Make Me Smart
1,071 episodes - English - Latest episode: 26 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
Elon Musk’s Starlink business going gangbusters
November 07, 2023 01:42 - 11 minutes - 11.8 MBSpaceX is on track to make record profits this year, particularly through its Starlink satellite program. With the reins of this powerful company in the hands of a celebrity entrepreneur, has that celebrity, Elon Musk, become invincible? We’ll also dig into the details of the U.S. birthrate. As it turns out, being an only child did not become the norm we expected it would be. And we’ll learn about the physicist who’s created over 1,000 Wikipedia bios for neglected female scientists. Here’s...
Promises won’t pay for climate adaptation
November 04, 2023 00:45 - 32 minutes - 11.8 MBA new United Nations report found that wealthy nations are scaling back funding for climate adaptation in developing countries, while the cost of mitigating the effects of climate change continue to grow. We’ll get into it. And, the Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust lawsuit against Amazon revealed a secret pricing algorithm used by the company, known as Project Nessie. We’ll unpack how the algorithm has amassed huge profits for Amazon while raising prices across the board. Then, we’ll pl...
AI safety takes center stage
November 03, 2023 01:07 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBHey Smarties! We recorded today’s episode before the news of Sam Bankman-Fried’s conviction came out. We’ll continue to monitor the story. This week, President Joe Biden signed a sweeping executive order on the safety of artificial intelligence, and world leaders (plus Elon Musk) met to discuss the risks of the rapidly developing technology for the first time. We’ll get into what future AI regulation could look like as governments agree to cooperate. And, we’ll hear from Target’s CEO on tr...
Where the fractured GOP goes from here
November 02, 2023 00:19 - 13 minutes - 11.8 MBTwo prominent Republican representatives announced they won’t seek reelection at the end of their terms in Congress. We’ll get into the future of the GOP, as former President Donald Trump continues to drive a wedge in the party’s identity. Also, how the verdict in a case involving the National Association of Realtors could upend the way we buy and sell homes. Plus, a breakthrough gene therapy treatment is allowing some deaf children to hear for the first time. And, coming clean about hotel ...
Hydrogen’s potential as a climate solution
October 31, 2023 22:59 - 29 minutes - 11.8 MBWhen it comes to solutions to the climate crisis, we’re going to need a whole menu of options. One item on the menu: clean hydrogen. The Joe Biden administration recently invested $7 billion into developing clean hydrogen hubs across the country, with hopes the technology could help reduce carbon emissions in a variety of industries. “Many people call it a Swiss Army knife of decarbonization,” said Emily Pontecorvo, staff writer at Heatmap News. “But the problem of thinking of it that way...
Who profits from war?
October 31, 2023 00:23 - 16 minutes - 11.8 MBA $14.3 billion Israel aid package from the House GOP is in the works, and some Republican representatives are looking into unconventional ways to fund it. We’ll get into where U.S. military aid usually ends up and who stands to make a profit from global conflict. Plus, how the media coverage leading up to the 2024 election often makes false equivalencies between the speaking abilities of former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden. Here’s everything we talked about: “House GOP ...
Why the definition of “employer” really matters
October 28, 2023 00:59 - 30 minutes - 11.8 MBThe National Labor Relations Board is redefining what it means to be an employer by changing the so-called joint-employer rule. We’ll explain how the change could impact the rights of contract and franchise workers across many industries, from tech to fast food. And, polling numbers on congressional approval are sinking lower and lower. Plus, are SEO-bait names and bloated movie runtimes the new norms? We’ll get into it in a round of Half Full / Half Empty. Here’s everything we talked abou...
Spending cuts aren’t the only answer to the budget deficit
October 27, 2023 00:43 - 15 minutes - 11.8 MBThere’s been a lot of talk about the ever-growing U.S. federal deficit lately. That discussion has largely revolved around spending cuts. But the flip side of the issue— that is, increasing revenue — is largely ignored. We’ll get into what increasing the government’s revenue could look like and how an approaching expiration date for some Trump-era tax cut provisions could impact taxpayers in the coming years. Also, we’ll hear from UAW President Shawn Fain about the union’s tentative deal wi...
