Marketplace All-in-One

Gas prices will probably go up this summer

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 22:25:00 +0000

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but all three economists we asked say gas prices are due for another hike this summer. The war in Iran continues to drain oil reserves in the U.S. and abroad, and eventually prices will have to match growing supply-demand tension. (Yes, that’s even if the war ends today.) Also in this episode: Bond investors expect inflation to stick around for a while, a trio of upcoming IPOs will barely put a dent in total market cap, and Kansas City short-term rental demand disappoints as World Cup kicks off.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

What will the World Cup's impact look like for host cities?

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 14:30:00 +0000

Today, “Marketplace Morning Report” host Kimberly Adams talks with Marketplace’s Henry Epp about his reporting on the tournament. High ticket prices are making it an expensive endeavor for fans, and those in host cities — like Kansas City — aren’t seeing the boon they may have expected from increased economic activity. But first, Adams is joined by Marketplace’s Nova Safo to discuss Visa, which says it integrated its payments network into ChatGPT to allow autonomous agents to shop for you.

The screwworm's return is affecting more than just cattle

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

This morning, we’re taking a look at screwworms — little flies that’ll essentially eat an animal alive if untreated. When cases started spreading in Mexico in late 2024, the U.S. mostly banned the import of live animals. Now, Mexico is responding in kind, with the most visible impact being to the horse industry. Later in the show, “Marketplace Morning Report” host Kimberly Adams will unpack how, in Alabama, rural communities and healthcare systems are taking funding issues into their own hands.

Can humans and AI complement each other?

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Should you learn prompt engineering, or maybe a physical trade? There's almost no skill that AI won't eventually surpass, according to neuroscientist Vivienne Ming.

In her new book, "Robot-Proof: When Machines Have All the Answers, Build Better People," she argues humans still have qualities AI can't replicate, like curiosity, social intelligence and a sense of inner purpose. And honing those makes us better partners to AI.

Ming has found in experiments that the most capable form of intelligence is neither human nor AI on its own, but both working together in ways that play to each of their strengths. She calls this the Cyborg model.

The secret lives of romance scammers

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Unfortunately, a lot of us know someone who has been scammed… but how many scammers do you know?

After reporter Carlos Barragán’s mother fell victim to an online romance scam, he traveled to Lagos, Nigeria, to investigate the world of “Yahoo Boys,” as Nigerian scammers call themselves. He spent years getting to know these young men, earning their trust and reporting the most intimate details of their lives.

This week, Carlos joins Reema to talk about his new book, “Yahoo Boys: Love, Deception, and the Real Lives of Nigeria's Romance Scammers,” and the complicated story he discovered about the social and economic forces that push people into these crimes. Plus, how loneliness is key to the scam… on both sides!

Here is our Spotify playlist of all the stories about scams and scammers that we’ve had on the show.

If you like this episode, share it with a friend! And let us know what you think by calling 347-RING-TIU or emailing uncomfortable@marketplace.org

If you want to answer our “Uncomfortable Questions” see more info here.

Support “This Is Uncomfortable” with your donation today: https://bit.ly/mkp_tiu_pod

May CPI: glass half-empty, glass half-full

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 22:35:00 +0000

The May CPI report dropped Wednesday and it’s a doozy: Inflation rose 4.2% over the last 12 months. This means wallet pressure is bearing down on consumers, as wage growth lags behind price growth. On the other hand, the CPI report includes signals that inflation may have reached its peak. In this episode, an optimist’s and pessimist’s reading of the latest inflation data. Plus: Slowing immigration will have long-term effects on the U.S. economy, and summer camps shift to accommodate anxious teens.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

How the war in the Middle East is impacting inflation

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:45:00 +0000

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the consumer price index for May this morning, with some bad news for consumers. Headline inflation soared over 4% for the first time in three years, driven in part by higher energy prices caused by the war in the Middle East. The question remains of how much higher oil prices will continue to seep into other areas of the economy. Also on today’s show is a look at how index fund providers could react to SpaceX’s upcoming IPO.

Medicare reimbursements are a hurdle for Alabama hospitals

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:30:00 +0000

This week, “Marketplace Morning Report” host Kimberly Adams has been in Thomasville, Alabama as part of our series examining the economic challenges facing rural health care. This morning, we’ll look at how low wages in Alabama can mean low Medicare reimbursement rates — shaping how much doctors and nurses get paid, and how much money hospitals and clinics can make. But first, we’ll cover how solar power use in the U.S. is hitting new milestones amid energy price fluctuations.

Introducing "The Midnight Rebellion": which climate path would you take?

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Hey Million Bazillionaires, we're dropping into your feeds again this week to tackle a different kind of question: can we actually change course on climate change? That question is at the heart of a new podcast for kids and families from our friends at WBUR. “The Midnight Rebellion” is a pick-your-own-path podcast set 100 years in the future, where the stakes are nothing less than the planet itself. It's fiction rooted in real science. Each episode ends with a choice. YOU decide what’s next. Choose wisely.

And if you liked what you heard, listen to the rest and follow “The Midnight Rebellion” wherever you get your podcasts.

Have a question you want Million Bazillion to answer? Send it to us! And join us next week for our season finale episode all about pennies.

A climate change solution from science fiction

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Earth keeps getting hotter. And despite some efforts to slow planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions, they're still rising, leaving a lot of people hungry for alternative climate solutions. One idea: reflect sunlight away from Earth. Amy Scott, host of the Marketplace climate podcast, “How We Survive,” looked into one out-there proposal to do just that, and whether it could one day become a reality.

Make It Rain

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Can a technology used for war help prevent an environmental catastrophe in the making?

Cloud seeding is a technique where particles, usually silver iodide, gets dispersed into clouds to help generate more rain or snow and it’s been around for 80 years. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. used cloud seeding in a top secret mission called Operation Popeye, to prolong the monsoon season in Vietnam. It’s since been deployed by state governments and private companies to bring more water to arid places. The only problem? It was hard to verify just how well it worked, which meant it was hard to make any money doing it. Until now.

We tag along with a team of cloud seeders in Utah as they race to try to save the Great Salt Lake, and build a rainmaking empire.

Why did BoA tell investors to "take profits"?

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 22:35:00 +0000

Bank of America advised investors late last week that too many red flags pointed to a market peak, and that it was time to “take profits.” In plain English? The stock market could see a downward turn soon, so it may be time to sell. In this episode, why tell investors to sell? Plus: Ongoing war in Iran strengthens oil and gas outlooks, we check in on foreign trade zones operating under new Trump-era rules, and packaged food brands face myriad potential headwinds.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

A hospital saved her son. What happens now that it's closed?

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:41:00 +0000

We heard earlier about the closure of a hospital in Thomasville, Alabama, as part of our series chronicling the economic crisis that rural hospitals are facing. Now, “Marketplace Morning Report” host Kimberly Adams speaks with the director of Thomasville’s public library about the critical role the hospital played during a personal emergency and where community members turn now that it’s closed. But first, we’ll check on how small businesses feel about inflation and find out how SpaceX’s initial public offering could affect the rest of the market.

When the only hospital in town closes

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:05:00 +0000

Yesterday, as part of our series examining the economic challenges facing rural health care, "Marketplace Morning Report" host Kimberly Adams visited Thomasville, a town of 3,500 people in southwestern Alabama. Today, we'll learn from town residents what happens to a community — and its local economy — when addressing certain healthcare needs also means a multi-hour drive. But first, what would a government-controlled sovereign wealth fund that invests in AI look like?

When AI fabricates your quotes

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

File this under the definition of irony: last month, The New York Times reported that a high-profile new book, "The Future of Truth: How AI reshapes reality," includes several quotes that appear to be made up or misattributed. Author Steven Rosenbaum acknowledged he'd used AI in the writing process.

One of the quotes came, allegedly, from a book by data journalist and NYU professor Meredith Broussard. It was a critique of trusting algorithms to make decisions in medicine.

Here at “Marketplace Tech,” we have an unexpected connection to this story. We called up Broussard to discuss it.

What’s the difference between capitalism, socialism, and communism?

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Bridget and Ryan are having their lunch break at a Chinese restaurant when they run into “Million Bazillion” listener Daphne with a big question: What’s the difference between capitalism, socialism, and communism? Turns out, each system was born out of people’s attempts to build a better society, but they have very different ideas about the role the government should play in our money lives. As the duo work their way through these "isms," they explore the problems that each system tries to solve and the tradeoffs that come with it.

Fed eyes sluggish wage growth

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 22:25:00 +0000

Averages wages grew 3.4% year over year, but at the same time, inflation as measured by the consumer price index, has been eating away at those gains. Workers don’t want to lose purchasing power — rising inflation will feel like a pay cut — but the Fed may see things a bit differently. Plus: Home cooks are a bright spot in Campbell’s soup sales, the owner of Vimeo, AOL, and WeTransfer files for an IPO, and a former diplomat rehabs old movie theaters.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Oil markets scramble after new strikes in the Middle East

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:15:00 +0000

Oil prices are still heading up this morning, but a bit more slowly after tensions in the Middle East appear to be easing. Earlier today, Israel and Iran attacked each other for the first time since the ceasefire in April. What’s behind these rising oil prices, and why are traders bidding up crude? Also in the show: a preview of May inflation data and encouragement to work from home in World Cup host cities.

What the rural healthcare crisis looks like in Alabama

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:35:00 +0000

There are about 700 hospitals at risk of closure across rural communities in the U.S. Financial headwinds are mounting, with disappearing federal subsidies and cuts to Medicaid. Alabama is a state familiar with hospital closures and at risk for more. This morning, host Kimberly Adams visits Thomasville Regional Medical Center, a hospital that looks frozen in time but has been closed for almost two years, to learn what happens to a community's economy and access to healthcare when vital resources disappear.

The Take It Down Act is in full effect. Now what?

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Enforcement of the Take It Down Act began last month. If tech firms don’t comply and take down non-consensual intimate images — AI-generated or not — within 48 hours of being notified, they face financial and criminal penalties.

Lauren Feiner is a senior policy reporter at The Verge, who’s been writing about the law. She walked us through how platforms have been responding.

It's not just you — healthcare deductibles are ballooning

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 22:15:00 +0000

Growing health insurance premiums, particularly for plans on the Affordable Care Act marketplace, have been in the headlines as cuts to Medicaid roll out nationwide. But healthcare deductibles are also growing — and with them, the group of Americans who have insurance but can’t afford to use it. Also in this episode: The hospitality industry adds jobs in May, a jeweler in California mines his own gold, and we recap the week’s economic headlines.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

A blockbuster jobs report

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:05:00 +0000

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its May jobs report earlier this morning. The economy created 172,000 jobs last month. The unemployment rate stayed at 4.3%, and the April number was revised up by 64,000 jobs. Who's doing all this hiring? Also on the program, global food prices stabilized last month, but we're not out of the woods yet. And we'll check in on the momentum of the $100 billion wedding industry.

Should you buy SpaceX, Open AI, or Anthropic stock at IPO?

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:05:00 +0000

SpaceX is expected to go public next week in what could be the biggest initial public offering ever. Anthropic has also filed for an IPO, likely later this year; OpenAI is moving in that direction, too. With all the hype around these companies, should retail investors — or regular people, for that matter — get in on these IPOs? We do the numbers so you don't have to. Plus, migrant workers in Italy are organizing for better conditions, and Anthropic wants coordinated plans for slowing AI development.

SpaceX is reportedly overvalued ahead of its IPO

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

SpaceX is targeting a $1.77 trillion valuation, but some analysts think it's worth half that. Plus, Florida sues OpenAI — the first state to take legal action against an AI company.

But first, President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week, similar to the one he called off last month, asking AI companies to give the government a first look at advanced models that could have national security implications. It comes after models like Anthropic's Mythos have raised cybersecurity concerns for reportedly being too good at finding and exploiting software vulnerabilities.

Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Liz Lopatto, senior reporter at The Verge, to learn more.

Everything we talked about:

“PROMOTING ADVANCED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INNOVATION AND SECURITY” from the White House

“Trump Signs Executive Order Seeking Oversight of A.I. Models” from The New York Times

“SpaceX: What Investors Need to Know About Its Enormous Upcoming IPO” from Morningstar

“SpaceX is worth less than half of its $1.75 trillion IPO target, Morningstar says” from CNBC

“Attorney General James Uthmeier Files First-in-the-Nation State-Led Lawsuit Against OpenAI, CEO Sam Altman for Deceptive Practices and Harms to Floridians” from Florida’s Attorney General

“OpenAI Sued by Florida’s Attorney General Over AI Harms” from The Wall Street Journal

U.S. oil inventories fall to a 22-year low

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 22:35:00 +0000

Oil inventories have fallen drastically since President Trump launched the war against Iran. But it’s not because we’re suddenly using more fuel. Instead, the U.S. is exporting much more oil than usual — to places that can’t get enough with the Strait of Hormuz blocked. All this will have knock-on effects for oil prices in the U.S. for months to come. Plus: Investors want to yank more money from private credit firms, your social media algorithim is likely full of “stealth ads,” and we visit the elk antler market in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

A different kind of launch for SpaceX

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:10:00 +0000

SpaceX is set to go public next Friday. If all goes according to plan, the company is seeking a valuation of nearly $2 trillion. That would be the biggest initial public offering on record, and it would make CEO Elon Musk the world's first trillionaire. We'll learn more. Then, as part of Marketplace's "What's That Like?" series, we head to Zigong, China, to learn what it takes to be a master lantern artisan.

Wanting full-time, only finding part-time

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:45:00 +0000

The jobs report comes out tomorrow. One of the stats in the report that's been rising is the number of people working “part-time for economic reasons.” That’s BLS-speak for workers who would like to be full-time but have had their hours cut or haven’t been able to find full-time jobs. Today, we'll hear from some of those workers and what it means for the overall job market. Also: construction jobs in the Mountain West and red warning signs in the Fed's Beige Book.

Maryland's plan for the AI future

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

When a store offers different shoppers different prices depending on factors like the weather, the time of day, and what the store knows about each buyer, it’s called dynamic pricing.

This spring, Maryland, became the first state to ban this practice in grocery stores. The state’s governor Wes Moore proposed the law.

Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Gov. Moore at the statehouse in Annapolis about why he wanted this ban, his administration’s plans to train the state’s workforce for a future AI economy, and more.

Is it time for a new career?

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Lots of us have dreamed about taking on a completely different career, but how do you actually make the leap? This week, Reema visits a cohort of people pivoting to the trades in North Carolina and speaks with career coach Phoebe Gavin to get her tips on making a successful pivot.

If you liked this episode, share it with a friend. And let us know what you think by emailing uncomfortable@marketplace.org or calling 347-RING-TIU.

If you want to answer our “Uncomfortable Questions” see more info here.

Support This Is Uncomfortable with your donation today: https://bit.ly/mkp_tiu_pod

Small businesses (finally) get to hiring

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:25:00 +0000

For a while now, we’ve talked to small business owners who say they want to hire more employees, but aren’t in a financial position to do it, can’t find qualified applicants, or are too concerned about the economy to make the jump. But two new reports show small business hiring picked up this spring. In this episode, whether that’s a blip or the start of a positive trend. Plus: An AI prescription renewal tool is launched in Utah, Macy’s tries to turn things around, and we visit a river in the Pacific Northwest with two aging bridges at risk of collapse.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Novel Solutions

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Talk to enough experts about geoengineering and the conversation eventually turns to termination shock. That’s the idea that if we were to start cooling the planet and then suddenly stop, the resulting “shock” of heat could be catastrophic. It’s also the title of a novel by bestselling sci-fi writer Neal Stephenson, who explores the science, politics, and unintended consequences of trying to engineer the earth’s climate.

