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Podcasts The Frame
Kal Penn explains 'This Giant Beast That is the Global Economy'
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The Frame Tile
Episode 19512
Listen • 16:34
Kal Penn explains 'This Giant Beast That is the Global Economy'

If you've ever been confused about bitcoin, wondered if counterfeiting is really that big of a deal, or been curious about how exactly money laundering works, Kal Penn will help you figure it out in the Amazon series "This Giant Beast That is the Global Economy."
Kal Penn hosts the Amazon Prime series "This Giant Beast That is the Global Economy."
Kal Penn hosts the Amazon Prime series "This Giant Beast That is the Global Economy."
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Amazon Prime Video
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A TV Series About How Money Connects Us All

If you're at all familiar with writer/director Adam McKay's recent films, you know he likes mixing in a bit of comedy with some pretty dense, serious topics. There was his 2015 film "The Big Short," about the lead up to the subprime mortgage crisis, and then last year's "Vice," about former vice president Dick Cheney.

Now there's the eight-part Amazon Prime series he's executive produced (along with "Planet Money" co-founder Adam Davidson) called "This Giant Beast That is the Global Economy." The series is hosted by Kal Penn, the actor probably best known for his roles in the "Harold and Kumar" movies and in TV shows like "House" and "How I Met Your Mother. " He's also pretty well known for taking time off from acting to serve in the Obama Administration.

Penn spoke with The Frame about what he learned from hosting "The Giant Beast That is the Global Economy" and why it's different from anything he's ever done.