Make Me Smart
1,022 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 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
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...
Smash the patriarchy … and the pumpkins
August 26, 2023 00:44 - 23 minutes - 11.8 MBThe 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 MBConsumer 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 MBThe 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 MBRobotaxi 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 MBInflation 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 MBAmericans 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 MBThe 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 MBDetroit 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 MBHey 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 MBCalifornia 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 MBHey 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 MBFirst 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 MBThe 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 MBClimate 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 MBToday 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 MBAs 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 MBIndia 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 MBFederal 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 MBBarbie 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 MBNASA 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 MBCongress 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 MBRecord-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 MBWith 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 MBRecord 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 MBThe 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 MBHollywood’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 MBIt’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 MBHollywood 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 MBFarmers 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 MBIt’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 MBKai 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...
The Twitter vs. Meta drama continues
July 08, 2023 01:08 - 29 minutes - 11.8 MBMeta’s new Threads became the most quickly downloaded app on Wednesday, its opening day. Twitter’s not thrilled about it. We’ll get into why folks may or may not gravitate toward the app and whether any of the “new Twitters” can become a true social media hub. And, could a scandal involving a celebrated behavioral science researcher impact the way we engage with pop science? Plus, guest host Reema Khrais leads us in a new game. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Twitter is threaten...
A blueprint for AI regulation in hiring?
July 07, 2023 00:53 - 18 minutes - 11.8 MBA new law in New York City requires employers who use artificial intelligence in their hiring process to have those systems audited for bias. We’ll get into how bias can be encoded into these AI hiring tools and why this law could serve as a model for future AI regulation. Then, is the labor market in a sweet spot? Guest host Amy Scott unpacks new jobs data that paints a picture of a remarkably strong labor market in spite of the Federal Reserve’s anti-inflation crusade. Plus, how some apps...
Has Twitter Meta its match?
July 06, 2023 00:14 - 19 minutes - 11.8 MBMeta is debuting Threads, its riff on Twitter, to rival the legacy social media platform. We’ll get into where the app might sit in today’s social media landscape and question why Meta would want a piece of Twitter’s notoriously unprofitable pie. And, how the U.S. workforce is changing as boomers retire. Plus, feral cats with 9-to-5s. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Meta Unveils ‘Threads’ App to Take on Twitter” from The New York Times “Meta readies Threads, a new Twitter chall...
The welfare-to-work industrial complex part 2
July 03, 2023 20:53 - 56 minutes - 11.8 MBThe recent debt ceiling deal expanded work requirements for government welfare programs. Those rules have a long and complicated history. Today, we’re sharing another episode from our sister podcast, The Uncertain Hour, and getting smarter about how those rules came into being and what they mean for people looking for help. You can binge the full season of The Uncertain Hour here.
The economic ripple effects of the Supreme Court’s big decisions
July 01, 2023 00:48 - 27 minutes - 11.8 MBIt was a big week for the Supreme Court. Among other far-reaching decisions, the justices stuck down President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness program and ruled race-conscious admissions programs unconstitutional. We’ll get into the ways these decisions might be felt throughout the economy and look at the likely next shoe to drop. Later, we’ll play a Fourth of July-themed game of This or That, complete with pyrotechnics! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Ending Affirmative Ac...
“Bidenomics” and the tricky art of selling an idea
June 29, 2023 23:41 - 13 minutes - 11.8 MBYesterday, President Joe Biden dove into campaign season by debuting a new slogan: “Bidenomics.” In a speech, Biden explained it’s a counter-catchphrase to the familiar “Reaganomics.” We’ll roll the tape, and the hosts will give us their takes on the branding move. Plus, we’ll hear remarks from the Federal Reserve chair about the future of stablecoin regulation and thoughts from a young plaintiff in a groundbreaking Montana climate lawsuit. Plus, why calls for lower rent by New York City te...
Recession? What recession?
June 29, 2023 00:29 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBSome economists have been warning of an imminent recession in the United States for over a year now. But so far, it has yet to strike. We’ll get into the different ways economists are thinking about how a so-called recession might play out. Also, humans are having a profound, literally axis-shifting impact on Planet Earth. And, how company crackdowns on sharing memberships hurt single people. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Something Was Messing With Earth’s Axis. The Answer Has...
The origins of the Fed’s 2% inflation target
June 28, 2023 00:28 - 28 minutes - 11.8 MBFederal Reserve Chair Jay Powell has made it clear that he’s laser-focused on bringing inflation back down to the central bank’s target rate of 2% annually. But why is reaching that specific number such a big deal? And where did the 2% target come from? On the show today, David Wilcox, economist at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and director of U.S. economic research at Bloomberg Economics, explains why it’s important for central banks to have a target inflation rate in...
