Planet Money • NPR (podcasts@npr.org)

In this fascinating episode of Planet Money, Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi and Matt Bellamy, along with others, dive into the fiercely competitive underbelly of the Academy Awards campaigns. It begins with a retrospective on how Miramax, then led by Harvey Weinstein, revolutionized Oscar campaigning in the 1990s—turning the race for cinema's most coveted statues into an all-out war of publicity and strategic moves that centered on not just the art of film, but the art of winning.

With the entrance of streaming services like Netflix into the fray, supported by eclectic insights from Tony Angelotti, the podcast examines how these entertainment behemoths are reshaping what an Oscar campaign looks like in the modern age. Meanwhile, the recent rise of smaller studios achieving Oscar glory marks a shift toward greater diversity and internationalization within the Academy. This celebration of global cinema, highlighted by the unprecedented success of films like "Parasite," speaks to a potentially more inclusive and far-reaching future for the film industry's pinnacle awards.

Supermarkets are increasingly implementing dynamic pricing strategies, leveraging electronic shelf labels (ESLs) to adjust prices frequently, efficiently, and competitively. In this episode of Planet Money, the show explores how retailers like Norway's Rema 1000 use ESLs to implement thousands of price changes daily, reducing food waste by reducing prices on perishables at the end of the day.

The episode examines the benefits and potential pitfalls of dynamic pricing, including enhanced market responsiveness but also risks like price wars and unsold inventory. It provides insights into how dynamic pricing strategies aim to balance fairness and efficiency while preserving consumer trust in an increasingly technology-driven retail landscape.

Dive into a compelling discussion on "Planet Money" where speakers Advertisement, Mary Childs, Advertiser, Donald Lowe, Nicholas Lofgren, Kaire Saarep, and Jenna Sudds examine the pressing issue of declining fertility rates on a global scale. As countries confront the reality of shrinking populations and their long-term implications, governments are deploying a variety of social initiatives intended to encourage citizens to have more children.

Hear insights on the variety of approaches nations are taking to reverse this trend, from Singapore's substantial cash incentives to Sweden's substantial commitment to gender equality and parental leave, and South Korea's clash between government policies and cultural work norms. Understand Canada's innovative approach by blending economic strategies with family support through a new affordable childcare system and its open immigration policy. The episode uncovers the intricate dance between financial bonuses, social policies, and cultural shifts that nations are performing in hopes of nurturing future generations.

Dive into the world of educational financing on the latest episode of "Planet Money," where hosts Sarah Gonzalez and Sophia Fabela, along with guests including Maria Lares and George Herrera, explore the pivotal role of Parent Teacher Associations in school fundraising. Uncover the behind-the-scenes efforts of PTAs as they strive to hit ambitious annual targets through snack sales and jog-a-thons, and learn how these funds are crucial in supplementing students' educational experiences by providing for activities that stretch beyond the traditional classroom setting.

In an era where school budgets are increasingly tight, necessitating a focus on core academic needs, PTAs emerge as the unsung heroes in financially backing enriching opportunities like field trips and science camps. This episode sheds light on the delicate balance school administrators must maintain when allocating funds, revealing how vital contributions from PTA initiatives are for maintaining a well-rounded education that goes beyond just academics, especially in underserved communities. Join the discussion to understand the significance of these grassroots fundraising campaigns in the broader context of educational enrichment.

Tune into the latest episode of Planet Money, where Réka Juhász and Jeff Guo delve into the historic and current strategies of industrial policy, a key component shaping the U.S. economic landscape under the Biden administration. The speakers unpack examples and effects of targeted industrial support, from the economic rise of East Asia to the long-term French benefits post-Napoleonic blockade. This episode provides a nuanced exploration of the successes and pitfalls countries have faced when employing industrial policies.

As the U.S. pivots towards hefty investments in microchip production and renewable energy, the speakers address the intricacies of market failures that such policies aim to correct—ranging from positive externalities to complex coordination challenges. Moreover, the conversation evolves to highlight the essential role of bureaucratic agencies and the reliance on scientific expertise to oversee public investments. Planet Money offers a detailed look at the government's role in fostering industry, directly relating to the nation's pursuit of economic resiliency and technological advancement.