Episodes
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COP29, the United Nations’ annual climate summit, is underway in Azerbaijan. This year’s conference is all about how the world will pay to deal with climate change. But Donald Trump’s election victory looms large over the talks. President-elect Trump could roll back United States climate policy like he did during his first term. On the show today, Gautam Jain, senior research scholar at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy, explains why climate investment won’t come to a complete halt under the next Trump administration. Plus, he weighs in on who might fill the void in global energy transition talks.
Plus, the message ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods is sending Trump about the nation’s energy policy. And, how early is too early for Christmas lights?
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“What Trump can do to reverse US climate policy − and what he probably can’t change” from The Conversation“COP29: What are the key issues at the UN climate summit in Baku?” from Reuters“Trump Victory Leaves China Calling the Shots at COP29 Climate Negotiations” from The Wall Street Journal“Burning Questions: What are the climate wins and setbacks from the election?” from Marketplace“Exxon chief urges stability in US climate policy, knocks carbon border tariffs” from PoliticoWe want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at [email protected].
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A new report estimates global damages from extreme weather events between 2014 and 2023 at about $2 trillion, roughly in line with the 2008 financial crisis. It comes as world leaders meet at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, or Cop29, under the shadow of President-elect Donald Trump’s promises to roll back environmental standards. We’ll get into what it all might mean for climate policy here at home. Plus, is economic growth abroad in Trump’s hands? Then, we’ll smile at Mattel’s mea culpa for a misprint on its new “Wicked” toys.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“‘Science is still science’: US still committed to climate fight despite Trump’s win, Podesta says at COP29” from Politico“A shadow ‘financial crisis’ has cost the world $2 trillion” from CNN“Rest of World’s Growth Is at Trump’s Mercy” from The Wall Street Journal“FDA to Finally Ban Controversial Ingredient in Popular Decongestants” from ScienceAlert“Mattel Apologizes for Porn Site Misprint on ‘Wicked’ Toy Packaging” from The Wall Street JournalGot a question for the hosts about the election, Trump’s next presidency and the U.S. economy? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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The richest man in the world just became even more influential after pouring millions into former President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign. Tesla shares soared after Trump’s win and CEO Elon Musk was already invited to join a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. We’ll get into what the cozy relationship between Trump and Musk could mean for the U.S. economy and national security. And, we’ll talk about the many Americans who are looking to move abroad in the face of the U.S. election results. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Scoop: Elon Musk joined Trump’s call with Zelensky” from Axios“Tesla hits $1 trillion market cap as stock rallies after Trump win” from CNBC“Exhausted by the Election, Some Americans Are Catching Flights Abroad” from The New York Times“American interest in Canadian citizenship is spiking again after Trump’s victory” from Politico“Nvidia, Sherwin-Williams to replace Intel, Dow on Dow Jones” from Marketplace“Steven Madden C.E.O. Says It Is Moving Production Out of China” from The New York Times“Painting by A.I.-Powered Robot Sells for $1.1 Million” from The New York Times“Pad Thai, Spring Rolls and a Side of Peacock? Why Streamers Are Teaming Up With Delivery Apps” from The Hollywood Reporter“Should cars still have AM radios? Congress might require them.” from MarketplaceGot a question for the hosts about the election, Trump’s next presidency and the U.S. economy? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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Today we’re handing the microphone over to our listeners to tell us how they’re reacting to the outcome of this week’s presidential election. We’ll hear their concerns about the future of transgender health care, the long-term economic impact of a second Trump presidency and why — even though it can be daunting — we can all make change if we start in our local communities. Plus, is this our Brexit moment?
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Want to protect our democracy? Start here!” from our episode with lawyer and author Emily Amick“For trans people reliant on federal programs, this election could change everything” from 19th News“How to get your elected officials to listen to you” from Vox“5 ways Trump’s next presidency could affect the U.S. economy — and your money” from CBS NewsGot a question for the hosts about the election, Trump’s next presidency and the U.S. economy? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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The Democratic Party has traditionally been pro-union and relied on the support of the working class. But the results of yesterday’s election show the tide may be turning. We’ll get into how President-elect Trump enamored these voters to win another term in the White House and how we can expect a new Trump administration to shake up the economy and defy democratic norms. Plus, we’ll talk about some of the trailblazers elected to Congress and state offices.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Who is Bernie Moreno, Ohio’s new GOP senator-elect and crypto champion?” from The Washington Post“Sarah McBride becomes the first out transgender person elected to Congress” from NBC News“How markets are responding to the prospect of another Trump presidency” from Marketplace“Black women notch historic Senate wins in an election year defined by potential firsts” from AP News“Meet the history-makers of the 2024 elections” from CNN Politics“How could the return of Trump-era ‘Schedule F’ job appointments reshape the federal workforce?” from Marketplace“Donald Trump Has Tools to Fire Powerful Financial Regulator in Term Two” from BloombergSend us all your thoughts, feelings and questions about the election. You can email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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Today we’re talking about a breakout story of this election cycle: the rise of prediction markets and betting on elections. For the first time in a century, Americans can legally place bets on election outcomes using a platform called Kalshi. But the Commodity Futures Trading Commission warns that these markets could warp the public’s understanding of our elections if they’re treated like polls. On this Election Day episode, Cantrell Dumas of Better Markets, a financial reform advocacy group, explains how Americans are dabbling in election betting, the legal questions surrounding these prediction markets, and why he believes manipulation of these markets has the potential to sway elections.