In this episode, we sit down with Stephenson to talk about what sci-fi can teach us about real-world climate solutions. But first: a climate idea so ambitious it sounds like it came straight from the pages of science fiction.

Let's do the (trimmed) numbers

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:50:00 +0000

The Federal Reserve has long relied on the PCE as its preferred measure of inflation. But there's another inflation yardstick known as the trimmed mean, which tries to smooth out big inflation bumps. Last week, the Dallas Fed's trimmed mean came in at 2.3% — lower than the PCE and much closer to the Fed's 2% target. What accounts for the difference, and why does it matter? Then, we hear how 48 "base camp" venues are preparing to host World Cup athletes.

More tariff whiplash

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:35:00 +0000

A day after lowering tariffs on some agricultural and manufacturing machinery, the Trump administration is proposing new tariffs on 60 countries, including major trading partners. President Donald Trump has been seeking to rebuild its global tariffs after the Supreme Court struck down many in February. Then, we'll dig into Big Tech's spending spree on AI infrastructure. And after, figure skating is having its biggest moment in decades. Can it last?

AI bots are collecting debts — or at least trying to

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

If you have a debt, you may get a call, a letter or a text prodding you to pay it back. Now, that call could come from an AI agent.

The AI debt collection market is expected to reach $16 billion by 2034, according to the Kaplan Group. Kate Nibbs of Wired has been reporting on this and said these bots are not as effective at getting people to pay back the money they owe.

What happens when we lose healthcare coverage

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 22:35:00 +0000

Massive Medicaid cuts, including new work requirements, are rolling out across the country. Trouble filing paperwork will be one reason qualifying Americans lose their coverage. In this episode, what history tells us about cutting Medicaid funding. Plus: Personal incomes are falling, consumers are prioritizing value over luxury, and we explain incoming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s preferred inflation measure.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Inside a massive 24-hour braiding salon

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:20:00 +0000

At Nadine’s Hair Braiding, located in suburban Maryland, customers can walk in at 2 p.m. or 2 a.m. and find a stylist. The 10,000-square-foot salon operates with roughly 400 braiders working as independent contractors and serves hundreds of clients a day. Today, we're visiting the salon to learn about the challenges — and successes — of running such a huge operation. Also: why President Trump is reducing tariffs on certain large machinery, and how remote work could be sidelining younger workers.

What it's like on the ground in Cuba right now

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:17:00 +0000

It’s been about four months since President Donald Trump threatened sanctions against countries supplying much-needed oil to Cuba. The country's economy is already struggling with shortages, inflation, rolling blackouts, and the longstanding U.S. embargo. This morning, we'll hear from a sociologist and retired professor at the University of Havana who's lived through nearly every major chapter of Cuba’s modern economy — from the rise of Fidel Castro to the current economic crisis. But first, there's a modern gold rush (but this time for uranium).

How do athletes get paid?

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Today, we’re resharing an episode from our archive that feels especially relevant as the World Cup men’s soccer tournament kicks off next week! “Million Bazillion” listener Alistair wants to know how professional athletes get paid. It’s perfect timing for the question as Bridget and Ryan prepare for the semi-annual Public Radio Foosball Tournament. They scramble to assemble their dream team on a limited budget, while learning the reasons why big teams pay big bucks to the players who bring in big wins.

Wall Street sets its sights on an AI futures market

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

There is growing demand for time with GPUs, the chips that power artificial intelligence. AI companies need those chips in order to keep their models up and running. And to do that, they can reserve time with a GPU.

Now, there’s interest from Wall Street in creating a futures market for this AI compute time, essentially treating it like a commodity.

Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Liz Hoffman, business and finance editor at Semafor and host of the “Compound Interest” podcast, who recently wrote about this.

What's sector growth without job growth?

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 22:35:00 +0000

Manufacturing production, new orders, imports, and exports were all up in May, according to the latest PMI report. The only piece of the manufacturing business that didn’t grow was the labor force — payrolls contracted for the 32nd month in a row. In this episode, how much can a sector grow without hiring more humans? Plus: Dollar stores dip into delivery, college campuses turn into robot training grounds, and new jobs data will tell us whether inflation growth keeps outpacing wage growth.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

The Fed's credibility is a "priceless asset"

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:50:00 +0000

Former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell accepted the Profile in Courage award last night. Today, we'll delve into the role of the central bank, its current controversies, and signals from new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh. Then, there's another potential wrinkle in the tariff refund process. And later, who’s underrepresented when it comes to shaping AI policy? A new mapping tool aims to boost transparency over the future of AI.

The state of the dollar store

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:40:00 +0000

Dollar General reports earnings tomorrow. The company already saw its stock jump last week after one of its rivals, Dollar Tree, reported a great first quarter. This hints at a growing demand for deals from consumers across the income spectrum who are feeling pinched by inflation. Then, we chat with the creators of an interactive map, which shows users the different companies and people who are shaping AI regulation across the U.S.

What happened to alternative energy investments from the 1970s?

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The price of oil has gone up significantly since late February, when the US invaded Iran. And when oil prices see a crazy rise, it makes other sources of energy look more attractive. But we’ve been here before - back in the 1970s, oil prices skyrocketed, and people started to turn to alternative or renewable energy sources. But, for a few reasons, it didn’t stick. Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes explores why.

The hourly vs. salary wage gap

Fri, 29 May 2026 22:15:00 +0000

Hourly wages went up 1.7% over the past year, according to Indeed Hiring Lab. Salaried wages went up 2.9%, reversing a 2022 trend in which hourly raises outpaced salary raises. Still, there’s one thing all workers have in common: Neither group kept pace with inflation. Also in this episode: Oil futures tell us where fuel prices are headed, convenience stores transcend utility, and a travel nurse tells us about life on the road.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

From "How We Survive": How to Dim the Sun

Fri, 29 May 2026 19:41:00 +0000

Could dimming the sun be the key to cooling things down before the climate crisis worsens? Some scientists say yes, that we can cool the earth by launching tons of sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere. It’s a type of solar geoengineering that was once seen as preposterous, meant to exist only in the pages of a sci-fi novel. But now, it’s a reality.

To find out for ourselves, we travel to Northern California where two entrepreneurs are launching sulfur-filled balloons from the top of stacked shipping containers. Later, we talk with scientists on both sides of this issue to find out if solar geoengineering could help prevent catastrophic tipping points or introduce a whole new slew of cascading consequences.

Cheaper EVs are on the way

Fri, 29 May 2026 15:10:00 +0000

The Jeff Bezos-backed Slate is a super bare-bones EV that can be configured as an SUV or pickup with starting costs in the mid-$20,000s. Chevrolet, Nissan, Toyota, and Subaru presently offer fully electric models in the $30,000 and $35,000 range, and Ford plans on launching a lower-cost electric truck next year, too. Today, we dig into the growing competition for cheaper electric cars. Also on the show: a check-in on consumer savings and market movements.

"Just me, myself, and I with the same bills"

Fri, 29 May 2026 11:50:00 +0000

More than a third of all Americans think they’ll lack enough savings to retire, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute. For some, one solution to financial precarity in retirement is going back to work, or unretiring. Today, we hear from a 74-year-old retiree who's back in the job market in order to make ends meet. But first, durable goods orders are a sign of strong growth in a sea of economic worry.

The great AI race to Wall Street

Fri, 29 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This week, rideshare drivers in Massachusetts unionize; plus, Robinhood lets AI agents trade on behalf its customers.

But first, there’ve been hints for a while that Anthropic, OpenAI and SpaceX are planning to go public in the near future. Last week, SpaceX filed its initial public offering prospectus, also known as an S1, which is meant to help investors understand the company’s business model, including the risks it faces. Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Paresh Dave, senior writer at WIRED, to learn more.

Check out our YouTube page to watch more episodes of “Tech Bytes.”

Everything we talked about today:

“Tech titans prepare for blockbuster IPOs in new front of AI race” from The Hill

“SpaceX Listed Grok’s ‘Spicy’ Mode as a Risk in Its IPO Filing” from Wired

“Your AI agent can now trade for you on Robinhood. And buy stuff with your credit card too” from CNBC

“Rideshare drivers union in Mass. says it's the 1st to be recognized in the U.S.” NBC Boston

"Running out of that buffer"

Thu, 28 May 2026 22:35:00 +0000

The personal savings rate fell to just 2.6% in April — a low not seen since June 2022, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. That means Americans have, on average, less cash leftover at the end of the month. Gas and grocery price inflation are partially to blame. Also in this episode: Office real estate looks a little K-shaped, one city tries to relieve budget problems with trademarked merch, and Kai breaks down the April PCE report and Q1 GDP revision.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Inflation's heading in the wrong direction

Thu, 28 May 2026 14:20:00 +0000

Inflation's heating up and is well above the Federal Reserve's goal. The central bank's preferred reading on inflation came out this morning for April. Prices are up 3.8% from a year ago; it was 3.5% in March. What does that mean for the future of interest rates and the inflation consumers expect going forward? Then, we'll discuss how the war in Iran has added new pressure to an already strained farm economy.

A harsh economic reality for famers

Thu, 28 May 2026 11:30:00 +0000

Before war in the Middle East, roughly one-third of the world’s fertilizer shipped by sea moved through the Strait of Hormuz. In the last three months, fertilizer prices have climbed between 30% and 50%, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. It's yet another growing expense for farmers, and it comes at a time when more farms in the U.S. are closing or going bankrupt. But first: A new study finds racial bias in AI hiring tools.

Plug-in solar is gaining traction in the U.S.

Thu, 28 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Like the name suggests, plug-in solar panels can be plugged into an electrical outlet just like you would your toaster. But instead of using electricity, they send power back to be used elsewhere in the home.

In most of the country, plug-in solar is neither illegal nor legal. But energy policy consultant Bentham Polis, who's also a senior researcher with the Clean Energy States Alliance, says a growing number of states are passing laws to help spell out the rules around the technology.

Discussed in this episode:

Instagram video from The Garbage Queen

“How do plug-in solar panels work and how are they installed?” from The Independent

“What States Need to Know About Plug-In Solar” from Clean Energy States Alliance

What if there was only one currency in the whole world?

Thu, 28 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

We’ve talked a lot about how money works and why countries have their own currencies here on “Million Bazillion.” But listener Alessio wants to know: Why DOESN’T the whole world use the same money? And could the world’s nations all decide to just use one shared currency? In this bonus mini-episode, we’ll get some answers!

Money can make or break your relationship, from NPR’s "It’s Been a Minute"

Thu, 28 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Today, we’re featuring an episode of NPR’s “It’s Been A Minute.” Reema Khrais joins host Brittany Luse and Wailin Wong, host of NPR’s “The Indicator,” to talk about the hidden ways money shows up in dating and marriage.

And we’ve got a new “This Is Uncomfortable” project to share! You’ve heard Reema Khrais ask rapid-fire “uncomfortable money questions” on the show, where she asks guests to share details of their financial lives. Now we want to hear how you would answer! Send us a voice memo, and we may feature it on the show. This week, we kick things off off with listener Thistle from California.

Learn more here: https://www.marketplace.org/uncomfortablequestions

Follow This Is Uncomfortable on Instagram and Tiktok!

And support This Is Uncomfortable with your donation today: https://bit.ly/mkp_tiu_pod

If you liked this episode of NPR's “It’s Been A Minute,” you can follow their podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Four days a week you will get for more episodes like this, featuring deep dives into how culture impacts what you think, feel, and believe.

Inflation manifestation

Wed, 27 May 2026 22:35:00 +0000

Forget hard inflation data. Where do everyday Americans think our economy is headed? Well, one survey says consumers expect prices to rise 4.8% over the next year. And in a way, that might have jinxed us — expectations alone can raise actual prices. It’s the power of manifestation, baby! After that: Farmers face compounding hardships, a GDP revision will show the Iran war's economic impact, and environmental concerns spur a wool demand surge.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Should federal workers be bound by NDAs?

Wed, 27 May 2026 15:00:00 +0000

The Office of Personnel Management is proposing a strict new non-disclosure agreement for federal workers, which would bar them from disclosing “non-public, confidential, or proprietary information.” The Trump administration says a new agreement is needed to stop leaks to the press. A draft of the NDA is being published today. Then, from the latest season of Marketplace's "How We Survive," can we engineer nature to slow the climate crisis?

Younger consumers are stressed — but resilient

Wed, 27 May 2026 11:45:00 +0000

Consumers have grown increasingly worried about inflation, and many are delaying major purchases, according to J.D. Power. That's especially true for people under 40. In a survey, J.D. Power found that only about a third in that age group believe they can cover everyday expenses. We'll dig in. But first, Spotify has long invested in podcasts and audiobooks. Now, it wants you to listen to magazine articles on the platform, too.

Amid AI backlash, brands are emphasizing the human side of marketing

Wed, 27 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Public backlash to content generated by artificial intelligence has pushed brands to reconsider how AI is used in their marketing.

Some companies are swerving away from AI and finding ways to prove that their advertisements were made by humans.

One of those humans is Ash Xu, a commercial director and online content creator. Brands hire her to make a commercial plus a behind-the-scenes video about how the ad was made.

Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Xu to learn more.

How to Dim the Sun

Wed, 27 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Why gas costs more in California than Texas

Tue, 26 May 2026 22:25:00 +0000

As President Trump’s war in the Middle East continues, Americans continue to face higher fuel prices. But some have it worse than others. In this episode, we compare the situation at the pump in Texas, heart of the U.S. oil industry, and California, where air quality regulations make gas pricier. Plus: Wholesale clubs attract higher-income shoppers, fast fashion giant Shien acquires eco-conscious Everlane, and a new Chicago Fed report reveals strong manufacturers and shaky consumers.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Disillusioned and doomspending

Tue, 26 May 2026 15:05:00 +0000

Heard of "doomspending"? It refers to a feeling of hopelessness about your financial future and spending more freely now than you maybe should. From Marketplace's "This Is Uncomfortable," we dig into the self-defeating financial decisions we sometimes make — from splurging to regain a sense of control to not saving for retirement because it's hard to envision the future — and how to rethink those impulses. But first: new strikes in Iran but the same old market uncertainty.

So maybe no AI-induced job apocalypse?

Tue, 26 May 2026 12:17:00 +0000

At a recent conference, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman toned down his talk of mass worker displacement caused by AI. He said he thought AI would have had more of an impact on the elimination of white-collar jobs by now, adding that he’s “delighted to be wrong about this” and that there’s a “human part” of work that can’t be replaced. Also on the show: a preview of a Q1 GDP revision and the astronomical costs to attend this year's World Cup.

Startups are betting on a legalized peptide market

Tue, 26 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Peptides are short chains of amino acids. GLP-1 weight loss drugs are peptides. Insulin is one, too. And there are thousands of others. Now, people are seeking out peptides in the hope of better muscles, better skin, better memory, better…everything. Many of the peptides people wanna try are available for research use only but the Food and Drug Administration might change this. In July, the agency could decide to make about a dozen peptides more accessible by allowing pharmacies to compound and distribute them Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Zara Stone, tech culture reporter at The San Francisco Standard, to learn more.

How does a company buy another company?

