses the art of creating movie sound effects using everyday objects like raw liver and ice cream cones. He highlights the meticulous process of enhancing sound in films, from footsteps to cloth manipulation. The podcast delves into the importance of human craftsmanship in crafting authentic auditory experiences for movies.

Experts delve into the economics of top-level domains, showcasing how small countries profit from domains like .ai. They discuss challenges faced by nations, the rise of AI-related domains, and the complexities of managing country code top-level domains. The podcast explores the financial impact on nations and the intriguing journey of domain ownership changes in Anguilla.

Experts in the burial industry discuss the financial intricacies and evolution of cemeteries in America, including costs, perpetual care, and market challenges. They cover topics like tax filing, planning for burial plots, online listing services, and the shift towards cremation. The podcast also explores the fascination with mausoleums and includes sponsored messages from Tax Act, Ashley, and Capella University.

Discover the challenges of flying pets internationally and the rise of specialized pet transport services. Explore the intricate process of moving pets across borders, the regulations set by Agriculture Departments, and the evolution of pet relocation overseen by professionals. Follow the extravagant journey of Bean and Wobbles, two ducks, as they undergo a luxurious 30-day quarantine before being transported to San Francisco.

Explore the costs and technology behind prosthetic limbs including advanced features like microprocessors. Learn about the challenges of obtaining insurance coverage and navigating administrative obstacles. Discover innovative solutions like 3D printing to make prosthetics more affordable. Reflect on the importance of community support for individuals adapting to life with prosthetic limbs.

Exploring the booming houseplant trend with insights from industry experts. From rare plants to market dynamics, learn about the fierce competition, breeding challenges, and the impact of social media on plant popularity.