Make Me Smart

FTX reboot?

The guy who’s now running FTX, the imploded cryptocurrency exchange founded by now-indicted Sam Bankman-Fried, said he’s considering reopening shop. Too soon? Also, mortgage rates are coming down, but all the commotion about the debt ceiling could undo that. And, guest host Amy Scott makes us smile with a video of celebrities reenacting conversations on Nextdoor, the neighborhood social networking platform. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Mortgage Rates Fall as Services Sector C...

Is hybrid work worth it for companies?

Disney is calling employees back to the office four days a week. One listener called in to ask about the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid work. We’ll talk about how businesses are making the choice. And guest hosts Amy Scott and Samantha Fields answer more of your questions about the death of starter homes and the stubbornly high price of diesel. Plus, are states ready to dole out unemployment benefits for the next recession? Here’s everything we talked about today: “Disney will soo...

WT … Oh no!

Today we’re talking about a key player in international trade: the World Trade Organization. The WTO is responsible for setting and enforcing the rules of global trade between 164 member countries. While the United States once supported the idea of a rules-based system, lately the country hasn’t been a big fan of the rules. Among other things, the Trump administration’s decision to impose steel and aluminum taxes in violation of WTO policies sent the organization’s ability to govern into ...

Exxon Mobil’s decadeslong climate hoax

New research shows Exxon Mobil understood the dire consequences of burning fossil fuels decades ago — with scary accuracy. Yet, the company continued to mislead the public about the effects of climate change. We’ll discuss the billions in damages attributed to more frequent extreme weather events. And, a dungeon masters’ revolt! Dungeons & Dragons players united to preserve the spirit of the game. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty. Here’s everything we talked about today: “...

Keeping up with Congress

Today, the voice of American business had one message for Congress: Get it together! The U.S. Chamber of Commerce says political gridlock is making it harder for businesses to function. We’ll explain what’s ahead for the 118th Congress and why you’re about to hear a lot more about a big fight over the national debt. Plus, are you seeing bizarre flying objects in the sky? You’re not alone. And SBF is defending his innocence, again. This time on Substack? Here’s everything we talked about to...

What’s the deal with ESG and the GOP?

Some Republican politicians are attacking environmental, social and governance investing strategies. One listener is wondering what the fight is really about. We’ll explain. Plus, are crypto losses tax deductible? And we’ll answer more of your questions about whether more immigration can help tame inflation, and developing vs. developed countries. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Crypto tax guide” from Fidelity “Are FTX Losses a Tax Write-Off? IRS Deduction Advice” from Bloomber...

The lasting implications of Jan. 6

A lot has happened since the attack on our Capitol two years ago. We’ve had congressional hearings, impeachments, investigations. And through it all the country has remained deeply polarized. In the past 40 years, the United States has polarized a lot faster than other wealthy democracies like Canada or Germany. Why is the U.S. so different? “Right now, our [political] system makes it extremely difficult to break out of this kind of rigid binary, the two-party system that we have,” said ...

Our very first episode of the year!

Happy New Year! We’re back from our holiday break to discuss some of the biggest news stories of 2023 so far, including last week’s C-SPAN soap opera. New House Speaker Kevin McCarthy made some serious concessions to win that could spell out a future mess for debt limit and budget negotiations. Plus, why interest rates will likely stay up — for a while — and what that means for the economy. And, some good news about our planet: The ozone layer is healing! Here’s everything we talked about ...

This is not your grandpa’s union (rerun)

Hey smarties! We’re on a break for the holidays and revisiting some favorite episodes from 2021. We want to say a big thank-you for being part of the “Make Me Smart” family this year — every voicemail, question and donation made a huge difference. None of us is as smart as all of us, and we couldn’t do this show without you. There’s still time to help Marketplace reach its end-of-year fundraising goal. If you can, please donate here. Thanks, happy holidays and we’ll see you in the new year....

Let’s talk about Ukraine (rerun)

The moral hazard of solar geoengineering (rerun)

Hey smarties! We’re on a break for the holidays and revisiting some favorite episodes from 2022. We want to say a big thank-you for being part of the “Make Me Smart” family this year — every voicemail, question and donation made a huge difference. None of us is as smart as all of us, and we couldn’t do this show without you. There’s still time to help Marketplace reach its end-of-year fundraising goal. If you can, please donate here. Thanks, happy holidays and we’ll see you in the new year....

