Best Statistically Speaking Podcasts (2025)

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What media consolidation means for free speech 8:18

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3h ago8:18

8:18

Jimmy Kimmel’s brief departure from the airwaves triggered a wave of debate over free speech. Partly triggering his suspension was the government threatening to leverage its power over pending media deals. That’s in part due to a piece of decades-old legislation. Today on the show, we look at how the Telecommunications Act of 1996 set the stage for…

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Balancing Parenthood and a PhD (Part 1)

3d ago

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Balancing Parenthood and a PhD: when your research proposal isn’t the only thing keeping you up at night! What happens when two major life challenges collide: undertaking a PhD and raising a child? In the UK, women now outnumber men in doctoral research positions, making the issue of balancing a PhD with caring responsibilities more […]…

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Argentina's bailout, a new way to cool data centers, and a cold holiday hiring season 8:28

3d ago8:28

8:28

It’s Indicators of the Week! It is that show where we parse the most fascinating financial numbers in the news and bring them to you. On today's show: Argentina needs a bailout, Microsoft’s new way to cool data centers, and retail hiring is not looking like it’s in the holiday spirit. Related episodes: A radical plan to fix Argentina's inflation Wh…

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No, your doctor isn't getting rich off of vaccines 8:42

4d ago8:42

8:42

Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Junior says doctors are pushing vaccines onto their patients in order to make profits. Healthcare in the US is a business … but does that mean that doctors actually make money on vaccines? Today on the show, we talk with doctors who explain the financial reality behind vaccines and how RFK Jr…

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Why are so many public schools closing? 8:45

5d ago8:45

8:45

Faced with declining enrollment, public school districts across the country are rethinking how many schools they can run. Fewer students often means less government funding, forcing schools to cut services. Yet school closures can disrupt communities and have negative effects on learning. On today’s show, the tough calculus parents and schools conf…

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Should 'surveillance pricing' be banned? 8:48

6d ago8:48

8:48

When you walk into a store, you're probably used to seeing price tags on things, saying what they cost. But when you shop online, there is no price tag. There's just the price you see on screen. What if companies use your online data — like your location and browsing history — to charge you more than somebody else … or maybe less? Today on the show…

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Can LA host a 'car-free' Olympics? 8:52

7d ago8:52

8:52

Los Angeles is synonymous with car culture. But now that it's hosting the 2028 Olympics, could that be changing? On today's show, LA's public transit building bonanza, and why some worry the new infrastructure will benefit tourists more than locals. Related episodes: Why the Olympics cost so much Why building public transit in the US costs so much …

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The Fed cuts rates, America's FICO dips, and forever ends for sweepstakes winners 9:12

10d ago9:12

9:12

It’s … Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today’s show: A rate cut and drama at the Federal Reserve, the average American gets a little less creditworthy, and those giant check sweepstakes winners? Well, they might have to get a job soon. Related episodes: Why an aggressive rat…

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Why "free" public education doesn't always include school supplies 8:49

11d ago8:49

8:49

Back-to-school supplies are getting more expensive … so why are parents and teachers at public schools expected to foot the bill? Today on the show: An economist explains how the cost of school supplies fits into the larger history of public school funding, and what one school district is doing differently. Related episodes: A food fight over free …

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The crypto market is hot. But is it an illusion? 8:02

12d ago8:02

8:02

There has been an inordinate amount of trading activity recently in the crypto markets. But what if much of that activity was an illusion? A smokescreen? A fraud? Today on the show, we look at the practice of wash trading, and how it’s evolved in the crypto world. Related episodes: The fake market in crypto For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicato…

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Why an aggressive rate cut could backfire on Trump 9:19

13d ago9:19

9:19

The Federal Reserve is expected to make a modest cut to interest rates this week of about a quarter or half a percentage point. President Trump, however, believes they should take a far more aggressive approach: a 3-percentage point cut. Today on the show, we examine what a 3-percentage point cut would actually look like, and why that outcome would…

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Why beef prices are so high 9:13

14d ago9:13

9:13

Beef is getting more expensive, and it doesn’t look as though that’s going to change any time soon. That’s the view of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, which wrote in its Beige Book entry this month that the trend of rising beef prices continues. There’s solid demand for beef, but falling supply, as production decreases. Ranchers are making more…

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ICE raids, cooling on capitalism, and a Murdoch settlement 9:30

17d ago9:30

9:30

It’s … Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today’s episode: the concept of capitalism is cooling in American minds; the U.S. policies behind the Hyundai ICE raid; and an influential family’s succession saga comes to a thrilling (and expensive!) conclusion. Related episodes: Salv…

