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Make Me Smart

990 episodes - English - Latest episode: 24 days ago - ★★★★★ - 4.6K ratings

Each 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

Corruption is a bipartisan problem

September 23, 2023 01:15 - 40 minutes - 11.8 MB

Across the political spectrum, corruption seems to be the big news of the day. Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez was indicted today for taking hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes. Meanwhile, ProPublica reported that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas secretly attended Koch Network donor events that could be in violation of federal law. (And, let’s not forget the former president’s indictments.) We’ll discuss the role of the press and the Department of Justice in trying these cases. The...

What a shock to the economy could mean right now

September 22, 2023 00:10 - 13 minutes - 11.8 MB

We are nine days away from another government shutdown if Congress can’t reach a spending deal. We’ll hear from Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on what a shutdown could do to our current economy. Plus, the facial recognition story that creeped out Kai. And, did you remember? We’re celebrating one of Earth, Wind & Fire’s greatest hits. Here’s everything we talked about: “‘Absolutely no reason’ for a government shutdown, says Treasury secretary” from MSNBC “Barrymore apologizes to unions f...

AI and its role in elections

September 21, 2023 00:54 - 16 minutes - 11.8 MB

A new chatbot that uses artificial intelligence to mimic the leading candidates in the 2024 presidential race is fresh on the scene. Users can query a candidate’s avatar or conjure up a one-on-one debate. We’ll get into the potential impact of AI on future U.S. elections and what some politically engaged citizens are doing about it. Plus, we’ll explain why the wait for your morning latte at Starbucks might be getting out of hand. And Operation Santa is open for business. Here’s everything ...

The clash of Bidenomics and MAGAnomics

September 19, 2023 22:33 - 30 minutes - 11.8 MB

President Biden is pitting his plan for the U.S. economy against so-called ‘MAGAnomics’, the economic ideas that defined the Trump era. Mark Blyth, political economist at Brown University, said the clash is all about who wins and who loses as the U.S. decarbonizes. On the show today, Blyth explains what Bidenomics actually means and why it’s not the easiest message to sell to voters. Plus, how the United States let go of its industrial base and what it will take to re-industrialize for a ...

What’s happening in Congress is not normal

September 19, 2023 00:43 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MB

Congress has a job to do. But lately, some of the work on the Hill seems to have come to a standstill. There’s been drama over the debt ceiling, a Republican senator is holding up key military promotions, and now a government shutdown is looming. We’ll tackle the question of who is really to blame for all the governmental dysfunction and unpack the challenges of framing these issues in the media. Here’s everything we talked about: “Marines issue stand-down order amid search for missing F-...

The quest for a perfect smile

September 16, 2023 01:13 - 24 minutes - 11.8 MB

Celebrities are starting to have eerily similar smiles — flawlessly straight and pearly white teeth. But what’s the cost behind those perfect smiles? We’ll talk about yet another unrealistic beauty standard and the rise of the cosmetic dentistry industry. And the Roman Empire might be a thing of the past, but it seems that many men are still fascinated by it. We’ll get into some reasons why the ancient world power is engrained in our minds. Then, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty t...

What happened to stakeholder capitalism?

September 15, 2023 01:20 - 18 minutes - 11.8 MB

In the before times, some of America’s top corporations pledged to rebalance their priorities and serve all stakeholders instead of just shareholders. Today, workers still aren’t feeling the love. We’ll get into the disconnect between employees and CEOs and explain how that’s playing out in recent labor disputes. Plus, why patrons at a Milwaukee bar are feeling that Jets win extra-hard. Here’s everything we talked about: “Detroit automakers and auto workers remain far from a deal as end-o...

Air conditioning and political dysfunction

September 14, 2023 00:09 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MB

What does air conditioning have to do with political dysfunction in Washington? Apparently, more than you’d imagine. We’ll get into the history behind AC in the halls of Congress and how that’s affected the way lawmakers do their jobs. Then, what drove Sen. Mitt Romney to call it quits? Plus, staging a career comeback isn’t easy. Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles are showing us how it’s done. Here’s everything we talked about today: “What Mitt Romney Saw in the Senate” from The Atlantic “Wall...

