x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

pplpod

pplpod is a podcast about people, places and lots of other stuff. Each episode takes a deep dive into the lives, choices, and legacies of fascinating figures from history, culture, music, and beyond. From icons who shaped entire generations to hidden stories that deserve the spotlight, pplpod brings you closer to the people behind the headlines and the legends.Thoughtful, engaging, and story-driven, pplpod explores what makes these lives extraordinary—and what we can learn from them today.

history music history

All Episodes

35:26

The Rent You Pay to Own: A Global Guide to Property Tax

pplpod ·

2026/02/10

Why do we keep paying for homes we’ve already bought? In this episode of pplpod, we break down the complex world of property tax—an ad valorem tax levied on the value of real estate that serves as a primary revenue source for local governments worldwide.Join us as we demystify how your bill is calculated, from understanding "millage" rates to the distinction between taxing land versus "improvements" like buildings. We take a tour around the globe to see how different nations handle the bill:• The

en

36:15

Understanding Tax Assessment: Assessors, Mill Rates,...

pplpod ·

2026/02/10

In this episode of pplpod, we break down the mechanics of tax assessment, the process governments use to determine the value and use of property to calculate tax liability. Join us as we explore how your property tax bill is actually generated and who is responsible for the math.Key topics covered in this episode include:• Defining the Process: We explain how tax assessment functions as an evaluation or estimate of value for real and personal property, serving as the base number for property tax

en

29:26

Fundrise: From Crowdfunding Local Shops to a $7...

pplpod ·

2026/02/10

In this episode of pplpod, we explore the history and growth of Fundrise, a Washington, D.C.–based fintech company founded in 2010 by brothers Ben and Dan Miller. We discuss how the platform pioneered equity crowdfunding—launching the first crowdfunded real estate project in the U.S. even before the passing of the JOBS Act.Tune in to learn about:• The "eREIT" Revolution: How Fundrise utilized Regulation A+ to launch the world's first online Real Estate Investment Trust in 2015, democratizing access

en

32:23

Crowdfunding: From the Statue of Liberty to a $55k...

pplpod ·

2026/02/10

What do a 19th-century French philosopher, the Statue of Liberty, and a $900 million video game have in common? They were all funded by the crowd. In this episode of pplpod, we unpack the history and mechanics of crowdfunding, the practice of funding ventures by raising small amounts of money from a large number of people.While we associate it with modern internet platforms like Kickstarter and GoFundMe, we trace the concept’s roots back to 1885, when Joseph Pulitzer used his newspaper to raise over

en

32:21

Lease Options: The "Try Before You Buy" Real Estate...

pplpod ·

2026/02/10

What if you could live in a home before committing to a mortgage? In this episode, we explore the lease option (formally known as a "Lease With the Option to Purchase"), a contract that allows a tenant to rent a property with the specific right—but not the obligation—to buy it at the end of the term.We break down the mechanics of these agreements and what distinguishes them from a standard "lease purchase". Tune in to learn about:• The Cost of Entry: We explain the "option consideration fee," a

en

36:25

Rent-to-Own: From Sofas to Real Estate (and Digital...

pplpod ·

2026/02/10

In this episode of pplpod, we dive into the complex and often controversial world of rent-to-own transactions. What exactly separates a rent-to-own agreement from a standard lease or an installment plan? We explore the industry's origins—from renting radios in 1930s Britain to the rise of furniture giants like Rent-A-Center in the United States,.Join us as we discuss:• The Consumer Dilemma: Why the flexibility of returning items at any time appeals to customers without credit, despite the potential

en

18:20

Debate: The Evolution and Structure of Rent-to-Own...

pplpod ·

2026/02/10

Rent-to-own agreements allow consumers to lease property with an option to purchase. This model provides flexibility for those with poor credit but often entails higher long-term costs. While used for consumer goods, it also applies to real estate via structured equity models.

en

27:17

The Long Game: Mastering the Buy and Hold Strategy

pplpod ·

2026/02/10

In this episode of pplpod, we break down buy and hold, also known as position trading, an investment strategy where investors purchase financial or non-financial assets like real estate to hold for the long term, aiming for price appreciation despite market volatility. We explore why this form of passive management is recommended by investment legends such as Warren Buffett, Jack Bogle, and Benjamin Graham, who recognize the high correlation between the stock market and economic growth over the long

en

38:33

Making Money While You Sleep? The Reality of Passive...

pplpod ·

2026/02/10

In this episode of pplpod, we break down the concept of passive income, defined as unearned income acquired with little to no labor to maintain. We explore the most common methods for building wealth without a traditional job, including high-yield bank deposits, stock market dividends, and bond coupon payments. We also dive into the world of "improperty," examining how rental income and royalties can provide steady cash flow, provided the earner does not "materially participate" in the daily

en

21:34

Passive Income Debate: Mechanics, Sources, and Global...

pplpod ·

2026/02/10

Passive income is earnings requiring minimal labor to maintain, such as dividends, interest, or rent. While it supports financial independence, tax authorities like the IRS apply specific rules to distinguish it from active income, often impacting tax liability.

en

28:47

The 1031 Exchange: How to Swap Real Estate and Defer...

