Planet Money Summer School
NPR
Economics is a game you should know how to play. And once you get the fundamental concepts, you start to see it everywhere: the news, the supermarket and even your dating life. So it's time to learn the rules. Planet Money Summer School is a crash course in economics for your ears. See the world through the lens of an economist and you'll start to feel a little less overwhelmed when making financial decisions. And if you're in front of the classroom? Teachers, this is made for you, too. Let us be your breezy and fun companion to assigned readings. We'll even assign the homework (and spare you the groans). Go beyond summer school and stay up-to-date on the economy with the latest episodes of the Planet Money podcast.Got money on your mind? Try Planet Money+ — a new way to support the show you love, get a sponsor-free feed of the podcast, *and* get access to bonus content. A subscription also gets you access to The Indicator and Planet Money Summer School, both without interruptions.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 27, 2025 • 31min
Govt 8: Graduation LIVE!
Celebrate the end of a vibrant summer school with a mock graduation full of quizzes and audience engagement! Discover the challenges of collecting accurate government statistics in a humorous twist. Listen as a representative from the New York Federal Reserve shares insights on economic signals and the importance of public participation. Delve into Argentina's surprising industrial policies and Uganda's social media tax. Finally, enjoy the comedic ceremony featuring valedictorian Yale Zhang, complete with a fun rhyming poem!
Aug 20, 2025 • 39min
Govt 7: Trade blocks and blockages (Trade Policy)
Carolyn Freund, Dean at UC San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy, shares her expertise on trade barriers and protectionism. She explores how tariffs and regulations can unintentionally raise prices for everyday goods like candy and cars. Discussions reveal the complexities of the sugar industry and how protecting American producers can hurt manufacturers. Freund also highlights the challenges posed by differing automotive safety standards between the U.S. and Europe, emphasizing the cultural influences on trade policy.
Jul 18, 2025 • 2min
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7 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 36min
Govt 1: Why Are Some Countries Rich and Some Countries Poor? (Institutions)
In this discussion, Simon Johnson, a professor at MIT Sloan specializing in political economy, unravels why some nations thrive while others struggle. He dives into the intricate relationship between government institutions and economic success, illustrating this with compelling stories from India, New York City, and Peru. Johnson emphasizes how regulations can either uplift or hinder economies, showcasing the stark contrasts between informal vendors in Jamaica and formal sellers in the U.S. His insights reveal the transformative power of inclusive institutions over extractive ones.
Aug 28, 2024 • 33min
History 8: Big ideas and life lessons from Marx, Keynes and Smith and more
Join economic titans Adam Smith, a founder of capitalism; Karl Marx, the critiquer of capitalist society; and John Maynard Keynes, pioneer of macroeconomic thought, as they delve into vital lessons from economics. They discuss the dual narratives of human progress and environmental crisis over the last fifty years. From food security advancements to the fight for social justice, each guest brings valuable insights on wealth disparity and innovative economic theories, making it a journey through history and philosophy.
Aug 21, 2024 • 35min
History 7: The Great Depression, the New Deal and how it changed our economy
Delve into the transformative era of the Great Depression as it reshapes government and business relations. Discover the catastrophic stock market crash of 1929 and hear personal tales of struggle amid rampant unemployment. Learn how FDR's bold decisions shifted the economic landscape by dropping the gold standard, sparking confidence in banks. Explore the rise of labor unions through pivotal strikes and their lasting impact on wages and workforce empowerment. Finally, grasp the essence of fiat currency and Keynesian economics in modern financial stability.
Aug 14, 2024 • 36min
History 6: China, Taiwan and how nations grow rich
Explore the dramatic economic transformation of China and Taiwan from agricultural poverty to booming economies. Discover the pivotal Xiaogang experiment that sparked a shift toward capitalism in China. Learn how government strategies and individual incentives propelled growth, with Taiwan emerging as a semiconductor leader. Delve into the contrasting industrial policies and the cultural factors driving success in East Asia. Gain insights into the lessons these nations provide for future economic development.
Aug 7, 2024 • 37min
History 5: 250 years of trade history in three chapters
Delve into 250 years of trade history, exploring everything from Adam Smith's revolutionary ideas in 'The Wealth of Nations' to the complexities of modern trade debates. Discover how trade shaped the early U.S. economy and the rising tensions between free trade and protectionism. Hear about Cordell Hull's advocacy for free trade as a means for global peace and the impact of tariffs on international commerce. Unpack the evolving views on globalization and the challenges faced by communities today, alongside the transformative effects of the World Trade Organization.
Jul 31, 2024 • 37min
History 4: Banker vs president and the birth of the dollar
Dive into the tumultuous early days of the U.S. economy! Discover the fierce battle between President Andrew Jackson and banker Nicholas Biddle. Explore the chaotic landscape of over 8,000 forms of currency before the U.S. dollar took shape. Learn how the Civil War led to a standardized currency and the birth of national banks. Unravel the historical patterns of economic booms and busts that echo through to modern times, all while confronting the age-old dilemma of centralized control versus financial chaos.
8 snips
Jul 26, 2024 • 34min
History 3: The first stock and perpetual life
Discover the origins of the stock market in 17th-century Amsterdam, where small businesses transformed into trading giants. The episode dives into the life of Isaac Lemaire and his controversial financial tactics, including the invention of short selling. Learn how middlemen shaped early market dynamics and how Dutch innovations fueled modern finance. Explore the dual nature of financial exuberance and its effects on market stability. Uncover the significance of perpetual bonds and their lasting impact on economic trust.