What you need to know about ranked choice voting

September 12, 2023 23:54 - 28 minutes - 11.8 MB

This year alone, lawmakers in more than two dozen states have introduced or passed legislation in favor of ranked choice voting systems, where voters rank candidates in order of preference on their ballot. Advocates sing the praises of ranked-choice elections, claiming it could be an antidote to the United States’ extreme political polarization. Others say switching to a new voting system would be too complicated for voters. On the show today, Maresa Strano, deputy director of political r...

Retail theft and capitalism today

September 12, 2023 00:51 - 14 minutes - 11.8 MB

There’s been a lot of reporting lately about a rise in retail theft and a growing shoplifting problem. But a closer look at those claims and the relevant data seems to suggest something else is going on. We also revisit the attack on the World Trade Center and consider how American unity and perceptions have changed in the past 22 years. We end with some smiles about Mother Nature and a significant discovery that could be a big deal for the clean energy economy. “Is retail theft really ris...

Our 1,000th episode!

September 09, 2023 01:44 - 27 minutes - 11.8 MB

We’re in the quadruple digits, y’all, and we’re celebrating! But first we’ll dive into the news with an exciting development on Mars — how NASA’s Perseverance space rover is generating oxygen on the Red Planet. And a new climate change report card shows that we’ve averted the worst-case scenarios, but there’s still a long way to go. Plus, we’re marking this special episode with a new game of Would You Rather featuring a special (and beloved) guest! Here’s everything we talked about: “Pers...

What happened to economic conservatism?

September 08, 2023 00:23 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MB

In a speech today, former Vice President Mike Pence and republican presidential candidate said the GOP is at a crossroad between conservatism and populism. We’ll get into why we’re hearing a lot less about fiscal conservatism these days. Before that, Kai gives us the skinny on his interview with Chicago Fed President and whether the central bank should raise it’s inflation target. Here’s everything we talked about: “Chicago Fed president on future rate hikes, likelihood of recession” from...

A new demographic reality is coming

September 07, 2023 00:31 - 16 minutes - 11.8 MB

As birthrates fall and baby boomers grow older, the demographic makeup of the United States is set to drastically change in the next decade. We’ll talk about what that could mean for the modern economy. And we’ll discuss the logistics of the 14th Amendment and the budding idea that it could bar former President Donald Trump from participating in next year’s election. Plus, a step forward for women’s sports in Spain. Here’s everything we talked about today: “I Can’t Keep Trump Off the Ball...

How farmworkers were left behind

September 06, 2023 01:11 - 28 minutes - 11.8 MB

We’re back from Labor Day weekend and talking about a group of laborers that’s in short supply these days: farmworkers. The people who pick the food we eat are considered the backbone of the agricultural industry. So why are they treated differently than other workers and often go without the same labor protections like overtime and the right to unionize? On the show today, Mary Hoopes, associate law professor at the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, explains why agricultural workers were le...

The jumbled world of college sports

September 02, 2023 00:41 - 26 minutes - 11.8 MB

It’s college football season, and if you’re having a hard time keeping up with all the changes, you’re not alone. This week, the Atlantic Coast Conference decided to go bicoastal by adding schools really far from, well, the Atlantic Coast. We’ll explain what this is all about (spoiler: money). Plus, why a new Biden administration proposal to increase staffing at nursing homes could make a big difference. Then we’ll play a game of Half Full/Half Empty and discuss why finding love might be co...

Name that (economic) tune

August 31, 2023 23:20 - 9 minutes - 11.8 MB

Not sure how to feel about today’s economy? Perhaps putting it to music will help. Today we’re dedicating the entire show to the economic anthems of this moment. We’ll play a round of Name That Tune with songs our dear listeners submitted. Plus, Kai and Kimberly will share their song picks! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Is the current job market music to the Fed’s ears?” from Marketplace Bleachers: “I Wanna Get Better” on YouTube R.E.M.: “It’s the End of the World as We Know...

Who should get overtime pay?

August 31, 2023 01:01 - 16 minutes - 11.8 MB

The Biden administration proposed a new rule that would extend mandatory overtime pay to millions of American workers. We’ll get into the workers who stand to benefit and how the plan could give boost to Biden’s reelection campaign. Also, seismic wave research gives us a new understanding of the war in Ukraine. Plus, Kimberly is back from vacation and fills us in on her adventures in Bhutan and Thailand. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Earthquake Sensors Document Russian Bombing...

