Make Me Smart

4.6 (5.3K)
BUSINESS
UPDATED DAILY

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.

18 HR. AGO

The growing empire of women’s sports

The National Women’s Soccer League is in the final stages of adding its 16th team. We’ll explain what it can tell us about the rise of the women’s sports industry. And, the Supreme Court will review the funding model of a federal program that subsidizes internet and phone services in low-income areas of the country. Plus, we’ll weigh in on condiments and pie during a Thanksgiving-themed game of This or That! Here’s everything we talked about today: “NWSL expansion: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver final options” from ESPN “Denver named finalist for National Women’s Soccer League expansion team alongside Cincinnati, Cleveland” from The Denver Post “Homes With Low Natural Disaster Risk Are Rising in Value Faster Than Homes With High Risk for the First Time in Over a Decade” from Redfin “Supreme Court steps into fight over FCC’s $8 billion subsidies for internet and phone services” from AP News “Supreme Court takes up dispute over FCC fund that subsidizes telecom services in rural areas” from CBS News We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

29 min
1 DAY AGO

The new face of Trump’s tariffs plan

President-elect Donald Trump tapped Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick as his choice for Secretary of Commerce this week. We’ll get into why the role could be critical to the incoming Trump administration, which has vowed to enact sweeping tariffs. Then, we’ll explain why earnings at big-box retailers like Target and Walmart have been mixed ahead of the holiday season, and how the Justice Department wants to shakeup Google’s monopoly over the online search market. Plus, why is Bitcoin on a record-breaking streak? Here’s everything we talked about today: “Trump picks Lutnick to be Commerce secretary” from CNN “Who will lead the Commerce Department?” from Marketplace “Target’s Stock Plunges 21% on Weak Sales Ahead of Holiday Season” from The New York Times “A tale of two retailers: Target reports sluggish spending while Walmart has a stellar quarter” from The Associated Press “DOJ says Google must sell Chrome to crack open its search monopoly” from The Verge “Bitcoin hits fresh record, marches toward $100,000 as rally continues” from CNBC Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

7 min
2 DAYS AGO

A harbinger of change in Medialand

Comcast said it plans to turn its cable networks, including CNBC and MSNBC, into a new, separate company. We’ll get into why it could be a sign of what’s to come in the media industry. And, the Joe Biden administration is shifting into overdrive trying to spend money intended to boost microchip manufacturing before President-elect Donald Trump returns to office. Plus, we’ll smile about breakthroughs in automatic braking technology and a new version of chess that’s pushing the game forward. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Comcast to Spin Off MSNBC, CNBC and Other Cable Networks” from The New York Times “It’s Official! Comcast To Spin Off Cable Networks, Sees New Standalone Company A ‘Partner And Acquirer’ Of Media Assets” from Deadline “Raimondo’s new mission: Leave no cash for Trump” from Politico “Automatic Braking Systems Save Lives. Now They’ll Need to Work at 62 MPH” from Wired “The Greatest Chess Player of All Time Is Bored With Chess” from The Wall Street Journal We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

14 min
3 DAYS AGO

The myth America exported to the world

Today we’re talking about American exceptionalism: the idea that the United States is a uniquely virtuous nation and a “shining city on a hill.” It’s a belief that’s long shaped how the U.S. acts on the global stage and how Americans see themselves, the economy and democracy. In the aftermath of the U.S. presidential election, many Americans are questioning the idea of exceptionalism. Journalist Suzy Hansen challenges the notion of American exceptionalism in her book “Notes on a Foreign Country: An American Abroad in a Post-American World.” On the show today, she explains where the idea of American exceptionalism comes from, how it has shaped today’s world, and why many Americans are disillusioned with it. Plus, is a new version of national pride the answer to the pitfalls of American exceptionalism? Then, we’ll get into the creative ways the European Union is preparing for President-elect Donald Trump’s promised tariffs. Plus, perspectives from an American abroad and thoughts on mandatory national service. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Unlearning the myth of American innocence” from The Guardian “Opinion | Is America a City on a Hill or a Nation on the Precipice?” from The New York Times “The End of American Exceptionalism: Trump’s Reelection Will Redefine U.S. Power” from Foreign Affairs “American Exceptionalism Is a Dangerous Myth” from Intelligencer “The US is leaving millions behind: American exceptionalism needs to change by 2030” from The Brookings Institution “Democrats look at late-night, weekend votes to confirm last Biden judicial nominees” from The Hill “Locked and loaded? The EU weapons to fight Trump’s trade war.” from Politico “Oil Glut Set to Thwart Trump’s Call to ‘Frack, Frack, Frack’” from Bloomberg We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

30 min
4 DAYS AGO

Trump’s revenge agenda

Some critics of President-elect Donald Trump are preparing for the possibility of being prosecuted when he takes office. We’ll discuss Trump’s “retribution” agenda. Then, we’ll get into his pick to lead the Federal Communications Commission. Plus, what a meeting between “Morning Joe” hosts and Trump represents about access to information during the next administration. And, we’ll smile at the woman behind the curtain who inspired the “Wicked” lore. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Morning Joe’ Hosts Reveal Meeting With Trump at Mar-a-Lago” from The New York Times “Brendan Carr wrote the FCC chapter in ‘Project 2025.’ Now he’s Trump’s pick for the agency” from CNN Business “DoJ and FBI officials consult lawyers amid threats of Trump legal retribution | Trump administration” from The Guardian “Go bags, passports, foreign assets: Preparing to be a target of Trump’s revenge” from The Washington Post “The Feminist Who Inspired the Witches of Oz” from Smithsonian Magazine We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

