An Evening with Planet Money: A Guide to the Economic Forces That Shape Your Life

Hello, and welcome to Planet Money! Millions of listeners trust the world's leading economics podcast to explain the mysterious inner workings of the global economy and the forces that affect nearly every decision we make. Through expert research and delightful stories the Planet Money hosts help everyone see the world like an economist.

For their first-ever book, longtime contributor Alex Mayyasi and the hosts of NPR's Planet Money present brand new stories and insights gathered from more than a decade of reporting that reveal ways AI might help you or replace you, demystify dating markets, and show how pro sports' "dumbest" contract holds the secret to building wealth. Taking readers on adventures to a smartphone factory in Patagonia, a raisin cartel in California, and an Indigenous reserve in Canada that might just have a solution for the housing crisis, Planet Money shows how economics shapes our world, and how we can harness key principles to make our own lives a little richer.

Alex Mayyasi is a longtime contributor to Planet Money whose writing has been published in The Atlantic, Smithsonian, and Washington Post. A former editor of Priceonomics, he launched Gastro Obscura, which won two James Beard Awards and published the New York Times best-selling book Gastro Obscura. He lives in Colorado.

Jeff Guo (he/him) is a co-host and reporter for Planet Money, NPR's award-winning podcast that finds creative, entertaining ways to make sense of the complicated forces that move our economy. He joined the team in 2022.

Previously, Guo covered economics and policy for The Washington Post, where his work frequently blended reporting and data analysis. Ask him about tontines or the curse of the potato or why Christmas is probably not an "orgy of wealth destruction." His one rule is to always get the name of the cat. And really, he doesn't mind if you listen to him at double speed. Guo also served as NPR's first Ishiyama Transparency in Government legal fellow. As a lawyer, he helped reporters draft Freedom of Information Act requests and sue the government over unanswered requests.

Guo holds bachelor's degrees in math and economics from MIT, a J.D. from Yale Law School — and, occasionally, his two cats. He's from Maryland.

Joseph Politano is an economic analyst, data journalist, and online content creator. He is the writer and founder of Apricitas Economics—an independent weekly newsletter read by more than 45,000 people. His work focuses on macroeconomics, particularly labor markets, inflation, housing, international trade, and industrial policy. Prior to writing Apricitas, Joseph received a BA in Economics & Political Science from the George Washington University, served as a Peace Corps Volunteer, and worked at the Bureau of Labor Statistics."

Jack Corbett is the visual host of Planet Money's TikTok account. Corbett shot NPR's first TikTok about the stock market circuit breaker. His reporting style became a perfect fit for the pandemic and the new short-form world order it has left in its wake. Since then Planet Money TikTok's unique style and sensibility have garnered a devoted, loyal fanbase of young and diverse audiences. Almost four years later, the channel has amassed a large, devoted following of almost 800,000. His TikToks have received almost 15 million likes.

In 2023, Corbett's work on Planet Money's TikTok won an Edward R. Murrow award and he's also been recognized by the White House Press Photographers Association.

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