Podcast · 542 episodes
The Indicator from Planet Money, page 6
by NPR · English
A bite-sized show about big ideas. From the people who make Planet Money, The Indicator helps you make sense of what's happening in today's economy. It's a quick hit of insight into money, work, and business. Monday through Friday, in 10 minutes or less. Sign up for our newsletter. Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org. You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including bonus episodes for Planet Money and sponsor-free listening for The Indicator.
All episodes, page 6
Think the oil shock is bad in the US? Look hereHow the Middle East war and a Strait of Hormuz disruption (about 20% of global oil passes through) are driving oil prices above $100/barrel and causing fuel shortages and rationing fears worldwide;…15 Apr 2026 · 10 min · 5 chapters
How the workplace helps you win SurvivorHow Survivor winners’ real-world jobs mirror workplace skills—collaboration, negotiation, and managing trust—using game theory and direct communication to outmaneuver allies who may be lying.14 Apr 2026 · 8 min · 7 chapters
Can you really do what you love?The episode asks whether everyone can turn what they love into a career. It cites a Conference Board survey: about one-third of U.S. workers ages 25–54 were dissatisfied with their jobs.13 Apr 2026 · 10 min · 8 chapters
Class myths, an influx of e-ships, and pricey Olympics tix!The Indicator from Planet Money’s “Indicators of the Week” episode covers three topics: (1) whether the American middle class is shrinking, (2) the rise of electric ships, and (3) the cost and…10 Apr 2026 · 9 min · 3 chapters
Where AI data centers are reducing power billsA debate over whether AI data centers are driving higher electricity bills, amid proposals to pause new construction.9 Apr 2026 · 8 min · 5 chapters
How are drivers riding out the gas crisis?How U.S. drivers are adapting to higher gas prices amid the U.S.-Iran conflict, and when relief might come.8 Apr 2026 · 9 min · 6 chapters
Why infinite scroll's inventor wants to kill his creationThis Planet Money “The Indicator” episode argues that social media’s design choices—especially infinite scroll—were built to maximize engagement and may harm children’s mental health.7 Apr 2026 · 9 min · 7 chapters
Is the economy red, orange, yellow or green?The episode is about “taking the temperature” of the U.S. economy using the Fed’s three areas: inflation/prices, jobs, and financial stability, rated red-orange-yellow-green.6 Apr 2026 · 9 min · 3 chapters
Jobs that new college grads are and are not landingThe Indicator (Planet Money/NPR) examines March’s jobs rebound (178,000 jobs added; unemployment 4.3%) alongside “low hire, low fire,” and how it affects new college grads’ entry-level prospects.3 Apr 2026 · 9 min · 4 chapters
Greetings from: Our favorite public goodsPublic goods—services people can’t be excluded from and whose benefits don’t diminish with more users—explored via postcards, including atomic clocks, particle physics, maritime security,…2 Apr 2026 · 7 min · 3 chapters
Why Pokémon cards are growing faster than your retirement accountThe episode explains why Pokémon cards are surging like an investment: Card Ladder reports a rare-card index up about 170% in a year.1 Apr 2026 · 9 min · 6 chapters
Who's afraid of private credit?The episode explains private credit as a “$3 trillion black box” shadow-banking system where firms pool investor money (e.g., retirees, insurers, pension funds) and lend to businesses like bank…31 Mar 2026 · 9 min · 6 chapters
Do school lunches really need an overhaul?Whether U.S. school lunches need another overhaul to meet shifting USDA dietary guidelines, amid tight budgets, limited kitchen capacity, and debates over “whole foods” versus ultra-processed items.30 Mar 2026 · 9 min · 5 chapters
The US loses tech hires, sayonora to Sora, and Afroman's win“Indicators of the Week” covers (1) Europe gaining tech workers from the U.S., (2) OpenAI shutting down its Sora AI video app, and (3) Afro Man winning a defamation/privacy lawsuit tied to his…27 Mar 2026 · 9 min · 3 chapters
Tracing the tax that's supposed to fund TSAThe episode explains why TSA workers aren’t getting paid even though travelers keep paying the U.S. passenger security fee (about $11 round-trip).26 Mar 2026 · 8 min · 6 chapters
Your next flight doesn't have to be so expensive. Here's whyWhy airline fares are rising, focusing on jet fuel costs and the strategy of fuel hedging—what it is, why U.S. airlines stopped, and whether they’ll return to it.25 Mar 2026 · 9 min · 5 chapters
Why hasn't the Russian economy collapsed?In this episode of *The Indicator from Planet Money*, hosts Waylon Wong and Patti Hirsch explore the surprising resilience of the Russian economy amidst ongoing war, international sanctions, and…24 Mar 2026 · 10 min · 9 chapters
The multimillion dollar Saturday Night Live UK gambleThe multimillion dollar Saturday Night Live UK gamble23 Mar 2026 · 10 min · 5 chapters
Trump and truckers, Poland prospers, and a booming ant bizTrump and truckers, Poland prospers, and a booming ant biz20 Mar 2026 · 9 min · 3 chapters
How Iran is wasting American resourcesThis episode discusses Iran's use of inexpensive drones in its conflict with the U.S., highlighting the economic imbalance in military spending. It explores why the U.S.19 Mar 2026 · 9 min · 3 chapters
How much is the Iran war costing us?This episode discusses the complex and often underestimated costs associated with the Iran war, particularly focusing on the first six days of conflict, which alone incurred an estimated $11.3…18 Mar 2026 · 8 min · 6 chapters
A trucker, a farmer, and an entrepreneur walk into a global supply shockIn this episode of *The Indicator from Planet Money*, hosts Darian Woods and Ricky Mulvey discuss the economic repercussions of the ongoing U.S.-Israel war with Iran, focusing on how this conflict…17 Mar 2026 · 9 min · 5 chapters
Can anything save the news biz?Can anything save the news biz?16 Mar 2026 · 9 min · 5 chapters
A lot of gas trapped, oil reserves tapped, and Live Nation gets a (tiny) capIn this episode of *The Indicator from Planet Money*, hosts Waylon Wong and Darian Woods, along with guest Sarah Gonzalez, discuss significant economic indicators related to the current gas crisis…13 Mar 2026 · 9 min · 8 chapters