Episodios

  • Is recession risk rising?

    Is recession risk rising?

    · Make Me Smart

    A growing number of young American consumers say they’re opting out of the economy entirely or pulling back from spending at certain stores over their political views. We’ll explain how this trend could collide with other economic shifts, creating the perfect recipe for a recession. Plus, by popular demand, we unpack a recent feat of nature: beavers successfully taking on civil engineering!

    Here’s everything we talked about:

    “Kremlin Message to Trump: There’s Money to Be Made in Russia” from The New York Times“A quarter of US shoppers have dumped favorite stores over political stances” by The Guardian“NAACP calls for consumers to leverage their purchasing power as some companies pull back from DEI policies” from Marketplace“Black faith leaders call for Target boycott over DEI rollback” from The Hill“Czech Dam Project Was Stalled by Bureaucracy. Beavers Built Their Own.” from The New York Times

    Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

  • Should we be worried about bird flu?

    Should we be worried about bird flu?

    · Make Me Smart

    Today we’re talking about bird flu. It’s infecting flocks of chickens, causing egg prices to rise across the country, plus herds of dairy cattle and people are getting sick too. And all of this is happening amid sweeping changes at U.S. federal health agencies. The Trump administration has ordered mass firings and limits on public communications at agencies including the Centers for Disease Control, hindering its ability to keep the public informed. On the show today, Jessica Malaty Rivera, an epidemiologist and science communicator explains the scale of the current bird flu outbreak, how the response in the United States has been disrupted by chaos in the federal government, and why state health systems may struggle to fill the gaps after years of underfunding.

    Plus, for one listener, doing something is better than nothing. And, another listener shares how they changed their mind about the value of government work.

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    “Urgent CDC Data and Analyses on Influenza and Bird Flu Go Missing as Outbreaks Escalate” from KFF Health News“Mass firings at HHS: Thousands impacted across federal health agencies including CMS, FDA” from Fierce Healthcare“RFK Jr. confirmed, elevating anti-vaccine activist to nation’s top health post” from The Washington Post“How Trump’s Medical Research Cuts Would Hit Colleges and Hospitals in Every State” from The New York Times“The U.S. and the WHO: An Imperfect but Essential Relationship” from Johns Hopkins

    What’s something you thought you knew but later found out you were wrong about? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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  • A gulf between the White House and the press

    A gulf between the White House and the press

    · Make Me Smart

    Associated Press journalists have been blocked from accessing spaces like the Oval Office after the organization opted not to use the term “Gulf of America.” We’ll unpack the conundrum this creates for other news outlets covering the White House. And, while the GOP eyes spending cuts to key social safety net programs, some Republican representatives are feeling pressure from their constituents. We’ll get into it. Plus, a penny for your thoughts on getting rid of the penny. We’ll weigh in during a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    “Hagan Scotten, Adams’s Lead Prosecutor, Quits Defiantly” from The New York Times“Republicans rush to soften Trump’s cuts” from Politico“Vulnerable Republican fires warning shot on House budget” from Politico“Seeking a Mar-a-Lago Vibe, Trump Considers Paving Over Grass in Rose Garden” from The New York Times“White House Will Continue to Bar Associated Press in Gulf of Mexico Fight” from The New York Times“Opinion | ‘Gulf of America’ leads to AP removal from Trump White House events” from The Washington Post“This Is How Much the Average Couple Spends on Valentine’s Day” from U.S. News“Apple and Google Restore TikTok to App Stores in the U.S.” from The New York Times“Americans are turning to social media for financial advice” from Marketplace“So, This 2000s Denim Trend Is About to Blow Up for Spring 2025” from InStyle“What Trump’s Plan to Stop Minting Pennies Means for Consumers” from The Wall Street Journal

    Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

  • How to actually tackle government waste

    How to actually tackle government waste

    · Make Me Smart

    Elon Musk and his DOGE team have been inside the pipes of the federal government on a mission to cut government spending and root out waste. We know government waste exists. But today, we’ll explain the problem with the way DOGE is going about it. Plus, blue state Republicans and their newfound power! And, stick around for your daily dose of positive news: We’ll hear about some of the good things that have been happening to “Make Me Smart” listeners. (Keep ‘em coming!)

    Here’s everything we talked about:

    Watch: Watch live: House DOGE subcommittee holds first hearing on federal spending on YouTube “DOGE fight: New subcommittee holds its first House hearing” by Roll Call “The Government Waste DOGE Should Be Cutting” from The Atlantic Improper Payments and Fraud: How They Are Related but Different from the Government Accountability OfficeWatch: Happening Now: Powell Testifies Before Senate Banking Committee on YouTube “What does having the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on hold mean for consumers?” from AP News “How blue state Republicans could shape Congressional legislation this year” by Marketplace

    Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

  • Is there a better way to measure the economy?