Then, we’ll dig into the history of the “I Voted” sticker and hear a perfect poem for Election Day. Plus, a listener shares what moving abroad taught them about the U.S. voting system.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Election betting is newly legal — and risks getting confused with polls” from NBC News“Exclusive: Election betting site Polymarket gives Trump a 67% chance of winning but is rife with fake ‘wash’ trading, researchers say” from Fortune Crypto“Cryptoverse: U.S. election speculators play the prediction markets” from Reuters“Wall Street regulator moves to ban election betting, escalating fight over new market” from Politico“The Case for Legalizing Political Betting” from the Cato Institute“How ‘I Voted’ Stickers Became an Election Day Staple” from Business InsiderWe want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at [email protected].
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Live near a yoga studio? What about a golf course? Americans may experience the economy differently based on the politics of the neighborhoods they live in. We’ll dig into new data on the relationship between political affiliation and the businesses around us. Then, we’ll talk about a new revelation in the lawsuit against Elon Musk over his controversial $1 million-a-day voter sweepstakes. Plus, on this Election Day eve, we’re smiling about early turnout.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Musk PAC tells Philadelphia judge the $1 million sweepstakes winners are not chosen by chance” from The Associated Press“How Red and Blue America Shop, Eat and Live” from The New York Times“4 charts show how early voting is going in the US” from CNNWe love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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Campaigns for both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are trying to get ahead of the curve on election legal battles. According to The Hill, there are already over 200 voting and election cases pending across the country. We’ll get into it. Then, we’ll explain how Trump’s recent battles with CBS and ABC could signal his intention to punish broadcasters if reelected. And, how do you feel about rolling back our clocks as daylight saving time ends? That and more in a round of Half Full/Half Empty.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“How Trump could weaponize the FCC against the media in a second term” from The Washington Post“Trump, Harris camps prepare to ‘go to the mattress’ in election legal battles” from The Hill“You Call That An Ad Blackout? Consultants Shrug Off Alphabet’s Post-Election Restrictions” from Campaigns & ElectionsWe love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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This Halloween, we’re looking at some new inflation data that’s got the Federal Reserve in good spirits. Its preferred inflation measure shows inflation fell to 2.1% last month, moving ever-so-closer to the Fed’s 2% target. We’ll get into why core inflation complicates the Fed’s good news. And, we’ll unpack why some Meta investors were spooked when CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company will amp up its artificial intelligence spending. Plus, Starbucks is getting a brand makeover, and the Los Angeles Dodgers pulled off a World Series win.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Meta posts Q3 earnings beat, but stock falls on heavy spending plans” from Yahoo Finance“What Today’s Inflation Data Will Mean for Next Week’s Fed Meeting” from CNBC“Inflation Cooled Further in September, PCE Index Shows” from The New York Times“7 ways Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol plans to change the coffee chain” from NBC Chicago“Los Angeles Dodgers defeat New York Yankees in five games to win World Series” from NBC NewsJoin us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.
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Tech companies like Google and Meta have been pouring billions into artificial intelligence. But investors have been waiting for those investments to pay off. We’ll get into what the latest earnings report from Google’s parent company signals about AI’s money-making potential. And, American companies are responding to former President Trump’s tariff promises by preparing to raise prices. Plus, guest host Matt Levin makes us smile about the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series run.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Companies ready price hikes to offset Trump’s global tariff plans” from The New York Times“More than a quarter of new code at Google is generated by AI” from The Verge“Google’s Cloud Business Powers Accelerating Revenue Growth” from The Wall Street Journal“World Series: Ice Cube performs ‘It Was a Good Day’ ahead of Yankees vs. Dodgers Game 2” from Fox SportsWe love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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Today we’re sharing an excerpt from our live show at WBUR CitySpace in Boston featuring our special guest, historian Heather Cox Richardson. (Check out the first part of our live show here.) Richardson, a professor at Boston College, talked with us about the high stakes of this year’s election, how the economy is woven into political narratives, and what we can do to protect the health of our democracy. Plus, she shares what she had wrong about hummingbirds.