A new speaker of the House, finally
October 26, 2023 00:25 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBAfter a three-week vacancy, House Republicans elected Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana speaker. We’ll give you the rundown on who Johnson is and what his far-right associations could mean for the challenging weeks ahead in Congress. And, on the other side of the Capitol rotunda, senators are working on new ways to end Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s military promotion blockade. Plus, a 14-year-old scientist’s cancer-fighting bar of soap. Here’s everything we talked about: “5 things to know about Sp...
Economic lessons from the video game industry
October 24, 2023 21:00 - 28 minutes - 11.8 MBHey Smarties! Today we’re bringing you a special episode of “Marketplace Morning Report” that dives into what the video game industry can teach us about the economy, from the socioeconomic hurdles that keep many young people from breaking into the field to the economics at work in many games. It’s part of the “Skin in the Game” series from David Brancaccio and the “Marketplace Morning Report” team, which explores how the massive industry can help us understand economics, business, money and ...
The work Congress could be doing
October 24, 2023 00:50 - 15 minutes - 11.8 MBWithout a speaker in the House of Representatives, Congress isn’t getting much work done. That includes progress on the farm bill, which is up for renewal this year. We’ll get into what potential cuts to the farm bill could mean and some of the bill’s past shortcomings. Plus, a new study found that the West Antarctic ice sheet will continue to melt faster despite serious action on climate change. Also, we say goodbye to a record holder who was a very good boy. Here’s everything we talked a...
Thoughts on Gaza
October 21, 2023 00:38 - 33 minutes - 11.8 MBIt’s been a disheartening time in the Middle East lately. Today’s guest host, Reema Khrais, shares how the recent conflict has affected her family in Gaza. We’ll also discuss how the ever-increasing U.S. deficit reached new heights in the past year. Plus, what have you splurged on lately? Here’s everything we talked about: “Gaza aid stalled at Egypt border amid wrangling at Rafah” from The Washington Post “US Budget Gap Widened 23% During Year on Rate Rise, Revenue Drop” from Bloomberg ...
AI robocalls and ethical concerns for New Yorkers
October 20, 2023 01:07 - 18 minutes - 11.8 MBNew York Mayor Eric Adams doesn’t speak Mandarin. But with AI he can. Some New Yorkers may have received a robocall of the mayor speaking in their native tongue. Is this a golden opportunity or ethical dilemma? Plus, we’ll hear the latest on the Federal Reserve’s fight against inflation, and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen answers questions on financially supporting Israel and Ukraine. Here’s everything we talked about: “Powell Says Strong Economic Data ‘Could Warrant’ Higher Rates” from ...
The “for-profit” in our health care system is showing
October 19, 2023 00:18 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBCOVID-19 drug Paxlovid will soon hit the commercial market, and it won’t be cheap. We’ll talk about what the change means for patients and the drug’s accessibility. Plus, drone drug delivery is coming to certain rural communities. Also, in one woman’s case, a new pet is just what the doctor ordered. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Introducing “How We Survive: The Worth of Water”‘ from Marketplace “Pfizer Prices Covid Drug Paxlovid at $1,400 for a Five-Day Course” from The Wall ...
Nuclear energy’s role in decarbonizing the economy
October 17, 2023 23:33 - 24 minutes - 11.8 MBDespite a long period of relative stagnation, nuclear power has remained the quiet backbone of the United States’ clean energy supply for decades. Now, the Joe Biden administration wants more from the sector as the country hustles to meet ambitious emissions goals. Jigar Shah, the director of the Energy Department’s Loan Programs Office, said nuclear energy will only become more critical as demand for electricity surges over the next 20 years. On the show today, Shah makes us smart about ...
Is a crackdown coming for Realtors?
October 17, 2023 00:31 - 16 minutes - 11.8 MBA class-action lawsuit is looking to end questionable practices by the National Association of Realtors. While antitrust concerns have surrounded Realtors’ operations in the past, the association’s heavy lobbying may have prevented further investigation. We’ll talk about why this lawsuit might be different. Plus, we’ll do the numbers on the federal government’s ballooning interest bill. And, a lesson on laughter during trying times. Here’s everything we talked about: “Realtors Face an Ant...