Tue, 26 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

“Million Bazillion” listener Cora wants to know: How does a company buy another company? But before Bridget and Ryan can answer, Borpo, host of “Learning with Borpo” and CEO of a giant educational media empire, shows up with an offer to buy “Million Bazillion!” As the duo tries to figure out whether it’s a good deal or not, they’ll learn that buying (or selling) a company is more than just money on the table. It also involves intense negotiations, government regulations, and could change things for workers and customers.

The cost of SNAP restrictions

Mon, 25 May 2026 21:25:00 +0000

Convenience stores face new barriers to accepting SNAP dollars this year. A USDA rule aimed at providing healthier options mean some stores must choose between expanding their perishable offerings — which can be expensive — and accepting SNAP dollars at all. In this episode, we examine SNAP regulations from the perspective of businesses. Plus: Upcoming tech IPOs could shake up your retirement fund, first-time homebuyers keep getting older and Quince might set a new standard for retail business models.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

A different type of college counselor

Mon, 25 May 2026 14:30:00 +0000

Last month, four high school seniors participated in an experiment. A Stanford economist was given a list of colleges they were accepted to, what they were contemplating studying, their financial situations, and the aid packages they were offered. Then, she recommended the most economically sound college choice for each. Today, we'll delve into her choices and thinking. But first: why it would be crazy to think about cutting interest rates right now.

Worries about water out West

Mon, 25 May 2026 11:35:00 +0000

A new U.S. Department of the Interior report confirms what many already feared: The Colorado River system, which pumps out water to 40 million people in seven western states, is looking grim. It was already depleted from drought and a dry winter, but there’s now concern over hydropower and keeping taps flowing in Phoenix and Tucson. We'll dig in. Then, the number of Latino-owned businesses is growing at a fast pace.

How one company is using AI for improved wildfire risk mitigation

Mon, 25 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The wildfire risk mitigation company Technosylva helps utilities, insurers and government agencies predict where and when a fire could spark. It uses historical weather data to make those predictions and suggest changes to help prevent or mitigate a fire. For example, maybe moving a tree branch that's close to a power line so it doesn't fall and start a fire.

The company is nearly 30 years old, and Technosylva's chief executive, Bryan Spear, explains how the advent of AI has changed the work they do.

Services stall as manufacturing booms

Fri, 22 May 2026 22:15:00 +0000

S&P Global’s flash Purchasing Managers’ Index for May reflects “a tale of two economies.” Input costs increased across industries this month, and while manufacturers could keep up, the services sector faced softening demand. Also in this episode: Birdwatching brings tourist dollars to Northwest Ohio, an independent performance venue in Iowa gets creative to keep the lights on, and we discuss the week’s economic headlines.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

When an algorithm tells you how to do your job

Fri, 22 May 2026 14:30:00 +0000

HotSOS Housekeeping is an app that uses real-time data to help hotel housekeepers speed up room turnover. But the constant monitoring means the tracking of every move, which can add stress and discomfort for some workers. Today, we hear from two housekeepers — one who has union protections and one who doesn't — about how the algorithmic app has changed their worklives. But first, rising prices mean the central bank may flirt with interest rate hikes this year.

The cost of that Memorial Day travel

Fri, 22 May 2026 11:40:00 +0000

Memorial Day weekend is here, kicking off the summer travel season. More Americans are expected to hit the roads this year, but it comes at a time when gas prices are the highest they've been in four years — up about a $1.40 since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, and Iran effectively closed off the Strait of Hormuz. Also on this morning’s podcast: high-profile concert cancellations and a preview of consumer sentiment.

Google search gets an AI makeover

Fri, 22 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

On this week’s Marketplace Tech Bytes: Week in Review, we take a look at how college graduates do not wanna hear about AI. Plus, what we all learned from the Musk v. Open AI case.

But first, AI was unsurprisingly front and center at Google’s annual I/O developer conference. Among a suite of new AI products, Google said it updated its iconic search bar. Now, when searching in AI mode, the bar will expand as you ask a question. It will also provide suggestions about what you might wanna ask. Google says this is the biggest change to its search box since it debuted over 25 years ago. Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Anita Ramaswamy, a columnist at The Information, about how this could change how people experience the internet.

Check out our YouTube page to watch more episodes of “Tech Bytes.”

Why do some companies wait to IPO?

Thu, 21 May 2026 22:20:00 +0000

Elon Musk’s SpaceX just filed to go public, and OpenAI is expected to file in the fall. Both businesses have been around for over a decade — what was the hold up? In this episode, we explain the tradeoffs that come with an IPO. Plus: U.S. manufacturers struggle with climbing tungsten prices, Stellantis doubles down on affordable car models, and the authors of “How to Win a Trade War” make an optimistic case for our future global economy.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Big Tech's big IPOs

Thu, 21 May 2026 15:30:00 +0000

Some of the biggest names in tech are making moves to go public this week. SpaceX — Elon Musk’s rocket, social media, and AI company — filed for an initial public offering yesterday. And the Wall Street Journal reported that OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, could file for an IPO as soon as tomorrow. These companies have raised a lot of private capital over the years. Why go public now? Plus, the pharmaceutical industry is investing billions in finding exotic radioactive isotopes to treat cancers.

Call it the "Great Flattening"

Thu, 21 May 2026 11:55:00 +0000

About 8,000 Meta employees lost their jobs this week. The company is looking to offset its massive AI spending and “operate with a flatter structure." 'Flatness' has become a common refrain when tech companies shed jobs. It refers to the elimination of layers of middle-management roles, as AI agents take over some coordinating functions. Also on the show: Nvidia faces stiffer competition, and we learn about advancements in radiation cancer therapies.

AI's double-edged (cyber) sword

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Anthropic’s newest AI model, Mythos, is so good, the company says, at uncovering security vulnerabilities that it's too dangerous to release to the public. Anthropic shared a preview version with a select group to help patch the holes that Mythos finds.

But the prospect of a super-hacker AI system is still sending some business leaders into a panic. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino reports.

Everything's on fire, might as well get my nails done?

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Do you ever look at the world and think: everything is so uncertain, who knows if I’ll ever be able to retire … so I might as well get those concert tickets? Then you might be doomspending. Reema talks with The Financial Diet’s Chelsea Fagan and behavioral economist Judd Kessler about why we doomspend, and what we should do instead. Plus, producer Alice Wilder makes a confession.

If you liked this episode, share it with a friend. And let us know what you think by emailing uncomfortable@marketplace.org or calling 347-RING-TIU.

Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok! And support This Is Uncomfortable with your donation today: https://bit.ly/mkp_tiu_pod

Rising ACA premiums, falling enrollment: It's a vicious cycle

Wed, 20 May 2026 22:30:00 +0000

Affordable Care Act premiums are higher this year, after Congress declined to renew subsidies for the health insurance program. As a result, about a million fewer Americans enrolled for 2026 and even more are slated to drop by the year’s end. In this episode, why falling enrollment will raise premiums further. Plus: Bond yields hit record highs around the globe, businesses start to see tariff refunds ahead of schedule, and utility rates are about to get worse.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Why you should care about the global bond sell-off

Wed, 20 May 2026 15:05:00 +0000

Investors have been souring on bonds. To entice them back, bond yields have been rising. The yield on the 30-year bond yesterday hit 5.2%, the highest rate since 2007; 10-year yields are about as high as they've been in more than a year. Many people have exposure to bonds in their retirement accounts. Bond yields also impact the rates on mortgages and business loans. We'll explain. Then, Google's search revenue remains strong — thanks in large part to AI.

A longer — and more expensive — fire season

Wed, 20 May 2026 11:55:00 +0000

The number of hot, dry, windy days is increasing, setting the stage for fires. Wildfire season is off to an awful start. In March, Nebraska had its largest wildfire in state history. Right now, a fire outside of LA is forcing evacuations. While the federal government spends about $3 billion on wildfire suppression each year, most of that is being spent, and states are having to fill the gaps. Also: why Google is "leading the way" in the AI race.

What we learned from the Canvas hack

Wed, 20 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Earlier this month, a group called ShinyHunters took responsibility for a hack on the education platform Canvas, which is used for coursework at colleges. In a letter posted online, the group threatened to leak data it took from the platform, including billions of private messages between students and teachers. Canvas was also temporarily unavailable, disrupting students’ ability to do their work.

Then, last week, Instructure, which makes Canvas, said it had reached a deal with the hackers, that the data had been returned and all copies destroyed. Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes asked Rachel Tobac, CEO at Social Proof Security, what we know about the deal.

"How We Survive" returns May 27

Wed, 20 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The climate crisis is escalating. We have to decarbonize our economy, but we’re moving too slowly. So, what’s the backup plan?

This season of “How We Survive” is about engineering nature: large-scale interventions that could be our last hope. We’ll explore technology being developed that could alter our weather patterns, transform our planet, and possibly save us all from the worst outcomes of the climate crisis. Or lead to catastrophic, unintended consequences.

On our hunt for solutions, we tag along with entrepreneurs trying to launch sulfur into the stratosphere, venture to the Utah mountains where there’s a serious endeavor to create more rain and snow, find out how (and why) scientists are trying to resurrect extinct animals.

Join us for the new season of “How We Survive,” starting May 27.

What happens if the Fed goes mum

Tue, 19 May 2026 22:15:00 +0000

The era of frequent public speeches given by Federal Reserve officials on monetary policy may be over. Incoming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh has expressed a desire to reform the central bank’s robust communication style, which has been the norm since the 1990s. In this episode, what do we stand to lose if the Fed zips its lips? Plus: Retailers weigh passing higher costs onto cash-strapped consumers, stateside EV sales don’t keep up with European surge, and cities make an economic case for planting more trees.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Should home insurance companies be making this much money?

Tue, 19 May 2026 14:30:00 +0000

If you’re a homeowner — this is no surprise to you — property insurance can be expensive. It seems to get more and more pricey each year. Some might blame climate change or natural disasters, but if you look under the hood of the $1 trillion in premium payments last year, the numbers might tell a different story. We'll unpack. But first, we'll discuss and preview earnings for some of America's largest retailers.

Understanding Trump's new "Anti-Weaponization Fund"

Tue, 19 May 2026 12:05:00 +0000

President Donald Trump has dropped his lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax returns in exchange for the creation of a new $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” which will compensate people who have been investigated or targeted for “political, personal, or ideological reasons.” We'll dig into the highly controversial fund. Also on the show: home sellers stay on the sidelines, and a pro dumpster diver finds gems amid dorm moveouts.

Study finds AI is making the internet more artificially happy

Tue, 19 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

As of mid-2025, about a third of newly published websites were generated by artificial intelligence. That’s a massive increase from just three years before when the number hovered around zero.

The AI written text provides fewer diverse viewpoints and is generally presented in a cheerful manner. That's all according to an early study out last month.

Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with one of the study’s authors, Stanford University researcher Maty Bohacek, about how AI is changing the nature of the internet.

What is the gold standard?

Tue, 19 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Bridget and Ryan travel through the history of money in front of a live audience of kids and families (for real!) to answer Sofia’s big question: What is the gold standard? Together, they explore this old money rule, how paper money became a thing, and why no countries in the world – not a single one – use gold to back their money anymore.

This episode was performed as part of WBUR’s Podcast Playdate festival for kids in Boston. It was one of the most fun experiences we’ve ever had on the show. We loved seeing so many of you in the audience, hearing your reactions in real time and getting to meet you in person.

Thank you to everyone who came out. We can’t wait to go back next year!

If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!

Love the show? You can help make it happen. Donate what you can at marketplace.org/givemillion

AI chips away at cybersecurity job opportunities

Mon, 18 May 2026 22:15:00 +0000

Cybersecurity was once the focus of a huge workforce development push. Job opportunities and training programs were abundant. But as artificial intelligence makes it easier for hackers to pull off sophisticated cyber crimes, it’s also replaced entry-level cybersecurity roles. In this episode, one corner of the AI-affected job market. Plus: What retail earnings could reveal about consumer spending, how homebuilders are feeling, and how the U.S. dollar became dominant.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

The spillover of higher energy prices

Mon, 18 May 2026 15:20:00 +0000

The U.S. and Iran remain far apart on a ceasefire, as President Donald Trump warns on social media that "the clock is ticking." The standoff is rattling global markets. Government bonds are rising, pushing up borrowing costs. And oil prices are moving higher this morning, as traders worry that the war in the Middle East will lead to a prolonged period of higher inflation. We'll discuss. And later: how Brazil became BYD’s biggest market outside of China.

What war in the Middle East is costing you

Mon, 18 May 2026 12:45:00 +0000

The war in Iran has cost Americans more than $40 billion in additional fuel costs, according to an analysis from Brown University’s Watson School of International and Public Affairs. The costs go beyond just what Americans pay at the pump; higher diesel costs are factoring into rising prices for other consumer goods, too. This morning, we'll do the numbers. Plus, after a slowdown, "vertical dramas" are putting some Hollywood crews back to work.

Canada to share its hydropower with Northeast U.S.

Mon, 18 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Hydropower is one of the oldest forms of energy creation, and uses the flow of rushing water to create electricity. The province of Québec, Canada, has historically had an abundance of it and, later this spring, will start supplying hydropower to New York City.

This is the second big hydropower line to link Québec and the Northeast U.S. this year, after a line to Massachusetts came on board this winter.

Right now, the power is going one way, from Canada to the U.S., but some are thinking that the U.S. could eventually sell renewable wind energy back to Canada and let that country hold on to its hydropower for when it's really needed, creating a “regional battery,” says Marketplace's Henry Epp, who’s been reporting on this.

Giving up beer to pay for gas?

Fri, 15 May 2026 22:05:00 +0000

New consumer data shows alcohol sales were down over 5% in April. And, as you’ve probably noticed, gas prices were up. Is there any correlation? In this episode, why high fuel prices may exacerbate existing consumer trends — like cutting back on beer. Plus: Cerebras’ successful IPO signals hunger for AI stocks, Hollywood is buying more short stories, and we discuss the week’s economic headlines.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Why you won't find horse racing bets on prediction markets

Fri, 15 May 2026 15:20:00 +0000

Tomorrow is the Preakness Stakes, the second event in the Triple Crown. Betting on horse racing in the U.S. has declined by more than 50% over the last few decades. And while you might think platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket would see opportunity in horse racing bets, they haven't made inroads. Why don’t prediction markets have a horse on that race? We explain. And later, we'll do the numbers on defense lobbying.

A surge in natural gas exports

Fri, 15 May 2026 13:15:00 +0000

"LNG is the next growth story of the next decade," says Kent Britton, CEO of the Port of Corpus Christi. Liquefied natural gas exports are expected to grow 30% in the U.S. in the next year and a half. That growth is driven mostly by new and expanding LNG export projects along the Gulf Coast. What does it mean for the global energy market and coastal economies? But first: inflation, imports, and U.S.-China trade deals.

Meta wants AI chats to be private

Fri, 15 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This week, WhatsApp is offering private chats with its AI. Plus, Princeton will now hold supervised exams after a rise in AI-fueled cheating.

But first, Google’s self-driving car division Waymo opted to do a voluntary recall of 3,800 of its robotaxis. This comes after a Waymo drove into a flooded road in San Antonio, Texas. The car was empty and no one was hurt, but Waymo is now updating its software to address how its cars deal with flooded roads.

Will Oremus at The Atlantic joins Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes for these stories.

Check out our YouTube page to watch more episodes of “Tech Bytes.”