Where should “Make Me Smart” go next? Let us know at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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News outlets aren’t mincing words about the offensive and racist remarks featured at former President Donald Trump’s rally in New York’s Madison Square Garden on Sunday. We’ll talk about the media backlash to the event, which was intended to be a part of Trump’s closing argument against Vice President Kamala Harris. Then, we discuss reports of ballot drop boxes on fire and give tips on how to ride out the last few days before Election Day. Plus, a story that has us waltzing through our emotions.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Hundreds of Ballots Damaged in Drop-Box Fire in Washington State” from Bloomberg“No More Euphemisms: Media Gets Real on Trump’s MSG Hate Rally” from Parker Molloy on SubstackPost about the 2024 U.S. presidential election’s impact on Europe from Benjamin Haddad on X“Hear a Chopin Waltz Unearthed After Nearly 200 Years” from The New York TimesWe can’t do this show without you. Send us your questions, comments or wild suggestions at [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART!
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Kai and Kimberly host our weekly happy hour episode, “Economics on Tap,” live from the stage of WBUR CitySpace in Boston. We’ll dive into the biggest headlines making waves this week while sipping on our favorite drinks. Plus, Drew joins the stage to host a round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty!
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“‘Washington Post’ won’t endorse in White House race for first time since 1980s” from NPR“Exclusive: Europe seeks to underpin Russia sanctions, fearing Trump overhaul” from Reuters“German finance minister warns of retaliation if U.S. kicks off trade war” from CNBC“American Airlines Cracks Down on ‘Gate Lice’ With New Boarding System” from The New York Times“Axiom Space, Prada Unveil Spacesuit Design for Moon Return” from Axiom Space“Every Yankees vs. Dodgers World Series matchup in two charts” from CNN“Salem Mayor predicts another record-breaking year of Halloween tourism” from WBUR NewsTweet from Tyler Perry at a Harris campaign rally“Last-minute Boston-themed Halloween costumes” from WBURWe can’t do this show without you. Send us your questions, comments or wild suggestions at [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART!
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Hey Smarties! We’re on the road to Boston for a live taping of “Make Me Smart” with special guest, historian Heather Cox Richardson. So today we’re bringing you an episode from the latest season of “How We Survive,” Marketplace’s climate solutions podcast. In this episode, Kai Ryssdal and the “How We Survive” team head to the very, very top of Alaska to understand how climate change and national security are converging in the Arctic.
Want to join Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams for our live taping of “Make Me Smart” in Boston on Oct. 25? In-person tickets are sold out, but you can still join us virtually. Get your tickets here.
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As Election Day looms closer, the emails and texts from campaigns pleading for money continue to flood voters’ inboxes. A CNN investigation found that some of these tactics have misled elderly Americans into giving away millions of dollars. We’ll get into the financial consequences of aggressive campaign fundraising strategies. Then, we’ll discuss how Republican pundits are responding to former President Donald Trump’s shocking statements about military affairs. And, we’ll talk about a payment owed from a defamation case: a luxury New York apartment.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Trump: ‘I Need the Kind of Generals That Hitler Had’” from The Atlantic“How elderly dementia patients are unwittingly fueling political campaigns” from CNN“Brains and Losses: Aging and Financial Vulnerability to Scams” from Marketplace“Do presidential candidates really need your money at this point in the race?” from Marketplace“Giuliani ordered to surrender apartment, valuables to Georgia election workers” from ReutersJoin Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams for a live taping of “Make Me Smart” on Oct. 25 in Boston. In-person tickets are sold out, but you can still join us virtually. Get your tickets here.
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In the weeks after Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit the Southeast, the price to rebuild has become a topic of contention in the home insurance market. For years, home insurers have identified climate change as a threat, cut coverage and increased premiums for properties in disaster-prone areas. But now, home insurers are also using new technologies such as drone footage and artificial intelligence to identify other high-risk areas in urban and suburban neighborhoods.