The FDA’s formaldehyde fight
October 14, 2023 00:25 - 22 minutes - 11.8 MBThe Food and Drug Administration has proposed a ban on chemicals in hair-relaxing products. We’ll explain how the passing of the rule could be a big win for Black women’s health. And the battle for the speaker of the House continues with a new nominee. Plus, we’ll play a special spooky edition of This or That, in recognition of Friday the 13th. Here’s everything we talked about: “Exclusive: The F.D.A Is Taking Major Action To Protect Against Harmful Chemicals In Hair Products” from The Ro...
X faces fines for misinformation
October 13, 2023 01:05 - 9 minutes - 11.8 MBAfter a swarm of misinformation and gruesome images took over X following Hamas’ attack on Israel, Elon Musk is now under scrutiny by the European Commission to clean up the mess. We’ll also hear how climate change may be affecting our sense of fashion. And we hear this year’s Nobel Prize-winning economist on gender disparities in the workforce. Here’s everything we talked about: “X’s misinformation woes get worse during the Israel-Hamas conflict” from Marketplace “Elon Musk’s X faces EU...
Was the Twitter clout-chasing really worth it?
October 12, 2023 00:33 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBWhen Elon Musk turned Twitter, now X, on it’s head, some media outlets decided to call it quits. Six months later, an internal memo at NPR says traffic has dipped only modestly. We’ll get into why Twitter may not have been the bedrock of online engagement that many had believed. And Caroline Ellison, Sam Bankman-Fried’s former adviser and girlfriend, has been testifying at his fraud trial this week. It has us thinking about how choosing a romantic partner can come with consequences. Plus, a...
Shareholders vs. stakeholders, and the purpose of a corporation
October 11, 2023 00:35 - 25 minutes - 11.8 MBToday we’re checking in on what happened after almost 200 high profile CEOs signed a statement in 2019 promising to serve stakeholders like employees and consumers along with their shareholders. Have those companies made any progress toward fulfilling those nonbinding pledges? That’s the question Molly Kinder, a fellow at the Metropolitan Policy program at The Brookings Institution, and her co-authors wanted to answer by analyzing the decisions some of those companies made during the firs...
Israel, Ukraine and U.S. military aid
October 10, 2023 00:35 - 16 minutes - 11.8 MBThe Biden administration sending aid to Israel after a surprise attack from Hamas. We’ll unpack how financial assistance for Israel can make or break aid for Ukraine, and how dysfunction in the House of Representatives might throw a wrench into all of it. And Tesla’s latest price cut brings fierce rivalry with gasoline cars. Plus, a real-life reenactment of “The Neverending Story” (with a happy ending this time). Here’s everything we talked about: “Biden Says Military Assistance Is on Its ...
A moment of economic peril
October 07, 2023 00:35 - 27 minutes - 11.8 MBInterest rates are high. Bonds yields are on the rise. And money is getting more expensive. We’ll explain what this means for consumers and fiscal policymaking. Plus, NASA has ambitious plans to send civilians to the moon (and make Kimberly’s dreams come true). Later, we’ll weigh in on self-checkout aisles and magnet less refrigerators during a round of Half Full/Half Empty. Here’s everything we talked about: “Pharmacies begin dispensing abortion pills” from Politico “Maybe in Your Lifet...
Hot strike summer isn’t over
October 06, 2023 01:39 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBAnother week, another strike. This time thousands of Kaiser Permanente workers have initiated the largest healthcare strike in the country. And while different sectors of the economy have been walking off the job this summer, the demands all seemingly sound the same. We’ll also hear one CEO’s take on how AI can add more leisure time to all of our lives. And Beyonce at the box office! Here’s everything we talked about: “Kaiser strike: More than 75,000 health care workers walk off the job” ...
The speaker ouster and its cost to our democracy
October 05, 2023 00:35 - 18 minutes - 11.8 MBBusiness in the U.S. House of Representatives has come to a standstill after Kevin McCarthy was removed as speaker Tuesday. Fallout has been messy, to say the least. We’ll get into what this historic moment could mean for the health of our democracy. Plus, some jobs are more at risk of being automated by AI than others. And NASA astronauts on the Artemis III mission will head to the moon in style, with a little help from Prada. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Playbook PM: Jordan...
