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How to Money · June 10, 2026 · 59m

The Invisible Economic Forces Shaping Your Life w/ Planet Money's Alex Mayyasi #1151

Alex Mayyasi
Show Notes

Hosts talk with Alex Mayyasi about the hidden economic forces that influence everyday life, drawing from his new book Planet Money. They discuss pricing psychology, the impact of tariffs, the distinction between absolute and relative wealth, expectations for continued growth, and the housing market as a game of musical chairs. Mayyasi also shares his new podcast Gastronomics about the business of food.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Canon

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Absolute Wealth vs Relative Wealth
Mayyasi highlights that beyond meeting basic needs, relative wealth—how you compare to those around you—drives satisfaction more than absolute wealth.
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Editorial

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Pricing Is More Than Just a Number
Mayyasi discusses how pricing goes beyond simple cost-plus calculations to include psychological, perceptual, and strategic factors.
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Tariffs as Taxes and Their Impact on Quality
Tariffs act as hidden taxes on imported goods, raising prices and affecting product quality.
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Housing Supply and Demand as a Game of Musical Chairs
Mayyasi uses the metaphor of musical chairs to explain how limited housing supply creates winners and losers in real estate markets.
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Expectations for Continued Economic Growth
Mayyasi discusses how modern economies are built on the assumption of continual growth, and how that expectation shapes policy and personal outlook.
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References

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Planet Money — Alex Mayyasi (2026) — Discussed his new book Planet Money
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