Make Me Smart
1,022 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 4.6K ratingsEach weekday, Marketplace’s Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams make today make sense. Along with our supersmart listeners, we break down happenings in tech, the economy and culture. Every Tuesday we bring on a guest to dive deeper into one important topic. Because none of us is as smart as all of us.
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Episodes
A new day for labor organizing in the South?
April 18, 2024 00:31 - 20 minutes - 11.8 MBA union election at Volkswagen is testing the power of the United Auto Workers. As voting gets underway this week, guest host Nova Safo explains what unionization could mean for three big automakers and the labor movement in the South. Plus, how a unanimous Supreme Court ruling expands the scope of workplace bias suits. And, why Billy Joel came up at a Pentagon press briefing. Here’s everything we talked about today: “The South has few unionized auto plants. Workers say this one could be n...
What we often get wrong about teens and screen time
April 17, 2024 00:17 - 31 minutes - 11.8 MBThere’s been a lot of debate lately about the potential effects of smartphones and social media on young people’s mental health. Some states like states like Florida and Utah have even tried to ban kids from using social media apps until they reach a certain age. But Mikey Jensen, professor of clinical psychology and director of the Interactions and Relationships Lab at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, said outright bans could do more harm than good. On the show today: How smart...
The rise of the (tax) resistance
April 16, 2024 00:42 - 13 minutes - 11.8 MBIt’s Tax Day! Millions of Americans have already filed their 2023 returns, but today we’re talking about tax protesters and the moral and ethical reasons some refuse to file their taxes or pay what they owe. Plus, the “no landing” scenario has entered the chat. And, what are we getting wrong about the cosmos? Here’s everything we talked about today: “Taxes are due even if you object to government policies or doubt the validity of the 16th Amendment’s ratification” from The Conversation “...
Why owning a car is getting so expensive
April 13, 2024 00:44 - 25 minutes - 11.8 MBIt’s hard to get around without a car these days. But in the last couple of years, owning one has become very expensive. We’ll explain the deceptive practices happening in the auto lending market. And, we’ll explain how Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s power in the Democratic Party was demonstrated by a campaign contribution. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty and weigh in on “dumbphones” and adult gap years. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Ocasio-Cortez Never Steer...
Bonds, Boeing and Beyoncé
April 11, 2024 23:58 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBToday, we’re discussing the bond market’s big reaction to the latest inflation news and why you shouldn’t worry about it. Plus, a new Boeing whistleblower comes forward, and Beyoncé calls out the home insurance industry. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Bonds are talking to us after inflation gauge comes in above forecasts” from Marketplace “US consumer prices heat up in March; seen delaying Fed rate cut” from Reuters “$6.6 billion TSMC deal in Arizona the latest in the CHIPS A...
The last mile of the inflation fight just got bumpy
April 10, 2024 22:23 - 15 minutes - 11.8 MBInflation is coming in hot! Today’s consumer price index shows prices kept rising in March. Kai Ryssdal explains the one thing everybody should be doing right about now in addition to taking a deep breath! Plus, the rising cost of insurance — from homeowners coverage to life insurance — and what companies are doing to dump customers. Also, hear a whale talk to a scientist. Here’s everything we talk about today: “Hot Inflation Report Derails Case for Fed’s June Rate Cut” from The Wall Stree...
The EV market’s growing pains
April 09, 2024 23:54 - 34 minutes - 11.8 MBThere’s a lot of buzz about a slowdown in the electric vehicle market. EV sales, while still growing, are not accelerating at the pace of just a few years ago. At the same time, EV makers from Tesla to General Motors and Ford are pushing back EV plans. So, what gives? On the show today, Robinson Meyer of Heatmap explains what’s really happening with the U.S. EV market, what it’s going to take to rev it back up, competition from China and whether moves by the Biden administration will be eno...
A new round of student debt relief
April 08, 2024 22:37 - 11 minutes - 11.8 MBThe Biden administration is in a mad dash to address student debt relief ahead of the presidential election. A new plan could benefit tens of millions of Americans. We’ll explain. Plus, a Kai rant about a CEO who gets too much attention. And, there seems to be a market for everything! We’ll tell you about a new fad involving kids and mini pencils. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Biden announces new student debt relief plan for millions of borrowers” from The Hill “Biden seeks s...
