Planet Money kicks off with a tongue-in-cheek pitch: imagine grabbing a drink with a friend who can actually explain the economy—and make it fun. From there, NPR’s Money section rolls out a range of stories tied together by one theme: real-world economic forces at work. You’ll find takeaways from Survivor—how team dynamics and incentives mirror office life—and a look at investor Bill Gurley’s new book, Runnin’ Down a Dream, which argues that chasing your true career passion can pay off. Other pieces dig into class myths and the rising cost of big events like the Olympics, while a deep dive into data centers shows how the new AI hubs around the U.S. are driving down local power bills. On the consumer side, there’s practical intel on how drivers are coping with spiking gas prices at Kroger stations in Savannah, Georgia, and why your airfare might finally get cheaper. A story on a pro-worker private equity model in Charleston schools examines how a different ownership structure can reshape labor relations. Tech gets its share, too: Infinite-scroll inventor Nir Eyal regrets his role in addicting us to feeds, and a look at private credit warns that big-ticket lending outside banks carries risks. You’ll also find profiles of the Federal Reserve leaders coloring the economy red to green, an analysis of why the Russian economy hasn’t imploded despite sanctions, and even the surprising growth of Pokémon cards compared to retirement accounts.