Best Banana Factory Podcasts (2025)

1
Money Talks: The Family Squabble That Could Change Right-Wing News 47:54

12h ago47:54

47:54

In this Money Talks: Succession may be over but the drama continues for the Roy family’s real world counterparts. Felix Salmon is joined by McKay Coppins to discuss his experience getting up close and personal with the Murdoch family and break down the dynamics behind the battle over the family empire. Want to hear that discussion and hear more Sla…

1
Inside the Wild Rise of the Savannah Bananas: Baseball’s New Billion-Dollar Brand 10:38

14h ago10:38

10:38

Today's podcast breaks down the business of the Savannah Bananas. I look at the team's 40-city tour, the unique financial agreement for their recent sold-out game at Clemson with 81,000 fans, and why "Banana Ball" could eventually become a billion-dollar brand. Enjoy!By Joe Pompliano

1
Say Goodbye to Hollywood 51:46

3d ago51:46

51:46

This week: Trump has reversed his stance on Jay Powell and his extreme tariffs on China. Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers discuss Trump’s backtrack on his threat to fire the Fed chair as well as his recent concession that his 145% tariffs on China aren’t sustainable. Then, the hosts weigh in on the growing trend of film and television…

1
How Sports TV Viewership is Actually Measured 10:03

4d ago10:03

10:03

Today's podcast is a deep dive into the Nielsen TV ratings system. I've been asked a million times how Nielsen calculates viewership numbers for live sporting events on TV. So, I break down how the company measures TV audiences, including a look at Nielsen's sample size of real household viewers, how much money participating households are paid to …

1
Green Bay’s Small-town Setup for the 2025 NFL Draft 11:47

4d ago11:47

11:47

Today’s podcast looks at the business and economics behind this weekend’s NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I cover the Green Bay Packers’ 10-year journey to hosting the 2025 NFL Draft, why Green Bay was chosen for the draft, the unique challenges of holding the draft in Green Bay, and why the NFL has rotated the city of each draft since 2015. Enj…

1
Jay Powell’s Tough Call 53:46

10d ago53:46

53:46

This week: Trump isn’t happy with Fed chair Jay Powell’s take on his tariffs. Felix Salmon, Elizabeth Spiers and guest host Cardiff Garcia discuss the economic reasoning for why Powell is resisting the president’s demands to lower rates and what would happen if Trump finds a legal way to fire him. Then, the Trump administration is both gutting the …

1
MLB’s Baseball Factory in Costa Rica Matters More Than You Think 12:19

12d ago12:19

12:19

Today’s podcast breaks down everything that goes into the manufacturing, production and game preparation of the baseballs used in Major League Baseball (MLB). I review the production process used by MLB and Rawlings, the baseball manufacturer the league purchased back in 2018 to gain more control over the creation of its game balls. I then look at …

1
Money Talks: The Student Loan Paradox 40:24

15d ago40:24

40:24

In this Money Talks: The federal student loan program was meant to help students seeking a route to a better life – so why is it putting so many of them into crippling debt instead? Journalist Jillian Berman, author of Sunk Cost: Who’s to Blame for the Nation’s Broken Student Loan System and How to Fix, joins Emily Peck to unpack the fraught histor…

1
The Billion Dollar War for UFC Media Rights 9:37

15d ago9:37

9:37

Today’s podcast looks at the UFC’s next media rights deal. I discuss what I think it is going to happen with the UFC’s next media rights package, including how the deal may be structured, which streamers & broadcasters could be in play, the challenges ahead for the UFC’s future as a sports product, and what I ultimately think the UFC’s media rights…

1
The Economy’s ‘One Guy Problem’ 1:04:04

18d ago1:04:04

1:04:04

This week: Trump’s erratic tariff policies are creating a lot of volatility in the markets. Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers are joined by investments expert Barry Ritholtz to unpack the week’s wild tariff news and this uniquely unpredictable situation where one person’s decisions are having a huge effect on the markets. Then, Barry h…

1
How Table Tennis Has Taken Over Online Sports Betting 7:58

20d ago7:58

7:58

Today's podcast looks at one of the biggest phenomenons in sports gambling - table tennis. When the Covid pandemic temporarily shut down sports, fans turned to more niche competitions like table tennis to satisfy their sports betting needs. While the other obscure sports fell by the wayside once the big leagues came back, table tennis has grown to …

1
Why The Rays & A's Are Playing In Minor League Stadiums This Season 9:05

22d ago9:05

9:05

Today's podcast looks at the new homes for the Rays and Athletics for the 2025 season. From the Rays search for a suitable location to replace Tropicana Field after being wrecked by Hurricane Milton to the A's struggles to find a temporary home before they officially move to Las Vegas, I look at the logistics of moving stadiums and highlight the up…