Let’s talk about earthquakes and the economy
April 06, 2024 00:22 - 29 minutes - 11.8 MBToday, we’re talking earthquakes! First, our East Coast-based hosts react to the shaking on their side of the country. Then, we’ll examine how earthquake preparedness in Taiwan saved lives and prevented a big problem for the global tech economy. Later, we’ll weigh in on restoring blue check marks on X, New York earthquake memes and solar eclipse tourism in a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness saved a lot of lives — and...
The economic ripple effects of the Baltimore bridge collapse
April 04, 2024 22:52 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBToday, we’re picking guest host Amy Scott’s brain about two major news stories: the Baltimore bridge collapse and the recent Realtors settlement. We have lots of questions for the Baltimore resident and senior Marketplace correspondent covering all things housing! Plus, we’ll celebrate an American teen who made figure skating history. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Key Bridge disaster slows or stops Baltimore port jobs” from Marketplace “Maryland legislators hope to help port w...
It’s the end of an era for giant GE
April 03, 2024 21:38 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBGeneral Electric is breaking up! The megacorporation is splintering off into three separate companies. We’ll get into what that means for one of America’s biggest industrial conglomerates. Also, guest host Amy Scott joins us to discuss the dangers of humanitarian work in times of war. And dynamic pricing is coming for checked luggage. We’ll get smart (and angry!) about airline baggage fees. Here’s everything we talked about today: “José Andrés: Let People Eat” from The New York Times “Is...
The water technology our future might depend on
April 02, 2024 18:03 - 26 minutes - 11.8 MBIt’s spring break for a lot of you. So, today we’re taking you on a little road trip (sort of) to the Southwest. Water is running really low there. As part of the latest season of “How We Survive,” Marketplace’s climate solutions podcast, host Amy Scott traveled across the region to dig into the water tech solutions that are helping communities adapt. So buckle up and get ready to get smart about the water crisis in the West.
How much does the stuff we buy actually cost?
April 01, 2024 22:01 - 20 minutes - 11.8 MBStarting today, many fast-food workers in California will be paid $20 an hour under a new minimum-wage law. It’s time for a Kimberly rant! We’ll get into the subsidization of low-wage work, the reals costs behind all the stuff we buy — from burgers to clothes — and who’s picking up the tab. Plus, guest host Reema Khrais reminisces about the early years of Google as the company celebrates 20 years of Gmail. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Fast fashion retailer Shein doubles profi...
A steel industry tug of war
March 30, 2024 00:39 - 33 minutes - 11.8 MBCarmakers are keeping a close eye on the steel industry. A bidding war over U.S. Steel, an iconic American manufacturer, is brewing, and car companies are concerned about antitrust issues and what that could mean for the auto business. We’ll get into it and explain our new theory about why the economy feels so precarious at the moment. Plus, we’ll weigh in on side hustles, raising the retirement age and Beyonce’s rendition of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” in a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here...
How our feelings about the economy are shaping the election
March 28, 2024 23:11 - 22 minutes - 11.8 MBEven though the economy is going strong, many Americans are still pessimistic about it. We’ll get into how feelings and beliefs about the economy are playing into the 2024 presidential election. Plus, guest host Matt Levin joins us to discuss the latest AI news, including a new state law — known as the ELVIS Act — focused on protecting artists’ voices. And he’ll explain why he has the song “Barbie Girl” (Johnny Cash’s version) stuck in his head. Here’s everything we talked about today: “B...
Boeing and the “glass cliff”
March 27, 2024 23:59 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBIn corporate America, struggling companies often pull a classic move: They promote women to lead them through a crisis. Boeing did just that. We’ll talk about the new boss at Boeing and how the “glass cliff” phenomenon impacts women and people of color moving up the corporate ladder. Also in this episode, a Kai rant about Truth Social and the greater fool theory, why dogs might be even smarter than we think, and is “bazoodaful” a new Kai word? Here’s everything we talked about today: Trum...
