10 Podcasts to Help You Understand the Economy (and Trump Tariffs)
As if this concept wasn’t already hard enough to understand, Trump’s tariffs have made the economy even more difficult to understand, and there’s no sign that things will get any less complicated any time soon. Maybe podcasts could help?
These 10 shows provide in-depth, thoughtful coverage of the latest economic news, with incisive reporting, accessible analysis, and even a little humor. Hosted by people like NPR journalists, financial experts, and economics scholars, they break down everything from trade wars to inflation in a way that makes sense even if you slept through your economics class.
Planet Money
Hosted by a rotating team of NPR journalists, Planet Money is the gold standard for podcasts that make understanding economics not just possible, but fun. Each episode explores one concept—such as tariffs or interest rates—using real stories, interviews, and accessible explanations. It is particularly good at demonstrating the ripple effects of high-level economic decisions on everyday life. To get a general idea of the key issue of the day, start with the topic “Tariffs: What are they for?”
Marketplace
Known for its signature “Let’s Count” segment, Kai Ryssdal’s daily show Marketplace cuts through the noise with clarity and wit, offering updates on the latest news on Wall Street and Washington. Ryssdal and his team regularly study how policies affect jobs, supply chains and consumer prices. The show is perfect for people who want to stay informed but don’t want lectures.
Indicator
If you’re looking for accurate, actionable economic information,The Indicator offers episodes under 10 minutes. From the folks at Planet Money: It’s quick, informative, and doesn’t assume you’re a financial professional. The show covers everything from economic policy to strange statistics, including how tariffs have affected American businesses. Try Trump’s Trade War Revisited for a quick but powerful refresher.
Odd lots
InOdd Lots , Bloomberg’s Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway delve into strange but important aspects of the global economy. With top-tier guest appearances and a focus on trending topics, OddLots is perfect if you’re up for a little more technical (but still accessible) listening. They covered everything from disruptions in soybean trade to inflation after tariff hikes.
So money
On So Money, Farnoosh Torabi brings a fresh perspective to the conversation about money, bridging the gap between personal finance and macroeconomic trends. She often interviews experts about how broader policies can affect people’s money and financial decisions, which is particularly useful for the connection between tariffs, inflation and your wallet. Its strength is accessibility and inclusivity.
Trade negotiations
Trade Talks is a great resource (and has a wonderful, reliable archive) for understanding international trade and tariffs. Trade Talks, hosted by economist Chad P. Bown and Sumaya Keynes, explored global trade policy with clarity, wit, and plenty of context. Although the series has only recently returned with new episodes, the archive is still very relevant, explaining how the politics that affect us all evolved and why we are still dealing with its consequences.
Capitalist no
Capitalis, a magazine organized by economist Luigi Zingales and journalist Bethany McLean, does not analyze how capitalism works—or when it doesn’t. With episodes focusing on corporate power, regulation, and economic inequality, the show often examines the real-life consequences of trade policy and government intervention. It is ideal for listeners who want a thoughtful and critical look at the system itself.
Brown ambitions
Brown Ambition , hosted by Mandy Woodruff-Santos and Tiffany “Budgetista” Aliche, provides sharp, funny and insightful commentary on both personal finance and the economy in general. Mandy’s experience as a business journalist means you’ll often hear about politics, markets and how it uniquely impacts people of color. This is a valid point of view.
Radio Freakonomics
Stephen Dubner’s Freakonomics brand is dedicated to digging into the “hidden side of everything,” including economic policy. While this show is less newsy than others on this list, it offers broad thinking and in-depth research on topics such as tariffs, globalization, and market forces. The storytelling makes it interesting and the ideas are powerful.
Money with Katie
InMoney with Katie , Katie Gatti Tassin makes economics interesting by focusing on everything from inflation to investing for millennials. Even though it’s based on personal finance, the show often pulls back to explain how policy decisions like tariffs or tax shifts affect your day-to-day financial life. The tone is witty but well thought out.