The plastic recycling hoax

August 29, 2023 23:44 - 24 minutes - 11.8 MB

Plastic is just about everywhere, and there’s going to be a lot more of it. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development expects global plastic use to triple by 2060. So what are we to do with all the waste? Tossing empty iced coffee cups, peanut butter jars and blueberry containers into a recycling bin might seem like the obvious solution. But while the plastics industry has been working hard to promote recycling as a fix since the ’70s, it turns out our recycling systems are...

The rise of homeownership sans insurance

August 29, 2023 00:33 - 13 minutes - 11.8 MB

For Americans with mortgages, homeowners insurance is a must. But for those who have paid off their homes, it’s optional. Now more and more Americans are choosing to forgo that insurance. We’ll explain what’s behind the trend and dig into the potential risks. Plus, bizarre happenings for fabled sea creatures are making us smile, including a live-action reenactment of Jonah and the Whale. And, Nessie, is that you? Here’s everything we talked about: “Americans Are Dropping Their Home Insura...

Smash the patriarchy … and the pumpkins

August 26, 2023 00:44 - 23 minutes - 11.8 MB

The Spanish women’s national team won it’s first World Cup! But the celebration has been bittersweet after Spain’s soccer chief kissed a player on the lips and is refusing to step down. We’ll discuss the fallout and what the team is doing to oust Luis Rubiales. Plus, we’ll play a game of Half Full / Half Empty with guest host Amy Scott weighing in on how LinkedIn is actually cool? But pumpkin spice lattes in August — maybe not so much. Here’s everything we talked about: “Facebook settleme...

A glitch in the consumer-driven recovery

August 25, 2023 00:25 - 10 minutes - 11.8 MB

Consumer spending has been fairly resilient in the face of high inflation (see Taylor Swift, Beyoncé). But, the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes can pack a punch, and it’s showing up in Americans’ credit card bills. We’ll hear a bit of Macy’s quarterly earnings call and unpack what it tells us about consumer habits. And, AI is being used to give people their voices back. And, we’ll play a round of Name That Tune, economic anthem-style. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Credit...

Nvidia is riding the AI wave

August 23, 2023 23:50 - 14 minutes - 11.8 MB

The computer chipmaker Nvidia doubled its revenue from a year ago due to a surge in demand for special chips used to run AI systems like ChatGPT. We’ll get into the geopolitical backdrop of the current chip boom. And, half of today’s homebuyers are first-time purchasers despite a historically unaffordable housing market. We’ll unpack that paradox. Plus, have you played Tradle yet? Here’s everything we talked about today: “Nvidia Revenue Doubles on Demand for A.I. Chips, and Could Go Highe...

Our driverless car future

August 22, 2023 23:32 - 25 minutes - 11.8 MB

Robotaxi companies Cruise and Waymo recently scored a big win when California regulators allowed them to expand their services and begin charging fares in San Francisco. But now the companies are hitting some speedbumps. On the show today: Axios transportation reporter Joann Muller explains where we’re at with self-driving technology, why all eyes are on San Francisco, and who make the rules as robotaxi companies grow. Plus, the human-to-human connection that driverless cars are missing. ...

The case to raise the inflation target

August 22, 2023 01:02 - 13 minutes - 11.8 MB

Inflation has been the hot topic for over a year now. And the Federal Reserve has been on a mission to lower inflation down to its 2% target. But should Chair Jay Powell and his team aim for a higher target instead? We’ll also talk about China and Japan’s diminishing interest in U.S. Treasurys and how it can affect American debt. And some good news about the carnivorous Venus flytrap. Here’s everything we talked about: “Maui wildfire recovery: Hawaii governor insists fire-ravaged Lahaina ...

Turmoil in the television industry

August 19, 2023 01:03 - 29 minutes - 11.8 MB

Americans are watching a lot of television, but it’s not broadcast or cable TV. For the first time, linear TV made up less than half of all TV viewing last month. We’ll talk about how the rise of streaming and the ongoing Hollywood strikes may accelerate cord cutting. Plus, how the U.S. is still being represented in the Women’s World Cup final. And, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty with guest host and Economics on Tap first-timer Nova Safo, who enlightens us on why all radio show ...