Trump & Co. take a trip to China

Thu, 14 May 2026 22:10:00 +0000

President Trump arrived for trade talks in China this week with a gaggle of corporate CEOs in tow. One expert tells us Trump’s body language, tone, and the C-suite entourage all hint Chinese President Xi has the upper hand in any negotiations. In this episode, what we expect the two world leaders to discuss. Plus: Consumers and retailers show signs of caution, the EU rethinks fiber optic cable routes in conflict zones, and traditional TV comapnies try out AI-driven ad programming.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

The TikTok-ification of music marketing

Thu, 14 May 2026 18:01:00 +0000

Recent controversy surrounding the rock band Geese and a digital marketing firm Chaotic Good Projects has sparked debate over the tactics firms use to drum up hype for artists online. How can we tell if online hype is real or fake? And does it really matter? Trapital founder Dan Runcie joins Kimberly to break it down. Plus, a final thank you from Kimberly.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

"Geese psyop debate: Rock band raises questions about music marketing" from Fast Company
"Fake Fans" from Eliza McLamb
"The Fanfare Around the Band Geese Actually Was a Psyop" from Wired
"If Geese are a psy-op, so is everything else" from Dazed
"Are Chaotic Good’s marketing practices bad for listeners?" From CBC Arts

“Make Me Smart” is a public media program. Show your support with a donation today and keep economic news available to everyone. Donate now: https://bit.ly/mkp_mms_pod

The U.S. spending spree continues

Thu, 14 May 2026 15:10:00 +0000

Retail sales in April were up 0.5% compared to the month before and are up 4.9% from a year ago, according to the Census Bureau. So are retail sales higher because consumers are resilient and buying more stuff, or are we spending more just because prices are higher and the stuff we want is more expensive? We discuss. Then, in search of cleaner energy, two new power transmission lines are connecting Quebec to New York and Massachusetts.

The Federal Reserve under Kevin Warsh

Thu, 14 May 2026 11:40:00 +0000

Kevin Warsh is officially the next chair of the Federal Reserve. The Senate voted to confirm him to a four-year term on Wednesday. He’ll replace Chair Jerome Powell, who led the central bank for the last eight years. He’ll face a challenging economic environment, worsening inflation, and pressure from President Donald Trump to cut rates. Plus, a look at how median actually rents fell in April and why one Arizona coffee roaster is unable to claim tariff refunds.

Why audio deepfakes are so hard to spot

Thu, 14 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Voice cloning is the use of artificial intelligence to generate a clone of a real person’s voice, imitating the sound, when they pause and what words they typically emphasize. And it can be hard for people to identify voices as being AI-generated.

Research last year from UC Berkeley professor Hany Farid, an expert in digital forensics, found that people correctly identify a voice as AI-generated only 60% of the time.

Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Farid about the rapid sophistication of audio deepfakes, why it's so hard to tell the difference between a real voice and an AI-generated one right now, and some tips to help you spot voice clones.

How far would you go for a boycott?

Thu, 14 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

How far would you go to participate in a boycott? Cancel your concert tickets? Spend 25% more on groceries? What about refusing to visit your family? This week, Reema speaks to Canadians who are going to great lengths to boycott the United States. Plus, a conversation with financial therapist Lindsay Bryan-Podvin about how to practice “good enough” boycotting.

If you liked this episode, share it with a friend. And let us know what you think by emailing uncomfortable@marketplace.org or calling 347-RING-TIU.

Support This Is Uncomfortable with your donation today: https://bit.ly/mkp_tiu_pod

Another inflation alarm bell

Wed, 13 May 2026 22:35:00 +0000

The cost of goods for the producers of this economy was up a whopping 6% in April, according to the latest PPI. That means consumers can expect more inflation down the road. Plus: Treasury yields are creeping up, the global oil stockpile is shrinking by about 4 million barrels a day, and diesel pickup truck drivers are shelling out at the pump. In this episode, it all goes back to President Trump’s war in the Middle East.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

The Carbon Gold Rush (bonus episode from "Drilled")

Wed, 13 May 2026 16:00:00 +0000

This week, we’re sharing an episode of another podcast we like — from another journalist named Amy.

Award-winning climate journalist Amy Westervelt returns with a new season of Drilled, a true-crime podcast about the deception, disinformation, and power structures standing between us and real climate solutions.

This season is called “Carbon Cowboys,” and exposes how Republican corn ethanol mogul Bruce Rastetter sold his “sustainable aviation fuel” to world leaders, from North Dakota to Brazil.

The problem? His “clean energy” project does nothing to help climate change.

“Drilled: Carbon Cowboys” follows the land grabs, pipelines, and political power stopping real progress from being made.

Here’s episode one.

Find “Drilled” wherever you get podcasts, and hear episodes early and ad-free with a Pushkin+ subscription. Sign up on the “Drilled” show page on Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus.

What does the federal gas tax go toward?

Wed, 13 May 2026 14:20:00 +0000

To address pain at the pump, President Donald Trump and some Congressional Republicans are floating the idea of temporarily pausing the federal gas tax. The thing is, that gas tax helps pay for the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and more. Today, we delve into how the tax shows up in our everyday lives. Then, we head to Boston to hear how a small college there is serving low-income, first-generation students.

Debt is on the rise

Wed, 13 May 2026 13:12:00 +0000

Household debt ticked up slightly in the first three months of this year, increasing by $18 billion, according to the New York Fed. Credit card debt is actually down slightly, but mortgage balances, home equity lines of credit, and car loan balances all grew. We unpack. Plus, later in this morning's show, how might economic tensions appear at the summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping?

Raising kids in an AI-driven world

Wed, 13 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

In order to write her new book “I Am Not a Robot: My Year Using AI To Do ‘Almost’ Everything," journalist Joanna Stern decided to invite artificial intelligence into every aspect of her life — including her family life.

She has a wife and two sons. On their spring break, she took them to Phoenix, where it's easy to hail a driverless car. They rode in a bunch of them, including one that totally freaked out.

She brought home an AI-powered toy (which her four-year-old quickly tired of), and says she realized her kids will "grow up never knowing a world without computers as smart as them.”

Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Stern about how she hopes her children will navigate that world.

When is inflation no longer "transitory?"

Tue, 12 May 2026 22:05:00 +0000

Inflation was up 3.8% in April, according to the latest CPI. Economists say the war with Iran has caused “transitory” inflation — that’s short-lived inflation from a specific inflationary event. It’s also how experts characterized Trump’s tariffs and the COVID-19 pandemic. But if inflation stays put for, say, five years, is it really still transitory? Also in this episode: Small business owners fret over rising costs, MIT students graduate with majors in AI, and Quebec brings hydropower to the Northeast U.S.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

The highs and lows of the global art market

Tue, 12 May 2026 19:40:00 +0000

After a pandemic-era boom, the fine art market is going through something of a bust. Many galleries have closed due to climbing overhead costs and sales just aren’t what they used to be. Author and freelance journalist Julie Belcove joins Kimberly to demystify the inner workings of the global art market and what a slump could mean for the those who work in the arts.

Consumer prices were up a lot in April

Tue, 12 May 2026 15:10:00 +0000

Prices in the U.S. were up 3.8% year over year in April. That's a faster rate of annual inflation than we saw in March. A main driver was higher energy prices, a result of the war with Iran. Those price increases are taking a bite out of consumer wages, but the pain may be temporary. Plus, small businesses are hanging in there. And, we'll preview President Donald Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

What's behind sluggish home sales?

Tue, 12 May 2026 11:45:00 +0000

In late February, mortgage rates dipped below 6%, and affordability was beginning to improve. In April, people bought and sold more homes than they did the year before, but not by much. The reason? A whole new source of uncertainty brought on by war in the Middle East. Later in the show: While specialty farmers aren't caught in trade war crosshairs the way commodity farmers are, they still have plenty to worry about domestically.

What AI can and can't do for you (for now)

Tue, 12 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Imagine if you invited robots - smart ones or “smart-ish,” at least - into every aspect of your life. Your emails and texts are all composed by an AI, the bots look at a photo of what’s in your fridge and figure out what you can make for dinner. They even become emotional support, providing advice and sometimes companionship. Journalist and founder of media company New Things, Joanna Stern, decided to try this and she wrote about it in her new book “I Am Not a Robot: My Year Using AI To Do Almost Everything.” Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Stern about how AI did and didn’t help her and ultimately what she sacrificed by inviting AI into her life.

Why is there so much gold at Fort Knox?

Tue, 12 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Today, we’re resharing an important episode from our archive! We’re answering Sadie’s question about why there is so much gold at Fort Knox. (And, we’re releasing a special new episode next week all about gold too. We can’t wait for you to hear it!)

Fort Knox is one of the most secure places in the world. In today’s episode, Bridget and Ryan are determined to get inside! But just as the pair lands a special tour to the top-secret gold vault, a couple of mysterious Fort Knox enthusiasts throw a wrench in their plans.

The other shoe

Mon, 11 May 2026 22:25:00 +0000

Inflation and employment are the dual pillars of this economy’s health, which the Federal Reserve is mandated to evenly manage. Last week saw sunny news for the latter category, when the April jobs report was better than expected. Economists anticipate the opposite for the upcoming consumer price index, as the war in Iran inflates prices at home. In this episode, we brace for a dreary CPI. Plus: Adult education programs promise higher wages, retail investors pile on to the chip market, and climate change makes food less nutritious.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Young workers aren't feeling optimistic about the job market

Mon, 11 May 2026 15:45:00 +0000

Younger workers typically feel more optimistic about the job market than older ones, but a new Gallup poll found that only 43% of Americans aged 15 to 34 thought that last year was a good time to find a job. That’s compared to 64% of those above the age of 55. The optimism of young workers has dropped by 27 points since 2023, potentially signaling the influence of AI. Plus: a breakdown of the costs, both human and financial, of Nebraska’s Medicaid eligibility rollout and a look into the impact of rising gas prices on inflation.

How proving you're "not a robot" could be training AI

Mon, 11 May 2026 11:50:00 +0000

An announcement from Meta that information about employees’ keystroke and mouse movement would be collected and used to train its artificial intelligence has reportedly caused turmoil within the company. But the concept of harvesting data from everyday digital interactions isn’t new. “Marketplace Morning Report” Host Sabri Ben-Achour spoke with Panagiotis Ipeirotis, a professor of Technology and Business at NYU Stern, about how seemingly innocuous online activity can be used to train AI. But first: rising gas prices are making some Americans cut back, but the k-shaped economy knows no bounds.

Amid Silicon Valley scramble for AI agent productivity, "token anxiety" takes hold

Mon, 11 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

There's a new flex in Silicon Valley: how big is your AI agent swarm? They can work on your behalf, autonomously, 24/7, on whatever goal you give them. You might think having an army of AI minions could free up some time, maybe make work more chill. But, you’d be wrong, as Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino reports.

Who's getting those tariff refunds?

Fri, 08 May 2026 22:35:00 +0000

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has begun processing applications for tariff refunds after the Supreme Court ruled against swaths of President Trump’s import taxes. But limitations on who can file have left some business owners out of luck, and those who are eligible must weigh how much of the refund they should pass down the line. Also on the program: the jobs report, tech layoffs, and what the Spirit Airlines shutdown could mean for a Florida airport. Plus: a look into Sparrow’s Nest Studio, Manhattan’s “home for mahjong.”

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Kimberly's final cheers on "Economics on Tap"

Fri, 08 May 2026 21:22:05 +0000

As Kimberly gets ready to step into her new role as the host of “Marketplace Morning Report,” her predecessor David Brancaccio joins her to talk about his years on the morning shift and what he’s looking forward to on his new beat covering future effects for Marketplace. Plus, the two swap summer reading recommendations and play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

"Liar's Poker" by Michael Lewis
"Number Go Up" by Zeke Faux
"Pattern Recognition" by William Gibson
"The Sum of Us" by Heather McGhee
"Public pools used to be everywhere in America. Then racism shut them down." From Marketplace
"Open to Work: How to Get Ahead in the Age of AI" by Ryan Rolansky and Aneesh Raman
"Want to make new friends? There's an app for that" from Marketplace
"Why online courses sold by influencers have become so popular" from Marketplace
"The Roomba Guy’s Second Act: A Robot You’ll Want to Snuggle" from The Wall Street Journal
"The Spirit Airlines Comeback Story No One Saw Coming" from Inc.

“Make Me Smart” is a public media program. Support “Make Me Smart” with your donation today and keep economic news available to everyone. Donate now: https://bit.ly/mkp_mms_pod

Care to invest in the U.S. during a trade war?

Fri, 08 May 2026 15:00:00 +0000

President Donald Trump has tried to pressure foreign countries to invest in the U.S. by threatening tariffs. But for decades, the federal government has also been putting on the SelectUSA Investment Summit, a giant trade show where states and businesses try to attract foreign investors. We have a dispatch from this year's Investment Summit. Plus, some of Trump's latest tariffs have been deemed illegal. And: a better-than-expected jobs report and some slower-than-expected World Cup hotel bookings.

The context behind 115,000 new jobs

Fri, 08 May 2026 13:20:00 +0000

This morning, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released fresh jobs data for April. Unemployment remained unchanged at 4.3%, and the overall economy added 115,000 new jobs. A warmer-than-average April resulted in strong seasonal hiring, though it may be too early to see drags from war and high gas prices. Then later, we'll check in with the owner of a Virginia tea shop, who — like many small business owners — has been buffeted around by changing tariff policy.

Anthropic’s new, powerful allies: Elon Musk and SpaceX

Fri, 08 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

On this week’s “Marketplace Tech Bytes: Week in Review,” we’ll discuss why Apple is paying a $250 million settlement over its Apple Intelligence tool and its capabilities. Plus, GameStop makes a surprising buyout offer for eBay. But first up: Anthropic, maker of the chatbot Claude, announced a new computing deal this week with SpaceX and its AI division, xAI. Anthropic will get access to SpaceX’s Colossus One data center, which will let the company increase how much its customers can use Claude. The deal comes as SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is facing off in federal court against OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman.

Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke about all this with Caroline O’Donovan, AI and technology senior reporter at The San Francisco Standard, who noted that Anthropic's leaders talked about the need for more computing power at their developer conference this week.

Check out our YouTube page to watch more episodes of “Tech Bytes.”

The erosion of the American tax base

Thu, 07 May 2026 22:35:00 +0000

After the One Big Beautiful Bill Act reduced taxes for 85% of households, disproportionately benefiting high-income earners, all eyes are on the GOP’s approach to taxation. But they’re not the only ones, as Democrats, too, seek to cash in on the tax cut strategy. “Marketplace” Host Kai Ryssdal spoke with Annie Lowrey, a staff writer at The Atlantic, about what that dwindling tax base could mean for public works and our national debt. But first: Whirlpool reports “recession-level low” demand, the first quarter’s lower-than-expected productivity, and a look into how some business owners are approaching tariff refunds.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

How the new WNBA CBA transforms player pay

Thu, 07 May 2026 20:00:00 +0000

The WNBA’s 30th season tips off tomorrow. This year, things look a lot different for players after the league and players union recently signed a landmark collective bargaining agreement (CBA). On today’s show, The Athletic’s Annie Costabile joins Kimberly to break down how the deal has transformed the way players are paid. Plus, has women’s basketball ever really been given the chance to maximize its earning potential?

Productivity is on the upswing

Thu, 07 May 2026 15:20:00 +0000

Labor productivity has been on a growth streak for the past year and a half. It increased 0.8% in the first quarter of this year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is up almost 3% from a year ago. How much of this boils down to AI? Also on the show: threatened tariffs against the European Union and a conversation about U.S. dollars, the oil shock, and investment from Gulf countries.

