Planet Money

Join Jon Rolston, a seasoned junkman in San Francisco, as he takes listeners on an eye-opening journey through the world of reusable trash. With two decades of experience, Jon reveals how discarded items can signal economic trends and even hold hidden treasures. From evaluating metals and tires to sharing his adventures uncovering surprising finds like gold rings and bundles of cash, he highlights the art of valuing what others see as clutter. This humorous exploration challenges perceptions of waste and celebrates the second chances our junk can take.

Explore the shock and emotional fallout of layoffs, underscored by powerful statistics highlighting their prevalence. Discover the personal story of V, whose experience raises questions about corporate decisions and their impact on relationships. The struggles of two trans individuals of color chasing the American dream reveal the thin line between hope and uncertainty. Dive into the complex journey of closure, the opaque nature of HR communications, and the legal intricacies behind severance agreements, all while reflecting on shared experiences and resilience.

Dive into a narrow escape from a monumental cyberattack that targeted key computers powering the internet! Discover how hackers exploited vulnerabilities in a widely-used open-source program over two years. The discussion highlights the surprising reliance on unpaid, anonymous contributors for major software. Explore the balance of innovation and risk in the open-source movement and how this incident reveals the fragility of our digital infrastructure. It’s a thrilling tale of technology, community, and the unseen dangers lurking in code!

The podcast explores the soaring price of gold and its timeless allure in finance. It humorously examines which elements might serve better as money, including the unique properties of gold and its status among metals. Insights from a chemistry professor reveal gold's durability compared to other dense materials. The discussion also touches on the historical significance of gold, the practicality of using precious metals as currency, and whimsical alternate histories of money. It's a captivating blend of economics, chemistry, and cultural exploration.

A woman experiences a shocking foreclosure on her home despite being current on her mortgage after 17 years. It turns out she's facing a 'zombie mortgage'—a debt she thought was settled but has come back to haunt her. The podcast delves into the resurgence of these unspoken financial nightmares and the legal implications for affected homeowners. It also illustrates the struggles of individuals navigating complex legal battles to reclaim their homes, shedding light on a troubling trend in the housing market.

Explore the fascinating economics of the video game industry. Discover the struggles of game workers facing demanding conditions and their quest for better rights. Learn how developers are innovating to create inclusive experiences for both blind and sighted players, making gaming more accessible than ever. Uncover the 'passion tax' phenomenon and the intense culture of 'crunch.' Additionally, hear how titles like The Last of Us Part II are setting new standards in accessibility, paving the way for gamers of all abilities to join in the fun.

Milton Friedman, a renowned economist known for championing free markets and critiquing excessive regulation, discusses the origins of the modern consumer movement. He and the hosts delve into Ralph Nader's pivotal role in the 1960s, highlighting his confrontation with the auto industry and the backlash he faced after exposing safety issues in cars like the Corvair. The conversation also tackles the clash between consumer advocacy and market self-regulation, revealing the tensions that continue to shape consumer protection debates today.

Jeff Hong, a software engineer and advocate for labor rights, shares his journey against non-compete agreements in Hawaii. He discusses the personal impact of these contracts on career mobility and entrepreneurship, reflecting on his transition from Microsoft to advocating for reform. Hong highlights the recent FTC ruling that could change the landscape for workers nationwide, and the challenges he faced in pushing for legislative change in a resistant environment dominated by big businesses. His story illustrates the fight for workers' rights and the future of employment.

Yagya Kumar Pradhan, a Hindu priest from Nepal, shares the heartbreaking story of his family’s sacred Bhairav masks, stolen thirty years ago. He reveals how amateur art detectives brought them back, shedding light on modern art theft and recovery efforts. The conversation dives deep into the challenges of reclaiming stolen artifacts and how art auctions can perpetuate cultural theft. The emotional return of the masks highlights their significance to the community, sparking a discussion on the responsibilities of museums and the legacy of colonialism.

Union membership is on the decline, yet public support for unions has surged. The intense struggle at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant highlights complex challenges faced by the United Auto Workers in their decade-long quest for representation. Local politics and management strategies played significant roles in thwarting union efforts. The podcast delves into the evolving landscape of labor relations, recent protests for worker rights, and renewed hopes for unionization in the southern automotive industry.