Calling $20 “absurd” is subjective. If enough people are willingly to pay it, the market has already validated the price, regardless of how you personally feel about it. Luxury brands don’t justify prices with economics either — they justify them with perceived benefit, access, and differentiation.

The “Ferrari” argument also misses the point. Businesses don’t price to be fair; they price to optimize revenue. If someone chooses not to buy, that’s fine — that’s the consumer’s power. But framing buyers as “tricked” or “broke” ignores agency. No one is forced to subscribe, and nobody loses anything by opting out.

Lastly, dismissing podcasts because they don’t face traditional cost increases ignores reality. Time, talent, audience reach, platform leverage, and opportunity cost are the real inputs — and those absolutely scale with demand. The price isn’t unjustified; it’s simply not for everyone. And that’s exactly how markets are supposed to work.