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We read your mail on AI-proof jobs and how to fix crime labs 8:08

18d ago8:08

8:08

We’ll never leave your messages unread. On today’s show, we open the inbox to hear from Indicator listeners about why seasoned software developers might have more AI-proof jobs, and an idea for how to improve accreditation for crime labs. Got a question, comment on a recent show or idea for an episode? Send us a message at [email protected]. Relate…

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Can shareholders influence Elon Musk's trillion dollar pay package? 8:39

19d ago8:39

8:39

Tesla’s board of directors recently proposed a pay package for CEO Elon Musk that could pay him about a trillion dollars if he meets certain goals. It’s not a done deal yet—Tesla shareholders will vote on the proposal at the company’s annual meeting in November. But just how much of a say do shareholders actually have in that decision? Or any decis…

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The cost of saving a species 9:26

20d ago9:26

9:26

Animals are going extinct at an alarmingly fast rate, largely due to human activity. Same for plants. This is bad for all kinds of reasons, not least of which is that breakthrough drugs often come from nature. But there isn’t consensus on how to save these species. Part of the debate asks the economic question: with limited money going to the work,…

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Teamwork actually does make the dream work 8:43

21d ago8:43

8:43

Behavioral scientist Jon Levy’s new book — Team Intelligence: How Brilliant Leaders Unlock Collective Genius — argues that, in the workplace, leadership is overrated and teamwork is underrated. Today on the show: How super chickens and NBA All-Stars demonstrate the perils of individual performance. Related episodes: Why women make great bosses The …

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Why moms are leaving their paid jobs 9:31

24d ago9:31

9:31

Moms are quitting — or getting pushed out. Workforce participation for mothers in the U.S. has been dropping for most of this year, and the reasons are more complicated than return-to-office mandates. Today on the show, we talk to moms about why they left their jobs and to economist Misty Heggeness, who has studied the phenomenon. Find more of Mist…

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How much is AI actually affecting the workforce? 9:20

25d ago9:20

9:20

There’s been a lot of big talk about how artificial intelligence is going to replace white collar workers. But what data do we actually have around AI’s impact on the workforce? Today on the show, we speak to an expert who has measured one aspect of these changes. She tells us how this moment in AI compares to the Industrial Revolution. Related epi…

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So long, farewell, super cheap tariff-free shopping 9:29

26d ago9:29

9:29

In late July, President Trump signed an executive order to get rid of de minimis, a kind of a loophole where packages valued less than $800 could come into the US without tariffs. Last week, post offices from India to Austria to France suspended some types of packages to the US. We speak to an Australian jewelry maker, a logistics expert and an eco…

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Inside the illegal vape boom 9:29

27d ago9:29

9:29

A booming underground vape market is thriving. It’s unapproved, unregulated, and risky. Today on the show, we hear from The Atlantic’s Nick Florko to dig into why illegal vapes have flooded the U.S., and what’s at stake. Related episodes: The vapes of wrath How sports gambling blew up For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, su…

1
AI creeps in, KATSEYE milkshakes, and China says “Zaijian!” to US soybeans 9:29

1M ago9:29

9:29

It’s … Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today’s episode: AI shuts out youth from the grind, China leaves U.S. soybeans behind, Gap has the then-and-now in marketing mind. Related episodes: AI creates, transforms and destroys... jobs What do farmers do in a trade war? For spon…

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What olive oil tells us about Trump's tariffs 9:22

1M ago9:22

9:22

Trump's tariffs are making business harder for international olive oil producers and it turns out those tariffs are even complicating other parts of the Trump administration's agenda, too. Today on the show: Olive oil and the unintended consequences of Trump's tariffs. Related episodes: Three ways companies are getting around tariffs The legal case…

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Trump's unprecedented attack on the Fed 9:19

1M ago9:19

9:19

Last night, President Donald Trump posted a letter firing Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook. The reason? She was accused of listing two properties as her primary residences, which potentially gave her more favorable lending terms. This marks another escalation in the president’s battle for control of America’s central bank. We’re publishing …

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Three ways companies are getting around tariffs 9:23

1M ago9:23

9:23

Businesses are scrambling for ways to minimize the impact of the Trump administration’s global tariff policy. Today on the show, we go over some of the tricks and legal loopholes that companies are employing to get around these sudden import taxes. Related episodes: The legal case for — and against — Trump's tariffs The secret tariff-free zone You …

