Make Me Smart

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Each weekday, Marketplace’s Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams make today make sense. Along with our supersmart listeners, we break down happenings in tech, the economy and culture. Every Tuesday we bring on a guest to dive deeper into one important topic. Because none of us is as smart as all of us.

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903 episodes

Boeing and the “glass cliff”

In corporate America, struggling companies often pull a classic move: They promote women to lead them through a crisis. Boeing did just that. We’ll talk about the new boss at Boeing and how the “glass cliff” phenomenon impacts women and people of color moving up the corporate ladder. Also in this episode, a Kai rant about Truth Social and the greater fool theory, why dogs might be even smarter than we think, and is “bazoodaful” a new Kai word? Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

12m
Mar 27
The political and economic power of white evangelicals

Today we’re talking about a key voting bloc in this year’s elections: white evangelical Christian voters. In 2016 and 2020, they helped Donald Trump rise to power. NPR’s Sarah McCammon, author of “Exvangelicals,” discusses why evangelicals continue to back Trump, her personal journey leaving evangelicalism and the economic systems built around the evangelical movement. We’ll also talk about the Maryland bridge collapse and the state of U.S. infrastructure. Plus, Neil King Jr., author of the memoir “American Ramble,” answers the Make Me Smart question. Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

32m
Mar 26
The trickle-down effects of the Dobbs abortion decision

This week, the Supreme Court will hear its first major abortion case since the Dobbs decision. We’ll get into how the use of abortion pills has changed post-Roe and the possible revival of a 150-year-old anti-obscenity law. Plus, an update on the efforts to limit judge shopping. And, the story of a woman who completed an extreme running race. Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

13m
Mar 25
Immigration and U.S. economic growth

Since the Congressional Budget Office last released its long-term outlook for the federal deficit and strength of the U.S. economy, things have become a teeny bit better. Why? The CBO points to increased immigration and last year’s spending deal struck between Congress and President Joe Biden. And, we’ll get into the looming commercial real-estate reckoning. Plus, we’ll weigh in on tote bags, Free Blockbuster libraries and more in a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Help us meet our spring fundraiser goal https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn and get your throwback Marketplace swag today!

24m
Mar 23
Government shutdown déjà vu

Congress is once again in a race against the clock to pass a gargantuan federal spending bill to keep the government up and running past Saturday. We’ll get into it. And, the Joe Biden administration made a groundbreaking investment in Intel’s chip manufacturing business in an effort to spur the domestic semiconductor industry. Plus, Nvidia’s next generation AI chips and Caitlin Clark’s place in the booming world of women’s sports. Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Pledge to give monthly to support our newsroom https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn and your donations will be matched for a full year by the Investors Challenge Fund!

14m
Mar 21
Why are Americans so unhappy?

Our happiness is slipping. According to Gallup, the U.S. has dropped out of the cohort of 20 happiest countries. What gives? Guest host Matt Levin joins Kimberly Adams to discuss some of the possible economic explanations. Plus, the Joe Biden administration’s efforts to expand women’s health research, and menopause might need more looking into. And, our growing obsession with houseplants. Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

20m
Mar 21
America’s news deserts and the 2024 election

Today, we’re brining you a special series from “Marketplace Morning Report” that explores how communities are impacted by the absence of local news coverage, especially in a big election year. As part of the “Democracy in the Desert” https://www.marketplace.org/shows/marketplace-morning-report/special-democracy-in-the-desert/ series, host David Brancaccio travels to “news deserts” in Texas, North Carolina and Virginia to learn how various business models are struggling to inform voters, and where newspaper economics went wrong. Pledge your monthly support https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn for our newsroom and your donations will be matched for a full year by the Investors Challenge Fund!

