Jun 25, 2024

Why so miserable?

Walmart said it will use digital shelf labels in over 2,000 stores by 2026. Moyo Studio/Getty Images

Experts tell us why consumers feel anxious about the economy while the data shows it's thriving. Plus, a U.K. honey business talks bees and Brexit.

Segments From this episode

Economic data is looking good. So why the glum vibes?

by Stacey Vanek Smith

Jun 25, 2024

Unemployment is near record lows, GDP is growing, inflation has been trending down, wages are up. But in spite of it all, people are feeling bad.

One reason for all the economic angst? A very positive reference point from earlier in the pandemic might make some consumers feel like nothing will compare.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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Why most of the world still uses the U.S. dollar to buy and sell oil

by Sabri Ben-Achour

Jun 25, 2024

The scale, liquidity and stability of U.S. financial markets are partly behind the phenomenon.

Safe, liquid markets in the United States is a key reason most countries buy oil — and many other commodities — with dollars.

Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

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For this London honey seller, the buzz is about British bees

by Kai Ryssdal and Sean McHenry

Jun 25, 2024

Business is strong for Samantha Wallace. But she's dealing with complicated import rules and seeking the right varieties of domestic honey.

A bee collects nectar from lavender in Knutsford, England. "Our passion is honey," says Samantha Wallace, who values "the diversity of flavor."

Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

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Does the federal minimum wage still matter?

by Savannah Peters

Jun 25, 2024

The federal floor is $7.25 an hour — but only around 1% of workers are paid that little. Several states and cities will hike their minimums July 1.

David McNew/Getty Images

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A Warmer World

Climate change forces third-generation fisherman to rethink this year

by Caleigh Wells

Jun 25, 2024

Warming ocean temperatures affect albacore tuna’s migratory patterns, and that’s made it more difficult for local fishermen to make a living catching them.

Scott Hawkins photographs his crew, including his sons, Wyatt (left, blue helmet) and Colton (front, red jacket), with dozens of albacore tuna they caught in minutes.

Courtesy Scott Hawkins

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Music from the episode

"How I Feel" Wax Tailor

"Nautilus" Bob James

"Sweet Harmony" The Beloved

"Colors Collide" The Seshen

"Pumpkin" Islands

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Sofia Terenzio Assistant Producer

Jordan Mangi Assistant Digital Producer

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