pplpod ·

2026/02/10

Looking to sell an investment property without triggering a massive tax bill? In this episode of pplpod, we break down Internal Revenue Code Section 1031, a powerful tool that allows investors to defer capital gains taxes by exchanging one property for another of "like-kind". We explore how this strategy creates a continuity of investment, potentially allowing property owners to defer taxes indefinitely—or even eliminate them through estate planning.Tune in as we explain the critical rules and

en

35:10

The Profit Levy: A Global Guide to Capital Gains Tax

pplpod ·

2026/02/10

In this episode of pplpod, we dive into the complex world of Capital Gains Tax (CGT)—the levy imposed on profits realized from the sale of assets like stocks, bonds, and real estate. We explore the economic debates surrounding the tax, including the "locked-in effect," where investors delay selling assets to postpone tax liabilities, potentially distorting market efficiency. We also examine the administrative burden and compliance costs associated with calculating these taxes, which can

en

16:29

Debate: Is the 1031 Exchange a Wealth Trap?

pplpod ·

2026/02/10

Section 1031 of the U.S. tax code permits investors to defer capital gains taxes by swapping investment real estate for like-kind property. This tax-deferred exchange requires using a qualified intermediary and meeting strict 45-day identification and 180-day completion limits.

en

34:23

PropTech 101: From Smart Buildings to the Sharing...

pplpod ·

2026/02/10

What happens when information technology meets the real estate market? In this episode, we dive into the booming world of "PropTech" (Property Technology). We explore how digital platforms and platform economics are reshaping the way we buy, sell, rent, and manage property.Tune in as we discuss:• Defining the Sector: How PropTech reduces friction in real estate transactions and overlaps with FinTech.• Key Innovations: A breakdown of the major categories, including Smart Buildings powered by the

en

34:24

Zillow: The Rise of the "Housing Super App," the...

pplpod ·

2026/02/10

In this episode of pplpod, we explore the turbulent history and ambitious future of Zillow, the real estate giant founded in 2006 by former Microsoft and Expedia executives Rich Barton and Lloyd Frink. What started with a simple goal—answering "What is that house worth?" through the Zestimate—has evolved into a dominant marketplace aiming to control the entire home-buying process.We discuss:• The Origins: How the Zillow website crashed on launch day due to massive traffic and eventually

en

29:34

Redfin: From Tech Disrupter to Rocket Acquisition

pplpod ·

2026/02/10

In this episode of pplpod, we explore the 20-year trajectory of Redfin, the Seattle-based real estate brokerage founded in 2004 by David Eraker, Michael Dougherty, and David Selinger,. We discuss how the company originally aimed to revolutionize the industry through map-based search engines and data analytics, eventually going public in 2017,.We also break down the company's significant hurdles, including the failure of its "Redfin Now" home-flipping division and a major lawsuit regarding Fair

en

33:00

From Closed Network to Real Estate Giant—Tech,...

pplpod ·

2026/02/10

In this episode of pplpod, we deep dive into the history and evolution of Realtor.com, the second most visited real estate listings website in the United States. We trace the platform's origins from its 1995 launch as the "Realtor Information Network"—a closed system for trade members—to its 1996 public debut and subsequent valuation of over $2.5 billion.Join us as we discuss:• The News Corp Era: The massive $950 million acquisition of parent company Move, Inc. in 2014 and the leadership succession

en

31:31

The iBuyer Rollercoaster: Opendoor’s SPAC Boom, FTC...

pplpod ·

2026/02/09

In this episode of pplpod, we explore the turbulent trajectory of Opendoor, the San Francisco-based real estate giant founded in 2014 by Keith Rabois and Eric Wu. As the leading "iBuyer" in the U.S., Opendoor built a business model around making instant cash offers on homes, repairing them, and re-listing them for sale online.We discuss the company's massive ascent, including its 2020 public debut via a SPAC merger led by Chamath Palihapitiya which valued the enterprise at $4.8 billion. However, the

en

30:33

Suge Knight: The Rise, Violence, and Fall of Death...

pplpod ·

2026/02/06

In this episode of pplpod, we investigate the turbulent life of Marion "Suge" Knight, the imposing figure who helped commercialize gangsta rap before losing it all to the violence that defined his brand. We trace his origins from the football field—where he played for UNLV and briefly for the Los Angeles Rams during the 1987 strike—to his entry into the music business as a bodyguard and promoter,.Join us as we discuss:• The Death Row Dynasty: How Knight co-founded Death Row Records with Dr. Dre,

en

30:09

Brandon Lee: The Man, The Shadow, and The Tragedy of...

pplpod ·

2026/02/06

In this episode of pplpod, we explore the brief but impactful life of Brandon Lee, a rising star who fought to carve out his own identity while living in the shadow of his father, martial arts icon Bruce Lee. We discuss Brandon’s early years as a rebellious student and his initial reluctance to embrace martial arts films, noting how he even turned down the opportunity to play his father in the biopic Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story.Join us as we trace his journey through early action roles in Legacy of

en

7,536 results

Similar Podcasts

The History on Film Podcast

Ross Lennon

Today In History with The Retrospectors

The Retrospectors

The Old Front Line

Paul Reed

pplpod

pplpod

Based on a True Story

Dan LeFebvre