31m
Mar 19
Gaza’s food crisis

Five months into the Israel-Hamas war, the United Nations is warning of “imminent famine” in northern Gaza. Guest host Samantha Fields discusses the challenge of getting food aid delivered to the region. Plus, the nation’s largest employer is considering pay transparency laws. Then, we’ll smile about cherry blossoms and the upcoming solar eclipse. Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

16m
Mar 19
Our annual cherry blossom episode

On today’s edition of Economics on Tap, we’ll get into some news while celebrating cherry blossom season in Washington, D.C. The National Association of Realtors agreed to settle a slew of lawsuits and change its rules on commissions. We’ll discuss how the fallout could impact the way we buy and sell homes in the United States. And, an usual political money phenomenon is the hot new thing in political strategy. Plus, we’ll play a blossom-themed round of This or That! Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Donate to our nonprofit newsroom today and we’ll thank you with a sticker, mug, tote bag, or T-shirt featuring our throwback logo! https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

29m
Mar 16
Reddit, meme stocks and an IPO

Reddit, a somewhat untamed fixture of the internet, is launching an initial public offering of its shares. We’ll get into why the company’s culture could become an obstacle to profitability and whether Reddit might get the meme stock treatment its users famously dished out in the past. And, the TikTok creators who’d be most affected by a nationwide ban are the social media company’s greatest lobbyists. Plus, the impact Family Dollar store closures could have on food deserts and an incredible feat by American sailor Cole Brauer. Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream https://www.youtube.com/@marketplaceAPM/streams starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

12m
Mar 14
Thoughts on TikTok

Today, the House of Representatives passed a bill that could ban TikTok in the U.S. We’ll weigh the national security risks behind the app and its growing impact on American culture. Plus, how bitcoin bounced back, a crackdown on judge shopping (yes, that’s a thing) and why we’re glad our podcast isn’t owned by a billionaire! Here’s everything we talked about today: __ ____ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Celebrate 35 years of Marketplace by stepping back in time! Donate to our nonprofit newsroom today and we’ll thank you with Marketplace swag that features our dot-com era logo. https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

15m
Mar 13
Boycotts, buycotts and the rise of consumer activism

Boycotts have been making headlines lately, from the movement to boycott Israel over the war in Gaza, which has hit companies like Starbucks https://www.cbsnews.com/news/middle-east-starbucks-israel-hamas-war-boycotts-mcdonalds/ and McDonald’s, https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/feb/05/mcdonalds-mdc-earnings-boycott-report to a new right-wing boycott of Doritos https://www.businessinsider.com/boycott-doritos-transgender-influencer-samantha-hudson-right-wing-2024-3 over the brand’s decision to partner with a trans influencer. Consumer boycott campaigns are frequently tossed around in the news cycle. But do they really make a difference in the long run? On the show today, Brayden King at the Kellogg School of Management explains why boycotts don’t usually affect a company’s bottom line, where boycotts actually do make an impact and how social media has changed the way these campaigns work. Plus, the difference between boycotts and buycotts. Then, a reminder that inflation’s ride down is a bumpy one. And, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question comes from Jasmine Harris https://www.drjasmineharris.com/, author of “Black Women, Ivory Tower.” Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Don’t forget, your gift goes twice as far for Marketplace today only, thanks to a match from the Investors Challenge Fund. Give now! https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

27m
Mar 12
Class, income and a shift in American politics

New data shows Black and Latino voters are shifting away from the Democratic Party and toward the GOP. But is this shift real? We’ll get into it and discuss the possible economic forces at play. Plus, what you really need to know about President Joe Biden’s budget proposal. And, the similarities between humans and bumblebees! Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

13m
Mar 12
What happened to Apple’s car?

Apple has abandoned its effort to make an autonomous electric vehicle. We’ll get into why the company’s venture flopped and what it says about the supply chain for electric vehicle parts. Then, we’ll explain how a Texas federal judge’s ruling is upending race-based aid for businesses. And, guest host Sabri Ben-Achour tells us how he created a flower. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

32m
Mar 09
The recession that’s always six months away

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell took a trip to Capitol Hill this week to testify about the health of the U.S. economy. We’ll get into the TL;DR of Powell’s testimony and why he doesn’t foresee a recession around the corner. And, we’ll talk about how political campaigns are spending on advertising these days. Plus, the latest regional banking woes and what rapidly advancing deepfakes could do to this year’s elections. Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Get ready for Economics on Tap and subscribe https://www.marketplace.org/smarter/ to our newsletter to get a copy of our new cocktails zine. The YouTube livestream https://www.youtube.com/@marketplaceAPM/streams starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

