Who makes the stacks of fake cash used in movies — and how do they stay clear of counterfeit law? Zachary Crockett follows the fake money. This episode was originally published on September 3rd, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
How do you turn an empty house into a buyer’s dream home? Zachary Crockett pulls back the curtain. This episode was originally published on August 27th, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The most popular song of the 20th century — and a key part of a ubiquitous American ritual — was also the subject of a years-long legal battle. Zachary Crockett blows out the candles. This episode was originally published on August 13th, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Does anyone ever win the giant teddy bear? Zachary Crockett steps right up. This episode was originally published on August 6th, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Most sports bars rarely screen women's games. Zachary Crockett taps into the strategy of one woman who set out to change the channel. This episode was originally published on July 30th, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Once a luxury good, the soft fiber is now everywhere — which has led to a goat boom in Mongolia. Zachary Crockett tugs at the thread. This episode was originally published on July 23rd, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The podcast delves into the high-stakes world of Michelin stars, tracing a chef's ambition to earn this prestigious accolade and detailing the guide's surprising origins as a tire company's marketing tool. It examines the immediate operational changes and financial benefits a star can bring, contrasting this with the immense pressures and costs involved in maintaining such a high standard. The episode also questions the actual business impact of stars versus modern influences like social media and streaming, and touches upon the psychological toll the pursuit and loss of stars can take on chefs.
Once America’s favorite recreational activity, bowling has been in the gutter for decades. But some surviving alleys are resetting the pins. Zachary Crockett laces up. This episode was originally published on July 9th, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Vanity plates might be 2KUL4U, but in the Blue Hen State, low-digit plates command high-digit prices. Zachary Crockett sums up a big market in a small state. This episode was originally published on June 2nd, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
One creature’s trash is another’s cash. Zachary Crockett flushes out the numbers with a man who found profit in pee. This episode was originally published on June 25th, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
How do they emerge from the Upper Cretaceous period to end up in natural-history museums and private collections? Zachary Crockett digs for answers. This episode was originally published on June 18th, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Discover the surprising economics of sports mascots, beginning with the Phillies' creation of the beloved Phanatic to boost attendance. Learn how Muppet designer Bonnie Erickson crafted the character and profited from merchandising before the team bought the rights. The episode also details Dave Raymond's journey from Phanatic performer to a mascot design and training mogul, revealing the high salaries of top performers, the costs of mascot creation, and legal challenges.
Discover the surprising economics behind those small hotel soaps, beginning with a traveler's curiosity about their fate. The episode details how Sean Sipler's initiative, Clean the World, transforms millions of discarded bars into life-saving hygiene products for vulnerable populations. It also reveals the innovative business model that makes this global humanitarian effort financially sustainable, highlighting its significant environmental and social impact while touching on the larger issue of consumer waste.
Can a hit single from four decades ago still pay the bills? Zachary Crockett f-f-f-finds out . This episode was originally published on February 2nd, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
How does America's cutest sales force get billions of Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs into our hands every year? Zachary Crockett digs in. This episode was originally published on January 29th, 2023. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Economics of Everyday Things is going on an indefinite hiatus. SOURCES: Zachary Crockett , host of The Economic of Everyday Things . RESOURCES: Zachary Crockett on Substack . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....
Host Zachary Crockett discusses his podcast's hiatus before diving into the economics of Christmas lights with Dean Lyons of Bright Nights. The episode covers Lyons's journey from a $20 job to a nationwide company, detailing the logistics of professional installation, from light manufacturing and pricing to the shift from incandescent to energy-efficient LED technology. It also examines the industry's profitability, standardized designs, and surprising resilience through economic downturns, highlighting the emotional value of holiday decorations.
Trees are more than decoration — they’re living economic assets, with measurable costs and benefits for cities and neighborhoods. Zachary Crockett takes a walk on the shady side of the street. SOURCES: Geoffrey Donovan , owner of Ash & Elm Consulting. Jana Dilley , urban forester for the city of Seattle. Kathleen Wolf , social scientist, former researcher at the University of Washington. RESOURCES: " Extreme Heat Is Worse For Low-Income, Nonwhite Americans, A New Study Shows ," by Deepa Shiv...
Grab a simple bouquet from your local grocery store and you're activating a global network of farms, shipping companies, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers. Zachary Crockett stops to smell the roses. SOURCES: Bob Mellano , vice president of wholesale operations for Mellano & Company. Jasmine Gomez-Gonzalez , chief operations officer at OC Wholesale Flowers. RESOURCES: " From Colombia with love: The journey of a Valentine’s Day bouquet ," by Júlia Ledur and Fabiola Ferrero (The Washingt...