The political and economic power of white evangelicals
March 26, 2024 21:43 - 32 minutes - 11.8 MBToday we’re talking about a key voting bloc in this year’s elections: white evangelical Christian voters. In 2016 and 2020, they helped Donald Trump rise to power. NPR’s Sarah McCammon, author of “Exvangelicals,” discusses why evangelicals continue to back Trump, her personal journey leaving evangelicalism and the economic systems built around the evangelical movement. We’ll also talk about the Maryland bridge collapse and the state of U.S. infrastructure. Plus, Neil King Jr., author of th...
The trickle-down effects of the Dobbs abortion decision
March 25, 2024 22:18 - 13 minutes - 11.8 MBThis week, the Supreme Court will hear its first major abortion case since the Dobbs decision. We’ll get into how the use of abortion pills has changed post-Roe and the possible revival of a 150-year-old anti-obscenity law. Plus, an update on the efforts to limit judge shopping. And, the story of a woman who completed an extreme running race. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Biden’s Trustbuster Draws Unlikely Fans: ‘Khanservative’ Republicans” from The Wall Street Journal “Showd...
Immigration and U.S. economic growth
March 23, 2024 00:28 - 24 minutes - 11.8 MBSince the Congressional Budget Office last released its long-term outlook for the federal deficit and strength of the U.S. economy, things have become a teeny bit better. Why? The CBO points to increased immigration and last year’s spending deal struck between Congress and President Joe Biden. And, we’ll get into the looming commercial real-estate reckoning. Plus, we’ll weigh in on tote bags, Free Blockbuster libraries and more in a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talke...
Government shutdown déjà vu
March 21, 2024 21:55 - 14 minutes - 11.8 MBCongress is once again in a race against the clock to pass a gargantuan federal spending bill to keep the government up and running past Saturday. We’ll get into it. And, the Joe Biden administration made a groundbreaking investment in Intel’s chip manufacturing business in an effort to spur the domestic semiconductor industry. Plus, Nvidia’s next generation AI chips and Caitlin Clark’s place in the booming world of women’s sports. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Nvidia reveals ...
Why are Americans so unhappy?
March 21, 2024 00:03 - 20 minutes - 11.8 MBOur happiness is slipping. According to Gallup, the U.S. has dropped out of the cohort of 20 happiest countries. What gives? Guest host Matt Levin joins Kimberly Adams to discuss some of the possible economic explanations. Plus, the Joe Biden administration’s efforts to expand women’s health research, and menopause might need more looking into. And, our growing obsession with houseplants. Here’s everything we talked about today: “What’s the Happiest Country on Earth?” from Gallup “The U....
America’s news deserts and the 2024 election
March 19, 2024 19:25 - 31 minutes - 11.8 MBToday, we’re bringing you a special series from “Marketplace Morning Report” that explores how communities are impacted by the absence of local news coverage, especially in a big election year. As part of the “Democracy in the Desert” series, host David Brancaccio travels to “news deserts” in Texas, North Carolina and Virginia to learn how various business models are struggling to inform voters, and where newspaper economics went wrong. Pledge your monthly support for our newsroom and your...
Gaza’s food crisis
March 19, 2024 00:41 - 16 minutes - 11.8 MBFive months into the Israel-Hamas war, the United Nations is warning of “imminent famine” in northern Gaza. Guest host Samantha Fields discusses the challenge of getting food aid delivered to the region. Plus, the nation’s largest employer is considering pay transparency laws. Then, we’ll smile about cherry blossoms and the upcoming solar eclipse. Here’s everything we talked about today: “UN says famine is ‘imminent’ in northern Gaza as Israel launches another raid on main hospital” from ...
Our annual cherry blossom episode
March 16, 2024 00:06 - 29 minutes - 11.8 MBOn today’s edition of Economics on Tap, we’ll get into some news while celebrating cherry blossom season in Washington, D.C. The National Association of Realtors agreed to settle a slew of lawsuits and change its rules on commissions. We’ll discuss how the fallout could impact the way we buy and sell homes in the United States. And, an usual political money phenomenon is the hot new thing in political strategy. Plus, we’ll play a blossom-themed round of This or That! Here’s everything we t...