10m
Mar 07
Super Tuesday aftermath

Nikki Haley has officially ended her 2024 presidential bid and had a lot to say about the state of the economy as she bowed out. We’ll get into that and look at where the dominoes are falling in the presidential contest post-Super Tuesday. Plus, the money moves political candidates sometimes make to cruise to victory. And, how “rumor clinics” helped combat mis- and disinformation during World War II. Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

16m
Mar 07
The global rise of right-wing populism

It’s Super Tuesday, and we’re talking about something that’s on the ballot in many nations around the world: populism. Right-wing populist movements have been gaining popularity in democracies like Hungary, Italy, India and the United States, to name a few. On the show today, sociologist Bart Bonikowski breaks down what populism is, how it shows up on the left and right, why right-wing populism seems to be catching foothold in so many countries and the economic factors at play. Plus, why this year could be a test for global democracy. Then, the reason you may be having trouble getting your prescription drugs lately. And, we’ll hear from our listeners about their favorite anime series. Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

33m
Mar 06
What’s left out of the inflation calculation

Today we’re digging into a series of economic reports that give us more insight into what’s happening in this economy. First, we look at rising prices, the cost of money and why inflation might actually be higher than we think. Then, what a new report says about the most physically demanding jobs in America. Plus, how a school in Burkina Faso stays cool in triple-digit temps. And, a “Make Me Smart” listener shares anime-style fan art! Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

12m
Mar 05
The clash of two tech titans

Elon Musk is suing OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, saying the artificial intelligence company abandoned its founding mission to prioritize the benefit of humanity over profit. Is this just a bunch of industry drama, or could it be a real turning point in the development of generative AI? And, how the cultural conversation around shoplifting has played out at one CVS store. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty, and Kimberly shares a hair-raising leech story. Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

31m
Mar 02
Whaddya wanna know about inflation?

We’ve got mail! And, lots of questions about inflation from listeners. Today, we’ll explain why interest rates cuts may be on the horizon even amid a booming economy; the relationship between the minimum wage and inflation; and what leap day means for your paycheck. Plus, Kai and Kimberly get a special delivery! Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Get ready for Economics on Tap and subscribe https://www.marketplace.org/smarter/to our newsletter to get a copy of our new cocktails zine. The YouTube livestream https://www.youtube.com/@marketplaceAPM/streams starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

16m
Mar 01
McConnell to end reign as Senate Republican leader

Mitch McConnell announced he’s stepping down as leader of Senate Republicans this year. The longest-serving Senate leader revealed the decision amid ongoing negotiations over Ukraine funding and a looming government shutdown. We’ll look back on his historic tenure. Plus, why some corporations should learn to read the room. And, the legacy of “Soul Train,” the iconic TV dance show. Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

17m
Feb 29
Why anime is everywhere all at once

Anime seems to be just about everywhere these days: film, https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/naruto-movie-in-the-works-1235833511/ music videos, https://www.polygon.com/24054429/megan-thee-stallion-hiss-tokyo-ghoul-anime-meaning the NFL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5FBAbbDBh0 and big streaming services like Netflix https://about.netflix.com/en/news/netflix-festival-japan-2021and Hulu https://www.thewrap.com/hulu-animation-animayhem-demand/. “Anime is colossal. In terms of raw revenue, anime and the NLF are tied at about $20 billion https://finance.yahoo.com/news/anime-market-reach-usd-62-120000412.html in [annual global] revenue,” said Chris Plante, editor in chief and co-founder of Polygon https://www.polygon.com/ at Vox Media. “When you think of anime, it can be seen as niche, but the reality is that couldn’t be further from the truth.” On the show today, Plante explains anime economics, what’s behind the rise of anime in the United States and some of the problematic aspects of the medium. Later, we’ll discuss how climate change is impacting cherry blossom season and why the commercial real estate crisis could be a big problem for regional banks. Later, one listener calls in on a landline about landlines. And, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question comes from a digital illustrator based in Long Beach, California. Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Are you a fan of anime? Tell us about your favorite anime series! Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

