The Rest of the Story, 2025 - Planet Money Recap

Podcast: Planet Money

Published: 2025-12-26

Duration: 28 minutes

Guests: Harun Mukhtarzada, Jeff Guo

Summary

Planet Money revisits stories and people they've covered, providing updates on a safer saw, the subscription economy, financial challenges in Gaza, and a mysterious diamond's journey.

What Happened

The episode opens with a dive into the ongoing expansion of the subscription economy. Despite the Federal Trade Commission's attempt to ease consumer cancellations through a 'click-to-cancel' rule, it was nullified due to procedural issues. Nonetheless, Harun Mukhtarzada's Rocket Money processed over 10 million subscription cancellations in 2025, demonstrating the consumer demand for such services.

Next, the episode revisits the innovation of lab-grown diamonds, which have become significantly cheaper to produce, now costing as little as $137 for a one-carat diamond. Despite this drop in production costs, retail prices have only slightly decreased, maintaining high profit margins within the industry.

In Gaza, the economic situation remains dire due to Israel's blockade on cash inflow, causing persistent high prices for goods. Mohammed Awad reports some price drops post-ceasefire, but essentials are still costly, compounded by limited access to medical treatment.

Planet Money's board game project, in collaboration with Exploding Kittens, continues to evolve. The game aims to demonstrate economic concepts and has undergone significant improvements thanks to community feedback and playtesting.

Steve Gass's SawStop, a saw with finger-detection technology, faces challenges in mandating its use due to shifts in the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Despite setbacks, Gass remains determined to see his safety innovation widely adopted.

Lastly, a mysterious diamond bought by Planet Money is under scrutiny for possibly having a 'second life' as a lab-grown gem, raising questions about transparency in the diamond market.

Key Insights

• In 2025, Rocket Money processed over 10 million subscription cancellations, reflecting significant consumer demand for simplified cancellation services despite the nullification of the FTC's 'click-to-cancel' rule.
• The production cost of lab-grown diamonds has decreased to as low as $137 for a one-carat diamond, yet retail prices remain relatively high, ensuring substantial profit margins for the industry.
• Gaza's economy continues to struggle under Israel's blockade on cash inflow, with essential goods remaining expensive and medical treatment access limited, despite some price reductions following a ceasefire.
• Planet Money's board game project, developed with Exploding Kittens, integrates economic concepts and has seen significant improvements through community feedback and playtesting.