The misunderstood Inflation Reduction Act

August 18, 2023 01:15 - 15 minutes - 11.8 MB

The Inflation Reduction Act is the beating heart of the president’s new “Bidenomics” slogan. The trouble is, many Americans don’t know what’s in the gargantuan piece of legislation. We’ll hear what President Joe Biden had to say on the law’s one-year anniversary and explain why he is struggling to get credit for the strong economy. And, we’ll get into how the new culture of remote work is shifting the purpose of downtowns. Plus, we’ll play a round of Name That Tune, economic anthem-style. ...

What Los Angeles can learn from Detroit about addressing homelessness

August 17, 2023 00:38 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MB

Detroit has one of the nation’s highest poverty rates. Yet, it doesn’t have the same level of homelessness that Los Angeles has. So what gives? We’ll get into the almost-too-obvious reason: a lot more housing. Also, we’ll check in on one of Kai’s favorite topics — bonds — and explain what yields can tell us about today’s economy. And, a silver lining in the U.S. women’s national soccer team’s World Cup loss. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Fresno, California, leads in downtown r...

Artificial intelligence at work

August 16, 2023 00:00 - 20 minutes - 11.8 MB

Hey Smarties! We’ve been having a lot of conversations about what advances in AI technology mean for our personal and professional lives. So, today we’re bringing you a special episode from “Marketplace Tech” about how AI is already transforming the workplace. In their new “AI on the Job” series, our tech team investigates the effects, from streamlining routine office tasks to drastically changing workflows.

A possible U-turn for driverless cars?

August 15, 2023 00:22 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MB

California regulators gave the green light to two robotaxi companies to expand service in the city of San Francisco. But the debate over driverless vehicles is far from over. Guest host Matt Levin joins the pod to explain. Plus, Argentina’s primary elections highlight how inflation is playing out in domestic politics across the globe. And, some environmental good news to put a smile on your face. Here’s everything we talked about: “Driverless taxis: What to know about Cruise, Waymo expans...

The clean energy economy has a NIMBY problem (rerun)

August 09, 2023 00:00 - 30 minutes - 11.8 MB

Hey Smarties! Make Me Smart is taking a little summer vacation this week. We’ll be back in your feeds soon. But for now, enjoy a rerun of one of our favorite episodes of the year so far. To reach the Joe Biden administration’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, the country’s energy infrastructure needs a massive overhaul, and fast. But many communities are not on board with the idea of a massive wind or solar farm in their area. Some counties are banning renewa...

The (interim) Joint Chiefs of Staff?

August 05, 2023 01:03 - 36 minutes - 11.8 MB

First the U.S. Marines and now the Army. For the first time in American history, two members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff lack the blessing of the Senate, as Sen. Tommy Tuberville, an Alabama Republican, holds up hundreds of military promotions to protest the Pentagon’s new abortion policy. We’ll explain the implications of having interims filling these top military posts. And good news for the lungs of the planet: Deforestation is on a downward trend in the Amazon rainforest. Plus, we’ll p...

Political dysfunction dents the U.S. credit rating

August 03, 2023 23:37 - 13 minutes - 11.8 MB

The credit rating agency Fitch bumped the United States’ credit rating down a notch this week despite the country’s strong economic performance. We’ll hear what Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen had to say about it and get into why political dysfunction is at the root of the downgrade. Plus, why a carbon-free future likely depends on nuclear energy. And what musical beat is the U.S. economy grooving to? Here’s everything we talked about: “New Georgia reactor shows benefits and costs of nucl...

The doctor will see you now … for climate anxiety

August 03, 2023 00:52 - 16 minutes - 11.8 MB

Climate change is real and so is climate anxiety. We’ll get into the ways the climate crisis is changing the mental health profession as people turn to therapy for help with handling all the climate doom. And, is there a way to turn climate anxiety into action? Also, former President Donald Trump’s latest indictment is now available to the public. (Seriously, read it.) And, asteroids may be the next frontier for human space exploration. Plus, meows of agreement from Yuki the cat. Here’s ev...

