In the show’s debut episode, Aria dives into what the tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump’s administration — both old and new — broadly mean for consumers, manufacturers and retailers. To closer examine their impacts, she uses the lens of the adult goods (sex toy) industry in the Triangle, which is home to one of the biggest brands and a handful of adult stores. Listen as she chats with the owner of adult retailer Cherry Pie in Raleigh about how recent trade policy changes affect her business, a sugar baby who’s seen first-hand the price increases when buying adult goods, and an economist who details how the Trump administration’s tariff strategy is sending mixed signals.

Host: Aria Allen

Producers: Aria Allen and Brighton McConnell

Economics Editor: Gerald Cohen

Theme Music: Alan Hunt

Cover Artwork: Aria Allen

Have you ever wondered how macroeconomic policy affects our daily lives in Orange County? Join Aria Allen — an economics reporting fellow for 97.9 The Hill WCHL in Chapel Hill, N.C. — as she dives into these topics and explores how economic policies impact the Triangle community in this monthly series! Listen on Chapelboro, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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