Labubu isn’t just a collectable — it’s a billion dollar hype machine. In this episode we break down how Labubus made their way into the market, why blind boxes are so addictive and how Pop mart made a brilliant use of the hype.

Labubu isn’t just a collectable — it’s a billion dollar hype machine. In this episode we break down how Labubus made their way into the market, why blind boxes are so addictive and how Pop mart made a brilliant use of the hype.

Zero Down

Unboxing the Economics Of Labubus

Concerts aren’t just about the music anymore! they’re an entire economy of their own. In this episode, Nandinii and Vanshika explore the fascinating economics behind the rise of concert culture, especially in India. From the multiplier effect that fuels local businesses every time a major gig comes to town, to the booming resell culture and parallel ticket economy that fans either hate or can’t escape, we dive deep into the financial ripple effects of live music. We also talk about Coldplay’s much-awaited India show, and how Gen Z views concerts as part of the ‘experience economy’.

Concerts aren’t just about the music anymore! they’re an entire economy of their own. In this episode, Nandinii and Vanshika explore the fascinating economics behind the rise of concert culture, especially in India. From the multiplier effect that fuels local businesses every time a major gig comes to town, to the booming resell culture and parallel ticket economy that fans either hate or can’t escape, we dive deep into the financial ripple effects of live music. We also talk about Coldplay’s much-awaited India show, and how Gen Z views concerts as part of the ‘experience economy’.

74. Concert-o-nomics

Join Bhadra and Kashish as they turn a shopping trip to Delhi’s iconic Sarojini Nagar into a crash course in game theory. From bargaining tricks and price wars to the Nash Equilibrium and the Prisoner’s Dilemma, this episode uncovers the hidden strategies behind every deal. Witty, sharp, and full of real-world insights, it’s the economic playbook you didn’t know you needed for your next Sarojini haul.

Join Bhadra and Kashish as they turn a shopping trip to Delhi’s iconic Sarojini Nagar into a crash course in game theory. From bargaining tricks and price wars to the Nash Equilibrium and the Prisoner’s Dilemma, this episode uncovers the hidden strategies behind every deal.Witty, sharp, and full of real-world insights, it’s the economic playbook you didn’t know you needed for your next Sarojini haul.

73. The Sarojini Playbook

Have you freshly turned into a voter? Are you wondering whom to vote for? Before you decide, dive into this podcast and walk with Gargi and Anusmita around the world of politics looked at through the lens of Game Theory. Discover the various kinds of games played by political parties and unveil what goes on in the minds of every voter simultaneously that impacts on the election results.Yes, this is where Strategy meets Power and Psychology meets Diplomacy.

Have you freshly turned into a voter? Are you wondering whom to vote for? Before you decide, dive into this podcast and walk with Gargi and Anusmita around the world of politics looked at through the lens of Game Theory. Discover the various kinds of games played by political parties and unveil what goes on in the minds of every voter simultaneously that impacts on the election results.Yes, this is where Strategy meets Power and Psychology meets Diplomacy.

72. Moves, Counter-Moves and Alliances

In this episode, Nandinii and Manya use game theory to unpack India and Pakistan's nuclear strategies. Through the classic Prisoner's Dilemma experiment, they explore how strategic decisions, mutual distrust, and historical tensions direct the prospect of peace and conflict in one of the most volatile nuclear flashpoints - and what it would take to break the cycle

In this episode, Nandinii and Manya use game theory to unpack India and Pakistan's nuclear strategies. Through the classic Prisoner's Dilemma experiment, they explore how strategic decisions, mutual distrust, and historical tensions direct the prospect of peace and conflict in one of the most volatile nuclear flashpoints - and what it would take to break the cycle

71. Game Theory and South Asia's Nuclear Strategy: India and Pakistan in focus

Is China helping countries grow or trapping them in debt? In this episode of Zero Down, Priyadarshini and Manya explore the geopolitical motives and economic impacts behind unsustainable debt practices. From ports in Sri Lanka to railways in Africa, we look who's gaining, who's slipping, and what it means for global power dynamics.

Is China helping countries grow or trapping them in debt? In this episode of Zero Down, Priyadarshini and Manya explore the geopolitical motives and economic impacts behind unsustainable debt practices. From ports in Sri Lanka to railways in Africa, we look who's gaining, who's slipping, and what it means for global power dynamics.

70. Debt Trap Diplomacy – Is China Really to Blame?

In this episode of the Zero Down Podcast, join the heads, Tanya and Prapti for a discussion on international trade, reciprocal tariffs and the impact on the current economic and geopolitical scenario.

In this episode of the Zero Down Podcast, join the heads, Tanya and Prapti for a discussion on international trade, reciprocal tariffs and the impact on the current economic and geopolitical scenario.

69. An Analysis of Reciprocal Tariffs

In this episode of Zero Down Podcast's non member series, ZDP Shots, Devika, Bhadra, and Diya spill the tea (from the Stanley Cup) about why we feel the urge to buy things that we do not necessarily need. From engineered scarcity, sunk cost fallacy, to herd mentality and other concepts, join them as they explore different behavioural economics theories manipulating consumer demand - and why it works so well. Are we really choosing what we buy, or are brands choosing for us?

In this episode of Zero Down Podcast's non member series, ZDP Shots, Devika, Bhadra, and Diya spill the tea (from the Stanley Cup) about why we feel the urge to buy things that we do not necessarily need. From engineered scarcity, sunk cost fallacy, to herd mentality and other concepts, join them as they explore different behavioural economics theories manipulating consumer demand - and why it works so well. Are we really choosing what we buy, or are brands choosing for us?

