The Economics of Everyday Things

51. Wine Corks

Portuguese cork forests face a slow-growth crisis as the industry fights to keep its grip on the global wine market.

50. Self-Checkout

Supermarkets are shifting labor to customers, but the convenience of self-checkout often masks rising theft and frustration.

49. Weather Forecasts

Weather forecasting has become a high-stakes, multi-billion dollar industry driven by data, AI, and climate uncertainty.

48. College Fraternities

Fraternity members earn 36 percent more over their careers despite lower grades by prioritizing high-value networking.

47. Bail Bonds

Bail bond companies act as private insurers for the justice system, charging fees to guarantee court appearances.

46. Car Colors

Why eighty percent of North American cars are white, black, gray, or silver, and what it says about the economy.

45. Storage Units

Driven by housing costs and rampant consumerism, the self-storage industry has turned our excess stuff into profit.

44. Movie Sound Effects

Foley artists use props like lasagna noodles and old shoes to craft the hidden, human sounds of movie magic.

43. Top-Level Domains

Small nations are striking digital gold by selling country-code domain extensions like .ai and .tv to global tech firms.

42. Cemeteries

Cemeteries are multi-billion-dollar real estate businesses that sell the illusion of eternal rest on finite land.

41. Pet Movers

Relocating pets across international borders is a complex, costly logistical operation managed by specialized firms.

40. Prosthetic Limbs

High-tech, custom prosthetic limbs cost thousands, creating a complex financial and insurance maze for amputees.

39. Houseplants

The booming houseplant industry uses scientific breeding, lab-grown cloning, and rare-plant hype to drive big sales.

34. Store-Brand Products

In this episode of The Economics of Everyday Things, host Zachary Crockett peels back the curtain on the mysterious world of store-brand products. While many shoppers assume private-label goods are simply generic versions of name-brand items, the reality of their manufacturing and distribution is far more complex. To uncover the truth, Crockett visits a national convention dedicated to private-label manufacturers, speaking with the industry insiders who create the affordable staples found on grocery store shelves across the country. Listeners will learn how these products are developed, why their quality has evolved over time, and the economic forces that drive retailers to create their own competing brands. It is an insightful look at the invisible supply chains that influence almost every trip to the supermarket, revealing how these budget-friendly alternatives are actually made.

33. Sex Scenes

In this episode of The Economics of Everyday Things, host Zachary Crockett peels back the curtain on the cinematic industry of intimacy. While audiences often focus on the heat of a film’s most intense moments, the production of these scenes is a highly structured, professional, and often logistical undertaking. Listeners will gain insight into the complex behind-the-scenes world of professional intimacy, exploring the specific roles that make these sequences possible. From the essential work of intimacy choreographers who ensure performer safety and comfort to the use of specialized props like body doubles and custom-made garments, the episode examines the rigorous standards of modern filmmaking. By investigating the legal documents and professional protocols involved, the program reveals how a choreographed performance translates into a convincing piece of storytelling, demystifying one of the most private aspects of the movie-making process.

32. Used Golf Balls

Every year, American golfers lose approximately 300 million golf balls in hazards, woods, and rough terrain across the country. While these lost balls represent frustration for amateur players, they form the foundation of a surprisingly lucrative industry for professional ball divers and reclaimers. In this episode of The Economics of Everyday Things, host Zachary Crockett explores the hidden supply chain behind used golf balls. Listeners will learn how these discarded items are recovered from water hazards, cleaned, refurbished, and re-sold back to the market. The episode delves into the mechanics of this niche economy, revealing how a poor shot on the fairway creates a consistent business opportunity for those willing to dive in and retrieve the goods. It is a fascinating look at how the golf industry manages waste and gives a second life to millions of lost spheres.

31. Superhot Chili Peppers

In this episode of The Economics of Everyday Things, host Zachary Crockett explores the surprisingly fierce and competitive market surrounding superhot chili peppers. While most consumers look for flavor in their food, a dedicated niche of chili enthusiasts actively seeks out the intense physical discomfort and pain associated with the world's spiciest varieties. Crockett investigates the agricultural and economic forces driving this burning trend, examining how producers cultivate extreme heat to satisfy a growing global demand. Listeners can expect an insightful look at the intersection of biology and business as the episode unpacks why people pay a premium for gustatory pain. Through expert interviews and analysis, the program reveals the complex supply chain behind the hottest peppers on the planet and the unique culture that fuels this fiery industry.

30. Card Counting

In this episode of The Economics of Everyday Things, host Zachary Crockett explores the high-stakes world of card counting in blackjack. While casinos go to great lengths to identify and eject players who attempt to gain a mathematical advantage, this episode investigates whether those efforts are truly effective or merely a losing bet for the house. Listeners will get an inside look at the mechanics behind card counting, the cat-and-mouse game between skilled gamblers and pit bosses, and the broader economic reality of how casinos manage risk. By breaking down the tension between human ingenuity and institutional security, the episode provides a fascinating perspective on why some people try to beat the odds and how the gambling industry attempts to maintain its edge. It is an engaging deep dive into the business of winning at one of the world's most popular games.

29. Greeting Cards

In this episode of The Economics of Everyday Things, host Zachary Crockett explores the surprising resilience of the greeting card industry. While many experts once predicted the demise of physical cards in the digital age, a new generation has revitalized the market with a distinct approach to correspondence. Listeners will learn how millennials are reshaping the industry by moving away from traditional, generic messages in favor of more authentic and personal sentiments. The episode examines the economic forces behind this resurgence and highlights how the ways we celebrate special occasions have evolved. By diving into the shifting tastes of consumers, the discussion offers a fascinating look at how a seemingly fading tradition has successfully adapted to meet the emotional needs of a modern audience, proving that the handwritten note still holds significant value in today’s hyper-connected world.

28. Horseshoe Crab Blood

In this episode, host Zachary Crockett explores the remarkable and essential role of the horseshoe crab in modern medicine. While these ancient creatures have roamed the earth for 450 million years, they are now vital to human safety. Their unique, copper-based blue blood contains a compound that is incredibly sensitive to bacterial contamination, making it a critical tool for testing the sterility of medical devices, vaccines, and intravenous drugs. Listeners will learn how this specialized substance prevents lethal infections and keeps the global pharmaceutical industry running. The discussion also examines the environmental impact of harvesting these arthropods and the potential risks posed by our reliance on a natural resource that faces growing conservation concerns. It is a fascinating look at the intersection of evolutionary history, cutting-edge science, and the economics of biological supply chains.