Planet Money

A heart-wrenching tale unfolds as a betrayed husband confronts his wife's infidelity. Delve into the intriguing world of heart balm torts, an ancient legal remedy for emotional distress. Discover how these lawsuits reflect societal norms and gender roles. Listen to the personal journey of one man who attempted to seek justice against his ex-wife's lover, navigating the complexities of love turned litigation. The podcast humorously blends legal battles with lessons on emotional economics, questioning the value we place on heartbreak.

Dive into the fascinating clash of ethics and economics! Explore the idea of selling organs to tackle transplant shortages and question the morality of such markets. Discover if women should embrace revenge at work and the unexpected benefits of insider trading. Delve into the uncomfortable yet thought-provoking realm of 'yuckonomics,' where societal discomfort meets economic efficiency. With humor and insight, the discussion encourages reevaluating our gut reactions to controversial practices.

Join the hosts as they tackle the whimsical tradition of Groundhog Day with a twist, including a quirky 1906 train robbery tale. They explore the surprising connections between 'Groundhog Day' and significant historical events that shaped the economy. Discover the entertaining side of trademarks and bankruptcy linked to February 2nd. Plus, delve into the humorous history of the unpopular Susan B. Anthony dollar, a coin that turned into a 'cointastrophe,' blending laughs and fascinating historical insights throughout!

Discover the unexpected connections between imported frozen chicken and the Volkswagen Beetle's rise in America. As American families embraced affordable imports, it ignited a trade dispute that led to the infamous 'chicken tax.' This tax reshaped the auto industry, inflating foreign truck prices and driving innovation. Dive into how post-war consumer behavior and shifting trade policies combined to influence the American automotive landscape, creating lasting effects we still see today.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen brings a light-hearted twist to serious topics. She chats about her high Candy Crush scores and humorous college memories, including first-time encounters with marijuana. Exclusive outtakes reveal her amusing dining mishap in China and updates on the Harriet Tubman $20 bill. Expect a delightful mix of economic insights and personal anecdotes in a fun quiz format!

Captain Prentice "Skip" Strong III, known for his daring rescue of a tugboat during a fierce storm, shares his thrilling maritime tale. He recounts the harrowing challenges he faced while navigating an oil tanker through 15-foot waves to save a vessel in distress. The conversation delves into the unexpected consequences of this rescue, leading to a landmark legal battle that questions the value of heroism. Listeners will be captivated by the complexities of salvage law and the moral dilemmas behind putting a price on doing the right thing.

Imagine banning left turns to improve traffic flow and safety—it's more feasible than it sounds! What if every newborn received a trust fund to help combat the wealth gap? And how about completely rethinking our electoral system to promote inclusivity and representation? These bold ideas explore innovative solutions to societal challenges, blending urban planning and economic reform in surprising ways.

Three Planet Money hosts compete in an Econ Battle Zone to answer why inflation has slowed down. They explain supply chain healing, R-Star, and labor hoarding in just three minutes. Guest judges evaluate contestants' explanations and incorporation of mystery ingredients. The concept of labor hoarding and its impact on inflation and disinflation is explored. The hosts express excitement about the winner of the Championship belt and tease the next episode.

Tensions in the Middle East are shaking up the global economy, particularly in the Red Sea, which is vital for trade. Houthi rebels are targeting commercial ships, leading to rerouted vessels and rising delivery costs. There's a looming threat of oil price spikes reminiscent of past crises. The complex web of ocean shipping means disruptions could ripple through various industries, driving up food prices and affecting supply chains. The geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, raising questions about economic stability in this critical region.

Dive into the fascinating clash between Maine and Western potato farmers during the 1976 Potato War. Discover how futures trading became a battleground, shaking the very foundations of the commodities market. Experience the drama of traders in the New York Mercantile Exchange, where risks and strategies collided. Uncover the surprising implications this war had on the potatoes we consume today and the lasting legacy of Maine's agricultural pride. Get ready for a potato saga packed with unexpected twists!