68. ZDP Shots: Statistics Behind the Stanley Cup: Pop Culture, Economics, and the Psychology Behind Overconsumption

Women have been locked out of the literary arena - not because they weren't writing, but because they weren't being published, read, or remembered, Joanna Russ said. Through Virginia Woolf, Betty Friedan, Emily Dickinson, the Bronte sisters and others, this episode delves into the works and lives of women who almost got lost in time. Join Gargi and Manya as they explore the economics behind this phenomenon and tribute the forgotten.

Women have been locked out of the literary arena - not because they weren't writing, but because they weren't being published, read, or remembered, Joanna Russ said. Through Virginia Woolf, Betty Friedan, Emily Dickinson, the Bronte sisters and others, this episode delves into the works and lives of women who almost got lost in time. Join Gargi and Manya as they explore the economics behind this phenomenon and tribute the forgotten.

67. Economics of the woman poet - how great voices (almost) got lost in time

In this episode of the Zero Down Podcast, Tanya, Usheer, and Vanshika explore "The Great Indian Brain Drain." While the news of someone of Indian origin becoming the CEO of a major global company often fills us with pride, it also raises an important question: does this reflect a significant loss of talent for India? Tune in for a deep dive into the causes behind this phenomenon and examine various government initiatives aimed at converting brain drain into brain gain.

In this episode of the Zero Down Podcast, Tanya, Usheer, and Vanshika explore "The Great Indian Brain Drain." While the news of someone of Indian origin becoming the CEO of a major global company often fills us with pride, it also raises an important question: does this reflect a significant loss of talent for India? Tune in for a deep dive into the causes behind this phenomenon and examine various government initiatives aimed at converting brain drain into brain gain.

66. The Great Brain Drain

In this episode of Zero Down, Join Kashish and Prapti piecing together the what-why-hows of labour migration in India. Using the Harris-Todaro model as a framework, we break down how migrants weigh expected income against the risks of unemployment in cities like Delhi and Bangalore. Why do millions leave their hometowns? What role does the informal sector play? And how does migration reshape India’s urban economy? From slums and political exclusion to the impact of COVID-19, we examine both the numbers and the human stories behind India’s migration wave. Tune in for a deep dive into one of the country’s most defining economic phenomena.

In this episode of Zero Down, Join Kashish and Prapti piecing together the what-why-hows of labour migration in India. Using the Harris-Todaro model as a framework, we break down how migrants weigh expected income against the risks of unemployment in cities like Delhi and Bangalore. Why do millions leave their hometowns? What role does the informal sector play? And how does migration reshape India’s urban economy? From slums and political exclusion to the impact of COVID-19, we examine both the numbers and the human stories behind India’s migration wave. Tune in for a deep dive into one of the country’s most defining economic phenomena.

65. Gamble for a Better Life : Rural Push, Urban Pull

Ever wondered why people go gaga over Birkins and Bentleys worth hundreds of thousands of dollars? In this episode of Zero Down Podcast, we unravel why, even amidst wars, recessions, and widespread struggles for basic survival, the glamour of luxury remains unshaken. Why do consumers, despite economic uncertainty, chase the $4M Mustang? Is it about status, aspiration, or something deeper in human psychology? Join Yashika and Pranjali as they decode the economics of luxury goods and consumer behaviour.

Ever wondered why people go gaga over Birkins and Bentleys worth hundreds of thousands of dollars? In this episode of Zero Down Podcast, we unravel why, even amidst wars, recessions, and widespread struggles for basic survival, the glamour of luxury remains unshaken. Why do consumers, despite economic uncertainty, chase the $4M Mustang? Is it about status, aspiration, or something deeper in human psychology? Join Yashika and Pranjali as they decode the economics of luxury goods and consumer behaviour.

64. From Birkins to Bentleys: Why Luxury Goods Still Rule

Were the allegations against Adani true? How does Hindenburg create profit? When did SEBI get involved? In this episode of Zero Down, join Gargi and Manya as they analyse the Adani-Hindenburg controversy, its implications and how a single report can lead to so many consequences when the stock market is in question.

Were the allegations against Adani true? How does Hindenburg create profit? When did SEBI get involved? In this episode of Zero Down, join Gargi and Manya as they analyse the Adani-Hindenburg controversy, its implications and how a single report can lead to so many consequences when the stock market is in question.

63. Dissecting the Adani-Hindenburg Fiasco

In this episode, join Tanvi and Usheer to explore the economics behind Ratan Tata's journey. They discuss the global expansion of Tata Group, the challenges and controversies faced along the way, and how these moves reshaped Indian business worldwide.

In this episode, join Tanvi and Usheer to explore the economics behind Ratan Tata's journey. They discuss the global expansion of Tata Group, the challenges and controversies faced along the way, and how these moves reshaped Indian business worldwide.

62. Unfolding Ratan Tata's life journey

In this episode, Vanshika and Prapti introduce the concept of "Sunk Cost Fallacy," exploring relatable examples, and discussing reasons behind it and ways to avoid falling into its trap.

In this episode, Vanshika and Prapti introduce the concept of "Sunk Cost Fallacy," exploring relatable examples, and discussing reasons behind it and ways to avoid falling into its trap.

61. Deciphering Sunk Cost Fallacy

A space aimed at exploring the world through the eyes of an economist, and making concepts fun, relatable, and real.

A space aimed at exploring the world through the eyes of an economist, and making concepts fun, relatable, and real.

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Zero Down

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