    Is there a better way to measure the economy?

    · Make Me Smart

    Throughout the 2024 election campaign, voters kept saying the economy felt bad, even though it looked good on paper. A new report blames that disconnect on the way the government measures the economy — sending economic circles abuzz! We’ll explain what the tizzy is all about. Plus, is the Senate confirmation process for federal officials still useful? And, we’ll smile about the adorableness that is the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    “Voters Were Right About the Economy. The Data Was Wrong.” from Politico Article 2 Section 2 Clause 2 | Constitution Annotated from the Library of Congress “Tulsi Gabbard confirmed by Senate as director of national intelligence” from The Washington Post “Best of 2025 Masters Agility Championships from Westminster Kennel Club” from Fox Sports “In pictures: The 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show” from CNN “A Spa Day for Louis Before the Westminster Dog Show” from The New York Times“Westminster 2025 Preview: Why Can’t Golden Retrievers Win Best in Show?” from The New York Times

    Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

  • What we can learn from a past tariff tiff

    What we can learn from a past tariff tiff

    · Make Me Smart

    If President Donald Trump goes through with his plan to levy sweeping tariffs on foreign imports, it wouldn’t be the first time the U.S. has done such a thing. Ever heard of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930? Anyone? Those tariffs are widely credited with sinking the United States deeper into the Great Depression. And although global trade looks different nowadays, they can teach us a lot about how Trump’s protectionist approach to global trade could play out. On the show today, Inu Manak, a fellow for trade policy at the Council on Foreign Relations, explains how the Smoot-Hawley tariff debacle can shed light on the current moment, why the president has the power to wield tariffs in the first place, and how punishing trading partners could leave the U.S. economy at a disadvantage. Plus, what this fight has to do with the 1980s film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and Roomba vacuum cleaners!

    Later, one listener’s call to visit your local butcher. And, dating coach Damona Hoffman, host of the “Dates and Mates” podcast, answers the “Make Me Smart” question just in time for Valentine’s Day.

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    “Tariffs on Trading Partners: Can the President Actually Do That?” from Council on Foreign Relations“One Response to Trump’s Tariffs: Trade That Excludes the U.S.” from The New York Times“The United States has been disengaging from the global economy” from the Peterson Institute for International Economics“Protectionism 100 years ago helped ignite a world war. Could it happen again?” from The Washington Post“The US is one of the least trade-oriented countries in the world – despite laying the groundwork for today’s globalized system” from The Conversation

    Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

  • Trump’s purge of federal workers and its historical parallels

    Trump’s purge of federal workers and its historical parallels

    · Make Me Smart

    President Donald Trump’s recent steps to remove federal employees is drawing comparisons to government purges during the Red Scare of the 1950s. What’s at stake when government workers are pushed out? We’ll break it down. Plus, we’ll explain why a ruling in one of the lawsuits over Trump’s funding freeze is a biggie. Finally, tell us something good that happened to you lately!

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    “Judge Rules That Trump Administration Defied Order to Unfreeze Billions in Federal Grants” from The New York Times“Trump Eases Enforcement of Law Banning Overseas Bribes” by Bloomberg“What Happened the Last Time a President Purged the Bureaucracy” from Politico“CBS News poll — Trump has positive approval amid ‘energetic’ opening weeks; seen as doing what he promised” by CBS News“Second pig kidney transplant successfully completed at Massachusetts General Hospital” from WCVB Channel 5“Experimental transplants with organs from gene-edited pigs see major steps forward” from CNN“A campus sign said ‘Tell us something good.’ Students delivered.” by The Washington Post

    Tell us something good that happened to you recently! Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

  • Are Trump’s firings legal?

    Are Trump’s firings legal?

    · Make Me Smart

    President Donald Trump has fired dozens of government officials since he took office. The latest is the chair of the Federal Election Commission. But is any of this legal? We’ll get into it. Plus: A “Make Me Smart” alum shares the trauma of losing his home in the Los Angeles fires. Finally, we’ll wrap with a dose of uplifting news (thanks to you!) and a round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty!