Will healthcare costs sway how you vote?

Thu, 07 May 2026 11:50:00 +0000

If you ask people what they’re most worried about affording these days, healthcare tops the list (now tied with gas). And that concern may translate to a wave of resentment at the ballot box: About 90% of people say healthcare costs will influence whether and how they vote in November, and more than half say it will have a major impact. Then, the United Arab Emirates wants a currency swap with the United States. We explain.

Elon Musk is in court arguing that OpenAI abandoned its nonprofit model

Thu, 07 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Back in 2015, Elon Musk and Sam Altman got the idea to start a nonprofit AI lab to develop artificial general intelligence that benefits all humanity. The lab would also make its technology open source, calling it OpenAI.

All that is according to a complaint filed by Elon Musk, who has since parted ways with the organization. And now he is suing OpenAI, its CEO Sam Altman and its president Greg Brockman, saying they have abandoned the founding principles of the organization in pursuit of profits.

They are currently facing off in federal court in the Northern District of California. Paresh Dave at Wired has been in the courtroom. He explains more on what the core of Musk's case is.

Help! My work crush just became my boss!

Thu, 07 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Got a tricky situation at work and not sure what to do? In our recurring advice column, “Work Drama,” we try to find answers to your sticky work questions. This week, Reema is joined by Tobin Low of “This American Life” to answer your workplace questions – from coworkers falling asleep mid-meeting to crushing on your boss.

If you liked this episode, share it with a friend. And if you have any work drama going on, we want to hear about it! Leave a message at 347-RING-TIU or email uncomfortable@marketplace.org.

What to expect in the April jobs report

Wed, 06 May 2026 22:35:00 +0000

The private sector added twice as many jobs in March as it did in April — it’s a promising sign in an otherwise perplexing labor market. Private sector gains could translate to an overall boost in the upcoming BLS jobs report. But even if the quantity of jobs goes up, there are still some negative indicators to keep an eye on. Also in this episode: Corpus Christi's water crisis collides with an energy sector boom and Disney sees revenue wins after raising streaming prices.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Markets mull an end to war in Iran

Wed, 06 May 2026 14:20:00 +0000

The U.S. and Iran are reportedly back to working on an end to the war, and sources say a deal is close. Axios reports that the deal would involve a moratorium on nuclear enrichment and an end to sanctions. This morning, we dig into how seriously markets are taking these peace talks. Then, we continue our discussion of Iran's beleaguered economy — and who exactly they blame for it.

Insurers ease up on prior authorization

Wed, 06 May 2026 11:00:00 +0000

United Healthcare, the nation’s biggest insurer, announced that it’s cutting back on its requirements for prior authorization by 30%. Prior authorization is when your doctor orders a medical procedure, test, or drug, but you can't get it before the insurance company's approval. For insurers, it's a way to cut costs. For doctors and patients, it's a source of massive frustration. Plus, we check in on the state of Iran's wartime economy.

Does AI save time in police work?

Wed, 06 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Technology has been transformative for how police officers do their jobs. Body cameras, speed detection technology and surveillance drones are some prominent examples.

And now, law enforcement departments are trying to figure out if and how they want to add artificial intelligence to the mix.

Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Greg Barber, a science and technology journalist who recently wrote about this for Proof News. He explained how AI is being used in police work now and whether or not AI has become a time-saving tool for officers.

Let's check in on the U.S. trade deficit

Tue, 05 May 2026 22:35:00 +0000

In case you forgot, President Trump's tariffs had one goal: narrow the U.S. trade deficit. Compare March ‘25 to March ‘26, and the deficit has shrunk by half. But from February to March of this year, it actually widened — exports rose, while imports rose even more. In this episode, what’s driving all that economic activity? (Hint, it’s not tariffs.) Plus: 30-year Treasury yields top 5%, home remodeling is projected to slow in 2027, and we visit a job fair in Philadelphia.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

The new fight for states' rights under Trump

Tue, 05 May 2026 19:45:00 +0000

The power struggle between the states and federal government is as old as the U.S. itself. But under the second Trump administration, that struggle has become particularly fraught. Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy joins Kimberly to explain how the president is wielding federal funding as a tool to expand his authority, and how states are fighting back.

How ICE skirts public input on detention centers

Tue, 05 May 2026 14:25:00 +0000

Immigrant detention facilities are being bought and retrofitted seemingly overnight without public input across the U.S., and there's little to no notice given to local governments. How can this happen? It's all traced back to a war-focused contracting method Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been using to its advantage. But first, the New York Times reports that the president is considering setting up a safety-vetting process for AI models.

The rise of the side hustle

Tue, 05 May 2026 11:40:00 +0000

Roughly one in every 20 U.S. workers is holding down multiple jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's fallen a fraction of a percent since last fall, when we saw the highest rate since 1999 — around the moment just before the dot-com bubble burst, when there were fears about what increasing automation meant for job-holders. Sound familiar? Then, we'll unpack a recent water-saving plan to address the ongoing water crisis in the Colorado River Basin.

Can AI improve your odds of finding good childcare?

Tue, 05 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The startup Winnie is a marketplace for childcare. It works like this: Parents type in the age of their kid and their zip code, then different childcare providers in the area will pop up. You can also filter by languages spoken, and whether you want a childcare center or home-based daycare or another option. It's free for parents to use.

But the company was founded back in 2016, when AI search wasn’t really a thing. And Winnie’s CEO and co-founder Sara Mauskopf says parents now want to be able to describe what they're looking for in natural language. So, Winnie has had to adapt. It's just released an AI-powered search tool.

Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Mauskopf to learn more about their new AI search engine and the challenges of keeping up with the fast-paced AI sector.

What are checks?

Tue, 05 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The episode you’ve been waiting for is finally here. This is part 2 of the San Fran Fin Lit Pod Con cliffhanger episode from last season. Bridget and Ryan finally made it to the conference, only to find it’s entirely cashless. It’s the perfect opportunity to answer all your non-paper-money questions: What would happen if we lived in a cashless world and paid for everything with debit and credit cards? How do you send and receive money with mobile payment apps? And how exactly do checks work?

Consumers might see some tariff refunds — in 2036

Mon, 04 May 2026 22:25:00 +0000

We’ve said from the get-go that consumers paid the bulk of President Trump’s tariffs. Now that most were ruled illegal, individual businesses will get to decide whether to pass those tariff refunds onto customers. And any litigation of those decisions could take a while. Also in this episode: What’s next for the airline industry sans Spirit, why GameStop wants to buy eBay, and how states could claw back some tax dollars.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Will students be shut out of pricier grad programs?

Mon, 04 May 2026 14:30:00 +0000

Starting July 1, a cap on federal student loan borrowing limits kicks in. Graduate students will soon only be able to take out $20,500 a year, and up to $100,000 in total; the cap is higher for some professional programs, like medicine or law. But all this could mean new barriers to advanced degrees for students with little or no credit. Plus, we look at the ever-shrinking consumer cushion. And, what happened to talks of a proposed Spirit bailout?

Fewer Americans are earning a living wage

Mon, 04 May 2026 11:39:00 +0000

A new report from Dayforce and the Living Wage Institute found that just over half of full-time workers earn enough to provide for themselves and their families. Wages have been rising, just not as quickly as costs. Familiar racial and gender gaps persisted, too — and got wider in 2025. But first, GameStop is trying to buy eBay for $56 billion, though it's unclear where all that money would come from. Then, is the robotaxi revolution ever coming?

A bill that bans kids from using AI chatbots is gaining momentum

Mon, 04 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The GUARD Act is a bipartisan bill that would prohibit companies from letting kids under 18 interact with what the legislation calls "AI companions,” which are chatbots designed to encourage the simulation of an interpersonal relationship.

This comes after some harrowing stories of teenagers who developed relationships with chatbots and then harmed themselves or others. The bill just passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes talks about this with Ashley Gold, a senior tech policy reporter at Axios.

Consumer electronics can't keep up with AI

Fri, 01 May 2026 22:20:00 +0000

Bad news for your next smartphone purchase: An extended memory chip crunch is upon us, warns Apple CEO Tim Cook. New artificial intelligence projects are outspending the consumer electronics sector on memory, and manufacturers have limited output capacity. Retailers will likely pass those higher costs onto consumers. Also in this episode: A retiree focuses on charitable giving, specialty movie ticket prices climb to $50, and America’s biggest energy port benefits from the Middle East oil tie-up.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

From "This Is Uncomfortable": Wait...where did my retirement money go?

Fri, 01 May 2026 19:30:00 +0000

Hey Smarties! There won’t be a livestream for “Economics on Tap” today. But don’t worry! We’ll be back next week. For now, we’re sharing an episode from our friends over at “This Is Uncomfortable.” Enjoy!

What happens to your retirement savings when you leave a job? And if you’ve forgotten about an old 401(k) account, how do you track that money down? That’s the mystery Reema is trying to solve this week, as she confronts her own financial anxiety and goes searching for retirement accounts left behind at previous jobs.

Along the way, she talks with retirement expert Geoffrey Sanzenbacher about just how common this is -- only about 15% of people roll their retirement savings over to a new employer's plan! And she asks behavioral economist Katy Milkman why this kind of chore feels so hard. Plus, brain hacks that will help you get through that daunting financial to-do list.

Here at Marketplace, we’re celebrating Public Media Giving Days on May 1 and 2. Help us keep the conversations going. Donate now: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

How student loan caps shaped one family's college decision

Fri, 01 May 2026 14:55:00 +0000

When college-bound high school seniors commit to a school, it's always a complicated calculus, especially for families who need financial aid. But for students starting this fall, there’s a new wrinkle: new caps on how much parents can borrow from the federal government to help their kids pay for college. Today, one high school senior and his mom talk college finances. Plus, we'll recap an especially busy week for the economy.

The U.S. economy with fewer immigrants

Fri, 01 May 2026 12:20:00 +0000

Last year, more people left the U.S. than moved in — it’s the first time that’s happened in at least half a century. And 2026 is expected to see even more outmigration. Immigrants pay taxes and are a major part of the labor force in construction, agriculture, and healthcare. All of that can have lasting effects on the economy. But first up, we explore federal government retirement matching and dig into underemployment.

Taylor Swift vs. AI

Fri, 01 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This week, Taylor Swift trademarked her voice and image in what appears to be a bid to protect against AI misuse. Plus, a Japanese airline is experimenting with humanoid robots to help with baggage.

But first, Google landed a deal with the Pentagon to let its AI models be used for classified work. A Google spokesperson told us in a statement that the company is proud to be providing its services for national security and that it believes AI should not be used for “domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weaponry without appropriate human oversight."

We talked with Maria Curi at Axios about how Google’s deal compares to ones the Department of Defense has with other AI companies.

Check out our YouTube page to watch more episodes of “Tech Bytes.”

Growing GDP, thank GPT

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:15:00 +0000

U.S. gross domestic product grew by 2% in the first three months of 2026. (It’s a stark improvement to the final quarter of 2025, which saw GDP growth of just 0.5%.) Experts agree massive investment in artificial intelligence is the main driver of that growth. But what does that mean for the rest of the economy? Also in this episode: Financial market predictions fall short of real-life crude oil costs, airlines face an aircraft technician shortage, and social media is in the midst of a bean craze.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

It's tough out there for new college grads

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:00:00 +0000

We’re approaching graduation season for this year’s crop of college seniors. But along with all the celebrations, there’s an extra dose of uncertainty hanging in the air around new grads, as they face an extra-tough job market and the rise of AI. On today’s show, Kimberly talks to New York Times labor and workforce reporter Noam Scheiber, whose new book “Mutiny: The Rise and Revolt of the College-Educated Working Class” digs into the historical context for the environment today’s seniors are graduating into.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

”Mutiny: The Rise and Revolt of the College-Educated Working Class” by Noam Scheiber
”Young Graduates Face the Grimmest Job Market in Years” from The New York Times
”The Labor Market for Recent College Graduates” from The Federal Reserve Bank of New York
”College Graduates Are Struggling to Find Jobs. AI is Partly to Blame.” from CNBC
”U.S. Worker Thriving Declines as Job Market Pessimism Grows” from Gallup

We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Big Tech knocked it out of the park

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:05:00 +0000

Yesterday, we got quarterly results for some of the biggest companies in the economy, including Google parent company Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta. Investors have been pinning hopes on Big Tech. We'll do the numbers on tech firms' earnings and discuss whether the good times — and big spending on AI — can last. But first, the U.S. economy grew faster in the first three months of this year, and we'll outline challenges awaiting Kevin Warsh as the next chair of the Federal Reserve.

Chipping away at Nvidia's chip dominance

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:20:00 +0000

It’s Big Tech week on Wall Street. Quarterly results from Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon all beat expectations. And shocker: They’re all still spending a lot on AI. One of the biggest expenses is chips. That’s made Nvidia the most valuable company in the world. Now, other Big Tech companies want to get in on that action. Then, the Trump administration has wound down funding for mRNA vaccine development. We’ll explore the impacts.

Middle East tensions are putting tech supply chains under pressure

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The war with Iran has upended supply chains including for materials that are critical to building the electronics we use everyday, such as a certain kind of thermoplastic, copper, and helium. We are now dealing with shortages of all of them. Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Jeff Janukowicz, an analyst with the research firm IDC, to learn more.

Patrick Radden Keefe on parenting in the age of mega-wealth

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

What do you do when your child’s ideas about money start to sharply diverge from your own? Reema is joined by journalist Patrick Radden Keefe to discuss his new book, “London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family's Search for Truth.” Along the way they get into the thorny realities of parenting in a time when young people are aspiring to be like the ultra-wealthy.

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok! If you liked this episode, share it with a friend. And let us know what you think by emailing uncomfortable@marketplace.org or calling 347-RING-TIU.

Support “This Is Uncomfortable” with your donation today: https://bit.ly/mkp_tiu_pod

Powell's farewell?

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:15:00 +0000

Wednesday marked Jerome Powell’s final FOMC meeting as chair of the Federal Reserve. Central bank leaders held rates steady this week, though with the most dissenting votes in over 30 years. Powell also announced his intent to stay on as a Fed governor — the first chair to do so since 1948. In this episode, we recap Powell’s tenure as head of the Fed and unpack his latest press conference. Plus: Companies issue more corporate debt, Taco Bell outperforms sales expectations, and AI spawns new cybersecurity headaches.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Will the Magnificent Seven have magnificent earnings?

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:05:00 +0000

Five of the Magnificent Seven — Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Apple — are reporting earnings this week. These tech titans have kind of been single-handedly holding up the market for a while now. Can the good times last? Then, China is the largest manufacturer of solar energy parts in the world, and it's considering restricting exports of solar panel manufacturing equipment to the United States. And, we look at the highly personal legal battle between Elon Musk and OpenAI’s Sam Altman.

It's farm bill time

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:40:00 +0000

Every five years or so, Congress considers and passes a new version of the farm bill. It is a massive law covering not just agriculture, but also food assistance programs. And it comes at a particularly tough time for farmers, who are being pinched by drought, tariffs, and rising fuel and fertilizer costs. Then, what's the UAE's departure from OPEC mean for oil prices? And later, from "Marketplace Tech," we hear how Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act opens the "backdoor" for warrantless searches.

How this startup is bringing nuclear power to AI data centers

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

There's been renewed interest in nuclear power in recent years, thanks in part to demand from tech companies in search of reliable energy to power their AI data centers.

