The Economics of Everyday Things

Episodes

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  81. Guide Dogs 12.10.2026 21m

  Before a guide dog can help a blind person navigate the world, it has to pass a series of tests, then go through $75,000 worth of training. Zachary Crockett sniffs around. This episode was originally published on February 16th, 2025.
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  80. Going-Out-of-Business Sales 08.10.2026 15m

  Behind that 70% off sign, there’s a liquidation consultant trying to maximize retailer profits. Zachary Crockett seeks a deal. This episode was originally published on February 9th, 2025.
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  79. School Photos 05.10.2026 18m

  Picture day is an annual tradition for American families — and, for the companies that take the photos, a lucrative one. Zachary Crockett smiles for the camera. This episode was originally published on February 2nd, 2025.
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  78. Porta-Potties 01.10.2026 20m

  They're not always the nicest places to go — but for their owners, portable toilets are a lucrative revenue stream. Zachary Crockett lifts the lid. This episode was originally published on January 26th, 2025.
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  77. Hand Models 28.09.2026 16m

  You can be a top model and still not get recognized on the street — as long as you keep your cuticles healthy and your moons white. Zachary Crockett points a finger. This episode was originally published on January 19th, 2025.
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  76. Hotel Art 24.09.2026 16m

  A watercolor of a harbor? A black-and-white photo of a pile of rocks? Some hotels are trying to do better. Zachary Crockett unpacks. This episode was originally published on January 12th, 2025.
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  75. Butchers 21.09.2026 19m

  Before beef ends up at your favorite steakhouse, it passes through the hands of a trained specialist with an encyclopedic knowledge of bovine anatomy. Zachary Crockett chews the fat. This episode was originally published on January 5th, 2025.
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  Amazon Was Supposed to Kill the Bookstore. James Daunt Had Other Plans | Better in Person 17.09.2026 32m

  He started with one small shop in London. He has since resuscitated both Barnes & Noble and Waterstones. In this episode of Stephen Dubner’s new TV talk show, James Daunt tells Stephen exactly how he does it. If you'd like to see the video version of Better in Person, you can watch it on YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
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  74. Fonts 14.09.2026 22m

  Behind almost every character you see displayed on a page or a screen, there’s a complex — and sometimes lucrative — web of licensing deals. Zachary Crockett is just your type. This episode was originally published on December 15th, 2024.
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  73. Used Bookstores 10.09.2026 17m

  Americans throw away 320 million books every year. How do some of them find a second life? Zachary Crockett is just browsing. This episode was originally published on December 8th, 2024.
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  72. Helium 07.09.2026 19m

  It’s unreactive, lighter than air, and surprisingly important to the global economy. Zachary Crockett goes up an octave. This episode was originally published on November 24th, 2024.
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  71. Mannequins 03.09.2026 19m

  Mannequins may be made out of plastic or fiberglass, but for retailers they’re pure gold. Zachary Crockett strikes a pose. This episode was originally published on November 17th, 2024.
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  70. Prison Labor 31.08.2026 20m

  Incarcerated people grow crops, fight wildfires, and manufacture everything from motor oil to prescription glasses — often for pennies per hour. Zachary Crockett reports from North Carolina. This episode was originally published on November 10th, 2024.
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  69. Highway Signs 27.08.2026 19m

  It takes millions of giant green placards to make America navigable. Where do they come from — and who pays the bill? Zachary Crockett takes the exit. This episode was originally published on November 3rd, 2024.
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  68. Zoo Animals 24.08.2026 18m

  When a zoo needs an elephant, or finds itself with three surplus penguins, it doesn’t buy or sell the animals — it asks around. Zachary Crockett rattles the cages. This episode was originally published on October 27th, 2024.
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  67. Tow Trucks 20.08.2026 21m

  Tow-truck drivers: roadside rescuers or car confiscators? Zachary Crockett gets hooked. This episode was originally published on October 20th, 2024.
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  66. Stradivarius Violins 17.08.2026 19m

  Why are these 300-year-old instruments still coveted by violinists today? And how do working musicians get their hands on multimillion-dollar antiques? Zachary Crockett is not fiddling around. This episode was originally published on October 13th, 2024.
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  65. Stock Photos 13.08.2026 23m

  Making money in the stock image business requires a sharp eye for trends, a very specific type of model, and a race against A.I. Zachary Crockett takes his shot. This episode was originally published on September 29th, 2024.
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  64. Sushi Fish 10.08.2026 21m

  How does a fresh tuna get from Japan to Nebraska before it goes bad? And how does its journey show up in the price of your spicy tuna rolls? Zachary Crockett gets schooled. This episode was originally published on September 22nd, 2024.
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  63. Botox 06.08.2026 16m

  Why do millions of people pay to have one of the world’s deadliest toxins injected into their faces? Zachary Crockett looks surprised. This episode was originally published on September 15th, 2024.