Reddit, meme stocks and an IPO
March 14, 2024 21:31 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBReddit, a somewhat untamed fixture of the internet, is launching an initial public offering of its shares. We’ll get into why the company’s culture could become an obstacle to profitability and whether Reddit might get the meme stock treatment its users famously dished out in the past. And, the TikTok creators who’d be most affected by a nationwide ban are the social media company’s greatest lobbyists. Plus, the impact Family Dollar store closures could have on food deserts and an incredibl...
Thoughts on TikTok
March 13, 2024 22:15 - 15 minutes - 11.8 MBToday, the House of Representatives passed a bill that could ban TikTok in the U.S. We’ll weigh the national security risks behind the app and its growing impact on American culture. Plus, how bitcoin bounced back, a crackdown on judge shopping (yes, that’s a thing) and why we’re glad our podcast isn’t owned by a billionaire! Here’s everything we talked about today: “What to Know About the TikTok Bill That the House Passed” from The New York Times “Bitcoin Hits Record $72,000, Emboldenin...
Boycotts, buycotts and the rise of consumer activism
March 12, 2024 23:01 - 27 minutes - 11.8 MBBoycotts have been making headlines lately, from the movement to boycott Israel over the war in Gaza, which has hit companies like Starbucks and McDonald’s, to a new right-wing boycott of Doritos over the brand’s decision to partner with a trans influencer. Consumer boycott campaigns are frequently tossed around in the news cycle. But do they really make a difference in the long run? On the show today, Brayden King at the Kellogg School of Management explains why boycotts don’t usually affe...
Class, income and a shift in American politics
March 12, 2024 07:02 - 13 minutes - 11.8 MBNew data shows Black and Latino voters are shifting away from the Democratic Party and toward the GOP. But is this shift real? We’ll get into it and discuss the possible economic forces at play. Plus, what you really need to know about President Joe Biden’s budget proposal. And, the similarities between humans and bumblebees! Here’s everything we talked about today: “White House Forecasts Somewhat Higher Interest Rates” from The Wall Street Journal Survey on racial realignment in America...
What happened to Apple’s car?
March 09, 2024 01:48 - 32 minutes - 11.8 MBApple has abandoned its effort to make an autonomous electric vehicle. We’ll get into why the company’s venture flopped and what it says about the supply chain for electric vehicle parts. Then, we’ll explain how a Texas federal judge’s ruling is upending race-based aid for businesses. And, guest host Sabri Ben-Achour tells us how he created a flower. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: “How Apple Sank About $1 Billion a Year Into a Ca...
The recession that’s always six months away
March 07, 2024 21:39 - 10 minutes - 11.8 MBFederal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell took a trip to Capitol Hill this week to testify about the health of the U.S. economy. We’ll get into the TL;DR of Powell’s testimony and why he doesn’t foresee a recession around the corner. And, we’ll talk about how political campaigns are spending on advertising these days. Plus, the latest regional banking woes and what rapidly advancing deepfakes could do to this year’s elections. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Key takeaways from Fed Cha...
Super Tuesday aftermath
March 07, 2024 00:26 - 16 minutes - 11.8 MBNikki Haley has officially ended her 2024 presidential bid and had a lot to say about the state of the economy as she bowed out. We’ll get into that and look at where the dominoes are falling in the presidential contest post-Super Tuesday. Plus, the money moves political candidates sometimes make to cruise to victory. And, how “rumor clinics” helped combat mis- and disinformation during World War II. Here’s everything we talked about today: Statement about Nikki Haley’s exit from the presi...
The global rise of right-wing populism
March 06, 2024 00:50 - 33 minutes - 11.8 MBIt’s Super Tuesday, and we’re talking about something that’s on the ballot in many nations around the world: populism. Right-wing populist movements have been gaining popularity in democracies like Hungary, Italy, India and the United States, to name a few. On the show today, sociologist Bart Bonikowski breaks down what populism is, how it shows up on the left and right, why right-wing populism seems to be catching foothold in so many countries and the economic factors at play. Plus, why th...
What’s left out of the inflation calculation
March 05, 2024 00:04 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBToday we’re digging into a series of economic reports that give us more insight into what’s happening in this economy. First, we look at rising prices, the cost of money and why inflation might actually be higher than we think. Then, what a new report says about the most physically demanding jobs in America. Plus, how a school in Burkina Faso stays cool in triple-digit temps. And, a “Make Me Smart” listener shares anime-style fan art! Here’s everything we talked about today: “The cost of m...