How sci-fi can make us smart (rerun)

Hey smarties! We’re on a break for the holidays and revisiting some favorite episodes from 2022. We want to say a big thank-you for being part of the “Make Me Smart” family this year — every voicemail, question and donation made a huge difference. None of us is as smart as all of us, and we couldn’t do this show without you. There’s still time to help Marketplace reach its end-of-year fundraising goal. If you can, please donate here. Thanks, happy holidays and we’ll see you in the new year....

Our holiday party episode

For our final episode of 2022, we’re throwing a holiday party with music, Santa hats, drinks and our favorite game, Half-Full/Half-Empty. But can’t forget about the News Fix. Today, we’re talking about a surge in COVID cases amid the holiday travel season. Also, the struggle to find housing in D.C. is real. We’ll explain what happened to a soon-to-be congressman when he went apartment hunting. Plus, we want to hear about your New Year’s resolutions! Here’s everything we talked about today:...

The economic and human cost of the opioid epidemic

Today’s episode mentions heavy topics like substance use disorder and death, which some listeners might find distressing. Last year, 80,000 Americans died due to opioid overdoses. Kimberly opens up about losing a loved one to the epidemic and highlights new research on the impact of opioids on the labor market. Plus, political prisoner Brittney Griner is home. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Labor Market Consequences of the Opioid Tragedy” from American Action Forum NEXT Distr...

More jobs are always a good thing, right?

When the latest jobs report dropped, so did stock prices. A listener wrote in to ask why Wall Street isn’t a fan of the hot labor market. We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about how post-merger SPACs are holding up and how switching to an electric vehicle can save you money. Also, we’ll hear from Kimberly’s mom about her early Christmas decorating! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Dow Down 300 Points After Strong Jobs Report — Here’s Why The Market’s Rooting For...

Climate change is disrupting the insurance industry

Today we’re talking about that thing we all sort of dread paying: insurance. It’s a big business and a critical part of the housing market and our economy. But in the era of climate change, this multitrillion-dollar industry is being disrupted in a major way. There’s data that shows insured losses from extreme weather disasters will exceed $100 billion for the second year in a row. And in one state in particular, the situation is, well, messy. On the show, Marketplace’s Amy Scott walks us t...

AI isn’t all fun and games

There’s a new AI chatbot that’s going viral. Popular results shared on social media show just how scary accurate the chatbot can be. We’ll discuss what widespread use of artificial intelligence like this could mean for certain sectors of the economy and the spread of misinformation. Also, an update on the status of Iran’s morality police. And, Kimberly shares her encounter with a feisty camel. Here’s everything we talked about today: “New AI chatbot is scary good” from Axios “Real ID Dea...

Why women are gaining more jobs than men

Today, we’re doing the numbers on the latest national jobs report. Women got the majority of jobs gained in November. We’ll explain why this isn’t a total win. Plus, Iowa traditionally holds the first Democratic caucus, making the state superinfluential during election seasons. But that’s all about to change. And, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: “DNC moves forward with dramatic change to presidential primary calendar” from Politico Twee...

Dude, where’s my EV charging station?

idespread access to charging stations is key to getting drivers to go electric. But the businesses who can build those stations still aren’t sure how they’ll make money. Today, we’ll discuss the EV charging station dilemma. Plus, we’ll highlight an investigation into the failures of Florida’s foster care system. And, tell you about the women making history at the men’s World Cup. Then, Kimberly defends her status as a Midwesterner. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Why America Doe...

Why was so much money sitting in FTX?

When the former cryptocurrency exchange FTX went under, billions of dollars in investments seemingly vanished. A listener asked us why FTX customers didn’t move money to a wallet. We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about what happens when your company goes public and who benefits when you make a charitable donation at the grocery store checkout lane. Also, where do political campaign signs end up when the election’s over? Here’s everything we talked about today: “What Are...

Tech layoffs: The Great Correction?

Amazon. Meta. Twitter. A lot of tech companies are letting workers go. According to one estimate, nearly 140,000 have been laid off in the industry this year. And while that’s small compared to job losses during the dot-com bust, the vibes are not great. On the show today, Rucha Vankudre, a senior economist at labor analysis firm Lightcast, walks us through what’s driving the latest layoffs across the tech industry and what it all might mean for the U.S. economy. Is it a sign of things to ...