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    “Democratic FEC Chair Ellen Weintraub says Trump fired her. She says it’s not legal.” from CBS News“Trump Illegally Attempts to Fire Federal Election Commission Chair Ellen Weintraub” from Campaign Legal Center“How to Watch All the 2025 Oscar Nominated Short Films” by Town & Country magazine“2025 Trans Girl Scouts To Order Cookies From!” by Erin in the Morning“The Trauma of Losing Your Home in the Eaton Fire” from The New York Times“A Los Angeles-area developer gives advice on rebuilding after the fires” from Marketplace

    Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

  • Chaos is not an economic strategy

    Chaos is not an economic strategy

    · Make Me Smart

    Elon Musk and the rest of the DOGE gang have been inside the guts of the federal government attempting to shut down agencies and gain access to the Treasury Department’s main payment system. We’ll discuss the constitutionality of it all and why some members of Congress may be reluctant to say it like it is. Plus, the toy business is paying attention to prices as Trump threatens trade war. And, AI is making a splash at the 2025 Super Bowl.

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    Watch: “Rep. Khanna: If Elon Musk finds fraud or wasteful spending, come to Congress and force a vote on it” by CNBC Television“Is the way Trump and Musk are running the economy even legal?” by Marketplace“Trump admin agrees to limit DOGE access to Treasury payments system” from Axios“Musk DOGE agents access sensitive personnel data, alarming officials” by The Washington Post“U.S. nonprofits still reeling from federal funding freeze” from Marketplace2024 Q4 Earnings Call from Alphabet Investor Relations“Mattel may hike prices for Barbie, Hot Wheels and other toys after Trump tariffs” by CBS News“Fast fashion, laptops and toys are likely to cost more due to US tariffs on Chinese imports” from AP NewsWatch: Act Like You Know :60 | GoDaddy Super Bowl Commercial 2025 on YouTube“Super Bowl to feature AI product ads from Big Tech” from Marketplace

    Join us tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

  • Is this a coup?

    Is this a coup?

    · Make Me Smart

    Is Elon Musk’s control of government offices as an unelected official a coup? Lots of people seem to think so. We’ll explain why. Plus, another potential government shutdown is looming and it may work in Democrats’ favor. And, one surprisingly effective (and protein-rich) way food insecurity in Pennsylvania is being addressed.

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    “What the Black Hawk Pilots Could See, Just Before the Crash” by The New York Times“Shutdown fears grow as Trump battles multiply” by The Hill“‘We would call it a coup’: Watchdogs and Dems attack Elon Musk Treasury Department takeover” from USA Today“The ‘Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly’ of the United States Government” by The Atlantic“Elon Musk’s Power Grab Is Lawless, Dangerous, and—Yes—a Coup” from Slate“The Guardian view on Donald Trump’s power grab: a coup veiled by chaos” by The Guardian“Processing Deer to Eliminate Food Insecurity” by the Daily Yonder

    Got a question or comment for us? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

  • The migrant workforce under Trump

    The migrant workforce under Trump

    · Make Me Smart

    It’s hard to overstate the role immigrant workers play in the U.S. economy. Key industries rely on them — nearly half of meat-processing jobs, for instance, are held by immigrants. And many work in low-wage jobs that are vulnerable to exploitation.

    Ted Genoways, a reporter with the Food and Environment Reporting Network, said Trump’s promises of mass deportations is creating fear and uncertainty for immigrant workers, both authorized and unauthorized, as well as for the massive food companies that employ them.

    “If history is any guide, this will probably mean increased food prices, if only for companies trying to hedge against the possibility of something disastrous happening,” said Genoways.

    On today’s show, Genoways gives us a snapshot of the low-wage immigrant workforce’s role in our economy and unpacks how Trump’s deportation plans could disrupt America’s food supply. Plus, why aren’t food companies held accountable for exploiting their employees?

    And, we’ll get into what restrictions on the U.S. Agency for International Development could mean for Cuba. Plus, would you trust Kai with the aux?

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    “This Week’s Episode of Reveal: Immigrants on the Line” from Mother JonesOpinion | “How Trump’s Deportation Plans Could Blow Up the Food System and Increase Migrant Labor” from Politico“Brooke Rollins, Trump’s Agriculture Pick, Addresses Tariff and Immigration Impact on Farmers” from The New York Times“How Trump’s plan to deport undocumented immigrants threatens the workforce for U.S. farm workforce” from CBS News“Trump’s Pause of U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America: An ‘America Last’ Policy” from WOLA“US secretly created ‘Cuban Twitter’ to stir unrest and undermine government” from The Guardian“Chappell Roan wins best new artist at the 2025 Grammy Awards” from AP News

    Got a question or comment for us? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

  • The strategy behind Trump’s executive orders

    The strategy behind Trump’s executive orders

    · Make Me Smart

    Kimberly’s back from Cuba just in time to discuss the onslaught of President Donald Trump’s executive actions, from tariffs to his federal funding freeze. Lawsuits are being filed left and right against the administration’s moves, but will the Supreme Court still serve as a check on the executive branch? Plus, Kimberly unpacks lasting reflections on Cuba’s contradictions as a country with strong social services like universal education yet acute wage disparities.

