Summary: Back in the 2000’s, Lance Armstrong and the US Postal Service Cycling team were going all out to win the Tour de France. After the doping scandal was uncovered, the business behind the team was discovered. Planet Money discusses how professional cycling was dominated by doping, and how it was set up like a business.
Original Air Date: April 27, 2016
Length: 18 minutes 25 seconds
Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2016/02/17/467108611/episode-684-the-return-of-the-colonel
Summary: Colonel Sanders passed away years ago, which began the strained relationship between KFC Corporate and the KFC Franchises. After a disastrous Oprah segment leading to a free giveaway, the relationship hit rock bottom. Planet Money discusses how re-introducing Colonel Sanders (the character), led to happier franchises and more sales for corporate.
Original Air Date: February 17, 2016
Length: 15 minutes 2 seconds
Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2016/01/20/463726763/episode-283-why-do-we-tip
Summary: Tipping has become a staple in many industries in today’s society. The common belief is that with better service results in a better tip. Planet Money discusses whether a tip really is an incentive to give better service, or if it is now expected regardless of service.
Original Air Date: January 20, 2016
Length: 17 minutes 36 seconds
Discussion Question: Is it unethical to not give a tip if good service was given? Or is it unethical to expect a tip given it is a loss for the consumer? Discuss the incentives and utility for both the consumer and employee regarding tips.
Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2016/10/12/497697621/episode-627-the-miracle-apple
Summary: Years ago, the only classifications for apples was based on color: red, green or yellow. Planet Money discusses how one researcher from Minnesota changed the apple market by introducing an apple that was actually tasty for retail consumers.
Original Air Date: October 12, 2016
Length: 14 minutes 7 seconds
Discussion Question: By putting a patent or a trademark on a type of apple, how does that affect supply and demand? How does it affect competition in the market?
Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2017/03/01/517985813/episode-513-dear-economist-i-need-a-date
Summary: Love isn’t a word you would normally associate with Economics. Applying the principles of Economics to your relationships seems preposterous. But is it? Planet Money discusses how economics are beneficial to your love life and can help you save on the one cost of love: time.
Original Air Date: March 1, 2017
Length: 23 minutes 13 seconds
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Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2016/09/09/493295430/episode-566-the-zoo-economy
Summary: Due to regulations and animal cruelty, the market for animals has almost disappeared over the years. Planet Money discusses how zoos and aquariums use different methods to get their animals without having to pay a single dollar and avoiding a PR disaster.
Original Air Date: September 9, 2016
Length: 17 minutes 22 seconds