1
That Wack-Ass Tariff Formula 1:05:15

25d ago1:05:15

1:05:15

This week: Trump unveiled his extensive list of tariffs. Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the questionable math that went into calculating these hefty tariffs and the stock market’s extremely negative reaction to the announcement. Then, Trump has picked a fight with the country's biggest law firms, threatening the integrity of…

1
Why The Alamodome Is A Stadium Unicorn 8:59

25d ago8:59

8:59

Today's podcast breaks down the history of The Alamodome - the host of this year's Final Four. From its early days as a potential NFL stadium to the present day where it hosts everything from high school band competitions to Royal Rumbles, The Alamodome is one of the most unique stadiums in the country. Enjoy!…

1
How Ryan Reynolds Turned a $2.5M Soccer Gamble Into a $100M Business 9:07

27d ago9:07

9:07

Today’s podcast breaks down the business of Wrexham AFC, the Welsh soccer club owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Wrexham’s finances were recently revealed, so I did a deep dive into everything you need to know, including annual revenue, merchandise sales, sponsorships, loan repayments, profitability, and the club’s overall valuation. Enjoy…

1
Money Talks: The Campaign Against the Free Press 42:32

29d ago42:32

42:32

In this Money Talks: Amidst the Trump administration’s continued attacks on the press, David Enrich’s new book, Murder the Truth: Fear, the First Amendment, and a Secret Campaign to Protect the Powerful, feels incredibly timely. He joins Elizabeth Spiers to discuss his reporting on increasing efforts to exploit the legal system to protect the rich …

1
The Yankees' New Bat Just Broke Baseball 9:07

29d ago9:07

9:07

Today’s podcast looks at the New York Yankees’ viral torpedo-style bat that has broken baseball after the Yankees hit 15 home runs in their 3-game series sweep last weekend against the Milwaukee Brewers. I break down the data-driven idea of the torpedo bat, the mastermind behind the bat’s design, why the bat is so effective, the analytics arms race…

1
Illegal Group Chats Are Everywhere 51:54

1M ago51:54

51:54

This week: A leaked Signal message revealed illegal use of the commercial app by the Defense Department. Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers explain how this is a common issue in finance, where employees often defy SEC regulations on secure communication in favor of more convenient ways of communicating. Then, a recent study shows that p…

1
Was TGL's First Season a Success? 9:42

1M ago9:42

9:42

Today’s podcast recaps the first season of TGL, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s new tech-infused, arena golf league. I assess whether or not the first season was a success and break down all facets of TGL’s business, including TV ratings, sponsorships, and the quality of the product. I also discuss some of the things TGL can improve in its second se…

1
Manchester United's $2.6 Billion Gamble: New Stadium Dreams vs. Financial Nightmares 11:25

1M ago11:25

11:25

Today’s podcast breaks down Manchester United’s new $2.6 billion stadium project. I look into all of the details behind the Red Devils’ new stadium, including its features, matchday revenue projections, potential financing options, and what this stadium project does to the team’s debt load. Enjoy!By Joe Pompliano

1
Inside the Boston Celtics' $6.1 Billion Sale 9:38

1M ago9:38

9:38

Today’s podcast discusses the Boston Celtics’ record-breaking $6.1 billion sale. I talk about what this sale means for the future of the NBA’s business and the unique details of the Celtics’ sale, including the two-part transaction structure, private equity financing, the team’s new limited partners, the Celtics’ arena rights, and more. Enjoy!…

1
Who’s The Boss? 56:39

1M ago56:39

56:39

This week: DOGE is taking its chainsaw to the Social Security Administration. Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers examine the real reasons behind the Elon Musk led crusade against the SSA. And then, DOGE used extreme tactics against the US Institute of Peace including a physical takeover of the building by force. Meanwhile, the founder o…

1
INTERVIEW: Jon Rahm on Future with LIV Golf, New Legion XIII Partnership and More 24:25

1M ago24:25

24:25

Today’s podcast features a sit-down interview with two-time golf major winner and LIV Golf superstar Jon Rahm. Rahm discusses his first year with LIV Golf and moving away from the PGA Tour, how LIV Golf has evolved as a product, and a new major partnership with Callaway for his LIV Golf team, Legion XIII. Rahm also tells me a funny story about the …

1
The LA Dodgers' Plan to Take Over Japan 8:44

1M ago8:44

8:44

Today’s podcast looks at how the Los Angeles Dodgers became Japan’s favorite MLB team. MLB just held its Opening Day Tokyo Series between the Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs, which highlighted five Japanese players across both ballclubs. However, this series was really all about LA and I explain why. I also break down how the Dodgers have spent the la…

1
Money Talks: The Mighty Dollar 44:29

1M ago44:29

44:29

In this Money Talks: How does America assert its power globally? The short answer is money. For the long answer, Felix Salmon calls in authors Edward Fishman (Chokepoints) and Saleha Mohsin (Paper Soldiers) who both recently published books on the subject. They’ll discuss how the US dollar managed to become the world’s reserve asset, the ways it’s …