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    “Trump’s Driving Legal Principle This Time: ‘What Are You Gonna Do About It?’” by Rolling Stone“Trump is using a nearly 50-year-old law to justify new tariffs. It may not be legal.” from Politico“Will the Supreme Court rule that any laws still apply to Donald Trump?” from Vox“Egypt to Cover Tuition Costs for 1,077 Students After Suspension of USAID Scholarship Programs” by Egyptian Streets

    Got a question or comment for us? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email [email protected].

  • Silicon Valley’s quiet rebellion

    Silicon Valley’s quiet rebellion

    · Make Me Smart

    This week, Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta sent out a memo warning employees against leaking confidential company information … only for that memo to be leaked! Guest host Meghan McCarty Carino explains how it’s connected to the culture wars playing out between tech leaders and rank-and-file workers in Silicon Valley. And, we’ll get into how President Donald Trump is testing the legal limits of his office by firing certain federal officials. Plus, we’ll weigh in on cozy video games and Punxsutawney Phil during a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    “Trump’s Firings Could Bring Court Cases That Expand His Power” from The New York Times“Meta warns that it will fire leakers in leaked memo” from The Verge“Mark Zuckerberg whined about leaks at Meta as company promised firings. It took minutes for the threat to leak out” from The Independent“Silicon Valley Tech Workers Quietly Protest Their Bosses’ Embrace of Trump” from The New York Times“New research backs up what gamers have thought for years: cozy video games can be an antidote to stress and anxiety.” from Reuters“What is Groundhog Day?” from The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club“Starbucks reverses its open-door policy, requiring people to make a purchase if they want to stay” from CBS News“Like Any Millennial, Yahoo Wants to Be Seen As Cool Again” from Business Insider“Try ‘Phone Free February’ to reduce screen time, improve your health” from The Washington Post

    We love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

  • The Cuban dispatch II

    The Cuban dispatch II

    · Make Me Smart

    On the show today, we check in with Kimberly to hear more about her adventures in Cuba, a country that’s back in the news thanks to President Donald Trump’s commitment to establish a massive migrant detention facility at GuantĂĄnamo Bay. We’ll explain how Trump’s promised crackdown on immigration could affect the Cuban economy. Plus, more on how Cubans have managed to make do under a strict U.S. trade embargo, from dealing with medicine shortages to navigating a pandemic without Zoom.

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    “Trump Says U.S. Will Hold Migrants at GuantĂĄnamo Bay” from The New York Times​​“Timeline: U.S.-Cuba Relations” from the Council on Foreign Relations“Trump moves to end refugee resettlement and parole for Cubans, Haitians and Venezuelans” from The Miami Herald

    Join us tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

  • What you need to know about DeepSeek and the AI race

    What you need to know about DeepSeek and the AI race

    · Make Me Smart

    Today, we’re diving into a listener’s question about the new artificial intelligence chatbot on the scene. Chinese start-up DeepSeek’s AI model is said to be more cost-effective, less complex, and in some ways, just plain better than OpenAI’s ChatGPT. We’ll explain why the stock market’s freaking out and what it means for the U.S.-China AI race. Plus, we’ll share a story about a historic test flight that’ll have aviation nerds smiling. And the iconic “When Harry Met Sally” diner scene is recreated 35 years later. IYKYK.

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    “How DeepSeek Went From Stock Trader to A.I. Star” from The New York Times“Chevron Wants to Tap Into A.I. Boom by Selling Electricity to Data Centers” from The New York Times“DeepSeek’s AI Model Just Upended the White-Hot US Power Market” from Bloomberg“DOE Releases New Report Evaluating Increase in Electricity Demand from Data Centers” from the Department of Energy“China’s DeepSeek Ends the Party for U.S. Energy Stocks” from Heatmap News“Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan Return as Harry and Sally in Hellmann’s Super Bowl Spot” from The Hollywood ReporterVideo: “Boom Supersonic XB-1 jet breaks sound barrier on historic test flight” from Space

    Got a question or comment for us? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

  • From Burning Questions: Is the future insurable?

    From Burning Questions: Is the future insurable?

