Planet Money by Alex Mayyasi

Planet Money

Economics Made Audible, Everyday

★★★★ 4.3 (2 ratings)

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Hear Erika Beras, Mary Childs, Sarah Gonzalez, Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi, Kenny Malone, Alex Goldmark's narration on Audible.

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Quick Facts

AuthorAlex Mayyasi
NarratorErika Beras, Mary Childs, Sarah Gonzalez, Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi, Kenny Malone, Alex Goldmark
Runtime8h20m
PublishedApril 7, 2026
Rating★★★★ 4.3 / 5 (2 ratings)
CategoriesMoney & Finance, Personal Finance
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

Planet Money turns the invisible gears of the global economy into bite‑size audio stories that feel as familiar as your morning coffee. Alex Mayyasi stitches together everyday curiosities—why a pizza costs what it does, how a single banana travels across continents, and what a neighborhood laundromat can teach us about macro‑policy—into a single, coherent guide that demystifies money without sacrificing nuance. If you crave a practical, story‑driven tour of finance that never pretends to be a textbook, this is the audiobook that will keep you turning the page (or rather, pressing play). The production leans on a rotating cast of narrators, each chosen to match the tone of the segment they deliver. Erika Beras brings a crisp, journalistic cadence to the opening chapters, while Mary Childs and Sarah Gonzalez add warmth to the more human‑focused anecdotes. Alexi Horowitz‑Ghazi and Kenny Malone lend a conversational swagger to the data‑heavy sections, and Alex Goldmark’s playful inflections give the series its signature NPR‑like charm. The result is a seamless blend of reportage, humor, and occasional dramatization that feels less like a lecture and more like a lively round‑table discussion you’d hear on a favorite podcast.

Tags: Money & FinancePersonal FinanceNarrative NonfictionEducationalPodcast-Style

Why Listen to Planet Money?

  • Expert narration by Erika Beras, Mary Childs, Sarah Gonzalez, Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi, Kenny Malone, Alex Goldmark brings every character and scene to life across 8h20m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.3 stars by 2 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★★

AudioBook Atlas

When I first hit play, I was instantly drawn into the rhythm of the opening story—how a handful of wheat farmers in Kansas end up influencing the price of your cereal bowl. Erika Beras narrates with a clear, no‑nonsense tone that feels both authoritative and approachable, setting the stage for the deep‑dive that follows. The real magic, however, emerges as the cast rotates. Mary Childs’s soft, almost confessional voice makes the segment on household budgeting feel like a personal finance coach whispering tips in your ear, while Kenny Malone’s brisk, energetic delivery turns the discussion of high‑frequency trading into a pulse‑pounding thriller. The production values are top‑notch: crisp sound design, subtle musical cues, and well‑placed pauses that let complex concepts settle before the next example arrives. I appreciate the way the book stitches diverse topics together—one moment you’re learning why a city’s parking meters generate revenue, the next you’re exploring the economics of streaming royalties. That variety keeps the pacing lively, though there are a few moments—particularly the extended deep‑dive into bond market mechanics—where the narrative drags a bit, testing patience for listeners not already steeped in finance jargon. The occasional reliance on industry jargon without a quick definition can also leave a casual listener momentarily adrift. Still, the overall experience is engaging, thanks to the narrators’ ability to humanize data and the production team’s knack for turning spreadsheets into stories. If you enjoy podcasts that blend education with storytelling, Planet Money’s audiobook version delivers that same punchy, accessible vibe in a format that invites repeat listening.

Download: Planet Money

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Planet Money by Alex Mayyasi is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Erika Beras, Mary Childs, Sarah Gonzalez, Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi, Kenny Malone, Alex Goldmark with a runtime of 8h20m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.