Make Me Smart

On today’s edition of Economics on Tap, we’re heading to Virginia! The state held major elections this week, and affordability was top of mind for voters. VPM News reporter Patrick Larsen joins Kimberly to debrief the election results and explain why rising energy costs were a key campaign issue—and what data centers have to do with it. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: "How do data centers figure into Virginia's 2025 elections?""Virginia’s Rural Voters Shift 12 Points Toward Democrats""Soaring energy prices gave Democrats a winning message""Pumpkinscaping could be coming to a porch near you""iRobot Is in Trouble, but Roomba Is Already Dead""How is this novelty team outselling over half the MLB?""What Travelers Need to Know About the Shutdown, Flight Reductions and Delays" We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Quantum computing is still in an experimental phase, but tech companies say it could eventually have an enormous impact on the global economy. How long is that going to take? On today’s show, science journalist Dan Garisto joins Kimberly to break down the basics of quantum computing and why it could take many years for the technology to move out of the lab and into the real world. Here’s everything we talked about today: "This Year’s Nobel Physics Prize Showed Quantum Mechanics Is a Big Deal—Literally""The Next Big Quantum Computer Has Arrived""Google Measures ‘Quantum Echoes’ on Willow Quantum Computer Chip""Futuristic quantum computing stocks take speculators on roller-coaster ride""Here’s How Quantum Computing Could Change the World" Join us tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

President Donald Trump’s tariffs have rattled the global economy this year. That goes for both allies and adversaries of the United States. But the future of some of these tariffs hinge on the outcome of a Supreme Court case challenging their legality. On today’s show, Asma Khalid, co-host of “The Global Story” podcast from the BBC, joins Kimberly to explain what’s at stake. Plus, how international relationships are shifting in the Trump era. Here’s everything we talked about today: "The Global Story, The Supreme Court battle over Trump’s tariffs""Geopolitics of Trump Tariffs: How U.S. Trade Policy Has Shaken Allies""The president who cried tariffs: will the US supreme court challenge Trump’s trade war?""China and India pledge to be 'partners not rivals'""The rise and fall of globalisation: the battle to be top dog" We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

On today’s show, we’re talking about facing your financial fears, because it’s a scary time for many in this economy! Reema Khrais, host of “This Is Uncomfortable,” joins Kimberly to unpack the financial anxieties some of our listeners shared with us, from feeling behind on retirement savings to feeling uncertain about the economy future generations will inherit. Plus, we’ll play a spooky game! Here’s everything we talked about today: "Financial Anxiety Is Rising. Here’s What You Can Do About It""Your Professional Decline Is Coming (Much) Sooner Than You Think""8 Things to Watch for the 2026 ACA Open Enrollment Period""People insured through their employers likely to see higher premiums in 2026""Government shutdown resources for federal employees"”Inkwo for When the Starving Return Official Trailer”"Halloween candy's getting lighter on the chocolate" We want to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

As big companies announce waves of layoffs, lots of workers are worried about AI coming for their jobs. On today’s show, we tune in to part of Kimberly’s recent panel discussion at Aspen Ideas: Economy. President of the AARP Foundation Claire Casey, 1Huddle founder and CEO Sam Caucci, and Union College of Union County New Jersey President Margaret McMenamin share their insights on building a more diverse and resilient labor market in the years ahead. Plus, we hear a listener’s recent win: sewing a historically-accurate dress to sport at the local Renaissance Faire. Nice stitching, Hannah! Here’s everything we talked about today: "Layoffs are piling up, raising worker anxiety. Here are some companies that have cut jobs recently""Tens of Thousands of White-Collar Jobs Are Disappearing as AI Starts to Bite""Beyond Lip Service: Building a Resilient Labor Market" Join us tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

It’s Day 28 of the government shutdown, and lawmakers still aren’t budging on the budget. But Congress faces key deadlines this week: Funds for assistance programs like SNAP could run out, and Americans may see their healthcare premiums skyrocket as open enrollment for Affordable Care Act plans begins Nov. 1. On today’s show, Kimberly unpacks what’s at stake with CQ Roll Call reporter Aris Folley. Plus, we’ll answer some of your questions along the way. Here’s everything we talked about today: ”6 ways the shutdown is about to get worse””Largest federal workers union calls for an end to the shutdown, putting pressure on Democrats””Government shutdown continues to add to stress on air traffic controllers and disrupt flights””As Shutdown Drags and Trump Flexes, Congress Cedes Its Relevance” We want to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Hey Smarties! Today we’re sharing another episode from the latest season of “How We Survive,” Marketplace’s climate solutions podcast. Host Amy Scott and the “How We Survive” crew continue their exploration into the future of climate-conscious food with a look at the cutting edge of meat alternatives. Plus, Francis Lam, host of “The Splendid Table,” joins Amy to put cell cultivated meat to the test and shares some tips for cooking climate-friendly proteins.

