Listener sentiment
Listeners are overwhelmingly positive about Business History, praising the natural chemistry between former Planet Money hosts Jacob Goldstein and Robert Smith and their talent for turning business history into engaging, funny storytelling that still delivers practical lessons. Many listeners compare the show favorably to Acquired — covering similar territory in a shorter, more down-to-earth format — while the Planet Money reunion generates substantial goodwill on its own, with several reviewers describing the show as a return to classic-era Planet Money energy. The most consistent criticisms, even among highly favorable reviews, concern excessive ad load relative to the short episodes and a recurring verbal tic where one host says "right" after nearly every sentence, which multiple reviewers find distracting. A smaller contingent finds the production style too casual, citing tangents, uneven mic discipline, and an imbalance where one host narrates while the other mostly reacts; a few also note that the jokey delivery can occasionally blur the line between fact and humor. Despite these nitpicks, the overall sentiment is strongly favorable, with listeners repeatedly asking for more frequent episodes.
Apple4.6 · 38
Summary generated Aug 28, 2026
