The Numbers Game by Alexandra Parada

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MONEY FM 89.3

Alexandra Parada

Business • Education & self-enrichment

The Numbers Game: How Jennie’s favorite Korean snack sparked a $136 million craze

· 2m 51s

Uncover the hidden stories behind every number. Whether it's a record-breaking achievement, an unexpected statistic, or stories on how people spend their money, we reveal the surprising ways in which numbers shape the world around us.

Episodes

30 May 2025

The Numbers Game: How Jennie’s favorite Korean snack sparked a $136 million craze

Jennie went on The Jennifer Hudson Show and casually mentioned Banana Kick, a sweet Korean snack from her childhood. Days later, it sparked a global craze and helped boost Nongshim’s market value by $136 million.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2m 51s

29 May 2025

The Numbers Game: How a Star Wars quiz became an HR nightmare

A British woman was awarded $50,000 after being compared to Darth Vader at work. And what was meant as a fun, Star Wars-themed team quiz turned into a serious HR issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2m 53s

28 May 2025

The Numbers Game: The Ponzi Scheme everyone fell for in 1920

In 1920, Charles Ponzi pulled off one of the most infamous financial scams in history by promising massive returns through a fake investment scheme. His name would go on to define the “Ponzi scheme,” a fraud that still traps investors today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3m 12s

27 May 2025

The Numbers Game: The collapse of the Lehman Brothers

In 2008, Lehman Brothers filed the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history, triggering a global financial crisis. The investment bank's downfall was fueled by risky bets on subprime mortgages and excessive leverage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

4m 04s

23 May 2025

The Numbers Game: The silver market collapse of 1980

In 1980, the Hunt brothers tried to corner the silver market, driving prices up nearly tenfold. Their plan collapsed on Silver Thursday, triggering massive losses and a historic market crash.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2m 45s

22 May 2025

The Numbers Game: Why did Donald Trump's sneakers sell for $9000?

In February last year, Donald Trump launched a gold high-top sneaker called the “Never Surrender.” Retailing at $399, one autographed pair sold for a staggering $9,000, proving that in politics and sneakers, hype can carry a lot of sole.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3m 16s

21 May 2025

The Numbers Game: The story behind the TIME 100

The TIME 100 is an annual list published by TIME magazine, featuring the 100 most influential people in the world. It includes leaders, artists, thinkers, and icons who have shaped global conversations. The list also highlights both positive and controversial figures based on their impact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2m 50s

20 May 2025

The Numbers Game: The man who spent $20k to live like a dog

A Japanese man, known as Toco, spent nearly $20,000 to live out a unique and surprising fantasy - becoming a dog. With a lifelike rough collie costume and a cage to sleep in, Toco embraced the life of his favorite breed, experiencing everything from belly rubs to walks on a leash.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2m 48s

16 May 2025

The Numbers Game: You can dine with President Donald Trump for $5 million

Would you pay $5 million for a private dinner with President Donald Trump? At Mar-a-Lago, that’s exactly what some of the world’s wealthiest business leaders are doing - exchanging staggering sums for face time with Donald Trump.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3m 07s

15 May 2025

The Numbers Game: The man who gets paid $80k to do nothing

Shoji Morimoto, known as the "rental do-nothing guy," is getting paid $80,000 to do absolutely nothing. Once fired for lacking initiative, he turned doing "nothing" into a lucrative career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3m 33s

The Numbers Game is a show that uncovers the hidden stories behind every number. Whether it's a record-breaking achievement, an unexpected statistic, or stories on how people spend their money, we reveal the surprising ways numbers shape the world around us.