Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2017/08/23/545546014/episode-652-the-hydrox-resurrection
Summary: Planet Money tells the tale of a man trying to bring back the forgotten Hydrox brand. Discussion includes close substitutes, trademarks, patents, brands, and what they communicate to consumers.
Original Air Date: September 18, 2015
Length: 19:46
Special thanks to 
@TiemesEsther for recommending this podcast
Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2016/10/19/498571623/episode-730-self-checkout
Summary: Self checkout has become a staple in grocery stores, but back in 1992 they were considered a laughing stock. Planet Money discusses self checkout with their creator, and considers what impact automation has on service and employment.
Original Air Date: October 19, 2016
Length: 20 minutes 27 seconds
Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2016/09/14/493810206/episode-724-cat-scam
Summary: The internet was supposed to eliminate middlemen, creating an area where consumers can buy directly from the manufacturers. However, the internet is filled with middlemen to the point that middlemen are worried about other middlemen. Planet Money discusses how the biggest companies on the internet (eBay and Amazon) are middlemen.
Original Air Date: September 14, 2016
Length: 21 minutes 5 seconds
Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2017/04/12/523653040/episode-764-pub-in-a-box
Summary: Irish Pubs are everywhere, even in places like Hong Kong and the Ivory Coast. One architecture student from Ireland, Mel McNally, began selling the Irish Pub to other areas. Planet Money discusses how the Irish Pub is shipped in a box all over the world, and people will flock to it.
Original Air Date: April 12, 2017
Length: 17 minutes 19 seconds
Discussion Question: Who are Mel’s competitors in the market if he has control of the Irish Pub concept? What is the market structure?
Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2016/01/06/462149561/episode-15-delicious-cake-futures
Summary: An elementary lunch room has more economics involved then one would think. Snacks are the currency, and the trading is of the food. In this story, Planet Money discusses how one kid developed a derivative for a cake, by trading for snacks now for a piece of the cake later.
Original Air Date: March 9, 2009
Length: 15 minutes 16 seconds
Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2016/12/23/506763952/episode-587-jubilee
Summary: After Iceland was hit hard by the financial crisis, Icelanders with mortgage loans were drowning in debt. Recognizing the outrage, the Progressive Party of Iceland capitalized and offered to clear everyone’s debt. Planet Money discusses Iceland’s use of a biblical event called jubilee and the results.
Original Air Date: December 23, 2016
Length: 20 minutes
Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2017/01/25/511663527/episode-632-the-chicken-tax
Summary: Believe it or not, there is a chicken tax and it actually applies to automobiles! Back in the 20th century, Germany levied a tax on American chicken to protect their domestic farmers. The US responded by taxing German made automobiles, and thus a trade war began. Planet Money discusses the value of tariffs, and why the chicken tax is still around.
Original Air Date: January 25, 2017
Length: 16 minutes 56 seconds
