The Economics of Everyday Things Podcast
1) 30. Card Counting
Casinos think they can stop skilled gamblers from eking out a tiny edge at blackjack. Is that a losing bet? Zachary Crockett doubles down.
2) 113. Laundromats
A day on the job includes hundreds of quarters, giant balls of lint, and fishing weird stuff out of machines. Zachary Crockett throws in a load.
3) 112. Campgrounds
Running a campground isn’t all eating s'mores around the campfire. Zachary Crockett fans the flames.
4) Gas Stations (UPDATED)
When gas prices skyrocket, do station owners get a windfall? And where do their profits really come from? Zachary Crockett pulls up to the pump.
5) 111. Product Recalls
Every year, thousands of products are recalled from store shelves. How does the process work — and who foots the bill? Zachary Crockett gets a refund on his frozen shrimp.
6) 110. Formula 1 Teams
In a sport that generates more than $3.5 billion a year, teams compete in cars that cost $70 million to develop and build — and a split-second to crash. Zachary Crockett assesses the damage.
7) 109. Billboards
The world’s oldest advertising medium has reconfigured itself for the digital age. Zachary Crockett looks up.
8) 108. Matchmakers
Some singles choose to skip the apps and get fixed up the old-fashioned way — but it doesn't come cheap. Zachary Crockett puts himself out there.
9) 107. Megachurches
They have thousands of congregants and millions of dollars in income. Zachary Crockett passes the collection plate.
10) 106. Maple Syrup
Pure maple syrup can be five times as expensive as “pancake syrup,” but maple farmers — and breakfast connoisseurs — say it’s worth it. Zachary Crockett pours it on thick.