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10 Podcasts That Will Help You Understand the Economy (and Trump's Tariffs)
They won't necessarily make you stop panicking, but at least you'll know why you're panicking.
As if it wasn’t already a hard enough concept to grasp, Trump tariffs have made understanding the economy even harder, and there are no signs things are going to get less complicated any time soon. Maybe podcasts can help?
These 10 shows cover the latest economic news in a thorough, thoughtful way, with sharp reporting, accessible analysis, and even a bit of humor. Hosted by the likes of NPR journalists, finance pros, and academic economists, they break down everything from trade wars to inflation in ways that make sense—even if you slept through econ class.
Planet Money
Hosted by a rotating team of NPR journalists, Planet Money is the gold standard for podcasts that make understanding the economy not just feasible, but entertaining. Each episode unpacks a single concept—like tariffs, or interest rates—using real-world stories, interviews, and accessible explanations. It’s especially good at showing the ripple effects of high level economic decisions across everyday life. To get a basic understanding of the key issue of the day, start with "Tariffs: What Are They Good for?"
Marketplace
Known for its signature “Let’s do the numbers” 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 in Washington. Ryssdal and his team regularly dive into how policy affects jobs, supply chains, and consumer prices. The show is perfect for people who want to stay informed but don’t want a lecture.
The Indicator
If you want sharp, snackable insights into the economy, The Indicator delivers episodes under 10 minutes. From the people at Planet Money, it’s fast, informative, and doesn’t assume you’re a finance pro. 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
On Odd Lots, Bloomberg’s Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway go deep on the weird yet important corners of the global economy. With top-tier guests and an eye for timely topics, Odd Lots is ideal if you're ready for a slightly more technical (but still accessible) listen. They’ve covered everything from soybean trade disruptions to inflation after tariff hikes.
So Money
On So Money, Farnoosh Torabi brings a fresh voice to money talk, bridging the gap between personal finance and macroeconomic trends. She frequently interviews experts on how broader policies can affect people’s money and financial decisions—especially useful for connecting the dots between tariffs, inflation, and your wallet. Her strength lies in accessibility and inclusion.
Trade Talks
Trade Talks is a great resource (and has a wonderful, robust archive) for understanding international trade and tariffs. Hosted by economist Chad P. Bown and Soumaya Keynes, Trade Talks explored global trade policy with clarity, wit, and plenty of context. Though the show only recently returned with new episodes, the archive is still highly relevant, explaining how the policies affecting us all evolved—and why we’re still dealing with the fallout.
Capitalisn’t
Hosted by economist Luigi Zingales and journalist Bethany McLean, Capitalisn’t dissects how capitalism works—and when it doesn’t. With episodes focused on corporate power, regulation, and economic inequality, the show frequently analyzes the real impacts of trade policy and government intervention. It’s ideal for listeners who want a thoughtful, critical look at the system itself.
Brown Ambition
Co-hosted by Mandi Woodruff-Santos and Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche, Brown Ambition brings sharp, funny, and insightful commentary to both personal finance and the broader economy. Mandi’s background as a business journalist means you’ll often get informed takes on policy, markets, and how people of color are uniquely affected. It’s a grounded perspective.
Freakonomics Radio
Stephen Dubner’s Freakonomics brand is all about digging into “the hidden side of everything,” and that includes economic policy. While it’s less news-driven than others on this list, the show brings big-picture thinking and deep research to topics like tariffs, globalization, and market forces. The storytelling keeps it engaging while the insights hit hard.
Money with Katie
On Money with Katie, Katie Gatti Tassin makes the economy relatable, focusing a millennial-friendly lens on everything from inflation to investing. While it’s rooted in personal finance, the show frequently zooms out to explain how policy decisions—like tariffs or tax shifts—affect your everyday financial life. The tone is witty but well-researched.