The higher education business model is changing

August 01, 2023 23:14 - 26 minutes - 11.8 MB

Today we’re talking about the economics of higher education in the United States. Though the average cost of going to college nearly tripled from 1980 to 2021, the net cost of attending both public and private institutions has started to come down. Martin Kurzweil, vice president of educational transformation at the nonprofit Ithaka S+R, traces that back to a decline in enrollment. “Demographers will tell us that the generations of young people coming through after the baby boom, the coho...

DeSantis’ fiscal formula

August 01, 2023 00:47 - 13 minutes - 11.8 MB

As Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis struggles to forge ahead in the race for the Republican presidential nomination, he’s hoping to win supporters through his newly unveiled economic plan. We’ll also talk about the spikey takedown of human devices by crows. Plus, a golden record aimed at aliens that captures the sounds of love and life on Earth. Here’s everything we talked about: “How to Prepare Your House for a Hotter Future” from Heatmap News “DeSantis Says He Would Eye U.S. Ban of TikTok If ...

The wild grain chase

July 29, 2023 00:38 - 26 minutes - 11.8 MB

India has banned nearly half of its rice exports. The news has sent many Americans scrambling to stock up. We’ll explain what the ban means for global food prices. Plus, what should come first, new electric vehicle charging stations or new power lines? And, the hosts weigh in on UFOs during a round of Half Full / Half Empty. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Sen. Duckworth’s Barbie moment” from Politico “India’s ban on certain rice exports sends some U.S. consumers scrambling to ...

So … whaddya wanna know about student loan repayments?

July 27, 2023 23:47 - 14 minutes - 11.8 MB

Federal student loan payments have been paused for over three years. Since then, borrowers have got used to the extra room in their budgets for dining, vacations, Beyoncé tickets and more. One listener called in to ask: What happens to the economy when payments start again this fall? We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions on President Joe Biden’s new student debt forgiveness plan and why it’s so hard to have student loans wiped out through bankruptcy. Here’s everything we talk...

Barbie, T-Swift and the Fed?

July 26, 2023 21:39 - 11 minutes - 11.8 MB

Barbie and Taylor Swift are just about everywhere right now, they even got a mention at the Fed’s news conference today. Seriously! We’ll explain what these pop culture icons have to do with the today’s interest rate hike. Plus, how leaning on algorithms and AI for bureaucratic work could come with real costs for consumers. And, candid thoughts about climate change. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Cigna accused of using an algorithm to automatically reject patient claims” from C...

A thrilling era for space discovery

July 26, 2023 00:28 - 32 minutes - 11.8 MB

NASA recently celebrated one orbit around the Sun since the James Webb Space Telescope became operational. On the show today, Caitlin Casey, professor of astronomy at the University of Texas at Austin, is back to share some of the exciting discoveries her team has made in the first year of the $10 billion machine’s mission. She’ll also fill us in on the buzz over gravitational waves. Plus, why learning about the seemingly incomprehensible cosmos can keep us grounded. Later, we’ll discuss d...

Another government showdown?

July 25, 2023 00:19 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MB

Congress averted a government debt default in June, but can it prevent a government shutdown this fall? Lawmakers are at odds again over spending bills to fund the government next year. Kai and Kimberly will also discuss tips for avoiding doomscrolling while maintaining healthy news consumption. And is Twitter’s new name, “X,” actually owned by Meta? Or maybe it’s Microsoft? Either way, lawyers may have some real lawyering to do. Here’s everything we talked about today: “House Republicans ...

Hot on the job

July 22, 2023 00:34 - 31 minutes - 11.8 MB

Record-breaking heat waves are becoming a serious job hazard for outdoor workers. Currently, there are no federal rules to protect workers from extreme heat. But that may be changing. We’ll also discuss New York City’s reversal in the way it treats asylum-seeking migrants. Plus, we’ll play a game of This or That with guest host Amy Scott. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Amid historic U.S. heat wave, workers have few protections” from Axios “Migrants in NYC Say They’ve Been Turn...

When will the streamers’ content river run dry?

July 21, 2023 00:34 - 16 minutes - 11.8 MB

With the ongoing strikes in Hollywood, the upcoming fall TV season will likely survive on rations of reruns and unscripted content. Once viewers also run out of bingeable streaming series, the streamers might find themselves in a similar position. We’ll hear what Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos had to say about it and get into why the streamers may be better prepared — for now. Plus, we’ll unpack the Biden administration’s war on hidden fees. And, the Women’s World Cup is finally here! Here’s ...

