The Indicator from Planet Money Plus
NPR
SummaryEver wonder why the economy feels like it is moving at breakneck speed, yet simultaneously leaving us with more questions than answers? The Indicator from Planet Money takes the complex, sometimes overwhelming machinery of our world and breaks it down into sharp, digestible insights. If you are looking for a show that moves beyond the dry jargon of financial reports to explain why things actually work the way they do, this is your daily briefing. Each episode is a focused deep dive into the forces shaping our lives. One day, the team might be investigating the counterintuitive reality of a renter’s market, and the next, they are unpacking why the U.S. military is struggling to pivot to drone warfare or how artificial intelligence is changing the publishing industry. They bridge the gap between abstract market trends and human experiences, whether they are examining the ego-driven motivations behind office mandates, the economic incentives of global conflicts, or the shifting priorities at the Federal Reserve. The show excels at connecting the dots between big-picture policy decisions and the reality on the ground. By blending rigorous research with a conversational, inquisitive spirit, the hosts navigate everything from geopolitical trade wars and student loan reforms to the societal impacts of new medical breakthroughs. It is smart, fast-paced, and designed to help you make sense of the headlines in ten minutes or less, leaving you significantly more informed by the time you reach your destination.
Updated Jul 8, 2026
Episodes
Cracking down on egg prices
The Justice Department says major egg producers illegally coordinated to inflate prices during the recent shortage.
We're in a renter's market (believe it or not)
A national construction boom has shifted the power dynamic for renters, leading to more deals and free move-in perks.
Why the US is losing the drone war
Expensive tastes and rigid procurement processes are leaving the US military behind in the cheap drone revolution.
Obama's new Presidential Center and his tricky relationship with the South Side
The Obama Presidential Center brings promise to Chicago’s South Side, but neighbors fear it will fuel displacement.
Does the new Fed chair care about jobs?
New Fed Chair Kevin Warsh is downplaying the labor mandate, raising questions about his commitment to maximum jobs.
Why Trump wants to rip up his own trade deal
Trump is threatening to scrap the USMCA trade deal to gain more leverage over Canada and Mexico.
What Iran teaches us about why wars start
If war is so costly, why do nations fight? We explore the economic and psychological incentives behind global conflict.
What you should know about your student loans
Major federal student loan overhauls take effect July 1, bringing new repayment plans and stricter borrowing limits.
GLP-1 and women, the AI office boom, and RTO: CEO ego?
GLP-1s boost women's employment, AI is saving New York office space, and CEO ego drives return-to-office mandates.
AI is pumping out books. Are they any good?
Large language models have tripled the number of new books on Amazon, but economic data shows they are underperforming.
How stock options made him an overnight millionaire
How employee stock options turned a SpaceX worker into a millionaire and fueled the rise of Silicon Valley.
Why the $250 bill would be good … For criminals!
A proposed 250 dollar bill would be a massive windfall for criminals and tax dodgers who rely on large, anonymous cash.
An urban planner, infinite scroll, and … what is a public good?
Test your knowledge on everything from infinite scroll and public goods to financial signs of dementia.
How your phone keeps you scrolling ... even when you want to stop
Social media apps use gambling-inspired tricks like endless scrolls and algorithms to keep you in a mindless trance.
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