13 min
NOV 15

How Intel missed the AI boat

The United States is on a mission to revitalize its chip manufacturing industry by giving billions in grants and loans to companies including Intel. But mistakes have cost Intel the opportunity to lead in artificial intelligence. Guest host Sabri Ben-Achour explains how the company fell behind. And, President-elect Donald Trump tapped Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is responsible for more than you might think. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: “What to know about HHS and how RFK Jr. could lead it” from Axios “The Anti-Fluoride Movement Vaults Into the Mainstream” from The New York Times “The Great American Microchip Mobilization” from Wired “Satire publication The Onion buys Alex Jones’ Infowars at auction with Sandy Hook families’ backing” from AP News “The Great Migration to Bluesky Gives Me Hope for the Future of the Internet” from 404 Media “Want to Network in Silicon Valley? Bring a Bathing Suit” from The Wall Street Journal “Good-bye to the Broker Fee” from Curbed “Americans Are Hoarding Their Friends” from The Atlantic We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

27 min
NOV 14

Whaddya wanna know about a second Trump term?

Over the course of his campaign, President-elect Donald Trump made a lot of promises. What does that mean for the years ahead? Today we’re answering your questions about Trump’s second term. We’ll explain whether the Trump administration could actually eliminate the Department of Education, how income tax cuts for tips and overtime pay could impact the economy, and where the Biden administration’s student debt relief plans go from here. Plus, if not tariffs, then what? Here’s everything we talked about today: “Could Trump actually get rid of the Department of Education?” from Vox “Is It Possible for Trump to Shut the Department of Education?” from The New York Times “Donald Trump Tax Plan Ideas: Details and Analysis” from the Tax Foundation “Both Harris and Trump want to eliminate federal taxes on tips” from Marketplace “As the election nears, Biden’s student debt agenda is in tatters. Will it hurt Harris?” from USA Today “What a Trump presidency might mean for student loan forgiveness” from NPR “As Trump Threatens a Wider Trade War, the U.S. Confronts a Changed China” from The New York Times “Why Alternatives To Tariffs Can Be More Effective” from NPR “Nontariff Barrier: Definition, How It Works, Types, and Examples” from Investopedia Heads up: Tomorrow’s “Economics on Tap” episode won’t be livestreamed on our YouTube channel. But you can still listen wherever you get your podcasts.

12 min
NOV 13

Can Trump claw back climate money?

President Biden’s hallmark Inflation Reduction Act set aside nearly $150 billion for various climate projects. But not all of that money has been spent, and President-elect Trump has vowed to take it back. The question, is how much money is leftover? Kimberly explains why it’s taken years to get the money out the door. Plus, we’ll unpack some gains in women’s sports and wage growth. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Carbon emissions from fossil fuels hit record highs in 2024: report” from Axios “Dreaming of snow this winter? Look up the forecast in your area.” from The Washington Post “Fossil fuel CO2 emissions increase again in 2024” from the Global Carbon Project “The mystery number that’s key to whether Biden’s spending survives” from Politico “Women’s baseball players could soon have a league of their own again” from AP News Tweet from The Washington Post’s Heather Long about wage growth Got a question for the hosts about the election, Trump’s next presidency and the U.S. economy? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

16 min

See All (260)

4.6

out of 5

5,300 Ratings

My fav Podcast by far!

Oct 22

A'liz

Just great a Podcast to be in the know about a variety of subjects, the ones making the headlines and those not being covered as much! Love Kai, and Kimberly you’re terrific!!
Friday Buzz Kill- Substitutes

6 days ago

CGK in PDX

Right when you think Nova Safo is the worst fill-in, here comes Sabri Ben-Achiour. Just didn’t answer and had nothing to contribute last Friday. Seriously the worst show you could possibly produce would be to pair these two. No prep, no insight, act like you care - instead we get plants and pottery. Not what I subscribe for. I go back to Kai and Molly days and Kimberly has stepped right up. But when they are off pls look talent pairings Perfect world one OG with a sub seems to work. Reema Khrais, (beautiful voice AND smart) Meghan McCarty Carino always fun and solid. Amy Scoot good. Matt Levin awesome. Heck bring back producer-guy with the great voice that sometimes fills in for Drew. Do better if you are going to ask for our support.
Good podcast for the liberal point of view

Nov 3

Ju$tMyLuck

While a majority of the episodes are neutral, there is a liberal and left leaning point of view in commentary. It would be nice if this either remained neutral or were willing to factually report things happening on both sides of the isle. Several comments when political talk is there is misleading or out of context and only aimed at one side. This consistent abstraction is why I do not donate to partisan media on either side of the isle. I will listen to get outside any bubbles but when you need to fact check the podcast as often as some of the right wing commentators, it is not a single source of truth
Big fan of this podcast. Presenting news in a lighthearted way

Oct 5

Md713

A refreshing, insightful podcast that breaks down complex topics with clarity and wit. Hosts Kai Ryssdal and Molly Wood offer a perfect balance of humor, intelligence, and curiosity, making even the most daunting subjects—from economics to tech—engaging and accessible. What sets this podcast apart is its ability to make listeners feel smarter without overwhelming them. Whether you’re a news junkie or just want to stay informed, “Make Me Smart” delivers valuable takeaways in every episode, all while keeping the conversation light and relatable. It’s a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the world better.

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.