The startup Kairos Power has jumped on this opportunity. Its nuclear reactors are cooled by molten salt. They also use golf-ball sized nuclear fuel, instead of uranium rods cooled by water used by traditional reactors.

Mike Laufer, co-founder and CEO of Kairos, says their reactors a bit like an upside down gumball machine.

The company just started construction on its first power plant, located in eastern Tennessee, called Hermes 2. It will supply energy to the utility in the area, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and specifically to Google to power its data centers.

Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Laufer to learn more.

Central banks move in step, for now

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 22:05:00 +0000

The U.S. Federal Reserve meets this week — so do central banks in Japan, England, Canada, and the European Union. Most will keep rates unchanged for now, as war in the Middle East shakes up the global status quo. But as other banks weigh imminent rate hikes, the U.S. may move in the opposite direction. More on why in today’s episode. Plus: Consumer sentiment crept up in April, Medicaid cuts slash pediatric care options, and five Big Tech firms post earnings this week.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

How second chance employment is lowering recidivism in the U.S.

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:28:00 +0000

In the United States, recidivism rate, or the likelihood that a criminal re-enters the prison system after being released, is among the highest in the world. The state with the highest reincarceration rate (within 3 years) is Delaware at 55.9 percent. While the lowest is Virginia at 17.9 percent.

Earlier this month, Kimberly moderated the 2026 Second Chance Forum at Georgetown University on the importance of second-chance employment programs to lowering recidivism rates in the United States. She sat down with two top law enforcement officials from across the aisle: Delaware Attorney General and Democrat, Kathy Jennings and Pennsylvania Attorney General and Republican, Dave Sunday.

Today’s podcast is an edited version of their conversation. To listen to the full panel discussion, click the link below:

2026 Second Chance Forum: Barriers to Breakthroughs — How Second Chances Are Driving Success

We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Would a government bailout of Spirit Airlines be worth it?

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:50:00 +0000

The Trump administration has reportedly been in talks to bail out Spirit Airlines, either with a big loan or by buying it. The budget airline had already been struggling, and now faces even tougher times with higher fuel costs. But does that justify bailing it out? Plus, an upstate New York toy and doll shop owner reflects on the stop-start jolts of U.S. trade policy and the challenges of the tariff refund process.

When tariff uncertainty means nixed retirement plans

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:12:00 +0000

We've talked a lot about the rollercoaster of tariffs. But behind every economic story is a human one, too. This morning, we check in with Joann Cartiglia, who runs a toy and doll shop in upstate New York. She's looking at around $15,000 in tariff refunds. Still, uncertainty, precarity, and debt have put her in "the scariest financial situation" of her life and mean that retirement has “been kind of taken off the table.” But before that conversation: a Federal Reserve meeting and a royal visit with the president.

Introducing the world’s largest Math Olympiad database

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The International Math Olympiad is a yearly competition for students, most of them high school age, who compete to solve six difficult math problems. They're chosen from a pool of math problems submitted by different countries that participate in the competition.

The problems that don't make the cut previously have mostly just been lost; there was no one place you could go to find them.

But now a team at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab has gathered over 30,000 of those problems together in one dataset so both humans and AI models can look through and study them.

Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Mark Hamilton, a visiting researcher at MIT CSAIL who has been part of the work to gather problems. He’s also a Research Scientist at Google's DeepMind laboratory.

Where do game shows get their prize money?

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

“Million Bazillion” listeners and brothers John and Peter want to know where game shows get their prize money. It’s the perfect opportunity to answer this question as Ryan and Bridget find themselves competing on a chaotic game show with a chance to win $1 million on the line. While they take on one challenge after another, the duo uncover the surprising ways game shows get the cash for those big prizes.

If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!

Love the show? You can help make it happen. Donate what you can at marketplace.org/givemillion.

Home prices won't stop rising

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 22:35:00 +0000

It’s been a trend for a year now — home prices are up even though demand is sluggish. As Americans face growing economic uncertainty and rising costs, many are staying put. So why won’t home prices cool off? We’ll explain. Also in this episode: Tighter budgets mean fewer orders at Domino’s, air taxis take to the sky in New York City, and banks fret over new stablecoin legislation.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

How about a roadtrip instead?

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:15:00 +0000

As people look to plan their summer vacations, they're being price-conscious. While 60% of Americans plan on traveling, more people will drive instead of flying, and more are opting for shorter trips. Plus, with the end of the Justice Department's investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, successor Kevin Warsh looks poised for a successful confirmation. And later, we head to Maine to hear how a Maine sea urchin processing firm has survived for four decades.

A Forest Service reorg ahead of fire season

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:20:00 +0000

The U.S. Forest Service is heading for a major restructure. Its headquarters are moving from D.C. to Utah, all regional offices are being eliminated, and dozens of research facilities across 31 states are being shuttered. This is all unfolding before what's expected to be a very active wildfire season. How do these changes affect our ability to fight wildfires? But first, we're digging into the latest economic impacts of war in the Middle East.

What a reform to Section 702 could look like

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, allows government agencies to collect information about foreign nationals located abroad. That surveillance can happen without a warrant and the government can order email providers to turn over any messages of a particular foreigner, including those with a U.S. citizen.

Section 702 is set to expire this week. President Donald Trump has called for its extension, but there are Congressional lawmakers in both parties who oppose the kind of surveillance the law allows for. Elizabeth Goitein at the Brennan Center for Justice has testified before Congress advocating for reform of the law. She says right now it lets agencies search through Americans’ sensitive data.

When does AI become a spending suck?

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 22:05:00 +0000

Companies are using AI tools more every day. Some, like Meta, are even encouraging employees to use as many AI tokens as possible. But companies also spending more to access the technology — most AI firms bill per token, and those costs add up. In this episode, there’s no such thing as free AI. Plus: Procter & Gamble posts strong earnings, Kai visits LA’s first women’s sports bar, and we discuss the latest Federal Reserve news.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

The economic outlook of the great outdoors

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:00:03 +0000

Are you team camping or glamping? On today’s show, we’re checking in on the outdoor recreation economy in the Western United States. KUNC’s Mountain West News Bureau reporter Rachel Cohen joins Kimberly to unpack the pressures facing the industry, from climate change to Trump administration policies. Plus, will President Trump’s new $100 foreign tourist fee hurt national parks?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Kevin Warsh and the Fed's balance sheet

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:11:00 +0000

The Federal Reserve has two jobs: promote job growth and control inflation. To do that, it sets interest rates. It also buys bonds and securities to influence those markets, and is now sitting on a massive $6.5 trillion pile. President Trump's nominee for Fed Chair, Kevin Warsh, wants to shrink that asset pile. We'll dig in. Also: optimism from one soon-to-be grad. Plus, how much longer can the standoff in Iran last before oil markets have to respond?

Let's understand the informal economy

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:35:00 +0000

When we talk about who makes up the economy, we're often talking about workers a company formally employs. But a lot of people find themselves working in the informal economy — generally defined as economic activity that falls outside of official regulation. It's not taxed, not tracked, and is mostly invisible to official statistics. Today, we'll dig into its importance and risks. But first, marijuana gets a tax break.

Bytes: Week in Review — Apple’s new CEO, Meta's latest AI play, and Roblox's safety updates

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This week, Meta is reportedly laying off 10% of its workers. But in the meantime, it's also capturing their mouse clicks to train its AI models. Plus, Roblox settles with states over child safety concerns.

But first, Apple's CEO is stepping down. The company announced this week that CEO Tim Cook is moving on from that role after about 15 years. His successor is John Ternus, a senior vice president of hardware engineering at the company. Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Anita Ramaswamy, a columnist at The Information, about all these headlines for this week’s “Tech Bytes: Week in Review.”

Yet another stockpile scramble

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 22:20:00 +0000

Business activity growth soared in April, according to S&P Global’s purchasing managers index. The topline number might sound rosy, but experts think the growth spurt is really a sign of fear. In this episode, why businesses spent month two of the war in Iran stockpiling goods. Plus: Avis experiences a stock market “short squeeze,” business owners apply for the first round of tariff refunds, and we look back at the 1970s to understand the economics of oil price caps.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Mass deportations don’t lead to more jobs for Americans. Why does the myth persist?

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:00:00 +0000

The labor force participation rate in the U.S. has fallen to the lowest level it’s been since 1977 (aside from the during the height of the pandemic). One reason for the decline? President Trump’s immigration crackdown. University of Colorado Boulder economist Chloe East joins Kimberly to break down the unexpected ways restrictive immigration policies affect the labor market, and trends she’s paying attention to during this second Trump administration.

Clearing the path to homeownership for renters

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:45:00 +0000

The Trump administration announced a big change in how people's credit is assessed when applying for mortgages. Instead of only using FICO scores to prove creditworthiness, prospective homebuyers can now use a separate score model — one that considers things like rent and utility payment history — when applying for loans from mortgage lenders, including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Also on the show: discussions of the market's bullishness and plans for a graduate degree in a tumultuous job market.

The haves and the have nots of energy

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:45:00 +0000

Maybe it’s hoarding, or protectionist, or human nature. Whatever you want to call it, some countries have plenty of oil right now — especially wealthier ones with their own refineries and reserves — while others can't get what they need and are rationing fuel. Plus, "starting has always been hard. This era is making it harder," said New York Times bestselling author Jodi Kantor. Today, we hear her job-hunting advice for new grads.

Anti-AI data center sentiment is becoming a political issue

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Lawmakers around the U.S. are moving to restrict data center development. Maine, for example, recently passed what's being called the country's first statewide ban on data centers. The measure would prohibit building any new data centers until late 2027.

As of this taping, Maine's governor, Janet Mills, was reportedly still undecided on whether she'd sign the bill. And 13 other states are also considering bans on data center development, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Tony Pipa of the Brookings Institution talks more about how much of the pushback has to do with the speed with which data centers are popping up.

What it costs to leave the U.S.

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

As the U.S. immigration crackdown intensifies, some undocumented people are choosing to leave the country. But what’s the financial and emotional cost of leaving?

Reema speaks with immigration lawyer Michael Foote, who is helping his clients navigate this process, as well as two undocumented immigrants at different stages in their departure: Javi (not his real name) is an undocumented college student saving up to move abroad, and Monsy Hernandez left the U.S. for Germany almost ten years ago and now supports others weighing the same decision.

If you’re thinking about leaving the U.S., organizations like Onward provide toolkits with resources and information.

If you liked this episode, share it with a friend. And let us know what you think by emailing uncomfortable@marketplace.org or calling 347-RING-TIU.

Support This Is Uncomfortable with your donation today: https://bit.ly/mkp_tiu_pod

Boeing bounces back

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:25:00 +0000

Boeing posted strong Q1 earnings Wednesday, and executives breathed a sigh of relief. The aircraft manufacturer survived several years of significant tumult, which included labor disputes, plane malfunctions, a production backlog, and shifting FAA restrictions. In this episode, how Boeing managed a comeback. Plus: Prediction markets Kalshi and Polymarket will start offering perpetual futures, carmakers push to follow Tesla’s direct-to-consumer sales model, and tariffs disrupt regular shipping cycles.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Fearing the "black hole" of graduating without a job

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:18:00 +0000

We're less than a month away from graduation ceremonies at college campuses across the country. But the job market college grads are entering is an uncertain one, and the unemployment rate for young people with college degrees remains elevated. This morning, we hear one college senior's take on the slowing labor market and the emergence of AI. But first, the owners of a Brooklyn plant shop chat about navigating higher costs.

Will you have enough to comfortably retire?

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:40:00 +0000

New research shows more than a third of workers and retirees don’t think they will have enough money for their retirement years — that’s the highest proportion since 2017. Lower savings rates, higher bills, and concerns over Social Security all constitute a perfect recipe for lower confidence. Also on this morning's program: a preview of Tesla's quarterly earnings and a look at why home prices are falling in Texas.

When do tech companies need to be consistently profitable?

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The social media company Snap recently announced it’s laying off about 1,000 workers — 16% of its employees. The company said these changes will reduce costs by more than half a billion dollars and help establish a path to net income profitability.

This move comes after one of Snap's investors, Irenic Capital Management, wrote a public letter to the company outlining what it needs to do to “save” the company and cut costs.

Snap has been a public company for nine years. It's had just a few non-consecutive profitable quarters. Sarah Kunst, a general partner at the venture capital firm Cleo Capital, explains more about when a company has to be consistently profitable.

Agentic AI anxiety

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:25:00 +0000

Haven’t you always wished for robots to do menial labor? That’s sort of what agentic artificial intelligence is — rather than existing solely in a chat box, the technology can excecute complex tasks. These “helpers” have spurred a rat race in certain tech circles: With the help of personalized AI agents, just how productive can you be? Also in this episode: The U.S. dollar drags, budget airlines seek relief from high jet fuel prices, and consumers use credit to keep up with daily expenses.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Why markets are high despite war in the Middle East

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:15:00 +0000

JD Vance is expected to travel to Islamabad, Pakistan, on Tuesday for potential negotiations with representatives from Iran, but peace talks are still uncertain as the end of the ceasefire approaches. Markets, though, are nearing all-time records. “Marketplace Morning Report” Host Sabri Ben-Achour spoke with Ken Wattret, vice president of global economics at S&P Global Market Intelligence, about the disconnect. Plus, we check in with two plant shop owners about how they’ve been dealing with tariffs, rent, and our broader economy in this installment of Economic Pulse.

Trump's pick for Fed chair heads to Capitol Hill

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:50:00 +0000

President Trump’s nominee to head the Federal Reserve, former Fed governor Kevin Warsh, will testify on Tuesday for his nomination hearing. Warsh is expected to toe the line between maintaining Fed independence and heeding calls from elected officials. Also on the program: war in the Middle East has energy companies looking for ways to diversify their oil supply. Plus, a look into how “social capital” helped to rebuild morale, and economic growth, in Minneapolis following Operation Metro Surge.

Vietnam's economy on the rise

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:44:28 +0000

While the United States’ workforce is aging out of its prime, some countries, like Vietnam, are just hitting their stride. On today’s show, Kai joins Kimberly to share his takeaways from reporting in Ho Chi Minh City for the “Marketplace” series “The Age of Work.” We’ll get into how Vietnam’s younger workforce is transforming the country’s economy for the future and the pressures it faces from all around the globe.

Why does the price of gas go up and down?

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:15:00 +0000

If you’re anything like “Million Bazillion” listener, Elijah, you may have noticed gas prices change from one day to the next, sometimes by a few pennies, sometimes by a lot more. Why does that happen? Ryan and Bridget’s search for answers turns into a much bigger adventure when a falling star and misplaced wish mean Ryan’s car suddenly comes to life and takes them on a wild road trip. Together, Bridget and Ryan learn what the price we pay at the pump has to do with global forces and crude oil's long journey to becoming gas in our fuel tanks.

If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!

Love the show? You can help make it happen. Donate what you can at marketplace.org/givemillion.

News sites are blocking access to Internet Archive's Wayback Machine

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The Wayback Machine is a project of the Internet Archive. It sends out web crawlers to take snapshots of the internet, creating a digital library of web pages. But now, some news publications are blocking its crawlers over concerns that AI companies will access the Wayback Machine’s publicly available archive and then train their AI models with the content.

Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes talked about this with Andrew Deck at Harvard's Nieman Lab.