China is at a COVID-19 crossroads

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s strict zero-COVID policies have kept the virus at bay, but public frustration with lockdowns and a stunted economy are coming to a boil. We’ll discuss what recent mass protests could mean for the Chinese economy. Plus, who gets to access public lands in the United States? A navigation app is revealing how much public land is blocked by privately owned land. And, how artificial intelligence could help us connect with our inner child. Here’s everything we talke...

Is globalization a myth?

There’s lots of debate over globalization. Some experts believe globalization is dying. Others say it’s going through a reboot. And some think the free flow of goods across borders is evolving into something else. But what if we never really globalized to begin with? On the show today, Shannon O’Neil, author of “The Globalization Myth,” breaks down what we got wrong about globalization and what it means for the future of the U.S. economy. In the News Fix, how inflation is affecting the c...

The FTX meltdown is a cautionary tale

FTX customers fear they’ll never get their money back from the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange. They’re not wrong to worry. Could this further erode consumers’ trust in the financial system? Plus, mourners are grieving the victims of a deadly mass shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Meanwhile, in Qatar, anti-LGBTQ rules are already being tested at the 2022 World Cup. Then, Kimberly makes us smile with a story about ice-skating and perseverance. Here’s everything ...

The big quit: teachers’ edition

At the start of the year, a survey from the National Education Association revealed that more than 50% of teachers were thinking about leaving their jobs. And now teachers are quitting en masse. We’ll discuss what this could mean for classrooms nationwide. Also, the case of disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes is coming to a close. Plus, the moral quandary of World Cup 2022. And, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Empty Classrooms,...

FTX-bomb

FTX, the recently imploded cryptocurrency exchange, has filed for bankruptcy. The new CEO said he’s never seen corporate mismanagement quite like this. We’ll unpack new revelations about what went wrong from the company’s bankruptcy filings. Plus, we’ll look back on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s legacy. And, Kai and Kimberly stan Lizzo! Here’s everything we talked about today: Editorial: “Nancy Pelosi has been a trailblazer. The U.S. is better for her leadership” from The Los Angeles Times...

Should we care about political polls?

Every election season, headlines speculate about which political polls got it right and how others got it so wrong. A listener called in to ask if they even matter. We’ll get into it and answer  questions about whether the 2017 tax cuts set us up for inflation and state lawmakers’ surprisingly low wages. Plus, how are individual shareholders affected when companies like Twitter go from public to private? Here’s everything we talked about today: “Reporting on Asian Americans’ views is a ch...

Unpacking Mastodon

Since Elon Musk bought Twitter, over a million people (including Kai and Kimberly) have joined Mastodon, a decentralized social media network. On the show today, Robert Gehl, professor of communications and media studies at York University in Toronto, explains the ins and outs of Mastodon and decentralized social media and what it means for our public discourse. In the News Fix, we’ll talk about why mortgage rates are so darn high (it’s not all because of rising interest rates) and the fut...

Are U.S.-China relations thawing?

For the first time since the start of the pandemic, the leaders of the two most powerful countries in the world met face to face, on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit today. We’ll talk about why this IRL meeting matters and what the future of U.S.-China relations could mean for the global economy. Plus, there are signs the Federal Reserve is getting ready to slow its roll on interest rate hikes. And, Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams talk missions to the moon, past and present! Here’s everythi...

It’s time to talk about climate reparations

Rich countries, like the United States, are the biggest emitters of gases that drive climate change. Should they pay developing countries for climate damage? Kai and guest host Andy Uhler recap the COP27 summit and the debate over climate reparations. Plus, NASA thought it had collected all the artifacts from the 1986 space shuttle Challenger disaster, until now. And, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: “About Biden’s climate pit stop” from...

Crypto world is reeling

Earlier this week, we told you about two cryptocurrency giants joining forces. Well, that deal fell apart, and now a major crypto exchange is in big trouble. Kimberly and guest host Andy Uhler talk about the fallout from FTX’s collapse. Plus, we’ll check in on El Salvador’s bitcoin investments. Then, the hosts’ attempt to make us smile fails, but they later redeem themselves. Here’s everything we talked about today: Opinion | Brittney Griner moves to a Russian penal colony. Biden has no g...