1
MrBeast and The Chocolate Factory 55:42

2M ago55:42

55:42

This week: The US Stock Market is plummeting during Trump’s second term. Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers explain why headlines very rarely affect the movements of the Stock Market–and discuss whether we're currently living one of those exceptions. Then, the Wall Street Journal has reported that the Trump family is in talks to invest …

1
The Best $1 Purchase in Golf History: TPC Sawgrass 8:50

2M ago8:50

8:50

Today’s podcast is a case study on The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. I do a deep dive into the history of the event, including how the PGA Tour purchased TPC Sawgrass for just $1 and ended up making billions through the TPC Network of worldwide golf courses. I also break down the origin story behind the unique course design of TPC Sawgrass …

1
How a Billionaire Created the World's Greatest Tennis Tournament 9:17

2M ago9:17

9:17

Today’s podcast tells the story of the Indian Wells Open in California, which went from nearly being shut down to being voted the best event in professional tennis by players for 10 years straight. I break down the origins of the tournament, why it’s called the unofficial “fifth Grand Slam” in tennis, and how tech billionaire Larry Ellison invested…

1
The WNBA Can't Afford a Lockout 9:33

2M ago9:33

9:33

Today’s podcast looks at the possibility of a lockout in the WNBA. I explain why a lockout could be coming in the WNBA as a result of upcoming collective bargaining negotiations between the league and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association. I also break down why a lockout could stunt the WNBA’s growth over the long term due to the leag…

1
Eggistential Crisis 54:20

2M ago54:20

54:20

This week: Trump’s tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China went into effect – only for him to turn around and suspend many of them. Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers discuss Trump’s love of tariffs and the political effects of his trade war. Then, Egg Watch gets a whole segment this week as Chenya Roth joins to discuss the economics of egg…

1
Dana White's Plan to Take Over Boxing 10:01

2M ago10:01

10:01

Today’s podcast discusses TKO and Dana White teaming up with Saudi Arabia to launch a new boxing league. I break down all of the details that we know so far about this announcement, including how much TKO is getting paid to operate the new league, how the league will be structured, Dana White’s goals for the league, and more. I also talk about one …

1
Formula 1 Had Another Banner Year and Isn't Slowing Down Anytime Soon 8:57

2M ago8:57

8:57

Today’s podcast is a deep dive into Formula 1’s record-setting 2024 financial results. I break down where F1’s stock performance, revenue, viewership, and other business metrics stand. I also look at how Formula 1’s parent company, Liberty Media, has transformed the racing series, and assess F1’s future growth prospects. Enjoy!…

1
Money Talks: The American Myth of Hard Work 41:22

2M ago41:22

41:22

In this Money Talks: Emily Peck is joined by journalist and author Adam Chandler to discuss what he discovered about how Americans think about work while writing his book 99% Perspiration. They’ll get into America's often misguided and misinformed obsession with rugged individualism, the long-term effects of de-emphasizing community, and of course,…

1
Why ESPN BET Could Shut Down in 2026 10:41

2M ago10:41

10:41

Today’s podcast looks at the market progression of ESPN BET and how the app could shut down in 2026 if Penn Entertainment’s deal with ESPN goes south. I do a deep dive into the U.S. sports betting market, including why ESPN BET is failing and which other companies can realistically compete with FanDuel and DraftKings. Enjoy!…

1
Trump Math & Techno-Fascism 53:27

2M ago53:27

53:27

This week: Trump has proposed a $5 million “gold card” for US citizenship, suggesting that the US could sell 10 million of them to pay off the national debt. Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the logic behind this considering the similar programs that already exist and the possible pool of candidates. Then, they discuss guest K…

1
Brooks Koepka on Growth of LIV Golf, Preparing for Majors, Nike Partnership and More 11:53

2M ago11:53

11:53

Today’s podcast features a sit-down interview with five-time golf major winner Brooks Koepka. Brooks gives his opinion on the growth of LIV Golf, how he prepares for major championships, what life is like as the owner of Smash GC, his partnership with Nike, and so much more. Enjoy!By Joe Pompliano

1
How the NFL Combine Became One of the League's Most Valuable Assets 10:20

2M ago10:20

10:20

Today’s podcast breaks down how the NFL Combine became one of the NFL’s most valuable assets. I discuss why Indianapolis has hosted the combine for nearly 40 years and how Lucas Oil Stadium was built with NFL Combine-specific elements in its design. I also look at why the NFL wants to move the combine to different cities and spark a bidding war sim…