Diesel prices fuel uncertainty for small businesses

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 22:28:00 +0000

Rising gas prices, stemming from President Trump’s war against Iran, have frustrated drivers all spring. But diesel prices are up too, and diesel is the real engine of our economy. In this episode, small business owners face higher costs and uncertainty as diesel prices climb. Plus: Consumer sentiment reaches record lows even as spending remains stable, economists and farmers explain why tomato prices rose 15% in a month, and bond traders expect the Fed to hold rates steady all year.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

How economists are making sense of our geopolitical climate

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:10:00 +0000

Markets were hopeful on Friday after Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened to commercial vessels. Now, escalating tensions are bringing expectations back down. Marketplace’s Nova Safo spoke with Julia Coronado, founder and president of MacroPolicy Perspectives and a professor at the University of Texas at Austin, about how global economists at the National Association for Business Economics International Symposium in Rome, Italy, are grappling with the back and forth. Plus, later in the program: underemployment among recent college graduates and how we measure it.

Waiting for gas prices to drop? Don't hold your breath

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:15:00 +0000

The Strait of Hormuz has remained largely closed, with only three sanctioned tankers making it through the waterway according to Reuters. When asked about a potential timeline for lower gas prices on CNN, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said prices below $3 “might not happen until next year.” Also on the program, we discuss a New York State law limiting employers’ use of credit history and Germany’s plan to build military enlistment.

California buildings must limit "embodied carbon." Here's what that means

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

California became the first state to regulate embodied carbon in its building code. That’s changing the construction industry even beyond the state border.

More than a third of planet-warming emissions come from buildings and construction. Marketplace’s The rest of it is what’s called embodied carbon. That’s the emissions that it took to make the steel, concrete, glass and insulation, and put them all together. Caleigh Wells looked into what California’s new regulations could mean for builders in this episode of Marketplace Tech, hosted by Stephanie Hughes.

QVC wants to be the next TikTok Shop

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:35:00 +0000

QVC, which pioneered live TV shopping shows, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week. Leadership made the next step clear: a pivot away from television and toward something akin to social commerce, like livestreamed sales on TikTok Shop. But can the legacy brand compete with new, social media-driven shopping platforms? And after that, we wrap up Kai and Nela’s trip to Vietnam with visits to an AI startup and a neighborhood of expats.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Seattle's tech industry blues

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:40:12 +0000

Recently, Seattle’s tech workforce has been hit by wave after wave of layoffs. Some company execs say it’s AI’s fault. KUOW’s Monica Nickelsburg joins Kimberly on today’s show to share what she’s hearing from tech workers. And, we’ll get into another side of the AI boom: the push to build more data centers and the pushback from locals. Plus, a round of Seattle trivia!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

"Booming" from KUOW
Why Seattle tech companies are still laying off workers from The Seattle Times
"From coder to shuttle driver: Where Seattle's laid off tech workforce is now" from KUOW
"A small town in Central Washington is Microsoft's answer to the data center backlash" from KUOW
"What produce prompted the creation of the Market?" from the Pike Place Market Foundation
"Seattle doesn't have many unicorns. Does it matter?" From GeekWire
"Scents from a Mall: The Sticky, Untold Story of Cinnabon" from Seattle Met
"Seattle area expected to generate $845 million from FIFA World Cup" from Fox 13 Seattle

We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Markets optimistic after Iran announces Strait of Hormuz has reopened

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:25:00 +0000

Iran declared on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz has reopened for all commercial vessels. While the news caused stocks to rally and oil prices to drop, it’s unclear yet whether or not the market reaction is premature. Plus, we take a look into the aging demographics of first-time homebuyers and their shrinking share of the housing market.

Soaring jet fuel costs could leave European planes grounded

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:35:00 +0000

The head of the International Energy Agency warned on Thursday that Europe could run out of jet fuel in few as six weeks. The continent is the biggest consumer of jet fuel shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, and ongoing closures in the strait could lead to swaths of flight cancellations. Also on the program: we discuss shifting expectations for American universities, our aging first-time homebuyer population, and changes at Netflix.

Bytes: Week in Review — AI companies divided over proposed state law, Amazon buys Globalstar, and Spotify to sell physical books

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This week, Spotify is letting its users buy physical books. Plus, Amazon acquires the satellite service provide Globalstar. But first, state lawmakers in Illinois are considering a bill that says developers of large AI models can’t be held liable for critical harms caused by those models, as long as the developer doesn't intentionally or recklessly cause the harm and has published a safety protocol on its website.

A representative from OpenAI testified in favor of the bill; meanwhile, Wired reported this week that Anthropic is pushing for either major changes to the legislation, or for it to be killed completely. Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Maria Curi, tech policy reporter at Axios, about all these headlines for this week’s “Tech Bytes: Week in Review.”

The role of temp work in this economy

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 22:25:00 +0000

Cautious employers are hiring more temporary workers, according to the Fed’s latest Beige Book. It's sort of a half-step toward creating permanent roles. The good news is temp jobs can be a leading indicator for overall job market strength. But contract work lacks the stability and benefits of full-time employment. Also in this episode: Kai visits a sprawling electronics street market and a tech startup in Vietnam, jet fuel shortages put Europe on edge, and we check in with a hog and soybean farmer in Illinois.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Anthropic’s head of economics answers our questions about AI and the job market

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:45:04 +0000

Will AI take my job? On today’s show, Anthropic’s head of economics Peter McCrory sits down with Kimberly to answer our burning questions about artificial intelligence’s effects on the labor market. We’ll get into what Anthropic’s research shows about how people are using the company’s chatbot Claude and what that could mean for the future of the global economy.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

"Snap's stock jumps on plans to axe 16% of its workforce citing AI efficiencies" from CNBC
"Anthropic Economic Index report: Learning curves" from Anthropic
"Labor market impacts of AI: A new measure and early evidence" from Anthropic
"Anthropic Economic Index report: Uneven geographic and enterprise AI adoption" from Anthropic
"Behind the Curtain: A white-collar bloodbath" from Axios
"Estimating AI productivity gains from Claude conversations" from Anthropic
"What 81,000 people want from AI" from Anthropic

We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

What a time to be a central bank

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:50:00 +0000

The Federal Reserve is meeting at the end of this month to figure out what to do with interest rates. They have a tough task ahead of them: weighing the job market, inflation, and a war in the Middle East that is "roiling supply chains in ways that are similar ... to what we saw emerging from the pandemic," said KPMG's Diane Swonk. Also on the show: Rising health insurance costs are dragging down wage growth.

The cost of keeping the lights on

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:45:00 +0000

Power utilities plan to spend $1.4 trillion over the next five years on capital projects. A lot of that boils down to grid maintenance and projects to support additional power generation. That’s a 21% increase over what utilities were planning to spend a year ago — and it could drive up household utility bills. Then, it’s been a little over three months since the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. How has Venezuela's oil industry changed since?

One way to avoid AI altogether? Retire early

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The share of older workers is on the decline — about 37% of people age 55 and above are now active in the labor force. About a decade ago, it was around 40%.

The pandemic chased some older workers out, and others can simply afford to retire. Another factor that's causing some to exit? The emergence of artificial intelligence. Learning how to interact with it as a tool, maybe even as a colleague, seems like a headache to some. So, they’re choosing retirement instead.

Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Wall Street Journal reporter Lauren Weber, who’s been covering the phenomenon.

Would you tell your BFF about your credit card debt?

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Would you feel comfortable telling your best friend how much debt you’re in? That was the last thing Jamie Feldman wanted to do, but when her credit card debt spiraled out of control, she knew she needed help. Together, Jamie and Rachel Webster tackled that debt and documented the process with their award-winning podcast “Debt Heads.”

Reema is joined by Jamie and Rachel to talk about friendship, shame and how opening up about money changed their relationship with debt.

If you liked this episode, share it with a friend. And if you have an experience with debt to share, we want to hear it! Call our hotline 347-RING-TIU and leave a message, or you can always email us at uncomfortable@marketplace.org

Support This Is Uncomfortable with your donation today: https://bit.ly/tiu_mayfy26

"Resilience" is the word of the week

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:30:00 +0000

The results are in, and despite concerns that the war in Iran would dampen big banks’ earnings, they’re doing just fine, thank you. On earnings calls this week, several banks shouted out consumer “resilience” for keeping everything chugging along. How long might that resilience hold up? Also in this episode: Small business owners slog through tariff refund paperwork, China is well-positioned to ride out this oil price surge, and we’ve got more of Kai’s visit to Vietnam.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

So many different flavors of oil

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:05:00 +0000

We talk a lot about the price of oil on this show, but there are actually dozens of types of oil. On today's program, we're learning about where they come from, what they're used for, and why the price of oil futures differs from oil's on-the-spot market price. And later, as energy gets more expensive, governments around the world are asking people to try to conserve energy. How much of an impact do those moves have?

Tariff refunds are coming

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:05:00 +0000

The Trump administration says it’ll start issuing refunds for tariffs the Supreme Court ruled were collected illegally next week. Customs and Border Protection's automated system will be able to process about 82% of the tariff payments, worth about $127 billion. More complicated claims will have to wait. Then, we'll discuss what the closure of the Strait of Hormuz means for U.S. oil producers. Plus, could a United Airlines-American Airlines merger be in the cards?

How botnets infiltrate the internet of things

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Routers, computers, web cameras — they all connect to the internet. And they can be infected with malicious software that lets someone else take over. The device becomes a bot, essentially.

A group of these devices networked together then becomes a botnet. And these botnets can then be used for nefarious purposes, like distributed denial of service attacks, without the device owners even knowing about it.

Cybersecurity journalist Brian Krebs recently wrote about several large botnets including one called Kimwolf that compromised more than three million devices.

Vietnam is in its workforce golden age

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 22:35:00 +0000

As the U.S. population ages, our economy will rely more on nations with younger workforces. Nations like Vietnam, where there are two working-age adults for every dependent. As part of our ongoing Age of Work series, host Kai Ryssdal and ADP chief economist Nela Richardson visit a garment factory and outdoor vendor market in Ho Chi Minh City to learn more about Vietnam’s economy. But first: Companies contend with higher transportation costs and the Fed faces oil industry demand destruction.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Here’s how the ultrarich avoid paying taxes

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:45:00 +0000

In her book “The Second Estate,” Boston College Law School professor Ray Madoff argues that the tax code in the United States lets billionaires keep their wealth outside of the tax system, leaving the heaviest burden to lower- and middle-income, working Americans. On today’s show, Madoff joins Kimberly to explain the “tax avoidance playbook” and why Congress has let certain loopholes go unclosed for decades. Plus, why a wealth tax may not be the simple solution you think it is.

The spring housing market's not in full bloom

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:10:00 +0000

It's springtime, meaning the real estate market is supposed to be popping. But fresh data from the National Association of Realtors shows seasonally adjusted sales of existing homes are actually down 3.6%. What's going on? Also on the show, Chinese exports slowed sharply last month amid energy shocks, and a surge in the cost of petrochemicals — used in plastics, fertilizers, and more — is likely to translate to higher costs on supermarket shelves.

Breaking down where all your federal tax dollars go

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:45:00 +0000

It's almost Tax Day. And while some of us may have waited till the last minute to do our taxes, the federal government sure won't be wasting any time spending them. This morning, we're unpacking how much of your tax bill goes toward services like defense, Social Security, health care, food assistance, the national debt, and more. Plus, there's been no net job creation over the last six months, which can make the economy more vulnerable.

States are getting crypto‑curious

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

State governments invest their money a lot like a person might. Some treasuries, some mutual funds, a dash of corporate bonds, all intended to grow over time. Now, some states are looking to cryptocurrency as an investment. In 2025, at least nineteen states considered laws allowing some state funds to be invested in digital assets. Three states — Texas, New Hampshire, and Arizona — actually passed laws around this, according to a review by the Pew Charitable Trusts. Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes talked about this interest from states with Liz Farmer, senior officer at Pew Charitable Trusts, who explained why crypto is appealing to some state investors.

What are tax returns?

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The 10th season of “Million Bazillion” is here just in time to mark Bridget and Ryan’s favorite holiday – Tax Day! There’s just one problem: Ryan hasn’t finished filing his taxes yet. With the clock ticking, Bridget steps in to help him out before midnight. Along the way, they tackle a great question from Kade: What exactly are tax returns? Will they figure everything out before time runs out?

If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!

Love the show? You can help make it happen. Donate what you can at marketplace.org/givemillion.

How's that grocery bill looking?

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:15:00 +0000

Grocery prices rose less than 2% in March, according to the latest consumer price index. The cost of some staples, including eggs, butter, and cheese, fell from spikes last spring. Certain produce prices moved in the opposite direction. In this episode, how the global economy affects your grocery bill. Plus: The war in Iran ripples through big banks’ earnings, fuel economy regulations soften the blow of high gas prices, and Kai visits Southern California’s Little Saigon ahead of a trip to Vietnam.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

War in the Middle East, oil, and jobs

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:30:00 +0000

The U.S. has threatened a blockade of Iranian ports set to go into effect this morning. That means the supply of oil will be even more restricted than it was before. We'll dig into what all this means for oil markets. Plus, the economic consequences of the war are reshaping businesses' hiring plans stateside, too. And, there's a parade of banks releasing results this week. Investors are paying close attention.

Doing the numbers on your grocery bill

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:40:00 +0000

Grocery prices on average are up about 2% compared to this time last year. But split up the food groups, and we start to see some bigger numbers. Tomatoes, lettuce, and nonalcoholic beverages (especially coffee) led the way for price increases. Meanwhile, the cost of meat and dairy declined. Why? Also: a Straight of Hormuz blockade courtesy of the U.S., and a look at how Trump's tax and spending law could impact charitable giving.

Is “made by humans” the new premium label?

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes was shopping recently with her seven-year-old who was drawn to a “Relaxolotl,” a tea infuser shaped like an axolotl. And it had a label: “designed in Rhode Island, by people.”

Genuine Fred makes the relaxolotl. President Jason Amendolara told “Marketplace Tech” the company adopted the saying over a decade ago, before artificial intelligence was really in the conversation. It was meant to signal there were real humans behind the ideas. But now, the phrase has taken on new meaning. Genuine Fred does use AI as a tool, but Amendolara says people are still at the center of its design process.

That made us wonder: Could human involvement be highlighted more by brands in the future? Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes discussed that with New York Institute of Technology professor Colleen Kirk, who has studied how people respond to marketing messages created by AI.

"Marketplace" Live

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Nearly 600 Marketplace fans gathered at the Aratani Theatre in downtown Los Angeles to watch Kai Ryssdal present Marketplace Live, in partnership with LAist.

Kai was joined onstage by economics author, educator, and content creator Kyla Scanlon to talk about AI, prediction markets, Federal Reserve independence, and the war in Iran. Later, former “Marketplace Morning Report” host David Brancaccio joined Kai to discuss his experience rebuilding after the LA fire and his new job as Marketplace senior correspondent covering future effects.

Note: This show was recorded on March 29, and the situation in Iran has changed since then. Follow our latest coverage here.

"Marketplace" Live

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Nearly 600 Marketplace fans gathered at the Aratani Theatre in downtown Los Angeles to watch Kai Ryssdal present Marketplace Live, in partnership with LAist.

Note: This show was recorded on March 29, and the situation in Iran has changed since then. Follow our latest coverage here.

"Marketplace" Live

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Nearly 600 Marketplace fans gathered at the Aratani Theatre in downtown Los Angeles to watch Kai Ryssdal present Marketplace Live, in partnership with LAist.

Note: This show was recorded on March 29, and the situation in Iran has changed since then. Follow our latest coverage here.