What’s the deal with Twitter Blue?

You can now pay to get verified on Twitter (without actually verifying your identity). What does this mean for misinformation on the app? We’ll discuss. Plus, Kai Ryssdal explains why he joined Mastodon, the Twitter alternative. And we’ll answer more of your questions about inflation, the future of sports broadcasting and California’s sky-high gas prices. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Why eBay Wins From Supply Chain Woes” from The Motley Fool “Twitter Is Said to Delay Changes...

The rise of outside money in local school board elections

School board races have become some of the most contentious elections of the 2022 midterms. These used to be mostly local affairs, with candidates typically raising less than $1,000 from friends and family. But now it’s not uncommon for big national political action committees to sink tens of thousands into a single race. It’s a trend that goes back more than a decade and has been supercharged by culture war issues and the pandemic. Today, we talk with Rebecca Jacobsen, a professor of educ...

Elon Musk’s Twitter troubles

Twitter is supposed to be the digital version of the public square. But what happens when the richest person in the world buys it and tells you how to vote? We’ll talk about why that’s troubling and whether Twitter is turning into the next Truth Social. Plus, young Latinas in Texas are using their quinceañeras to get their communities to the polls. And, after years of complaints, Airbnb is finally doing something about those pesky hidden fees. Here’s everything we talked about today: Twee...

Oil industry: Help wanted

If you’re looking for a job in the oil and gas industry, chances are it’s yours. The jobless rate for the U.S. oil industry is at a historic low, and producers are scrambling for workers. We’ll explain what this means for President Joe Biden’s plan to ramp production and bring down gasoline prices. Plus, new revelations about Russian atrocities in Ukraine. On a lighter note, we’ll also play a round of Half Full/Half Empty! And, guest host Andy Uhler’s dog makes a surprise appearance. Here’...

Brands are breaking up with Twitter

Companies like Audi and General Mills are temporarily pulling their ads from Twitter. They’re not fans of Elon Musk’s ideas for more relaxed content moderation policies on the platform. We’ll talk about what that might mean for the future of the company. Plus, Kimberly Adams talks about the new social media sites she’s checking out in case Twitter goes off the rails. And, Daylight Saving or standard time? Here’s everything we talked about today: “U.S. Congress split on making daylight-sav...

With less than a week until Election Day, do political donations still matter?

Political candidates are always asking for money. A listener called in to ask if donating actually makes a difference so close to Election Day and what happens to donations that go unspent after Tuesday. We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and why fines might not keep Meta from breaking campaign finance laws. Plus, Kai and Kimberly fill us in on what they look for when they’re car (or motorcycle) shopping. Here’s everything we talked abo...

We’re (still) not in a recession. Right?

Spoiler alert: We’re not in a recession. But maybe one is on the way. That debate reignited last week after the yield curve inverted, again. As we’ve talked about on the show, inverted yield curves can be a warning sign. “A lot of this is psychological. It’s a lot about what you think is going on, not necessarily what is going on,” said Todd Knoop, professor of economics at Cornell College and author of “Business Cycle Economics: Understanding Recessions and Depressions From Boom to Bust....

Scared that affirmative action might go away?

The Supreme Court is hearing two cases on affirmative action in higher education. We’ll talk about what it means for race and diversity across society, from college campuses to corporate America. Plus, can haunted houses ease stress and anxiety? And, Kimberly gets in the Halloween spirit by sharing a few jokes and last-minute costume ideas. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Highlights: Supreme Court Hears Affirmative Action Cases From Harvard and U.N.C.” from The New York Times “...

Gambling on politics?

You can bet in Vegas. At the racetrack. On sports. But what if you could place a bet on the midterm elections? A government commission is weighing a startup’s proposal. We’ll explain. Also, President Joe Biden reacts to Exxon’s record-breaking profits. Plus, a round of Half Full/Half Empty! And, find out what listeners think about political candidates on TikTok. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Biden Chides Exxon CEO Over Investor Payouts as Profits Surge” from Bloomberg Tweet f...