Crypto goes to court
October 03, 2023 23:35 - 33 minutes - 11.8 MBHey smarties! We recorded today’s episode before historic news broke that the House of representatives voted to oust Kevin McCarthy as speaker. We’re monitoring the story as it develops and as the House figures out what comes next. IIt’s Day 1 of Sam Bankman-Fried’s trial. Last year, The founder of FTX was charged with counts of fraud and conspiracy after his crypto exchange went under and investigators found that $8 billion in customer funds had gone missing. Before his fall from grace, ...
Consumers are still living it up
October 03, 2023 00:38 - 14 minutes - 11.8 MBWe’re not in a government shutdown. Instead, we’re talking about consumers spending like it’s still hot girl summer. Concerts, travel and shopping sprees seem to remain a priority for many in this economy. We’ll discuss how this might be a sign of shifting attitudes around debt. Plus, there’s a market for everything — even candles for Washington, D.C., wonks! Here’s everything we talked about: “Trump’s understandable surprise at seeing his company in court” from The Washington Post “Amer...
Washington’s looming deadlines (note the plural)
September 30, 2023 00:18 - 25 minutes - 11.8 MBIt’s going to be a tense weekend on Capitol Hill. Congress not only has the government shutdown deadline to deal with, it also has deadlines that affect the Federal Aviation Administration and the farm bill. We’ll explain what’s going on. Plus, the hosts weigh in on the Taylor Swift effect and “The Golden Bachelor” in a fresh round of our favorite game: Half Full / Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Airline passengers could feel the bite as Congress nears two missed dea...
The sliver of the federal budget Congress is fighting over
September 29, 2023 00:58 - 14 minutes - 11.8 MBWe’re in the final days before a potential government shutdown, and negotiations aren’t going well. At issue is the federal government’s $6 trillion budget. But with most of that money already spoken for, only a small sliver of spending is actually up for debate. We’ll explain. And have you heard of the paper ceiling? Plus, Kai and a famous Hollywood star share their dislike for pumpkin spice! Here’s everything we talked about: “Biden makes history by joining striking autoworkers on the pi...
Musk and the military industrial complex
September 28, 2023 00:32 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBElon Musk’s business relationship with the Pentagon is going strong. SpaceX just scored its first defense contract from the U.S. Space Force, giving Musk more control over on-off switches (see: Ukraine). We’ll get into the potential consequences of having a single private citizen like Musk so entangled in geopolitics. Plus, welcome home, astronaut Frank Rubio, and bye-bye panda cams? Here’s everything we talked about today: “Elon Musk Wins US Space Force Contract for Starshield” from Bloo...
The real problem with passing the federal budget
September 27, 2023 00:25 - 33 minutes - 11.8 MBWe’re on the brink of yet another government shutdown. If Congress fails to pass legislation to keep the federal government fully up and running past Oct. 1, it would be the country’s fourth shutdown in the last decade. This has us wondering: Why does passing the federal budget often get so messy? On the show today, Molly Reynolds, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, explains how the federal budget process is supposed to work, why it often breaks down and why other countries don’t...
Why big GOP money matters less than ever
September 26, 2023 00:52 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBSome big Republican donors are in a bind. They’ve been hoping for an alternative presidential nominee to Donald Trump to write their checks to, but now they seem to be giving up on that idea and are keeping their money on the sidelines. We’ll discuss what that means for spending in the 2024 election. Plus, what’s happened to Greece since its debt crisis? And what Kimberly discovered about cocktails and ChatGPT when she walked into a bar. Here’s everything we talked about: “Big GOP donors ...
Corruption is a bipartisan problem
September 23, 2023 01:15 - 40 minutes - 11.8 MBAcross 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 MBWe 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 MBA 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 MBPresident 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 MBCongress 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 MBCelebrities 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 MBIn 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 MBWhat 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 MBThis 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 MBThere’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 MBWe’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 MBIn 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 MBAs 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 MBWe’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 MBIt’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 MBNot 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 MBThe 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 MBPlastic 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 MBFor 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...