Shoe repair shops are a dying breed — but for those that remain, demand is higher than ever. Zachary Crockett goes in for a shine. SOURCES: Jim McFarland , owner of McFarland’s Shoe Repair in Lakeland, Florida. RESOURCES: " Shoe cobbler becomes unlikely TikTok star ," (NBC News, 2024). " Cobblers face extinction - and are busier than ever ," by Diana Nelson James (AP, 2019). Shoe Service Institute of America . EXTRAS: America's Cobbler (Jim McFarland) , (YouTube). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWiz...
The market for gustatory pain is surprisingly competitive. Zachary Crockett feels the burn. SOURCES: Ed Currie , founder and president of the PuckerButt Pepper Company. Stephanie Walker , associate professor and Extension Vegetable Specialist at New Mexico State University RESOURCES: " Pepper X Dethrones Carolina Reaper as World’s Hottest Chili Pepper ," by Sanj Atwal ( Guinness World Records, 2023). " The Shocking, Stupendous Rise of Superhot Chillies: ‘The Stomach Cramps Can Last for 14 Hours ...
Discover the economics behind miniature golf, detailing how courses are designed and built by firms like Harris Miniature Golf. The episode covers the industry's growth, significant upfront investments (up to $2.5M), and the strong financial returns for owners. Mike Mattsinger, owner of Surf's Up Mini Golf, shares his experiences running a seasonal course, managing operations, and why mini golf continues to be a popular and profitable venture.
How do flavorists capture the essence of a fruit and put it in a can of sparkling water, or a tub of yogurt? Zachary Crockett takes a bite. SOURCES: Terry Miesle , master flavorist at Sensient Technologies Corporation. RESOURCES: " Flavor and Well‐Being: A Comprehensive Review of Food Choices, Nutrition, and Health Interactions ," by Sakhawot Hossain, Abdul Wazed, Sharmin Asha, Alomgir Hossen, Nur Muhammad Fime, Shamiha Tabassum Teeya, Lubna Yeasmin Jenny, Diptho Dash, and Islam Shimul (Food Sci...
Delve into the world of laundromats, starting with an entrepreneur's journey into the business and a look at its rich history. The episode uncovers the varied business models, target demographics, and the industry's evolution into a modern investment class driven by technology. It highlights the significant costs of machines and operations, including the unique challenges of quarter management, maintenance, utility expenses, and the complex infrastructure required. Beyond the financial aspects, the discussion also touches on the quirky items people wash, forgotten belongings, and the laundromat's surprising role as a community gathering space.
Running a campground isn’t all eating s'mores around the campfire. Zachary Crockett fans the flames. SOURCES: Mark Lemoine , owner, Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday campground; sr. vice president, franchise operations at Kampgrounds of America. RESOURCES: " The Economic Impact of Parks ," (National Recreation and Park Association, 2023). " Campground Industry Analysis ," (CHM Government Service, 2020). EXTRAS: Coloma/St. Joseph KOA . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for...
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. SOURCES: Garrett Golding , assistant vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Jeetander P. Sethi , founding member of the American Petroleum and Convenience Store Association. Kai Trimble-Lea , owner of a B.P. gas station in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. RESOURCES: " Top Numbers Driving America's Gasoline Demand ," by Lem Smith ( American Petroleum...
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. SOURCES: Chris Harvey , senior vice president at Sedgwick. RESOURCES: " FDA Advises Public Not to Eat, Sell, or Serve Certain Imported Frozen Shrimp from an Indonesian Firm ," (FDA, 2025). " U.S. product recalls reach second-highest level in six years during 2024 ," (Sedgwick, 2025). " Lot Codes For Food Tracing: How Are They ...
Zachary Crockett delves into the high-stakes world of Formula One, examining how teams like Williams Racing navigate immense development costs, a strict spending cap, and the financial impact of crashes. The episode highlights the engineering marvel of F1 cars, the complex global logistics, and the sport's booming business model driven by media rights, prize money, and lucrative sponsorships, shaping its future with new regulations.
The world’s oldest advertising medium has reconfigured itself for the digital age. Zachary Crockett looks up. SOURCES: Anna Bager , president and C.E.O. of the Out-of-Home Advertising Association of America. Dan Levi , chief marketing officer at Clear Channel Outdoor. RESOURCES: " Advertising Proves Resilient Amidst Economic Uncertainty, " ( Magna Global , 2025). " Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. Reports Results for the First Quarter of 2025 ," ( Clear Channel Investor Relations , 2025). " ...
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. SOURCES: Maria Avgitidis , C.E.O. of Agape Match and author of Ask a Matchmaker: Matchmaker Maria's No-Nonsense Guide to Finding Love. RESOURCES: " Dating Apps Have Hit a Wall. Can They Turn Things Around? " by J. Edward Moreno (New York Times, 2024). " Love, (un)automated: Human matchmaking in the era of online dating ," by Liesel Sharabi ( Journal of...
