Link: https://www.npr.org/2021/02/08/965572857/the-power-of-humor
The Indicator discusses the value of humor in life. They invite Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas, Stanford Business School faculty, to discuss their book new Humor, Seriously which highlights the importance of humor within the workplace. They consider all of the utility gained through the incorporation of humor into work such as increased productivity and satisfaction, as well as tips on how to add in humor to your workday.
Original Air Date: February 8, 2021
Length: 8 minutes 46 seconds
Link: http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2010/07/09/128413796/the-friday-podcast-lebronomics
Summary: Discussion of the potential “happiness” impact of Lebron James’ decision whether to leave Ohio for Miami, LA, or NY. Also a discussion of aftermarket ticket sales.
Original Air Date: July 9, 2010
Length 25:42
Main story content begins: 3:36
“Planet Money indicator” Discussion of China / US currency exchange, currency manipulation debate: 1:44 – 3:23
Discussion Prompt (1) : How does this podcast relate to the concept of consumer surplus? Based on the idea of utility/happiness introduced in the podcast in what ways (and for whom) might utility have been increased by Lebron’s decision? In what ways might it have been decreased?
Follow-up Prompt (1): Consider the idea of utility as set out in the podcast. What do you think are the challenges of measuring ‘utility’? In what ways is it a useful and important measure/concept? Can you think of something else that we can measure that would approximate measuring utility since it can be challenging to measure utility itself? Can you find an example of ‘diminishing marginal utility’ in this podcast or think of one related to the ideas in the podcast?
Discussion Prompt (2): What do you think about the idea of a gross domestic happiness index? What might be the challenges to measuring happiness? What examples of measures or indicators of happiness can you imagine that might make up such an index?
Follow-up Prompt (2): How might it be useful for a government to think about measuring domestic happiness in this way? How might it be used in a way that was useful or in a way that was not?
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