Chicago has been dealing with a lot these days. The city has been a battleground for the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown and efforts to deploy the National Guard. On today’s show, Kimberly asks WBEZ’s Sasha-Ann Simons about what it’s like to be there now. And, we’ll get into more economic stories from the Windy City you should know about. Plus, we’ll play a game of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: "ICE Is Cracking Down on Chicago. Some Chicagoans Are Fighting Back.""Local leaders react to ‘brutal escalation’ of immigration arrests in Little Village, Cicero""Judge’s order blocking National Guard deployment will remain in effect for now, but all eyes on Supreme Court""Coca-Cola taps mini cans and new flavors to spark a fizzling soda market""‘It’s PR, not the ER’: Gen Z is resisting the workplace emergency""Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things’ Series Finale Officially Coming to Theaters, Despite Previous Statements""Amazon Plans to Replace More Than Half a Million Jobs With Robots" We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

The climate crisis has a lot to do with what we eat. That’s what the latest season of Marketplace’s climate solutions podcast “How We Survive” is all about. On today’s show, host Amy Scott joins Kimberly to share her big takeaways from the season. We’ll get into the business of cell cultivated meat and the tradeoffs that come with regenerative farming. Then, we’ll do some smiles. Plus, Kimberly’s PSA to use your fancy china! Here’s everything we talked about today: "How We Survive""State of Climate Action 2025""I paid $65 for a giant collection of vintage dishes at a thrift store. Then I found out it's worth almost $1,000." Join us tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

Hey Smarties! Today we’re passing the mic to our friends over at “How We Survive.” This season, Marketplace’s climate solutions podcast is diving into the future of food on a hotter, drier planet. In this episode, host Amy Scott and the “How We Survive” crew go on a food tour around Northern California to find out how some companies are experimenting with new ways to make foods threatened by climate change.

Today we’re taking a trip to Kimberly’s hometown: St. Louis, Missouri. St. Louis Public Radio’s politics correspondent Jason Rosenbaum joins Kimberly to break down the fights over Missouri’s congressional maps and voter-led ballot initiatives. And, we’ll get into how St. Louis is recovering from the historic tornado that swept through the city earlier this year. Plus, are you Half Full or Half Empty on St. Louis style pizza? Here’s everything we talked about today: "Democratic National Committee will contribute to blocking Missouri congressional map""Missouri voters and lawmakers clash over ballot initiative powers""Missouri Gov. Kehoe activates National Guard to assist ICE agents""FEMA approves additional funding and assistance for St. Louis tornado debris cleanup""Should you postpone your flight during the government shutdown?""Thune dangles Obamacare vote after shutdown ends""Thin-Crust Fans, Meet St. Louis Pizza: Crunchy, Cheesy, and Totally Underrated" from Serious Eats We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

In this rough labor market, job seekers are more vulnerable to scams. We’ve all seen those texts, right? The ones offering jobs with suspiciously high pay for suspiciously little work? On today’s show, Marketplace’s Kristin Schwab joins Kimberly to share what happened when she replied to one of these scam messages. Plus, why AI and the shift to remote work has fueled the rise in job scams. Here’s everything we talked about today: "Job scam texts have become more frequent and more believable""Who experiences scams? A story for all ages""Job Scam Texts Are Duping Gen Z, Millennials Amid Unemployment Fears" Join us tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

The effects of government shutdowns are felt particularly deeply in tribal communities across the United States. That’s because the federal government has a constitutional obligation to fund services in Indian Country. But when the government closes, tribal nations are left to pick up the tab. Marketplace’s Savannah Peters joins Kimberly to explain how tribal communities get caught up in the federal government’s dysfunctional budget process and why tribal leaders argue this needs to change. Here’s everything we talked about today: "How the government shutdown is playing out in Indian Country""Tribal governments fend off the worst of the impacts of the shutdown""The shutdown isn’t big for Utah’s tribes yet. If it drags on, that’s the problem""In Indian Country, federal budget dysfunction takes a toll" We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