    · Make Me Smart

    Today we’re handing the mic over to the team behind “Burning Questions” from Marketplace’s climate solutions podcast “How We Survive” as they survey the devastation on the ground in the Pacific Palisades, and dig into the homeowners insurance crisis. Since the Los Angeles fires broke out, thousands have lost their homes and current estimates say insured losses may exceed $30 billion. The disaster has raised existential questions about the future of the insurance industry and its potential impact on the housing market. Host Amy Scott talks with Carolyn Kousky from the Environmental Defense Fund to find answers.

  • The Cuban dispatch

    The Cuban dispatch

    · Make Me Smart

    On today’s episode, Kimberly takes us along her trip to Cuba, a country that remains under strict U.S. economic sanctions. She’ll explains some unique aspects of the Cuban economy, from how the currency works to the island’s complicated complicated past as a colonial outpost for sugar plantations. Plus, what makes the Cuban mojito special.

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    “Cuba predicts 1% growth in 2025 after dismal year, economy minister says” from Reuters“How U.S. sanctions and a Communist government caused Cuba’s power crisis” from NPR“Biden’s move to remove Cuba from terror list continues ‘yo-yo’ policy likely to be reversed by Trump” from The Conversation“How Cuba’s sugar industry has been ground into dust” from Al Jazeera

    Got a question or comment for us? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

  • Finally, a resolution to the Purdue Pharma case?

    Finally, a resolution to the Purdue Pharma case?

    · Make Me Smart

    Purdue Pharma’s owners in the Sackler family have agreed to a new $6.5 billion settlement to lawsuits over their role in the U.S. opioid crisis. This comes after a previous deal was rejected by the Supreme Court last year. We’ll break down the details of the settlement and what could come next. And, the U.S. housing market is the slowest it’s been in 30 years, but prices aren’t coming down. What gives? Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    “Existing-Home Sales in 2024 Were Slowest in Decades Amid High Mortgage Rates” from The New York Times“United States Housing Market & Prices” from Redfin“Purdue Pharma’s Sacklers Agree to New $6.5 Billion Deal for Opioid Lawsuits” from The Wall Street“Supreme Court Jeopardizes Opioid Deal, Rejecting Protections for Sacklers” from The New York Times“Is there a market for luxury EVs? GM thinks so.” from Marketplace“This 24-hour diner helps New Yorkers make it through the night” from Marketplace“The American workweek is shrinking” from Marketplace“‘Lost’ Tina Turner track to be released 2 years after queen of rock ‘n’ roll’s death” from USA Today“UK’s 20mph speed limits ‘are cutting car insurance costs’” from The Guardian

    We love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

  • How Trump’s executive orders are impacting migrant workers

    How Trump’s executive orders are impacting migrant workers

    · Make Me Smart

    During his first week back in office, President Donald Trump signed several executive orders targeting immigrant communities. We’ll hear how migrant workers are responding. Then, Kimberly explains the fiasco over Trump’s plan to “drill, baby, drill.” Plus, an economics professor shares a 1940s movie pick that’s on point for today’s debate on tariffs.

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    “Central Valley farmworkers scared to show up to work over deportation fear” from NBC“Farmer ties immigration to food security, strong exports” from Marketplace“Rush for preterm babies to beat birthright citizenship deadline” from the Times of India“ICE Watch Programs Can Protect Immigrants in Your Neighborhood — Here’s What to Know” from Teen Vogue“Trump clarifies executive order restricting IRA-related funding” from Marketplace“White House says order pausing IRA disbursements only applies to some programs” from Reuters“As LA blazes rage, even firefighters turn to Watch Duty” from Marketplace from YouTubeWATCH: “Life With Father” | Elizabeth Taylor, William Powell, Irene Dunne | Classic Drama Comedy from YouTube

    Join Amy and Nova tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

  • The mainstreaming of meme coins

    The mainstreaming of meme coins

    · Make Me Smart

    President Donald Trump drew scrutiny after he and First Lady Melania Trump launched namesake meme coins ahead of his inauguration, triggering a speculative boom and bust. But one exchange-traded fund firm wants to take the meme coins mainstream. We’ll get into the potential risks of incorporating volatile crypto tokens like these into traditional financial markets. And, a public service announcement: It’s OK to take a break from the news. Plus, guest host Matt Levin tells us about a new potential water source for the thirsty American West.

    Here’s everything we talked about today:

    “Trump Memecoin Frenzy Spawns ETF Bid in Test of SEC Boundaries” from Bloomberg“Sign up for The Logoff newsletter” from Vox“Scientists just found 21 trillion gallons of water north of the Calif. border” from SF Gate“Musk undercuts Trump on Stargate AI investment announcement” from CNBC

    We love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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