Then, we’ll get into what headline inflation measures leave out of the cost of housing. And, how do we prepare for the upcoming Election Day in the shadow of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol? Later, we’ll hear from listeners on voting from overseas and the origins of trick-or-treating.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Home Insurance is a Really Big Problem” from Kyla Scanlon on Substack“Rising insurance costs are making homeownership even more expensive” from Marketplace“How Higher Property Insurance Premiums Mirror Climate Risk” from Knowledge at Wharton“How the Home Insurance Market Became So Distorted” from The New York Times“The Home Insurance Crunch: See What’s Happening in Your State” from The New York Times“Can lawmakers save the collapsing Florida home insurance market?” from Bankrate“The Very Real Scenario Where Trump Loses and Takes Power Anyway” from Politico“America’s Most Famous Inflation Gauge Is Easing — But Some of Your Biggest Expenses Are Left Out” from BloombergDo you have an Election Day tradition? Maybe you like to mail your ballot or treat yourself to coffee after hitting the polls. Let us know what your voting routine looks like at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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Across the country, pharmacies big and small are closing. The closures have disproportionately affected rural and low-income communities, leaving residents with limited access to prescription drugs and creating so-called “pharmacy deserts.” We’ll discuss a New York Times investigation about the middlemen driving pharmacies out of business. Plus, should the American Dream be a townhouse? And, introducing the real “househusbands” of Wall Street.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Housing costs are rising everywhere — but especially in swing states” from The Washington Post“The new American Dream should be a townhouse” from The Washington Post“The Powerful Companies Driving Local Drugstores Out of Business” from The New York Times“The real reason Walgreens and other pharmacies are failing” from MSNBC“Behind Many Powerful Women on Wall Street: A Doting ‘Househusband’” from The Wall Street JournalJoin Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams for a live taping of “Make Me Smart” on Oct. 25 in Boston. In-person tickets are sold out, but you can still join us virtually. Get your tickets here.
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New research from the Federal Reserve shows that wealthier Americans are driving retail spending while lower-income Americans have been squeezed by higher prices. We’ll discuss how this disparity could help explain the United States’ often unexpectedly strong consumer economy, and what the Birkin bag side of TikTok can tell us about this divide. And, Cuba is enduring a nationwide power outage. We’ll explain how a grid failure today has left millions in the dark. Plus, we’ll play a spooky season edition of This or That!
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“How to Watch the Bright and Speedy Orionid Meteor Shower” from Smithsonian“Cuban electrical collapse causes island-wide blackout, paralyzes economy” from The Washington Post“Wealthier Americans are driving retail spending and powering US economy” from AP News“Chocolate is on its way out. Why Halloween is about gummy candy now.” from The Washington PostJoin Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams for a live taping of “Make Me Smart” on Oct. 25 in Boston. In-person tickets are sold out, but you can still join us virtually. Get your tickets here.
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Companies in the United States spend billions in political donations each election cycle with the aim of gaining more influence in government. But all that spending comes with risks. We’ll get into it. And, we’ll explain why many Americans impacted by recent hurricanes will have to wait for disaster assistance from the Small Business Administration and how former President Trump’s plans for mass deportations could send shockwaves through our nation’s food supply chain. Plus, why are tech companies like Amazon and Google investing in nuclear energy?
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Why companies spend all that campaign donation money” from Marketplace“SBA disaster loan program out of money after hurricanes, Biden says” from Axios“Trump’s proposed mass deportations could ‘decimate’ the US food supply” from Grist“Trump Faces Tough Questions From Hispanic Voters, but Largely Defends or Dodges” from The New York Times“Big Tech has cozied up to nuclear energy” from The Verge“Amazon goes nuclear, to invest more than $500 million to develop small modular reactors” from CNBCJoin us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.
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Vice President Kamala Harris has been sitting down with popular podcasts like the “The Breakfast Club,” Call Her Daddy,” and The Howard Stern Show. We’ll get into what the campaign strategy can tell us about voters, our fragmented media environment and the future of news. Plus, lower interest rates mean the end of a golden period for savers. And, the return of panda diplomacy and a new life for a beloved maple tree.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Harris Slams Trump in Interview With Charlamagne Tha God: 5 Takeaways” from The New York Times“Former President Barack Obama’s Team Clarifies His Recent Comments Made Toward Black Men” from The Shade Room“Savers Bid a Sad Farewell to Higher Yields” from The Wall Street Journal“Georgia voters motivated by Harris-Trump contest flock to polls in record numbers on first day” from GPB News“D.C.’s new giant pandas arrived at National Zoo: Meet Qing Bao and Bao Li” from The Washington Post“A Beloved Maple Tree Had to Come Down, But It Lives On” from The New York TimesWe love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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