Episodes

  • The cutest indicator in the world

    The cutest indicator in the world
    May 31 2024
    Indicators of the Week is back, where we dig into three economic snapshots from the global economy. This week, we are exploring consumers' ever so slightly improved perception of the economy, what's going on with carbon offsets, and why China is sending some pandas to U.S. zoos.

    Related Episodes:
    Actors back. Pandas gone. WeBankrupt. (Apple / Spotify)
    How Red Lobster got cooked and other indicators (Apple / Spotify)
    Emission Impossible (Apple / Spotify)

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    9 mins
  • Indicator Quiz: May Edition

    Indicator Quiz: May Edition
    May 30 2024
    It's time for The Indicator Quiz! We test you, dear listener, on your knowledge of topics that we've covered on The Indicator! Today's quiz focuses on ch-ch-changes. (That's a David Bowie reference, kids!) We're covering changes in the economy, the environment, the rental market, you get the picture. We're even tossing in a question about an AI-resurrected rapper. Play along with us and see how you do! Are you interested in being a contestant on our next Indicator Quiz? Email us your name and phone number at indicator@npr.org and put "Indicator Quiz" in the subject line.

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    9 mins
  • Using anecdotes to predict recessions

    Using anecdotes to predict recessions
    May 29 2024
    Eight times a year, we award regional Federal Reserve Banks with our coveted Beigie Award. While the anecdotes within the Beige Book offer us fascinating looks into the economy, to others, it can be difficult to make anything of the stories they tell. That's why we're giving out a special Beigie award today to some economists who found a way to use anecdotes to peer into our economic future.

    Regional Economic Sentiment: Constructing Quantitative Estimates from the Beige Book and Testing Their Ability to Forecast Recessions

    For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

    Music by     Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.

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    9 mins
  • Can dental therapists fill the gap in oral care?

    Can dental therapists fill the gap in oral care?
    May 28 2024
    Dental therapists have been practicing in other parts of the world for decades, but in the U.S. they are relatively few and far between. Like a hygienist, dental therapists can do cleanings as well as some procedures usually reserved for dentists, like simple extractions. They could also be the solution to getting underserved, rural communities better oral care. Today on the show, new momentum for dental therapy and why the American Dental Association is pushing back.

    Related episodes:
    The value of good teeth

    For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

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    9 mins
  • How Red Lobster got cooked and other indicators

    How Red Lobster got cooked and other indicators
    May 24 2024
    Indicators of the Week is back! On today's episode, we discuss Red Lobster's bankruptcy, the rancid vibes of the U.S. economy, and a surprising shift in vices among Americans.

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    9 mins
  • Why tariffs are SO back

    Why tariffs are SO back
    May 23 2024
    Last week, President Biden placed tariffs on a slew of Chinese goods. When Donald Trump was president, he did the same. Regardless of who wins the election, the US is gearing up for heavy tariffs on imports in 2024. But this is far from the first time the economic tool has been in style.

    Today, a brief history of US tariffs: how they came into fashion, fell out of fashion, are now back again and why economists aren't too happy about it.

    Related Episodes:
    Trade wars and talent shortages (Apple / Spotify)
    The surprising leader in EVs (Apple / Spotify)
    A brief history of tariffs
    Worst. Tariffs. Ever.

    For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

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    9 mins
  • How Fortnite brought Google to its knees

    How Fortnite brought Google to its knees
    May 22 2024
    In August 2020, Epic Games launched a legal assault against both Google and Apple, alleging that their mobile app stores are illegal monopolies. Almost four years later, Epic could be close to forcing Google to make major changes to its Play Store.

    Today, we explain the legal battle behind Epic v. Google and why the outcome could have major implications for where consumers get their apps and how they pay for them.

    For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

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    9 mins
  • AI Tupac and the murky legality of digital necromancy

    AI Tupac and the murky legality of digital necromancy
    May 21 2024
    With a few clicks of AI software, anyone can conjure the voice or visual likeness of a dead celebrity — or really anyone. This new world has opened up a bunch of new legal questions about the rights of people and their heirs to control digital replicas of themselves. Today on the show, how a Drake diss track featuring the voice of Tupac made it into the Congressional record, and how it may lead to more regulation of AI.

    To read more of Greg Rosalsky's reporting, subscribe to Planet Money's newsletter.

    Related episodes:
    AI creates, transforms and destroys ... jobs (Apple / Spotify)
    Are the Products in your shopping cart real? (Apple / Spotify)
    Planet Money makes an episode using AI

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    10 mins