Planet Money

I wanted to share the essay I wrote for graduate school about how Planet Money helped me through an Economics major: Though I entered college planning to study French and politics, I found that I most enjoyed my Intro to Microeconomics course, finding satisfaction in its simple theories that explained intangible forces and behaviors. I chose to pivot from French and pursue an economics major instead, but I struggled in the intermediate courses, finding the math challenging and the concepts highly theoretical. Discouraged, I nearly dropped the economics major during my third year. As I considered giving up the major, I discovered the National Public Radio podcast Planet Money, which applies an economic lens to understanding topics across pop culture, foreign affairs, and business. Planet Money became my most effective teacher, showing me how economics underpinned all behaviors and motivations, and reminded me why I’d chosen to pursue it. Thanks to Planet Money, I felt renewed excitement about economics in my fourth year. I took classes that brought together economics and politics, studying social inequality and economic development. In these courses, I found that economics complemented policy, helping both to explain trends and identify the most promising potential solutions. I did not graduate with all As in my economics classes, but I have a lasting appreciation for its value in understanding behavior and crafting impactful policy (and I remain a loyal Planet Money listener). I look forward to difficult economics courses in graduate school, knowing that they will prepare me to be a more effective public servant and leader.

For anyone interested in the inner workings of business and the economy, told through masterfully crafted stories that are more gripping than your favorite movie - look no further.

This is my favorite show of all time. I’ve been listening since the very first episodes during the financial crisis. Keep up the good work.

This is one of my favorite podcasts as I never fail to learn something new and have a good time listening to it. The reporting is top notch and the hosts have great personalities. Learning economics has never been more enjoyable. My pre-order is in for the book.