1
Why MLS is the Future of American Sports 9:00

2M ago9:00

9:00

Today’s podcast looks at the business of Major League Soccer as the league kicks off its 30th season in 2025. I analyze the league’s growth over the years, including the continued bump MLS has received from Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami in 2023 and its record-setting year in 2024. I also assess what MLS needs to accomplish next to be considered …

1
The Consequences of Getting on Europe’s Bad Side 50:43

2M ago50:43

50:43

This week: The US is weakening ties with its biggest ally while embracing an old enemy. Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers explain how the Trump administration’s antagonization of Europe – and further alignment with Russia – could mean major economic blowback if it goes far enough. Then, rumor has it that Intel is looking to sell parts …

1
Why ESPN Ended Its 35-Year Relationship with Major League Baseball 10:17

2M ago10:17

10:17

Today’s podcast breaks down ESPN’s decision to opt out of its television deal with Major League Baseball three years early after the 2025 season. I analyze why the two sides decided to part ways after 35 years, what MLB will look for in a new broadcast partner, how the move affects ESPN’s business, and offer up a potential bidder for MLB’s newly av…

1
A Conversation with Sorare CEO and Founder Nicolas Julia 30:06

2M ago30:06

30:06

Today’s episode features a conversation with Sorare CEO and co-founder Nicolas Julia. Sorare is one of the most successful European sports startups of all time with five rounds of funding, including a $680 million Series B and hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue. Nicolas and I discuss Sorare’s founding story, how the company landed so…

1
The NBA All-Star Game is a Circus (and That's Okay) 9:39

2M ago9:39

9:39

Today’s podcast looks at the decline of the NBA All-Star Game. I break down what went wrong at last weekend’s All-Star Game, which was widely panned by both fans and media. But more importantly, I analyze why the NBA All-Star Game has become a bad product, including what the game’s viewership used to be compared to what it is today, how the NBA cou…

1
Money Talks: The Disappearing Databases 30:55

2M ago30:55

30:55

In this Money Talks: Lizzie O’Leary, host of What Next: TBD, joins Felix Salmon to discuss her article on why government databases are crucial to our economy, and why it’s so worrisome that this kind of public data is being removed by the Trump administration. Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly …

1
Is Bribery Back? 46:49

2M ago46:49

46:49

This week: Trump has signed an order suspending the enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers speculate on his motives and on how likely it actually is that this will shield anyone from the FCPA. Then, Elon Musk has taken $80 million that was sent to New York City by FEMA directly out of the ci…

1
YouTube TV is Charging More Money for a Worse Product — But What is the Next Best Alternative? 8:52

2M ago8:52

8:52

Today’s podcast breaks down the business of YouTube TV and its relation to the rising cost of watching sports. I look at YouTube TV’s price hikes since 2017, how YouTube TV’s product has gotten worse while its price continues to increase, how sports media rights have influenced the platform's rising costs, and much more. Enjoy!…

1
Steve Cohen Wants to Spend $8 Billion to Transform Citi Field Into an Entertainment District 8:53

3M ago8:53

8:53

Today’s podcast looks at New York Mets owner Steve Cohen’s $8 billion plan to turn the surrounding land of Citi Field into an entertainment district with public parks, hotels, live music venues, bars and restaurants, and even a casino and sportsbook. I explain why this stadium & mixed-used development model has grown over the past few years and why…

1
Is Tom Brady Worth $375 Million to Fox? 8:59

3M ago8:59

8:59

Today’s podcast assesses whether Tom Brady is worth $375 million to Fox after his first full season as an NFL broadcaster. I look back at Brady’s rookie season as a broadcaster and break down why his $375M deal gives Fox more benefits that go beyond the broadcast booth, especially when it comes to the network’s advertising sales, studio shows, soci…

1
The Trade War That Never Was 56:55

3M ago56:55

56:55

This week: Trump almost started a trade war with our nearest neighbors. Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers explain why Trump’s trade war with Canada and Mexico not happening is still newsworthy. Then, Felix breaks down why Trump’s plan for a US sovereign wealth fund makes no sense. And finally, Kalshi seems to have found a loophole by o…

1
How the Field at Caesars Superdome is Being Prepared and Tested for Super Bowl LIX 8:50

3M ago8:50

8:50

Today’s podcast breaks down how the NFL is preparing and testing the field at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX. To learn more on this process, I spoke with NFL Field Director Nick Pappas about everything the NFL does to prepare a field for the Super Bowl. With Nick’s insight, I go over the NFL’s field preparation logistics, the p…

1
Why Kendrick Lamar Won't Be Paid For The Super Bowl Halftime Show 8:35

3M ago8:35

8:35

Today’s podcast analyzes the business model of the Super Bowl Halftime Show and explains why Kendrick Lamar will make $0 for his halftime show performance at Super Bowl LIX. I go through the history of the Super Bowl halftime show, why artists agree to do the halftime show even with no pay, and why the halftime show is so valuable for performers. E…

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