The clash of two tech titans
March 02, 2024 02:12 - 31 minutes - 11.8 MBElon Musk is suing OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, saying the artificial intelligence company abandoned its founding mission to prioritize the benefit of humanity over profit. Is this just a bunch of industry drama, or could it be a real turning point in the development of generative AI? And, how the cultural conversation around shoplifting has played out at one CVS store. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty, and Kimberly shares a hair-raising leech story. Here’s everything we...
Whaddya wanna know about inflation?
March 01, 2024 01:23 - 16 minutes - 11.8 MBWe’ve got mail! And, lots of questions about inflation from listeners. Today, we’ll explain why interest rates cuts may be on the horizon even amid a booming economy; the relationship between the minimum wage and inflation; and what leap day means for your paycheck. Plus, Kai and Kimberly get a special delivery! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Why Cut Interest Rates in an Economy This Strong? A Big Question Confronts the Fed” from The New York Times “Personal Income and Outlays,...
McConnell to end reign as Senate Republican leader
February 29, 2024 01:45 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBMitch McConnell announced he’s stepping down as leader of Senate Republicans this year. The longest-serving Senate leader revealed the decision amid ongoing negotiations over Ukraine funding and a looming government shutdown. We’ll look back on his historic tenure. Plus, why some corporations should learn to read the room. And, the legacy of “Soul Train,” the iconic TV dance show. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Mitch McConnell to step down from Republican Senate leadership” from...
Why anime is everywhere all at once
February 28, 2024 01:51 - 30 minutes - 11.8 MBAnime seems to be just about everywhere these days: film, music videos, the NFL and big streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. “Anime is colossal. In terms of raw revenue, anime and the NLF are tied at about $20 billion in [annual global] revenue,” said Chris Plante, editor in chief and co-founder of Polygon at Vox Media. “When you think of anime, it can be seen as niche, but the reality is that couldn’t be further from the truth.” On the show today, Plante explains anime economics, wh...
The work that awaits Congress in March
February 27, 2024 00:11 - 11 minutes - 11.8 MBNext month, Congress has a jam-packed to-do list, including funding the government, the ongoing impeachment proceedings of the Homeland Security secretary and high-stakes congressional primaries. We’ll explain all the reasons March is about to be a doozy in Washington. Plus, the work and money behind TikTok’s viral trick-shot videos. And the inspiration behind the theme music for Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. Here’s everything we talked about today: “35 Hours for a 10-Second Clip: The Art ...
Economic sanctions vs. boycotts
February 24, 2024 01:03 - 26 minutes - 11.8 MBIt’s been two years since Russia invaded Ukraine, and the U.S. is imposing new sanctions on Russia in an attempt to weaken the Kremlin. But sanctions aren’t proving to be all that effective. We’ll get into some research weighing how well government sanctions work compared to consumer-driven boycotts. And, Instagram is a popular news destination, whether the social media operation likes it or not. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full / Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: ...
Nvidia’s AI chips are the hot new thing
February 22, 2024 21:57 - 10 minutes - 11.8 MBNvidia’s fourth quarter results blew past analysts’ expectations with a revenue of $22.1 billion. We’ll get into what sizzling hot demand for the chip maker’s products says about the larger generative AI boom. And, we’ll discuss the threat AI-generated misinformation poses to the 2024 election, and what states are doing to combat it. Plus, experiencing sticker shock at the grocery store lately? Kellogg suggests trying cereal for dinner. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Nvidia Sal...
Is spying really happening at U.S. ports?
February 22, 2024 01:41 - 11 minutes - 11.8 MBMost of the cargo cranes at U.S. ports are made in China, and they could be spying. The Biden administration announced a plan to spend billions of dollars to replace and manufacture the equipment domestically over national security concerns. We’ll explain. Plus, how an Alabama court ruling on embryos may affect fertility treatments in a post-Roe world. And, the story of a man, an astronaut and a homemade antenna. Here’s everything we talked about today: “U.S. to Invest Billions to Replace...
