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Season 2, Episode 6

Who’s regulating whom?

The U.S. Constitution doesn’t mention corporations once. But if you want to talk about federal regulations, you have to talk about private enterprise, too. They’re yin and yang, intertwined over centuries, locked in an eternal struggle. This week, we’re tracing that history back to the 13 colonies, when corporations helped to create the basic framework of our democracy. And we hear how railroad companies, the country’s first big homegrown corporations, regulated the people before the people regulated them.
04/08/2020

The price of pizza

There’s a reason things cost what they do — sneakers, pizza, you name it. Businesses put a lot of thought into how much they charge, because they have to consider their behind-the-scenes costs. But you might put just as much thought into what you’re willing to pay — so in a way, you get the final word on whether the prices are right. This week on the show, we’ll talk about how we value the things we buy. Plus, two Dollar Scholars talk to each other about their saving and spending habits, and we’ll hear pastry chef Duff Goldman’s idea for a pizza rover. Don’t forget to send us your questions about money and your ideas for what businesses you wish existed at Marketplace.org/million!
08/04/2021

“Click here for a life-changing opportunity”

Kiara Aceves felt a little lost after graduating high school. She didn’t know what her next steps would be until she was presented with a “life-changing opportunity” to join a multilevel marketing company. The U.S. had more than 16 million MLM sellers in 2019, and most of them will likely end up breaking even or losing money. But Kiara quickly became the exception to the rule — or at least, that’s what she thought. For more “This Is Uncomfortable,” subscribe to our newsletter! This week, Reema runs down her favorite episodes so far and tells us what video game is getting her through the pandemic. Here’s the latest issue, in case you missed it. “This Is Uncomfortable” is Reema Khrais, Megan Detrie, Hayley Hershman, Peter Balonon-Rosen, Camila Kerwin and Marque Greene.
12/11/2020

How the WNBA drove Loeffler into overtime

The WNBA is a workplace with a track record of standing up for its rights and beliefs. And this year, players went up against an unlikely opponent: a U.S. senator who co-owns one of the league’s teams. Plus, we take a look at the WNBA’s fight for fair pay.
Season 1, Episode 6

The road not taken

What’s the best path out of poverty — work or education? Twenty years ago, welfare reformers came to this fork in the road and had to ask the question: Is it better to encourage welfare recipients to get a job, any job? Or is it better to support them while they get training and education that will eventually help them get better-paying jobs? In the end, welfare reformers adopted a “work-first” strategy that required most folks to work in order to receive cash welfare. In this episode, the what if…. We meet two women. One dropped out of college so she could work and continue to receive cash welfare. The other was part of a program that allowed to finish her degree. Welcome back to “The Uncertain Hour,” the Wealth & Poverty desk’s new podcast hosted by Senior Correspondent Krissy Clark.
24/06/2021

Meet the scammer

How do you bounce back from getting scammed? Become a scammer yourself, obviously. The inside story of a young man’s transformation into an online scammer — and the lengths he goes to for money when no one is looking. To keep up with us in the off-season, subscribe to our newsletter! Each Friday you’ll get a note from Reema, a story from a listener and some recs from the Uncomfortable team. You’ll also be the first to hear about our new season. It’s all exclusively for our email list, so don’t wait! In case you missed it, here’s the latest issue.
12/03/2020

What’s a friendship worth?

Would you spot a friend money if they needed it? How about if they asked every month? This week: the limits of friendship.
31/10/2019

Money horror stories

This Halloween, we have listeners’ frightening stories of impulse buys, spooky scams and a very Hungry Heart.
Season 2, Episode 5

Your regulations questions, answered

We’re working on the next batch of episodes for season two, but this week we’re taking a quick break over the holidays to bring you a sort of reporter’s notebook, a glimpse behind the scenes. First we’re going to answer some of your questions about the stories we’ve brought you so far in this season. Then, because regulations have been in the news so much, we’re also wanted to give you some helpful context for what you’ve been hearing. Subscribe to The Uncertain Hour podcast.
18/09/2025

Rep. Ayanna Pressley on the troubling rise in Black women's unemployment

This week, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates and made it clear that its attention is turning to the labor market. It’s showing cracks, particularly for Black workers. On the show today, Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley joins Kimberly to discuss rising Black women’s unemployment in the United States and why she’s calling on the Fed to do something about it. Plus, Kimberly digs through your anime recs. Which ones have you seen? Here’s everything we talked about today: "Pressley urges Fed chair to address Black women's unemployment as the figure rises" from NBC News"There are worrying signs buried in the August jobs report" from Marketplace "Rising Unemployment Among Black Women Is a Bad Economic Sign" from Time"Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle slays the U.S. box office with record-breaking debut" from Polygon Join 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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