On today’s show, Kimberly is joined by the host of NPR’s “Life Kit” podcast, Marielle Segarra, who’s recently been working on a four-week newsletter series all about credit card debt — and how to avoid it all snowballing. Plus, we’ll play a round of Headline or Head-lyin’! Here’s everything we talked about today: In credit card debt? There’s a path outMedical bills can cause a financial crisis. Here’s how to negotiate themA big misconception about debt — and how to tackle it

Today we’re all getting smarter about some of the economic and political terms dominating the headlines these days. Terms like “authoritarianism” and “state capitalism” that have been hotly debated during the second Trump administration. Plus, “stagflation” and other vocabulary words our listeners have been curious about. With some help from experts, Kimberly breaks them all down. Here’s everything we talked about today: "Why journalists are reluctant to call Trump an authoritarian – and why that matters for democracy""What do we call the Trump administration's economic interventions?""The U.S. Marches Toward State Capitalism With American Characteristics""Trump's Latest Trade Deals Raise More Questions Than Answers and Harm America’s Future""Supreme Court Agrees to Review Trump’s Sprawling Tariffs""What Is Stagflation, What Causes It, and Why Is It Bad?""Are Donald Trump's tariffs the new sanctions?" Join us tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

A growing list of U.S. cities are set to see National Guard troops in their communities as President Trump explores ways to deploy the military on American soil. But legal challenges are piling up. On today’s show, Kimberly talks with Patrick Eddington, senior fellow in homeland security and civil liberties at the Cato Institute, about the changing role of the National Guard and why Trump’s use of the Guard defies precedent. Here’s everything we talked about today: "The President’s List of Subversive Organizations""Trump’s use of Guard may have lasting impact on cities and troops""Trump's use of the National Guard sets up a legal clash testing presidential power""Troops and marines deeply troubled by LA deployment: ‘Morale is not great’""What We Lose by Distorting the Mission of the National Guard" We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

On today’s show, Kimberly is joined by Marketplace’s very own Henry Epp to chat about his reporting on the “maturing” of the craft beer industry, and just who's sipping all those IPAs and sours. They'll also get into how the Trump administration is using the government shutdown to consolidate power. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: For years, craft beer was booming. Now, it’s ‘maturingTrump charts path to total control amid government shutdownAOL’s dial up internet takes its last bow, marking the end of an eraColleges turn to video essays to counter AI-written submissionsRobots are learning to make human babies. Twenty have already been born.Buy it in ChatGPT: Instant Checkout and the Agentic Commerce ProtocolThe future of loyalty

Messy fights over funding the federal government have become all too familiar in American politics. Why are we like this? On the show today, The Brookings Institution’s Molly Reynolds joins Kimberly to explain how shutdowns became Congress’ political weapon of choice and why the federal budget process has gotten even more complicated under the Trump administration. Plus, we hear from you, our dear listeners. Here’s everything we talked about today: "Congress has long struggled to pass spending bills on time""Government shutdown continues as Senate Democrats hold firm on health care demands""How John Thune sees the shutdown ending""What are Democrats' demands in the government shutdown fight?" from Marketplace Show your love for Make Me Smart and our community of curious listeners! Donate now to get us one step closer to our Fall Fundraiser

Las Vegas is facing a months long decline in tourism, partly due fewer international visitors to the United States overall. So is Las Vegas dead? “Marketplace Morning Report” host David Brancaccio went to find out. He joins Kimberly on the show today to share what he’s hearing from business owners and tourists about the city’s economic slump. Here’s everything we talked about today: "Sin City tourism slump signals wider economic slowdown""An Empty Strip And Fewer Tips: Is Las Vegas In Trouble?""Las Vegas is hurting as tourism drops. Are Canadians behind the Sin City slump?" from CBC News The way forward is together! Step up and be one of 2,000 Marketplace Investors before our fundraiser ends Friday. Give now: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

Hey Smarties! Today we’re sharing a special bonus episode from “How We Survive.” It’s a conversation between host Amy Scott, “Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal and Pulitzer Prize winning science writer Elizabeth Kolbert. Together, they dig into how the climate crisis is triggering economic disruption. Plus, some solutions to be hopeful about. And, we get a peek into Kolbert’s forthcoming book, ”Life on a Little-Known Planet: Dispatches from a Changing World.” In this collection of her most influential essays, Kolbert takes readers around the globe, telling stories about caterpillars, whale conversations and the people trying to preserve our planet. This conversation was recorded live, over Zoom, in front of an audience. You can watch the webinar here. The event is presented by Odoo with additional underwriting support from The Economist.