The welfare-to-work industrial complex
June 27, 2023 00:39 - 48 minutes - 11.8 MBHey Smarties! Kai and Kimberly will be back in your podcast feed tomorrow for our weekly deep dive, but until then we’re bringing you a deep dive of a different kind. It’s an episode from Marketplace’s investigative podcast “The Uncertain Hour” which is all about obscure policies and forgotten histories. In the new season, Marketplace’s Krissy Clark and the team dig into the origins and evolution of America’s welfare-to-work system (which got lots of attention in the recent debt ceiling deba...
The U.S. is graying. What does that mean for the economy?
June 24, 2023 02:37 - 31 minutes - 11.8 MBThe median age in the United States, at just under 39, is the highest it’s ever been, and it’s been rising for decades. We’ll get into the economic implications of America’s aging population. Also, the Supreme Court has been getting comfy with ruling on technicalities rather than policy. We’ll explain how that played out in a recent immigration case. Plus, it’s Revenge of the Nerds: Billionaire Edition. And, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about toda...
A medical brain drain out of Texas
June 23, 2023 00:38 - 14 minutes - 11.8 MBSince Roe v. Wade was overturned nearly a year ago, conservative-led states, including Texas, have passed a slew of bans on abortion and gender affirming health care. Now, many med students and doctors are choosing to work elsewhere. We’ll get into it. And, India has become a top customer for Russian oil. We’ll explain what that means for the global oil supply and regional geopolitics. Plus, a device that makes water out of thin air, and the head of Turkey’s central bank makes the hosts smi...
The Titanic sub and the migrant shipwreck
June 22, 2023 00:59 - 14 minutes - 11.8 MBThe missing sub of wealthy tourists lost on an excursion to view the wreckage of the Titanic has been dominating news feeds this week, while the story of a deadly migrant shipwreck off the coast of Greece has, for the most part, stayed in the periphery. We’ll get into the disparities in resources and media attention paid to the two disasters. Plus, we connect the dots on interest rates, home sales and new home construction. And, confirmed by the man himself, Fede Chair Jay Powell is a Deadh...
The economic status of Black Americans
June 21, 2023 00:08 - 29 minutes - 11.8 MBFor Black workers in this economy, the last couple of years have brought gains in employment and wages. In April, the Black unemployment rate fell to a historically low 4.7%, and the racial wage gap has shrunk slightly over the last five years. But in terms of the economy as a whole, stark disparities still exist for Black Americans. “I’ve looked at the unemployment rates for the last 60 years,” said Algernon Austin, director for race and economic justice at the Center for Economic and Po...
What it really takes to live in New York City
June 17, 2023 01:05 - 26 minutes - 11.8 MBThe Carrie Bradshaw lifestyle is unreachable for most recent college grads in today’s New York City, thanks to high housing costs. We’ll get into the lengths some younger newcomers are willing to go to make it work and dig into a related problem: a potential commercial real estate crisis. Plus, how should cities deal with cannabis smoke? Then we’ll play a round of This or That! Here’s everything we talked about today: “NYC’s Rent Surge Defied by New Grads Pursuing a TikTok Lifestyle” from...
The fringe medical group pushing anti-LGBTQ laws
June 16, 2023 00:13 - 18 minutes - 11.8 MBLeaked documents lay out how the conservative American College of Pediatricians (not to be confused with the American Academy of Pediatrics) has influenced policy affecting the LGTBQ community. We’ll get into how this splinter group gained national attention and the problems it poses for medical misinformation. Also, we’ll discuss the aftermath of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott busing migrants to cities like Los Angeles. And a new Rubik’s Cube world record to smile about, followed by a Rubik’s Cube...
Reddit’s pricing protest
June 14, 2023 23:48 - 15 minutes - 11.8 MBThis week, thousands of Reddit’s most popular communities went offline to protest the company’s move to start collecting fees for access to its API or application programming interface. One listener called in to ask what all the fuss is about. We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about how we keep track of consumer debt and the relationship between the underground economy and GDP. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Why are Reddit communities going private?” from Mark...
Live from Seattle Part 2: We talk to Lindy West
June 14, 2023 00:46 - 37 minutes - 11.8 MBToday we’re sharing an excerpt from our live show at Town Hall Seattle featuring our special guest, writer and comedian Lindy West. The Seattleite talked with us about Former President Donald Trump’s indictment, the Hollywood writers’ strike, being broke and what it means to be fat positive in the Ozempic era. Plus, she shares some smart facts about snakes, whales and the Canada goose. Here’s everything we talked about: “Lindy West Is Not a Star” from The Stranger “Butt News #24: Never B...
EV batteries, industrial policy and you
June 13, 2023 00:43 - 15 minutes - 11.8 MBChina dominates the market for electric vehicle batteries, but it didn’t have to be that way. We’ll talk about a story of wasted potential: how a failed U.S. startup made headway on lithium battery tech a bit too early and got caught in the throes of American capitalism. Also, a declassified report shows how the U.S. government has been skirting the need for warrants by buying data about Americans. Plus, if you’ve noticed companies have been quieter about social and environmental issues, it...