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Can you copyright artwork made using AI? 8:56

1M ago8:56

8:56

Copyright is the legal system used to reward and protect creations made by humans. But with growing adoption of artificial intelligence, does copyright extend to artwork that’s made using AI? Today on the show, how a test case over a Vincent Van Gogh mashup is testing the boundaries of copyright law. Related episodes: ‘Let’s Get it On’ … in court C…

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Job retraining and the brain, DC dining, and Robinhood's sports bet 9:23

1M ago9:23

9:23

It’s … Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today’s episode: Job retraining boosts mental health (with more mixed results for romance); the complex picture behind why dinner reservations are down in DC; and the trading platform Robinhood gets into the sports definitely-not-bettin…

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What happens when railroads get hitched 9:05

1M ago9:05

9:05

Two freight-rail giants could make history if their $85 billion merger gets approved. Union Pacific’s proposed marriage with Norfolk Southern would create the first coast-to-coast rail network. So why hasn’t it happened before now? Today on the show, the business of train mergers. Related episodes: How Yellow wound up in the red For sponsor-free ep…

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Cobalt-free batteries reign in Chinese EVs. Why not the US? 9:29

1M ago9:29

9:29

There’s been an era-defining race underway between two types of batteries used in electric vehicles: lithium batteries that use cobalt, and ones that use iron phosphate. Cobalt, a metal with a checkered human rights record, has been in the lead. Until recently. Henry Sanderson’s book on the elements that build electric vehicles is Volt Rush: The Wi…

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How algorithms are changing the way we speak 9:30

1M ago9:30

9:30

Social media has birthed an entire lexicon replicated by millions online — even if these words don’t actually mean skibidi. On today’s show, we talk to author Adam Aleksic about how TikTok and Instagram's engagement metrics, and viral memes, are rewiring our brains and transforming language at warp speed. Adam Aleksic’s book is Algospeak: How Socia…

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Three innovations pushing the medical field forward 9:01

1M ago9:01

9:01

Innovation is crucial for long-term economic prosperity. One area where that’s happening aplenty: medical technology. From a cancer vaccine to an Alzheimer’s blood test to a life-changing exoskeleton, we take you on a tour of the economics of health technology. Related episodes: The hidden costs of healthcare churn (Apple / Spotify) More for Palant…

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The nepo baby premium, frothing markets, and Apple vs. Apples 9:29

2M ago9:29

9:29

It’s … Indicators of the Week! Our rapid run through the numbers you need to know. On today’s episode: John Legend croons; CPI inflation soothes; Same job as mom? You’ll earn more, dude; Apple vs. Apple, a courtroom feud. Related episodes: Why every A-lister also has a side hustle The DOJ's case against Apple The Intergenerational Transmission of E…

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Why every A-lister also has a side hustle 9:23

2M ago9:23

9:23

Seemingly every celebrity has their own brand these days, whether it’s booze (Cameron Diaz, Matthew McConaughey) or cosmetics (Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga) or squeezy food pouches (Jennifer Garner). Today on the show, what is fueling the celebrity business bonanza? We hear from two legendary singers, Lisa Loeb AND John Legend, who are pursuing ventures…

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Why Trump's spending bill could close your grocery store 9:04

2M ago9:04

9:04

Trump’s tax and spending law makes the largest cut in history to one of the nation’s biggest safety net programs. Today on the show, we explore how cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, impacts families and grocery stores alike. Based on the digital story: Independent grocery stores have had a tough five years. …

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The arduous system for getting aid into Gaza 9:25

2M ago9:25

9:25

Insulin needles. Sleeping bags. Nutella. These are items Arwa Damon’s charity — International Network for Aid, Relief and Assistance — has tried to send to Gaza and Israel has rejected. It’s a glimpse into the harsh reality of a humanitarian crisis with no end in sight. Today on the show, we talk to Damon about the economics of running a humanitari…

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What we're reading on the beach this summer 9:29

2M ago9:29

9:29

It's time for our annual beach reading recs. Today we bring you three books, with a little economic learning to boot. Our recs: Who is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service edited by Michael Lewis El Dorado Drive by Megan Abbott Algospeak: How Social Media is Transforming the Future of Language by Adam Aleksic Related episodes: Beach readi…

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More for Palantir, less for mRNA, and a disaster database redemption arc 9:26

2M ago9:26

9:26

It's ... Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today's episode: Palantir crosses a billion dollars in quarterly revenue (what do they actually do again?); mRNA vaccine research gets a big cut in RFK Jr's health department; and a climate disaster database gets a new lease on life. …