NATO’s place in the global economy
February 21, 2024 01:13 - 33 minutes - 11.8 MBAfter former President Trump’s recent digs at NATO, officials at a global security conference in Munich over the weekend weighed what European countries would do if Trump were re-elected and abandoned the United States’ treaty commitments. On the show today, Kathleen McInnis, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, discusses the history and future of NATO and why it matters to the global economy. We’ll also share our takeaways from Fani Willis’ testimony. Plus, ...
Thoughts on Navalny’s death
February 17, 2024 01:58 - 23 minutes - 11.8 MBRussian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, a fierce critic of Vladimir Putin, has died in a Russian penal colony. We’ll reflect on Navalny’s impact and what it means to push back against the slow creep of political change. Plus, more evidence that plastic recycling is a myth pushed by the plastics industry. And, we’ll weigh in on the romance novel revival and landline phones in a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: “‘They lied’: plastics producers deceiv...
Biden is entering his TikTok era
February 15, 2024 22:15 - 15 minutes - 11.8 MBJoe Biden’s re-election campaign launched a meme-heavy TikTok account in an effort to reach young voters. But considering national security concerns related to the platform, will the move pay off? We’ll get into it. Plus, strikes by Uber and Lyft drivers across the country are once again highlighting the distinction between contractors and employees. And, we’ll get into Bitcoin’s rebound and Beyoncé’s venture into country music. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Why Lyft and Uber ...
What it’s like to be in Gaza right now
February 15, 2024 01:09 - 27 minutes - 11.8 MBIsrael plans to expand its military offensive into Rafah, a city on the southern tip of the Gaza Strip where many Palestinians are sheltered. On the show today, guest host Reema Khrais reflects on her personal connection to the major conflict and shares some of her reporting on the experience of Palestinians in Gaza right now. Plus, how the Joe Biden administration is grappling with growing pushback against unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel. Then, we’ll smile about lifelong female f...
Love, money and this economy
February 14, 2024 00:43 - 30 minutes - 11.8 MBThis Valentine’s Day eve, we’re thinking about love and what the economy has to do with it. Coming off the heels of a high-inflation period, is this a good time in our economy to find love? On the show today, Julia Carpenter, a personal finance reporter for The Wall Street Journal, discusses how the economy shapes our relationships, the growing wealth gap between single and married people, and the idea of a “money date.” Then, married people enjoy many legal benefits that aren’t extended t...
The real danger behind Trump’s remarks on NATO
February 13, 2024 01:09 - 15 minutes - 11.8 MBFormer President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he would allow Russia to do whatever it wants to NATO allies that don’t pay their bills. We’ll discuss why Trump’s willingness to ignore our treaty obligations hurts Americans’ freedom and standard of living. Plus, why robots aren’t coming for our jobs anytime soon. And, we’ll make you smart on why cats get stuck in trees! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Trump told S.C. rally that he supports Russian aggression against NATO all...
Gender and the labor market
February 10, 2024 01:27 - 30 minutes - 11.8 MBNew data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics offers a glimpse into the gender and racial makeup of occupations in the U.S. workforce. One takeaway from the data: Many jobs are still highly gendered. Guest hosts Amy Scott and Nova Safo get into it. And, we’ll explain why the chickens may be coming home to roost for banks due to commercial real estate vacancies. Plus, we’ll play a heated round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Yellen: It’s ‘obvious’ that emp...
The snowball effect of high interest rates on the national debt
February 08, 2024 23:26 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBThe Congressional Budget Office projects that the national deficit will grow by a trillion dollars in the next 10 years. Soaring interest payments on the national debt are one reason why. We’ll explain why that’s a problem for the United States’ fiscal future. And, was the Senate’s high-profile hearing with a spread of Big Tech CEOs all for show? Plus, Disney’s new one-stop-shop sports streaming venture and what Sweethearts’ clever rebrand says about today’s dismal dating culture. Here’s e...
The young (wealthy) Americans
February 08, 2024 01:04 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBSince the pandemic, younger adults have become wealthier than older generations. That’s according to a new analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Guest host Amy Scott joins us to discuss how that happened and what the stock market has to do with it. Plus, why there might be trouble ahead for regional banks. And, a look inside the world of competitive speed puzzling. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Young Americans’ Wealth Growth Outpaces Older Generations Since Pande...