Navigating long-term unemployment

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 22:35:00 +0000

Overall unemployment measured 4.3% in March, which is a sign of a fairly strong economy. A contradicting data point? The number of Americans who have been unemployed for more than six months grew 300,000 year-over-year. In this episode, a job hunt with no end in sight. Plus: The CPI shows still-high shelter inflation, composting finds its place in a trash-import state, and we recap the week’s economic data.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Rejecting climate doomerism with solarpunk

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +0000

A lot of sci-fi is dystopian. Solarpunk flips that on its head. The subgenre imagines a brighter future where humans have fostered a better relationship with technology, the environment, and each other, in spite of climate disaster. On today’s show, writer and academic Phoebe Wagner joins Kimberly to make us smart about solarpunk, its connection to the green energy transition, and why you should check it out if you want to shake off climate doom.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

"Solarpunk: A Container for More Fertile Futures" from Solarpunk Magazine
"Tired of Dystopian Sci-Fi? You Might Like Solarpunk." from Mother Jones
"Sunshine and Seedlings" from Hydroponic Trash
"Underground" from Tractor Beam
Chobani ad on YouTube

We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

David Brancaccio reflects on thousands of conversations

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:30:00 +0000

David Brancaccio has hosted an estimated 16,925 morning shows over 13 years. Now, for his final time in the host chair, David shares snippets of discussions he's had throughout the years, including with experienced local Del Rio, Texas-based reporter Karen Gleason, Nobel laureate Paul Krugman, and actor and entrepreneur William Shatner. Also on the program, Princeton's Burton Malkiel addresses concerns and gives advice about a potential AI bubble.

"Nobody can time the market"

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:10:00 +0000

For his second-to-last time hosting an episode of "Marketplace Morning Report," David Brancaccio spoke with the author of arguably the most influential book on personal finance and investing of all time. First published in 1973, "A Random Walk Down Wall Street" argues that it’s super hard to beat the stock market. Its author, Burton Malkiel, is a Princeton professor emeritus and still going strong at 93. We have that conversation, as well as a preview of March's consumer price index.

Bytes: Week in Review — Anthropic's new AI model, a referendum on data centers, and NASA livestreams journey to space

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This week, a Wisconsin city votes to restrict future data center development. Plus, the astronauts on Artemis II take their journey to social media. But first, Anthropic announced this week it has a new AI model called Claude Mythos Preview.

The company says it’s extremely good at finding security vulnerabilities. So good that Anthropic is not releasing the model to the general public. Instead, it is granting access to a group of over 40 companies and tech organizations, a collaboration called Project Glasswing.

Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Joanna Stern, founder of the media company New Things, to discuss all these topics and more.

February inflation data shows more of the same

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:35:00 +0000

The personal consumption expenditures report, which is the Fed’s preferred measure of inflation, showed costs rose 2.8% year-over-year in Feburary. That’s above the target, but never fear: Resilient consumers keep on spending, despite rising prices. What’ll it take to shake things up? Also in this episode: A war-driven plastic shortage costs U.S. manufacturers, we give that GDP revision some context, and Kai visits a nuclear reactor.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Who can stop insider trading on prediction markets?

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:45:00 +0000

A series of suspiciously well-timed Iran war bets placed on Polymarket have revived concerns about insider trading on prediction markets. But enforcement is something of a gray area. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino joins Kimberly to explain the relatively recent history of insider trading laws at the CFTC and what it could mean for prediction market platforms. Plus, the debate over whether insider trading on these markets is actually a good thing.

How to freeze out scammers

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:55:00 +0000

Today, we're returning to our 2019 Brains and Losses series, which investigated the financial exploitation of older Americans. In the years that have followed, AI has only made scams more convincing and easier to conduct. This morning, we're joined by an elder law attorney in Florida to hear how some pioneering laws there are aiming to stop scammers who prey on older people mid-swindle. Also, we’re digging into the Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation, which remains stubbornly elevated.

The "chicken tax" and the U.S. auto industry

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:45:00 +0000

In the 1960s, the German government put a tariff on American chickens. President Lyndon B. Johnson then retaliated with a tariff on light-duty commercial vehicles and trucks. The back-and-forth has come to define the U.S. auto sector. On this morning's show, why a veteran automotive CEO calls this chicken tax "one of the most important, formative aspects of how the U.S. industry has evolved." But first, markets try to guess whether the U.S.-Iran ceasefire will hold.

Trust in government data practices is rapidly deteriorating

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

For years, consumers have worried about how the private sector — namely, big tech — handles their personal data. Now a new survey from the Center for Democracy & Technology suggests a large majority are also concerned about how the federal government uses their data.

Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Elizabeth Laird, director of equity in civic technology at CDT, to learn more.

Why do parents turn their kids into influencers?

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Would you share your children’s most intimate moments on social media if it meant you could make millions? Family influencers are building businesses around their kids, sharing everything from toddler meltdowns to puberty talks. For some families, that income is a lifeline. But it also raises difficult questions about privacy, money and parenthood.

Reema talks with journalist Fortesa Latifi about her new book, “Like, Follow, Subscribe: Influencer Kids and the Cost of a Childhood Online.”

Plus, we want to hear from you: as child care costs keep rising, have you or your partner considered becoming a stay-at-home parent? If so, what kind of financial factors are going into that decision? Let us know by calling 347-RING-TIU or emailing uncomfortable@marketplace.org

U.S. Treasurys aren't selling like they used to

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 22:35:00 +0000

The share of U.S. debt held by foreign countries has been shrinking. Foreign investors currently hold about 30% of federal public debt, down from nearly half. In today’s episode, we explain why the rest of the world isn’t picking up the U.S. tab anymore, and how that’ll impact American consumers and businesses. Plus: Three tech giants are eyeing initial public offerings this year, and Delta Airlines reported high earnings — and higher fees. Also, before inflation reports drop this week, learn why the PCE is slower than CPI. And finally, discover this hidden driver of the music industry.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

The road less traveled (by bike)

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:05:00 +0000

As David Brancaccio winds down his tenure as host of the "Marketplace Morning Report," he's speaking with places of work he might have ended up at if he weren’t a broadcast journalist. On today's show, we head to Bike Oven in Los Angeles, a co-op that aims to give you everything you need to learn how to fix your bike yourself. But first: an examination of oil prices and potential tariffs on countries sending weapons to Iran.

Oil prices dip on de-escalation news

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:35:00 +0000

We are now into the first hours of a two-week ceasefire in the U.S.-Iran conflict. The wholesale price of oil has plunged nearly 16%. The New York price was pushing $118 yesterday; this morning, it's below $95 a barrel. While the war certainly isn't over, markets are celebrating the momentary relief. Then, we'll check in with both a New Mexico nonprofit and an AI firm to understand the region's K-shaped economy.

Are humans losing the ability to think for themselves?

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

As humans have integrated artificial intelligence into their daily lives, there is growing concern that AI is doing the bulk of the thinking.

According to the paper: “Thinking—Fast, Slow, and Artificial: How AI is Reshaping Human Reasoning and the Rise of Cognitive Surrender,” by Gideon Nave and Steven Shaw of the Wharton School of Business, they’ve deemed it a “cognitive surrender.”

“Marketplace Tech” host Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Shaw, a postdoctoral researcher at Wharton, about their findings and the possible impacts for the future human cognition.

The crackdown on prediction market insider trading

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 22:30:00 +0000

Laws prohibiting insider trading in commodities markets — which could be applied to prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket — are more recent and untested than you might think. In this episode, we dig into two conflicting viewpoints: prediction markets as forecasting tools and prediction markets as regulated betting platforms. Plus: Durable goods orders continue a downward trend, the air travel industry weighs the role of small airports, and consumer inflation expectations rise.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

ICE and the “wide, deep, and ever-growing” surveillance state

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:15:42 +0000

Doorbell cameras, license plate readers, and social media platforms are just a few of the tech products that make up an ever-growing surveillance network in the United States. ICE’s use of surveillance tools as part of its immigration crackdown has brought that into focus. On today’s show, Kimberly talks with investigative journalist and co-founder of 404 Media Joseph Cox about the growth of the American surveillance state and simple steps you can take to protect your privacy.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

"With Ring, American Consumers Built a Surveillance Dragnet" from 404 Media
"Surveillance company Flock generates controversy, and L.A. customers" from The L.A. Times
"Ring Ends Deal to Link Neighborhood Cameras After Backlash to Super Bowl Ad" from The New York Times
"All the Ways Big Tech Fuels ICE and CBP" from Wired
"Inside a Powerful Database ICE Uses to Identify and Deport People" from 404 Media

We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

What keeps big bank CEOs up at night

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:17:00 +0000

Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase, put out his annual letter to shareholders this week. In it, the leader of the largest bank in North America outlined worries about persistently elevated inflation and the growing role of private credit. We'll unpack. Then, as part of our “Business Envy” series, we'll have a chat with the founder and CEO of a Maine-based rocket company looking to support research missions and a growing space economy.

Could a Universal Music takeover be in the cards?

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:40:00 +0000

Billionaire activist investor Bill Ackman is making a play for Taylor Swift’s record label in a deal that Reuters values at around $64 billion. Ackman wants his investment firm, Pershing Square Capital Management, to take over Universal Music Group. This morning, we'll dig into the news. Then, we continue our trip along Route 66 and visit Northern Arizona University, which has designated this academic year the “Year of AI Empowerment.”

By 2030, EVs could cost the same as their gas guzzling siblings

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

In the U.S., battery electric and plug-in hybrid cars have been more expensive than their gasoline-powered counterparts, costing about $8,000 more on average. Experts say EVs are poised to achieve price parity with internal-combustion engine vehicles in just a few years though, because the single costliest part of an EV — the battery that powers it — is getting cheaper.

“Million Bazillion” Season 10 is almost here!

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Hello, Million Bazillionaires, we’ve got a new season of “Million Bazillion” coming your way on April 14!

To mark the 10th season, Bridget and Ryan are going all out to answer your money questions. If you’re wondering why gas prices keep going up? We’ve got answers. Curious what the fuss is about Tax Day? We’ve got that covered too. Plus, a special episode about the gold standard, recorded in front of a real live audience.

If you’re in or near the Boston area come see us live. Check our events page for ticket information.

Don’t forget to sign up for the “Million Bazillion” newsletter so you never miss an episode and get access to episode extras, including conversation starters for grownups and kids.

New episodes drop every Tuesday starting April 14. Listen to a sneak peek above, get caught up on any episodes you may have missed and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!

The inflationary effects of war

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 22:15:00 +0000

We've got the first whiff of price growth as a result of President Donald Trump's war in the Middle East: A services sector purchasing index registered its highest reading since October 2022. Experts expect federal data out later this week to show a similar uptick in prices from February to March. And even if the war ends soon, that inflation could stick around. Also in this episode: The U.S. isn’t likely to institute an oil price cap, HSAs remain an imperfect savings tool, and more shoppers opt for secondhand clothing.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Keeping an eye on oil prices

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:05:00 +0000

The price of crude oil is fluctuating this morning. This comes after oil producers at OPEC+ agreed to slightly increase production over the weekend. We give you the facts. Plus, a preview of Thursday’s GDP revision. Also, “Marketplace Morning Report” host David Brancaccio speaks with the majority owner of a coffee roasting company.

Get your kicks on Route 66

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000

To see the U.S. economy in 3D, you gotta hit the open road. 100 years after the iconic highway was built, “Marketplace Morning Report” host David Brancaccio kicks off his final week in the host chair with his journey on Route 66. His trip begins in Santa Monica, California. Along the way, he speaks with local business owners about the precarious job market, changing landscapes, and why one particular stop is a hit with French tourists.

Would banning teens from social media violate their First Amendment rights?

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Four months after Australia’s landmark law that banned all minors under the age of 16 from creating or owning social media accounts, the California legislature is trying to follow suit.

But free speech advocates worry that these laws will infringe on the First Amendment rights of many kids and even adults. However, Aaron Mackey, the free speech and transparency litigation director at the nonprofit Electronic Frontier Foundation, says there is growing sentiment to regulate and protect children from the harms of social media.

“Marketplace Tech” host Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Mackey about how we can still protect kids and consumers without restricting free speech.

Gas vs. gas

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:30:00 +0000

The war with Iran has driven up the price of gas — as in, the gas we put in our cars. But what about natural gas, like the kind we use to heat and cool our homes? The U.S. is pretty well insulated from a natural gas price spike. Countries across Europe and Asia ... not so much. Also in this episode: Wage growth slows as the economy adds jobs, historic New England country stores pivot to stay afloat, and crude oil futures look a bit funky right now.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Make Me Smart: Lunar Edition

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 21:40:37 +0000

This week’s launch of Artemis II marked the first crewed mission to the moon in over 50 years. This time around, the spaceflight industry looks pretty different, with private companies playing a more dominant role. On today’s show, Kimberly gets into the future of NASA and the commercial space sector with Ars Technica’s senior space editor Eric Berger. Plus, why are we going back to the moon, anyway?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

"Artemis II is unlikely to be the cultural touchstone Apollo 8 was, and that's OK" from Ars Technica
"Isaacman aims to reinvigorate NASA’s image, starting with the moon" from Politico
"Trump FY2027 NASA Budget Supports Moon Missions, But Cuts Everything Else" from SpacePolicyOnline.com
"Big Banks Seeking a Piece of SpaceX’s I.P.O. Must Subscribe to Elon Musk’s Grok" from The New York Times
"SpaceX quietly files for big bang IPO" from SpaceNews
"Artemis II: What's on the Menu?" from NASA
"Astronaut Reid Wiseman was wrong about how rockets get to space" from Marketplace

We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

The March unemployment rate fell — but there's a catch

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:05:00 +0000

The U.S. economy added 178,000 new jobs in March, and the unemployment rate went down. That’s a big improvement from last month’s disappointing jobs report, but there’s more than meets the eye to these numbers. We’ll explain in today’s episode. Also: SpaceX filed paperwork for an IPO, and the company’s high predicted valuation isn’t the only thing making waves. Plus, some food for thought before this weekend’s Final Four basketball games and inevitable betting ads: “This Is Uncomfortable” host Reema Khrais explains the effects of prediction markets on our wallets and our brains.

A new tariff on imported medication

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:45:00 +0000

President Donald Trump signed an executive order yesterday that threatened tariffs of up to 100% on imported medications. The executive order also overhauls steel, copper, and aluminum tariffs. We’ve got all the details. Also in this episode: a breakdown of the new March jobs report. Plus, David Brancaccio speaks to a vintage car converter who turns old cars into electric vehicles.

Bytes: Week in Review - SpaceX's IPO, Iran threatens U.S. tech firms and California's new AI executive order

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

On this week’s “Marketplace Tech Bytes: Week in Review,” Big Tech operations in the Middle East from companies like Apple, Google and Microsoft could be targeted by Iran. And California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a new AI executive order with a not-so-thinly veiled message to the Trump administration. But first, Elon Musk's rocket company SpaceX reportedly took a first step towards a highly anticipated initial public offering this week. The company made a confidential filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that potentially puts it on track to go public at a more than $2 trillion valuation in June. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Paresh Dave, senior writer at WIRED, to learn more.

When will oil markets recover?

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:15:00 +0000

President Trump said last night that military attacks on Iran will end in two or three weeks. But the effect on the global oil market will last much longer. In this episode, what it will take to stabilize oil supply and reserves — and how long gas prices will stay high. Plus: Hospitality groups make up a growing share of restaurant ownership, high oil prices haven’t pushed Permian Basin rigs to “drill, baby, drill,” and corporations take small steps to save the Colorado River basin.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.