It’s getting hot in here

July 20, 2023 00:28 - 15 minutes - 11.8 MB

Record breaking heat waves and extreme weather events have us wondering: Is this summer an anomaly? We’ll discuss what it really means to adapt to global warming. And, recent climate talks between the U.S. and China were a bust. We’ll get into why China and other countries might not be eager to take instructions from a significant carbon emitter like the United States. Plus, the story of a rescued sailor and his loyal companion makes us smile. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Chi...

The “American Whitelash” and economic fear

July 18, 2023 23:26 - 36 minutes - 11.8 MB

The 2024 presidential campaign is already well underway, but today we’re going to take a step back and examine the connection between Barack Obama’s presidency and the rise of white racial violence. It’s what Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Wesley Lowery calls the “American Whitelash” (also the title of his new book), which to some extent is rooted in economic fear. On the show today: How the election of former President Obama spurred a white racist backlash, why economic fear is entangl...

Hot labor summer is here

July 18, 2023 00:45 - 18 minutes - 11.8 MB

Hollywood’s double strike of writers and actors might just be the start of a hot labor summer. We’ll talk about the next group of workers who may soon join the picket lines and what’s at stake (inflation, anyone?). Plus, what the Federal Trade Commission has to do with Trump’s plans to expand presidential power. And, concrete, yes, concrete is making us smile as newly discovered secrets from ancient Roman times could help us build more environmentally friendly cities. Here’s everything we ...

Our wildest “Economics on Tap” episode yet!

July 15, 2023 01:19 - 27 minutes - 11.8 MB

It’s a wild show, y’all. About halfway through, an unwelcome surprise besieges Kimberly. But don’t worry, Kimberly (and Jasper) are all right. We’ll also touch on the latest in the Johnson & Johnson talc powder saga, how the U.S. women’s national soccer team landed Taylor Swift in its 2023 squad announcement video, why cottage cheese is going viral and Barbenheimer! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Johnson & Johnson sues researchers who linked talc to cancer” from Reuters “How t...

Hollywood on strike

July 14, 2023 00:51 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MB

Hollywood actors are joining writers on the picket lines after leaders of the SAG-AFTRA union voted to strike. We’ll hear what SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher had to say about it and get into what it might mean beyond the entertainment industry. Plus, why conservative amendments tacked onto an important defense spending bill are setting it up to fail. And, Kai reads between a Federal Reserve official’s lines. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Shutdown Looms as Actors Say Contrac...

Insurers retreat from the coasts

July 13, 2023 00:19 - 15 minutes - 11.8 MB

Farmers Insurance is the latest to call it quits in Florida as more frequent hurricanes ramp up risk for insurance companies. We’ll get into what coastal states like Florida might do to prevent residents from moving to more insurable parts of the country. And, inflation has settled down to 3%, but don’t be too quick to celebrate. Plus, we’ll commemorate the first anniversary of the James Webb Space Telescope with some unbelievable new photos. Here’s everything we talked about today: “‘Cas...

The dirty side of the fast-fashion business 

July 12, 2023 00:23 - 24 minutes - 11.8 MB

It’s time to air out some of fast fashion’s dirty laundry. Recently, fast-fashion retailer Shein was in the headlines over a paid influencer trip to one of its factories in China. It’s also facing allegations that range from labor rights abuses to high levels of carbon emissions. Sustainable-fashion writer Alden Wicker’s new book, “To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick,” documents another gritty side of the industry: the toxic chemicals used to make the clothing many companies se...

Behind the scenes: Kai’s trip to China with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen

July 10, 2023 23:47 - 18 minutes - 11.8 MB

Kai Ryssdal breaks the fourth wall and shares highlights from his trip to China with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen (it was “amazeballs”). Plus, U.S. pandemic relief packages helped millions of businesses stay afloat in 2020. But cybersecurity holes paved the way for fraudulent claims. Can the federal government hold these scammers accountable? And how Morocco’s national women’s soccer team is making history. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Yellen: U.S. intends to be ‘transpare...

Guests

Esther Duflo
1 Episode

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