Like many others navigating the complex world of finance, I recently stumbled upon a digital treasure: the Planet Money Blog. Produced by NPR, Planet Money isn’t just another economics blog; it’s a captivating exploration of the global economy, delivered with wit, clarity, and a knack for storytelling. It turns out I’m in good company in my admiration for Planet Money. From digital health entrepreneur Geoff Clapp to Venrock healthcare VC Bob Kocher, and many others I respect on Twitter, a shared appreciation for this unique blog seems to be a not-so-guilty pleasure among thought leaders.
Planet Money tackles a diverse range of economic topics with remarkable skill. Whether delving into the intricacies of the history of income tax or examining the unexpected economics behind Kid Rock’s fight against ticket scalpers, Planet Money makes complex subjects accessible and engaging. One of their most ambitious projects, the attempt to build a T-shirt from scratch, even led to a successful Kickstarter campaign that far exceeded its initial funding goal. This blend of in-depth reporting and creative exploration is what sets the Planet Money blog apart.
Image: Screenshot of the Planet Money T-shirt Kickstarter page showcasing the project’s overwhelming success in funding.
Originating from the acclaimed radio program This American Life, and particularly inspired by the legendary 2008 episode, The Giant Pool of Money, which explained the global financial crisis, Planet Money inherits the narrative prowess and exceptional production quality of Ira Glass’s original show. This connection is evident in their storytelling approach, which prioritizes clear explanations and relatable examples, making even the most daunting economic concepts understandable.
My deep dive into the Planet Money blog has had an interesting side effect. While it has broadened my interest in economic podcasts and blogs, it has also, somewhat paradoxically, made it harder to enjoy other similar content. The consistently high quality of Planet Money, with its well-researched reporting, thoughtful analysis, and polished presentation, sets a new benchmark. Many other podcasts and blogs, while perhaps well-intentioned, often fall short in comparison, lacking the same level of conceptual clarity, rigorous editing, and sound production.
In a sense, Planet Money has raised the bar so high that it has, at least temporarily, made the broader landscape of economics-related podcasts and blogs seem less appealing. However, this “problem” is ultimately a testament to Planet Money’s success. By demonstrating the potential of accessible, engaging economic journalism, the Planet Money blog, much like This American Life in the realm of narrative radio, inspires higher standards and encourages innovation in the field.
Looking ahead, the impact of Planet Money is undoubtedly positive. It highlights the power of well-crafted content to educate and engage audiences with complex topics. I, for one, would be thrilled to see the Planet Money approach applied to other important areas. Imagine a “Planet Health” or “Planet Science” blog, bringing the same level of insight and engaging storytelling to different fields. Until then, we have the consistently excellent Planet Money blog, a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the economic forces shaping our world.
Image: The Planet Money logo, representing NPR’s blog and podcast dedicated to making economics understandable and engaging for a broad audience.