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The legal case for — and against — Trump's tariffs 9:26

2M ago9:26

9:26

President Trump's new round of tariffs took effect today. It will bring in billions of dollars to the government, in part paid for by U.S. importers who can decide whether to pass that cost onto American families. But are these tariffs legal? Today on the show, the arguments for and against the president's tariffs and what happens to that tariff re…

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What you need to know about the jobs report revisions 9:11

2M ago9:11

9:11

Why do revisions to the jobs report happen? Today on the show, we speak with a former Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics about why revisions occur and how we should interpret the monthly report's actual message. Related episodes: Can we still trust the monthly jobs report? (Update) What really goes on at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (…

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Can we still trust the monthly jobs report? (Update) 7:56

2M ago7:56

7:56

Since his return to office, President Trump has waged something of a pressure campaign on economic data and the people in charge of delivering it. His firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner following a weak jobs report now has some wondering: can we still trust the official numbers? Today on the show, we're resharing our conversation…

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What really goes on at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Update) 9:29

2M ago9:29

9:29

On Friday, we reported on the latest jobs numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which showed weaker than expected growth. On Friday afternoon, President Trump fired the person in charge of those numbers. The monthly jobs report is a critical tool for the economy, used by businesses to make decisions and the Federal Reserve to set rates. So h…

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How you're using AI at work 9:29

2M ago9:29

9:29

AI is a hot topic for both employers and employees in the workforce. That's why we wanted to hear from our listeners about how they are using AI at work. Today on the show, we explore the good, the bad and the ugly of AI in the workplace. Related episodes: Is AI overrated? Is AI underrated? For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Mon…

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Why the Fed could lose $1.5 trillion 9:27

2M ago9:27

9:27

The Fed is on the hook for an estimated one-and-a-half trillion dollars. Despite the recent headlines, that's not because of building renovations. It's a much larger cost blowout caused by big actions taken during the pandemic to help the economy: quantitative easing. Today on the show, we talk to both a critic of these actions and someone who help…

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The risk of private equity in your 401(k) 9:29

2M ago9:29

9:29

Private equity is a risky business. There are high-highs and low-lows. A retirement plan, on the other hand, is meant to be a reliable beast. But President Trump believes your 401(k) can handle it! On today's show, the president's expected executive order could help offer some legal cover for fund managers who include private equity in your retirem…

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The hottest multilateral club doesn't include the US 9:24

2M ago9:24

9:24

BRICS is an economic alliance of countries that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and several other nations. They met earlier this month to discuss everything from international law to global health. President Trump, however, is not a fan of BRICS and threatened members with increased tariffs. So why has this alliance generated so…

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A baby bonds bonanza 9:11

2M ago9:11

9:11

Baby bond fever is catching on. In recent years, states like Connecticut have been experimenting with giving newborns government-seeded accounts that grow tax-free until they are 18. Now, President Trump's signature tax and spending bill will give a thousand dollars to every U.S.-born baby through 2028. On today's show, what are baby bonds and coul…

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Nigeria notches new highs, Magic gathers millions, and crypto climbs 9:29

2M ago9:29

9:29

It's ... Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today's episode: Nigeria gets a GDP surprise, Magic the Gathering mutes tariff impact for Hasbro, and Bitcoin reaches record highs following the passage of the GENIUS Act. Related episodes: How stable is Stablecoin? (Apple / Spotify) …

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How to beach on a budget 9:18

2M ago9:18

9:18

It's the Beigie Awards, our eight times a year salute to the art and science of telling stories about the economy. The most recent Beige Book shows that Americans are finding ways to spend less money ... including on their vacations. On today's show, we find out what Benjamin Franklin and Jersey Beach goers have in common. Related episodes: How man…

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When Uncle Sam owned banks and factories 9:29

2M ago9:29

9:29

The quintessential American economic myth is that the free market picks winners and losers. But the federal government has long had a role in this equation, from the current administration all the way back to the Great Depression. Today on the show, we uncover the history of the country's national investment bank, which shaped the relationship betw…

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Migration: The needle in the data haystack 32:51

2M ago32:51

32:51

With migration continuing to make headlines in the media, we unpack what actually defines a “migrant”, and how the UK’s largest producer of official statistics goes about counting them. We also shed light on the misuse of migration figures. Transcript MILES FLETCHER Hello and a very warm welcome to a new series of Statistically Speaking - the offic…