Marketplace

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Business

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Business

Business

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Business

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Kids & Family

Updated 2 days ago
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News

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Government

Every-two-months series

6 DAYS AGO

The March unemployment rate fell — but there's a catch

The U.S. economy added 178,000 new jobs in March, and the unemployment rate went down. That’s a big improvement from last month’s disappointing jobs report, but there’s more than meets the eye to these numbers. We’ll explain in today’s episode. Also: SpaceX filed paperwork for an IPO, and the company’s high predicted valuation isn’t the only thing making waves. Plus, some food for thought before this weekend’s Final Four basketball games and inevitable betting ads: “This Is Uncomfortable” host Reema Khrais explains the effects of prediction markets on our wallets and our brains.

6 days ago

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9 min
20 MAR

The economics behind the rise of BTS and Korean culture

From the success of “K-pop Demon Hunters” to the return of BTS, K-pop is having a moment. But the rise of Korean culture was no accident—it has a decades-long backstory of investment by the South Korean government. On “Economics on Tap,” Kimberly talks with Michelle Cho, researcher of East Asian pop cultures at the University of Toronto, about the history behind the spread of Korean culture and how it’s shaped industries from entertainment to beauty. Speaking of K-beauty: sunscreen or sheet masks? Here’s everything we talked about today: ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Leads the Wave Back to Korea from Foreign PolicyBTS Is Back With ‘Arirang,’ but the K-Pop Landscape Has Changed from The New York TimesK-everything: the rise and rise of Korean culture from The Guardian "Americans Are Learning Korean Because of ‘KPop Demon Hunters’" from The New York Times"What’s So Special About Korean Sunscreens?" from Vogue"How K-pop Stars Are Leading Mental Health Conversations for AAPI People and Beyond" from Teen Vogue We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

20 Mar

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33 min
19 MAR

What’s money between friends 😟😖😫

It’s bound to happen in any friendship: an unfulfilled Venmo request, a trip that’s way out of your budget, or a dispute over splitting the bill at a restaurant. This week, we’re answering your questions about navigating tricky money situations with friends. Reema is joined by comedians and real-life friends Josh Gondelman and Alison Leiby to talk through everything from expensive bachelorettes to Venmo nickel-and-diming. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend. And let us know what you think by emailing uncomfortable@marketplace.org or calling 347-RING-TIU. Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok!

19 Mar

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30 min
26 FEB

How do I cope with layoff anxiety?

With more layoffs in the news, a lot of workers are feeling spooked. It can be hard not to spiral into what ifs: What if the next paycheck is my last? What if I can’t find another job? We look at how to cope with that uncertainty and what you can do to help protect yourself. Reema talks with psychologist Ellen Hendriksen, career coach Melody Wilding, and financial educator Jannese Torres, who share practical ways to stay grounded and prepared – from reframing your anxiety to strengthening your safety net. Have you ever struggled with layoff anxiety? We want to hear about it, so give us a call at 347-RING-TIU or send us an email at uncomfortable@marketplace.org Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok!

26 Feb

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35 min
5 MAR

Steve from “Blue’s Clues” has more to teach us

Steve Burns didn’t set out to become a children’s TV icon. He moved to New York with only a duffle bag full of clothes, $300 in his pocket, and a dream to become an actor. When Steve got hired to host “Blue’s Clues” from 1996 to 2002, he found himself disoriented by fame and uncertain of his career trajectory. Reema talks with Steve about finding meaning outside of work, feeling like an imposter in a role he never expected, and how he redefined his money values … when he escaped to the forest. Have you ever struggled with imposter syndrome in a new job? We want to hear about it, so give us a call at 347-RING-TIU or send us an email at uncomfortable@marketplace.org. And you can check out Reema’s interview on Steve’s podcast, “Alive with Steve Burns” here. Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok!

5 Mar

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39 min
19 FEB

First comes love, then comes the prenup

Think that a prenup isn’t for you? Think again! Prenups are not just for rich people: they can protect you against debt and mitigate future issues like spousal support and custody. You’ve got to talk honestly about money if you want to build a shared financial life together, while still protecting yourself. This week, Reema Khrais talks with family lawyer Sahar Taylor and financial therapist Aja Evans to understand how prenups work and the deeper emotions underneath. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend. If you have thoughts, strong opinions about prenups - if you’ve signed one or are trying to decide if you should - we’d love to hear about it! You can email us at uncomfortable@marketplace.org or call 347-RING-TIU to leave a message. Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok! Correction (Feb. 20, 2026): Previous versions of this story misstated the percentage of prenups among married Americans.”

19 Feb

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35 min
29 JAN

What it costs to pass down a language

Author and journalist Aymann Ismail wants his kids to grow up with a real connection to their Egyptian roots, including speaking Arabic. For his family, that means committing to a private Islamic school -- and figuring out how to afford tuition. Reema sits down with Aymann as he walks through his family budget and the financial trade-offs that decision requires. They talk about what’s at stake for him, financially and culturally, and why holding onto Arabic feels especially urgent right now. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend. And if you want to tell us what you thought about the episode or about a tricky financial decision you’ve made, email us at uncomfortable@marketplace.org or call 347-RING-TIU. And follow our new social accounts on Instagram and Tiktok @ThisIsUncomfortablePod

29 Jan

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31 min
2 DAYS AGO

What keeps big bank CEOs up at night

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

2 days ago

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7 min
31 MAR

Russian oil is giving a lifeline to Cuba

The United States is finally allowing Russian oil to be delivered to Cuba after months of what has basically been an energy blockade imposed by the U.S. The blockade has caused nationwide blackouts, severe fuel shortages, and shutdowns of schools and nonessential businesses. The BBC's Will Grant joins us for more. Then, we head to Boston, where one of the oldest trade schools in the country is teaching students skills like piano-tuning, locksmithing, and violin-making.

31 Mar

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6 min
11 FEB

What it takes to build a home that lasts

The U.S. is facing a housing affordability crisis — one that's been exacerbated by natural disasters like Hurricane Helene in 2024 and last year in California, when fires destroyed 12,000 homes. This morning, "Marketplace Morning Report" host David Brancaccio checks in with two people who are rebuilding differently to ensure the safety and comfort of their new abodes. Also on the show: a look at January's job market and votes to repeal President Donald Trump's import taxes.

11 Feb

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7 min

Daily business news and economic stories