Alexandra Grant is one of The Ontarion’s foremost writers on finance and economics. Due to the prevalence of financial advice in our current economy—as well as an influx of podcasts featuring this advice—Grant will be embarking on a new project to fill the pages of the paper. “Money to My Ears” is a closer look at the day’s money-related podcasts, in an attempt to properly discern if there’s anything worth listening to these days. Below is Grant’s review:
The first podcast to get the spotlight aims to make the experience of learning about the economy, business, and finance an enjoyable one. The podcast comes from the widely known National Public Radio or, as it is more commonly referred to, NPR. Through conversational discussions and interesting topics like Birkin Bags, Santa Suits, and Peacock Pies, the reporters at Planet Money are going for a “drinking buddy” package. The twice-weekly podcast, which usually runs around 20 minutes, also works to create stories for This American Life, Morning Edition, and All Things Considered, which are also podcasts available through NPR. Additionally, one can satisfy their need for information by reading the blog that the people of Planet Money also produce.
Though some topics are slightly more lighthearted than others—like the podcasts that discuss Frank Sinatra’s wishes to be kept off a coffee mug, and the highly informative discussion about Coca-Cola’s ability to maintain their prices for 50 years—there are also other podcasts which focus on deeper subjects, like food bank resource distribution and insider trading. With such a wide variety of subjects to choose from, there really is a Planet Money podcast for all types of listeners.