30m
Feb 28
The work that awaits Congress in March

Next month, Congress has a jam-packed to-do list, including funding the government, the ongoing impeachment proceedings of the Homeland Security secretary and high-stakes congressional primaries. We’ll explain all the reasons March is about to be a doozy in Washington. Plus, the work and money behind TikTok’s viral trick-shot videos. And the inspiration behind the theme music for Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

11m
Feb 27
Economic sanctions vs. boycotts

It’s been two years since Russia invaded Ukraine, and the U.S. is imposing new sanctions on Russia in an attempt to weaken the Kremlin. But sanctions aren’t proving to be all that effective. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/22/us/politics/russia-war-anniversary-sanctions.html We’ll get into some research weighing how well government sanctions work compared to consumer-driven boycotts. And, Instagram is a popular news destination, whether the social media operation likes it or not. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full / Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

26m
Feb 24
Nvidia’s AI chips are the hot new thing

Nvidia’s fourth quarter results blew past analysts’ expectations with a revenue of $22.1 billion. https://www.wsj.com/business/earnings/nvidia-nvda-q4-earnings-report-2024-cc7c257d We’ll get into what sizzling hot demand for the chip maker’s products says about the larger generative AI boom. And, we’ll discuss the threat AI-generated misinformation poses to the 2024 election, and what states are doing to combat it. Plus, experiencing sticker shock at the grocery store lately? Kellogg suggests trying cereal for dinner. Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream https://www.youtube.com/@marketplaceAPM/streams starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

10m
Feb 22
Is spying really happening at U.S. ports?

Most of the cargo cranes at U.S. ports are made in China, and they could be spying. The Biden administration announced a plan to spend billions of dollars to replace and manufacture the equipment domestically over national security concerns. We’ll explain. Plus, how an Alabama court ruling on embryos may affect fertility treatments in a post-Roe world. And, the story of a man, an astronaut and a homemade antenna. Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

11m
Feb 22
NATO’s place in the global economy

After former President Trump’s recent digs at NATO, officials at a global security conference in Munich over the weekend weighed https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/02/18/munich-security-conference-trump-nato-europe/ what European countries would do if Trump were re-elected and abandoned the United States’ treaty commitments. On the show today, Kathleen McInnis, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, discusses the history and future of NATO and why it matters to the global economy. We’ll also share our takeaways from Fani Willis’ testimony. Plus, a former NASA astronaut was wrong about what we (earthlings) gain from going to space. Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

33m
Feb 21
Thoughts on Navalny’s death

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, a fierce critic of Vladimir Putin, has died in a Russian penal colony. We’ll reflect on Navalny’s impact and what it means to push back against the slow creep of political change. Plus, more evidence that plastic recycling is a myth pushed by the plastics industry. And, we’ll weigh in on the romance novel revival and landline phones in a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

23m
Feb 17
Biden is entering his TikTok era

Joe Biden’s re-election campaign launched a meme-heavy TikTok account in an effort to reach young voters. But considering national security concerns related to the platform, will the move pay off? We’ll get into it. Plus, strikes by Uber and Lyft drivers across the country are once again highlighting the distinction between contractors and employees. And, we’ll get into Bitcoin’s rebound and Beyoncé’s venture into country music. Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream https://www.youtube.com/@marketplaceAPM/streams starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

15m
Feb 15
What it’s like to be in Gaza right now

Israel plans to expand its military offensive into Rafah, a city on the southern tip of the Gaza Strip where many Palestinians are sheltered. On the show today, guest host Reema Khrais reflects on her personal connection to the major conflict and shares some of her reporting on the experience of Palestinians in Gaza right now. Plus, how the Joe Biden administration is grappling with growing pushback against unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel. Then, we’ll smile about lifelong female friendships and AI-generated breakup texts. Here’s everything we talked about today: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

27m
Feb 15