Category: 3-DailySometimeCommentary

To hear President Trump tell it, the late 1800s, i.e. the Gilded Age, were a period of unparalleled wealth and prosperity in the U.S. But this era was also marked by corruption and wealth inequality. Sound familiar? On today's show, is history repeating itself?

This episode originally aired June 5, 2025. 

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Trump's tariff role model For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.  

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The Continentals and other paper monies only temporarily retained some value largely because of an initial promise of future redemption in gold and silver—a monetary “bait-and-switch.”

Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/continental-bait-and-switch

The Maidan Massacre of February 2014 supposedly involved Ukrainian government troops tied to President Viktor Yanukovych, a Russian ally, leading to his overthrow. But what if it was a false flag operation done to make people blame the government?

Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/revisiting-maidan-massacre

Camillo Tarello was one of the fathers of modern agriculture. Fighting the headwinds of state disapproval for his innovative farming methods, he made many agricultural discoveries, benefitting not only his fellow Italians, but future farmers around the world.

Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/camillo-tarello-forgotten-farmer-who-outsmarted-state

Seasons greetings from the The Indicator! On today's show, the story of a man who started buying and selling stocks as a hobby — and got seriously addicted. We also speak with a neuroeconomist about the human brain on day trading. 

This piece originally aired Jan. 25, 2025. 

Related episodes: 
The young trolls of Wall Street are growing up 
Invest like a Congress member 

For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.  

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Many men in the U.S. feel like they're not doing as well as their fathers. But what does the data say? This episode, we're sharing an extended conversation between Darian Woods and Richard Reeves, the president of the American Institute for Boys and Men. They discuss what's really going on with men's wages. Richard also argues economic and cultural changes are needed to address the struggles unique to working-class men.

This interview was included in one of our bonus episodes for NPR+ supporters. Today we're sharing it with everyone. Learn more about NPR+ and sign up at plus.npr.org. 

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We look back at some stand out numbers of 2025. How significant were Trump’s import tariffs? China sets the pace for solar power installation across the globe. We also look upwards to a particularly speedy comet - 3i Atlas.

Presenter: Tim Harford Producers: Charlotte McDonald and Katie Solleveld Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound Mix: Rod Farquhar Editor: Richard Vadon