Best Statistically Speaking Podcasts (2025)

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Statistically Speaking… We’re F*cked 12:19

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1M ago12:19

12:19

Send us a text They fired the head of job stats, tried to erase Trump’s impeachments from the Smithsonian, and defunded Big Bird. If you're wondering whether facts still matter in America—this episode is your answer. Christi Chanelle breaks down a chaotic week of political gaslighting, golden thrones, helicopter insurance for pregnant women in red …

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

4m 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

7h 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…

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

5d 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

5d 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

7d 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

7d 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

8d 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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Why Palantir Knows You Better Than You Know Yourself 10:36

8d ago10:36

10:36

Send us a text This one cuts deep. We’re talking mind control, the marketing psychology, repetition, AI, and surveillance that shape what you think before you even know you’re thinking it. From the Pulse crosswalk erasure to Fox’s manufactured outrage, soldiers on our streets, TikTok hypocrisy, Target spin, and Palantir’s data machine, I’m pulling …

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

12d 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

13d 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

14d 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

15d 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

16d 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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Taylor Swift Can't Save Us From Trump 14:03

15d ago14:03

14:03

Send us a text Mindf*ck Monday Coffee, rage, and receipts. Today we talk ICE knocking people out for filming, activists getting pepper sprayed, a city wrapped in National Guard, and why celebrity silence won’t save us. We are the media now. We are the warning system. Lock in and stop looking away. Where to find me TikTok: @ChristiChanelle Bluesky: …

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

19d 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

20d 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

21d 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

22d 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

23d 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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Pete Hegseth Wants You Ready for a Civil War 10:51

22d ago10:51

10:51

Send us a text Pete Hegseth — the U.S. Secretary of Defense — is talking about civil war over Confederate monuments. This is not some fringe online rant. It is the top of the Pentagon normalizing dangerous rhetoric while Project 2025 is already being implemented through executive orders. In this episode, we break down: The Dallas protests in suppor…

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

26d 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

26d 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

28d 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

29d 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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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FBI Files Don't Change MLK's Legacy. It's Reveals Theirs. 9:52

1M ago9:52

9:52

Send us a text “When They Can’t Kill the Message, They Try to Kill the Messenger” 💥 Episode Summary: What happens when the truth is too dangerous to ignore? They don’t debate it. They destroy the person who spoke it. This week, we’re diving into the dark history of how power protects itself—starting with the U.S. government's coordinated attack on …

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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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…

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Lunch with the man who coined TACO 8:25

1M ago8:25

8:25

Despite presidential saber rattling and huge tariff threats, the U.S. stock market keeps reaching record highs. Why? Today we sit down with the man who coined the acronym TACO (Trump Always Chickens Out) and chew through several hypotheses. (Over tacos, of course.) Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy P…

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Your tinned fish obsession is helping resurrect a lost industry 8:34

1M ago8:34

8:34

Once upon a time, the states had a thriving tinned fish market. Like a lot of U.S. manufacturing though, that's been lost. But sardines are having a moment right now and that may help a growing effort to resurrect this lost industry. Related episodes: Why do shrimpers like tariffs (Apple / Spotify) When a staple becomes a luxury (Apple / Spotify) W…

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Project Esther Exposed 6:45

1M ago6:45

6:45

Send us a text Mindf*ck Monday | July 22, 2025 Project Ester Because when religion becomes legislation, it stops being faith—and starts being fascism. This week on Sassy Politics, we're cracking open Project Ester, the chilling plan to merge church and state under the guise of “religious liberty.” From RICO laws against protest groups to pressure c…

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Bonus episode: The Indicator plays... movie business trivia! 14:43

2M ago14:43

14:43

To cap off our weeklong series on all things Hollywood, we're going to have a little fun! Tune in to hear Adrian, Darian and Wailin battle it out as they try to name movies based on cryptic descriptions of the businesses featured in them. You can play along! Related episodes: When is cosplay a crime? The story of China and Hollywood's big-screen ro…

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Congress has voted to eliminate government funding for public media 2:01

2M ago2:01

2:01

Act now to ensure public media remains free and accessible to all. Your donation will help this essential American service survive and thrive. Visit donate.npr.org now. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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Are you not entertained ... by our movie-related indicators? 9:21

2M ago9:21

9:21

The movies come to Indicators of the Week. We dig into why one film is letting you reserve tickets a whole year in advance, what ticket prices might tell us about tariffs and inflation, and how Los Angeles might be cutting back on the red tape when it comes to making movies there. Related episodes: Why aren't filmmakers shooting in LA? (Apple / Spo…

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When is cosplay a crime? 9:29

2M ago9:29

9:29

Cosplay—or dressing up as your favorite character from pop culture—is fun! But it can fall into a legal gray area when it comes to companies' intellectual property. Today on the show: a group of cosplayers, Lucasfilm(!), a lawyer, and finding economic symbiosis in order to express yourself. Related episodes: Before La La Land there was Fort Lee, Ne…

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The story of China and Hollywood's big-screen romance 9:30

2M ago9:30

9:30

No country can come close to the amount of money Americans spend at the box office each year ... that is, until China came along. The US and Chinese film industries have a long intertwined history, with shifting power dynamics. Today on the show, we continue our week-long look at the movie business as we explore the on-and-off romance between Holly…

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Why aren't filmmakers shooting in LA? 9:17

2M ago9:17

9:17

Despite being, ya know, Hollywood, more and more movies and TV shows are shooting outside of Tinseltown. Dozens of U.S. states and many countries offer subsidies for film production. This has drawn filmmakers away from L.A. and led to historically low levels of shooting activity in recent years in the city. After the COVID shutdowns, labor strikes,…

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Before La La Land, there was Fort Lee, New Jersey 9:29

2M ago9:29

9:29

Hollywood, baby! The glitz! The glamour! The ever-changing business models! This week, The Indicator is going to the movies. Starting today with the history of Hollywood and where it began ... New Jersey! Related episode: The Origin Of The Oscars For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podc…

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Why Are MAGA Elites Protecting Pedophiles? 13:17

2M ago13:17

13:17

Send us a text Mindf*ck Monday | July 15, 2025 The Monday Breakdown It’s chaos, it’s courtrooms, it’s constitutional crises—and yes, we’re still calling it America. In this episode, we’re breaking down the latest flood of f*ckery from the Trump regime, the ICE overreach you need to know about, and why Texas is ground zero for the next authoritarian…

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"Max Verstappen Is Already Gone" 1:00:16

2M ago1:00:16

1:00:16

In this episode of the Exhaust Notes F1 Podcast, Rohit, Todd, and Nick discuss the latest happenings in Formula 1, including personal updates, hot takes, and predictions for the future of the sport. They dive into the significance of Nico Hulkenberg's recent podium finish, the emotional impact of racing moments, and the implications of Christian Ho…

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Red tape indicators: sports betting, R&D and click-to-cancel 9:28

2M ago9:28

9:28

We are back with Indicators of the Week! Today, we'll be digging into why U.S. professional gamblers are worried about their future, why businesses might start investing more in research and development, and why cancelling your subscriptions is going to remain difficult. Related episodes: How sports gambling blew up (Apple / Spotify) The cautionary…

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Fieldwork Diary #7: Straniger Alm

2M ago

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Join us as John Smout recounts his journey to Straniger Alm in the Austrian Alps, where alpine pastures and boggy slopes provide a backdrop for an extraordinary encounter with lizards at the edge of evolution: where egg layers and live-bearers meet. Please describe your field site. Our fieldwork takes place in Austria, around 1.5 km […]…