The climate crisis vs. the energy crisis

The International Energy Agency says we’re experiencing the first global energy crisis. But the United Nations says we’re also falling way short of meeting our climate goals and need to do more to reduce our demand for fossil fuels. We’ll talk about a pair of reports and what they mean for the clean energy economy. Plus, will Twitter become a free-for-all hellscape? And guest host Andy Uhler and Kai make a bet. Here’s everything we talked about today: World Energy Outlook 2022 – Analysis ...

Political ads can lie to you

After last week’s discussion about political advertising, a listener wrote in to ask how candidates get away with putting misleading info or even complete lies on the air. The answer is at the top of the Bill of Rights. We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about the Kroger-Albertsons merger, “normal” recessions and dollar-slice pizza joints. Here are links to everything we talked about today: “Worried about an economic downturn? Here’s what you can expect in a typical reces...

Is Miami’s housing market ignoring the climate crisis?

Today, we’re bringing you an episode from “How We Survive”, Marketplace’s podcast about solutions to climate change. Hosted by Marketplace senior correspondent (and occasional “Make Me Smart” host) Amy Scott, this season of “How We Survive” is all about how we will (or won’t) adapt to rising waters. The team headed to Miami, Florida, which is now considered one of the most vulnerable coastal cities in the world. But you’d never know that by looking at the local housing market. Florida’s ec...

Consequences for Kanye West

It’s a tough day to be reading the news. We’ll discuss the consequences of Kanye West’s antisemitic hate speech, including racist protests in Los Angeles and reactions from some of his corporate partners. We’ll also talk about a personal connection to today’s school shooting in St. Louis. Then, we’ll try to pivot to a Make Me Smile with a not-so-friendly neighborhood clown and a data dive into bugs on your windshield. And Kimberly reveals an unplanned answer to the Make Me Smart question (w...

Are we SURE about these Elon Musk deals?

Elon Musk’s business dealings come with some pretty important international implications. And officials in the U.S. are wondering if those deals should be subject to review for national security concerns. We’ll discuss. Plus, a huge research gap in the medical field negatively impacts about half the world. We’ll talk about some of the repercussions of the lack of medical study on the clitoris. And, a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Half the world h...

Corporate profits, we see you

U.S. Rep. Katie Porter is pulling out her famous charts. This time it’s to argue that corporate greed is driving inflation. We’ll explain why this debate isn’t settled. Plus, Liz Truss’ time as the United Kingdom’s prime minister comes to an abrupt end. And, why is lettuce all over our feeds? Here’s everything we talked about today: “Katie Porter pulls out chart at hearing to show corporate greed is the “biggest driver of inflation” from Salon “Corporate profits have contributed dispropo...

Can spending billions on political ads actually win elections?

By Election Day, campaigns and PACs will spend an estimated $9.7 billion on ads. One of our listeners wants to know: Does flooding the airwaves even move the needle? Where’s the saturation point? We’ll do our best to answer on this Whaddaya Wanna Know Wednesday. Plus, your questions about student loan forgiveness, the poverty line and regional Halloween traditions. Here are links to what we talked about today: “Social Security recipients to get their biggest cost-of-living raise in over 4...

Health care is going hybrid

Telemedicine exploded at the start of the pandemic, for all the obvious reasons. Doctor visits went virtual and lots of companies, including Walmart, started going all-in on telehealth. But usage has slowed and remained flat over the last year as some patients go back to in-person appointments. Some waivers that allowed physicians to practice across state lines have expired too. So is telehealth at a crossroads? Not exactly, said Dr. Aditi Joshi, who has been in the telehealth industry f...

The surprising factors that affect who gets to live where

There’s a lot that determines the cost of housing. And it goes beyond market forces like supply and demand. Kimberly Adams and guest host Janet Nguyen talk about the unexpected ingredients that are playing a role in housing prices and how they affect where people get to live. Plus, now that Fat Bear Week is over, meet the world’s chunkiest parrot! Here’s everything we talked about today: “ProPublica investigation: Rent Going Up? One Company’s Algorithm Could Be Why.” from ProPublica “Flo...

This isn’t your run of the mill grocery store merger

One of the largest supermarket chains in the country wants to eat its competition. Today, Kroger announced a deal to buy Albertsons. Guest host Sabri Ben-Achour talks about what it might mean for your grocery bill and the food delivery industry. Plus, what we know about Germany’s decision to buy natural gas from Russia months before the invasion of Ukraine. And we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Germany Saw No Risk in Russian Gas, Declass...