My first thought here is I hope I use the semi-colon correctly. Now that we have context, let me explain the value of this podcast. From economic dating, to a mild obsession with the inverted yield curve, this podcast helps explain in digestible portions the world around us. This podcast is a grocery store equivalent, Of that protein bar you grab on the way out after buying two weeks worth of groceries. It’s your treat now it’s your reward for doing the work. It brings context and balance to your world and it makes you feel better than the candy you could’ve grabbed. It’s bright, cheery, and healthy. My indicator of the week is 121. The number of words in this review.

I’ve listened to the indicator for years and have rarely missed an episode including Cardiff Garcia’s long running obsession with the yield curve. The commercials have taken over the parts of the podcast not occupied by Trump bashing. There are about 2.5-3 minutes of mostly commercials before the podcast begins and another minute or more of commercials at the end resulting in a podcast that’s at times 40%+ ads. While the podcast (as all of NPR certainly) leans left, since Trump took office the podcast has turned to a daily podcast of bashing Trump instead of focusing on education like it used to. Maybe it will get back to being an economics podcast with a moderate political lean as opposed to bashing listeners over the head with why Trump is terrible daily.

I look forward to the Indicator as a little mental treat at the end of the day or binge them at the end of a busy week. Love the hosts and their outlook and attitudes. I think they would admit to being a bit “center-left” (particularly Darrien), but that doesn’t detract from the entertaining way they deliver well-researched stories.

Great, insightful, and quirky economics podcast. Also my condolences go out to Adrian for his loss. So sorry.